@@dantemustdie00 Newer gamers do, especially on Gamefaqs. It just seems to depend on which of the four someone played first. Any of those four would've been the correct answer.
@@dantemustdie00 The usual Tales games were far too cheesy generic anime vibes for me (though I see the relaxing and simple appeal), basically Berseria was the only one I finished despite attempting Symphonia, Abyss, Hearts, and Vesperia and never finishing those. Berseria's protagonist was damn interesting and unexpected, and the tone overall hooked me good and gave me a solid (though un-Tales-like) experience I quite enjoyed. I bet it's rather divisive actually.
Have you every done or considered doing a Best And Worst character design? Not focusing on gameplay or quality of the game, but how the characters design looks.
I always assumed Symphonia or Abyss were the standout Tales games, because they were the two that hooked me. (a case could be made for Vesperia too) But I could see a lot of people latching onto Berseria its pretty great. I agree Tales games are hard to rank theyre all pretty similar and of high quality.
I remember playing SO2 and at the point where Rena found out about her origin then "Theme of Rena" is playing in the background. It was probably the best moment for me. The combination of the revelation plus the sick music really worked together to get me really emotional. Oh, and yeah, I also played the Lunar boat song when I was a kid a gazillion times. Lol
I am part of the started at dragon quest 8 group as it was the first European release (fun fact, the pal region releas wasn't numbered). There are many on this list that I'm looking for but hold high prices to get
I agree David with the dragon quest comment. The more the merrier. We already have trouble getting titles over to the west because they are still kinda niche.
Favorite game in the shining series is of course Shining Force III. Once again I don’t understand Sera’s problem in dropping the ball on their franchise’s when they have a wining formula.
I'm so glad you chose tales of berseria. I tried symphonia and abyss but couldnt get through the beginning of the former and got bored midway through the latter. When I decided to give the series one more shot with berseria I was blown away! I got completely sucked in. I played vesperia after and while I enjoyed it I never felt that same rush of emotional highs and lows i got from berseria. I'm looking forward to see how tales of arise is when it comes out, hopefully it gives that same feeling of bittersweet satisfaction again. As for dragon quest despite starting with 8 and falling in love with the series 5 is also my favorite. The game was so epic while also feeling close to home. I sunk so many hours into monster catching mechanic too Haha. I'm not sure if I like 11 or 8 more but 5 is deffinately my favorite too.
I saw Phantasy Star 3 in the intro and got a little worried, but I shouldn't have been :D You said that this was based on popular opinion and not your own. Have you already done a video of your personal picks? If not, I bet that would be good too!
It was fun to go through the list. I agree 100% for Dragon Quest V, the story blew me away! There are many of these games on the list I own but haven't played yet. This was a good incentive to check them out!
Even though my favorite Dragon Quest game is 7, I understand that not everybody is down for a 200 hour jrpg. I would still vote DQ8 as the best overall game though. And my vote for Final Fantasy would have to be FF9. As much as FF7 did right, it also did a lot wrong and I think the best games in a series have to be the best and most consistent complete package as well as representing the rest of the series. (I like FF8 a lot too, but I also understand that its a divisive game and doesnt represent the rest of the series very well)
Great list. While I personally would not agree with a few of the entries, you did say this wasn't about opinion, but the fan reception. I can't really argue with any of them, except for #1. I think its reception is marred by the recent drought of solid Tales games. Graces, Xillia, and Zestiria were all games with decent ideas and bungled execution. Then, along comes Berseria, which doesn't really do anything wrong, necessarily, but it wasn't nearly as engaging as the older titles. The only real point of note is the party not being filled with traditional heroes. The skill system sounds like Namco took a page from Vesperia, but it all amounted to boring stat boosts (x% increase to fire damage, y% water resist, +z DEF, etc.); no gameplay affecting skills that let you tweak a character's play style. The game is competent, but didn't really do anything exciting. I'd say Symphonia, Abyss or Vesperia are more worthy of the spot. Symphonia is the FF7 of the franchise, being the title that put the series on the radar for a large portion of the fanbase. Abyss' story was amazing, if a slog to get through in parts. Vesperia was the king in the gameplay department with that awesome skill system. All in all, great video, personal gripes aside.
I jumped on DQ bandwagon at VIII. Loved it so much I went back and played ALL of the old DQ/DW games. But XI to me is just the perfect antithesis of what the DQ/DW games always wanted to be. But that's just my opinion of course
Xenoblade 2 is honestly one of mine. Not only did its gameplay improve from the original, with gorgeous environments, a very solid cast of likeable characters and villains, and an orgasmic soundtrack, but it's a prime example of how developers should approach a game they know fans may not take a fancy towards. In an interview the directors of the game stated they were extremely tired of several JRPG tropes (one being the hero's hometown being destroyed at the beginning.) and instead looked towards shonen anime and manga for inspiration. He didn't look back and instead kept making what he wanted. To me, this is what more devs need to do. Take the opinions of fans into account, but weigh the options.
I have to disagree, Xenoblade 2 is a good game, but improved nothing from Xenoblade 1, the battles take too long, and the almost-hentai girls is very cringe, plus the story can't touch Xenoblade 1.
@@Paul_Henri86 Agree to disagree then cause Xenoblade 2's combat is massively improved from Xenoblade 1 on pretty much every aspect, the customisation is far better, your possibilities are much more diversify and the combat has just much more going for them, if the battle take you longer than Xenoblade 1 then you probably didn't understand or didn't fully exploit all the games mechanics, the only bad thing about Xenoblade 2 gameplay is the gacha system which is just atrocious. And while the story start slow it's overall far better than Xenoblade 1, not mentionning the characters and especially the main antagonists are much better done in Xenoblade 2. As for the "cringe" it bother me but the games is just so good behind it it's gonna a LOT more than that to stop my enjoyment of this game.
