Quote (Spruce @ Feb 4 2014 03:02pm)
Do you mind posting a few of the more obscure titles that you've played that you really enjoyed?
A google search for good Rpg's usually has the same 15 titles in different orders.
Oh MOST definitely! I love helping out with recommendations on JRPG's. I don't play a lot of standardized American RPG's as I don't find as much enjoyment from them as I do JRPG's. You didn't specify a system, so I'll list some from a few systems until I hear back from you. But here it goes..
PS2:-----------------------------------
Grandia: The original one is on the PS1 and got a ton of hype. 2 and 3 were released for the PS2, their fairly cheap $10-$15? to pickup today. Excellent old school RPG tactics, solid stories and fun.
Shadow Hearts: This game was great! It implemented an entirely new battle system that many quickly enjoyed. It's a very unique style and to-date (that I know of) no one else has copied that style. It is turn based, random encounters with it's only downfall being a linear game. Yuri, the main character is pretty cool, the storyline is very good. He's dealing with a lot of mental issues of corruption. Good love story behind it as well. Decent story with 2 different endings possible. I really enjoyed this game, I've yet to play the second one. I tend not to play sequels right away of games especially if I really enjoyed them, because I don't want to burn myself out on the series. It's like saving always saving at least 1 pink starburst till the end of the pack
Persona 3/4: I've beaten Persona 3, not yet 4 (again I really enjoyed 3 so I'm waiting to play 4). This RPG is very unique to say the least. There's a lot of hype with the Persona series with few who actually focused on it's downfalls and choose not to play it completely. Linear it is, but also not. You can re-visit old dungeons, and complete many different side quests that will alter the game greatly! If you want an ADULT version of Ni-no Kuni, this is the game you are looking for! There are hundreds of Persona's (pets) you can obtain, tons of different combo's, synergies, etc. to support them or your style of fighting. Touching story, that offers 2 different endings.
Digital Devil Saga: I've heard a lot of good things about this series. I've personally YET to play them, but am very anxious to start.
Xenosaga: No relation to Xenoblade! I'm about half way through the 1st one. There are 3 total for the PS2 system. So far it's a great game! This one is not random encounters, you have to bump into the creatures like in FF13. They do aggro as well. Story line is very good, battle system is a classic for sure. Lots of things to do in this game. It's really quite large. I believe it's the 3rd one that received the least amount of hype, but I always judge games for myself.
Growlanser: This is a rare series for the PS2. First one is called "Hertage of War" and 2-3 is actually a multi pack disc called "Generations". I own them all. This is an extremely under-rated game that received hardly any advertisement. Because so, it failed to excel in the public's eye. I really recommend these great games. It's one of those rare gems that got over-looked by the crowds.
Dragon Quest 8: Amazing game, just recently beat it a few months ago for the first time! Loved it! Lots of crafting, character specialization in it. I had a good time with this game and the story was decent as well. LOTS of replay value if your into that sort of thing (personally I'm not). I enjoy a game for the first time, and normally like to keep it that way. Replaying to beat harder bosses, or just to reach max level in the game is NOT my style. I don't care about that sort of thing.
.Dot Hack: Probably one of the weirdest JRPG's I've ever played. Basically your a young guy playing an online MMORPG (worlds most popular) with your best friend from school. You soon learn that things in the game begin happening in real-life. People start getting hurt, go missing, etc. You set out on a mission to find out what's going on in the game that's causing this. So essentially your playing a game inside a game (if that makes sense)? You start to learn of hacks in the MMO, glitches, etc. The dev's are deleting posts on the game forums of any kind of talk about hacks, as well as people getting hurt, etc. So basically their hiding something. You of course are being hunted, because of what your doing, and there's a random chick (ghost) whom is helping you achieve your goal throughout the game. There are large party variations, weapons, armor, etc. Like I said it's REALLY unique! Story is very intriguing especially because I've never played anything like it. Downfall to this game is it's VERY expensive and RARE! The first disc is the cheapest (around $10)! The third I believe it is is the most expensive ($90+)! There are 4 disc's total. The other two sell for around $40-$50 ea! There's a story behind this, but long story short the stupid ass gaming company got greedy with this title and wanted to make more money. So they divided the series up into 4 different games (which was bullshit). Each disc offers about 20-30hrs of gameplay. There's no reason they couldn't have easily made this all one game.
Atelier Series: There are lots of these games for both the PS2 and PS3. Very good RPG's of a more unique style. Probably not one your used to. Their a lot of fun, I've only played a couple so far and am looking forward to all the others.
Mana Khemilia series: I hope I'm spelling that right. Rare unique titles, without a lot of publicity. This is SJRPG which I also love (like Disgaea but not quite).
PS3:----------------------------------
Ar Tonelico series: These are also on both PS2 and PS3. Very unique JRPG's, without much publicity.
Cross Edge: Excellent old school JRPG but with today's graphics. Solid story and lots of fun.
Valkerya Chronicles: AMAZING story! Rare and unique game-play. This I believe was released by Sega? One of the few american made SRPG's I really enjoyed. This is another one of those under-rated games that got no advertisement, because so it's suffered in sales/success. I can't tell you enough how much fun I had with this game. To top it off, the very touching story lines. A real gem in my collection. The gay guy was a bit annoying as hell though
His voice made my wife and I laugh all the time. She enjoyed watching me play this game. She actually encouraged me to play it regularly.
Wii---------------------------------------
Without mentioning Xenoblade or Pandora's Tower, I'd have to say "
Last Story". It's the only title worth mentioning that hasn't already been mentioned. Yes it's not quite so "obscure" since it's released for a newer system but It's one of those games many loved, and many hated. Has all your betrayal, love and friendship storylines. It was touching enough for me however I nearly teared up a couple times (only a few games I've felt this way about). So I have to mention it. I loved it and it will forever stay in my collection of worth mentions.
Muramasha: Side scrolling RPG/Hack n slash. Very cool and unique weapon skill trees, offers lots of character customization. TBH it's one of if not the only successful platform side-scrolling game of it's kind that is. Story is very good, with multiple endings for each character. If you want something different, I definitely recommend this.
Sadly that's all I have for the Wii that's worth mentioning and sticking to "obscure" definition.
If you want more on a specific platform, let me know. I have a ridiculous amount of recommendations for the PS2!! As you can see the list is much larger, and most are very obscure. Trust me when I say, I own EVERY single JRPG released for that platform (rare and obscure) as well as many other platforms. My PS2 collection is by far my most favorite, and IMHO the BEST system released to date for JRPG's!! Hand down!!! There isn't another gaming system that can remotely compare. I will NEVER get rid of my PS2, and I own a second one in-case something ever were to happen to this one. It's a system I'll carry to my grave
hahaha SERIOUSLY!
If you want, PM me if you have SKYPE. I'll send ya my info, and we can talk RPG's, i'll help ya out on some more recommendations.
This post was edited by GordyK on Feb 5 2014 01:02am