7 JRPGs That Are 10/10

[@TheGamingShelf]

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[@Rainos62]

Also Mishka is pretty good as a tank in AFK. personally i prefer Grezhul the Graveborn because of his abilities to summon minions. honestly if your a new player you cant go wrong with getting lucretia and right now there is actually a free Awakened unit I recommend picking up brutus or solise. brutus basically will push the enemies back and then for ult will pull everyone to him. solise awakened does AoE and heal so she is very useful early game. I feel the same Ys 9 was way better than Ys 8 but Ys 8 does feel 10/10

[@withoutthejuice7193]

Ys VIII will always have this magical aura about it in my memories. It’s not my favorite RPG of all time, but it is the one that surprised me the most, and left me with pure joy.

[@yass3425]

I have the same feelings towards it 💙

[@shernjian]

I have played many JRPG games and only 4 games I would give a rating of at least a 9 Final Fantasy X (10/10) YS 8 (9.5/10). Would have given this 10/10 if the ending was better. I didn't like the ending at all and felt that it could have been wayyyyyyyyyy better Xenoblade Chronicles 3 (9-9.5/10) Trails to Azure (9-9.5/10)

[@OtterloopB]

​@@shernjianI gotta ask, and please don't think I'm trying to sandbag you or anything... but did you get Ys VIII's true ending? If you didn't get the true ending, then I could completely understand you not liking the ending at all. But the real ending is beautifully bittersweet, at least in my opinion. Howevet, if you did get the true ending and simply didn't like it, then that's totally cool. Everyone has different tastes :) But since you didn't clarify as to whether you got the true ending or not, I figured I'd ask about it and recommend unlocking the true ending if you didn't.

[@shernjian]

@@OtterloopB I got the true ending. Let me share with you my why I didn't like it. MAJOR SPOILERS for both YS 8 and FFX below - I don't like how they made Dana in charge of overseeing the Lacrimosa instead of just abolishing it. She struggled & fought so hard to stop it, and it didn't even get stopped. WORSE OF ALL, she's now in charge of overseeing it? Not cool man. Would be better if they completely stopped the Lacrimosa and Dana leaves with everyone else on the boat & follows Adol (though this wont be a YS thing) - Or, they stopped the Lacrimosa and Dana sacrifices her life in the process (accomplishing what she struggled so hard to do). I actually thought this was the case at first but then she ended up becoming in charge of overseeing it instead. An ending like Final Fantasy X would be perfect imo (where they defeat Sin but Tidus dies in the process) So yeah, the ending would be much better if they followed either of the scenario I mentioned above. Not sure if there's anything else cause its been a long time since I finished YS 8

[@turanx0]

Would you guys say Ys series is best played on a handheld or on the big screen? I have both options, so I wondered what’s best.

[@myplatinumlife]

Happy to see Valkyria Chronicles listed on here. Such a fun game and great story

[@TheGamingShelf]

Glad you enjoyed it! Have you played 4?

[@myplatinumlife]

@@TheGamingShelf yep! Enjoyed that as well. I still prefer the remastered version of VC the most

[@ShacoPL]

Delegitimizes the list for me. Frustrating slog of a game

[@bradford433]

@@ShacoPL You can just cheese every battle by rushing Alicia.

[@ShacoPL]

@@bradford433 Yep, you can. And that's not fun either. I didn't claim the game is difficult.

[@Nayr090]

Octopath 2 improved upon the previous game in almost every way. Really enjoyed it, plus it gave me some 80+ hours of enjoyment.

[@lewis9s]

The original Octopath got me into JRPGs.

[@zackt3288]

FF7, 8, 9, Grandia, Grandia 2, Suikoden, Suikoden 2, and Legend of Dragoon are all 10/10 EASILY. They made my childhood, and gave me at least 1,500 hours of extreme fun.

[@elektrikpandesalgaming]

damn suikoden 2 yeah one of yhe best rpg games ive played

[@sinjack3415]

Grandia is always an underrated masterpiece, I miss the days getting lost in the grand adventure!

[@lazybeatx1843]

I spent so much time on Grandia 2 on the Dreamcast.

[@dduffy8178]

Amazing list! Tales of Symphonia will always be my favorite game of all time. It did something so special for me that can never be put into words. Tales Of, Ys, Legend of Heroes, Nier, and Xenoblade will always be 10/10s in my heart

[@ItsameAlex]

Tales od Symphonia is also my favourite game.

[@Wabasi]

Great list. I love the entire series but Ys VIII is definitely something special for me. There's just something about the location and fully unraveling the story behind an uncharted island you're stranded on that gets me hyped. Building up your home base etc. It's great

[@pyro5159]

Never played a Ys game

[@OtterloopB]

Ys VIII is right up there with FF7, Dragon Quest 8 and Chrono Trigger for me. It's just... incredible. 10/10. It really is one of the greatest video games I've ever played. #danaforever

[@alexanderackerman3807]

I played YS VIII on a whim on my switch back when the console just came out had barely any games. I was definitely not expecting one of the best games I'd ever played, but that's what I got.

