What's the best portable introduction to RPGs??

BrerDan

BrerDan

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I'm more of a dabbler than a serious gamer, but I've amassed a HUGE library of games thanks to sites like this (I've picked up lots of games based on reputation when I find them cheap). Most of the games I've played a fair amount of, but they've been mostly straightforward games like Mario, Metroid, Zelda, Animal Crossing or Chibi Robo. I've always been curious about RPG games, but honestly worried about them overwhelming me. I watch my partner play Oblivion and just think I couldn't possibly keep track of it all.

So...I am looking to venture forth into RPG games...and want to start with my portables, but am not sure where to start. Should I go with "traditional" RPGs, or is something like Pokemon an easier approach? It seems to me that Pokemon is just an RPG with kid-friendly dressing....am I totally wrong here?

One final note, online and shared play is irrelevant for me, as I have no one to play with (my partner won't play portable games).

Here are my options based on what I own:

Final Fantasy 1&2 (GBA)
Final Fantasy 3 (DS)
Mario and Luigi (both GBA and DS)
Golden Sun (GBA)
Puzzle Quest (DS)
Tales of Phantasia (GBA)
Pokemon Yellow (early Gameboy game--although I'd be willing to pick up Leaf Green or whatever if people really recommend it).


Any thoughts are appreciated!


BrerDan
 
I would probably recommend Mario & Luigi for GBA. I've just started that recently. It's a great intro because everything is pretty simple, but it has the RPG-standard turn-based battles, but no random encounters. And some basic stat building.

Other things like FF and Tales of Phantasia are brutally hard, which would not be a way to jump into things. Golden Sun is probably closer to Mario & Luigi, but more complex.
 
I loved both Mario and Luigi games, as well as Golden Sun. However, Final Fantasy I is rather simple and probably the best to start with since it isn't as complex as some RPGs.

Also, you can never go wrong with some good pogeymanz.
 
Skip Pokemon Yellow, Leaf Green or whatever and pick up Diamond or Pearl. Well maybe pick up Leaf Green or Fire Red to transfer over once you beat it and the once you beat D/P. But I would start with Final Fantasy I and II. Then go to Pokemon. They are lots of fun.
 
Golden Sun is the best out of your bunch imo. That is what I would go with. Everyone says FFIII is really hard, but I never got wiped out once until the extra dungeon.
 
I'll second the Mario & Luigi games. The controls are basic and easy to pick up quickly. There isn't a lot of equipment or items that you have to worry about. The enemies and bosses aren't too difficult. Also, the story isn't too complex. It's a perfect beginner RPG in my opinion. I haven't played any of the other games except for FF1&2 and that was on the playstation. Those aren't terribly difficult either, but the Mario & Luigi games are definitely simpler.
 
Personally, I liked the Mario & Luigi games the best. However, I think if you're curious about the Japanese RPG genre, Golden Sun is probably a safe bet. I played through the beginning but had to stop, but it seemed like a decent, typical JRPG (btw, it's not exactly one of my favorite genres). I played very, very briefly FFI, but it seemed kinda boring to me (maybe it's dated). I love Puzzle Quest, but I don't think it's a good game for getting a taste of RPGs. I haven't tried any of the Pokemons.
 
Out of everything on your list, I'd go with Golden Sun. Both Golden Sun and its sequel were great. IMO it has all the elements of a good RPG, and I don't think the puzzles are too difficult either. The story is engaging too.

If you want to venture into the world of Pokemon, get Diamond or Pearl for the DS.
 
Golden Sun here as well. Golden Sun and the Golden Sun The Lost Age are really good. Easy to pick up and play and it holds your interest.
 
