10 JRPGs That Deserve A 10/10

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[@FatalKitsune]

Lunar SSSC is the ONLY JRPG to ever have a merchant make sense. You're out to SAVE THE WORLD and Remus goes "Oh, well I don't wanna DIE so here, take every item you need for free".

[@jensv874]

Irl the merchant would sell you everthing for more then normal.

[@chikuman6224]

@@jensv874 both u and the original comment are true. depends on whether the merchant is a sheeple or a real human being with a soul

[@arthurgaliullin1014]

You had me at Grandia 2 and Radiant Historia. Absolute masterpieces!

[@davidvinc]

Yeah they are!! I love them!

[@JarazzJarok.]

@@davidvinc Agreed when i saw Grandia 2 and Golden Sun i instantly agreed with this list.

[@Unbounded.]

Same here!!!! I love both Grandia games and Radiant Historia NDS version

[@alexrababah9500]

Congratulations on the sponsorship!! And these are all undoubtedly 10/10 games. I've replayed Suikoden II, FFVI, and Chrono Trigger countless time, and they still move me to no end, like I'm playing them for the first time again.

[@bubblegumxo]

As much nostalgia as I have for Golden Sun: the lost age, getting through that without a guide was _rough_ . That was maybe a year or two BEFORE I had constant access to internet and GameFAQs, and oh boy I'm not sure even nearly 20 years later if I could bring myself to play through it again. Random rant over lol, another great video David! 😊

[@dextersbeard3472]

I am happy you made this, i own all of these games but i have only played a few so far. It gets overwhelming deciding what games to play when you have such a massive backlog, this will help me narrow down what to focus on for now.

[@Lamasis2]

Started Chrono Trigger this week and I have to agree that the enemy encouters are so well done. Attacking an enemy so that he can kill the more annoying one for you or beating the enemies in specific order so that they can't be used as a counter. Xenoblade Chronicles, Trails in the Sky SC, Ys 8: Lacrimosa of Dana, Tales of Berseria, FFIV, FFVI, FFVII, FFX, Radiant Historia: Perfect Chronology, Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story, The Witch and the Hundred Knight, Nier Replicant, Lost Odyssey and Bravely Default would be 10/10 games for me.

[@BB-te8tc]

Lunar is so charming in its simplicity. I've seen it once described as "the greatest RPG love story of all time" and it really is in my opinion. It feels like the archetype JRPG in that regard. Love your assessment of the FFVI "everyone can do everything" argument. The game's so open to possibilities that you CAN teach everyone every spell but there's really little reason to other than "completionism". There's fun stuff like "natural magic only" challenges or deliberately limiting your party so every playthrough is different. It's absolutely a 10/10 and easily my favourite JRPG of all time.

[@napoleonfeanor]

Imported it back then but never played it. It is collecting dust somewhere.

[@tillow9511]

is the psp version good?

[@ValisFan3]

Lunar 1 is good. But I like Lunar 2 so much better. Lunar 2 is less cliche, I like the Lunar 2 characters more. I like Lucia more than Luna. The battle system and abilities are better in Lunar 2.

[@Wizzl241]

I'm so happy other people appreciate Lunar. It was the game that for me back into gaming all those years ago, and it remains my absolute favorite game ever.

[@cardula7]

@@ValisFan3 Lunar 2 also had more content. The post game in Lunar 2 is insane! There are 5-7 bonus dungeons with tough as nails regular enemies and super bosses at the end.

[@jeffmazziotta]

I appreciate the effort that you put into making this list wide and varied throughout numerous game systems.

[@AWPerative]

Golden Sun totally slipped my mind and I came across it the other day. Glad you included it on your list.

[@kahemingway88]

Yup, Lufia II is still a tie for my favorite game of all time to this day. The memorable characters, music, and story have stayed with me to this day. It may be time for another playthrough. :)

[@HybridAngelZero]

I would say this could double as an introduction to RPGs in general for anyone who wants to get into the genre! I also love that you included so many games from different eras and platforms, as well. As for me, Pokémon Black/White, Super Mario RPG and Star Ocean The Second Story would be my additions to the list. And Xenoblade 1&2, though I admit 3 is the most well crafted out of them xD

[@ginxxxxx]

this is because there is no such thing as a beginner's rpg? mystic quest was a huge disappointment.