Btw, David, They made Lunar Silver Star Story Complete on the GBA and it is Called Lunar Legend Kinda Similar but made for the GBA Edit: Thank you, David. Similar in Story not in gameplay I think I have not played Lunar silver star story or the complete version
The list is great! Can’t argue with the choices here! On a personal level though I’d have tales of vesperia, FFX and DQ11 as my favourites. Though if I’m honest DQ11 is mainly because the quality of life upgrades in that game compared to the rest of the series are just too much to ignore. Story wise it’s 5 or 8 all the way.
I love the Boat Song so much. I swear that's the entire reason Complete included the soundtrack. The opening is lovely too but the Boat Song is amazing.
I played all 4 Dragon Warrior games on the NES as a kid in the 80s, and my favorite of those is 4, or 3 (I go back and forth) but my favorite in the series is now 11. I just loved everything about that game. I should note that I've never played 5, 6 or 7.
I never played either so I constantly get Lufia and Lunar mixed up. I like how really tiny the characters are in battle and how massive the enemies seem to be in Lunar.
Final Fantasy 6 and 7 are way too close for me to eek out which one is actually 'better' but other than that, absolutely can't argue against any on the list.
Dragon Quest VIII or just DQ in general will always make me think of that Christmas Eve in 2006 when I received and played it for the first time! I’m so sad I never got to play Lunar 2.. I remember having a great time with the first one which was the PSP version.. Why no rerelease🤔 Suikoden 1-2 did feel like one long game tbh much like Trails of Cold Steel 1-2.. I’d be curious to see perhaps future videos on the SRPG genre.. Stuff like Fire Emblem & Valkyria Chronicles etc
tales of destiny on ps1 is my favorite. also.....suprised no mario rpgs made the list which either paper mario ttyd for g.c. or super mario rpg for snes would be my picks. great vid!
I assume Tales is another series where there is a split with older fans saying Symphonia and newer fans saying Berseria. Actually I would have assumed the divide was Symphonia v. Vesperia before this video. Also... Yes, teenage me did listen to the Lunar Boat song and Theme Song on repeat.
Good list. I agree with most of the games from certain series. For Dragon Quest, I personally believe it is 8 in my opinion and I think 11 as a close 2nd. For the tales series, I think in my opinion it is Tales of Symphonia. As for Final Fantasy I was going to put Final Fantasy 7 remake, but technically that game is not complete yet, so for now I agree with the original Final Fantasy 7. Although I am thinking of someday getting a Playstation 5 so I can play the updated version of the first part of Final Fantasy 7 remake, which looks good. Although I wish there would be a way to play other Playstation games from other generations on the system, including all the good Playstation RPG games.
Fantastic list David, and I think you did each franchise justice in your picks. I was a little surprised not to see the Xeno series, but no big. Anyway, just to do it (and not to challenge or QQ) I'll make my picks on each series: 1. Breath of Fire: Breath of Fire IV. The dragon system took a dive, but getting to play as the main antagonist in the split scenario was done so.damn.well - and not other game I've ever played did it quite like it. That alone earns it its place in my book. 2. Mana: Trials of Mana - yup, well earned. Secret of Mana has deep nostalgia for me, but Trials of Mana is objective so much better that my bias gets totally overridden. 3. Dragon Quest: Dragon Quest 11 - yeah I feel like a basic bitch, but I don't care. The older DQ's didn't age as well as they might. Long and tedious for an old soul like me. To me, Dragon Quest really has culminated so much of what's good from the series while having cut out a lot of the chaff. 4. Final Fantasy: Final Fantasy Tactics - and I give exactly zero shits that it's considered a spin-off. It captured a gritty medieval tone that none of the others could (hoping for 16); with an obscenely epic sound track - and I think I beat this game more times than every other title in the series combined. Love to pieces. 5. Lufia: Lufia 2 - this isn't even a close contest. Game's legendary and not enough people know about it. As far as I can tell it invented the roguelike genre before the roguelike genre was even a thing and it did that *inside* of an already amazing game. Absolute masterpiece. 6. Lunar: 1 or 2 (exactly like you say). I can't pick, they're both amazing, and frankly so similar that you can't go wrong with either. I guess I lean 1 as well, but only by a hair. 7. Phantasy Star: 4, exactly as you say. There's no contest. 8. Star Ocean: Second Story, for exactly the same reasons you say. 9. Suikoden: Suikoden II. Now I confess I've never played 5, and everyone and their grandmother professes that as the series' pinnacle. I don't doubt this. But even if that's true, Suikoden II is a masterpiece, and the giant whose shoulders V would be standing on. 10. Tales: Berseria, absolutely dead-on. Anti-heroes are always fun, and Velvet was a masterfully crafted MC in my opinion (with absolute state-of-the-art voice acting).
Xeno would be impossible to do imo. as the franchise is split across 3 series, 2 different/competing console lines, each targeted towards 3 largely separate fan bases.(square fans, nintendo fans, bamco fans)
My favorite Dragon Quest was V, until I played through XI, which is now my favorite. Final Fantasy IV is not only my favorite Final Fantasy game, it's my favorite game of all time.
