Hoo boy, lessee.

I'm playing Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep on PSP, which is friggin' AWESOME.
Much better than 358/2 days, and much more of a "proper" KH game.
Also, Shimomura is totally back in shape! Great stuff, and quite high quality.
When I'm done with this (which won't be anytime soon, since you have to play the game 3 times (that is with 3 different characters) to see everything), I'll probably get P3P.

On 360 I'm playing Mass Effect 2,which is ALSO awesome. Quite surprised noone here is talking about this. Huge improvement over the original.
I'm close to finishing it I think, and once I do, I'll be moving onto End of Eternity (aka Resonance of Fate) which I hear is pretty good.
I also have yet to finish Magna Carta 2 which I put down after a particular nasty boss sequence, and I'm looking forward to trying Star Ocean 4 soon.

And then there's a whole bunch of PS2 RPGs on my shelf that I've never touched, as well as some older stuff that I would love to play again (FF7 and 8 and Xenogears on PSN), and I really wanna get Shadow Hearts 2 Director's Cut just to play through (with some extras) and see if it's as good as I remember.

And I keep hearing SO much good stuff about Mother 3, so I have to try that out too, which will probably involve playing the prequels too.

Man, I need to start leading a hermit's life

First RPG: I think it was Final Fantasy VII, I'm not sure. Still haven't finished it, even though I've started it 4 times at least. I don't know, it breaks apart after the Midgar, and I quickly lose interest.

Favorite RPG: Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne and Persona 3. There's no way I'll choose between them, they're equal in my eyes. They're rather different beasts, but have that Megaten flavour that I really love.

Besides those two, basically any Megami Tensei game. Also, Suikoden III and Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines.

I've been thinking about starting that copy of BOFIII I got a while back... I find it and IV's narratives kind of dry but they're still good games.

in 7th grade we rented an NES from the video store with Dragon warrior.
took us half a day before we realized that crossing a bunch of bridges was a surefire way to get your ass handed to you.

FF6 is the only RPG ive probably played through completely 10+ times

First RPG: Dragon Warrior (Nes)

Favourite RPG: Dragon Warrior III / Chrono Trigger.

David

My first exposure to RPGs was with Dragon Warrior, Dragon Warrior II, Final Fantasy, and possibly some others on NES, but that was more a matter of watching than playing. My first that I played entirely myself from beginning to end was Chrono Trigger, and it's kind of a funny story how I gave it a try in the first place. RPGs had been out of my life since those aforementioned NES titles were new, and I was all about platformers when I got my own SNES. I was completely obsessed with the Donkey Kong Country games, and wanting a guide to find all the secrets in DKC2 led to me subscribing to Nintendo Power for the free guide. I saw that they did their yearly awards, and I was shocked to see Chrono Trigger beating DKC2 in several categories. So I bought it solely based on that fact, probably not even knowing that it was an RPG. Lucky for me, it ended up totally blowing me away, and it did indeed surpass DKC2 in my book. It's still among my very top favorite RPGs or games period, and I'd say it's still the most perfect RPG ever made with the most perfect soundtrack ever composed.

But it's not my absolute favorite anymore. Even though they may have more flaws than Chrono Trigger, nothing can compare to my love for tri-Ace's RPGs, with Star Ocean: The Second Story, Star Ocean: Blue Sphere, and Valkyrie Profile all being basically equal at the top.

You bad bad paladin...
I never found it necessary to loot people, since you get so much gold and goodies throughout the game, but hey, Imoen is a thief after all... well, mage-thief. Minsc (and Boo) is one of the most awesome characters ever! "Go for the eyes, Boo, go for the eyes!"

Demon's Soul is pretty cool. I would describe it as a JRPG that wants to be a Western RPG. Since I'm a huge fan of western RPGs it sits well with me It does however have some features that annoy me, but overall I think it will be a rewarding game.

cheers,

-avatar!

A|a'> = a'|a'>
H|a'> = E|a'>

I'm curious as to who you used, avatar!. Almost everyone I've spoken to has used Imoen and Minsc, but after that, opinions greatly vary on who to pick.

Since the narrative of BG2 apparently assumes Khalid and Jaheira were in your party, I naturally chose them, at great detriment to myself (I'm sure there are better characters than poor Khalid; Jaheira is death incarnate with a sling). I've been told Dynaheir was a good choice of mage, but after a quick look at her abilities and stats, and I stripped her of her equipment and items and sent her off alone to fight an ankheg. Needless to say, she did not return. I have no need of conjurors.