[@bandrew1442]

Final Fantasy 6 would be the first thing to come to my mind when i think of a 10/10 rpg, it really feels like a culmination of the genre and pushed the boundaries and fully holds up to this day

[@acidwizard6528]

It's my favorite game of all time. I think objectively that FFIX is the best one, but 6 has special significance for me. FF6 came out when I was 11 years old and I distinctly remember the hype my brother and our friends had leading up to it's release. We loved the first two Final Fantasy games we got in America, and the series was on an upwards trajectory after FF2 (actually FFIV) pushed the boundaries of storytelling in video games. My brother and I saved up money we had earned mowing lawns and doing household chores to split the cost of the new Final Fantasy 3 (actually FFVI) cartridge. We were so psyched when we got it and it absolutely delivered on all the hype that was built up around it. Each of us had a save file and we would watch the other play, take turns, and stay up to the wee hours of the night talking about our favorite parts, or strategies for character builds with different Espers and relic combinations. These are cherished memories for me that I still think about whenever the topic of Final Fantasy VI comes up. My brother died from an overdose in 2000. We had grown apart by then, but it still devastated our family. This is why Final Fantasy VI has special meaning to me. The game is by no means perfect, but for the time it was the best RPG on any gaming console. I used to play through it once a year in memory of my brother, but haven't kept up with it for the last several years. I'm glad that other people enjoy it as much as I/we did though. I hope that it's a game that will still be discussed well into the future as one of the landmark titles in the history of Japanese Role-playing Games.

[@Idiotboxxx]

Ff6, ff9, xenogears, CT are my 10 10s

[@ImWatchingYou69]

T Edition is a p cool challenge if you know the game well I still go through this game every other year or so I literally never play JRPG's otherwise other than the occasional SMT game

[@karlo9572]

Ff6 great game til world of ruin then it’s quite frankly boring

[@acidwizard6528]

@@karlo9572 Nah. The world of ruin is intentionally like that. There was a lot of criticism towards JRPGs and their linearity at the time. The World of Ruin was an early experiment in open world RPG design. After the first few hours you get the airship and are free to do whatever you want. Nowadays open world games are a dime a dozen, but in 94 this was a novel concept for a JRPG.

[@blackdragongrief]

I'll always be a huge Lunar fan and I had some of the same firsts you mentioned with the game! It was my first experience playing and RPG with so much voice acting and anime cutscenes but both of those things sucked me into the games and never let me go. The music by Noriyuki Iwadare is excellent as well. I was talking to a friend recently about how so many kids got their gaming ocarina introduction with Zelda, but mine was with Alex in Lunar.

[@kggresham]

Greetings, David! Your videos are now becoming a must watch for me as I continue to build on my adoration of jrpg games. Keep up the great work!

[@grey_wulf]

Hi David! Congrats on the sponsor. Such a quality list, much of it like a walk down memory lane (I've been playing rpgs since the NES days). If I've not played these 10 games, I've certainly heard of them. Some of my favs on your list include Suikoden 2, FF6 (a close 2nd to my all time fav FF9), and Crono Trigger (Frog is best!). Currently trying out XBC3 (my first XBC game). It's very impressive.

[@davidvinc]

Oh savor your time with XBC3! It’s just so grandiose :)

[@ParasaurolophusZ]

Love this list! I can't imagine how hard it was for you to narrow down Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest to one each. I haven't played all of those, but the ones I have played or seen, I can absolutely agree with. These are some top choices.

[@neutraldensity1233]

Etrian Odyssey 4 is one of the few games in recent memory I would consider giving a 10/10. Great graphics for 3ds, fantastic music, engaging exploration and skill tree system, and challenging, rewarding combat. Really glad I got this game before the 3ds eshop closed down. I strongly recommend to play this if anyone is reasonably able to.

[@fabricio-_-7021]

Do you think i need to play the other games to understand EO4? Was thinking about getting into the series, but dont wanna play all of them.

[@neutraldensity1233]

@Fabrício -_- No. This is the first game in the series I played. The games are not in a connected universe as far as I know. The story is not really the selling point. This is also considered to be more accessible compared to previous entries. Overall, you are absolutely more than fine starting here. Seems like you could also play 5 first if you want, but I had a fantastic time with 4. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. 😃

[@fabricio-_-7021]

@@neutraldensity1233 thanks man, glad you were able to enjoy the game.