[@PetrosofSparta]

I’m gonna have to give Ys a try at some point. But it’s funny how similar our lists and experiences with these games are. Like FF7, FF9 - then P4G being your all time fav and my fav of the last decade. Then there’s Chrono Trigger, only in the last six years for you, I played it age 21 in 2008/09, it was the video game that got me back into playing video games.

[@TheGamingShelf]

If you like action RPGs Ys is a must-play!

[@SquerolBoss]

Please just don't ignore old PC-Engine bump combat system Ys games - they are exceptional expieriences which plays better than they looks - and Dawn of Ys is pinnacle of them.

[@o.e.7569]

I'd say Legend of Legaia because it was my first JRGP back on PS1. After completing 3 more times when I was older, I can confirmed it's 10/10

[@xelthos2051]

Legaia is amazing, 1 of my all time favorites, still play through every now and then

[@jeffreydean5112]

Thanks for saying this. It’s my favorite JRPG. Would love a remake of it

[@doomynytress3869]

I always search these "greatest JRPG games..." for a Legaia mention. THANK YOU for mentioning it. It is my all time favorite game (I refuse to let other great games take #1, sorry not sorry) I'd kill (not really) for a remake. I'd be playing it all the time and forcing my friend and gamer cousin to play it so they'd finally understand me.

[@awetistic5295]

My top 5 RPGs are: - Seiken Densetsu III/Trials of Mana, SNES (Favorite game ever. Infinite replay value, I beat it countless times and never get tired of trying new class combinations. The class system combined with the different story routes is both science and art, absolutely worth getting into.) - Final Fantasy VII, PS1 (I personally find the visuals charming, anything else is pure perfection - one of the games that made my childhood.) - Final Fantasy VI, SNES (One of the best cast of characters in any RPG, incredible story and oh so many feels.) - Terranigma, SNES (Talk about a game that desperately needs a port or remake... such a unique atmosphere, it's pure magic and the soundtrack is outstanding.) - Seiken Densetsu II/Secret of Mana, SNES (So much nostalgia! A perfect game to play with friends, the visuals, music and story are timeless. Everyone I played with fell in love with the game.) There are more RPGs that are easily 10/10 like Final Fantasy IV and IX or Chrono Trigger. All of my top favorites are older games, maybe because of nostalgia and the huge part they played in my childhood, maybe I just prefer the old school gameplay. There are some very popular RPGs waiting in my backlog, so who knows if I'll find something I'll love as much.

[@TheGamingShelf]

Trials of Mana is amazing! I almost put it in the video. I still need to try the other characters I missed. They seem fun.

[@rooster1610]

I gave Ys VIII a try because of you and it quickly turned into one of my favorite jrpgs ever, thank you for bringing the series to light for me and keep up the awesome content!

[@SDGMiniloeuf]

quick question. Do you need to play the previous one to enjoy it? looks really fun and I want to try it out

[@Onchigo]

@@SDGMiniloeuf No every game is separate except the 2 first

[@rooster1610]

@@SDGMiniloeuf not at all, that's actually one of my main concerns whenever I get into a new game series especially one that's had so many entries, as far as I know the games only share Adol which is the protagonist across all games, but each game is a separate story with no returning characters, except for one who is basically Adol's sidekick, but no you don't have to play any of the previous games in order to play VIII or IX, which I plan to get into right after this one, but I definitely do recommend VIII it's super fun

[@TheGamingShelf]

Glad I could introduce the series to you! It’s really fantastic with a lot of great entries.

[@deraykrause4517]

Grandia and Suikoden 2 are on my list, with an honorable mention for Xenogears which would make the list if the developers had actually finished it.

[@Dhalin]

The only thing about Xenogears, is that its story was long enough that it should have been split into two parts. By the time you get to Disc 2, you've dumped 60+ hours in and a part of me felt relieved that I didn't have to play some 20+ hours of gameplay the narration skips. It's a good game don't get me wrong, but after awhile it just drones on and on and on and on.

[@franciscobuenrostro3891]

I do feel such a connection to the characters in Persona 4. They really feel like a group of friends you do have in real life.

[@fadadfasdfd]

except I don't have any friends

[@bigzachful]

@@fadadfasdfd Wel you have them as friends lol

[@Artimes.]