Thankfully, most of these beloved games have been made available on modern platforms! •Breath of Fire III is available digitally on PS3 and Vita •The Trials of Mana Remake is available for PS4, Switch and PC. If you want to play the original, it's included in the Collection of Mana for Switch •Dragon Quest V's most recent console release is sadly on the DS. it's available on Android and iOS, however •Final Fantasy VII is on Switch, PS4, XBOX ONE, PC, Android, iOS and PS3, PSP and Vita as a "PSone Classic" •Lufia II has never been rereleased at all :( It has a remake for DS, but it is a vastly different game. •Lunar: Silver Star Story isn't widely available in its original form, but it has a remake on PSP and Vita called Silver Star Harmony •Phantasy Star IV is included in Sonic's Ultimate Genesis Collection for PS3 and XBOX 360, Sega Genesis Classics for PS4, Switch, XBOX ONE and PC, and the Sega Genesis Mini. •Star Ocean 2 has never been rereleased on modern platforms. It's the only game in the series that hasn't. •Suikoden II is available as a PSone Classic for PS3 and Vita •Tales of Berseria is available for PS4 and PC. It also has a PS3 version, but only in Japan.
Here is my List, analogue to your order: 10. Breath of Fire II - A close one, almost a tie with part III. Even with the crappy Dragon Transformations and the horrible last Dungeon in the end I still favour the second part. 9. Seiken Densetsu 2 - To be honest, this is more a decision of nostalgia. Both the second and the third entry deserve a spot. But I definitely have to mention Sword of Mana; it might just be a remake but I have so much fun when I pick this game up. 8. Dragon Quest V - Nothing to add or complain here. 7. Final Fantasy VI - One of my top 3 JRPGs of all time! I love the story and I love the characters. And if I had to choose between Kefka and Sephiroth I will take the insane clown any day. 6. Lufia 2 - Yep best game in the series. I still love the GBC title. 5. Lunar SSSC - Great Game, love it. 4. I don't have an opinion on the Phantasy Star Series; Maybe sometime in the future. 3. Star Ocean 2 - Great Game definitely my favourite in the series too. 2. Suikoden II - A god among the PSX RPGs 1. Tales of Eternia - Yes I know I am getting very unpopular here but I absolutely loved the story of the game and how it unfolds while playing.
Alas, poor Star Ocean 3 gets no love. But then, I happen to love the philosophical implications and existential crisis of the twist. As well as the final boss being a literal angry video game developer :P
While my personal list is of course different like yours, I can’t say anything wrong regarding this list. This is basically it, give it take a few close calls. It’s wild how often my favorite in a series deviates from the popular opinion.
Not a criticism, I love your videos, but this is the second video you teased joker from persona 5 in the video icon but didn't mention any Atlus games!
I gotta say, I was expecting Dragon Quest VIII and Tales of Symphonia to make it to the list. Sure, DQXI is my favorite game in the series, but I do think VIII is still the most popular one (and still a fantastic game, though I agree with you on that V is also really good). As for the Tales of series, I've yet to play a single game from the series, but I was under the impression that Symphonia was the most popular one. Also, holy crap! Star Ocean 2 has over 80 endings!? That's outrageous!
With Dragon Quest, im in the secret 3rd option. Living in Europe, we didn't get DQ until 8 ( main games) But the first I played was DQM Joker. First main game I played was 4 remake on DS. I do think 5 is the best though
Tales is my favorite series and it is hard to choose the best one. While I think that Symphonia is the best of the series, there is a huge debate with Vesperia, Berseria and Abyss also in the fight for the top dog position. I do understand your choice and mostly when my friends ask which one to play, I say Berseria as it is more modern and easier to get into.
After seeing this video, I might replay Trials of Mana on my Switch, but for now I am busy with a file (and maybe a future new file) in Story of Season: Friends of Mineral Town, and yes I preordered and getting Story of Seasons: Pioneers of Olive Town for the Switch with the bundle DLC. Funny thing, when an article asked which Squire Enix game players like to see remade, of course alot, including myself said Chrono Trigger. One said that it should be in the style of the Trials of Mana Remake. I personally disagreed and thought it deserves FAR better then that and be or at least close to like the Final Fantasy 7 remake, with excellent cel-shaded 3D graphics and the ability to choice how you change history. One interesting example is bringing Chrono and Lucca closer as a couple, like a different action when they use to hang out as kids.
I don't know why they never re-released Lufia 2, even on Nintendo shop or something. They did make Lufia Curse of the Sinistrals but that totally sucked.
I’m surprised to hear that Berseria is so widely considered the fan favorite for the Tales series. Though, if I’m being perfectly honest, I’ve personally never brought myself to finishing it, due to my own grievances with the game itself. Even now, I really want to get through the game and know the full story. Zestiria left such a sour taste in my mouth because it was just so boring and bland to me. But this game showing the dark origins of the Shepherd seemed really intriguing. That being said, no matter how ma y times I’ve tried, I can’t make it through the game-mostly due to one MAJOR problem I have with it: the game overuses skits, to the point where major plot points and important moments are done in skit form as opposed to legitimate cutscenes. Oh and because of this, sometimes they can just get annoyingly long. It just seems so cheap and completely breaks any immersion I have in following the story. It’s like it’s more of a visual novel with a cool battle system than a legitimate video game. I understand, I must be an outlier here, but that’s why I haven’t been able to bring myself to finish this game.
My favourite of the list. 10: Grandia 9: Secret of Mana 8: Dragon Quest IX 7: Final Fantasy XII 6: Lufia 2 5: Lunar 2 4: Never played Phantasy Star 3: Or Star Ocean :( 2: Suikoden 2 1: Tales of the Abyss Other Games I'd put here are Trails from Zero, Shadow Hearts 2, and Dark Chronicle
David first of all, thanks for upload this morning. This video went great with breakfast! I have to agree with you when it comes to final fantasy, dragon quest, breath of fire, and lunar. Most of these games are excellent games. I would of like to see Ys on here but I can understand it's not as mainstream as final fantasy or dragon quest. It's probably Ys VIII anyways but still.... Keep up the great work David!
