I am looking for a really good PS2 RPG.....

I have not owned a PS2 for years but recently picked up a PS3. I am looking for a really good PS2 RPG to play but there seems to be several out there.

I have tried reading reviews and have narrowed it down to short list.

Dragon Quest VIII
Valkyrie Profile 2
Tales of the Abyss
Rogue Galaxy
Final Fantasy XII

I am really only looking at picking up one right now because of the amount of time they take to play. So, what is considered to be the best PS2 RPG out there? I am willing to go with something not on my list.

IMO, FF12 is the best Final Fantasy in years. It has so many things to do and variables, it's fun and it's based on the FF Tactics - Vagrant Story universe. It doesn't feel like a FF at all

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Originally Posted by recon_zero

IMO, FF12 is the best Final Fantasy in years. It has so many things to do and variables, it's fun and it's based on the FF Tactics - Vagrant Story universe. It doesn't feel like a FF at all

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Easily FF12.

DQ8. FF12 just isnt fun.

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Originally Posted by Borman

DQ8. FF12 just isnt fun.

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I haven't played much of either series. I played Dragon Warrior on the NES and I have been playing FF 1 & 2 on the PSP. I did play a little bit of FF VII when it was released but never finished it.

DQ8 and FF12 seem to get pretty good reviews but so do most of the games on my list.:(

If it helps, I am looking for a fairly noob friendly RPG. Easy to figure out what/Where to do/go. Also, being able to save easily is important. Good story and play mechanics would be nice as well.:glee:

Persona 3 comes out tomorrow (stores probably won't have it until Wednesday) which I have been looking forward to for more than a year. And don't forget the other Shin Megami Tensei games for ps2, "Digital Devil Saga Series", "Nocturne", "Devil Summoner". I really like the art style Atlus uses, they're darker rpg's and the scenarios are a bit different than your typical jrpg.

Star Ocean - breathtaking. and, make sure you have a comfortable seat. It's long.

DQ8- if you have any sense of nostalgia in you, play this now....

oh, and growlanser

Tales of the Abyss - Its a great game great story lots of twists plus its upto 4 Player, me and a friend are playing through it atm.

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Originally Posted by NeoDragoN

Tales of the Abyss - Its a great game great story lots of twists plus its upto 4 Player, me and a friend are playing through it atm.

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Is that similar to the other Tales games, where another person can control a player during combat? They don't do anything when combat is not going on though, correct?

I just picked up Tales of the World for the PSP and love it. So, Tales is high on my list of possible pick ups for a PS2 RPG.

I was really hoping that there would be one RPG that blew everything else away. But, I guess since they are all a little different and have different stories, that isn't going to happen.

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Originally Posted by Gameoz

Is that similar to the other Tales games, where another person can control a player during combat? They don't do anything when combat is not going on though, correct?

I just picked up Tales of the World for the PSP and love it. So, Tales is high on my list of possible pick ups for a PS2 RPG.

I was really hoping that there would be one RPG that blew everything else away. But, I guess since they are all a little different and have different stories, that isn't going to happen.

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Yeah the other players are only in battle. Tales of Legendia is also good, more combats more like old skool Tales games unlike Abyss which has combat which is like symphonia.

Have you Played Symphonia on the Cube yet? Easily my fave Tales game.

SMT3: Nocturne is the best RPG on the PS2. FFXII and VP2 are also excellent, but can be love-it hate-it based on their combat systems... you really have to get into which-part-of-the-body-to-target-for-a-certain-drop to like VP2. Tales of the Abyss and DQ8 are overrated and I got bored 10-15 hours into each of them, though I know a lot of people who swear by DQ8. DQ1 for me thank you. Digital Devil Saga is also good, but I wouldn't play it before Nocturne. Can't comment on Rogue Galaxy, in my to-do pile. Xenosagas are good if you have carpal tunnel syndrome and would like frequent 30-minute cutscenes to rest your hands.

Persona 3 I'm thinking of getting, but I may wait to here how the not-giving-the-US-the-extended-version controversy turned out. Hmmm... I was way too hyphen-happy while making this post.

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Originally Posted by NeoDragoN

Yeah the other players are only in battle. Tales of Legendia is also good, more combats more like old skool Tales games unlike Abyss which has combat which is like symphonia.

Have you Played Symphonia on the Cube yet? Easily my fave Tales game.

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Yes, I played a bit of Tales on the GC and liked it. I like the ability to move around and attack in the Tales games.

However, I also enjoy standard turn based RPGs as well. I will probably pick something up tonight or tomorrow. I know I only have time for one, otherwise, I could narrow it down to three or four.:eek_2:

DQVIII is, IMHO, the best RPG since the SuperNES era.
Others disagree but it just got its hooks into me and never let go until I was done 96 hours later. No metro character designs or bullshit melodrama, just a great old-school 16-bit RPG with awesome Toriyama artistic flair and great music.