Given that Final Fantasy I is regarded by many as the birth of RPGs as they're known in the US, I say go with that. I finished the GBA one this past winter, and loved it playing it on my Micro even more than when I originally played through it on the NES. It is somewhat dated, but it's my second favorite Final Fantasy game next to the original US SNES release of FF III. It's a fantastic game that deserves to be played through at least once ;)

I've also played through most of the first Golden Sun game, and it's also an incredibly well-produced game with a great story. Without a doubt, it's designed more for today's gamers than the original Final Fantasy. I never finished it simply b/c I didn't have time to keep playing, and my gaming sessions grew further and further apart. After I finish Fire Emblem, that's the next game I'm getting back into.

Both FF I and Golden Sun are incredible, and though I think Golden Sun is the more "current" game, I highly recommend FF I for everything it represents, from the story, battles, and roots that are still noticeable in RPGs today.
 
Golden Sun is one of the most oppressively mediocre RPGs I've ever played. It's derivative in every way possible and doesn't do anything particularly well.

Best intro to RPGs out of those is probably Mario & Luigi... Final Fantasy III's the best RPG there, but it's definitely not for beginners.
 
I love Puzzle Quest, but I'd skip it if you're looking to get into RPGs. It's more of a puzzle game with RPG elements, so it won't give you a good feel for a traditional RPG. I haven't gotten around to playing any of the games on your list yet, but I think the Final Fantasy series is a pretty standard representation of a traditional RPG. IV was my first Final Fantasy (and it remains my favorite), so you could always get that for the GBA or wait for the DS version; that would require buying one of them though, so if you want to stick to the games you have, I'm sure Final Fantasy I is a good one to try for starters.
 
Who cares if a game is "classic" and the "grandfather" of all other games of its type? If it's boring, it's boring. I have found all Final Fantasy's oppressively mediocre, as Chacrana puts it, except for maybe III for the SNES ( aka VI for the GBA). Actually, I usually find all traditional RPG's boring and too drawn-out and extravagant (exhaustingly long spell/summoning pre-strike animations, anyone?), but there are exceptions. Here are my favorite RPG's (not necessarily for GBA and in no particular order):

-Chrono Trigger
-Mario and Luigi
-Zelda games (though they aren't technically RPG's)
-Super Mario RPG
-Alundra

I guess style is a big player in the game for me. Ah, but I digress, opinions are different and everyone has them. Sorry if I stepped on anyone's toes here.

Anyway, all that being said, I'm sure you'd enjoy Mario and Luigi. It has a more involved, however simple, battle system that makes the game feel more like an actual game and less like a menu navigating engine.
 
To BrerDan...

After reading deathweasel's response, I think you should play all of the RPGs on your list for multiple reasons. You're getting into very different RPG experiences, and while some people will say one is "better" than another, I think they're all well-developed and interesting games. Granted, you might enjoy one type of RPG more than another, but w/o actually playing them, you'll never know. Everyone feels differently about this, which is why there are so many different types, and you owe it to yourself to figure out which you'll enjoy the most. No matter which ones you choose, they're all great games ;)

EDIT:

deathweasel,

No offense meant, it was just your response that made me think of this :cool:
 
Thanks all for the balanced responses. It does seem like each game has its own advantages, which is why I was struggling to begin with....but I knew that getting some more voices would help.

Since I already have these games, I think I'll go with what I have rather than picking up a new Pokemon....and so the winner is:

Mario and Luigi (since that will seem familiar to me, and has that dynamic battle system)

After that, I plan on diving into a "real" RPG with Golden Sun. And if I like it, then I'll move into FF III .

I respect that FF I may have been one of the ones that started it all, but I'd rather go with something that I'll more naturally relate to--at least to start.

Thanks all!

Dan
 
yeah, FFVI is brilliant. If you like the genre, this is probably my favorite EVER...and it's portable. Can't go wrong there. FFIV is also spectacular.
 
[quote name='Chacrana']Golden Sun is one of the most oppressively mediocre RPGs I've ever played. It's derivative in every way possible and doesn't do anything particularly well.
[/QUOTE]

Same.

I tried to get into Golden Sun, put 6 - 7 hours into it, and the story is boring, the characters are boring, and it is a huge exercise in mediocrity.