For final fantasy I would always put 6 over 7 7 may be the more popular one (mostly because it got an AMAZING ad campaign when it launched) but 6 has the better chars villain and plot and magic system.
I prefer Lunar2 Eternal Blue Complete, but it's a narrow victory and there's no denying you made the right choice. Lunar SSSC is the popular choice for this classic series.
I'm torn. You put my favorite game of all time at #7 but my very close 2nd favorite favorite game ever at #2. WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT TO ME!? lol :P. Great list!
For the Mana series, I love Secret of Mana. One of my friends and I would play it in two player mode over and over. It was so fun trying different weapons and the story and gameplay never got old. I did try the third game on emulator, and I didn’t like it. The combat felt somehow less polished than its predecessor and the story did nothing for me. For that reason I didn’t try the remake, but I dunno maybe that one is good
I played DQ11S as my intro to the series, and it left an amazing first impression for me. Now if only I can stop procrastinating on starting the post-game.
@@paperluigi6132 Ah nice man. DQ11 is a great game as your intro into the series. I really recommend playing the post-game, it's a better ending and a better final boss as he's harder.
Phantasy IV might as well be considered the GOOD Phantasy Star. I know a lot of people like Phantasy Star II, but I did not have a good time with that.
I really need to check out the Tales series, the only game in the series I've played is Legendia, and obviously that's not the best representation of the franchise.
My favorites from each: Breath of Fire II Secret of Mana Dragon Warrior V Final Fantasy VI Lufia II Lunar: SSSC [never played Phantasy Star] Star Ocean: The Second Story Suikoden [only played Tales of Phantasia]
SquareEnix is really testing my patience by letting me turn on my PS4 and have the ability to buy Star Oceans 1, 3, 4, and 5, but not 2. Some would say it's an overreaction, but I say I'm being mild when I say they should be tried in the Hague for that one.
I would recommend 9 and 10. Those are both solid and fun. Also, if you like grid based tactic games final fantasy tactics is the best game ever made. ❤
My favorite Tales game is Xillia. But yeah, Berseria is great choice as well. It has the best story out of all Tales games I've played, and great combat and characters.
Dragon Quest V is gripping. I didn't play it until 2019, and the scene where Pankraz faces off against the Bishop and his cronies was so powerful that I consider Pankraz to be in the top 3 manliest video game characters of all time. The rest of the game was good too, but that part will stick with me for all eternity.
![Lp. Сердце Вселенной #60 РОЖДЕНИЕ ЛОЛОЛОШКИ [Финал] • Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YoR0pAV9FVQ/mqdefault.jpg)
Are you going to make a playlist of all of your Top 10 videos? I think it would be very helpful.
I already have one :) ua-cam.com/play/PLKGm2kYlvxigddk0DPia3VRstEWTTJJhQ.html
@@davidvinc Very nice! I'll check it out now.
I gotta argue that Tales of Symphonia is the highest regarded Tales game.
Yeah I never really hear people talk about Berseria in the same light as Symphonia, Abyss, and Vesperia.
Symphonia is the only one of the series I've finished. lol Started Berseria but have yet to finish it
@@dantemustdie00 Newer gamers do, especially on Gamefaqs. It just seems to depend on which of the four someone played first. Any of those four would've been the correct answer.
@@dantemustdie00 The usual Tales games were far too cheesy generic anime vibes for me (though I see the relaxing and simple appeal), basically Berseria was the only one I finished despite attempting Symphonia, Abyss, Hearts, and Vesperia and never finishing those.
Berseria's protagonist was damn interesting and unexpected, and the tone overall hooked me good and gave me a solid (though un-Tales-like) experience I quite enjoyed. I bet it's rather divisive actually.
Honestly I still really like Tales of Phantasia and Tales of Eternia
Lunar 1 and 2 soundtracks were great. The dialogue was witty and the outtakes for the voice acting was hilarious.
Especially on Sega CD.
Have you every done or considered doing a Best And Worst character design? Not focusing on gameplay or quality of the game, but how the characters design looks.
CLEARLY, Judith from Tales of Vesperia will be his favorite.
I always assumed Symphonia or Abyss were the standout Tales games, because they were the two that hooked me. (a case could be made for Vesperia too) But I could see a lot of people latching onto Berseria its pretty great. I agree Tales games are hard to rank theyre all pretty similar and of high quality.
Great list of games Final Fantasy VII, Suikoden2 and Star Ocean Second Story are easily in my top 5 games of all time
I remember playing SO2 and at the point where Rena found out about her origin then "Theme of Rena" is playing in the background. It was probably the best moment for me. The combination of the revelation plus the sick music really worked together to get me really emotional. Oh, and yeah, I also played the Lunar boat song when I was a kid a gazillion times. Lol
David, the boat song is what drove me into JPop related things, still makes me cry every time I hear it
I just discovered your channel, you deserve more subs!
Next:
Persona, Atelier, Ys, Trails In The Sky, Summon Night, Kingdom Hearts.. 👍👍👍
Don't forget Fire Emblem.
And SMT
and Shining Force
Lunar SSSC is delightful! Love the music, world, dialogue, and combat(mostly). Seriously charming and deserves a modern port!
I love that you chose Berseria. It's so different, the voice acting is exceptional, and combat was good.
My favorite 21st century game. Yeah, I go way back, so I had to put it that way.
I prefered Vesperia personnaly but Berseria is a solid second.
Wild Arms series would be a great one to cover!
I was darn near obsessed with SO2 back in the day. I used to listen to the soundtrack incessantly.