Just depends on what you want really.

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Originally Posted by Loopz

DQVIII is, IMHO, the best RPG since the SuperNES era.
Others disagree but it just got its hooks into me and never let go until I was done 96 hours later. No metro character designs or bullshit melodrama, just a great old-school 16-bit RPG with awesome Toriyama artistic flair and great music.

Just depends on what you want really.

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Yes, I may just have to pick one to start with and then get into some of the other top games down the road. Dragon Quest is only $20, so that is a bonus. Of course I saw the FF12 collectors edition for $29 new. Other than those two, some of the other games on my list are higher priced or harder to find new.

DQ8, Rogue Galaxy, or FF12. Can't go wrong with any of those. All great.

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Originally Posted by tokengamer

DQ8, Rogue Galaxy, or FF12. Can't go wrong with any of those. All great.

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So, is the combat in Rogue Galaxy like the Tales series?

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Originally Posted by SnairDogg

Persona 3 comes out tomorrow (stores probably won't have it until Wednesday) which I have been looking forward to for more than a year. And don't forget the other Shin Megami Tensei games for ps2, "Digital Devil Saga Series", "Nocturne", "Devil Summoner". I really like the art style Atlus uses, they're darker rpg's and the scenarios are a bit different than your typical jrpg.

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I was going to say the same thing but, you beat me to it. I love Nocturne out of those the most. I really like the apocolyptic feel of it. There are so many different demons you can get to join your party. About all of them have some purpose (depending on what level you're at and where you are in the game) as all of them have unique strengths and weaknesses. Plus, you can choose what kind of world you want through reason questions...so, alot of variety to choose from. Though I don't know anyone who has played this game and not gone down the True Demon path.

Star Ocean 3 is alright. I don't want to spoil anything...but...something happens near the end of the game that may actually make you stop playing it. I won't say anymore as that may spoil it. I wasn't impressed by the sheer randomness of creating weapons...and also the unbelievable FOL development cost...that was ridiculous. It's a good game but, can make you want to rip your hair out at times.

I'm going to recommend Shadow Hearts: From the New World. It's a great game with alot of challenge and a very good story. The good thing about SHFTNW is that you don't really have to play the first two games to really get in on it...it really does stand on its own...kind of like an episode of Law and Order.

Jon

Last couple of questions if someone can answer.

Do any of the games offer a save anytime feature? If not, are the save points pretty close together?

What about keeping track of time played?

Thanks...

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Originally Posted by Gameoz

So, is the combat in Rogue Galaxy like the Tales series?

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It kinda plays like KOTOR on the xbox but everythings in real time, its actually a real nice system works well. Good story on this one too!

Of that list, I've played ff12, dq8, and rogue galaxy. Rogue galaxy and dq8 didn't do anything for me at all. I played ff12 to death though. Byt the time I was done, I had an embarassing ammount of time put into it. At least 200 hours. It's the most fun I've had with an rpg since the SNES days.

Matt

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Originally Posted by Gameoz

Last couple of questions if someone can answer.

Do any of the games offer a save anytime feature? If not, are the save points pretty close together?

What about keeping track of time played?

Thanks...

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Save anywhere in FF12/DQ8.

DQ8 was nice, but I got bored 20 hours in. Rogue Galaxy I gave up on because I got stuck.

Slightly OT, do you need to play Persona 1+2 to appreciate 3? I've played a little of 1, but that was a long time ago.

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Originally Posted by GregN.

DQ8 was nice, but I got bored 20 hours in. Rogue Galaxy I gave up on because I got stuck.

Slightly OT, do you need to play Persona 1+2 to appreciate 3? I've played a little of 1, but that was a long time ago.

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I don't think 3 really has anything to do with 1 or 2. Thematically, they are similar but I don't believe the story arc is a continuation.

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Originally Posted by GregN.

DQ8 was nice, but I got bored 20 hours in. Rogue Galaxy I gave up on because I got stuck.

Slightly OT, do you need to play Persona 1+2 to appreciate 3? I've played a little of 1, but that was a long time ago.

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Well, I don't want a game that I am going to get stuck in. I thought that I read that Rogue Galaxy lead you to the next place you were suppose to go to? I remember reading about a red arrow that points where you need to go.

As for Dragon Quest, I am guessing there is a ton of leveling up that has to happen. I really don't mind do that, if that is why you got bored.

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Originally Posted by GregN.

Slightly OT, do you need to play Persona 1+2 to appreciate 3? I've played a little of 1, but that was a long time ago.

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I highly doubt it, but I'm sure you'll get more out of the experience if you already of played the previous 3 games (including "Innocent Sin" which wasn't released in English).

