Key Takeaways
- Mother 3 on GBA is a sought-after gem with an unofficial English translation due to its unique gameplay and development history.
- Shadow Hearts Trilogy for PS2 offers dark, gothic JRPGs with unique mechanics and stories, but rare physical copies are pricey.
- Suikoden II for PS1, one of the best JRPGs, is scarce, making physical copies collectibles valued at over $3,000.
As someone who’s been around the gaming block a few times, I must say, these pricey gems you’ve listed here are enough to make any collector’s heart skip a beat – and not just because of their high cost!
Are there numerous JRPGs that are unlikely to be officially released anytime soon due to console locking, discontinuation, or exorbitant prices on eBay? However, fan-created versions, emulation, or change in IP ownership might make them accessible again. But, vintage game stores remain popular and nostalgic for a good reason.
For contemporary gamers, it’s quite a task to play these titles outside of purchasing a flight to Japan and scouring second-hand stores. To make matters more complex, consoles continue to be the preferred gaming platform among younger Japanese players, with an impressive 72.3% still relying on them. This preference is often fostered by parents who appreciate the content control features provided by these devices.
5 Mother 3 (GBA Version)
Price for Physical Copy: $150 – $250
In this role-playing game with alternating rounds, you’ll meet Lucas, a youthful character with blonde hair, who employs his psychic talents to shield the world from an alien onslaught. Unlike earlier installments in the franchise, it adopts a darker, somber mood while preserving its quirky, surrealistic wit. The game’s creation dates back to 1994, but it faced numerous delays and was ported to various consoles before being fully completed in 2006.
Though initially available only in Japan and without an official release outside of Japan, the sequel to Earthbound (also known as Mother 2) has become a prized find among Western gamers. This unofficial gem was translated by dedicated fans, who put in countless hours estimated at around $30,000 worth of work. Originally released on the Game Boy Advance, authentic copies remain tied to the system and are extremely scarce. Although there’s a wish for an official release or remaster, Nintendo seldom yields to public demand. As such, enthusiasts may need to settle with their current resources. At least, they can enjoy playing as Lucas in Super Smash Bros.
4 Shadow Hearts Trilogy (PS2)
Price for Physical Copy: $150 – $300
The Shadow Hearts trilogy is a series of dark, gothic JRPGs released for the PlayStation 2 between 2001 and 2005. The first game follows Yuri Hyuga, a young man with the ability to fuse with monsters, as he embarks on a journey to prevent an ancient evil from taking over the world. The games are known for blending turn-based combat with a unique “Judgment Ring” mechanic, where success in battle depends on timing and precision. The series also stands out for its dark themes, eerie atmosphere, and unique fusion of horror elements with real-world historical settings, from World War I Europe to 1920s China.
The first two games in the series, “Shadow Hearts” and its sequel “Shadow Hearts: Covenant,” developed a strong fanbase, but the final installment, “Shadow Hearts: From the New World,” didn’t receive as much attention. Because of low production numbers and a niche audience, finding physical copies of this trilogy today can be quite challenging. Prices for “Shadow Hearts: Covenant” frequently surpass $200, with complete sets of the series reaching over $1,000. Despite remaining popular among enthusiasts of dark JRPGs, the “Shadow Hearts” games have not been re-released, leaving collectors to scour for original PS2 versions instead.
3 Rule of Rose (PS2)
Price for Physical Copy: $1,500 – $2,000
Rule of Rose, released on PlayStation 2 in 2006, is a distinctive JRPG that showcases a chilling storyline and explores heavy themes such as abuse and trauma. The game unfolds in England during the 1930s, where the protagonist, Jennifer, finds herself in a haunting world governed by harsh girls residing in a baffling orphanage. This game is recognized for its disquieting subject matter and intriguing fusion of dark fairy tale motifs from Brothers Grimm stories. Its visual style mimics that of Silent Hill.
In spite of its devoted fanbase, the game known as Rule of Rose struggled due to limited circulation and poor sales, exacerbated by contentious themes that stirred up debate. This led to a moral uproar, resulting in bans in certain areas and intense criticism from the media, which further confined its exposure. Regrettably, physical editions of the game are among the costliest on the market today, with complete sets frequently fetching over $1,000. Sadly, Rule of Rose has yet to be digitally reissued, forcing collectors to seek out increasingly scarce physical copies.
2 Panzer Dragoon Saga (Sega Saturn Version)
Price for Physical Copy: $1,000
Panzer Dragoon Saga, initially launched for the Sega Saturn in 1998, stands as a highly praised RPG. Unlike its predecessors that followed an on-rails shooting format, Saga offers a complete RPG experience by blending exploration, tactical turn-based combat, and an immersive storyline. The protagonist, Edge – a young mercenary – teams up with a dragon to discover the mysteries of a crumbling, ancient world. The game’s distinctive battle system enables players to maneuver their dragon in real-time, strategically targeting enemy weaknesses while dodging threats on the fly.
Regrettably, the game Panzer Dragoon Saga came out near the end of the Sega Saturn’s lifespan. Due to its small production run and Sega’s move towards the Dreamcast, sales were disappointing. Only around 20,000 copies made it to North America, making original versions of the game scarce nowadays. Legal complications and the loss of the original code have prevented any re-release of Panzer Dragoon Saga, adding to its allure for collectors. Boxed editions often fetch over $1,000, and it continues to be one of the most sought-after games for the Sega Saturn.
1 Suikoden II (PS1 Version)
Price for Physical Copy: over $3,000 for WATA-graded mint-condition
Suikoden II, initially launched for PlayStation in 1999, is frequently lauded as one of the platform’s finest turn-based JRPGs. Pitted against heavyweights like Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest, this series distinguishes itself with its epic political storyline, heartfelt character journeys, and top-tier gameplay. In this game, the central character, Riou, finds himself embroiled in a conflict between two nations, aiming to assemble allies to thwart an oppressive empire. Players have the unique ability to enlist more than 100 characters for their cause, with approximately 40 of them being deployable during combat scenarios.
Initially launched amidst the dominance of 3D games, this 2D title struggled with underperformance due to its timing and low-budget production. Over time, its scarcity has grown, making physical copies highly sought after by enthusiasts as valuable collector’s items. Fortunately, Sony PlayStation Network offers a digital version compatible with PS3 and PS Vita consoles, though it remains unavailable on the PS4 and PS5. Excitingly, Konami intends to roll out an HD remaster in 2025!
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2024-10-21 06:05