I am part of the started at dragon quest 8 group as it was the first European release (fun fact, the pal region releas wasn't numbered). There are many on this list that I'm looking for but hold high prices to get
I agree David with the dragon quest comment. The more the merrier. We already have trouble getting titles over to the west because they are still kinda niche.
I would also add based on what I hear: Three Houses from Fire Emblem, KH2 from Kingdom Hearts, Persona 5 Royal from Persona/SMT, + Ys VIII from Ys.
I feel like DQ8 is the perfect compromise between the old school feel of DQ5 and The unmercifully long completion-based bonanza that is DQ11
Favorite game in the shining series is of course Shining Force III. Once again I don’t understand Sera’s problem in dropping the ball on their franchise’s when they have a wining formula.
I'm so glad you chose tales of berseria. I tried symphonia and abyss but couldnt get through the beginning of the former and got bored midway through the latter. When I decided to give the series one more shot with berseria I was blown away! I got completely sucked in. I played vesperia after and while I enjoyed it I never felt that same rush of emotional highs and lows i got from berseria. I'm looking forward to see how tales of arise is when it comes out, hopefully it gives that same feeling of bittersweet satisfaction again.
As for dragon quest despite starting with 8 and falling in love with the series 5 is also my favorite. The game was so epic while also feeling close to home. I sunk so many hours into monster catching mechanic too Haha. I'm not sure if I like 11 or 8 more but 5 is deffinately my favorite too.
Another fabulous video - I've been binging your content these last few weeks!
I saw Phantasy Star 3 in the intro and got a little worried, but I shouldn't have been :D
You said that this was based on popular opinion and not your own. Have you already done a video of your personal picks? If not, I bet that would be good too!
It was fun to go through the list. I agree 100% for Dragon Quest V, the story blew me away! There are many of these games on the list I own but haven't played yet. This was a good incentive to check them out!
Great content David! And im loving playing along with you on your Earthbound lets play
So happy to star ocean 2 on here!!! I had to pause video to comment it just that good!
Lol “im sick of people being annoying about MY opinions, let me just do a basic history video”
You could actually do videos about individual series.
I'd be down for roasts lmfao
Even though my favorite Dragon Quest game is 7, I understand that not everybody is down for a 200 hour jrpg. I would still vote DQ8 as the best overall game though. And my vote for Final Fantasy would have to be FF9. As much as FF7 did right, it also did a lot wrong and I think the best games in a series have to be the best and most consistent complete package as well as representing the rest of the series. (I like FF8 a lot too, but I also understand that its a divisive game and doesnt represent the rest of the series very well)
Great video again like always love the content,how about a video on hidden rpgs like Azure Dreams
I actually have many videos on hidden gems in my Top 10 List Playlists
Great list. While I personally would not agree with a few of the entries, you did say this wasn't about opinion, but the fan reception. I can't really argue with any of them, except for #1. I think its reception is marred by the recent drought of solid Tales games. Graces, Xillia, and Zestiria were all games with decent ideas and bungled execution. Then, along comes Berseria, which doesn't really do anything wrong, necessarily, but it wasn't nearly as engaging as the older titles. The only real point of note is the party not being filled with traditional heroes. The skill system sounds like Namco took a page from Vesperia, but it all amounted to boring stat boosts (x% increase to fire damage, y% water resist, +z DEF, etc.); no gameplay affecting skills that let you tweak a character's play style. The game is competent, but didn't really do anything exciting.
I'd say Symphonia, Abyss or Vesperia are more worthy of the spot. Symphonia is the FF7 of the franchise, being the title that put the series on the radar for a large portion of the fanbase. Abyss' story was amazing, if a slog to get through in parts. Vesperia was the king in the gameplay department with that awesome skill system.
All in all, great video, personal gripes aside.
I jumped on DQ bandwagon at VIII. Loved it so much I went back and played ALL of the old DQ/DW games. But XI to me is just the perfect antithesis of what the DQ/DW games always wanted to be.
But that's just my opinion of course
Xenoblade 2 is honestly one of mine. Not only did its gameplay improve from the original, with gorgeous environments, a very solid cast of likeable characters and villains, and an orgasmic soundtrack, but it's a prime example of how developers should approach a game they know fans may not take a fancy towards. In an interview the directors of the game stated they were extremely tired of several JRPG tropes (one being the hero's hometown being destroyed at the beginning.) and instead looked towards shonen anime and manga for inspiration. He didn't look back and instead kept making what he wanted. To me, this is what more devs need to do. Take the opinions of fans into account, but weigh the options.
I have to disagree, Xenoblade 2 is a good game, but improved nothing from Xenoblade 1, the battles take too long, and the almost-hentai girls is very cringe, plus the story can't touch Xenoblade 1.
@@Paul_Henri86 Agree to disagree then cause Xenoblade 2's combat is massively improved from Xenoblade 1 on pretty much every aspect, the customisation is far better, your possibilities are much more diversify and the combat has just much more going for them, if the battle take you longer than Xenoblade 1 then you probably didn't understand or didn't fully exploit all the games mechanics, the only bad thing about Xenoblade 2 gameplay is the gacha system which is just atrocious.
And while the story start slow it's overall far better than Xenoblade 1, not mentionning the characters and especially the main antagonists are much better done in Xenoblade 2. As for the "cringe" it bother me but the games is just so good behind it it's gonna a LOT more than that to stop my enjoyment of this game.
The xeno fan base is too fractured. while xc 2 is the most popular, it gets equal amount of hatred from veteran fans (though it's my favorite)
Amazing fun list, really could not argue with it either which is usually rare for us lol. Thanks for the upload.
