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Mwa ha ha, so you've finally made it! You fools have been reading my Ultimate JRPG Buyer's Guide For RPG Haters, only to be brainwashed into appreciating a genre full of characters with hairdos that'd make your girlfriend jealous. But, that's enough evil plotting -- it's time to read the final segment of this series that will complete your transformation into a JRPG loyalist.
Space: The Final Frontier for the Super-Deformed
Time-traveling and exploring uncharted worlds are merely dreams at the present, but they're something that most humans would do anything to experience. Unfortunately, we haven't inched much closer to realizing these goals in recent years, but progress has been made on the gaming front.
The SNES was home to a number of time-traveling epics such as Chrono Trigger and Tales of Phantasia, but only one gave players the ability to travel through space: Tri-Ace's Star Ocean. Even though this Sci-Fi RPG didn't make its way to the U.S. until 2008, it was still a landmark title thanks to its diverse planets, solid voice acting, and its fighting game-style battle system.
The PSP version is a worthy purchase because of its branching paths, snappy battles, and its overarching story that'll have you saving more than one world.
How to play it: Purchase it at your favorite online retailer for $20 or less.
Is this space opera too linear for your tastes? Then try: Star Ocean: Second Evolution (PSP), Star Ocean: Till The End of Time (PS2), and Star Ocean: The Last Hope (Xbox 360).
A World Where Enemies Take It From Behind
If you've played a console action-RPG before, you're probably familiar with swinging swords, chopping down trees Paul Bunyan-style, and firing arrows faster than Kid Icarus' Pit. Surprisingly, there's a game for a little-known retro system that has you doing something other than mashing on buttons to use conventional weapons.
In the Turbografx-16's Ys Book I & II, you'll ram your foes with red-haired Adol (not to be confused with Adolf) instead of skewering them. Even though this approach to combat sounds overly simplistic, it's actually quite fun. You'll still equip weapons and spells, but most aspects of combat are left to the d-pad.
So why is Ys worthwhile? It's a classic feel-good story with solid gameplay and a high quality rock-themed soundtrack.
How to play it: Purchase it for $8 on the Wii's Virtual Console.
Want more Ys? Then try either of the two versions of Ys IV -- if you can find them.
Observe The World From More Than One Perspective
JRPGs are often revered (or reviled) because of their intricate (or clichéd) stories, but regardless of your take on the genre, most people would agree that original approaches to storytelling can only be beneficial to JRPGs (or any genre for that matter). For those of us who're tired of the genre's stereotypes and wish to see a game's events from the eyes of its characters, it's refreshing to play a title such as Dragon Quest 4 that employees a scenario system.
Unlike most JRPGs, Dragon Quest 4 divides its adventure into chapters and puts you in the role of most of its characters before they meet up to save the world. This chapter system is a brilliant storytelling device, because it allows you to witness world-changing events through the eyes of dancers, merchants, warriors, and royalty.
Of course you'll slay legions of baddies with each character, but you'll also experience events people in the real world can relate to such as the upward mobility of a small-town merchant into a world-class businessperson. Seemingly minute details such as these make Dragon Quest 4 one of the DS' greatest adventures.
How to play it: Purchase it for the Nintendo DS.
Want more multiple-perspective gaming? Then try: Final Fantasy 6, Suikoden 3, Mother 3, and Odin Sphere.
When Survival Horror and Role-Playing Embrace
If you ever owned a PlayStation, there's a good chance you've played a survival horror title. Perhaps you've experienced zombie outbreaks, rabid dogs, and impenetrable mists, but there's a good chance you missed out on a title featuring an attractive female cop and a busty opera singer who can ignite humans with her powerful voice.
Parasite Eve was relatively short (for an RPG), fairly difficult, and cut-scene-heavy, but it successfully integrated survival horror tension with RPG customizability.
How to play it: Purchase it for the PlayStation.
Looking for another survival horror RPG? Then try Parasite Eve 2; or you could wait for its upcoming PSP sequel.
A Synthesis of Political Intrigue and Open-World Gameplay
Before I get flamed by countless Final Fantasy fans for the next pick's inclusion, I'm going to set the record straight: I'm including this game because it may appeal to those who aren't typically JRPG fans; not because I felt that it was better than other titles in the series. What's this controversial game that has inspired numerous brawls at local pubs and D&D gatherings? Final Fantasy 12.
So why would the most recent Final Fantasy title (in America anyway) appeal to those who don't normally like JRPGs? Surprisingly, it isn't because of its lack of effeminate males (they're actually more boldly represented than ever before); instead, it's because Square-Enix swapped in an MMORPG-like battle system for an aging turn-based battle system.
Obviously, the choice to go with this new battle system in addition to Final Fantasy 12's massive environments was controversial, but at least it appealed to those who were tired of quaint towns and random encounters. Its story may feel unfinished, but Final Fantasy 12 is worth checking out for those who didn't appreciate the PlayStation-era FF installments.
An Odyssey Perfect For Those Who Thirst For Immortality
The next pick on this list adheres to traditional JRPG gameplay mechanics (including random battles), but I'm still including it on this list. Why? Because its beautifully woven story, mature characters, and East-Asian-themed soundtrack may appeal to those who're normally turned off by JRPGs.
Of course the game I'm discussing is none other than Mistwalker's Lost Odyssey. Lost Odyssey may feature elements of Final Fantasy 10's turn-based battles and Final Fantasy 9's ability system, but it further refines them, ups the difficulty level, and presents a tale that is relatable to humans worldwide.
If you aren't moved by Kaim's search for his purpose and the countless short stories that flesh out his immortal life that discuss topics ranging from the genocide of indigenous peoples to the terminally ill, then you truly have no soul.
How to play it: Purchase it for $20-30 new at your favorite online retailer.
Devilishly Difficult; Highly Innovative
The final JRPG of this buyer's guide surprised many when it was released in 2009. Few individuals expected Atlus (a publisher known for releasing niche RPGs) to unleash a devilish sneak attack with Demon's Souls.
With this critically successful RPG, Atlus brought back old-school challenge (i.e. punishing deaths) and married it with original ideas such as other players unintentionally giving you hints based on the way they were slain. These clever ideas coupled with brutal boss fights and careful planning make Demon's Souls appealing to the mightiest video game warriors.
How to play it: Purchase it at a local or online retailer.
Full disclosure: I have yet to play Demon's Souls, so I apologize for any potential inaccuracies.
Well, it's been a good run, folks. During the last few weeks, I've provided you with numerous examples of innovative JRPGs that may appeal to hair gel-hating anti-heroes like yourself. Despite your distaste for Yuna's booty shorts and Kuja's gender ambiguity, I'm thankful that you took the time to read this buyer's guide. But now if you'll excuse me -- I have a random battle to attend.
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