I feel like the classic pixel era's of gaming never gets enough love. I can name 20 games that have the same varience in quality to Chrono Trigger if not even more executed, but yet no one talks about them because there to under the radar. FF VII on the PS1 is labeled as one of the best games of all time, but does anyone ever bring up all the other amazing PS1 rpgs that existed? There is just so many games that really deserve more attention. At the rate CT's popularity is going, I am telling you, we are getting this CLOSER to getting a remake of that game. Just watch it will happen.

[@24hourPrince]

My personal pick for this would also be Persona 4 Golden. I played that game for the first time when I was a teenager and the messages in the story and the arcs of the various characters impacted me in ways that will probably be with me forever (I know that part has nothing to really do with the quality of the game itself but I'm an emotionally driven gamer so it's a big deal to me at least.) I just absolutely adore everything about it, the characters are all dynamic and lovable, I love a good murder mystery and this one just so happens to have one of the best twist villains ever, the mechanics are fun and so diverse that you can get a new experience every time you play it, I could listen to the music forever (I still can't hear Never More without getting teary eyed,) it's one of those games that reminds me why I love video games every time I play it.

[@itskmillz]

FFIX was a game that truly made me fall in love with JRPGs as a kid. I loved every bit of it and didn't care that my friends called it a "stupid love story". I enjoyed every moment of it and just thinking about it makes me want to think about replaying it for the 2nd time ever.

[@xelthos2051]

Completely agree with this list. All masterpiece games. Mario RPG 7 Stars, Star Ocean 2, Grandia 1, and Legend of Legaia are up there as well for me

[@ry2950]

FF Tactics has been, and always will be my 10/10 JRPG. The gameplay is top tier, and the story is so incredibly well written. There are no annoying minigames, gimmicks, or puzzles. My only complaint is that I wished there was more battles to do at the endgame, but I see that as a testimony to how much more of the game I wanted.

[@kongoslong4378]

FFXII, eternal sonata, and radiata stories will always be my top 3 and hold a special place in my gaming heart

[@generalbochii]

Dude I was going to post the radiata stories will always hold a place in my heart and a solid 10/10. Such a under appreciated game that deserves a remaster or a modern port.

[@lambertar]

Eternal Sonata was such eye and ear candy with a great battle system. The story did let me down at the end though but still a 10/10.

[@mkaichoo]

I loved Eternal Sonata! Hope to get a switch remake or sequel

[@tannerpickle]

I just found your channel recently and your videos are really entertaining. You're doing great, dude. As for my 10/10 JRPG, I have to say Final Fantasy XII The Zodiac Age. I adore the unique combat, interconnected world design, the characters, and more subtle and mature story line.

[@mrp1234]

Dragon Quest XI is like the definition of just about a perfect game to me. It doesn't reinvent the wheel, but everything it does it does to perfection. The nostalgia feelings are SO intense, and that combined with modern convenience/QOL features is soooo chef's kiss. The only flaw is the soundtrack, yes even the orchestral version, and it's kinda funny that the MUSIC in what I consider the ultimate JRPG is pretty dang weak, but it's an easy 10/10 for me. (I also agree with Ys 8 and I think I'd throw 9 on there too. I think I like 9 more than 8 tbh)

[@mrp1234]

oh also I thought of this bc Octopath is early on in this video, but Octopath is a game I think is deeply flawed to the point where I struggle to even recommend it... but wow do I ever think /Triangle Strategy/ is basically perfect at what it does. I plan to play FFT soon, but the deeply addicting and just plain FUN strategic gameplay plus modern convenience is wonderful in TS' case

[@TheGamingShelf]

I wanted to put it on there but to me it has 2 big issues: - It’s too long. The ending just drags. - Combat is basic to point of being boring. Even if it was sped up there’s nothing interesting about it to me. Still an incredible game though!

[@Finalras]

only thing I hate about DQ 11, is that the definitive edition on PC doesn't restore the original graphics from the PS4 version and uses the shitty switch graphics. That's just lazy. Thank god for mods, the game looks really beautiful with the restored graphics and the 4k Texture pack + better lighting on PC.

[@mrp1234]

@@Finalras I played on PS4 which yeah is beautiful!

[@Neucher]

@@TheGamingShelf To be fair those points apply to every DQ especially 7 💀

[@Evanz111]

You can speed run Ys8 in under 2 hours? Holy heck. I agree about the flow state that comes with playing the game!

[@richardcaraballo1185]

Great list. I wouldn't dare argue with any of these picks, however for me personally, I would definitely give a 10/10 to Yakuza: Like A Dragon. The setting, the story, the gameplay, literally everything to me was just Chef's Kiss perfection. I finally played it summer of last year (2022) and it honestly brought me out of a gaming funk, as nothing I had played recently up to that point captivated me like games before had. Best game I've played in a LONG time, and I'm hyped they're going back to turn based for the future of the franchise.