I think it got such huge reviews simply because the GBA didn't have much else at the time.

Take the suggestion up above and start with FF 6... hell start with FF 4, that's pretty cheap these days.
 
[quote name='waxHead']To BrerDan...

After reading deathweasel's response, I think you should play all of the RPGs on your list for multiple reasons. You're getting into very different RPG experiences, and while some people will say one is "better" than another, I think they're all well-developed and interesting games. Granted, you might enjoy one type of RPG more than another, but w/o actually playing them, you'll never know. Everyone feels differently about this, which is why there are so many different types, and you owe it to yourself to figure out which you'll enjoy the most. No matter which ones you choose, they're all great games ;)

EDIT:

deathweasel,

No offense meant, it was just your response that made me think of this :cool:[/QUOTE]

None taken, my man. It's all a matter of opinion. I wasn't trying to say any one style or type of RPG was better than another, I was just basically relating my preference and offering advice based on that.

Oh, and about my favorite RPG's... after thinking about it for a while, Chrono Trigger is probably my favorite RPG of all time, followed closely by Super Mario RPG. I just loved those two. Chrono Cross for PS1 is great as well, though a lot of people complain about it not being a true sequel to Chrono Trigger. It's still fun.
 
[quote name='Chacrana']Golden Sun is one of the most oppressively mediocre RPGs I've ever played. It's derivative in every way possible and doesn't do anything particularly well.

Best intro to RPGs out of those is probably Mario & Luigi... Final Fantasy III's the best RPG there, but it's definitely not for beginners.[/quote]

I guess it is all about taste. FF3 was the second worst FF game I ever played. The characters were forgetable, the story didn't make sense and was dull and not being able to save anywhere was a pain in the stupid crystal tower. There is nothing better than spending hours getting to the top of stupid tower only to die in the first round against some dragon.

Golden Sun on the other hand was great but I wouldn't recommend it as first time rpg. I think I'd go with FFT or FF4.
 
[quote name='deathweasel']Oh, and about my favorite RPG's... after thinking about it for a while, Chrono Trigger is probably my favorite RPG of all time, followed closely by Super Mario RPG. I just loved those two. Chrono Cross for PS1 is great as well, though a lot of people complain about it not being a true sequel to Chrono Trigger. It's still fun.[/quote]
For all the RPGs I played through when I was younger, I never owned Chrono Trigger, never played through it. Same with Super Mario RPG, I never even knew that was a game until two or three years ago. Always meant to get and play both, but I just don't have the kind of time to devote to them like I did when I was 12 ;)

Wasn't Chrono Trigger released in one of those PS1 RPG collections? If it was, I'm sure I have it somewhere, though I know I've read that the original cart plays more naturally than the PS1 disc version. Then again, maybe I'm thinking of a different game...? I keep looking for the next true Secret of Mana sequel, though given all the years, I don't really expect to see one at this point.
 
For the DS I recommend Mario and Luigi, Final Fantasy 3, and Magical Starsign. Their all easy to start playing. A lot of people say FF3 is difficult, but it's pretty easy if you like leveling up.

I was wondering if everyone here prefers playing their rpg's on portables or home consoles? Now on I prefer playing on the DS cause of all the time these games require and I can play anytime.
 
[quote name='waxHead']For all the RPGs I played through when I was younger, I never owned Chrono Trigger, never played through it. Same with Super Mario RPG, I never even knew that was a game until two or three years ago. Always meant to get and play both, but I just don't have the kind of time to devote to them like I did when I was 12 ;).[/QUOTE]
Wow, you have to play both of them. No questions, go play, now! Mario RPG might be hard to find, but it's well worth the effort.

