You’re back for part six, so I suppose last episode’s portable extravaganza didn’t appease those of you who wanted a full-course meal. But don’t worry, there’s still hope. After all, if a single turducken can satisfy John Madden, then there must be a JRPG that’ll please even the most vocal of JRPG critics. Unfortunately, just the thought of a turkey stuffed with duck is making me lose my appetite, so I’m going to leave you to devour this JRPG-stuffed bird.
¡Viva la Revolución!
Throughout history, there have been numerous instances of tyrants being overthrown by other despots or strong-willed leaders that believe in change. In a series called Suikoden, you can actually live this dream. Unlike most JRPGs, the Suikoden series doesn’t send four young warriors on a quest to save the world; instead, you play as a silent protagonist whose goal is to restore balance to a region by amassing an army and setting up your own headquarters.
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During each Suikoden title, you’ll create a sizable fighting force by recruiting 108 ‘Stars of Destiny’ while visiting villages, castles, and mountain paths. Each of these 108 Stars has their own personality quirks and abilities, but it’s up to you to decide who should be taken into battle.
Speaking of battles, the Suikoden series has three types: standard six-party-member turn-based battles, wars where you control thousands of troops, and one-on-one duels. Suikoden’s turn-based battles and duels have remained similar throughout the series, but its army battles have constantly evolved. Some Suikoden titles’ army battles allow you to make relatively few decisions, but others have you commanding troops in strategy-RPG-like fashion.
The Suikoden series is also well-regarded because of its mature storylines, relatable characters, and believable villains (vampires excluded). Suikoden 2 best represents what the series has to offer with a great cast of characters and a war scenario that is analogous to the events that preceded World War 2. Let’s just hope it’s re-released before the start of a third world war.
How to play it: Selling your wife’s wedding ring should cover your Ebay fee.
Is the cost of Suikoden 2 destroying your marriage? Then try: Suikoden ($6 on PSN), Suikoden 3, and Suikoden 5.
You Can Fly!
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Do you yearn for the days in which you could ride dragons bareback and commandeer airships in your favorite JRPGs? Well, you’re in luck if you have 200 dollars to spend, because Panzer Dragon Saga allows you to soar the skies during the majority of your quest.
Panzer Dragoon Saga doesn’t just grant you the opportunity to glide through 3D arenas, however; it also enables you to immolate your opponents during random encounters. Its unique battle system grants you the freedom to circle your opponents by tapping directions on the d-pad and also allows you to perform various close combat maneuvers and long-ranged attacks. These abilities combined with a variety of menu-based moves and skill customization options makes Panzer Dragoon Saga’s combat an exceptional experience.
Panzer Dragoon Saga is fairly short for an RPG, but it makes up for this with the sense of freedom its flight brings. Unfortunately, the high price of this title can’t be justified, so it’s best to experience a game that’s more conventional, but evokes a similar feeling such as Skies of Arcadia.
How to play it: Find a working Sega Saturn and spend over $200 (that’s no easy task!).
Is Panzer Dragoon Saga’s price getting you down? Then try Skies of Arcadia or the cheaper on-rails-shooter Panzer Dragoons.
For Classical Music Lovers and Artsy Types
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Alright you classical music lovers — forget about Bach and Beethoven. And please, tell your Mozart lovin’ teacher to take a hike. Instead, prepare to experience a beautiful adventure inside the head of Frédéric Chopin.
Eternal Sonata presents a dramatic tale that mirrors the events of Chopin’s life. In his dream world, you’ll encounter flowery fields, quaint European towns, and tyrants. Despite this world being imaginary, you’ll come across themes and subjects that are highly relevant to the real world such as environmental preservation, human greed, and the thoughts of various European philosophers.
What’s most striking about Eternal Sonata, though is its serene visuals and music. Its meticulously designed anime art conveys the beauty of nature through tiny life forms such as pulsating fireflies and grass that rustles in the wind. The classical music that accompanies this experience and its historical interludes is equally impressive.
Fortunately for those of you who actually like to play games, Eternal Sonata also boasts an innovative battle system. It’s a hybrid of real-time and turn-based gameplay elements that allows you to move and use as many abilities as you can during your character’s turn. It also has an interesting light and dark component that enables your characters to execute different moves depending on whether they’re standing in a shadowy or illuminated area. As is usually the case with RPGs, battles eventually grow tiresome, but at least Eternal Sonata did something fresh instead of imitating the Tales series.
How to play it: Purchase the Xbox 360 or PS3 version on Amazon or Ebay.
Looking for another artsy game? You better start praying, because Eternal Sonata’s poor sales suggest there won’t be another musical RPG in the near future.
If you still aren’t satisfied after reading about virtual resistance movements, aerial combat, and deceased European composers, then there’s something seriously wrong with you. Regardless of your questionable taste, I’m going to whip up another batch of JRPG cookies. Maybe next time you’ll find a game or two that’s sickeningly sweet.