[@MiamiSunrise]

Suikoden 2, P5R, P4G, Breath of Fire 3, FF4 and FF6 are 10/10 for me. I wasnt going to give BOF3 a 10/10 due to that damn desert area but the game's charm, characters, music and overall creation are everything I love about JRPGs and that overrides my critique of the desert, its just wonderful. I really think its cool Valkyria Chronicles showed up here reinforcing my need to get into those games. I have the PS4 remaster in the mail 🙂. Thanks TGS, these are all deserving of the 10/10 branding!

[@DeadlyPresence]

Tales of vesperia. The way the character progress. The story is very good I think. From being able to only attack 3 times with a arte skill. To being able to chain attacks almost endlessly by the end of the game. And the fact now there is the full version available. Only downside is the voice actors change for the scenes that were added in english. But that would be my only complaint.

[@MatsuSenpaii]

Thanks for including Ys VIII Lacrimosa of Dana too That game is just perfect on many aspects, the story, the gameplay, the characters, and the soundtracks are also bunch of bangers

[@TheGamingShelf]

It’s really fantastic, I had to include 😄

[@MatsuSenpaii]

@@TheGamingShelf while Ys IX Monstrum Nox may not as perfect as Ys VIII, but the narrative in IX is the best, it'll even better after you played through older Ys games

[@theslugboiii5969]

FF9 gets a 10/10 just for Vivi

[@brianwilliams446]

Fax

[@TheGamingShelf]

Hell yeah. Vivi rocks

[@tazmanceltic]

Top g

[@Trujones]

This!

[@nobody7279]

Agreed.

[@cyrustom1782]

The fact nobody mention Rogue Galaxy here makes me real sad That's 10/10 for me PS2 really is the ERA of JRPG for me so many good memories surrounded with it Awesome video BTW :D

[@linoa17]

I love YS series so much, I discovered it thanks To YSVIII that's why this game will always have a special place in my heart (+ Dana is bae)

[@michaelconnell1010]

Wasn’t expecting quite a few of my picks to be on the list: FF9, Persona 4 Golden and Chrono Trigger. I’ll name my next four in no particular order: 1) Tales of the Abyss, great cast of characters with great development for them. 2) Shadow Hearts 2, took everything that was great about the first game and perfected it. This is especially seen it perfectly blending its early 20th century horror with laugh out loud humor. 3) Lunar 2: Eternal Blue, gives a good and fun story, likable characters, great music and greatly builds up from predecessor while also being stand alone. 4) Final Fantasy 14 Shadowbringers (this includes post main game story), tells an interesting and dark story that really makes you feel the world’s broken state and the struggle to fix it even with the odds against you, gives greater development to the Scions, while building up from previous expansions’ stories and has two great villains in Emet-Selch and Elidibus, the latter of whom makes you weep after defeating him for good.

[@turismofoegaming8806]

As far as RPG’s from the 90s go I would have to give my award to Xenogears! From the timeless music to the different styles of combat be it on foot or in giant mechanized gears, this game in my opinion is my favorite JRPG from the 90s!! It’s not to say that it’s my all-time favorite RPG it’s just one that I look back fondly on and still enjoy playing today!

[@MindOverManaX]

Dude, Valkyrie Chronicles was PERFECT. I could not put this game down. Amazing. Good call 👍🏻

[@husseinten]

Suikoden 2 100/10 Timeless music Epic story Engaging combat 108 heroes to collect Best menacing boss fight (luka blight) I rest my case.....

[@IndraAdiPermana]

couldnt agree more...easily surpass other jrpg titles IMO..the first JRPG I played and finished

[@husseinten]

@@IndraAdiPermana same here Suikoden was a portal bridge for my rpg love Till today only few games have impressed me as much as suikoden 2 did

[@timothyhartz6255]

Not my favorite jrpg, but I had forgotten about it til your comment. Now I’m having flash backs of teenage nights playing that. 80s kid so grew up playing all these games fresh. I played the hell out of Suikoden but never got all 108 characters. I didn’t want to shell out 20$ for a guide and tips and tricks never did a big write up. Man simpler times. Awesome game though!

[@husseinten]

@@timothyhartz6255 that was the beauty of those times No net no tips U had to discover all the fun urself Me myself never did knew about 108 characters either untill later Nowadays 50% of the fun is destroyed the moment game releases with all the content shown before release Man those golden days I swear

[@astrah982]

There are so many more good ones that Final Fantasy. 🤔👍

[@amurter19]

Honestly I used to think the FF7 and all that was dated, but now I just think they look unique and cool. I'm glad there was an era where as much weird experimental stuff was going on graphically at the time.

[@deojuve]

In depth of the story as JRPG: Suikoden 2, Chrono Trigger, legend of heroes Crossbell arc Trails to Azure, Final Fantasy Tactics...

