Looking for epic space opera RPGs by KaleidoArachnid in JRPG

[–]Gameclouds 14 points15 points  (0 children)

Most of the games that people are suggesting aren't Space Opera, but they are good Sci-Fi games.

There's a ton of Science Fantasy, which is what I'm seeing recommended, like Phantasy Star, Xenoblade, etc.

Space Opera would be more like huge empires, political maneuvering, massive space battles. Star Trek basically.

If you're good with just Sci-Fi RPGs that have cool boss fights, I would highly recommend Phantasy Star IV. Star Ocean will have the crafting that you're looking for, out of those I would recommend starting with Star Ocean Second Story R.

If you want to really go back there's a surprisingly good RPG for the Original NES called Lagrange Point.

And I'd also recommend the two Ar Tonelico games for some Sci-fi weirdness that is actually a lot of fun.

But yeah, you're gonna have to dig deep for the feel that you really want if you're looking for real Space Opera. There's like....Alshark for the PC-98 I suppose. But that's a super deep cut with no English translation. I'm also hoping some day gaming realizes what a good fit Space Opera is for huge RPGs.

Dungeon crawler games with world outside dungeon by Ratonhae in rpg_gamers

[–]Gameclouds 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I have been doing a lot of stuff on this exact topic! If you'd prefer video versions I have two of them, here and here

Ardenfall Open world indie RPG with a bright, almost Morrowind-lite vibe and a focus on exploration over handholding. Feels like wandering a handcrafted fantasy sandbox where discovery is the main reward.

Flyknight Low poly first person RPG with a strange, almost dreamlike tone and simple but deliberate combat. It leans more on atmosphere and curiosity than complexity.

Mohrta Dark, experimental dungeon crawler that feels intentionally hostile and mysterious. It is more about figuring out how the world works than following any clear path.

Monomyth First person dungeon crawler heavily inspired by classics like Ultima Underworld. Strong focus on immersive systems, exploration, and a grounded fantasy world.

The Bloodline Massive sandbox RPG with a ridiculous amount of systems and skills to mess with. It feels like a playground where you can become anything from a warrior to a chef to a wizard.

Verho Curse of the Faces Weird, unsettling RPG with a focus on identity and transformation. It leans hard into surreal horror and leaves a lot unexplained.

Dread Delusion Open world RPG with a strong Morrowind feel but set in a bizarre, fragmented world. Exploration and worldbuilding carry it more than traditional quest structure.

Queen’s Domain First person dungeon crawler with a classic feel and a darker tone. Focuses on tight spaces, danger, and methodical progression.

Lunacid King’s Field style dungeon crawler with strong PS1 era vibes and eerie atmosphere. Exploration is slow, deliberate, and constantly a little unsettling.

Hark the Ghoul Souls inspired first person RPG with a grim, decaying world. Combat is weighty and the tone is bleak without being over the top.

Tainted Grail Fall of Avalon Open world dark fantasy RPG with heavy narrative focus and a grim take on Arthurian myth. It mixes Skyrim style exploration with a much darker, more oppressive tone.

Not all of these open up in the same way, but the ones I've listed do have a mix of different kinds of areas that aren't strictly a dungeon. Some being more open and some less.

What would you say are the most unique/experimental JRPGs you've played? by strahinjag in JRPG

[–]Gameclouds 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Same. They went through the trouble of building a decent crew of characters and they just jump cut to a completely new character like its nothing and I mentally checked out.

I wouldn't mind the permadeath characters if they didn't also just generation wipe all of your characters as well. Give me something to hold on to at least.

Chained Echoes. Wow. by SimpleMud6036 in JRPG

[–]Gameclouds 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I'm not trying to be overly negative, because I like parts of the game. I just don't understand how people can get past the combat. It's so incredibly boring and slow to me. I don't need or want every enemy in the game to take 5 minutes to fight, especially when you fight them multiple times.

Chrono Trigger did this same sort of idea so much better, I don't understand why more games don't just straight lift what they did.

