Yup, you've read the title, you know what you're getting. However, before we start, here's a few rules:
- A franchise MUST have more than one game in the series, excluding remakes.
- SRPG's and Action RPG's are NOT permitted, so no Kingdom Hearts, Disgaea, etc.
- Eastern and Western RPG's ARE permitted.
- Spiritual trilogies DO NOT COUNT, so no Soul Blazer-Illusion of Gaia-Terranigma!
Let's begin!
5. Fallout
The Fallout franchise is fantastic in that it combines old timey American nuclear iconography with some retro-futurism mixed in with 80's styled post-apocalyptica to create a Universe that is unique, engaging, and unforgettable. A series whose style of dark humor is sure to bring a chuckle, while its bitter satire of American exceptionalism and jingoism is sure to give the player pause. It's a series whose lore is so awe inspiring to me, that I legit believe a FILM could be made set in this world. And that film would have the potential to be excellent. What I find most interesting about this franchise, though, is its critique of capitalism and human nature: the drive for consumption brought the world to ruin, and what are the survivors doing? Practicing capitalism using BOTTLE CAPS! An interesting treatise could be made about how Fallout makes fun of the concept of money, but...another blog!
4. Breath of Fire
The red-headed stepchild of Capcom's franchises, Breath of Fire is one of the finest RPG franchises I have ever had the pleasure of playing. The first two games in the series, or at the very least Breath of Fire 2, are among the finest RPG's any SNES player could ever own and play. The first game in the series is...a little basic, I'll admit it, but damn if it doesn't have one of the most beautiful sound tracks I have ever heard in an SNES RPG. Also the Boss Battles? Challening, yet fun. Characters each have unique skills that help the player easily identify and differentiate them. A fun RPG series...TOO BAD CAPCOM DOESN'T GIVE A SHIT ABOUT IT!!!
3- Lufia
The original Lufia is a fun little RPG for fans of the genre. Crisp graphics evocative of the early Dragon Quest titles, a solid story, and a good battle system guaranteed to bring a smile to the face of every old school RPG aficionado, Lufia 1 is a treasure. Its prequel, Lufia 2? A LEGEND! Lufia 2 is, beyond a shadow of a doubt, one of the top 10 RPG's to own on the SNES, and EASILY counts as one of the FINEST pre-FF7 RPG's to have ever been released. An amazing story, fantastic characters, brilliant puzzles, beautiful sprite work, Lufia 2 is a game that belongs in the shelves of EVERY RPG GAMER ALIVE!
2. Lunar
Let me start off by saying...I know. Lunar: Silver Star has seen at least one remake per generation. It got remade for the Sega Saturn, the Playstation, the Game Boy Advance, the Playstation Portable, mobile phones, OY! It's a miracle it hasn't seen a re-release for Steam, I swear! But why does it get so many re-releases? Cuz it's. That. Fucking. GOOD! Lunar: Silver Star was an RPG FAR ahead of its time with its ensemble; from strongly characterized playable women, to its memorable soundtrack, to its relatable heroes AND villains. The sequel, Lunar: Eternal Blue, is JUST AS GOOD as its predecessor. Sadly, having been remade ONCE, its forever condemned to live in the shadow of Silver Star. A pity...
1. Suikoden
The Suikoden series isn't just one of my all time favorite franchises, it's a franchise that has literally influenced me. It is a series that spoke to me about fighting injustice, standing up for what is right and wrong, to fight corruption, to stand up for the downtrod. This is a series that is just as responsible for my political views as any other life experience I have ever had. So...it easily earns my number 1 spot. A future blog will be dedicated to explain just HOW Suikoden influenced me.
Honorable Mentions:
1. Mana series.
2. Tales of...series.
3. Star Ocean series.
No comments:
Post a Comment