7 Modern RPGs That NAIL Their Atmosphere

[@therationalnational]

For me it’s Soul Hackers 2. The atmosphere that game creates allowed me to completely get past any flaws (namely the simple dungeon design) that the game possess. The music, the art direction, the voice acting, the whole vibe of the game is perfect. I was glued to it until I finished it and I still think about it regularly.

[@shizuru-2809]

I'm playing Ni no Kuni right now! One thing: The reason it doesn't have as many Ghibli Cutscenes towards the end, is because the game originally came out on the NDS and ended earlier than the PS3 Remaster, which extended the story.

[@Llortnerof]

Yeah, the game originally ended after the Dark Djinn.

[@TheKisekiNut]

Even for the main game though, I felt that they were far less frequent and shorter to boot as the game neared its original ending.

[@LightMageMike]

Yeah, Etrian Odyssey is consistently one of my favorite series on the 3DS. It does such a great job of presenting the classic adventure archetype. It manages to have the fantasy, the wonder of exploring places other people haven't seen without feeling too other-worldly; it keeps itself grounded in showing off why people would explore these dungeons in the first place and acknowledging that this is an industry in the world you're looking in on. It shows of f the danger implicit with the job, that you could die in a moment if you're not careful, without some of the grimmer tone that other 'realistic' takes on adventure can sometimes take up. And the world itself is simply fascinating. There's never quite anything like going through four strata of classic fantasy adventure only for the fifth to hit you with the gravity of what this world is built upon; of what came before and what was lost. And then there's the sixth stratum to show you why it was lost and that all of the danger you've braved so far is just an inkling of how bad things can get. The one thing I would add that you didn't mention (though I think you have before elsewhere, if I recall correctly) is the music. Etrian Odyssey as a series has a very distinct style which, I will admit, is not for everyone. But some of the songs do such an incredible job of putting you into the situation you're in, putting you in the shoes of your adventurers. For example, 'End of the Raging Winds' starts off with such a dramatic opening to prove that yes, the monster you ran into is a dire threat unlike anything you've hit before. But after those first few seconds, it settles into a steady song that's uplifting enough to fill you with energy for the fit while remaining sedate enough to remind you of the threat; a song of determination and grit rather than triumph. And it has some of the best boss themes I've ever heard. III's 'Their Own Brand of Justice' works incredibly well for the story it's telling. The song is climatic, it's dramatic as you'd expect from the final boss of the story and the greatest threat you should be facing. But it isn't triumphant, because it shows that you've failed. You aren't defeating a villain, aren't saving the city you've grown to love. You're only acting as a pawn in a greater conflict and bringing an end to a tragedy that needs to end. You aren't giving salvation, you aren't giving true justice, you're only giving the boss the justice they're willing to mete out because that's the furthest extent you and they've been able to understand. Or IV's 'The Legend's Successor'. That is genuinely my favorite final boss theme in any video game. It starts off slow and building to really hammer home what the threat would be for your party. Because they're fighting something they've heard stories about; a threat that everyone they've meant has given generations to keep sealed away. And it's here before them, literally towering above them and poised to destroy their world. You can imagine yourself standing there craning your neck up and up to try and take in the full scale of this monster as the music builds. And then it hits, that great crescendo as the battle starts to pick up and your party would be getting themselves together; there's no time for panic, no time for awe. This is a legend in the flesh, but you're the only ones standing between it and your new home, so it's time to steel yourself and fight. And I'll always have a special love for III's superboss theme 'Calling that Detestable Name'. It has no build it, it throws you right into the fight, but that's what you need in that moment. Because you aren't fighting some great beast that stories are told about, you aren't fighting something worthy of awe and respect. You're fighting something you can take one look at and know it *needs to die*. Even without knowing the whole scope of the tragedy it inflicted upon Armoroad, it's a monstrosity. It is detestable in every sense of the world and the song puts that across with its intensity compounded on the somewhat odd beat beneath. And all of this without mentioning some of the truly atmospheric themes like the eerie background of the Hall of Darkness which then gets tossed straight into dire danger when you hit an encounter and 'With Eyes Blazing' picks up. Or the haunting beauty of 'Chalky Woods', which really hammers in that even though the Porcelain Forest is the most dangerous place you've encountered so far, the home of something that's overturned the peace of an entire kingdom, it is still beautiful. Sorry for rambling so much. Thanks for the video!

[@billthebodyguy]

I am so glad you played the Blue Reflection games! They are so good, and I love them. I think they are criminally under talked about!

[@TheKisekiNut]

Indeed, deserve more love from Gust as well.

