PS2 RPG list

[Demon Cleaner]

This PS2 RPG list is a complete list of all English language RPG releases for the PS2 released in either the US NTSC or Europe PAL regions. If we are missing any PS2 RPGs from the list please let us know.

Released titles (and owned by myself, not owned in blue)

- .hack 1: Infection
- .hack 2: Mutation
- .hack 3: Outbreak
- .hack 4: Quarantine
- .hack GU Terminal Disc
- .hack GU vol 1: Rebirth
- .hack GU vol 2: Reminisce
- .hack GU vol 3: Redemption
- Ar Tonelico: Melody of Elemia
- Ar Tonelico 2: Melody of Metafalica
- Arc the Lad: End of Darkness
- Arc the Lad: Twilight of the Spirits
- Atelier Iris 3: Grand Phantasm
- Atelier Iris 2: The Azoth of Destiny
- Atelier Iris: Eternal Mana
- Baroque
- Breath of Fire 5
- Chaos Wars
- Culdcept
- Dawn of Mana
- Dark Cloud
- Dark Cloud 2
- Digimon World 4
- Digimon World: Data Squad
- Disgaea
- Disgaea 2: Cursed Memories
- Dragon Quest 8
- Eternal Poison
- Eternal Quest (EU/JP only. No US release)
- EverQuest Online Adventures
- EverQuest Online Adventures: Frontiers
- Final Fantasy X
- Final Fantasy X International
- Final Fantasy X-2
- Final Fantasy X-2 International
- Final Fantasy XI
- Final Fantasy XI Chains of Promethia / Rise of the Zilart All-In-One Pack 2004
- Final Fantasy XI Entry Disc + Rise of the Zilart Enhanced Data
- Final Fantasy XI Entry Disc 2005
- Final Fantasy XI: Chains of Promathia
- Final Fantasy XI: Rise of the Zilart
- Final Fantasy XI: Treasures of Aht Urhgan
- Final Fantasy XII
- Final Fantasy XII (Collectors Edition)
- Front Mission 4
- Full Metal Alchemist 2: Curse of the Crimson Elixir
- Full Metal Alchemist and the broken Angel
- Future Tactics: The Uprising (strategy RPG)
- Gladius
- Grandia 2
- Grandia 3
- Grandia Xtreme
- Grim Grimoire
- Growlanser Generations
- Growlanser: Heritage of War
- Heroes of Might and Magic: Quest for the DragonBone Staff (Turn-based Strategy RPG)
- Inuyasha
- Jade Cocoon 2
- Judie no Atelier: Alchemist of Gramnad (out in Jap, US n/a)
- Kingdom Hearts
- Kingdom Hearts 2
- Kingdom Hearts Re: Chain of Memories
- Kingdom Hearts: Final Mix - (expanded version of Kingdom Hearts)(Jap only - but in English with additions)
- King's Field IV (also known as: King's Field: The Ancient City)
- La Pucelle Tactics
- Legaia 2: Dual Saga
- LOTR: The third Age
- Magic Pengel
- Magic Pengel 2 (also known as: Grafitti Kingdom)
- Magna Carta: Tears of Blood
- Makai Kingdom
- Mega Man X: Command Mission
- Metal Saga
- Monster Hunter
- Monster Hunter 2
- Monster Rancher 3
- Monster Rancher 4
- Monster Rancher Evo
- MS Saga
- Musashi Samurai Legend
- Odin Sphere
- Okage: Shadow King
- Phantasy Star Universe
- Phantasy Star Universe: Ambition of the Illuminus
- Phantom Brave
- Radiata Stories
- River King: A Wonderful Journey (fishing based RPG)(also known as: Harvest Fishing)
- Rogue Galaxy
- Romance of the Three Kingdoms VII
- Romance of the Three Kingdoms VIII
- Romance of the Three Kingdoms IX
- Romance of the Three Kingdoms X
- Romance of the Three Kingdoms XI
- Romancing Saga
- RPG Maker 2
- RPG Maker 3
- Shadow Hearts
- Shadow Hearts 2: Covenant
- Shadow Hearts 3: From the New World
- Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner 1
- Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner 2
- Shin Megami Tensei: Digital Devil Saga 1
- Shin Megami Tensei: Digital Devil Saga 2
- Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne
- Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3
- Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 4
- Shining Force EXA
- Shining Force Neo
- Shining Tears
- Star Ocean 3: Till the end of time
- Steambot Chronicles
- Stella Deus: The Gateway of Eternity
- Soul Nomad & The World Eaters
- Suikoden 3
- Suikoden 4
- Suikoden 5
- Suikoden Tactics
- Tales of Legendia
- Tales of the Abyss
- The Legend of Alon d'Ar
- The Nightmare of Druaga
- Tsugunai: Atonment
- Unlimited Saga
- Valkyrie Profile 2: Silmeria
- Wild Arms 3
- Wild Arms 4
- Wild Arms: Alter Code F (remake/update of the original PSX Wild Arms)
- Xenosaga Episode 1: Der Wille zur Macht
- Xenosaga Episode 1: Reloaded (Jap re-release with Eng voice overs and many extras inc. Video content)
- Xenosage Episode 2: Jenseits von Gut und Böse
- Xenosage Episode 3: Also sprach Zarathustra
- Ys: Ark of Napishtim
- Yu-Gi-Oh: Capsule Monster Coliseum
- Yu-Gi-Oh: Duelist of the Roses