[@DHamblen]

Love this list, and I’m so glad you included both Golden Sun 1 & 2 together. They were so much fun. But you reminded me, I’ve played Lufia 1 but still have not played Lufia 2…..the game backlog is real. 😊

[@Dhalin]

I find that while Lufia 2 has better graphics and a few more catchy tunes, that I end up enjoying Lufia 1 more. Lufia 1's battle system is not a straight up turn-based, it's actually ATB but pauses when someone gets a turn and the ATB gauges are hidden (much like the SNES version of FF4) and there's no empty waiting, everybody's turn executes immediately in order. That, and the regular battle theme is way more catchy and fun to listen to than Lufia 2's. But then Lufia 2's boss battle theme is better, as are some of the other themes. Lufia 2 is also way easier when it comes to battles except for a couple notable fights, while Lufia 1's challenge is much higher overall.

[@troymckinnon8996]

Lunar was the main reason my Sega CD back in the day was not a disappointing purchase. Lunar 1 and 2 are both 10s in my book.

[@bobmularky7456]

9 is my favorite but I agree that 6 is the best Final Fantasy.

[@aaronpischke5019]

100% agree! I feel 6 is the most "fully realized" game, but 9 has the best story.

[@miki49]

I think the best ff has to be in the medieval world and include crystals. Best one should also have a party with members whose roles are actually differentiated from the rest. Also the last ff to be directed by the creator Sakaguchi himself, I believe FF4 is the closest to an objective best ff you can get if you ask me.

[@jesiah391]

Bad. 7, not even close

[@miki49]

@@jesiah391 I think 7 and 6 are the best games, with 7’s world being more fully realized. Best ff however? That’s a different definition entirely

[@dobal1]

Not sure I agree with the “must be medieval and have crystals” part but I agree FFIV is probably the best representation of Final Fantasy. VII is the most important one though, and my personal favorites are IX and XIV.

[@arturoz6547]

Good list David. I started way later with the JPRGs (ps1-ps2 era), but decided to give Chrono Trigger a try and I absolutely loved it (with no nostalgia goggles and playing it like 2 years ago). Easily my top 3 :)

[@carlosaugusto9821]

That's a good sign of a true masterpiece. Sometimes rpg veterans are too lenient and biased with their suggestions and speak too highly of some games that will not work their "spell" on players who didnt play them when younger. In short, a speech based only on nostalgia or the same old school rpg background. So CT really is timeless in the most exact sense of the word.

[@Zero_Tester]

@@carlosaugusto9821 imo for me a lis of what new generation jrpg fan must play or atleast try Chrono Trigger, Terrangima ,FF7(not the remake) FF6 Persona 4 ,Golden Sun 1 and 2, Final Fantasy WOTL ,DQ 8 ,Front Mission 3 and 5, FE Path Of Radiance ,Vagrant Story, Wild Arms 2 and 3, Suikoden 2 and 5, Breath Of Fire 3,2and 4, Star Ocean 2, Xenogears ,SMT Strange Journey ,Persona 2 duology, Parasite Eve 1 ,Tales Of The Abyss, Lunar Blue and Silver Star, Grandia ,Legend Of Legaia, Azure Dreams ,Skies Of Arcadia, Baten Kaitos 1 ,Odin Sphere, 13 Sentinel, Eternal Eyes, Growlanser, Saga Frontier 1 and 2 Shining Force 3 Mother 2 and 3 Vanguard Bandits Xenosaga Trilogy Shadow Hearts Trilogy Radiata Stories Rogue Galaxy Valkyrie Profile 1 and 2 Steambot Chronicles Dark Cloud 2 Romancing Saga Minstrel Song and RS2 Saga Frontier 1 and 2 Okage Metal Saga Souls Nomad Tsugunai Atonement Drakengard 2

[@JustTheGems]

I am so on board with this list. The only game(s) I haven't played on here are the Golden Sun games, but seeing as how your tastes overlap pretty well with mine, I'm definitely adding them to the list!