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Originally Posted by Gameoz

Well, I don't want a game that I am going to get stuck in. I thought that I read that Rogue Galaxy lead you to the next place you were suppose to go to? I remember reading about a red arrow that points where you need to go.

As for Dragon Quest, I am guessing there is a ton of leveling up that has to happen. I really don't mind do that, if that is why you got bored.

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In Rogue Galaxy, I got to a point where I needed to level up to go on, but I couldn't back track, and I couldn't beat the enemies in that area, so I was stuck.

Theres are very few RPGs that give me trouble. The only RPGs I've played that I haven't beaten are Chrono Trigger, 7th Saga, and Shadow Hearts 2, and I've played ALOT of RPGs.

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Originally Posted by GregN.

In Rogue Galaxy, I got to a point where I needed to level up to go on, but I couldn't back track, and I couldn't beat the enemies in that area, so I was stuck.

Theres are very few RPGs that give me trouble. The only RPGs I've played that I haven't beaten are Chrono Trigger, 7th Saga, and Shadow Hearts 2, and I've played ALOT of RPGs.

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Well, I will probably pass on Rogue Galaxy then.


Why did you get bored with DQ8? Also, did you play FF12, what did you think of it?

DQVIII for old-school RPG greatness.

FFXII for a fresh take on the (growingly stale) RPG genre.

I'd say both.

But if I had to pick?

Probably FFXII.

(Barely though, but I'm biased because FFXII plays a lot like FFXI minus the intense grinding and population of morons.)

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Originally Posted by Gameoz

Well, I will probably pass on Rogue Galaxy then.

?

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Great idea, I hated Rogue Galaxy it has some of the worst character development in any RPG I have ever played. Pretty much all the side characters are handled in the exact same way. You meet a character on a new planet. You get about 20 minutes of their story on that planet. Then they are not dealt with again till the very end of the game. On the last planet each character gets a pointless 5 minute story sequence that shows another lame mini back story that is supposed to represent an emotion. Awful example Jupis Tooki, you meet him learn he is a selfish annoying character he joins your party, you never do anything else with him he has about 2 lines of dialog after he joins your party. His big story development on the last planet: I realize now I was selfish, now I am not yay"

Another thing is the dungeons are awful. They all look like a random dungeon generator. Every corridor looks the same and they make you back track all over the place. The two towers in Zerard was probably the most boring dungeon I have ever played. The last planet where I mentioned every character gets their five minutes of fun. You have to traverse 8 different dungeon paths that look exactly the same just to get all 8 stories. Its an easy game too, on the last planet I was so bored I ran away from every battle was still a high enough level to beat the last boss with no issues.

Finally it’s a short game. I skipped the side quests and I was sick of the game but the main story took me a grand total of 28 hours.

Persona series and Digital Devil Saga FTW!

Well, I picked up DQ8 since it was only $20. It came with a FF12 demo, so that also helped in the decision. I have yet to play DQ8 but love the FF12 demo.

Will FF12 really hold my attention? Last FF I enjoyed was 8. I couldn't stand any of the newer ones.

Dragon Quest VIII. I love this game so much on so many levels.

Note: I may have a bias because of the artwork by Toriyama alone.

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Originally Posted by Lets Gekiga In

Dragon Quest VIII. I love this game so much on so many levels.

Note: I may have a bias because of the artwork by Toriyama alone.

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agreed, it's a great game.
and hey.
is that cover art from go sailor?

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Originally Posted by rarehero

agreed, it's a great game.
and hey.
is that cover art from go sailor?

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You got that right!

I really really love that Go Sailor EP. I really wish they would've stuck around longer to make more music. I do heavily enjoy Rose Melberg's releases as well. My favorite being Portola. :)

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Originally Posted by SnairDogg

Persona 3 comes out tomorrow (stores probably won't have it until Wednesday) which I have been looking forward to for more than a year.

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Not anymore it doesn't...

http://kotaku.com/gaming/unstop-the-...med-281517.php

Either way, I can recommend checking out the other Megaten titles on the PS2 as well. As for the list, I'd say DQ8, Tales of the Abyss, and FF12. You might want to rent Rogue Galaxy first, and I've never player either Valkyrie Profile.

Other than those, you should also pick up the first two Shadow Hearts titles (1 and Covenant). Considering everything I've heard about Shadow Hearts: From the New World, plus based on what I've seen of it, I can't say I really care.

Well I put an hour into DQ8 last night and didn't like it. It sounds like everyone likes this game, so it just be my taste (or lack of).

My main complaints with the game are minor but they really take away from the fun. For me, he walks too slow but runs to fast. Also, when in town, the character bounces off of doors/walls, instead of smoothly moving into/around them. It just seemed like the game play wasn't that smooth.

