I based my rankings on story (the most important aspect to an RPG, imo), graphics (compared to other games of the time), innovation (which drives any genre), gameplay (naturally), and replayablility.

Note: I didn't include action RPGs (ie, Zelda) as I believe they really aren't RPGs, but simply action games.

15. Dungeon Siege (PC)
To start the list, I think it's best to go with a good ol' PC dungeon crawler. Dungeon Siege, while not the first game of its kind, offers a wide variety of jobss, magics, armors, and the whole RPG lot. The storyline is engaging and very lengthy (80+ hours, easily). While the main focus of the game is the single player story, a completely different adventure is found in the multiplayer, effectively doubling the size of the game. Combined with the deep presentation of the world of Aranna, Dungeon Siege is an exceptional addition to any RPG lover's repertoire.

14. Super Mario RPG: Land of the Seven Stars (SNES)
Super Mario RPG is certainly a cult favorite. Combining everyone's favor plumber with RPG elements made for a hilariously enjoyable game. The game features many lovable characters that make their only Mushroom Kingdom appearance in this game (sadly for Geno, happily for Mallow). As one of the few Mario games without Bowser as the main villain, the story is a rare gem in the Mario world. The RPG elements created in this game later manifested itself in the Paper Mario series (also a great RPG). Simply put, Super Mario RPG is one of those games you can't go without.

13. Baten Kaitos: Eternal Wings and the Lost Ocean (GCN)
One of those overlooked adventures, Baten Kaitos is almost in a category by itself. The card-based battle system offers a unique experience that cannot be found in any other game of the genre. The character development is superb, and while the voice acting DOES sound like it was recorded in a tin can, it doesn't distract from the expansive storyline. The game does not require a lot of grinding to keep up with enemies, but also isn't dull if you do decide to grind. With ton of collectables, the game can last a between 30-60 hours. If you own a Gamecube, Baten Kaitos should accompany it.

12. Riviera: The Promised Land (GBA)
Another amazing RPG that few have probably played (due to its late release in the GBA timeline) is Riviera: The Promised Land. Uniquely Japanese in presentation and undeniably charming, this is the perfect RPG to keep you entertained while waiting for other big titles. The story is driven by the compelling characters, each with unique backgrounds and personalities. Riviera offers a gameplay mechanism of overlimits and special attacks that cannot be found in any other game to date. If you haven't played this quirky game, make it a priority.

11. Pokemon Gold/Silver/Crystal (GB)
The Pokémon series is a staple of the RPG genre. The second in the series, GSC expanded the already massive Pokémon world by double. Many great improvements were added to GSC, such as the experience bar, 16 gym badges, 251 Pokémon, and a day/night system. Personally, I maxed out the timer on the game, proving its reliability over time. Fighting with friends and trading with the RGY games is the icing on the already delicious cake. Chances are, you've already played this addictive game and you understand why it deserves to be considered one of the best of all time.

10. Final Fantasy Tactics Advance (GBA)
Final Fantasy Tactics Advance is a rehashing of the Playstation Final Fantasy Tactics, so why is the remake on this list rather than the original? Playing the Advance version fixed many of the issues I had with the Playstation original and made the game infinitely more enjoyable. The vast variety of jobs (as well as the addicting skill learning system) makes playing the game over and over an enjoyable occurrence. The story quickly picks up after the somewhat dull introduction and doesn't disappoint. What sets this game apart from others is the chess-like battlefield that gives a different feel from normal "baddies on the other side" RPGs. If you haven't played the original game or either, you are missing out on an innovative RPG.

9. Final Fantasy V (SNES)
In my opinion, Final Fantasy V for the SNES is the RPG giant's series best (Sorry FF VII). Utilizing the job change system introduced in FFIII, FFV fully utilized and enhanced the ability to become any of the many jobs in the game at any time. This, in itself, puts FFV as one of the most adaptable, replayable, and varied RPGs. As with all Final Fantasy games, the storyline is second to none. I spent many hours (perhaps 100+) maximizing my characters and I never felt bored. The in-game bosses were challenging and innovative, making Final Fantasy V a must-have.

8. Dragon Warrior III (GBC)
The Dragon Warrior series is one of the most popular in Japan, rivaling Final Fantasy in RPG popularity, and for good reason. Dragon Warrior III, originally on NES but ported for GBC, is a fine example of the epitome of role play games. A simple battle interface, job system, and an easy to navigate menu make this game a perfect RPG to start for any person regardless of knowledge of the genre. Most modern RPG's take many of the innovations created for this game. One amazing aspect of the game is its sheer size. I thought I reached the end of the game twice and still had more worlds to conquer. With 4 (count them 4!) massive world maps, it's easy to get lost in this game for weeks or months.

7. Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn (WII)
I'm sure many will greatly disagree with me on this, but Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn is the best Fire Emblem game to date. Not only does it improve graphically over previous games, but it takes the best ideas from each older game. The skills system that made FE4 so popular is present, the enigmatic Laguz from FE9 return, and the ability to change ****by level up OR items was retained. The game spans over 50 chapters, effectively double any previous Fire Emblem game. Most of all, instead of the normal two tiers of the jobs, a third tier was added. If you don't think that makes the game worth playing, you probably don't like RPGs. It is by far the most difficult game in the series, but challenge is something the video game world, not just RPGs, hasn't seen enough of in recent years. Trust me, Radiant Dawn is worth your while.

6. Pokemon Red/Blue/Yellow (GB)
Here it is: the original time suck. Nearly everyone was infected with Poke-fever based on this game. Although the simplest in the series, no one can deny that Pokémon RBY belongs in the "best game of all time" category. Hundreds of hours were spent with a Gameboy light under the covers to play this game. Parental punishments were no longer forbidding friends or TV or grounding, but not playing Pokémon. What makes this game so amazing? No one can pinpoint it, but there is an undeniable greatness to it. I don't have to urge you to play Pokemon RBY, because you've already beaten it.

5. Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (PC)
A definite must for any Star Wars fan, KOTOR revolutionized the western RPG in many ways. The seemingly real time-turn based system makes this RPG play out more like the movies than a game. Hundreds of customizable skills and abilities, as well as being able to become the powerful Jedi Knight, is enough to warrant a playthrough. Bioware is a master at making an epic storyline, and KOTOR is no exception. Without KOTOR, modern favorites like Mass Effect and Fallout 3 would probably have not enjoyed the great success that they did. No Jedi mindtricks are needed to see how incredible this game is.

4. Tales of Symphonia (GCN)
Tales of Symphonia is considered by many the best RPG for the somewhat RPG-negligent Gamecube, and I am no exception. The JRPG genre itself is widely ignored by modern critics for terrible reasons, and Tales of Symphonia serves as a perfect example of their inadequacies. The cell-shaded presentation lends for an optimum storyline, memorable scenes and seamless gameplay. While not the first game to have non-random battles, ToS utilizes the system well. The story of ToS is second to none, offering many twists and turns that never ceased to keep me interested. Also, its inclusion of 4-player multiplayer is an extremely rare occurrence in RPGs and only multiplies the greatness of the game. Did I mention the awesome story? You have to play this RPG, and bring your friends along.

3. Tales of Vesperia (X360)
If Tales of Symphonia is a 10/10, Tales of Vesperia is an 11. Everything has been improved upon in this game from all the other Tales games. New to the game is the even better anime presentation, voice acting, and the addition of many new skills, such as an instant-kill for normal baddies. The bosses are inventive and unique, and the game has some "secret missions" (certain things to perform during the match) that adds a challenging, different approach. Best of all is the game's humor. There were dozens of moments my friends and I had to put our controllers down we were laughing so hard. This is certainly the best JRPG on XBOX360, and offers more to RPG lovers than its contemporaries.

2. Chrono Trigger (SNES)
Often ranked with Zelda: Ocarina of Time and Final Fantasy VII as one of the best game of all time, Chrono Trigger does not disappoint. A perfect blend of Final Fantasy's turn based system with Star Ocean's revolutionary spatial placement, Chrono Trigger became a pioneer that brought RPGs to a whole new level. Combo moves between two characters added another new element than even modern RPGs haven't tried to match. The story is flawless, and to this day is the only game to allow you to fight the final boss within the first hour (albeit with little success). Western RPGs owe much of their genre to Chrono Trigger, and even now it remains one of the most sought after games. Great on every level, Chrono Trigger is nearly flawless.

1. Golden Sun: The Lost Age (GBA)
Some of this ranking may be due to my fanboy approach to the Golden Sun series, but for those who have played this incredible game know, it's based on solid facts. Fact: this game is unlike any other game in terms of job organization, and puzzle solving. Fact: this game was the first to include an active party-member change DURING battle. Fact: this is the only RPG to allow you to transfer ALL of your data from the first game of the series to the second. I have changed many non gamers minds about video games based on them playing this game alone. The story is epic in every way, the Djinni job system offers dozens of completely different playthroughs, and the graphics pushed the Gameboy Advance as far as it could go. I could go on and on about the many replays of this game that have yet to bore me. Simply put, when I want an RPG fix, the only game I can really fill it with is Golden Sun.

Honorable Mentions: Final Fantasy X (PS2), Fire Emblem: Blazing Sword (GBA), Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion (X360), Peter's Left Nut (X360)

Well i suppose not all is well... but at least i am content once again.  Lucky for me, i am a master of speaking clearly and concisely.  my problems with my parents are fixed.  it took a lot... sure... but its working. 

and females even... im good with that.  i dont have one.  im not particularly looking, either.  but i have what i was looking for.  and im doing it the right way. 

everything is better.  im in love with life again.  perhaps im not as happy as i once was with certain girls on my arm, goals in mind, and other things i just cannot control.  but id like to think its going to be okay. 

and thats where i stand.  and i cannot believe i ever once felt so terrible.  i must remember what i have always lived by... what my union is truly about (even if it IS dying)....

