Hybrid Heaven - released in 1999 Every once in awhile I come across a game that I like, beat it, then never touch it again. This is the case with Hybrid Heaven. I no longer own a Nintendo 64, and the Wii Virtual Console has yet to put this up for download. Quite frankly, there isn’t a lot that I remember about this game, other than it’s an action game with RPG elements. You can run, jump, crawl and explore, but when you approach an enemy, you are thrown in an RPG style fight (given commands, though you may roam freely on the map and decide where and what you would like to attack.) I have fond memories of this game, though I haven’t played it since it was released in 1999, so I can’t say whether or not it still holds up to today’s standards.

Hybrid Heaven - released in 1999

Every once in awhile I come across a game that I like, beat it, then never touch it again. This is the case with Hybrid Heaven. I no longer own a Nintendo 64, and the Wii Virtual Console has yet to put this up for download. Quite frankly, there isn’t a lot that I remember about this game, other than it’s an action game with RPG elements. You can run, jump, crawl and explore, but when you approach an enemy, you are thrown in an RPG style fight (given commands, though you may roam freely on the map and decide where and what you would like to attack.) I have fond memories of this game, though I haven’t played it since it was released in 1999, so I can’t say whether or not it still holds up to today’s standards.

Tales of Vesperia - released in 2008 The Tales series are similar to the Final Fantasy legacy, as in each installment do not connect to one another (with the exception of a few titles.) Tales of Vesperia first appeared on the Xbox 360, and then was ported over to the PlayStation 3, however, only in Japan. The PlayStation 3 received much more content than Vesperia’s previous version, such as more costumes, more scenes and even an extra character. The game features a robust and dynamic battle system, a compelling story and rich characters. If you like RPG’s, you shouldn’t miss out on this one.

Tales of Vesperia - released in 2008

The Tales series are similar to the Final Fantasy legacy, as in each installment do not connect to one another (with the exception of a few titles.) Tales of Vesperia first appeared on the Xbox 360, and then was ported over to the PlayStation 3, however, only in Japan. The PlayStation 3 received much more content than Vesperia’s previous version, such as more costumes, more scenes and even an extra character. The game features a robust and dynamic battle system, a compelling story and rich characters. If you like RPG’s, you shouldn’t miss out on this one.

Eternal Sonata I’m guilty here, I just started playing this for the first time tonight. I will say I am thoroughly impressed. If you like RPG’s, do yourself a favor and pick up this beautiful game. It’s as if Final Fantasy and Tales of the Abyss or Tales of Vesperia had a kid together. It mixes turn-based and free roam styles of game play to create an exciting experience. Also, the game features classical music and stars the legendary Frederic Chopin as the main character. Eternal Sonata was released on the Xbox 360 first, but was then ported over to the PlayStation 3 shortly thereafter with extra content. Go, immerse yourself now!

Eternal Sonata

I’m guilty here, I just started playing this for the first time tonight. I will say I am thoroughly impressed. If you like RPG’s, do yourself a favor and pick up this beautiful game. It’s as if Final Fantasy and Tales of the Abyss or Tales of Vesperia had a kid together. It mixes turn-based and free roam styles of game play to create an exciting experience. Also, the game features classical music and stars the legendary Frederic Chopin as the main character. Eternal Sonata was released on the Xbox 360 first, but was then ported over to the PlayStation 3 shortly thereafter with extra content. Go, immerse yourself now!

Final Fantasy II (Final Fantasy IV in Japan) This was and still is my favorite RPG to date, it was also the first one I ever played. I’m not a follower of the Final Fantasy series anymore, I lost interest after the 6th and 7th installment (plus, I believe them to be over-hyped.) Any-who, in America, this was the first installment that hit the Super Nintendo. The game features turn-base battles with an excellent story and a large cast of characters. A remake was made on the Nintendo DS which featured 3D graphics, cut-scenes and a new script. I will always hold this game near and dear to me.

