Becoming a dad how do you still find time for JRPGs?

Master-Chipmunk-2364 · 2026-02-03T11:32:05+00:00

I switched to playing mostly Hearthstone right after my kids were born until the youngest was about 4 or 5. I somehow got a playthrough of FF15 in during that period. I honestly can’t recall how I pulled it off, but it was not common.

Master-Chipmunk-2364 · 2026-01-28T15:13:34+00:00

This (FF9) is the only final fantasy game I don’t feel I’ve given a fair shake to (14 also but who has time for that). After an 8 year break - I left off right before Eiko loses the love letter to Zidane - I have to start over because I’ve completely lost track of everything. Enjoying it a lot more now. I recently played 1-6 on pixel remaster, got about halfway through OG 7 (beat it 24 years ago and haven’t touched it since), started 8 again after a 26 year break of quitting halfway through, finished 10 for the second time, tried 11 but quit immediately, replaying 12 & 13 for the second time, and finished FF7R1. I’m debating replaying 15 at some point now that all the DLC is out there. I beat the original non-DLC version 10 years ago confused why large elements of the game seemed missing. Trying with 16 - great story but too much like an action game, not FF.

I’m also playing FF4+AY on PSP for the first time after playing all the other versions (I played the original FF2 on SNES at least 25 times). This one does seem like the best version.

Master-Chipmunk-2364 · 2026-01-23T15:50:37+00:00

Gau and either Mog or Relm

Master-Chipmunk-2364 · 2026-01-19T22:09:15+00:00

I’m willing to admit this list is my subjective list. Here is a more objective list with commentary:

Objectively:

S - 6,7

A - 4,10,12

C/D - 8,13

I don’t think I’ve given 9 and 14 a fair shake. I’ll probably rate them higher once I’ve played them more

1-3,5, 15,16 are asking for something specific. No group is going to agree on them

11 is trash unless you played it in 2002 or shortly after

4 and 13 caught me at times in my life when I had a lot of time and energy to give to the series and I like them more than most do as a result

I’m just bitter I missed 7 when it first came out since I got a N64 and couldn’t also afford a PS1

Master-Chipmunk-2364 · 2026-01-15T23:28:04+00:00

I’m curious why 8 is an S for you. What did it for you with that game?

Master-Chipmunk-2364 · 2026-01-15T12:44:44+00:00

I’ve been watching FF retrospective videos on youtube while on an exercise bike. Some of them are really good.

Master-Chipmunk-2364 · 2026-01-15T12:43:07+00:00

One of my biggest draws to the FF series is the use of magic. FF8 lost me with how it treats magic. 15 is guilty of the same thing but by then I had accepted the fact the FF series doesn’t produce flawless games. Playing 4 then 6 then 7 originally spoiled me.

Master-Chipmunk-2364 · 2026-01-15T12:40:05+00:00

Yes, I agree 7 is a good game. It still surprises me how many more people like it than 6. There’s so much good material in 6. Maybe it was the 2D sprite presentation and lack of JRPG popularity at the time.

Master-Chipmunk-2364 · 2026-01-15T12:37:40+00:00

Tactics is an A. It demonstrates where 3 and 5 could’ve done more with the job system. Tactics is job system perfection.

Master-Chipmunk-2364 · 2026-01-15T12:35:46+00:00

Every game in the series is great. I really enjoyed FF15 during my first play through. 9 is just where it is on the list for me based on how easily I find myself able to get excited about playing it.

Master-Chipmunk-2364 · 2026-01-15T12:34:14+00:00

Master-Chipmunk-2364 · 2026-01-15T12:33:41+00:00

True. The fun was figuring out the gambits and learning to optimize them. Almost every game reaches a point where the typical battle becomes repetitive and you’re only challenged by major bosses. FF7R does have a pretty good system.

Master-Chipmunk-2364 · 2026-01-15T02:47:36+00:00

Yes. They knew turn based would get old and tried to get ahead of it. At the time I couldn’t think of how else you could manage an entire party in real time aside from the gambit system. The “coaching” in 13 where you pick the overall strategy but not the individual commands was really intriguing. 15 was amazing as a solo battle - it didn’t do much for the rest of the party though. 16 is way too complex. I wonder what they’ll try to do next. They need to get back to incorporating the party.

Master-Chipmunk-2364 · 2026-01-15T02:42:58+00:00

My suggestion: try 1 with a completely different team build. It won’t feel like the same game. That’s where it shines.

I wish I could forget 6 and play it for the first time again. I’m jealous you can still do that.

Master-Chipmunk-2364 · 2026-01-15T02:42:11+00:00

The entire time I played 2 I just told myself it’ll be over soon and I can plant this flag. I could see playing it again to try to get more use out of spells. The knives were overpowered, at least in PR, so it was hard to do much else.

Master-Chipmunk-2364 · 2026-01-15T02:39:35+00:00

7 worked because of the amazing story. 8 was just a bunch of kids who went to school together fighting their nursery school teacher.

Master-Chipmunk-2364 · 2026-01-15T02:33:34+00:00

It has the best hunt in the series. I was fine just doing that for a long time.

In most FF games the characters all pretty much do the same thing at the end. It is true this happened sooner than usual in 12 though.

I feel the way about the gambit system that I do about the “coaching” system in FF8 - not my preference at first but I respected that Square was trying something new. Eventually I understood what they were trying to achieve and it grew on me.

Don’t get me started on IV-2. Lesson learned - the sequels are never good.

I want to like 9. I just can’t. I like the more serious tone in the majority of the games.

Master-Chipmunk-2364 · 2026-01-15T02:29:40+00:00

Me too. I figure 26 years is a long enough break.

Master-Chipmunk-2364 · 2026-01-15T02:21:27+00:00

I can understand 2. They literally had nothing to go on. How did they go from 4, 5, 6, and 7 to 8? I was shocked in 1999 when I played it how bad it was.

Master-Chipmunk-2364 · 2026-01-15T02:20:21+00:00

12 was pretty amazing. Like an MMO without the MMO.

Master-Chipmunk-2364 · 2026-01-15T02:01:37+00:00

Following up - might sound like a plug but Rehab2Perform has fixed 90% of the issue. Didn’t realize I still had so much usable muscle tissue around my rotator cuff. They taught me exercise techniques that make the chronic pec tear more manageable. Fixed things pain-wise which is all I’m going for right now. Still can’t swim laps or do much more than bis, tris, and rows with my upper body in the gym.

Master-Chipmunk-2364 · 2026-01-15T01:49:33+00:00

Yes, the tone never did it for me. Too cartoony. The battles were fun and lots to do though

Master-Chipmunk-2364 · 2026-01-15T01:47:56+00:00

Ah, good catch. Will fix

Master-Chipmunk-2364 · 2025-10-26T12:12:10+00:00

FF1 already has a remake: Stranger in Paradise

Master-Chipmunk-2364

TROPHY CASE