RPG Ranks: 10-1

Continued from the previous post.

10. MOTHER 3 (#111)

Well done, MOTHER 3, you managed to be in the Top 10. Easily much better than its predecessors, MOTHER 3 explores a lot of topics while keeping the game joyful and full of euphoria and oddities. The battle system tries for rhythm which is unique, but not necessary, and the game has some challenge at times. The ideals of greed corrupting citizens is one of my favorite moments, and I also gleefully enjoyed playing with different protagonists. There's so much to take in.

9. Live-A-Live (#49)

Squaresoft sure has a lot of underdogs, and this one fits right in. Numerous characters in numerous time periods, with a grid-based strategic battle system that takes a little bit to get used to, along with a final chapter where everything goes wrong for one hero, completely deconstructing his arc and turning him into an understandable villain. Live-A-Live does a lot of things, and does all of those things well.

8. Wild ARMs 3 (#35)

The unsung pinnacle of the Wild ARMs series, 3 nails the setting and the characters in the way the previous two couldn't get much of, giving the Western vibes perfectly while making the characters all gunslingers. There's liable to be some confusion, but figuring out things is part of the fun in this game. Plenty of quests to take and numerous fights with recurring villains are endearing.

7. Final Fantasy VI (#45)

The true quintessential Final Fantasy game will always be VI. No real protagonist among several is a nice touch, since you have plenty of relatable characters to deal with. Tackling the evil empire and obtaining the Espers are among the many quests taken in this replayable RPG. This is the first to really lower the difficulty curve previous games held onto, and eased many players into the series, meanwhile keeping the memorable stuff intact.

6. Lufia II: Rise of the Sinistrals (#23)

Zelda-like puzzles, an interesting take on barebones turn-based RPG gameplay with friendly monsters and IP for mad skillz, and the twists and turns of the plot to get rid of four rising Sinistrals are just many of Lufia 2's hallmarks. Again, getting lost is part of the fun in Lufia 2, the tools you get will help immensely, and the exciting moments are always exciting. Never settle for its remake, play the original.

5. Phantom Brave (#91)

There is so much to do in Phantom Brave. Equip weapons to characters, create new phantoms confined to objects, create random dungeons, and fight within the free-range movement tactical battle system with no boundaries. This game's hero is a complete Lawful Good, compared to many heroes who could potentially be anti-hero at first. That do-good nature pays off at the very end too.

4. The World Ends With You (#100)

I had to make my 100th review count, and this one certainly counted. It's difficult to focus on combat in two screens, but certainly possible. Plenty of attack combinations with pins, fashion trends to watch out for, a plot with LOADS of twists and turns that make things unexpected, and even great post-game content. Amazing soundtrack and modern setting too. This was Square's diamond in the rough as far as DS games go.

3. Chrono Trigger (#20)

Honestly, is there anything that really needs to be said here? The ones who hate this game really haven't played it. It does Active-time battle perfectly with numerous encounters being memorable, and time-travel is done absolutely perfectly. The numerous quests taken help out significantly, and every charming moment sticks out.

2. Valkyrie Profile (#25)

It's a sad state of affairs on Midgard, the main setting of Valkyrie Profile, as many die and become drafted into Valkyrie's legion to fight off greater evil. Three different endings, a unique battle system with combos and finishers, and the compulsion to do certain things at certain times so you don't run out of time for what you need. Lots of things to take care of, including sending your soldiers to a higher level to fight! I love this game.

1. Soul Nomad & The World Eaters (#72)

But in the end, this is still my undefeated champion of most fun RPG I have ever played. An accomplishment for the tactical RPG genre, there's loads to customize and even randomize as you plow your way through a fantastical plot of defeating World Eaters. Or turning the tables and going down the Demon Path. There's just so much to do and experience in this game that describing it wouldn't do it justice. It must be experienced head on.

And with that, I have officially ranked all of my RPGs accordingly. Even though I will continue to play more as time goes on, the new ones will probably not show up on this list anytime soon until I hit a target number. Regardless, peace out as I continue my gaming escapades.