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Top 10 - Essential RPGs for Beginners

Published By: Sherrin English On: 23/08/2007 10:00

Sherrin's 10 Top RPGs to learn from and enjoy.

So you’ve wanted to play a console RPG for a while now, but you don’t know where to begin. You’ve heard some very grand – and sometimes very long - titles bandied about by regular RPG players and you’d like to match swords with them. But you’d like to be taken seriously and not have your newness show. Well, here are ten RPGs that will have you hacking and slashing and saving the world with the best of them, and have you looking like you know exactly what you’re doing!

10 - Final Fantasy VII (PS1)

No RPG list would be complete without this turn-based golden oldie. Every RPGer worth his or her salt has poured many hours into this one; in fact FFVII pretty much set the benchmark by which all other RPGs were once measured. However much the graphics have become dated, the story and content are still as vital and innovative today as they were ten years ago. Although FFVII is not one of my personal favourites, it’s a good RPG to begin with, if only to see how much - and how little - the genre has changed over the decade.

9 - Shadow Hearts: Covenant (PS2)

The second in the Shadow Hearts series, Covenant has a memorable story and a line up of extremely likeable and quirky characters. But what is most memorable and enjoyable about SH: Covenant is its sense of humour. Nothing is above having the mickey taken – even the game itself. The graphics are stunning and the soundtrack is lovely, but what sets this RPG apart from the rest is its ‘Judgement Ring’ combat system. The ‘Judgement Ring’ is like a clock face with a single hand sweeping around it, and as it sweeps around the player must press a button when the hand passes over highlighted areas particular to each character. And precisely because of the ‘Judgement Ring’, Shadow Hearts: Covenant is only for the RPGer with some experience under his belt, but I feel it still merits a place here.

8 - Kingdom Hearts II (PS2)

Like all things Disney, KH II is extremely colourful and lively, with dozens of entertaining characters and a rousing orchestral soundtrack. And in typical SquareEnix style, no artistic detail has been overlooked and everything is lovingly treated. Although KH II isn’t as long as KH, I feel that it has more contrast and is therefore a more interesting RPG to play. The real-time combat is pure button mashing hack n’ slash, but it’s forgivable in this game because there’s so much more on offer. The appearances of many well-known Final Fantasy characters is a nice inclusion and will undoubtedly make you want to play more FFs.

7 - The Elder Scrolls: Oblivion (Xbox360)

The Xbox360 shows off Oblivion’s stunning graphics, and from the opening screen, with the trumpet heralding in the game, you know you’re onto a winner. Typical of Elder Scrolls RPGs, there is a lot to see and do, with side quests by the score and a whole island to explore - if you want to. That’s the beauty of Oblivion: there’s nothing, apart from the main quest, that must be done; from deciding what race and star sign you want your character to be, to deciding which way to go, which side quests to accept to whether to ride a horse or to walk. It’s all in your hands. Yes indeed, this real-time hack n’ slash RPG provides hours of luscious eye candy while you’re saving the world.

6 - Star Ocean: Till The End of Time (PS2)

Star Ocean is another real-time combat RPG. But it’s one of the best. What sets SO apart from the others – more than its gripping story and immensely likeable characters – is the ability to recruit Inventors and to then invent items, whether simple life-sustaining potions or complicated weapons and armour. Oh yes, there’s lots to do in Star Ocean: TTEOT, so be prepared for 100+ hours of excellent RPGing. The graphics are more than adequate and the cutscenes are superb. Star Ocean is an excellent, well rounded RPG with challenges to keep you hungry, characters to entertain and a story to captivate.

5 - Fable: The Lost Chapters (Xbox)

I’ve chosen The Lost Chapters over the first Fable release simply because the extra content makes the game longer. Fable gives you the opportunity to play as either a saint or a sinner – with character art to match. Fable’s extremely user-friendly in-game menus make weapon or magic combat simple to use. The many side quests pad out the story and at the same time shape your character. The gorgeous graphics and gritty soundtrack are a feast for the senses, while the real-time combat is fast and fun. Fable gives us two endings while reminding us that there’s always a choice.

4 - Suikoden V (PS2)

The Suikoden series has given us five superb RPGs over the years, so choosing one above the others is difficult. Suikoden I and II (PS1) are ideal starter RPGs, but in today’s world their graphics are somewhat dated, while Suikoden III and IV are breaks from the ‘Suikoden mold’. Although Suiko III is an excellent RPG, IV is one that only a hardcore fan would enjoy. The series gets back on track with Suiko V, and so I’ve chosen that one to recommend. The graphics are lively and colourful and on your quest for Suikoden’s trademark 108 Stars you’ll be treated to a bit of every type of combat: one-on-one duels, armies to move tactically and turn-based party combat that offers that little bit extra.

3 - Star Wars: Knight of The Old Republic (Xbox)

Set on different planets and with a story to keep you guessing, KOTOR is an RPG that’s sure to enthrall. Like Fable you can choose between playing as a good or an evil character; unlike Fable, however, your character’s artwork doesn’t reflect your choice. But seeing KOTOR’s a few years old now I think that’s forgivable. Like many RPGs, the open-ended story unfolds through numerous side quests that will take you to different planets and introduce you to some memorable NPCs (Non-Player Characters). KOTOR’s real-time combat is based on a simplified version of the Dungeons and Dragons rules, which makes it fast moving and fun. What set KOTOR apart from other RPGs of its time was the amount, and the quality of, voice acting. But best of all is that it doesn’t matter if you’re a Star wars fan, because you don’t have to be one to enjoy this splendid RPG.

2 - Final Fantasy X (PS2)

From the opening cutscene to the rolling of the final credits, Final Fantasy X will have you firmly in its grasp. The story is intriguing, the characters develop well, the graphics are eye-popping and the soundtrack is memorable. The story unfolds through the characters and their relationship to each other, as well as through several key NPCs and the various exotic locations featured. FFX has an excellent tutorial, which is vital to a series as well known as FF, because it can seem a bit daunting to new players. Although the story is linear it doesn’t feel like you’re being lead anywhere because you’re able stay as long as you like in any area to do some levelling up, and you’re able to revisit places to search for added treasure. And the in-game map is a constant guide so you won’t get lost in this huge world. I’m certain you’ll enjoy FFX so much you won’t notice the hours rushing by as you go towards one of the most awesome endings in RPG history.

1 - Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King (PS2)

Dragon Quest VIII is a stunning looking, fun RPG that combines an old-school look and feel with new-school technology. The characters are cute and quirky and always amusing, while the settings are colourful and vibrant. The orchestral soundtrack is always exactly what you’d expect to hear and the superb voice acting can be as crazy as the characters the voices belong to. Even the enemies in DQ VIII’s turn-based combat are zany and humorous as bats dance, bears skip and cats take time out from battle to groom themselves. The story is a simple one - four friends unite against great evil - but it’s told in a lovingly creative way, with lots of fun battles, superb animation and a light-hearted approach to everything. DQ VIII is a charming RPG that will stand the test of time and I’m sure will end up being one of your favourites too.

As you play more RPGs you’ll become aware of the differences between Japanese and Western games and I’m sure you’ll develop a preference for one or the other, as well as for either turn-based or real-time combat. Having said that, a good RPG will grab you by the throat the minute it begins, no matter what.

Happy RPGing!