[/QUOTE=waxHead;2912282]Wasn't Chrono Trigger released in one of those PS1 RPG collections? If it was, I'm sure I have it somewhere, though I know I've read that the original cart plays more naturally than the PS1 disc version. Then again, maybe I'm thinking of a different game...? I keep looking for the next true Secret of Mana sequel, though given all the years, I don't really expect to see one at this point.[/QUOTE]
Yeah, Chrono Trigger is on Final Fantasy Chronicles for the PS1. There's not a huge difference between the PS1 and SNES versions... if you haven't played the SNES version you won't notice anything amiss. But yeah, I prefer to play it on the SNES. I got all excited about Legend of Mana for PS1... but got it and couldn't get into it. So boring... and it felt empty.
 
[quote name='waxHead']For all the RPGs I played through when I was younger, I never owned Chrono Trigger, never played through it. Same with Super Mario RPG, I never even knew that was a game until two or three years ago. Always meant to get and play both, but I just don't have the kind of time to devote to them like I did when I was 12 ;)

Wasn't Chrono Trigger released in one of those PS1 RPG collections? If it was, I'm sure I have it somewhere, though I know I've read that the original cart plays more naturally than the PS1 disc version. Then again, maybe I'm thinking of a different game...? I keep looking for the next true Secret of Mana sequel, though given all the years, I don't really expect to see one at this point.[/QUOTE]

Wow, you have to play both of them. No questions, go play, now! Mario RPG might be hard to find, but it's well worth the effort. Yeah, Chrono Trigger is on Final Fantasy Chronicles for the PS1. There's not a huge difference between the PS1 and SNES versions... if you haven't played the SNES version you won't notice anything amiss. But yeah, I prefer to play it on the SNES. I got all excited about Legend of Mana for PS1... but got it and couldn't get into it. So boring... and it felt empty.
 
OK, I get totally confused when it comes to FF. Has VI always been V! in the US? Do the GBA/DS numberings match the previous SNES numberings? Is this the one previously unreleased here?

I remember when I first started playing on the SNES in college (I was late to gaming, and am still pretty casual about it at the age of 33) it seemed that Chrono something (Trigger or something else I don't know) and FF III were the hot games--but I refused to pay those prices back then. Is this the same FF III as out now on GBA/DS? I might have to go to that after Mario and Luigi the way I wanted to play it back then.


[quote name='TahoeMax']yeah, FFVI is brilliant. If you like the genre, this is probably my favorite EVER...and it's portable. Can't go wrong there. FFIV is also spectacular.[/QUOTE]
 
[quote name='BrerDan']OK, I get totally confused when it comes to FF. Has VI always been V! in the US? Do the GBA/DS numberings match the previous SNES numberings? Is this the one previously unreleased here?

I remember when I first started playing on the SNES in college (I was late to gaming, and am still pretty casual about it at the age of 33) it seemed that Chrono something (Trigger or something else I don't know) and FF III were the hot games--but I refused to pay those prices back then. Is this the same FF III as out now on GBA/DS? I might have to go to that after Mario and Luigi the way I wanted to play it back then.[/quote]

Yes, the Final Fantasy chronology is quite confusing, especially to those not very familiar with the series.
The variation in ordering was caused by a couple games that were released in Japan that were releaeed in the States til much later in the future...
I hope this chronology will help you understand

JAPAN ----------------------------- US
Final Fantasy I (famicom) ----- Final Fantasy I (NES), Origins (PS), I&II DoS (GBA)
Final Fantasy II (Famicom) ----Final Fantasy Origins (PS), I&II DoS (GBA)
Final Fantasy III (Famicom) ---FF III DS
FF IV ( Super Famicom) --------FF II (SNES), IV (GBA), Chronciles (PS)
FF V (Super Famicom) ----------FF V (GBA), Anthology (PS)
FF VI (Super Famicom) ---------FF III (SNES), VI (GBA), Anthology (PS)

after VI... both US & JPN pretty much follow the same chronology...
& I do believe you were talking about Chrono Trigger for the SNES - which was a pretty AMAZING game for the snes. That too was ported to the Playstation along with FF IV as Final Fantasy Chronicles.