I'd agree with this statement.  I played through Demon's Souls and loved every minute of it.  So much so that I wanted to try other WRPG's.  Bought Dragon's Age, tried it out and then sold that piece of shit.

I don't pick up Demon's Soul yet (although I think it will be my second PS3 game), but I don't doubt it's awesome because the developer behind Demon's Soul released pretty established first-person RPGs, called King's Field, in PSX era and this is actually my favorite RPG franchise of all time. II and IV are especially incredible. I don't see why Eastern people hyped Oblivion when it arrived because we already had a far better one...

Help! I've fallen into water, and I can't get up!

First one: Final Fantasy Mystic Quest
Yes, Mystic Quest was my introduction Square and RPGs, not counting Final Fantasy Adventure on the Gameboy which I had played earlier. After MQ came FF2, Mana, Breath of Fire and FF3, and at that point, the interest in the genre spread out into "whatever available", even Paladin's Quest.

Favorite: Suikoden II
Out of a great number of great RPGs, Suikoden II had the most profound impact, and it's unfortunate that Konami has been unable to truly follow up on its level, with Suikoden IV coming closest but lacking the emotional impact and polish of S2, despite the translation bugs. Also, fun fact: Sony blocked the English release of the PSP Suikoden I & II collection and thus the chance to have Suikoden II retranslated, just one exhibit of their overarrogance before it all came down on them.

Haven't played Dragon's Age, although many people love it. It's apparently not quite up to Baldur's Gate status, but has a nice dark theme to it. I've also heard it's far better on the PC than PS3 or Xbox.

I really want to get back to playing Morrowind. That game is phenomenal! I personally far prefer Morrowind over Demon's Soul, since Morrowind is not just killing everything (although you can if you want to), but is about exploration and interaction with others (ie a lot more traditional RPG, mixed in with fighting of course). On the other hand, Morrowind is SO huge it can be overwhelming at times, at least for those who HAVE to do all the quests. Fortunately, I'm not so neurotic Anyway, Morrowind ranks up there amongst the greats RPGs I have ever played, and if you're looking for a great RPG, I'd highly recommend it (for the PC). I will also get back to Demon's Souls at some point (not sure when though)...

cheers,

-avatar!

paladins quest was cool, with magic consuming your HP. the only things that were a pain was running into a battle with 12 enemies at once. You'd think you'd have enough hp to last a round but then they'd whack you so many times in a row. I never did beat the end boss but my brother did. You had to devote a lot of time fighting weaker enemies to level up your magic spells (like secret of mana)

First RPG: technically, if you consider Zelda II an action RPG, then Zelda II. Else, Final Fantasy. Both were games I was *forced* to play by my big brother. I'm glad he trained me right.

Favorite RPG: currently, this esteemed spot still belongs to Xenosaga Ep III, with Lunar 2 in a close second.

http://insomnia.ac/commentary/on_role-playing_games/

I think I've answered this question before, but my first (j)rpg to play all the way through was FF7.  I know, for shame, for shame.  Loved it then and still like it a lot now.  My favorite RPG remains Skies of Arcadia, though.  The sense of adventure and exploration has never been matched.  I know it's not terribly original in terms of plot, but it tells its story very solidly.  Other top games on my list would be Shadow Hearts II, Panzer Dragoon Saga, and Lufia II.

My first RPG was like a lot of kiddies back in the 80's - Dragon Warrior - although I got my copy before the whole Nintendo Power push thing they did.  Final Fantasy came after that - I ended up liking FF more than DW tho. 

Favorite is still FFIV.  I dunno it's just something about the story and the characters that makes it special for me.

Ditto..... at least, as far back as I can remember.  The game came out in '85, so I was only five then.  Realistically, I likely only really tinkered with my brother's and uncle's C64 copies of Exodus and Quest of the Avatar.  It was some years after, probably during the early 90s, when I really started to invest in Ultima IV.  Aside from that, I'm another member of the free Dragon Warrior Nintendo Power subscription club -- a game which I had indeed finished to completion back in the day.

