RPG
Here we have all the games in the RPG Section.
PS2
RPG
Fabulous action RPG that uses the confines of the towers dungeon like levels well with beautiful lighting (as well as possibly getting round any hardware limitations, but Genki wouldnt be so cynical.) The isometric look leaves plenty of creative freedom to the developers and they have risen to the challenge with aplomb. The action is well suited too to the clear layout and escaping the underground caverns does feel like a breath of fresh air, such is the effectiveness of the underground atmosphere.
GameBoy Advance
RPG
Nintendo unleash their fine and healthy imagination in Ketchup World in this tomato themed action RPG really looking the colourful part. Surely a classic of the future and deserving of a wider audience.
Super Famicom
RPG
The golden era of Square SFC RPG’s came to an end with this masterpiece signing off in true style. Graphically astounding proving the time it takes for developers to truly grasp the ins and outs of a system’s architecture with this surpassing many 32bit efforts. Nice to see a bit of monkey still in Square with the ability to smash barrels and rip up hedges in peoples gardens to gain extra items. And its such attention to detail that bring the Treasure Hunter world to life.
PS2
RPG
Fantasy themed RPG with plenty of Sony spit and polish demonstrating the creators fine grasp of the hardware with a classical and pretty RPG look and resoundingly accomplished musical score.
Playstation
RPG
Twinbee takes its Opa Opa style ships on legs and spins them into a fine yarn in the 3D mode of many Playstation titles yet with plenty of spit and polish added by Konami. A fun side quest from the blaster action with plenty of gags and the usual colour of the brash and bold series.
GameBoy Original
RPG
Simplistic, yet beautifully clear sprite graphics ensure the gameplay is fluid as dank dungeons are explored with axes to chuck at adversaries. Captures the Ultima essence perfectly and is a very fitting addition to the series, despite the small screen origins.
GameBoy Original
RPG
Enchanting chip tunes draw the gamer into the cult Ultima world in this fine sequel that was overshadowed by Zelda at the time. Yet there is plenty of fine gameplay within its RPG dungeon’s walls to sing its praises from the highest of its castles’ towers.
GameBoy Original
RPG
Known as the Legend of the Sea King GB in the West. Explore the town and cast a line or two to try and land the dream fish on endless summer days.
PS2
RPG
Kawazu san once again proves he’s his own man curtailing his vision for no one in making this unique RPG with striking hand painted backgrounds. Astonishing opening scene and snow effects.
PS2
RPG
Kawazu san once again proves he’s his own man curtailing his vision for no one in making this unique RPG with striking hand painted backgrounds. Astonishing opening scene and snow effects.
PS4
RPG
Gorgeous graphical style like a watercolour with backgrounds that seem to seep and move as sleekly as the onscreen fight scenes. The combat interface is superb and Square Enix has maintained the series status as one of the many jewels in its crown as king of the genre with this regal release.
Playstation
RPG
Enchanting RPG from those skilled craftsmen at Enix that flew in the face of the expected mould of the genre with free flight between villages and dungeons and horizontally viewed exploration like in Princess Crown. All exquisitely executed with panache and distinct graphical style.
PS2
RPG
A high-budget update of the popular Playstation title which demonstrates Square Enixs grasp of the PS2 architecture. Rousing orchestral soundtrack and plenty of emotional thrills and spills for fans of the Square Enix stable. Subtitled Silmeria.
Playstation
RPG
With a mightily impressive full 3D polygon world, Konami produced a sleek RPG to cast a spell over Square. But as all good RPGers worth their hit points know it’s the story where such titles flourish or fall on their sword and the crack Nagoya team has come up trumps again. Full of tactical, strategic battles with a sense of foreboding and menace that all is not well in the Vandal Hearts world.
Playstation
RPG
Isometric RPG that has supreme attention to detail in the levels such as the blue, translucent flame lamps. The quest has many ups and downs matched by an incredible orchestral score to make every emotion more intense.
PS2
RPG
RPG based on the popular Atelier series with cute carrots, kawaii blobs and smiley whales to converse with in the pastel shaded, lavishly illustrated world.
PS2
RPG
Combines the fighting prowess of Sega’s Virtua Fighter series with action RPG elements in the ultimate fan service gesture. The game is played as young Sei who can power up by gaining moves from the familiar VF characters as well as take them on. Hopefully that doesn’t include leading the lad astray with Shun’s drunken style kung fu techniques.
PS2
RPG
Ardon has always suffered from the turmoil between the Ancients and the Kreegan with the humans carving out an existence as best as possible in this harsh reality. This is where we come in as hero to redress the balance.
Famicom Cart
RPG
RPG action in both village and mountainous regions where you can interact Goemon style with the shopkeepers. Zany mix of robot transformation and the Japanese countryside. Inexplicably known as Keith Courage in the West.
GameBoy Original
RPG
Capturing monsters in the countryside in this GB version of the catch them all genre.
GameBoy Original
RPG
Battle and defeat the monster in order to capture them in this old school game from the classical GB era.
PS2
RPG
Wild Arms has a loyal band of followers and its fine combat engine makes it worthy of such dedicated support. Turn based combat with shouts and cries to make you think each blow is going to be your last sustained, such are the dramatic exclamations. And power to the over the top pyrotechnics involved in each assault, not that they need any extra power. Subtitled The Fourth Denominator.
PC Engine Super CD ROM
RPG
Dungeon & Dragons Western style RPG.
Sega Saturn
RPG
This RPG comes from the solid stable of ‘Guilty Gear’ producer Arc. Play in charge of a group of hard studying magicians.
PC Engine Super CD ROM
RPG
The anime cut sequences bring to mind the delightful Cities of Gold with their retro, 80s feel. Cheery chip tunes belt-out as players explore the delight of the town before the more dramatic music of the action based battles against snakes, skeletons and the giant Komodo Dragons.
PS2
RPG
Fantasy style space adventure (or should that be Phantasy with its similarity to PSO?) The group battles are intense and the plot woven with the extreme skill of a games company with a wealth of experience. Very emotive soundtracl perfectly suited to the on screen action.
PS2
RPG
A compendium of footage and info for fans of the series which also includes a playable demo of the fine Xenosaga II, allowing players to sample its sleek, sci-fi turn based simulation mechanics. There is also a game of Japanese scrabble in there to help build up the true otaku’s vocabulary for the next Xenosaga convention.
PC Engine CD ROM
RPG
Distinctive appeal of the graphics with a wondrously realised game world and a stirring orchestral score make this one of the all time classic RPG’s. Time and effort has been put into the story boards to making for an introduction that sets the scene perfectly. A massive title in Japan on its release.
Famicom Cart
RPG
Gorgeous sprite levels and sounds lift this up to rival Zelda as one of the finest action RPGs on the Famicom. But its perhaps the more unnoticed level design that is worthy of higher praise and elevate this to seminal status.
PC Engine CD ROM
RPG
The plot weaves further on bringing together some intriguing strands. Yet the all important golden gameplay thread has been drastically altered for this release making it a side scrolling platformer. Doesn’t quite live up to Y’s I & II yet wth such high expectations it was always going to be tricky. Thankfully the spine tingling score of the original strides boldly on undeterred.