As a seasoned gamer who has traversed through countless digital realms, I must say that the humble handheld consoles of yore, particularly the DS and its successor, the 3DS, hold a special place in my heart. These devices allowed me to embark on grand adventures during my daily commute or lazy afternoons, transforming mundane moments into epic quests.
Which gaming console boasts the top-notch JRPG (Japanese Role-Playing Game) library, and arguably, the finest RPG (Role-Playing Game) library as well? This question isn’t straightforward because there are numerous conditions that can come into play. For instance, a modified console capable of running emulators such as the NES and SNES would be advantageous, or simply stating that the PC is the superior gaming platform.
Instead of opting for the straightforward solution by considering PC or emulation, let’s delve deeper and examine each console’s unique JRPG library, focusing on games that truly shine on their original platforms, disregarding ports or enhanced versions. You might find the outcomes intriguing.
6 SNES
The 16-Bit Revolution Was Paved In Squares
The SNES marked a significant advancement in video game development, offering improved graphics and technology that enabled developers to create richer, more immersive games. This was particularly beneficial for the role-playing genre on the SNES. Square, a leading developer, truly mastered the console with sequels like “Final Fantasy 6” that became iconic for the franchise. They also introduced several original titles such as “Chrono Trigger” and “Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars”.
Enix significantly enriched the platform with various Dragon Quest titles, including Dragon Quest 5: Hand of the Heavenly Bride, which played a significant role in shaping the monster-collecting genre, as well as less conventional games such as E.V.O.: The Search for Eden. Other outstanding RPGs not developed by Enix or Square include Breath of Fire, EarthBound, Lufia 2: Rise of the Sinistrals, Star Ocean, and Tales of Phantasia. While not all of these games were initially released outside of Japan, later ports and fan translations kept the dream of SNES RPGs alive for many years to come.
5 PS1
Sony Got A Good Head Start In The Console And RPG Market
After the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), Square Co. switched allegiances from Nintendo to support Sony during their debut console, significantly boosting the PlayStation 1’s success in role-playing games (RPGs) for its initial years. The release of Final Fantasy 7 broke down genre barriers, captivating even those who were not RPG enthusiasts due to its visually stunning cutscenes and mature themes. Other Final Fantasy games also gained popularity, such as the first tactical installment, Final Fantasy Tactics. Apart from the Final Fantasy series, Square experimented with unique titles like Parasite Eve, Vagrant Story, and Brave Fencer Musashi.
Besides SquareSoft, Konami had a strong influence on the role-playing game (RPG) genre. Games such as Suikoden 2, Vandal Hearts, and Castlevania: Symphony of the Night became RPG staples. Sony also played a part in publishing notable titles like Wild Arms 2 and The Legend of Dragoon.
4 PS2
Still One Of The Best-Selling Consoles Of All Time
The PlayStation 2 (PS2) remained a significant success for Sony across all game genres and particularly in the RPG market. During this time, Square Software, now known as Square Enix, released numerous hit titles. Notably, the games Final Fantasy X and Dragon Quest 8: Journey of the Cursed King, along with Kingdom Hearts, were the first in their respective series to include voice acting. The latter was highly praised for blending Disney characters into a world heavily influenced by Final Fantasy.
The PlayStation 2 (PS2) was instrumental in elevating Atlus’s profile, particularly through popular titles like Persona 3 and Odin Sphere. Notably, Namco and Bandai, prior to their merger, saw success with games such as Tales of the Abyss and .hack//Infection. Sony gained recognition with its hits including the Dark Cloud series and its spiritual successor Rogue Galaxy, which were among many notable games on the PS2.
3 DS
Playing RPGs On The Go Feels Right
Role-playing games (RPGs) seemed perfectly suited to the Nintendo DS, with numerous titles harkening back to the past without needing state-of-the-art graphics. One of the strengths of the DS was that players could engage in grinding on the move, pausing their games simply by closing the clamshell. While Final Fantasy didn’t have a significant presence on the portable system, the remakes of the third and fourth games were well received. However, it was Dragon Quest 9: Sentinels of the Starry Skies and The World Ends With You that Square Enix truly shined with on this platform.
Looking back, I can’t help but reminisce about the incredible lineup of Role-Playing Games (RPGs) on Nintendo DS, a treasure trove that Atlus curated so beautifully. Games like “Radiant Historia,” “Etrian Odyssey 3: The Drowned City,” and numerous spinoffs from the Shin Megami Tensei series left an indelible mark on me. Nintendo also had a stellar collection, with Pokemon mainline and spinoff titles such as “Pokemon Conquest” adding excitement to my daily gaming routine. The Mario RPGs, particularly “Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story,” were another unforgettable highlight.
2 3DS
What The Ds Started, The 3DS Improved
The 3DS represented a logical advancement from the DS, offering 3D gameplay without the need for glasses and maintaining graphics comparable to its predecessor. Surprisingly, Final Fantasy didn’t make a big impact on the handheld market, but its spin-off title, Bravely Default, was successful. Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance served as a decent interquel, while Dragon Quest 11: Echoes of an Elusive Age experienced an intriguing release in Japan, mirrored to some extent by the Nintendo Switch port.
Once more, the Pokemon franchise dominated the portable gaming market, despite facing competition from Yo-Kai Watch in Japan, which gained significant popularity there but didn’t make a strong impact in the West. Shin Megami Tensei 4 was the franchise’s first mainline game to debut on a handheld device, and Fire Emblem Awakening transformed the series from a niche interest into an unstoppable success. Lastly, Project X Zone, one of the most daring crossover projects since Kingdom Hearts, deserves a special mention.
1 PS4
From New Games To Bringing Back The Classics, The PS4 Is Home To Many An RPG
In summary, the PS4’s role-playing game (RPG) library has almost matched its competitors, such as the Switch and Xbox One, due to a shift towards digital and remastered versions of games. Many classic RPGs from systems like the PS1 and DS were revitalized through ports, remasters, or digital releases. This transition left RPG enthusiasts thrilled, and with backward compatibility, both the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S have become excellent platforms for these titles as well.
The PlayStation 4 distinguishes itself not just through retro games but also by offering remarkable titles such as Bloodborne, Ni no Kuni 2: Revenant Kingdom, NieR: Automata, Valkyria Chronicles 4, Yakuza: Like a Dragon, and the Final Fantasy 7 Remake. Some of these games were initially exclusive to PS4 before being released on other consoles, while others were always global releases. Unfortunately, Bloodborne remains an exclusive, much to the disappointment of many fans. However, this didn’t deter the PS4 from being a turning point for Sony after the PS3, helping it reach heights comparable to the PS1 and PS2, making it a comeback story worth emulating.
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2024-08-25 01:34