PS2 RPG suggestions

[Hamlet3145]

Hi There,

I'm in the process of getting my grubby hands on a new PS2.  I've played Final Fantasy X and have just ordred Xenosaga.  Any other must have titles?

--Hamlet

[archipelago]

If you like more action orientated RPGs, I'd suggest Dark Cloud 2.
The best word I can think of to describe it is "charming."
Beautiful graphics, a tonne of side things to do, and just fun to play.
The town building aspects are pretty great as well!

[Destructor]

Star Ocean 3. I personally loved the game and reviewed it over here, if you're curious as to how much I liked it.

[farley2k]

I am loving Shadow Hearts: Covenant right now.  The best thing (in my opinion) the game has jokes!!  I am so sick of overly serious/dark games.  This game has points where I have actually laughed out loud.  It has been a long time since a console game has made me laugh.

Everything else is wonderful about the game too.  

Check this forum for some good posts about the game.

[Hamlet3145]

Nice review--that's definitely on my list now.

[Gratch]

For a recent game, I'll second Shadow Hearts:  Covenant.  A couple minor nit-picks aside, it is overall a fantastic game.  I'm about 20 hours in, and am completely hooked.  The oriiginal Shadow Hearts is also a greast RPG.

If you've got FFX and Xenosaga, you've already got 2 of the best.  Xenosaga is one of my personal favorites, and I can't wait for the second installment to arrive.

[Qbe]

Wild Arms 3 is both fun and cheap.

[-Lord Ebonstone-]

-Breath of Fire: Dragon Quarter :  Bizarre RPG whereby you're more or less doomed to failure--but lose, and you can restart the game with much of what you'd earned before hand.  A cyclic and mesmorizing experience that ties directly into the disturbing and beautiful storyline.

-Shadow Hearts :  Think of a Lovecraftian Final Fantasy set at the beginning of World War 1, and you've got Shadow Hearts.  Contend with secret cults, daemons, and your characters' own sanity as you race to prevent a horrible cataclysm.

-Shadow Hearts: Covenant :  The brilliant sequal to Shadow Hearts.  Humorous at times, disturbingly serious at others.  Begins at the end of the first game, so if you're into orderly gameplay, play Shadow Hearts first.

-Phantom Brave  :  Nippon Ichi's latest and greatest strategy-RPG.  Addictive, deep beyond words and amazingly customizable.  Thankfully the official strategy guide from Double Jump kicks ass... grab this if you enjoyed games like Final Fantasy: Tactics.

-Disgaea: Hour of Darkness  :  Nippon Ichi's first SRPG (strategy RPG) released in the states.  More traditional than Phantom Brave, but still deep beyond comprehension.  Disgaea and Phantom Brave could literally have hundreds of hours of gameplay in them if you're a completist.  Note that Disgaea is fairly rare, though.

-Summoner 2  :  Sure, the story doesn't make alot of sense, but there's a ton of gameplay to be had here in a vibrant, but not cartoony world.  More 'actiony' than most RPGs, but still more than world the $20 or less it costs nowadays.

I'll post if I remember more.

[Calvin]

Yo Ebonstone-
Have you actually played the first Shadow Hearts? Wondering if I should play that one first since I am pretty sure I want to get Covenant-looking for your input on that one.

[-Lord Ebonstone-]

Yo Ebonstone-
Have you actually played the first Shadow Hearts? Wondering if I should play that one first since I am pretty sure I want to get Covenant-looking for your input on that one.

I've played some of it.  To be honest, I was naughty and started Covenant first, so I'll probably finish it before going back to the first one.

I do have two copies of the original Shadow Hearts, though--one is actually still sealed (it was the promo copy I got with my Covenant preorder deal).  If you're still looking for a copy of the first game, perhaps we could work a trade out or something?  PM/Email me if interested.

[warning]

Yo Ebonstone-
Have you actually played the first Shadow Hearts? Wondering if I should play that one first since I am pretty sure I want to get Covenant-looking for your input on that one.

I've played some of it.  To be honest, I was naughty and started Covenant first, so I'll probably finish it before going back to the first one.

I do have two copies of the original Shadow Hearts, though--one is actually still sealed (it was the promo copy I got with my Covenant preorder deal).  If you're still looking for a copy of the first game, perhaps we could work a trade out or something?  PM/Email me if interested.

If Rage doesn't snag your copy let me know.  I'd be interested once Mr. Paycheck arrives.

[depward]

I highly recommend Shadow Hearts Covenant.  I finished it up today after about 45 hours and was just thoroughly impressed.  Definately one of my favorite RPGs now, hands down.  If you like FFX it's somewhat like that in its sort of "style."  Hard to explain, but yeah, really recommend it.  I played about 5 hours of the original but then went through and played Covenant.

As far as others, I've had fun with Star Ocean as well.  Breath of Fire - Dragon Quarter was definately different, but pretty fun as well.

[Gratch]

Yo Ebonstone-
Have you actually played the first Shadow Hearts? Wondering if I should play that one first since I am pretty sure I want to get Covenant-looking for your input on that one.

Playing through the first game helps, but isn't necessary.  There are a few things that take on a much deeper meaning if you've played the original, but nothing that would cause you to become completely lost.

BTW, I have an extra copy of the original as well if somebody is interested.  Just let me know...

[Hamlet3145]

Thanks for all the suggestions!  Another random question:  is there any particular reason that the PS2 has so many more RPS than other consoles?  Things seem kind of skewed.  :wink:

[farley2k]

Thanks for all the suggestions!  Another random question:  is there any particular reason that the PS2 has so many more RPS than other consoles?  Things seem kind of skewed.  :wink:

Yes, it is a better console.

Seriously it probably has to do with the fact that Sony has a much deeper market in Japan than MS and many/most of the RPGs listed are from Japaness companies.  So naturally they want to program on a system which will sell well in their own country.

[Charlatan]

Hammy, if you're interested in Dark Cloud 2 shoot me a PM here or at the Wanderers site.

[olaf]

Another vote for Shadow Hearts 2.

olaf

edit: SMT:Nocturne looks cool too, and that is out in a couple of days.