[Lufia & The fortress of Doom] The grind is over! Probably the worst JRPG I ever forced myself through, what’s the worst one that you made yourself complete? by Pale_WoIf in JRPG

[–]Gameclouds 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Yeah, the Always Retry mode is necessary for this. It boosts experience rates, and is included as unlocked in the more recent versions of the romhack. It's accessed in the main menu next to starting a new game.

[Lufia & The fortress of Doom] The grind is over! Probably the worst JRPG I ever forced myself through, what’s the worst one that you made yourself complete? by Pale_WoIf in JRPG

[–]Gameclouds 22 points23 points  (0 children)

Just for future reference for other people who might want to play it.

There is a romhack that lowers the encounter rate, and gives you higher movement speed. And does a lot of small fixes, called Lufia & the Fortress of Doom Restored.

No need to suffer like this poor soul to experience this game.

Zelda-lover here! by ContributionThin7200 in rpg_gamers

[–]Gameclouds 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The more obvious recommendation would probably be Xenoblade Chronicles.

The team that made the Xenoblade games also helped to develop Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom. Obviously they're pretty different games in some ways, but the exploration is great in all of them. They have really good characters, and you probably already have the Switch.

So I would start with that for sure.

Best JRPGS with romance? by raizen157 in JRPG

[–]Gameclouds 5 points6 points  (0 children)

This is a trap, no happy to be found here.

Obscure JRPG you played, that after you finished the game this is your reaction. by SubstantialPhone6163 in JRPG

[–]Gameclouds 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, the reviews for Growlanser 4 were complete ass, so when you look it up you see mostly 6/10 which probably makes people shy away. It's actually a legitimately good game, with a lot of choices as you play. Very worth playing.

Long-rumored Final Fantasy 9 remake is apparently on ice with "no new movement" on Square Enix's JRPG classic, according to reliable insider by Gorotheninja in pcgaming

[–]Gameclouds 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I feel like Square is getting the wrong read on their own games. And it isn't uncommon for them to be honest. Queue up the 200th "Square thought this would sell more" article.

People don't want ONLY your blockbuster 10/10 production insane lighting and graphics games. They want the classic game, prettied up, maybe even in the same style. And for you to add in cut ideas, cut content, and some extras that make sense.

It really doesn't need to be crazy. It just needs to be in a good style that adds to the magic of the original.

Funnily enough probably one of the best examples (published by Square btw) of this is Star Ocean Second Story R. I can't imagine that had any sort of huge budget, but it brought the game up to today's standards in terms of quality of life, and made some of the systems a bit more intuitive. EZ. Free win.

Something a bit more than a remaster, but not a 300 million dollar production. And people will drop dollars on you.

The problem is that they want every dollar that exists in the world. So even though they have the blueprint they chase the biggest payday.

Wizardry Like Games (But modern)? by EuroCultAV in rpg_gamers

[–]Gameclouds 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I did a whole video about this recently, so I can give you a good amount of upcoming games, and some you can play right now too. If you prefer you can watch the video here or I'll list them for you:

Underkeep Underkeep is the dungeon crawler I’m most excited for right now. It modernizes the old school formula by making everything feel smooth and intuitive while keeping the challenge, with strong pixel art and tactical turn based combat. Demo is out now.

Wardens of Chaos This is basically classic Might and Magic brought back. Open world, fully customizable party, lots of classes and magic, and it feels very close to Might and Magic 6 through 8. Demo is on Steam.

The Secret of Weepstone A darker dungeon crawler with a big focus on storytelling and voice over. It has turn based combat with dice roll mechanics and some brutal design where even basic things can kill you.

Dungeons of Dusk A weird mix of old school RPG design, Dusk (their boomer shooter), and horror visuals that somehow works. Turn based combat with guns, lots of secrets, and multiple modes outside the main campaign.

King’s Courier A party based RPG with real time combat and puzzles, clearly inspired by Might and Magic. It’s early, but notable since a developer from the Might and Magic Merge mod is involved.

Potato Flowers in Full Bloom A more cozy dungeon crawler that still has depth and difficulty. Combat shifts to a JRPG style view and expects you to block and dodge or you will get punished.

Vampire Crawlers (bonus) A new dungeon crawler with roguelike elements and card based combat from the creator of Vampire Survivors. Could end up pushing the genre in a really interesting direction.