[@cristiancasares9643]

I’m so glad I found your videos and channel! Because of you I finally picked back up with Chained Echoes and I’m loving it. I’m also itching to start Dragon Quest XI now. Keep up the great work dude!

[@CandiBookCorner]

I just finished Valkyria Chronicles and loved it! I almost missed out on a gem, because about a year ago I tried Valkyria Chronicles 4 and couldn't stand it. I think what you said about its story is absolutely what makes it stand out. The storytelling, tone and characters are really special in the original.

[@lambertar]

Imo, I agree, first game's story is way better than the fourth one. Though in the fourth one you get a chick that's always drunk and is my favorite character 😂.

[@taitloyek7980]

The fourth one is kinda wacky I hate the first half and then the second half I think is fantastic! But I totally get being turned off by it at first

[@lambertar]

@@taitloyek7980 They lost me so hard when they were starving in the cold, they took an ennemy base and they just destroyed it. Didn't take any warm cloths, any food, just blasted it 😑... REALLY ?!

[@lokieleven2694]

Dragon quest VIII is my favorite game ever created, it’s such a gem people need to experience

[@brocky]

Chrono Trigger is one of the most satisfying games I've ever played.

[@calvinmatthews1527]

RPGs I would give a 10/10: Pokemon Black 2( It's like the perfect Pokemon game) Dragon Quest XI (Basically improves on everything from DQ VIII from a gameplay side) Bravely Default (Perfect example of a modern-retro infused RPG) FFIX (Might be the only game ending to ever make me cry)

[@coreyg4591]

Radiata Stories, Xenogears, Legend of Dragoon, Suikoden 1&2

[@domfabio8850]

My personal list of 10/10 games. I know some of these will be really unpopular opinions. A lot of my picks are very recent releases, cause i mainly started playing JRPG's around 2018-19 (Pokemon's the 1 exception, i've been playing that series since the 1st gen when i was like 5yo). Xenoblade 1, 2, Torna and 3 (Still need to play X) Trails of Cold Steel (combining them all) FF 15 and 7 remake (Still need to play through a lot of the classics) Pokemon Black/White 1&2 Let me throw in some of my 9/10 games: Nier Replicant FF12 Zodiac Age Scarlet Nexus Pokemon Gold/Silver/Crystal Persona 5 Royal Still a ton of JRPG's i need to play.

[@TheGamingShelf]

Have you played NieR Automata? You would probably love it!

[@domfabio8850]

@@TheGamingShelf I definitely plan on playing it at some point. But the backlogs just so big. lol

[@kd9749]

My 10s- Lunar: SSSC, Persona 4 Golden, Xenosaga Episode 1, Mary Skelter: Nightmares, Parasite Eve, and Tales of Vesperia.

[@RafaelLoki]

Yes! FFT is easy my fav from the list. It's the only game I beat probaly over 20 times. (All mage run, solo run, dual Mc+Agrias run, etc). The fact that you have story characters + custom characters and both are really viable are a plus too. The map design was one of the more challenging too with some annoying ass archer sniping you from the top of the tower. xD

[@TheGamingShelf]

It’s SUCH a good game. And yes I love having themed runs or trying different ways of playing. The game is so flexible that way.

[@micaholson7293]

Give tactics ogre reborn a try if you're into FFT. Made by the same creator.

[@kahlilhamizz]

yeah Chronotrigger.. that game shapes my life! THE FROG theme and how the whole going to the past/future storyline is just legendary!

[@Rinkuu9]

Great list! Mine would be similar with the addition of DQ V and FF VI and without Ys VIII (haven't started with the saga yet 😅)

[@kukukachu]

Panzer Dragoon Saga (The whole experience) I can't say much about it without spoiling it, but basically it's like a 12-17 hour game and it has one of the most interesting battle mechanics seen in an JRPG and it has one of the most CRAZY endings which they pulled off extremely well. The music alone is master class. FFX everything this game did is succeeded in, and yes even in Blitzball as it was made to piss you off, just like those damned jank mini games. FFX2 the 100% completion ending makes it this way, also all the dress spheres and seeing Spira after everything went down is pretty cool. FFIX You already explained why it's one of the best Tales of Symphonia Has so much content and side quests that you actually WANT to do and experience. You definitely need a guide if you're gonna do them, but that game, from the story, to combat, to the music, to the voice acting to the art design, to the puzzles, to the character building, all amazing. Mario and Luigi Super Star Saga (GBA version) One of the best JRPG's hands down. Interactive turn based games are SUPER cool.