Good list. Personally Final Fantasy IV is mine and I'd go with Dragon Warrior 8. Shining Force 2 is another.
Someone has taste!
Btw, David, They made Lunar Silver Star Story Complete on the GBA and it is Called Lunar Legend Kinda Similar but made for the GBA
Edit: Thank you, David. Similar in Story not in gameplay I think
I have not played Lunar silver star story or the complete version
The list is great! Can’t argue with the choices here! On a personal level though I’d have tales of vesperia, FFX and DQ11 as my favourites. Though if I’m honest DQ11 is mainly because the quality of life upgrades in that game compared to the rest of the series are just too much to ignore. Story wise it’s 5 or 8 all the way.
I love the Boat Song so much. I swear that's the entire reason Complete included the soundtrack. The opening is lovely too but the Boat Song is amazing.
I played all 4 Dragon Warrior games on the NES as a kid in the 80s, and my favorite of those is 4, or 3 (I go back and forth) but my favorite in the series is now 11. I just loved everything about that game. I should note that I've never played 5, 6 or 7.
I never played either so I constantly get Lufia and Lunar mixed up. I like how really tiny the characters are in battle and how massive the enemies seem to be in Lunar.
Final Fantasy 6 and 7 are way too close for me to eek out which one is actually 'better' but other than that, absolutely can't argue against any on the list.
Dragon Quest VIII or just DQ in general will always make me think of that Christmas Eve in 2006 when I received and played it for the first time! I’m so sad I never got to play Lunar 2.. I remember having a great time with the first one which was the PSP version.. Why no rerelease🤔
Suikoden 1-2 did feel like one long game tbh much like Trails of Cold Steel 1-2.. I’d be curious to see perhaps future videos on the SRPG genre.. Stuff like Fire Emblem & Valkyria Chronicles etc
tales of destiny on ps1 is my favorite. also.....suprised no mario rpgs made the list which either paper mario ttyd for g.c. or super mario rpg for snes would be my picks. great vid!
Oh, if you are looking for top 10 suggestions I would a top 10 jrpg with great soundtracks
Wasn't there 3 Phantasy star games on the genesis? Wasn't the first one on master system?
I assume Tales is another series where there is a split with older fans saying Symphonia and newer fans saying Berseria. Actually I would have assumed the divide was Symphonia v. Vesperia before this video.
Also... Yes, teenage me did listen to the Lunar Boat song and Theme Song on repeat.
Good list. I agree with most of the games from certain series. For Dragon Quest, I personally believe it is 8 in my opinion and I think 11 as a close 2nd. For the tales series, I think in my opinion it is Tales of Symphonia. As for Final Fantasy I was going to put Final Fantasy 7 remake, but technically that game is not complete yet, so for now I agree with the original Final Fantasy 7. Although I am thinking of someday getting a Playstation 5 so I can play the updated version of the first part of Final Fantasy 7 remake, which looks good. Although I wish there would be a way to play other Playstation games from other generations on the system, including all the good Playstation RPG games.
Fantastic list David, and I think you did each franchise justice in your picks. I was a little surprised not to see the Xeno series, but no big. Anyway, just to do it (and not to challenge or QQ) I'll make my picks on each series:
1. Breath of Fire: Breath of Fire IV. The dragon system took a dive, but getting to play as the main antagonist in the split scenario was done so.damn.well - and not other game I've ever played did it quite like it. That alone earns it its place in my book.
2. Mana: Trials of Mana - yup, well earned. Secret of Mana has deep nostalgia for me, but Trials of Mana is objective so much better that my bias gets totally overridden.
3. Dragon Quest: Dragon Quest 11 - yeah I feel like a basic bitch, but I don't care. The older DQ's didn't age as well as they might. Long and tedious for an old soul like me. To me, Dragon Quest really has culminated so much of what's good from the series while having cut out a lot of the chaff.
4. Final Fantasy: Final Fantasy Tactics - and I give exactly zero shits that it's considered a spin-off. It captured a gritty medieval tone that none of the others could (hoping for 16); with an obscenely epic sound track - and I think I beat this game more times than every other title in the series combined. Love to pieces.
5. Lufia: Lufia 2 - this isn't even a close contest. Game's legendary and not enough people know about it. As far as I can tell it invented the roguelike genre before the roguelike genre was even a thing and it did that *inside* of an already amazing game. Absolute masterpiece.
6. Lunar: 1 or 2 (exactly like you say). I can't pick, they're both amazing, and frankly so similar that you can't go wrong with either. I guess I lean 1 as well, but only by a hair.
7. Phantasy Star: 4, exactly as you say. There's no contest.
8. Star Ocean: Second Story, for exactly the same reasons you say.
9. Suikoden: Suikoden II. Now I confess I've never played 5, and everyone and their grandmother professes that as the series' pinnacle. I don't doubt this. But even if that's true, Suikoden II is a masterpiece, and the giant whose shoulders V would be standing on.
10. Tales: Berseria, absolutely dead-on. Anti-heroes are always fun, and Velvet was a masterfully crafted MC in my opinion (with absolute state-of-the-art voice acting).
Xeno would be impossible to do imo. as the franchise is split across 3 series, 2 different/competing console lines, each targeted towards 3 largely separate fan bases.(square fans, nintendo fans, bamco fans)
My favorite Dragon Quest was V, until I played through XI, which is now my favorite. Final Fantasy IV is not only my favorite Final Fantasy game, it's my favorite game of all time.
This dropped at the same time as the Tales of Arise trailer, talk about timing.
Wait, what??? a new trailor for tales of arise is out?
