RPG
Here we have all the games in the RPG Section.
Super Famicom
RPG
European style fantasy RPG with sprites and attention to detail befitting of the most enchanting of European pageantry. Enix was the main rival to Square in these heady sixteen bit RPG days and games such as Mystic Ark show the talent of the team in this exquisite expedition.
Dreamcast
RPG
Beautiful action RPG – think a 3D Princess Crown with an elliptical world, with fine attention to detail and platform action sections with tight jumps and steady nerves a prerequisite. Subtitled ‘Arsia in Day Dream.’
GameBoy Advance
RPG
Opens up the Naruto world to explore in greater detail than the action based games on the GBA of the series. True to the anime though a bout of fisticuffs is never far away, though its tactical turn based combat with wise choices of moves a must. Scrolls need collecting and jutsus need mastering as Naruto stealths his way towards becoming a fully fledged ninja.
PS2
RPG
Any game with such a healthy dose of ninjitsu can’t be bad as Naruto lays into an array of assailants often using their ninja skills to control puppets to attack him. Action RPG with emphasis firmly on the action side with it playing out like an episode from the immense anime. And the lush cel shaded look makes this appear closer to the anime than ever before. Splendid settings from caves, villages to waterfalls but often prime locales for a ninja ambush. The Versus Mode allows keen pugilists the opportunity to take on their least favoured opponent in a visually stunning scrap.
PS2
RPG
Any game with such a healthy dose of ninjitsu can’t be bad as Naruto lays into an array of assailants often using their ninja skills to control puppets to attack him. Action RPG with emphasis firmly on the action side with it playing out like an episode from the immense anime. And the lush cel shaded look makes this appear closer to the anime than ever before. Splendid settings from caves, villages to waterfalls but often prime locales for a ninja ambush. The Versus Mode allows keen pugilists the opportunity to take on their least favoured opponent in a visually stunning scrap.
Nintendo DS
RPG
Famed anime utilises the DS stylus in fine fashion as players must pull off special moves. The platform fight action is pretty relentless and the ninja theming makes for beautiful bamboo backgrounds and some catchy chip tunes in a Japanese style. Full title Naruto Shippuden Ninja Council 4. Known in Japan as Naruto Shippuuden Saikyou Ninja Daikesshuu 5.
PS2
RPG
Brings the ninja themed Naruto world to life with an explorable 3D world consisting of RPG elements. The gaming arena remains exactly the same areas as soon as a fight breaks out. And you are never far away from a battle. Also known as Naruto Uzumaki Chronicles (or Whirlpool Chronicles.)
PC Engine HU Card
RPG
Fantasy three – quarter perspective RPG set in a European country with plenty of wizards, witches, black magic and sorcery.
Super Famicom
RPG
Martime based RPG in the classic Super Famicom mould. The sea setting makes for anice change over the fantasy based realms and the sprites are lovingly realised. Our hero Duke must build his way up from lowly shipmate to take charge of his and the countrys destiny with plenty of pirate distractions on the way. Beautiful action RPG in that distinctive 16Bit graphical style with detailed and adorable sprite based world full of character. Borrows the hook shot from Zelda with lots of secret areas too. A little short compared to Zelda, but quality not quantity is the result.
Famicom Cart
RPG
Ninjas are never too far away in this feudal Japan RPG with cute sprites and turn based combat very much of its 8Bit style.
GameBoy Color
RPG
Explore the town and cast a line or two to try and land the dream fish on endless summer days. The game features a lesser-known rumble feature to help with bite detection and, as such, the cart and box are a special design.
Sega Saturn
RPG
Quite a cheesey title adding to its retro charm with the trio of heroines possessing the power to change into the Omakase (leave it to us) Savers. The FMV acting is all very tongue in cheek, but beneath the FMV gloss lies a very sound RPG which sees the schoolgirls soon deep in adventure.
Nintendo DS
RPG
A real triple A title that brings to mind the delights of Goemons romps with a feudal Japan setting. The graphical look is innovative and feels like an animated New Years greetings card with such delightful execution. Played as the young wolf setting out on an epic adventure which we would hate to ruin. A real treat for lone wolfs from start to finish and worthy of higher accolades.
Wii
RPG
Poor, rotund Opoona has been split up from his folks and the aim of this unusual quest is to get back the happy family. Various skills are obtained through hard work such as a detective or pop star and the varied nature of the quests ensures gameplay is always fresh. Add to the mix the graphical skills of Dragon Quest developers and a twist of the aural pleasure from the Final Fantasy series and the results are a fine release from the Koei stable.