Final Fantasy II (Final Fantasy IV in Japan)

This was and still is my favorite RPG to date, it was also the first one I ever played. I’m not a follower of the Final Fantasy series anymore, I lost interest after the 6th and 7th installment (plus, I believe them to be over-hyped.) Any-who, in America, this was the first installment that hit the Super Nintendo. The game features turn-base battles with an excellent story and a large cast of characters. A remake was made on the Nintendo DS which featured 3D graphics, cut-scenes and a new script. I will always hold this game near and dear to me.

Final Fantasy V Advance - released in 2006 I really want to call this my favorite Final Fantasy, but I can’t, Final Fantasy IV holds that title. Originally, Final Fantasy V was released on the Super Nintendo, but only in Japan. Much later, Americans were first allowed to play it legally without the help of an emulator or a translation pack via a PlayStation compilation. Final Fantasy V was released for the first time in America, packaged with Chrono Trigger (if I remember correctly.)  However, the Game Boy Advance title is far superior, packing much more content and a rewritten script. Now, I believe it’s high time Square-Enix develops a remake on the Nintendo DS, don’t you think? Final Fantasy V features a job system with many different abilities to learn, making this a truly customizable experience.

Final Fantasy V Advance - released in 2006

I really want to call this my favorite Final Fantasy, but I can’t, Final Fantasy IV holds that title. Originally, Final Fantasy V was released on the Super Nintendo, but only in Japan. Much later, Americans were first allowed to play it legally without the help of an emulator or a translation pack via a PlayStation compilation. Final Fantasy V was released for the first time in America, packaged with Chrono Trigger (if I remember correctly.)  However, the Game Boy Advance title is far superior, packing much more content and a rewritten script. Now, I believe it’s high time Square-Enix develops a remake on the Nintendo DS, don’t you think? Final Fantasy V features a job system with many different abilities to learn, making this a truly customizable experience.

Paper Mario - released in 2001 I know, I know, who hasn’t played Paper Mario? Starting now I’m going to post games whether they are popular or obscure. If you haven’t played Paper Mario, then you must have been living under a rock. Though not technically a sequel to Squaresoft’s Super Mario RPG on the Super Nintendo, it does involve Mario in an epic role-playing adventure to thwart Bowser’s evil plans. Turn based battles along with quirky partners make this a memorable video game, spawning two sequels and a fourth to come. If you no longer own a Nintendo 64, Paper Mario is also available for download on the Wii’s Virtual Console.

Paper Mario - released in 2001

I know, I know, who hasn’t played Paper Mario? Starting now I’m going to post games whether they are popular or obscure. If you haven’t played Paper Mario, then you must have been living under a rock. Though not technically a sequel to Squaresoft’s Super Mario RPG on the Super Nintendo, it does involve Mario in an epic role-playing adventure to thwart Bowser’s evil plans. Turn based battles along with quirky partners make this a memorable video game, spawning two sequels and a fourth to come. If you no longer own a Nintendo 64, Paper Mario is also available for download on the Wii’s Virtual Console.

Kingdom Hearts - released in 2002 Before the series became what it was today, the original Kingdom Hearts was receiving a lot of skepticism upon it’s release. Disney and Square-Enix working together? Mickey and Cloud Strife in the same game? Oddly enough, it worked very well. You travel many Disney worlds as Sora, the main protagonist of the game. You’ll encounter hundreds of Disney characters that need your help, and you’ll also meet several Final Fantasy characters along the way. The story is engaging, the battle system is incredibly fun and nothing is cooler than fighting alongside the likes of Donald Duck and Ariel from the Little Mermaid, at the same time no less. To date, there has been a sequel and several spin-off titles. The series continues to grow and it shall be interesting to see where it ends up.

Kingdom Hearts - released in 2002

Before the series became what it was today, the original Kingdom Hearts was receiving a lot of skepticism upon it’s release. Disney and Square-Enix working together? Mickey and Cloud Strife in the same game? Oddly enough, it worked very well. You travel many Disney worlds as Sora, the main protagonist of the game. You’ll encounter hundreds of Disney characters that need your help, and you’ll also meet several Final Fantasy characters along the way. The story is engaging, the battle system is incredibly fun and nothing is cooler than fighting alongside the likes of Donald Duck and Ariel from the Little Mermaid, at the same time no less. To date, there has been a sequel and several spin-off titles. The series continues to grow and it shall be interesting to see where it ends up.

