Poll: Which Game Should I Play Next?

[lisalover1]

Summer's here, and that means that I have the time necessary to start playing more games! I have a couple ones that I really want to get into, but I don't know where to start. Any suggestions?

[Gamerforlife]

Well, if you want one that you can finish fairly quick and easily, try Mass Effect. It's probably the easiest game on your list. However, just know that Mass Effect is a commitment to a whole three games as you simply can't just play the first one and not play the other two. So you're really looking at a three game commitment there, which actually is a pretty big time commitment.

[o.pwuaioc]

I say change things up a bit and go for Dragon Quest V. Are you playing it on the DS?

[Dylan]

It's pretty close between Chrono Trigger and FFVI, but I would suggest FFVI. It's easily my favorite FF, and it has one of the biggest and deepest worlds. The graphics for a 16-bit game are almost unparalleled, especially in terms of RPGs at the time. The cast is very likable and Kefka is one of my favorite villains. The Esper/magic level up system is also really cool. Overall, as far as RPGs go FFVI is the complete package.

Now if Chrono Trigger gets more votes, I can't complain about that too much because of how great that game is also. Chrono Trigger is also more of a challenge than FFVI, largely because FFVI is really breakable if you work at it.

[BoneSnapDeez]

Tough choices! My two favorite games of all time are on this list as well as some other good ones...

If you're not too familiar with JRPGs yet, I'd go with Chrono Trigger. It's fun as hell, not too long, and relatively easy. Some of the best characters and music I've ever seen in an RPG. Do you own it yet? I'd recommend the original SNES version (if you can afford it) or DS port, stay away from the slow as hell PlayStation version.

Final Fantasy VI is my favorite game of all time. It has a similar feel to Chrono Trigger, though it's a bit longer, darker, and denser. Huge cast of characters too. As Dylan mentioned, it's a very breakable game, though I didn't discover how to break it until several playthroughs. Oh yeah, and it has the best video game soundtrack ever composed. I'd recommend the original SNES version or GBA port. The PlayStation port isn't too bad, just not ideal.

Skies of Arcadia is fantastic, maybe the best game on the Dreamcast. Keep in mind that it's lengthy compared to the other JRPGs you listed (took me about 57 hours). If you like flying around in airships you'll love this game as it's your only mode of transportation in the overworld right from the start. You also fight battles against enemy airships, firing cannons and whatnot. Lots of depth and optional stuff to do. I prefer the original Dreamcast game as the music sounds a bit better than the GameCube port. GameCube version has less random battles and some extra stuff to do though.

I've only played the DS remake of Dragon Quest V, though I do also own the Super Famicom version. Are you familiar with the Dragon Quest series at all? The games are very old-school straightforward: turn-based random battles, a party of four characters, and an overworld populated with towns and dungeons. One cool feature of the game is how you watch the characters grow from children to adults throughout the quest. There's also a monster recruitment system here, so if you're into Pokemon type games you may dig this one.

I've never played Mass Effect, I'm gonna get it later this year.

Wow I wrote a long post.

[Gamerforlife]

Mass Effect is kind of the odd ball in this list, not being a jrpg, not to mention its rather heavy third person shooter influence

[Valkyrie-Favor]

These games are all good but I'd recommend FF6. It's a really good game but it's also a piece of history. If you're into RPGs or want to get into them, you can't pass it up. It's like being a metal fan and having no Iron Maiden CDs.

Lots of cool moments anyway. I'm sure you've heard about the opera scene, the train scene, the floating continent and the ending. I think you'll enjoy the game a lot.

[Xeogred]

I like FFVI and CT probably equally, but at the moment I want to say FFVI. So I'll just randomly throw that out there.

[deathsled]

How are you guys breaking FFVI?

My favorite way when you get to the raft ride with Banon. Set the controller config to memory, have Banon healing you all the time and everyone else attacking, get to the point where if you choose Right you're in a loop, and tape/rubber band down the confirm button. Come back the next day or so and everyone is pretty much at max level. Then every new member you pick up also has a very high level.

[lisalover1]

It's pretty close between Chrono Trigger and FFVI, but I would suggest FFVI. It's easily my favorite FF, and it has one of the biggest and deepest worlds. The graphics for a 16-bit game are almost unparalleled, especially in terms of RPGs at the time. The cast is very likable and Kefka is one of my favorite villains. The Esper/magic level up system is also really cool. Overall, as far as RPGs go FFVI is the complete package.

Now if Chrono Trigger gets more votes, I can't complain about that too much because of how great that game is also. Chrono Trigger is also more of a challenge than FFVI, largely because FFVI is really breakable if you work at it.

I actually played 2 hours of FFVI on my SNES flashcart today, but for some reason, it deleted my save when I shut the console off. Needless to say, that really took the wind out of my sails for that game.

How are you guys breaking FFVI?

My favorite way when you get to the raft ride with Banon. Set the controller config to memory, have Banon healing you all the time and everyone else attacking, get to the point where if you choose Right you're in a loop, and tape/rubber band down the confirm button. Come back the next day or so and everyone is pretty much at max level. Then every new member you pick up also has a very high level.

I actually tried that today; it was as far as I got before the save file was deleted. Unfortunately, something went wrong with the game, and my party was killed right away.