PC Engine HU Card
RPG
Played from the cockpit of a Mech with the view being out into the tunnels in which scores are settled with alien and enemy troops. Its possible to visit the shop to stock up on new kit, get a few repairs with the mechanic or even get oiled at the bar. Success mean the release of a Playstation version too.
Sega Saturn
RPG
Frees the flying up to enjoy off the rails shooting. Skillfully blends action and RPG elements with a pinch of strategy in a true classic for the Saturn which pushes the hardware to perform some stunning landscapes proving the adage it takes time to get to grips with the hardware. Infinitely more affordable than the scarce Western version, but unfortunately not in English. A piece of programming genius of epic proportions baked to perfection.
Gamecube
RPG
A real Nintendo tour de force with Mario, Yoshi et al enjoying the colourful scenery, pseudo 2D look and Nintendo’s love of the gamer, never leaving you high and dry without a clue. So good it was remade for the Switch.
Mega Drive
RPG
More mysterious inter galactic goings on with epic battles supplemented by some useful items to collect. A superb series with plenty of devotees.
Dreamcast
RPG
Only four worlds, yet with bonds to be forged with other players to talk, trade and eventually team up the world seemed a cosy place. Like any good RPG PSO cleverly allowed you to mould you character in your own way aswell as their personal android and threw in a sprinkling of rare items for good measure. Touched on online gaming nirvana for a while, but now that Pandora’s Box has been opened the Holy Grail quest for the ultimate online experience continues.
PSP
RPG
Charge through sprawling forests and what looks like the Death Star in this action RPG with the accent firmly on the combat which is now controlled by the player. Use of lasers and souped up swords give players much more involvement in the action. The draw distance is mightily impressive and the whole package oozes with big budget, triple A class.
PSP
RPG
Released on the tenth anniversary of the original PSO, the graphical standard and the speed at which lay revolves must be applauded. Yet the bare bones of the game are very much the Dreamcast version which caused such a stir in the gaming community when the servers were online. Co-operative play is possible along with other, less friendly multi-player opportunities.
PS2
RPG
Pushing the PS2 to the limits of graphical splendour with painstaking attention to small detail wherever you may wander in the Phantasy Star Universe. Combat is not as drawn out as previous incarnations and the controls are very intuitive aiding enjoyment no end. As you’d expect from such a weighty series the presentation is lavish with immaculate cut scenes preparing players for the quest ahead. Enjoy the ride.
PS2
RPG
Whilst it definitely dances to its own strategy system, those adventurous grey importers will find plenty to celebrate here with its dramatic story and colourful characters.
PS2
RPG
Whilst it definitely dances to its own strategy system, those adventurous grey importers will find plenty to celebrate here with its dramatic story and colourful characters.
PS2
RPG
Delightful, child-like look to the rounded graphics, matched by xylophone like music and fine use of light and dark. The look is distinctive and the evidence of the hard yards Sony has invested is plain to see with responsive camera angles.
PSP
RPG
Fantasy style action RPG with gorgeous graphics to die for – fluidly animated and all in colourful, painstakingly detailed 2D. Highly original battle system where by you fight your opponents real time as opposed to turn based number crunching. And the attack effects look dazzling on the PSP screen, although unfortunately the code hasn’t been optimised to fit the screen snugly. Unlockable characters add to the longevity. Updated from the rare and coverted Saturn release.
Famicom Cart
RPG
Rescue the Tomato Princess and receive the praise of the Broccoli King to become a fine, upstanding cucumber. Possibly the strangest way to encourage salad consumption, but a wonderfully crafted adventure and in friendly Hiragana for those budding students of Japanese: be in language or culture. Known in Japan as Salad no Kuni no Tomato Hime.
GameBoy Color
RPG
An epic RPG looking like Zelda with plenty of hidden locales to investigate. In a fantasy style, the battle sequences feature stunning effects for the hardware and good, solid battle mechanics. Known as Elemental Tale Jack’s Adventure in Japan. (Not sure why Jack became Brian?)
Sega Saturn
RPG
Solve the riddle of the mystery virus running rife through the hospital in this (dare we type it) FMV based adventure.
Sega Saturn
RPG
Solve the riddle of the mystery virus running rife through the hospital in this (dare we type it) FMV based adventure.