The music, while very well done, seemed out of place most of the time. I know that this game has received nothing but outstanding reviews, I just didn't like it.

I really liked the FF12 demo, so I may go with that or a different RPG.

Thanks for all of the suggestions.

Just by reading the title, I was going to say DQ8. I bought FF12 and just don't like it. I will sell it to you, in fact. I was let down by this game, but DQ8 was great.

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Originally Posted by Spike Spiegel

Just by reading the title, I was going to say DQ8. I bought FF12 and just don't like it. I will sell it to you, in fact. I was let down by this game, but DQ8 was great.

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Thanks but it would be easier to just grab it locally. Most of the games I was looking at are fairly cheap now. DQ8 looked really good, there was just something about it I didn't like.

I will probably grab FF12 or Tales of the Abyss today or tomorrow. I just stared Tales of the World on the PSP and I really like that.

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Originally Posted by Lets Gekiga In

You got that right!

I really really love that Go Sailor EP. I really wish they would've stuck around longer to make more music. I do heavily enjoy Rose Melberg's releases as well. My favorite being Portola. :)

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wow.
you know i didn't know she was from go sailor,
i have her on myspace because i found her from the same record label that
my favorite (r.i.p.) is on.
but I love the softies and just about everything from k recs i usually have an
affinity to. have you heard of tender trap? check them out.
one of my favorites from the UK.

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Originally Posted by rarehero

wow.
you know i didn't know she was from go sailor,
i have her on myspace because i found her from the same record label that
my favorite (r.i.p.) is on.
but I love the softies and just about everything from k recs i usually have an
affinity to. have you heard of tender trap? check them out.
one of my favorites from the UK.

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I would still love to buy The Softies albums, I'll have to look into that. And I will also look into Tender Trap though. I think I'm really starting to love twee pop in general. BTW, I looked at how many times I've played the Go Sailor EP on iTunes and I've listened to it over 40 times.

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Originally Posted by Gameoz

Thanks but it would be easier to just grab it locally. Most of the games I was looking at are fairly cheap now. DQ8 looked really good, there was just something about it I didn't like.

I will probably grab FF12 or Tales of the Abyss today or tomorrow. I just stared Tales of the World on the PSP and I really like that.

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Too bad. I think DQ8 is about as good as Japanese RPGs get. I just didn't like FF12, and I played the demo. Couldn't get into it.... too much loading for me.

I don't know about Tales of the Abyss, but Tales of Symphonia was freaking awesome. I really liked the real time battles. Got a bit boring after a while, but still a good game.

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Originally Posted by Spike Spiegel

Too bad. I think DQ8 is about as good as Japanese RPGs get. I just didn't like FF12, and I played the demo. Couldn't get into it.... too much loading for me.

I don't know about Tales of the Abyss, but Tales of Symphonia was freaking awesome. I really liked the real time battles. Got a bit boring after a while, but still a good game.

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There is some loading when you are in town and going in/out of buildings. But aside from that, it doesn't load at all once you are in the wild (only between regions) and never loads in battle, which is great.

I think you should pick up Disgaea or Disgaea 2. They were great RPGs. Actually I think they are the only RPGs I've finished for the PS2.

If you're willing to put 100 hours plus into it, grab FF12. I think it's a must have rpg for the ps2. It's gameplay is more like an MMO than a traditional rpg, but I think it's a good change.

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Originally Posted by Lastblade

There is some loading when you are in town and going in/out of buildings. But aside from that, it doesn't load at all once you are in the wild (only between regions) and never loads in battle, which is great.

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Yeah, I was about to say this. I'd recommend everyone who wants a somewhat fresh take on the jrpg to check this game out. ff12 was one of the like 4 games I really loved last year, and one of the best games I've played in recent memory.

Matt

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Originally Posted by Lastblade

There is some loading when you are in town and going in/out of buildings. But aside from that, it doesn't load at all once you are in the wild (only between regions) and never loads in battle, which is great.

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Truth.

One of the more surprising things about that game is just how little loading there actually is given the size of the world(s) and number of characters on screen--the game has an excellent flow whether you're battling or just walking around.

It's a rather impressive achievement.

The other surprising thing is how much I actually ended up enjoying the game once I got around to finally playing it.

You'd think the entire game would feel uncomfortably new because it looks so different from the other FF games you've played before, but in actuality, although it is different [in a refreshing way], it's also very familiar and not that hard to get into.

I'm about thirty-five hours into it now and it's probably going to end up going up there with my top five favorite PS2 games to date (that says a lot too considering how much killer stuff that system has to offer.)

hdloader...

The MegaTen games also gets my vote.
I honestly do not care much for RPG's
but this franchise has been good to me on the PSX-PS2 systems.

Nocturen is the best one, it is like a Satanic version of Pokemon!!:D