@@Artimes. Check the Bandai Namco yt channel. They're giving us a look at the En voices
Isn't the tales series fandom's choice for best split between Symphonia, Abyss, and Vesperia? How'd Berseria get listed here?
Thankfully, most of these beloved games have been made available on modern platforms!
•Breath of Fire III is available digitally on PS3 and Vita
•The Trials of Mana Remake is available for PS4, Switch and PC. If you want to play the original, it's included in the Collection of Mana for Switch
•Dragon Quest V's most recent console release is sadly on the DS. it's available on Android and iOS, however
•Final Fantasy VII is on Switch, PS4, XBOX ONE, PC, Android, iOS and PS3, PSP and Vita as a "PSone Classic"
•Lufia II has never been rereleased at all :(
It has a remake for DS, but it is a vastly different game.
•Lunar: Silver Star Story isn't widely available in its original form, but it has a remake on PSP and Vita called Silver Star Harmony
•Phantasy Star IV is included in Sonic's Ultimate Genesis Collection for PS3 and XBOX 360, Sega Genesis Classics for PS4, Switch, XBOX ONE and PC, and the Sega Genesis Mini.
•Star Ocean 2 has never been rereleased on modern platforms. It's the only game in the series that hasn't.
•Suikoden II is available as a PSone Classic for PS3 and Vita
•Tales of Berseria is available for PS4 and PC. It also has a PS3 version, but only in Japan.
Here is my List, analogue to your order:
10. Breath of Fire II - A close one, almost a tie with part III. Even with the crappy Dragon Transformations and the horrible last Dungeon in the end I still favour the second part.
9. Seiken Densetsu 2 - To be honest, this is more a decision of nostalgia. Both the second and the third entry deserve a spot.
But I definitely have to mention Sword of Mana; it might just be a remake but I have so much fun when I pick this game up.
8. Dragon Quest V - Nothing to add or complain here.
7. Final Fantasy VI - One of my top 3 JRPGs of all time! I love the story and I love the characters. And if I had to choose between Kefka and Sephiroth I will take the insane clown any day.
6. Lufia 2 - Yep best game in the series. I still love the GBC title.
5. Lunar SSSC - Great Game, love it.
4. I don't have an opinion on the Phantasy Star Series; Maybe sometime in the future.
3. Star Ocean 2 - Great Game definitely my favourite in the series too.
2. Suikoden II - A god among the PSX RPGs
1. Tales of Eternia - Yes I know I am getting very unpopular here but I absolutely loved the story of the game and how it unfolds while playing.
Thanks for the interesting upload, David!
I want to see you talk more about the Tales of series. It’s one i wish I saw more of your take on.
Also, you should grow a mustache.
I can do a video on the tales series, but I think I'll have to pass on growing a mustache. Lol
Alas, poor Star Ocean 3 gets no love. But then, I happen to love the philosophical implications and existential crisis of the twist. As well as the final boss being a literal angry video game developer :P
about the boat song, no , you're not alone, I have the same habit.
David, in Trials of Mana- what is your preferred party setup (story wise)?
I am a singer. I sing the boat song all the time during my commute to work. Full belt vocals:)
While my personal list is of course different like yours, I can’t say anything wrong regarding this list. This is basically it, give it take a few close calls. It’s wild how often my favorite in a series deviates from the popular opinion.
Not a criticism, I love your videos, but this is the second video you teased joker from persona 5 in the video icon but didn't mention any Atlus games!
I gotta say, I was expecting Dragon Quest VIII and Tales of Symphonia to make it to the list. Sure, DQXI is my favorite game in the series, but I do think VIII is still the most popular one (and still a fantastic game, though I agree with you on that V is also really good). As for the Tales of series, I've yet to play a single game from the series, but I was under the impression that Symphonia was the most popular one.
Also, holy crap! Star Ocean 2 has over 80 endings!? That's outrageous!
With Dragon Quest, im in the secret 3rd option.
Living in Europe, we didn't get DQ until 8 ( main games)
But the first I played was DQM Joker. First main game I played was 4 remake on DS. I do think 5 is the best though
with suikoden play in order do you mean release order or in game chronological order?
In release order
Tales is my favorite series and it is hard to choose the best one. While I think that Symphonia is the best of the series, there is a huge debate with Vesperia, Berseria and Abyss also in the fight for the top dog position.
I do understand your choice and mostly when my friends ask which one to play, I say Berseria as it is more modern and easier to get into.
Great video David!
After seeing this video, I might replay Trials of Mana on my Switch, but for now I am busy with a file (and maybe a future new file) in Story of Season: Friends of Mineral Town, and yes I preordered and getting Story of Seasons: Pioneers of Olive Town for the Switch with the bundle DLC.
Funny thing, when an article asked which Squire Enix game players like to see remade, of course alot, including myself said Chrono Trigger. One said that it should be in the style of the Trials of Mana Remake. I personally disagreed and thought it deserves FAR better then that and be or at least close to like the Final Fantasy 7 remake, with excellent cel-shaded 3D graphics and the ability to choice how you change history. One interesting example is bringing Chrono and Lucca closer as a couple, like a different action when they use to hang out as kids.
Love seeing berseria as the best, I just can't get into vesperia!
Maybe you can add the Trails of series since that's become popular these days.
Still love lufia. What's a recommended game for someone who especially loved the puzzles?
I don't know why they never re-released Lufia 2, even on Nintendo shop or something. They did make Lufia Curse of the Sinistrals but that totally sucked.
Try Wild arms 1 and 2
I’m surprised to hear that Berseria is so widely considered the fan favorite for the Tales series. Though, if I’m being perfectly honest, I’ve personally never brought myself to finishing it, due to my own grievances with the game itself.
