Thanks - believe me, not all of us were 100% in agreement with the list either. But it was a list we were all willing to accept. :) You might actually be surprised at how much work one of these lists takes. (Which partially explains why we don't do many of them here.) We've got our "best of DS" list coming, and I talk a little more about the process in the intro to it.
When you're arguing between a large group of people, I understand that it could be difficult to assemble a list like that. It makes me feel 130% more justified in blaming Derek for forcing Ys Chronicles up there. Don't try to deny it, Embryon-senpai.
Valkyria Chronicles II, Disgaea 1, and Breath of Fire III all came close to making the list. :)
It's unfortunate that so many of the games on the list are remakes... but depending on whether you had played them before (I hadn't), it may be unfortunate that those were simply the best games on the system. :(
Yeah, like I said: I wasn't complaining, but it's true. And a little unfortunate.
The Monster Hunter series is one that we've decided doesn't fit our coverage - I actually reviewed Monster Hunter Freedom (the one before Unite), and it spurred much debate, resulting in that decision. But how about if I offer the beginning of what my review would have said as a consolation prize?
Dear Reader,
I didn't want to be the one to have to tell you this, but our friendship means a lot to me, so I'm going to do it anyway. I know Monster Hunter Freedom looks cool, and does fun stuff, but it really doesn't like you "that way." It's cool if you come along with your friends, but when it's just you and Monster Hunter alone, it's just not the same. No hard feelings, OK?
-John T.
Monster Hunter Freedom is two games before Unite. The PSP games go Freedom, Freedom 2, Freedom Unite. In Japan that lineage of PSP MH games is Portable / Portable 2nd / Portable 2nd G / Portable 3rd. For the past year and a half I've been hoping for a Vita G version of Portable 3rd, but alas it hasn't happened.
And re: imported stuff. Well, OF COURSE. Here, I'll make a top 5 important Japanese RPGs right now, without even leaving this tab. Let's see....
MOST HONORABLE OF MENTIONS: Monster Hunter Portable 3rd
5. Valkyria Chronicles III
4. Super Robot Wars Z2 (two games)
3. Tales of Phantasia Naikiri Dungeon X (hahaha remakes!)
2. Eiyuu Densetsu: ___ no Kiseki (like six goddamn games or something)
1. Final Fantasy Type-0