[@gabrielmonzon5458]

Here others 7 JRPG 10/10 for me: -Suikoden tierkreis -Bravely default -Nostalgia -Radiant historia -Dragon quest XI -Final fantasy X -Nier automata

[@TheMiyazakiMan]

Excellent video, Taylor, whole heartedly agree on the majority... Except the greatest opening sequence is Suikoden 2 xD as well as a pure 11/10! Strong and top 1 or 2 in every category haha

[@TheMiyazakiMan]

Oh and 11:19 the Miyazaki Man does a runner ^.^

[@coachjayw33]

Just off the top of my head; Radiata Stories, SO3 and DQ8 are some 10/10s for me.

[@Wynntersenk6017]

You can’t go through ff9 without talking about Kuja, a complex villain who had to come full circle in a much more satisfying way then iterations of ff villains in the past. Sure, you can hate him, for good reason, but you understand him and his motivations very well, which was masterful storytelling in a villain.

[@dpunisher8]

Final Fantasy 7 💪🏼 Just a timeless tale that really put the genre on the map Can’t wait to see what they do in Rebirth (remake pt2)

[@lavayuki]

I give a 10/10 to Persona 5 Royal, Persona 4 golden and Tales of Arise and Vesperia for sure. Although more niche and not very popular amongst other gamers, FFX-2 is my favourite FF and a firm 10/10 for me. I really liked Caligula 2 and DBZ Kakarot as well (having been a massive DBZ fan as a kid so it all felt nostalgic as it has been 20 years since I watched the anime but I remembered a lot of the stuff)

[@TheBasedGreeg]

Is that Ys 8 in the thumbnail? If so, incredibly based lol

[@sanane66543]

yup masterpiece Ys8

[@TheGamingShelf]

Yes it is 😉

[@TheBasedGreeg]

@@TheGamingShelf Hell yeah, fantastic game!

[@user-ef7gn4jy6v]

I would have overloaded this list with FFX and XII personally

[@TheGamingShelf]

I love XII, especially The Zodiac Age edition, but there’s some story stuff and dungeons I wasn’t wild about. Probably a 9/10 for me.

[@aurizzistic]

FF IX has the feeling of a fairy tale that is so incredibly fun to be apart of. I love the thought put into almost every character(Steiner is kinda meh. He learns not to be a bootlicker I guess.) Vivi is a perfect dose of existential dread. A synthetic lifeform that learns he was made to be nothing but a mindless tool for war, but his disposition is considered a failure by his creators. He fights for Zidane because he believes he is doing the right thing, and lends this power given to him meant to add to the erosion of morality, and instead he helps save the world. Garnet + Aerith/Tifa + Kairi from Kingdom Hearts were my pantheon of babes as a young JRPG lover. And the story of the princess falling in love with a charismatic ruffian has always been a favorite of mine so its Garnet all the way.

[@nurhandrio]

FF9, Xenogears, Suikoden II, and Brave Fencer Musashi!!

[@agriviaa]

Yesss. Totally agree with your last choice! I remember one of the comments in Sunshine Coastline that I related to. It says somewhere along the line of "If I could erase my memories of playing YS VIII, I will keep playing it on repeat." As a JRPGamer, I definitely love YS VIII. It rocks! My cousin also played it, and he had a love hate feelings with YS VIII LMAO.

[@dobadobadooo]

The JRPGs I would give a 10/10 in no particular order: - *Skies of Arcadia Legends* - *Tales of Symphonia* - *Chrono Trigger* - *Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door* - *Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King* - *Suikoden II* - *Yakuza 0* I wasn't aiming for a specific number, so it's kinda funny that I ended up with seven games on my list too lol.

[@havanowoncheese]

I grew up with the 16 bit era. Chrono Trigger is my favorite game ever. It really was mindblowing as a 12 year old playing it. I would love to see it get the HD 2d treatment.

[@Nrdyco]

The thing that ever bothered me about tactics is that if you don't prep enough and you save in the middle of a multiple stage fight... You can soft lock yourself if you only have 1 save file I learned that the hard way on the PS1. HAVE MULTIPLE SAVE FILES

[@robertbach3592]

Two games I’d also consider adding to the list: 1. Final Fantasy XII has the signature gambit system that it executed amazingly. Talk about a game that tries something new and nailed it. 2. Final Fantasy Tactics A2. IMO the sequel improved on the mechanics significantly while only slightly being worse in story. I’d take that trade any day

[@brucemichaelgrossman4913]

I'm playing through Final Fantasy 6 right now, and I'm shocked at how well it holds up. Definitely a masterpiece.

[@matj3296]

SPOILER ALERT: The game is 5 act play...

[@Oggre]

Pokemon Gold and Silver and their remakes, Chrono Trigger, Persona 3 F.E.S, Persona 4 Golden, Persona 5 Royal, Final Fantasy 9, Dragon Quest 5 and 8, Fire Emblem Awakening, Kingdom Hearts 2, Radiant Historia Perfect Chronology and Im probably forgeting a few ones more...

