JRPGs-- What say you?

If you hate turn based as much as I do, then dont bother. I love action RPGs. I dont like waiting to attack. I must say though if you played one or two of them especially the recent ones then you really played them all. The main character is usually a girly looking guy or a female with hardly anything on. Then you throw in some over dramatic emo scenes, put in turn based action and you got yourself a JRPG.

On a serious note, just rent Lost Odessy or if you have a PS3 then you have a wide array of JRPGs to choose from the PS2.

i personally love JRPG's, but they are very different to oblivion and mass effect. these two games are western rpg's and the whole game style is different. they play more like FPS's with skills/magic etc in comparison to JRPG's which tend to be more about turn based combat, in most cases, or at least stat driven rather than the appraoch with ME/Oblivion where you directly control where you aim/hit and if you aim in wrong direction it you miss

the story plays a very important part of these JRPG games, as does character progression. if i dont like or care about the characters the chances are i wont be bothered to finish the game. the different culture of the japanese does become apparent because often the characters/dialogue is quite zany even a bit weird by western standards. just look at the way JRPG characters dress compared to people in ME and oblivion and you may see what i mean

there are not many JRPG's on 360 currently, i have got enchanted arms, which i have completed and loved. i also have blue dragon and eternal sonata, but have not played them as my 360 is being repaired for RROD. i fully intend to buy lost odyssey when i get my 360 back. it got fairly solid reviews, and its not too kitcshy, so i would recommend you give it a try - is there a demo on live? (i dont know cos my 360 has been dead for 3 weeks)

in fact, JRPG's probably are what keep me playing consoles, as other genres i like are preferable on PC (to me anyway)

This is one type of game that I can honestly say I haven't really played. The closest I've come to it is Oblivion and Mass Effect, which I absolutely loved. But do you think I'd like Lost Odessey? I'm really debating this one. I like a good game that totally absorbs me into the story line and gameplay and characters that keep developing and leveling up. The only thing that I'm weary of is the slow turn-based gameplay. What are your thoughts? Was anyone else on the fence about this like I am now?nitroracer82

Good topic. I've been thinking about buying this game but I'm not too familiar with JRPGs. Don't laugh but the last time I played a game with turn-based combat was Parasite Eve and I hated it.

I've heard some good things about LO and I wanted something different in my 360 collection.

Ben "Yahtzee" Croshaw basically has the same views on JRPGs as I do

He explains in his Mass Effect review. Here: http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/editorials/zeropunctuation/2738-Zero-Punctuation-Mass-Effect

I thought about writing an article about this topic.

I feel that the true difference between JRPGs and Western RPGs is that in Western RPGs the player IS the actual character who does the stuff and makes the decisions, and in JRPGs, the player is more of a watcher and observes what's going on. With games like Oblivion and Mass Effect, you definitely get the feel that you are that dude and (First Name) Shepard with all of the actions and customizations to the characters' appearance and actions. I haven't played Lost Odyssey, but from the JRPGs that I've played (FFVI and so on, Chrono Trigger, etc.), you'll see how the story will unfold. It's more like reading a book or watching a movie.

There's a lot of other things that differentiate the genres, but not as important as the main point.

As for which is better? It's a matter of taste. I certainly enjoyed playing all of these games. I think though, if I were to pick up a RPG that I've played already, it'd be one that captivated me with its story. I've meant to get to Level 60 in Mass Effect (the story is pretty good, but I'd have to sell stuff to make room for the items in the second playthrough), but recently I started playing FFIX (PS) on my PS2. Graphics come and go, but the story captivates you. That might be the reason why I've played FFVI and Chrono Trigger time and time again.

I grew up a fan of the Final Fantasy series, and I to also love games like Morrowind, Mass Effect, and Oblivion.

I will tell you now though, those games and JRPGS are completley different in terms of gameplay. Also, I just started playing Lost Odyssey, and am close to 2 hours into it, and already am just amazed by it. I have been anticipating FF13 for a while now, and decided to get this because it really interests me, and I will tell you now that this game is already looking like it is going to be every bit as good as a Final Fantasy game, and if the game continues to keep me this interested which I know it will, then whoever gave it a 7.5, needs to have their head examined and be fired.

I sure would love to see more turn based JRPG's on the 360. But the battle system often very alot in newer jrpg's. Sometime better, sometimes worse.I like the standard turn based, but some of them are a bit faster pased and more exciting - which is nice sometime. And some are slower and more strategic, which is also nice sometimes.

The games that I am most excited about and have yet to play are Eternal Sonata, Lost Odyssey, Blue Dragon, and definetely the upcoming Tales of Vesperia.

"If you swear your allegiance to me, I hold your oaths fulfilled.......WHAT SAY YOU?"............."WE FIGHT!"

Sorry, but when I saw that line it reminded me of Return of the King....

This is one type of game that I can honestly say I haven't really played. The closest I've come to it is Oblivion and Mass Effect, which I absolutely loved. But do you think I'd like Lost Odessey? I'm really debating this one. I like a good game that totally absorbs me into the story line and gameplay and characters that keep developing and leveling up. The only thing that I'm weary of is the slow turn-based gameplay. What are your thoughts? Was anyone else on the fence about this like I am now?nitroracer82

If you had loved Mass Effect than probaly you may love JRPG's becuase it has shares the most similarities with JRPG's Yes ther is shooting part in ME, but its no GRAW or R6VEgas its really a deep RPG and requires you do a lot of customization and take choices so it kind of not made for very shooter oriented guy and more for RPG lovers.