Blue Dragon - released in 2007 I am picky about what kind of RPG’s I like, and Blue Dragon did not fail to impress me. Gorgeous graphics, fantastic cut-scenes, and a riveting battle system sapped a lot of hours out of my time (dang you, Blue Dragon!) The storyline is nothing new, a general good versus evil, save the world, blah blah blah type of setup. It’s not boring, in other words, it’s not a chore to sit through, it’s just okay. However, the battle system keeps you coming back for more (finally, a game that I don’t run away because I am bored with fighting.) Each character has their own “shadow being” that attacks your enemies, you just set the commands. You can choose what type of class they specialize in, and you earn abilities (similar to Final Fantasy V) for your shadow. If you like RPG’s, Blue Dragon is definitely something you should try out.

Blue Dragon - released in 2007

I am picky about what kind of RPG’s I like, and Blue Dragon did not fail to impress me. Gorgeous graphics, fantastic cut-scenes, and a riveting battle system sapped a lot of hours out of my time (dang you, Blue Dragon!) The storyline is nothing new, a general good versus evil, save the world, blah blah blah type of setup. It’s not boring, in other words, it’s not a chore to sit through, it’s just okay. However, the battle system keeps you coming back for more (finally, a game that I don’t run away because I am bored with fighting.) Each character has their own “shadow being” that attacks your enemies, you just set the commands. You can choose what type of class they specialize in, and you earn abilities (similar to Final Fantasy V) for your shadow. If you like RPG’s, Blue Dragon is definitely something you should try out.

Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars  - released in 1996 Before Paper Mario, the iconic plumber’s first RPG adventure was on the Super Nintendo, and it was developed by Squaresoft. Mario is quite the dynamic man, and proving that he can tackle even turn-based RPG’s solidifies that he is a jack of all trades. In Legend of the Seven Stars, Mario is on a quest to repair Star Road, and he even teams up with his arch-nemesis, Bowser when his castle is taken over by the Smithy gang. Super Mario RPG is a humorous, addicting and timeless RPG, and the moment it was released was destined to be a classic. If you no longer own a Super Nintendo, you may download it via the Wii Virtual Console.

Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars  - released in 1996

Before Paper Mario, the iconic plumber’s first RPG adventure was on the Super Nintendo, and it was developed by Squaresoft. Mario is quite the dynamic man, and proving that he can tackle even turn-based RPG’s solidifies that he is a jack of all trades. In Legend of the Seven Stars, Mario is on a quest to repair Star Road, and he even teams up with his arch-nemesis, Bowser when his castle is taken over by the Smithy gang. Super Mario RPG is a humorous, addicting and timeless RPG, and the moment it was released was destined to be a classic. If you no longer own a Super Nintendo, you may download it via the Wii Virtual Console.

Tales of Symphonia - released in 2004 As the first and only Tales game on the Nintendo GameCube, it is hailed as one of the best RPG’s on the system. Set in the world of Sylvarant (and Tethe’alla), you control many protagonists on a journey of world regeneration. Personally, I enjoy the Tales series far more than I do Final Fantasy; the characters are richer, the stories are more engaging and the game play is far more entertaining (though this is based entirely on my opinion.) If you still haven’t played a game from the series, Tales of Symphonia is a great place to start. It also received a sequel entitled Tales of Symphonia: Dawn of the New World on the Nintendo Wii, however it was not as widely accepted or received as the original.

Tales of Symphonia - released in 2004

As the first and only Tales game on the Nintendo GameCube, it is hailed as one of the best RPG’s on the system. Set in the world of Sylvarant (and Tethe’alla), you control many protagonists on a journey of world regeneration. Personally, I enjoy the Tales series far more than I do Final Fantasy; the characters are richer, the stories are more engaging and the game play is far more entertaining (though this is based entirely on my opinion.) If you still haven’t played a game from the series, Tales of Symphonia is a great place to start. It also received a sequel entitled Tales of Symphonia: Dawn of the New World on the Nintendo Wii, however it was not as widely accepted or received as the original.