[@PS1Fan1991]

For me, I would say that 7 games that I find the most polished and great are Gensou Suikoden II, Final Fantasy X, Wild Arms, Grandia II, Vandal Hearts and Pokemon Soul Silver.

[@Zakemaster]

Suikoden 2 is one of the tightest, strongest JRPGs ever made. Great, epic story. Awesome cast. Fun, fast paced gameplay. A breakneck pace. And all of it in a very digestible 30 hours or so. I love that game to death. It helps that the decision to use 2D sprites means the game does still look good to this day, even if I am looking forward to the remaster this year.

[@PS1Fan1991]

@@Zakemaster Agreed. I can't wait for the remaster of the first game because that to me will be a dramatic improvement.

[@ARadicalDream]

1. Xenogears 2. Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne 3. Chrono Trigger 4. Panzer Dragoon Saga 5. Final Fantasy VII 6. Dragon Quest V 7. Persona 3 8. Chrono Cross 9. Skies of Arcadia: Legends 10. Final Fantasy X 10/10 games for me

[@retroislandboy9708]

Final Fantasy 6 . Chrono Trigger . Dragon Quest 4 . Tales Of Vesperia . Dragon Quest 8 . Final Fantasy 9 . Tales Of Symphonia . Xenoblade Chronicles 2 . Dragon Quest 11 . Tales Of The Abyss .

[@joselingarcia9120]

Currently playing Cronotriger after almost 20 years and I can agree more.... Timeless Masterpiece ❤

[@tigerex777]

YS8 is one of those games nobody expects it to be THAT good. But the game wound up being one of the best action JRPGs of all time. I was already a fan of the YS series but YS8 shocked me at how good it was.

[@davidisaacson5806]

Final Fantasy 3 (or 6 depending) will always be the best FF game IMO. The cast of characters, the twist "ending" after fighting the Ultima Weapon (which blew my mind the first time I played it), truly flawless. I'd also add Suikoden 2 as a flawless game. Everything about it is perfection.

[@skylanderwtf5921]

Good list. For me i'd go for breath of fire 3 and 4, Persona 3 fes, suikoden 2, rouge galaxy, shadow hearts ,xenosaga trilogy, xenogears,wild arms and grandia

[@terusensei_japones]

Apart from those you mentioned, I'd like to share one of my favorites: Skies of Arcadia. What a masterpiece!

[@TheGamingShelf]

I still need to play it! Hopefully we get that reunited remaster.

[@jasonpascual5426]

final fantasy series, trails series, tales series, persona series.. you can't go wrong with this games... theyre all good

[@danielprivett6155]

Just started Ys VIII this last weekend. It had been sitting on my "maybe" shelf for a long time and I was immediately sucked in. My first Ys game and I've always heard great things but hell, why did I wait so long just to click start?

[@Chronal-Rend]

Having never played the original final fantasy 7, I've been playing final fantasy 7 remake and it's just been an entirely wonderful experience

[@cqng341]

Valkyria chronicles 10/10 for me too - I was sad for a while when the game was over :(

[@Wedjwants]

Ys VIII is the only one I've played in the series, was the last game I played before the covid lockdowns. I own IX and bought some of the older ones on Steam, really need to make time to get to them!

[@Vision7550]

Love Valkyria Chronicles!! What a fun game with such interesting and unique gameplay. I really loved figuring out my own strategy for getting top ranks on the levels without using the usual cheesy strategies (shout out to my girl Audrey). The art style is gorgeous and the story is a fun experience. It's a little cliche, but the character perspectives and the writing in general is still really enjoyable. Certainly up there as one of my favorite RPGs, and I have 4 and am looking forward to playing it!

[@p_ttown1979]

For myself, I'd choose: Persona 4 and 5 Fossil Fighters Champions A short list but my highly regarded one games that are very close: Fossil Fighters Persona 5 Strikers YS VIII Dragon Quest 11 Fire Emblem Three Houses and Moonligher are more RPGS but i couldnt leave them out

[@Mr.D986]

Love the Sakura Wars soundtrack at the start. Great pump up to the episode

[@TheGamingShelf]

Heck yeah! That game has such fantastic music.

[@Mr.D986]

@@TheGamingShelf they have that song on the Sega music rhythm game machines along with Yakuza which is a lot of fun

[@nikidelvalle]

The Legend of Heroes Trails of Cold Steel III. There has never been a game before or since that has had such a large cast of characters, all of which had enough depth to care about and get invested in. And beyond the enormous cast of endearing NPCs, the central story executes so incredibly well on its characters, world, and plot resulting in an incredible emotional climax. After the previous two games had far too large of a core cast of characters, this one slims down to a smaller cast of new faces that really grow throughout their adventure and help the protagonist Rean grow as well. Everyone gets super well-developed and forms such unique and compelling relationships to each other. Combine that with the best combat in the series (even if it takes a mod to fix the lacking difficulty) and you've got indisputably the best Trails game ever made, and most certainly one of the best JRPGs ever made. It'll never get its praises sung as highly simply because it's a Trails game and they're hard to get into (and worse, the previous two Cold Steel games are a complete trainwreck), but it really is an incredible game.