Hope that helps.. :)
 
Wow! This helps a lot. I knew that the Japanese versions were originally released differently here, but was unsure if the GBS/DS line followed the Japanese or original U.S. numbering.

Thanks much! So FFVI that people seem to love is the same FFIII people loved back when. Looks like I'll eventually have to track that down.

They need to put Chrono Trigger on the DS now.....since I don't have any Playstation systems :)

Thanks again!


[quote name='guynextshore']Yes, the Final Fantasy chronology is quite confusing, especially to those not very familiar with the series.
The variation in ordering was caused by a couple games that were released in Japan that we're releaeed in the States til much later in the future...
I hope this chronology will help you understand

JAPAN ----------------------------- US
Final Fantasy I (famicom) ----- Final Fantasy I (NES), Origins (PS), I&II DoS (GBA)
Final Fantasy II (Famicom) ----Final Fantasy Origins (PS), I&II DoS (GBA)
Final Fantasy III (Famicom) ---FF III DS
FF IV ( Super Famicom) --------FF II (SNES), IV (GBA), Chronciles (PS)
FF V (Super Famicom) ----------FF V (GBA), Anthology (PS)
FF VI (Super Famicom) ---------FF III (SNES), VI (GBA), Anthology (PS)

after VI... both US & JPN pretty much follow the same chronology...
& I do believe you were talking about Chrono Trigger for the SNES - which was a pretty AMAZING game for the snes. That too was ported to the Playstation along with FF IV as Final Fantasy Chronicles.

Hope that helps.. :)[/QUOTE]
 
[quote name='BrerDan']Wow! This helps a lot. I knew that the Japanese versions were originally released differently here, but was unsure if the GBS/DS line followed the Japanese or original U.S. numbering.

Thanks much! So FFVI that people seem to love is the same FFIII people loved back when. Looks like I'll eventually have to track that down.

They need to put Chrono Trigger on the DS now.....since I don't have any Playstation systems :)

Thanks again![/quote]

No Problem! :) - Glad I could help.
The GBA sequencing follows Japan's Chronology & that's what majority of the FF Fanatics here uses (not the US one). I do agree with you that Chrono Trigger needs to be remade into the DS (hopefully in a 3D form similar to IV) however, from viewing my list again - I suppose one can see how redundant Square Enix has to be to keep remaking these games to the newest next gen console. Quite sad.
 
I'd suggest staying far away from Golden Sun as possible and pick up Mario & Luigi instead, as that's more of a good introduction to RPGs than boring exercise in RPGing that GS represents.
 
I haven't played most Square Enix rpg's. So I'm fine with them releasing all of these for the DS. I chose to get a Genesis over a Super Nintendo and didn't play any rpg's at that time. Now I can play all of these classics!
 
At least they do a decent job of mixing remakes and new properties. They are bringing out the Crystal Chronicles to the DS.....


[quote name='guynextshore']No Problem! :) - Glad I could help.
The GBA sequencing follows Japan's Chronology & that's what majority of the FF Fanatics here uses (not the US one). I do agree with you that Chrono Trigger needs to be remade into the DS (hopefully in a 3D form similar to IV) however, from viewing my list again - I suppose one can see how redundant Square Enix has to be to keep remaking these games to the newest next gen console. Quite sad.[/QUOTE]
 
While I enjoyed FF III (DS) quite a bit, it is definitely not for beginners. I don't know what rodeo is smoking, but that game is tough in the final area unless you have exactly the right party make-up (I died 3 or 4 times until I switched to said party type and then it was fairly easy). You may want to find the old thread here on CAG about it before you get too far. Start with one of the other games first (but do get to FF III eventually - you'll get a good sense of accomplishment from beating it). Personally, I don't consider the Mario & Luigi/Paper Mario games as RPG's, but I guess they are *very* *very* light RPG games, in a sense ;).
 