I figured that Final Fantasies IV and VI (and even a smattering of VII) were going to populate the thread, but I'm in a bit of awe that Final Fantasy V made no one's list.  For me, a solid system of gameplay is paramount in any RPG, and FFV's is a rock.  Its take on the job system is still the most finely implemented in the series, all at once refined, flexible, and user-friendly.  A somewhat weaker story and much smaller cast is a decent trade-off for keener investments in character building fulfillment.  Thanks to the blazing-fast battles, level grinding in a conventional RPG has never felt more efficient or enjoyable.  The game also provides a terrific challenge, an after effect of giving the player free rein as to how they want to utilize their party.  Substantial side quests in the form of optional summons and the Legendary Weapons, a final dungeon that's teeming with great bosses, and an Uematsu score that ranks sentimentally high on my list (The Dragon Spreads Its Wings is MAGIC)..... s'yeah, a damned fine RPG.

Interesting article.

On the one hand, he has a point. On the other, words change. Gay doesn't only mean happy these days.

Did not read the LONG article, but from what I gathered it can be summarized as:

"computer/video game RPGs suck"

Now, maybe I really should have read it, but I'd rather spend my time reading something else. Furthermore, I enjoy RPGs, and I don't mind the stat-building. Also many RPGs such as Ultima actually spend less time stat-building than actually exploring. I guess for those who really miss the traditional RPG which was pen and paper, there's always World of Warcraft which requires massive teamwork and you can in fact speak to your buddies so in some ways it's almost the same as pen and paper except the dungeon master is the computer, and of course it leaves less to the imagination (but has a better soundtrack)!

Personally, I've never played an online RPG and have no desire to do so either, but I do respect Warcraft for the art that it is.

cheers,

-avatar!

I think TerraEpon's point is important here. "Role-Playing Game" as used today is not at all what it sounds like it should be. The term sounds like it'd be something where you make decisions, you play a real role. Much like D&D and LARP. But videogame "RPGs" are too linear for that.

Ramza

Man, I just got to the last area in Breath of Fire III. I Forgot how much I HATE this freakin' place!

Hahahaha... I forgot about the plant enemies that go by "plant42" Capcom is shameless.

The first RPG I played was FF VIII, at age 24. And only because of this website, which made me aware of Final Fantasy music (I had no previous exposure to it whatsoever, because not a soul in my neighborhood played FF or any RPG). When I was growing up (I still am), you heard about video games while talking to people in person. There were no websites to check out because there were no websites.

I next played FF V and I found it more enjoyable, but a lot more difficult. I never did beat it.

I played through parts of FF VI, VII, IX and X.

I know how I could play an RPG while in my thirties. I'd have to give up going to the gym, shaving, showering, eating healthy foods, reading, movies etc. My life would consist of going to work and playing video games. This reminds me of that part in Metal Gear Solid, when the game reminded you to be thankful you can play it.

Yeah, and I did like it in the end. A solid, slightly off the beaten path RPG. Would have liked to see a translation for Lennus 2 back then!

My first RPG was Final Fantasy IV, which I played years later after its US debut. That was and still is to this day a memorable experience, which I re-experienced with the DS version. You just can't help but love that cast and Cecil the Dark Knight transforming into Cecil the Paladin is still the stuff of memories and awe. Kain was also the start of my love for lancers and dragoons.

However, when it comes to my favorite RPG, Vagrant Story takes the cake. Beautiful character designs, environments, earthy palette, tightly-written and translated plot/script, epic and heart-searing soundtrack - you name it. I've played the game for a fun and extraordinarily mesmerizing six straight years before life caught up and reduced my play time. Before that happened, I'd already beaten the game over 4 times, started New Game + files, and was in the process of farming weapons and armor for even more kickassery. I'd taken a lot of the quotes within the game to heart; got A.J. Durai's soul "speech" remembered to a degree and recently experienced my first Vagrant Story dream. To this day, listening to "Climax of the Greylands Incident" and "Staff Roll" makes me stop still and close my eyes and relive the game. No other game has sunk its roots so deep into me and I don't think anything else will.

OK, I'm angry... the encounter rate in an RPG sound NOT spike all of a sudden for no reason - unless it's story related. Screw you Breath of Fire.

And what's with this sudden difficulty spike? I should not go into a cabe and have "Bullies" knock out my entire party w/one lightning spell. The game's cake and all off a sudden... BAM!