Even now, I really want to get through the game and know the full story. Zestiria left such a sour taste in my mouth because it was just so boring and bland to me. But this game showing the dark origins of the Shepherd seemed really intriguing. That being said, no matter how ma y times I’ve tried, I can’t make it through the game-mostly due to one MAJOR problem I have with it: the game overuses skits, to the point where major plot points and important moments are done in skit form as opposed to legitimate cutscenes. Oh and because of this, sometimes they can just get annoyingly long. It just seems so cheap and completely breaks any immersion I have in following the story. It’s like it’s more of a visual novel with a cool battle system than a legitimate video game.
I understand, I must be an outlier here, but that’s why I haven’t been able to bring myself to finish this game.
My favourite of the list.
10: Grandia
9: Secret of Mana
8: Dragon Quest IX
7: Final Fantasy XII
6: Lufia 2
5: Lunar 2
4: Never played Phantasy Star
3: Or Star Ocean :(
2: Suikoden 2
1: Tales of the Abyss
Other Games I'd put here are Trails from Zero, Shadow Hearts 2, and Dark Chronicle
I'm surprised you didnt mention Wild Arms 2 and Chrono Trigger. Though I'm happy Breath of fire 3 made the list.
(Edit:Legend of the Dragoon as well)
I'm a DW4 guy, but it's so hard to choose with that series.
4 is pretty decent. Its just plagued by being old. 8 is def the best
You could do the xeno(saga, blade, gear) series?
David first of all, thanks for upload this morning. This video went great with breakfast! I have to agree with you when it comes to final fantasy, dragon quest, breath of fire, and lunar. Most of these games are excellent games. I would of like to see Ys on here but I can understand it's not as mainstream as final fantasy or dragon quest. It's probably Ys VIII anyways but still....
Keep up the great work David!
For final fantasy I would always put 6 over 7
7 may be the more popular one (mostly because it got an AMAZING ad campaign when it launched)
but 6 has the better chars villain and plot and magic system.
I prefer Lunar2 Eternal Blue Complete, but it's a narrow victory and there's no denying you made the right choice. Lunar SSSC is the popular choice for this classic series.
I'm torn. You put my favorite game of all time at #7 but my very close 2nd favorite favorite game ever at #2. WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT TO ME!? lol :P. Great list!
I just bought Lunar 1 and 2 and I can't wait to play them!!
You did the right thing. I love those games. And I hope you enjoy them as much as I do. Have fun!
I honestly can't get enough of these videos!
Suikoden II is in a virtual tie with Chrono Trigger as the best JRPG ever made. It is so epic.
For the Mana series, I love Secret of Mana. One of my friends and I would play it in two player mode over and over. It was so fun trying different weapons and the story and gameplay never got old. I did try the third game on emulator, and I didn’t like it. The combat felt somehow less polished than its predecessor and the story did nothing for me. For that reason I didn’t try the remake, but I dunno maybe that one is good
It's hard to decide which Dragon Quest/Warrior is your favorite. You explained it well. My top 3 are 7,8 and 11.
I played DQ11S as my intro to the series, and it left an amazing first impression for me. Now if only I can stop procrastinating on starting the post-game.
@@paperluigi6132 Ah nice man. DQ11 is a great game as your intro into the series. I really recommend playing the post-game, it's a better ending and a better final boss as he's harder.
Phantasy IV might as well be considered the GOOD Phantasy Star. I know a lot of people like Phantasy Star II, but I did not have a good time with that.
Awesome- I agree with everything here except FF - I think the quality of WOTL is unmatched.
I really need to check out the Tales series, the only game in the series I've played is Legendia, and obviously that's not the best representation of the franchise.
My favorites from each:
Breath of Fire II
Secret of Mana
Dragon Warrior V
Final Fantasy VI
Lufia II
Lunar: SSSC
[never played Phantasy Star]
Star Ocean: The Second Story
Suikoden
[only played Tales of Phantasia]
SquareEnix is really testing my patience by letting me turn on my PS4 and have the ability to buy Star Oceans 1, 3, 4, and 5, but not 2. Some would say it's an overreaction, but I say I'm being mild when I say they should be tried in the Hague for that one.
ive actually always wanted to play dq 5,
It’s really good
You should have made the whole list Chrono Cross ahah
David Please Advice me of one of final fantasy games so i can play ( i only played ff7 )
I would recommend 9 and 10.
Those are both solid and fun.
Also, if you like grid based tactic games final fantasy tactics is the best game ever made. ❤
My top three personal favorites are five six and nine.
@@davidvinc 5 is the only one I haven't played yet. I keep hearing all the ports are bad and get scared off haha.
My favorite Tales game is Xillia. But yeah, Berseria is great choice as well. It has the best story out of all Tales games I've played, and great combat and characters.
This was great!
You rock!
BOF3!!! Everywhere I go it’s all praise for 4 so it pleases me to see it here as it is my favorite of the series!
Dragon Quest V is gripping. I didn't play it until 2019, and the scene where Pankraz faces off against the Bishop and his cronies was so powerful that I consider Pankraz to be in the top 3 manliest video game characters of all time. The rest of the game was good too, but that part will stick with me for all eternity.
Honestly, the most popular tales game is for the most part either Symphonia or Vesperia
For the dragon quest series my personal favorite is dragon quest 9 I absolutely loved that game when it came out and still love it as my favorite.
You ever going to go back and do more vids in the best and worst party member series?
Berseria is the most famous? I think it was Vespiria. The two are good, btw.
Okay that scene with Luca blight that a dress code is bullshit you shot him with like eight arrows and then had a one-on-one fight that's bullshit
I think Tales of Symphonia is the better one, but Berseria is a close second