No, no, no. Don't listen to some of these posts. They are posting their personal favorites. You said you think games like Oblivion look too complicated. You should start with something that keeps you engaged. That would be Mario and Luigi. Final Fantasy is great, but if you have never played an rpg before, a 'golden sun' or 'final fantasy' is NOT a good place for a newbie to start. Work your way up to those kinds of rpg's.
 
[quote name='dragonreborn23']No, no, no. Don't listen to some of these posts. They are posting their personal favorites. You said you think games like Oblivion look too complicated. You should start with something that keeps you engaged. That would be Mario and Luigi. Final Fantasy is great, but if you have never played an rpg before, a 'golden sun' or 'final fantasy' is NOT a good place for a newbie to start. Work your way up to those kinds of rpg's.[/QUOTE]

Well, you know, they are just GAMES and not rocket science :lol:. I'm sure he could jump into FF and handle it just fine. I would only stay away from FF III at FIRST, because it is not so hard through most of the game and then gets extremely tough at the end (with the lack of a save point near the end which can be frustrating). So I could see that experience turning someone off RPG's for a while. With most games you get an idea how hard it is through normal play - this one ramps up considerably at the end.

But it would be no big deal for him to start with FF I. Though starting with Mario & Luigi is fine, too, and definitely a good start.

Side note: I want to play Oblivion but the main reason I haven't bought it yet (for my new 360) is that I don't have the time for it and if I bought it, it would just sit there and taunt me. I'll get to it eventually ;).
 
Golden Sun is great. Definitely would recommend that or FFIII. Mario and Luigi would probably be good...but I played it on ROM for like 1 hour so it was boring during that time. But ya any of those 3 are good choices I'd say. But I Think you've already planned out the order anyway xD.


Hmm for the DS, which RPGs are the best by the way? Maybe like the top 3 RPGs for the system?
 
[quote name='Spades22']Golden Sun is great. Definitely would recommend that or FFIII. Mario and Luigi would probably be good...but I played it on ROM for like 1 hour so it was boring during that time. But ya any of those 3 are good choices I'd say. But I Think you've already planned out the order anyway xD.


Hmm for the DS, which RPGs are the best by the way? Maybe like the top 3 RPGs for the system?[/quote]i found GS overrated, but my friend loved it, mario and luigi had a grade A localization, and the game was just accessible to ANYONE, besides any game that can make me lol in a bus full of people is awesome in my books :cool:
 
[quote name='Roufuss']
Take the suggestion up above and start with FF 6... hell start with FF 4, that's pretty cheap these days.[/quote]

I agree with the recommendation of FF6, but...play it later.

It will make anything that comes after it seem that much...less.
 
Dude, Golden Sun will blow your mind. Its soo good for a GBA game. The sequel was fantastic as well. After those two games, why don't you get Final Fantasy VI? Many people think that is the best RPG of all time.
 
For someone who's never played RPGs, Mario & Luigi would be an excellent place to start. From there I would play Golden Sun--it's pretty easy, not that long, and is entertaining enough to finish. It's certainly not the best the genre has to offer, but I really liked it.

From there, if you're still interested, move on to the Final Fantasy games. I'd recommend either III, IV, or VI. I don't feel that I and II have aged well enough for someone with no prior experience to truly enjoy, but you may want to at least try them.
 
For your first RPG Golden Sun is a good start. Even though the game has no depth and stupid as hell puzzles, it is easy enough for a new rpg player to grasp onto. Also you can find Golden Sun at the CAG price nowadays, and don't feel bad if you don't finish it because the story sucks and it is bland.

As for Mario and Luigi, I liked the game but the battlesytesm is not a classic turn based rpg battlesystem, and well if you liked that you may not like a game like FF I-VI because the battlesystem is different. I would suggest you take a look at it but don't buy it as your first.

Where to go from there? Well if you like turned based battles like golden sun please check out FF III-VI. If you liked turn based but want some more out of the turn based system get Mario and Luigi and finally if you want a more action oriented game check out Sword of Mana.
 
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