0 aList of the Top 10 RPG's You Should Buy, Part 1 by Matthew Townsend

This "Best of" list is going to be very refreshing for people who have read lists like these before. I can guarantee you will not find another greatest RPG list with the games in this order, and I would be surprised if you know some of these games at all. The fact is, the RPG genre is one of the best the gaming world has to offer. Few games immerse you in worlds so detailed and memorable with characters that can almost seem real. When playing an RPG, you feel as if you are doing far more than just pushing buttons. You’re manipulating an environment. Playing a good RPG is akin to reading an excellent book or watching a great movie, except you are the main character and you control the outcome.

When games have sequels that are played out on the same singular storyline, I will rate the series, not the individual game.

10. The Legend of Dragoon

Both the fact that this game received so little attention and the fact that I’m sure many RPG fans have never even heard of it is a crime. This is an oldie, made for the original Playstation. This game is the stereotypical RPG, sure, but it's done right. It starts out pretty bland, but turns into one of the most interesting story lines in the genre. The battle system is a simple turn based, but with a timing element added for special attacks. Players also have the option of wielding more powerful versions of their characters by transforming into a Dragoon, granting them greater stats and new special abilities. This game also boasts an impressive length, spanning 4 disks. After beating this one, you have a true sense of accomplishment. This is definitely one to pick up.

9. Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time

This game is simply amazing. It has all the typical elements of a Legend of Zelda game; however they are put into a beautiful 3D world on a scale that hadn’t been seen. This game is fun, has a great pace all the way through, and features a great story line. There isn’t really much to say except go buy it. Even people who aren’t a fan of Zelda games will love this one.

8. Final Fantasy XII

Square Enix is known for chugging out great RPGs. This is by far no exception. This game features the usual for a Final Fantasy game, great graphics for the time, great plot, memorable characters, and great character and monster designs. What puts this one on the map is that it features customization at its finest. The use of the license board enables you to control your character down to their very core- literally. This customization is far more that just choosing what type of magic to use or what types of weapons can be equipped. You choose the individual spells and weapons you want them to use. Not white magic and spears, but rather Cura and a specific lightning attribute spear, for example. This leaves you with the room to make character the way you want them and not the way Square packages them. The only reason this game isn’t higher is the battle system. While some people find it interesting and different, many still find it to be complete garbage. I identify with the second group. The use of target lines and spell preparation is more annoying than functional in battle.

7. Valkyrie Profile 2: Silmeria

You will not find another game on the market that plays like this sequel to an old classic. You move through the world in a linear manner, but nothing about the game feels linear, and the interaction you are allowed and expected to use on the environment outside of battle is done phenomenally. Aside from that, battles in this game are simply fun to watch. Seeing all the different characters you can collect engage in the truly cinematic special attack sequences is nothing short of art. You’ll have a hard time putting this one down.

6. Radiata Stories

Here is a game that defines the term "addictive". Besides offering two separate story lines that you can choose from (both carried out excellently), the game allows you to recruit 177 different characters. Not impressed yet? How about this, every character has their own daily schedule, completely independent of you. You will see a character preaching at a church with people attending sermons every day. All the characters travel around living out their lives without any interaction form you needed. They wake up, go to school, go to get food, go to church and a variety of other places by themselves. It’s fun just to keep track of where everyone is and what they are doing for the sake of trying to recruit them. One character, for example, might be uninterested in you at all times in the day, but you may be able to convince her to join you while she’s working on her magic at the Vareth Institue. It’s all completely fascinating. Battle mechanics are average, but still sufficient to keep your interest long enough for you to get into the game. The story line is hilarious as well.

5. Star Ocean 4: The Last Hope

This game is mediocre in many respects: story, character development, comedy factor. However, it trumps every other RPG right now by one factor alone: the battle system. I’ve said this before and I’ll say it here: this is the only RPG I’ve played where I can be in a dungeon for two hours straight and still hope to run into enemies, just so I can have a chance to battle. The game is just pure fun. I don’t see how anyone can play this game and not enjoy it. The battle system alone can get you through everything else. The game’s plot, while not great, suffices. It also seems to lack any parts that "lag" noticeably. This is a game you won't put down until you beat it.

These are the first six games in a two part series. Stay tuned next week for the last four games on my list!

-Matthew Townsend