What RPG for the DS?

[blurredvision]

I've jumped back into the Nintendo camp and picked up a blue DS lite. Picked up Brain Age 2 and N+, and I'd like to have an RPG to round out my initial batch of games.

It appears there are quite a few to choose from, and I don't know which way to go with it. I don't want anything that absolutely screams Japanese, nor do I want anything that's really hard. Turn-based battles is typically what I'm used to as a casual RPG fan (i.e. I don't play RPG's much).

Thanks for your recommendations and why you like it.

 

[Lord Banshee]

I would say Chrono Trigger if you don't mind looking at SNES graphics as it is one of the best RPG's ever.

or Final Fantasy 4.

I do not know what you meant by "I don't want anything that absolutely screams Japanese" seeing how "MOST" RPGs are made from the land of the rising sun.

 

[blurredvision]

Originally posted by: Lord Banshee
I would say Chrono Trigger if you don't mind looking at SNES graphics as it is one of the best RPG's ever.

or Final Fantasy 4.

I do not know what you meant by "I don't want anything that absolutely screams Japanese" seeing how "MOST" RPGs are made from the land of the rising sun.

By the Japanese comment, I'm talking about something like "The World Ends With You". But I realize that comment is kind of vague, and I'm having a hard time trying to think of a good explanation, but I can't, so we'll let that drop .

I thought I remembered reading that FF4 was pretty difficult...is that the case? I don't necessarily want to breeze through a game, but I don't want difficulty that is obviously aimed towards diehard RPG fans. Also, any thoughts on Disgaea DS, or something like one of the FFT games (and which one)? Chrono Trigger did cross my radar, but since it's brand new, it's still a bit up there in price, so I was going to try and find something else a bit cheaper.

 

[erwos]

Originally posted by: blurredvision
I thought I remembered reading that FF4 was pretty difficult...is that the case?

It's harder than FF4 for the SNES or SFC was. I don't think it's ball-bustingly hard like Nocturne or the like.

I don't necessarily want to breeze through a game, but I don't want difficulty that is obviously aimed towards diehard RPG fans. Also, any thoughts on Disgaea DS, or something like one of the FFT games (and which one)? Chrono Trigger did cross my radar, but since it's brand new, it's still a bit up there in price, so I was going to try and find something else a bit cheaper.

You'll probably do pretty well with any of those games, although Disgaea is something of an acquired taste. Something not mentioned was Dragon Quest 4 for the DS, which is really quite good.

 

[FeathersMcGraw]

If you don't want to be bothered with things that slow you down from obsessive levelling like dialogue or story and you just love drawing your own dungeon maps, then Etrian Odyssey (II) is the game for you. Best of all, it's a mere $20 new (if you can find it) at Gamestop.

Also tricky to find, but well worth your while is Mario and Luigi: Partners in Time, or the GBA version, Mario and Luigi Superstar Saga.

I've heard excellent things about Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood, but haven't picked it up yet.

 

[warcrow]

Welcome to the party.

Chrono Cross is a pretty safe bet I think, but there are some points that might require a bit of grinding (boss battles) depending on the routes you take. I also hear Mario & Luigi: PiT is pretty good and Contact is also pretty enjoyable. youve got a ton of opnions.

 

[nakedfrog]

Originally posted by: FeathersMcGraw
Also tricky to find, but well worth your while is Mario and Luigi: Partners in Time, or the GBA version, Mario and Luigi Superstar Saga.

Highly recommended. Less of a "pure" RPG, though, so if you want strictly turn-based battles or a more involved story, go with FFIV or Chrono Trigger.

 

[Aikouka]

As a note on difficulty, FFIV and CT aren't really too hard (even comparing the SNES version to the NDS version). Typically, the difficulty comes from having to power level a bit before entering a dungeon, which tends to happen often when you gain a new character and they're significantly lower than the rest. The worst is when you get Rydia and she's level 8 compared to your level 14 (or so). She'll get two shot'd if you attempt to press on.

Although, that may be more favorable than the annoying difficulties of figuring out how to beat a fight (which FFIV does have that to some extent, but it's still not hard). I remember at the top of the Fanatic's Tower in FFVI where you had to use Life 3 on a party member, because the last guy uses Ultima when he dies (which will kill your entire party).

 

[blurredvision]

I don't mind power leveling a bit, but when pure out-and-out grinding is what I want to avoid. I might just bite the bullet and pony up the cash for a FF4 or CT and be done with it. But I'll definitely take a look at Mario and Luigi, also the Sonic RPG.

I've played and beaten FF7 and FF10, and loved both. Maybe FF4 will be the way to go then?

 

[Aikouka]

Originally posted by: blurredvision
I don't mind power leveling a bit, but when pure out-and-out grinding is what I want to avoid. I might just bite the bullet and pony up the cash for a FF4 or CT and be done with it. But I'll definitely take a look at Mario and Luigi, also the Sonic RPG.

I've played and beaten FF7 and FF10, and loved both. Maybe FF4 will be the way to go then?

Both FFIV and CT are fairly memorable... mostly from their OST which tends to work well. I'd say if you want something like the other Final Fantasy games, then go with FFIV, but if you want something a little different but still good story-wise and such... go with CT. One nice aspect of CT is that there are no random battles. I know some people around here don't like random battles very much, so that might be a selling point.

Speaking of power leveling... anyone else in here power level in the Robot Factory in CT? I ran so many times on that conveyor belt and I recall it being very easy with Magus.

 

[blurredvision]

Originally posted by: Aikouka
One nice aspect of CT is that there are no random battles. I know some people around here don't like random battles very much, so that might be a selling point.

I never minded random battles. It helps me keep on track to leveling, because with non-random battles, I'll tend to skip some if I just don't feel like it.

 

[Matilda]

Chrono Trigger is the greatest. Also, The World Ends With You, maybe?

 

[nakedfrog]

Originally posted by: Matilda
Also, The World Ends With You, maybe?

I think I played that for two hours or so. Doesn't seem to be my cup of tea.

 

[Deeko]

FF IV = best game ever

 

[citan x]

Originally posted by: Deeko
Chrono Trigger = best game ever

Fixed.

Not too hard, not too long, and multiple endings.

Definately worth it.

 

[Deeko]

Originally posted by: citan x

Originally posted by: Deeko
FF IV = best game ever

Fixed.

Not too hard, not too long, and multiple endings.

Definately worth it.

Don't change my posts, boy.

 

[blurredvision]

Thanks for the discussion fellas, I ended up getting a used copy of FFIV at Gamestop today. I didn't want to put down $35, but it seems as if all the RPG's I was interested in ran $35 or $40. This FFIV copy looked brand new, so I splurged. Put about a half hour into it tonight, and I think it'll be pretty damn good. The voice acting is terrible enough that I turned it off, but ya, it seems good so far.

 

[KINGGABBO]

Good decision. It's a great game.