[@billthebodyguy]

@@TheKisekiNut I totally agree. I can't even play Blue Reflection Sun because I don't trust my Japanese enough (and I don't think I can download it in the US)

[@Miyuu227]

I love Blue Reflection so much the first game is one of my favorites! I spent so much time just walking around the skill just because the atmosphere feels so great, comfy with the amazing soundtrack ( The OST Blue Reflection is my favorite OST of all )

[@marksayosmejia7251]

Br 2017, heck especially its main theme "Blue Reflection" has that chill vibes. Until a boss appears and niw you got dubsteppy sounds with cello, violin, and piano which is amazing.

[@PloysMaw]

The OST is truly incredible in both games, I don't often buy OST's physically but I had too with both games. And when I saw that BR Second Light Collectors Edition came with Hina's bag that was a must buy. I use it whenever I go to Uni.

[@TheKisekiNut]

It's brilliant, and makes me quite sad that BR Second Light might be the last we get of that series for a while.

[@Miyuu227]

@@marksayosmejia7251 Sayonara is truly the peak OST at the peak moment of the game, it has all type of songs you listened through the game combined in 1, it is truly amazing, and yes that very first ost is truly the best for me, I ended up staying at least 30 mins on the main menu the very first time I booted up the game because of the song lmao

[@Miyuu227]

@@PloysMaw Hina's bag !! That's so cool I'm glad you love it

[@alumlovescake]

I would say Tales Of Arise nailed its atmosphere.............. until it didn't

[@g_CashMoney]

Tbh I think only the second world where you get the boxer dude nailed it’s atmosphere. I’m a huge tales of arise fan but the first slave realm and the third realm weren’t very interesting to me

[@jackshizuho1491]

Well not interesting but atmospheric and to the story, as they are all suffering from different types of slavery, or getting killed by their leaders. But yeah the final world, oh boy did it get all wrong. I almost was thinking that finally another Tales of game would take the number 1 spot (Vesperia is my favorite) but even today I haven't felt like going through the final place

[@lucariojet]

They just replaced figurative atmosphere with a literal atmosphere lmao

[@winterfoxcloud]

xenoblade chronicles DE really nailed the atmosphere for me - i thought the world, music and artstyle were simply gorgeous

[@TheKisekiNut]

Definitely agree there. Unfortunately, 7 games on a list only gives you so much to work with.

[@uppernimbus]

I've got a few of these games in my collection, but haven't played them yet. Really looking forward to being immersed in some of these atmospheres. Excellent video, dude~

[@segmalegma]

Man I love Smt, Etrian odyssey and Atelier!!! But thanks to Etrian odyssey I've been hunting for great jrpg dungeon crawlers again.

[@makikuma91]

First of all, 100% Yes to everything you said about etrian odyssey. Second, maybe zanki zero: last beginning could fit in that list too, it has the most unique approach to dungeon crawlers I've ever seen and it really made me feel for all my characters, and this weird feeling of being all alone with a couple of strangers in an extinct world made me root for them a lot. Definitly give that a shot if you find some time.

[@TheKisekiNut]

Zanki Zero looks like it would be right up my alley. I know Tarks enjoyed it, so that's enough to suggest I would too.

[@frozenfury0]

Man, you really selling me on some of these games having you talk about your experience with them.😄

[@TheKisekiNut]

They're not going anywhere, so put them on your backlog!

[@PloysMaw]

Octopath Traveler II and Blue Reflection both the 1st and Second are truly special. I only finished Octopath Traveler II yesterday and it was such a great experience well worth the over 100hrs I sunk into it. I won't be forgetting each travelers stories anytime soon. For those who have played/playing I'd like to know who they chose to start off with and why.

[@orvillethesecond5397]

I just started with the Etrian odyssey HD collection remaster can't wait for the rest of the series to be ported to nintendo switch!!!

[@jamesrule1338]

The theme park in Nier: Automata is one of my favorite video game levels of all time. When I hit the dudgeon of Etrian Odyssey Untold: The Millennium Girl my brain melted. That game grabbed me from the very start, mind you. More of an action game than a standard JRPG, but Elden Ring is one of my favorite games for atmosphere. Fromsoft's games in general (And the Souls-likes in particular) just ooze atmosphere.

[@Rex_Cosmos]

This list earned my respect once I saw No No Kuni. Will definitely check out the others on the list as a result.

[@AkumaItachi]

Since i recently finally started playing the whole Trails franchise (halfway through Sky SC now), it made me smile to recognize Schera on your outro screen Just wanted to say that Since your videos are a big reason i decided to dive into that franchise Good video, i love atmosphere and artstyle in games way more than actual graphical fidelity because they are better at presenting the world imo Have to agree with Octopath 2, such a brilliant game, Throne's story was so good

[@mintman3533]

Personally I preferred SMT4's atmosphere over 3, at just how bizarre and surreal it is. That combined with the imagery and music made for something extremely memorable.