[@georgielockhart6686]

Your videos make me feel good David! Get those natural endorphins flowing 🤩 Final Fantasy Tactics, Legend of Mana and Bloodborne are my top 3 games ever. From the SNES era though I agree with your list although, Seiken Densetsu 3 and Tales of Phantasia would be on there too 💓

[@kableguy0294]

Great list, David! I’m definitely looking forward to replaying the pixel remastered final fantasy six once I work through my obnoxious backlog some more lol

[@davidvinc]

Hahaha! That darn backlog strikes again!

[@insaneasock3156]

Fantastic list. ChronoTrigger, FFVI and Lufia II always swap places in my top 3 of all time.

[@Preceyese-Seyeght]

meh

[@daffyfinch1890]

So glad to see Grandia 2 on the list, it’s always been one of my favorites and by far the best in the series. Skies of Arcadia is another underrated gem that would be in my top 5!

[@Psaurus81]

Hello, fellow Dreamcast fanboy.

[@Unbounded.]

Me too!!! I love Grandia and Grandia II :,3

[@Royster77]

This is a great list, there are definitely more that were never released in certain countries that I believe deserve an honourable mention, like the soul blazer games especially Terranigma which is my all time favourite, although chrono trigger and ffvi are definitely on par. I'm also a huge fan of Xenogears

[@christcleric]

I played Grandia II, Lunar, Suikoden II, and Chrono Trigger when I was a kid! I played Lunar and Suikoden during the lockdown time, and I was as fascinated as I was before. I totally agree with your list. I should play all the games you recommend :)

[@rubyred6169]

Legend of Legaia is a great one too. Would love to see that one get a remake. =D

[@femtrooper]

Wonderful list! You have me wanting to play Grandia II now!

[@jmarx3943]

That's a heck of a list of heavy hitters. I know some people aren't a fan of some aspects of it, but the sega cd version of Lunar Eternal Blue is among my favorites, and an easy 10/10 for me personally. Edit: just some thoughts on the game. The presentation and animation is such a huge step up from the original silver star, it's like night and day, and I LOVE the difficulty of the black wizard Borgan boss fight. He's even harder than omni-Zophar, and no matter how high your level is, you won't beat him without sound strategy.

[@MegaDicksneeze]

This 1000000x! The psx versions are just so bare bones and hold your hand its sad. They're fun and pretty. But that's about it. It doesn't have that epoc feeling the sega cd version does.

[@ultrabosh6427]

Shadow Hearts will always be a 10/10 for me. Nothing quite like the unique, dreary story and atmosphere there. Coupler with the judgment ring system, it is literal perfection

[@mrm1712]

I loved Shadow Hearts! My friends would watch me play it when they came over haha

[@Retog]

What about dragon quest 7.5 cherry?

[@rimjobledouche5201]

Seconding this. David, get off your ass and play Shadow Hearts.

[@potatopower2144]

Definitely added a few of these to my backlog. Thanks!!

[@liohrt]

It's always funny to see Grandia 2 in this kind of list, cause this game is whether listed as fantastic or "the worst thing that could happen after Grandia 1". I've played the game 20 years ago, played it again few years ago again and I still think nowadays it remains as one of the most memorable RPG I've played in my life. So very glad to finally see this one listed to where it really belongs

[@Unbounded.]

Same here! :,3 I love both Grandia games ^^

[@xxJing]

I think Grandia 2 was great but I kind of feel like it was less unique than Grandia 1 which is why I prefer 1. I kind of have the same opinion on the Xeno games. The Xenoblade trilogy are probably the best well rounded in the series. However if you look at the story behind Xenogears, Xenosaga, and even XBCX, you can see just how much heavier the franchise could lean into science fiction. Xenoblade is Star Wars where the rest are like Dune, Star Trek, Aliens (Predator), they are so extremely sci-fi.

[@ShockStormRPG]

Yeah Golden Sun was awesome. Camelot was an amazing developer made Golden Sun and Shining Force games. DQ3 is excellent I am looking forward to the HD remake of it. FF6 is great too. Suikoden II great as well. Some really awesome games on this list. The trails games are awesome too.

[@unlimited971]

How dare you forget marioxtennis advance. It was actually very good.

[@thehater6189]

Yo apparently we can play these on the switch!? I had no idea until this vid. Ive misplaced my copies long ago

[@Talyis84]

@shockstormrpg don't forget Camelot made my all time favorite game Beyond The Beyond.