[@Zazzaro703]

Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky First and Second chapter together for the complete story. What a JRPG that is up there with Final Fantasy Tactics, Chrono Trigger and Final Fantasy 6. Great Story, Great World, Great Characters and Great Music just an S tier package.

[@killaknight12]

My 10/10 JRPGs are for one Xenoblade Chronicles 3. The story, characters, world and gameplay is stellar. It was the first JRPG I went for 100%, cause even the sidequests felt like main content with voice acting and everything. The recently released final story DLC of the whole saga just adds to it in the best way. The other one is Persona 5 Royal. I never got to play the original P5, but I managed to only get the P5 ending on my first run, since I didn't know how to unlock the Royal content. So I went for a NG+ run which normally I never do and it was so much fun, just focusing on maxing out Confidants and fusing the strongest Personas in addition to the Royal ending that raised it to a 10/10 for me. Leaving these characters behind after 200h almost felt like parting with friends and hearing Beneath the Mask still feels like coming home.

[@TheGamingShelf]

Great picks! Both fantastic games.

[@jacobwatkins758]

I adored Valkyria Chronicles but it was flawed. I feel like we as a collective need to learn the difference between enjoying something and it being flawless

[@TheGamingShelf]

Watch the beginning of the video again. I never said any of the games here were flawless.

[@jacobwatkins758]

@@TheGamingShelf I was not meaning you in particular. I just feel people as a collective need to be able to separate a 10/10 experience to them and an objective one. I do fully understand how my comment was taken that way, my bad.

[@chickenfillets]

So many awesome choices here dude!

[@jordanwolfe739]

Chrono Trigger is and always will be my favorite game of all time

[@Bruzz992]

If you like final fantasy tactics, you should try the ankama games, like dofus, wakfu and the future waven (we played the alpha in December). The are the best tactics turn based mmorpg I ever play. We all fans are in hype for waven. It will be a fantastic crossover game with extreme tactics pvp (all player are at the same level) and pve for dungeon. Take a look if you are interested and also nostalgic ;)

[@GeminiSunrise06]

Nanako "i don't want you to leave big bro!" 😭 Almost shed a tears. Great video, i mostly agree 👍

[@astrah982]

JRPGs, best genre since 1981.

[@femtrooper]

Great list of games! I'd be so down to see more of these from you!

[@akiinmoonlight79]

All the love for those Final Fantasy masterpieces makes me so happy ❤❤❤

[@Researcher_Ryan]

I would throw Dragon Quest 11 up there for me personally. It's one of the few games in the genre I found myself able to play all the way through.

[@aNewKingdom]

Was gonna say FF Tactics, then I saw it pop up and was like YES!

[@TheGamingShelf]

Hell yeah 🫵😎

[@UndeadEggmiester]

I personally don't believe that any game is truly perfect. But there are three RPGs that I'd agree are as perfect as can be. Chrono trigger, ff6 and FF tactics. There's a few that's close to be dragon quest 3,4 and 5. Persona 4 is pretty damn close also secret of mana. I know a lot of people say trails of mana is better but I haven't play enough of it to say that.

[@TheGamingShelf]

Agreed! I mention that in the intro. But if I were to score games, which I don’t, these would be the ones to get a 10/10. Love your list too. Great games.

[@MrBacchus18]

I agree Final Fantasy Tactics needs a remake or remaster. I have War of the Lions but never played it because I prefer games on the big screen.

[@allanaclo9692]

Xenogears, Suikoden 2, Mario Legend of the Seven Stars, FF7, and Chrono Trigger all holds a special place in my heart

[@XBC3-4GOTY]

FF6 and FF9 Needs an Remake and Persona 4 Golden is in my Top 5 VideoGames of All Time

[@Preludedraw]

Parasite Eve, Vagrant Story, Xenogears, Final Fantasy Tactics, Front Mission 5, Final Fantasy VII, SMT Nocturne.

[@Drolkrad1725]

Sir. You forgot Xenogears.

[@TheGamingShelf]

I still haven’t finished it. Even if I did, the fact that Disc 2 is basically a visual novel hurts it in my book.

[@richardcaraballo1185]

Yea Disc 2 REALLY hurts it. Absolutely Kills the pacing in a pretty much otherwise perfect game.