Best thing to do is to try it at your friends house because its a good JRPG but not Superb so as you are new to JRPG's it hard to say you would be contended but if you are starting to have tilt on JRPG's you are gonna enjoy it anyways. I must also mention this is the best JRPG on 360 despite some critics claim Eternal Sonata to be but this one is more mature to get appeal anyone, Although ES is not bad anyways but is linear and straightforward although other things are really good.

Also if anyone liked Chrono trigger and FF7 and might be saying that I want this game with better graphics and sound then try Lost Odyssey.

I've loved WRPG for a long time, and I rarely played JRPG and I could never finish them. But Lost Odyssey is something special, I dont get bored with it's turnbased combat and it's a real powerful experience once oyu get into it.

So,

JRPG in general:

Boo!!!

Lost Odyssey:

YAY!!!!

I thought Eternal Sonata would help bridge the gap, because I've never liked them. Eternal Sonata is at least playable but the entire genre gets too repetitive too quickly.blue_tape

well now you know how they feel about shooters. ppl in the west are just wowed by violence and what they atleast perceive as being "realistic".

I am a die hard RPG fan. There is nothing better then a game that tells a story and puts you in the middle of the action. This is what make games such as FF, and other JRPG's good. I love Rpgs across the board and I can't say one is better then the other but they are different. Mass Effect was a great game but as good as it was it won't stop me from playing a turn base rpg and vice versa. As long as the game as a great story, a good cast of characters to follow I will play it. As for Loss Odyessy, I haven't had the chance to get around to it, but I will soon.

Gamers Game.....Fanboys Pick Sides...

This is one type of game that I can honestly say I haven't really played. The closest I've come to it is Oblivion and Mass Effect, which I absolutely loved. But do you think I'd like Lost Odessey? I'm really debating this one. I like a good game that totally absorbs me into the story line and gameplay and characters that keep developing and leveling up. The only thing that I'm weary of is the slow turn-based gameplay. What are your thoughts? Was anyone else on the fence about this like I am now?nitroracer82

Just the person you want to talk too.

I have it currently rented now and, like you, it is my very first JRPG.

I am still forming my opinion of it but so far I think it is excellent. Graphics are pretty good (actually very good), story is EPIC, and turned based combat isn't too bad.

The only downside to turned based combat I can see is that, to a certain extent it is based on luck. Especially during boss fights and other tough instances. It is like rolling the dice. You might get lucky and breeze through a fight and other times you might have to go through it many times depending on how many crits you get hit with or superpowerful attacks. Sometimes it just feels like there is nothing you can do about it no matter how hard you try. Upside is that you can think carefully about what you want to do and take your time. There is no rush. I like the pace. I can get up and answer the phone, use the bathroom, get a beer, etc. without having to jump in and out of fast paced action.

A big question mark for me is the story. The thing is HUGE. Plays like a movie. Draws you in and is very immersive. However, I notice sometimes that in an hour of play I might be in combat for 10-15 minutes, running around another 15-20 minutes, and reading the story and watching cutscenes the rest of the time. Still trying to decide if I like that aspect or not. But make no joke, there is a story and it's pretty good.

What keeps me perplexed is that I am 25 and owned every counsel that has hit the shelves and played hundreds of games but managed to steer clear of RPGs/JRPGs up until recently. I had absolutely no interest in Oblivion until I tried it a year ago and fewer interest in Mass Effect until a week after release. Each of those games are now within my top 5. Maybe I should stop fighting it...

i think almost everyone has hit the nail on the head when they say its a different experience and it really comes down to personal preference. for me, rpgs are my favorite genre, with jrpgs being my favorites, been playing them since FF II (IV) on SNES. The turn based pacing and slowly unfolding (and usually quite good) storylines is just a nice break from twitch-based rest of the gaming world.

i say rent it, give it a shot. if you grew up on twitch-shooters it may take some time to get used to the slow-deliberate pace, in the end you may love it, or it may not be for you.

I'm not a big fan of JRPG's.

They just don't seem to bring anything new to the table. I especially dislike turn based rpg's.

Since this is my first JRPG will it be difficult to pick up on? What's the learning curve like? Any pointers?nitroracer82

I found the interface very easy to use and got used to it very fast. If you have played anytype of RPG then you will be familiar with equipping stuff and what things mean and do. At that point it is just a matter of learning the menus and buttons. I thought it was daunting at first but realized that I picked it up faster than just about any other game. There are also tutorials for the subjects that are more unique to LO. If you are an experienced gamer you won't have anymore trouble than any other game.

Since this is my first JRPG will it be difficult to pick up on? What's the learning curve like? Any pointers?nitroracer82

It will be as difficult to pick as Oblivion or Mass Effect and learning curve of LO is average in terms of JRPG's it will take you abt 1-1.5 hour and you will understand most of the features and this you then go on playing any JRPG after this. I am saying that long learning curve since you are new to the gerne if you had experience in Jrpg you can get this game in a matter of 15-20 mins its easy to learn. As a tip drive through the story you will understand the mechanics slowly yourself. Get a gameguide if you are stuck with Boss Battle. You will might have to peep in the guide 1-2 time only then all the things will clear for you so its up to your logic how you beat the game. ONe thing I must mention all this understanding time might be a little painful but will suck you into the game if you dont even want to.

The first JRPG I played was FFXII and it took me 5-6 hours to get the whole mechanics and it is one of the most hardest Jrpg's and learning curve was written by Gamespot was 2hours and they were not wrong.