"We are, all of us, angels with but one wing.  The only way for us to fly is to embrace each other."

As emo and un-Joel as that sounds... i cannot stand it anymore. while i cannot go into details... my home like just took a crap and im no longer willing to scoop it up. as a matter of fact, i really dont even want to live here anymore. period.

and i almost did leave. parker knows how close i was. my dad knows how close i was. caleb knows. my mother has finally done it. i cannot stand her presence. were it not for my outrageously good acting abilities... im sure i would be cursing her behind into next century.

dad is technically even on her side! he is enforcing punishments (that is, things to make me miserable for no reason) that mother has set up. these include the following: no car (which i paid for everything), my computer (which i paid for), and phone (which, believe it or not... i have paid for it too.) but because of my tremendous respect for my father... im abiding by them. well, that is except for my little midnight espionage which is allowing me to write this blog.

with my 18 birthday in 25 days... i am seriously toying with the idea of leaving. where i might go... im not sure. for how long... perhaps forever. it would really suck for me and dad, but its to the point where i cannot stand it. i dont want to be here. i dont want to keep living like this.

and to make matters worse... dad thinks that mom and i need to go into counseling together. ME! in counseling! im sorry, but i am not the one with a problem. mother is the one with the problem. and i am not just being obsinate. if you REALLY want to know the story, then i will tell you. and you will see my point. heck, dad even knows what i am saying is right and true and real. but because he doesnt want to lose me... hes fighting it. hes a great guy. and i would live with him in a second. but mother has taken this too far.

brett, i envy you somedays. especially days like this. you can just leave. or i also envy parker and adam and devin. their mothers arent psychopaths. their mothers would never call them lazy sons of **** little **** or **** idiots. pardon my french gamespot... if you censor this stuff.

i am so close to just being done with life right now. and this is even a day after this major event. ive taken time to think and mull things over and i am still ready to pack up and leave. haha, ironic isnt it? mother specializes in parent-child relations and she doesnt even understand why i am so pissed. or maybe whats more likely is she doesnt care because she knows i am right.

just to let you know the extent of all this... i had to defend myself PHYSICALLY from her. and yes, i did actually react. i never took the offensive, mind you. she did. but she now understands that i am freakin strong and can pin her down faster than she can blink. i dont even feel sorry for that. its about time someone did something about her attitude.

sigh... i shouldnt be surprised. basic pyschology shows this stuff happens. she never took action against her deranged father. so she takes it out on me. haha, well... i am not an idiot. i am not a weaking. and now i am close to doing something about it.

i need all of your support... that is, if you even get on here anymore. i need a family now. heck, i may even need a home. we will see what happens. but it finally has happened. Joel has broken.

    well, all... i believe i must stay in band.  i feel as if i have unfinished business.  sure, we will have our quarrels.  let them come.  i hope i can change the way the band operates, or at least feels, about a lot of things.  and i cannot do that from the outside.  as always, i hope some of you will debate with me on my decision.  but the ides have come, and i cannot leave.

Okay guys...
I need to hear your input.  Please give me your ideas on whether or not I should quit band.  While the decision is ultimately mine, I need to see what others are thinking about.  Also, don't just say band sucks (colin).  I want REASONS.  I need reasons.  This is not an easy choice for me. 
March 15, The Ides of March.  I must decide whether or not I am Brutis....

ITS BEEN DELAYED AGAIN!!!
oh why does God hate me so! Twilight Princess is now coming out in the fall! Oh this is terrible! What am I to do!

    Will someone try to explain to me the importance of actual relationships?  What makes them so different from really good friendships? (well other than the touchy-feely part).  what is it that makes females think that guys are great.  We are preverted, sex-driven, immature swine, and yet they look at us as if we are wonderful.  Is not the love of a friend worth everything in the world? Is knowing that someone cares about you less important than if someone likes you sexually?  Perhaps it is that the minds of the world have evolved into something else, and I have been left in the previous age.  But where did all the love go?  Perhaps no one understands the emptiness in my head, but that doesnt mean they dont care.  Sure, Aly and Andrew make me furious, but that doesnt mean I cant love her and understand.  Am I some kind of freak?  Some evil monster feeding off of the emotions of others?  Am I a plauge upon the earth?  I pray that I am not.  But if I am not... then why is it so hard to be me?

Alas!  We finally have done it!  The Angels of Cruxis are now recongized as a full union!  I would like to thank the academy, and all my wonderful friends.  Im going to do my best as the leader to make our union a fun one. 

Picket signs for ALL!

Hey, what do you guys think of my new little icon?
It moves, so I thought it was kinda cool... even though its a little smaller than the other one.  Tell me if this is good, or if I should keep looking.

I seriously cannot WAIT for this game.  I think Parker and I would camp out at Best Buy just to get this puppy.  Naturally, Parker and his silly Imperial Fleet will be crushed in minutes without even realizing that he's being attacked.

Death Star? Ha!  Two words- Single Fighter :)

Good luck to all whenever we get our hands on this!