[@penismightier9278]

Wasn't expecting to see Lufia 2 on this list. DQ3 being on the list as high as it was is kind of a surprise too. Glad both of them made it, truly amazing games.

[@robertdouth8979]

I can't even remember how I stumbled upon a copy of Lunar SSSC, but I remember being blown away by the animated cut scenes and the fantastic voice acting at a time when that was exceedingly rare. It was my favorite for so long and I never really met very many people (pre-widespread internet forums in a small town in Arizona) who had even heard about it let alone played it. I'm hoping it gets remade for the switch, and it honestly doesn't have to be remastered, just give me a port and I'll be good.

[@dathip]

I go to you pretty much EXCLUSIVELY and subconsciously for jrpg news and perspective besides gematsu. Your sponsorship, you DESERVE it.

[@CandiBookCorner]

I started playing Lunar Silver Star Story on iOS and my mac, and I'm really enjoying it! I heard the app was pretty bad when it first released, but apparently it's gotten some updates. Movement takes some getting used to, but I'm really grateful to have a way to play this super charming game that is 100% up my alley.

[@gshova]

Fantastic list. You've included a bunch of my favourites (Suikoden 2, Radiant Historia, Lufia 2, FF6, DQ3), so this really makes me want to play those on the list that I haven't tried yet. I'd started Grandia 2 years ago, but my PS2 is dead, and Lunar was never available on PS1 in the physical only era. Never got more than a few hours into the first Xenoblade, but will have to try them out again. Definitely will have to look to pick these up on modern consoles.

[@ssj3steve]

Lunar was definitely available on disc for PS1. So was the sequel. I remember getting the game at the video game store where I hung out/worked and opening up the fancy case with the maps and stuff.

[@tonyballou]

Great list! I agree on every point here, but am especially happy to see the love for Radiant Historia, Golden Sun and Suikoden II. Every game on this list deserves to be here, but several of your choices listed get less appreciation than they deserve. Cheers!

[@TripleDice]

You put much love in this video! I can sense it :) Well done! And thanks a lot because there are a few rpgs on your list I never knew existed.

[@movieburgers4239]

It makes me so happy to see Grandia 2 get some love. I adored that game when it came out and have yet to meet anyone - at least in person - who's played it. Cheers!

[@andrewhegstrom2187]

So glad to see that 10/10 love for Lufia 2. I can't even tell you how many times I've played through and the HUNDREDS of hours I spent in that damned ancient cave.

[@josephdolph8474]

What a great list! I agree with your picks that I've played which makes me wanna play the ones that I haven't

[@armando8127]

Excellent list! Spot on w CT #1, Lunar, FFVI. Congratulations on your success, David.

[@defjam8]

Golden sun is my favorite game ever, thanks for having it on the list. Cant wait for it to come to switch. It will be coming as a part of the switch online subscription. Idk about it getting remastered though, sadly.

[@Grayald]

Starting off strong, showing my favorite game of all time is the first thing in the video. And a great list overall.

[@dextersbeard3472]

Skies of Arcadia and Grandia 2 are amoung my favorites. I played them on Dreamcast but the Grandia 2 Remaster is absolutely gorgeous. Your list is so good, im lucky to own all of them.

[@alejandromarinetti8622]

I love skies of arcadia and it doesnt get the attention it deserves. True masterpiece!

[@mrm1712]

wow me too! I just i loved skies of arcadia.

[@loveandscience3989]

Thanks for giving Grandia II the love it deserves, David! I feel that game isn't talked about enough.

[@Yup712]

Great list! “Grandia 2” is one of my favorites also! I haven’t played “DQ3” yet, even though I have a patched version of the SNES remake, because I’m waiting for the new remake coming soon. I definitely recommend the PSP remake of “Lunar”, “Lunar Silver Star Harmony”. Lots of WoL improvements but the same great characters & story. (I even wrote the company hoping they would give “Lunar 2” the same treatment years ago but no luck). Can you believe I STILL haven’t played “Lufia 2”? I feel like such a fake JRPG fan, lol! I have it too, just haven’t played past the tutorial dungeon.

[@djinn_34]

Thank you for putting golden sun in your list! It's my favorite rpg of all time. You have great taste.