[@RayzeCruxis]

Ah Blue Reflection. One of few games that made me cry due to the characters feeling so real.

[@DarkPhoenix89]

Great video, man. Nier is an incredible game. What an experience playing that game. I've got to stream that sometime.

[@TheKisekiNut]

Nier Automata is so damn good!

[@Terranigma23]

Recently for me it's easily the game "Chained Echoes". It was so good. Also, I can't wait for Sea of Stars. :)

[@Trenell83]

Welp. Anyone who praises anything in my favorite RPG series Etrian Odyssey get my like good sir. Thanks for bringing up memories of hours i had on Etrian Odyssey: The Mellenium Girl.

[@KrsJin]

Great list. Others I would consider would be Chained Echoes and Scarlet Nexus.

[@Felipe-oe5su]

Are the stories in etrian odyssey games any good? The art style is right up my alley

[@TheKisekiNut]

I only got about 30 hours in to Millennium Girl before my computer crashed and I had all those problems last year, so I lost all my progress and never got back round to finishing it. But it was really good up till that point, I never got around to YTing the rest though.

[@marktaylor4603]

Some not bought Blue Reflection 2, after Part 1 had not much to give, but i have both done, cause i knew there is potencial

[@DD4650-u1k]

My name is Kiseki Nut, and I decimate segues.

[@ssjdennis6058]

OT2 seems like a bigger version of Live a live. Nocturne also on my list for ages, but afraid it might frustrate me too much. Ni No Kuni was a gift. Not sure what went wrong with NNK2. Felt differently and less fun. Might be just me.

[@Scuzoid_Melee]

6:45 It fits like a what? Is that a thing you do? I kid. Just never heard the idiom include lubrication. I've heard "Well worn glove." like you broke in the leather gloves and now it's almost a second skin but never any other addition. Great video. I feel like a lot of indie games do atmosphere well. Probably because a lot of indie games are ONLY gameplay and atmosphere. Usually very basic story with little character development.

[@TheKisekiNut]

Glad someone noticed.

[@Nikita_Akashya]

I didn't play any of these games, but I agree on Nocturne. My friend did this wonderful Lets play last year or so. It was a very great game to have on in the background while grinding in Fire Emblem or Pokemon. But I am usually not that much of an atmosphere person. Except in Xenoblade 3 maybe. Although I couldn't tell you what kind of atmosphere it was. Maybe that of a dying world where everything is locked in a big ass war. And the fear people have for the future. Or something. I am an idiot who doesn't know how to describe this stuff. Although the one thing about FE Engages DLC comes to mind. That story was hella depressing. The world was dead and the whole arc was just, depression the game. It was so damn sad. And I also think older Pokemon titles also really nail their atmosphere, especially in the legendary encounters. The whole segment with Ho-Oh and Lugia in the Gen 2 Remakes was just insanely mesmerizing. It completely nailed the majesty(I don't know which word I'm going for here) they were going for. I think. And the Red fight. That moment at the top of Mt. Silver really puts on the pressure and majesty(again, I don't know words) of the situation. I don't believe I play many atmospheric games, but the Pokemon DS titles? Damn, they had that down. I still enjoy Pokemon but I just don't think the legendaries are that majestic and amazing anymore like the gods of time, space and the seas. Pokemon was so cool back then.

[@hhaammzzaattaarraaff3313]

The rpg that nailled it's atmosphere and maneged to be more frightening and grotesque than any other game ever is FEAR AND HUNGER and it's sequel Termina

[@themexdaniel]

Blue reflection is a beautiful game

[@BlueCrimson10]

You failed to talk about the biggest selling point of Etrian Odyssey Untold, that was probably the reason it's here: the labyrinth itself. The game tells you at the beginning that it's a large, beautiful place, but it's every bit as dangerous too. Especially if you've played RPGs before, it's not uncommon for players to dismiss that as "haha good one, see you later" until they visit the labyrinth themselves. Monsters everywhere, the FOEs which instill fear into the player by its works rather than just by being told it's a dangerous monster, all the traps everywhere, and the events you'll find here and there while exploring which could benefit you or harm you and you'd have no way of knowing which decision will benefit you until you have already chosen one. It's the quintessential adventure game in every possible definition of the word.

[@nr2676]

No SMT Strange Journey ? It's also mainline.

