Best RPG of Last Generation?

[jphussey]

We have a new feature posting soon on the best RPG of last Generation (see XBOX, PS2, GC, Dreamcast).

What do you think will win?

JP

[Gen Eric Gui]

I don't see how any single game could ever be rated as the best, because there's so many different sub-categories within RPG's as well as so many games of nearly equal quality.  And -especially- in this case, as the PS2 had such an ENORMOUS quantity of amazing RPG's like Shadow Hearts and Suikoden, not to mention that the few that came to the DC and GC were often pretty amazing, like Grandia 2 and Fire Emblem.

And let's not even talk about some of the great stuff that popped up on the GBA.

[Buddy]

Who knows who will win. It's impossible to predict something that's going to be based on someone's personal taste.

My faves of the last generation are Tales Of Symphonia for the GC, Grandia II and Sklies Of Arkadia for the Dreamcast. Shenmue too... but it's debatable if that's an RPG. I have a ton of PS2 RPG's, but none I liked more than the ones I mentioned.

[Hidoshi]

In terms of best innovation? Final Fantasy XII.

In terms of best storytelling? Suikoden V.

In terms of best gameplay? Digital Devil Saga.

I can keep going with this categorical stuff. :P

[Eusis]

In terms of best gameplay? Digital Devil Saga.

I can at least see why people would prefer DDS over Nocturne when you factor in story, but when factoring it out? Unless you really hate monster gathering or something anyway.

I tend to hate picking favorites, but when I think about it DQVIII really may be my favorite RPG from last generation, with Nocturne in second place.

[Saviour]

Xenosaga Episode III was just epic.  The turn-based battle system was fast and exciting to watch.  The story was a roller coaster conclusion to the plot built in the previous games.  This was also the first game where I actually bought the game OST because some of the bgm I heard while playing were just too memorable.  Best is all about preference, XS3 is easily my personal favourite RPG and it has the game mechanics and story to be considered best in my opinion.

Honourable mentions:
Skies of Arcadia Legends - nothing outstanding, but everything great.
Grandia II - probably my second favourite RPG of last gen.
Shadow Hearts Covenant - great the first time through, but the judgement ring battle was unbearable a second time.

[erwos]

People keep mentioning Grandia II - looks like I might have to look into that series. I was always dissuaded by the relatively average review scores the series garners, but if people like it, maybe it just reviews badly. GameStop is selling it cheap enough I can risk it. :)

Also, best RPG of last generation? Persona 3 FES. Best RPG of all time, IMHO, but I recognize that I am a bit biased towards it. :)

DDS1 was a bit stiff for me, but DDS2 completely blew me away. The opening sequence with Serph? _Awesome_.

[Akanbe-]

In terms of best innovation? Final Fantasy XII.

In terms of best storytelling? Suikoden V.

In terms of best gameplay? Digital Devil Saga.

I can keep going with this categorical stuff. :P

I agree with this. 

In regards to Eus's point of DDS vs SMT:N, I'd pick DDS just because it's a bit easier with having a party.  If you have trouble with a boss, you can just tackle it in a different way without having to fuse a new demon.  I hold both games in high regard though.  Good stuff.

[dalucifer0]

My guess would either be P3/FES or FF XII.

[jphussey]

Gen, by the way, everyone voted on staff and there were point values assigned to our votes, so it became as Democratic as possible.

There is a top 10, and a number one based on those scores,

JP

[Prime Mover]

Skies of Arcadia/Legends
Grandia II
Tales of Symphonia
Tales of the Abyss
Suikoden V
Okami
Dragon Quest VIII
Final Fantasy X
Wild Arms IV
Xenosaga III (from everything I've heard)
Persona 4 (does this count?)
Golden Sun I / II

My vote is for Skies of Arcadia Legends. Though, if Okami is considered an RPG (I think Clover considered it an RPG), then it would be a tough call. We should also include GBA, in which Golden Sun should get a nod too.

Not sure weather Persona 3/4 should count, though. Even if they're on last-gen systems, they were created this gen with current gen sensibilities. Many people pit P3 and P4 up against TWEWU, for instance.

[jphussey]

For RPGFan purposes, Okami is UNFORTUNATELY not considered an RPG,

JP

[MeshGearFox]

I'm going to say Nocturne.

[Lord Scottish]

Grandia II is definitely at the top of my list. Second is Romancing SaGa, third is Wind Waker, fourth is BoF:DQ.

[Fadedsun]

For RPGFan purposes, Okami is UNFORTUNATELY not considered an RPG,

JP

Isn't it very similar in style to the Zelda series? You have reviews for those games on here, why not Okami?