[@mattyg69ification]

Solid list! I'd definitely rate them 10's as well. If I would add anything for a top 25 it would be Legend of Dragoon. But that game is so polarized that you either loved it or hated it. I'm on the side that loved it, lol.

[@gnardawgyt]

Awesome list! I hope to play Lufia II sometime soon

[@aldocascio506]

Hey, just wanted to say that I just stumbled across your channel and I absolutely love it. Keep up the great work!

[@davidvinc]

Thanks so much!

[@dragoonfirestorm1171]

Did you ever play Star Ocean second story? It was the only rpg that was beloved by me and my 3 siblings. It's was quality on so many levels, and its bonus dungeon was the only thing to quench my craving for a good post game adventure since Lufia 2.

[@shadyloc4018]

Your channel is probably the best RPG channel on KZbin. Thank you for the great content. I've had all my passwords Final fantasy related since the birth of the Internet lol. You have the closest taste to mine out of every channel. It's AWESOME that your sponsor is a Mobile RPG lol. Keep up the GREAT work David 😊

[@ndremas1660]

Fantastic list. They all deserve a hearty remake. I’m sad I never got to play Golden Sun or Grandia as I wasn’t aware of such RPGs back then.

[@MrTimelord77]

Good list, but we need more than 10 top tens. I always love seeing the runners up who were given another chance to shine. I'm the same way with music and have more songs that aren't on the Greatest Hits for Survivor and Styx.

[@JW-cm2er]

This is a damn good list! my only change would be switching Grandia 2 for the original title, but that's a minor difference.

[@actuallynotsteve]

Interesting, no Secret of Mana, but lots of more obscure takes. Good video, nice to see something a little outside the expected takes. One FF is smart, as you otherwise have to include at least 3 (4, 6, 7). All of the Sega and PS2 stuff was during my time not gaming, seems like I missed out a lot.

[@6fingers_gaming]

Every time I watch Davidvinc video it’s very rare to see a game from the ps2 era.

[@Yuna1313]

But the trails series ;-; Aside from that awesome video and grats on the sponsor, that game looks really cool.

[@nanoglitch6693]

Giving the FF6 characters access to all spells via magicite was a bit of a butt-saver imo. Because it had those multi-party dungeons that made you drag out all your b and c-tier characters that you probably haven't invested a lot of time grinding with. But if you could teach them a few relevant spells every now and then, they weren't *completely* useless when you were forced to include them lol.

[@ginxxxxx]

giving everything magic spells is almost an anti pattern, on the same level as save scumming some would say. ... what are the answers to these huge problems? no game designer has solved them yet!!!!

[@someguy4262]

I've tried to actually make FFVI difficult many times, and it's nigh-impossible. The first obvious move is "use the worst characters", but that's barely noticeable. The second move is "don't learn magic", which is when you really start to notice how poorly Relm performs relative to characters with good abilities and stats, but it's still not difficult, and she's still perfectly acceptable. Next obvious move is "low level", but that's barely a problem. So then you have to get creative. To truly make FFVI even vaguely difficult for most of the game you have to play low-level, no magic, deliberately equip your characters badly, and not use abilities or inventory damage sources. So honestly, the magicite isn't what saves your butt. If you take 5 minutes to level up a few times and/or actually equip your character, you can very very easily go from 0 to win. It is by far the easiest game in the series. I think it's the best overall game in the series, but that is *despite* being an absolute doddle to get through.

[@ginxxxxx]

@@someguy4262 what about the ghost ship?

[@someguy4262]

@@ginxxxxx Do you mean the train? Because the ghost ship is FFV. And if you do mean the train, you've been stuck with Sabin from the start of the scenario and he's one of the best characters in the game (aside from his equipment pool being shit). So you not only have one of the best characters, but you've been forced (by random encounters) to level him up. If you're knowledgeable or vaguely exploratory you also have Shadow from the start, and he's unequivocally in the top 3 characters in the game. (Top 2 are Terra and Celes almost without question, then it gets more difficult, but it pretty much goes Terra->Celes->Shadow->other characters, even without the evade bug being fixed. Shadow is ridiculous.) So even taking into account that Cyan *seems* cool, but is too slow to actually be useful long-term (but you can just use Dispatch and have him be incredibly useful for most of the game as it is just a better "attack"), you could basically solo that section with Sabin. Or Shadow. Or Cyan. And you can have a ghost help you. Honestly, as with the rest of the game, it's not particularly hard. Possibly the hardest part of the game comes right after the Train, because Rizopas can one-shot your party if you're running away a lot, and you've only got 2 characters.