[@MedokaLightning]

I just wanna say I would love to play Blue Reflection but I only have a Switch and it got no re-released yet :( I think it’s bit wired because they ported the second BR title Blue Reflection Second Light to the Switch but not the first title wich.. totally confused me 🫤 because… why are they porting the second title of this series to the Switch but NOT the first one O.o sometimes.. japanese video game studios are a bit bizarre in there choices 🤷‍♀️

[@BigHalfSteps]

I agree with the games, but my heart will always go back to The Last Remnant, with a continent vast of many cities belonging to Lords that hold their city and territory with badass remnant weapons that can win a war against an army. Different intelligent life like the Yamas (fish people), Qsitis (basically frog people), your average human and my freaking favourite fantasy race the Sovani - lynx people with four arms, who are a strong warrior race who wields four one-handers or two two-handers. There is magic, there are artifacts, there is a political intrigue in the story (although I wished they would have gone even deeper) and you see deserts, swamps, jungles, mines, volcanoes, temples, ruins, and whatnot. And if it wasn't unique enough, the battle system revolves around using a small army of your own, up to 5 teams, who learn new abilities through usage (using like a team for support will enhance them to be better at support, asking you for items or weapons that could improve their skills). Whenever I think of TLR i want to play it again through, since it's my favourite game of all time, but I have already so many games on the backburner..

[@TheKisekiNut]

I could never get in to the Last Remnant, tried twice but there was something about it that I'll never warm to.

[@BigHalfSteps]

@@TheKisekiNut Understandable. I almost quit Tales of Arise as after the fourth lord it felt so unbelievably stretched out and grindy, but you know that yourself. I just was on the edge of uninstalling, which says a lot, I'm not really a quitter

[@steffenbauer1222]

6:01 who is this girl from?

[@heretic124]

Oh boy, you're in for a treat. It's Aqua from Kono Subarashii Sekai ni Shukufuku wo! a.k.a. KonoSuba.

[@Scuzoid_Melee]

@@heretic124 One of maybe 2 or 3 anime to make me consistently laugh. Prior to the release of Konosuba, I thought anime just didn't get western humor or a lot was lost in translation.

[@steffenbauer1222]

Ok i thought it was grom a game

[@kclink1579]

0:13 What is the game.

[@Jellordgames]

King's field is one of the best atmospheric game series of all time. This is my opinion fight me.

[@veespa_]

Drippy in NNK1 annoyed me to no end with the over-tutorializing with no option to turn it off. It really hurt the game for me.

[@lukasvitroler2178]

Octopath traveler 2 is really so good?

[@wheresatari668]

Hey! You're a Kiseki Nut. I have question completely unrelated to this video. I have been playing Reverie lately. Is it just me, or does the cathedral music in that sound almost note for note like the cathedral music in Dragon Quest VIII and XI? Maybe it's been too long since I've played those, but to me it does from what I remember. If that is indeed the case, how did they not get in trouble? I digress. Thanks for the vids!

[@francoikari5085]

There are many unique settings in RPG games like Eternal Sonata, a fantasy inspired by the music. I like how in FFXIII the narrative goes hand in hand with the setting, you take on the role of those who are considered enemies of humanity, so the exploration it is eliminated because you are a threat, and all that remains is a constant escape. And when two characters from your group decide to flee from this and group together in the city, they are soon pursued leading to the death of innocent people. In Genshin Impact, there is perhaps the world most incredible I've ever seen, there are 7 nations commanded by a God called archon and each one reflects the style and based on a real place. mountains reflecting the Archon of Earth, and Sumeru is divided into a rainforest filled with towering trees and a desert reflecting the downfall of a people who sought forbidden power. And the game isn't even complete yet, there are 3 regions left to launch

[@tombrooke1281]

Eternal Sonata was special and should definitely be on this list in terms of atmosphere. Many people skipped this game and it was brilliant, probably because it was a 360 exclusive for a long time and when it released on the PS3 it had almost no coverage, I can only assume he hasn't played it or its considered to be too old since it's a PS3 title, but it was such a unique atmospheric experience and everything in it was great.

[@demetriusfairley9274]

i love japan games like super robot wars z my kind of energy

[@TheKisekiNut]

Giant robots are cool.

[@demetriusfairley9274]

@@TheKisekiNut i love the batte poses like guran logan..yoko from there respected anime i get goosebump eveytime seeing it to this day

[@heretic124]

How the hell is Persona 4 Golden or 5 Royal missing from this list? There may not be a more atmospheric game, let alone RPG released since 2016. than P5. If you disqualified it for how obvious it is, which is understandable, at least say it's an honorable mention.

[@Sortyourselfout-cu7en]

What atmosphere? Going through the modern day streets of Tokyo is far from 'entering another world'.

[@BmoreAkuma]

The same ole "defeat god" with the power of friendship? Both have a arc to deal with but when the "real bad" shows up and then all of that work to beat it seemingly becomes a chore to get the "true ending".

[@heretic124]

@@Sortyourselfout-cu7en The music, the characters, the art style. Are you trolling?

[@ltb1345]

@@heretic124 This video was about the physical atmosphere of the worlds though, not those other aspects.

[@nr2676]

Characters are anime tropies archetypes asf, how this can by atmospheric ?@@heretic124