So I thought since I love video games so much and have always had a sweet spot for RPGs, I would try to put down my favorite RPG's in order. These are games that if I ever got an audience on my twitch channel I would play again in a heartbeat.
1. Final Fantasy 7
This is the game that got me obsessed with this genre. All around amazing game. The materia system is by far my favorite RPG magic system ever. And because of the materia system I really am disappointed with everything else. I used to think Crono trigger was my favorite all time, but I recently re-played this game(5-8 years ago) and it reminded me that it sits atop the throne for RPGs. For Nostalgia purposes this is always high, but I recently replayed it and through doing so realized it for the masterpiece that it was...number one, no question.
2. Chrono Trigger
This was a movie that I rented from blockbuster and then had to make sure I re-rented it each week. I remember one week my mom returned it and then it was gone when I went to try and get it. When it finally returned to the store and I rented it again, my save was gone, but a save with a game much further than mine (why am I in a floating city?) was in its place so I still had fun. This game's story and music are sooooo good. Its characters are all perfect(except maybe the princess). Oh and the middle of the game boss is a warlock who you think is responsible for everything, and when you beat him you find out its not his fault and he joins your party...amazing. It also feature new game plus and about 25 different endings. I love this game so much, just writing this makes me want to stop this post and go play this game.
And that's it. Just 2. No I'm kidding, but these two games are really so far above and beyond the rest. Also you should note that I am not including strategy RPGs. But if I was then Final Fantasy Tactics and XCOM(Enemy unkown/Enemy within) would be tied for first. I just think it is hard to compare the strategy RPGs to regular ones because of how different they are. But if you like strategy Tactics and XCOM are amazing games and have much more replay value than regular RPGs.
3. Breath of Fire 3
This game is definitely on my list to replay. The sprites and art in this game I think are phenomenal for its time, and hold up much better than Final Fantasy 7's. The story is really good and you can turn into a Dragon in the middle of combat. This is another game where I loved the characters but it also does a lot with the environment and stuff outside of combat that make it a really great RPG. The combat in the game is mediocre but everything else is great. There are mentors you pick, a great fishing mini-game. A plethora of genes to find to allow you to play mad scientist making dragons for yourself, and did I mention you can turn into a Dragon. Very very underrated game, obviously I think so as I am making it my top 3.
4. Xenogears
This was a game I got because it was part of the buy anything squaresoft puts out, and boy was I glad I played through this one. It has giant mechs, a complicated story that I loved, great combo driven combat, and a slew of great characters and mini-games. Now in all honesty it has been a very very long time since I played this, maybe 10 or 12 years, so maybe this is just for nostalgia.
5. Persona 4 Golden
Yes I know it isn't very accessible being a PS Vita exclusive, but this game is amazing. Mostly all story and in truth, the dungeons are pretty stupid. The personas get a little old as well but all are so unique(look wise) and fun to explore so it keeps it interesting. The story is so much fun that it keeps you going. And for some reason the very strict usage of your time is a mechanic that makes your choices seem to matter. Now full disclosure I am currently 80 hours in and have not beat it yet. I don't know if I ever will. But I loved the ride and am sooo looking forward to Persona 5 on PS4. I think I would already be finished if this game was not on Vita, but also I doubt I would be very fall at all if I did not have it on vita. This is an RPG that is 70% story and 30% game in my eyes. It is wayyyy too long for me but I am a guy with 3 kids and a full time job so I don't have the time I used to for these kinds of RPG's.
And that is my top 5....Man that was actually a lot harder than I thought. I don't think the top 3 will ever change but 4 and 5 could very easily get shuffled around with new and other titles. For instance currently I am playing The Witcher 3, which so far has been phenomenal story-wise.
The Close but no Cigar list(6-10): Wild Arms, Final Fantasy 9, Suikoden, Final Fantasy 10, Breath of Fire 4