[@ginxxxxx]

@@someguy4262 i mean FFV i guess...the one you had to import and hack a translation into it and the ghost ship was difficult because the emulator couldn't handle the smoke so you couldnt see.

[@ghost3337]

Glad to see Lunar here, loved bother Silver Star and Eternal blue. Some of the most memorable jrpg songs.

[@ryanoneill9333]

Hey man, was nice to find this channel. Great work on the video. 🙌

[@wellingtoncrdeseusamigos]

I just finished Lunar 1 and 2 this month. Loved both and liked second game more because the extra contents.

[@mylesjlee]

You are a man of culture. Every game on this list felt nostalgic, and Chrono Trigger is my favorite game of all time. I was hoping you'd put it on the list.

[@Mjblazer84]

DV your are putting out a lot of great vids, thank you!

[@aahpandasrun]

Really good list! I would be tempted to put Etrian Odyssey 3 in there to represent the series as a whole. Though more for its gameplay. It's just so, so good.

[@nmnate]

My first RPG experience was watching a friend play through Chrono Trigger on the SNES. I was absolutely hooked. He also had FF6... which really cemented my love for JRPGs. I haven't played through everything on the list, but those that I have are incredible games. Currently playing through Radiant Historia on 3DS and Golden Sun on the GBA. Those games grab my attention in ways that other 'excellent' games don't quite (I stopped playing Bravely Default and DQ8 to pick these up). Some games on your list do just click. I had a blast with Lunar. It was really special when I first played it on PS1 (it's happily sitting in my old games box at the moment). Of the PS1 games I don't think I enjoyed any quite as much as Star Ocean: The Second Story. So many fond memories 🙂

[@noname72390]

glad you had lunar and lufia 2 on here. those 2 were hidden gems that not many got to play but they are one of the best of the best IMO with story, gameplay, music, and a good battle system.

[@Zenight12]

Tales of Vesperia is one of my favorite RPG. It has a slow start but once your hook it is really good

[@hysteria2k9]

Great list all well deserved mentions, some of mine would be breath of fire 4, octopath and persona 5 to name a few off the top of head.

[@PuffyRedshirt]

I love Grandia, but I can't get into Grandia II. I've started it a few times, but I bounce off after an hour or so. I trust your judgement, though, David! I'll try again soon.

[@plabis7134]

Enjoyed your video. A lot of good memories. A different take would be games we go back and play years/system generations later. Over and over again. Some are 10/10. Secret of Mana, FF4, Chrono Trigger, Xenogears, Lufia 1, Star Ocean 2, Lunar 1/2, Xenoblade Chronicles, and a double handful more if my brain would work.

[@majdrouhana]

Dragon Quest III is my favorite game! It's a masterpiece-glad you included it!

[@greatman2196]

I wish they make lunar remake for ps5

[@davidvinc]

Lunar collection anyone??

[@greatman2196]

@@davidvinc yes please

[@StarlightMirror]

@Davidvinc RPGs As long as they leave Dragon Song out of it, lol that one is best forgotten Imo

[@donniboi87]

What were your thoughts on the walking school one

[@SodiumWage]

Great list! Hard to argue with any of the choices here, though I prefer FF9 just a few pixels over FF6 (though they're both amazing), and I've never played DQ3 but DQ11 is maybe my all-time favorite game ever made. There's also a few games on this list I haven't played so I need to check those out too based on your recommendations.

[@lambertar]

Great list 👍, was saying to myself : "If there's no Lufia II I ain't onboard" and there it is.

[@alejandrofrancetich4607]

Great video! Glad to see the love for Grandia 2. I did not hate the first one, but I felt it dragged on. I would add Trials of Mana to the list.

[@t.k.5972]

phantasy star IV . combospells, unusual setting, space and magic and it all feels good as a package. The quabbles of the team were always good comedic relief while the game stayed serious in overall tone, without forgetting to give some sweet moments too. Sometimes its topics were way ahead of its time and peers. Overall it is an evergreen for me and I can't understand why there is no AAA remake of this gem.

