I'm trying to get a solid "Best RPGs ever" list going

Rules:
1) They do not have to have actual RPG elements, adventure and open world games are fair play
2) there are going to be differences in opinion, sometimes memories playing the game effect decisions, and thats cool (such as my belief that everquest for the ps2 is the best mmo ever)
3) They have to have a single player-ish mode (Diablo 3 would be a great example of the limit)

Ok, im gonna put my first few out there (just kind of ranting a few titles, not really in any order)

The diablo series
i haven't played the beta for 3 yet, but it looks awesome, the more info released, the more excited i get

Skyrim
best console-based open world game ever!

Buldgers Gate
first one was a little slow, but both that i've played were a lot of fun ^^

Prototype
a lot of problems with this game, i'd agree, but i got it a long time ago and still pick it up from time to time. says a lot for modern games to me (usually beat it once and i'm over it)

Zelda: Majora's mask
i don't know why this is my favorite zelda, in fact, i give you the right to flame it. But the concept was fun and innovative and the mini story lines captivated me at the time. Btw, haven't played skyward sword yet, someone let me know how that is.

Final Fantasy Tactics
not a big fan of turn based combat, so i never really gave this series much of a chance, but i do remember loving this particular christmas present

Grand theft auto classics / psp versions
after vice city, they got a little too complex for me, i enjoy the simpler things when it comes to open world games

Dragon Age Origins on PC
i realize console versions sucked, but i thought the story lines and cutscenes were awesome and i played through it at least 5 times. That damn morrigan story still has me curious

Neverwinter nights
first great 3d rpg out there

Pokemon series
i haven't played a lot of the newer ones, but this was a gem of its time. kept things just simple enough for the younger players while still provided a solid challenge for your first time through.

This post was edited by Trapslick on Jan 5 2012 09:46am

Illusions if gaia
Secret of mana
Earthbound

obv +1 choices

good to go, i always have a hard time just creating a list like this. solid choices btw

Think Chrono Trigger/Cross deserve an honorable mention. The Tales series for SNES, the Star Ocean series which has survived the entire SNES-->X-Box/PS3 transition. I certainly don't think a game like Prototype or inFamous, or even GTA for that matter, belong in a list of "Best RPGs" but they certainly are entertaining games.

yeah, i figured they would die out from my list pretty soon, I just had a lot of fun with them. I've never played the games you mentioned, gonna youtube em real quick

Edit: wow, i feel like i missed out on a couple gems with these guys, gonna have to figure out how to get an emulator on this pc and play it a bit, trigger seems like a bit better tho, could be wrong on that one.

This post was edited by Trapslick on Jan 5 2012 10:58am

Always gonna come down to how the player feels. I think what makes fans tend to lean toward Trigger is that it was so revolutionary for its time; has grade A dialogue, a battle system that deviates from the standard 'Attack, Item, Defend, Escape' format that came standard with most Square games, one hell of a story that really leaves you sitting there, controller in hand, like 'What the fuck?' I personally like Cross better, but I don't think JRPGs would be where they are today without its predecessor. I could give you a list of games I think are worth playing. Shoot me a message if you need help setting up an emulator as well.

Valkyrie Profile - The most original idea for a story I've ever seen in an RPG. Basically you just play through the death of like 20-30 characters, while dealing with the internal struggle of Lenneth. Also it has a very unique combat system, never seen another RPG like it.

Heavy Rain - I think this game is going to revolutionize the way story telling games are made, at least I hope so. I really think that Quantic Dream has created their own genre of game, and they are amazing story tellers.

Dragon Age Origins - I agree with you, it's really the only game I've REALLY gotten into since Heavy Rain, it's like a better KOTOR(this coming from a huge star wars fan).

Final Fantasy Tactics - Best FF hands down in terms of plot, character development, and plot development.

right? DoA is freakin awesome, loved it... its hard for me to start up again tho for some reason.
I'll agree that Valkyrie was unique and had a lot of great aspects to it, but i didn't get into it personally
gonna have to check out heavy rain tho

Here's an awesome old rare game for you Mario RPG that game was amazing especially with Geno!!

Yet to play Super Mario RPG. Definitely on my list