[@michaelb2westgaedu]

I only clicked on this one as the thumbnail showed just enough for me to say out loud "is that Grandia II?" Was not disappointed.

[@Zodia195]

Grandia II is the first JRPG I ever played and it's still one of my fav games of all time. It's actually the most influential game I ever played. It legit turned me into a better person, and I can't think of any other game that did that because it made me question my own beliefs. Definitely has one of my fav video game soundtracks too. You mentioned humor, yeah it has the funniest moment in gaming for me too when the game does one of the biggest trolling moments when you visit Mareg's village. Ironically you end up getting one of the best items in the game. You can probably guess which moment I am talking about because I literally laughed myself out of the chair. Of course this game brings on the feels and this was also the first video game to make me cry. So yeah, a lot of firsts with this game lol. It's a darn shame that the 3rd game drop the ball in a few of the gameplay mechanics.

[@danielehartmann2787]

I truely hope we get a full remake/remaster series of the classic DragonQuest-Games. Part III (or what it was) was already announced a few years back but I think we need them ALL.

[@PasOdMater]

Suikoden 2 for sure. Can't remember the number of times I played through it. I can still see that scuffed CD my friend lent me as a kid and I used to play it as much as possible before it crashed since I didn't have a memory card for the PS1. Was only able to beat it once I found out about emulators in high school.

[@isaac3000]

Thank you for this! Golden Sun The Lost Age is my favourite game since childhood but I love so many games of this list. I still need to buy Xenoblade Chronicles 3 (and play 2 I bought already) but I love this series as well. I got Chrono Trigger on Wii (Virtual Console) but never got to play it, maybe I should prioritize it after I finish The Last Story on wii (I recommend this one to you if you dont know it, look it up). As always very informative thank you!

[@xHeigoux]

I never finished chrono trigger and my playthrough stopped when I first got to the far past era. I did however beat secret of mana last week and I'm checking steam every day for a sale on the remake. I actually liked secret of mana so much that I also got legends and trials on my switch.

[@mrm1712]

My favorite RPG as a kid was final fantasy 8 and legend of dragoon. I didn't play some of these older ones on gameboy advance. But i did have a sega dreamcast and played grandia 2 and skies of arcadia! Skies of arcadia was amazing

[@highlycaffeinated998]

It's kinda hard to make a top 10, when there's just so many that deserve to be on that list. Star Ocean the Second Story, Tales of Vesparia, Skioes of Arcadia, Ys VIII Lacramosa of Dana, and if you count it the first Valkyria Chronicles couls easily slip into any of those spots reasonably.

[@greyfox3954]

One of my favourites in the Nintendo years is *Lufia 2* also one of the best ost I am so glad you mentioned this

[@IsoYear]

i had golden sun 1 and 2 on gba as a kid and i just loved them, reminds me of long car rides

[@theultimaterush]

Great list. So many classics I need to play.

[@marjolycookie4813]

I’ve played all these except DQ3. It’s an interesting list since you value different things in games than I do. That being said, Lunar & Grandia 2 would definitely be on my list as well. It’s really interesting to see nothing from the PS2 on here, as that was my fave system due to having so many amazing JRPGs.

[@damienhansen7553]

I never played DQ3 either & its getting an HD 2D/3D remaster so lets just play it then.

[@ChronosZero86]

Great list! I would put star ocean second story in the mix. That game was perfect for teenage me.

[@kizmoko1739]

Im going to try this Chrono Trigger next after finishing this FFVI.

[@donsnover2585]

Those are all awesome games. Glad Lufia 2 made the list To this day I still want to go tackle the old cave again

[@richardnguyen1520]

Radiant Historia needs a modern remake so bad. Most underrated game of all time.

[@CompassIIDX]

Great choices; I know how hard it can be to narrow down a list like this, and second guessing every choice. Realizing some games will make your individual list more due to being there for you at just the right time when you were younger (broken arm). For me, the holy trinity is probably: Suikoden 2 Super Mario RPG Dragon Quest 11

[@Wynntersenk6017]

Radiant Historia Perfect Chronology is honestly the best, I’m glad to see it on here. A few rpgs I personally would give 10/10: legend of dragoon, final fantasy tactics war of lions, dragon quest XI definitive edition, final fantasy IX, and Shadow Hearts.

[@Gigga9]

that ad is very intriguing