Here is a list of RPGs still to be released in the US/Europe:

- Dragon Quest V (in development for years, no release dates mentioned)
- Dragon Quest Yangus
- Front Mission 5: Scars of War (out in Jap, US date n/a)
- Full Metal Alchemist: Destineer (Q2 US Pending)
- Full Metal Alchemist: Dream Carnival (out in Jap, US date n/a)
- Kingdom Hearts II: Final Mix - (expanded version of Kingdom Hearts 2)(released in Jap 29th March 07. Will be Jap only - but will be in English with many additions + new card battle system)
- Justice League of America
- Marvel Legends (TBA)
- Rebirth Moon (out in Jap, US n/a)
- Romance of the Three Kingdoms Online (Dec 07 PAL release)
- Wild Arms: Another Code F
- Wild Arms: The Vth Vanguard (out in Jap, US date TBA)

[Harrison]

Additional Games not on the main list that I still consider in the RPG genre to some extent:

- Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance & Dark Alliance II
- The Bard's Tale
- Champions of Norrath: Realms of EverQuest
- Champions of Norrath: Return to Arms
- Colosseum: Road to Freedom (also known as: Gladiator: Road to Freedom)
- Deus Ex: The Conspiracy
- Dragon Quest: Young Yangus' Mysterious Dungeon
- Ephemeral Fantasia
- Eternal Ring
- Evergrace
- Fallout: Brotherhood of Steel
- Forever Kingdom (Evergrace 2)
- Harvest Moon: A Wonderful Life (Special Edition available)
- Harvest Moon: Save the Homeland
- Shaman King: Power of Spirit (card battle/RPG/Adventure)
- Summoner 1 and 2
- Warriors of Might and Magic
- Wizardry: Tales of the Forsaken Land

Maybe some of these could be classed as adventures as well as RPGs.

Japanese Only RPG releases:

The following RPGs have been released in Japan, but have yet to be given a US/Euro release confirmation.

* = worth looking at.

- .hack//Fragment *
- 3 Nen B Gumi Kinpachi Sensei: Densetsu no Kyoudan ni Tate!
- 3 Nen B Gumi Kinpachi Sensei: Densetsu no Kyoudan ni Tate! Perfect Edition
- Ambrosia Odyssey * (online/offline game)
- Angel's Feather
- Apocripha Zero (card battle game)
- Atelier Lillie (also known as: Lilie no Atelier) *
- Bakufuu Slash! Kizna Arashi (Eye Toy based RPG)
- Black/Matrix II
- Blazing Souls (Strategy RPG)
- Bleach: Hanatareshi Yabou
- Busin 0: Wizardry Alternative NEO
- Castle Fantasia Elenshia Senki (strategy RPG)
- Code Age Commanders (square enix game) *
- The Sea Monster, Simple 2000 Series Vol. 54: The Daikaijuu
- Detective Saburou Jinguji 8 - Innocent Black
- Detective Saburou Jinguji 9 - Kind of Blue
- Dokapon DX: Wataru Sekai wa Oni Darake
- Dragon Force (remake of Sega Saturn game)(strategy RPG)
- Dragon Shadow Spell (Strategy RPG)
- Elvandia Story
- Endnesia
- Far East of Eden III: NAMIDA
- Far East of Eden: Manji Maru
- Fullmetal Alchemist 3: Kami wo Tsugu Shoujo * (Also known as: Fullmetal Alchemist 3: God of the Forever Girl)
- Full Metal Alchemist: Destineer (Q2 US Pending)
- Full Metal Alchemist: Dream Carnival
- Generation of Chaos (also known as: Project Chaos, Kingdom of Chaos)(strategy RPG)
- Generation of Chaos III (strategy RPG)
- Giant Robo
- Global Folktale (strategy RPG)
- Growlancer II: The Sense of Justice (Strategy RPG)
- Growlanser III: The Dual Darkness (Strategy RPG)
- Growlanser IV: Wayfarer of the Time
- Growlanser IV: Wayfarer of the Time - Return
- Growlanser V: Generations (not the US Generations collection of older titles, but a new game in the series)
- The Hajimete no RPG (also known as: The First RPG, Simple 2000 Series Vol. 44: The Hajimete no RPG)
- Hanjuku Hero: 7 Nin no Hanjuku Eiyuu (also known as: Egg Monster Hero: The 7 Egg Monster Heroes_
- Izumo Complete
- Judie no Atelier: Alchemist of Gramnad (also known as: Atelier Judie)
- Juuni Kokuki: Guren no Shirobe Koujin no Michi (The Record of Twelve Countries)
- Juuni Kokuki: Kakukakutaru Oudou Kouryoku no Uka
- Kidou Shinsen-Gumi Moeyo Ken
- Kikou Seiki G-Breaker 2: Doumei no Hangeki
- Langrisser III (strategy RPG)
- Lunatic Dawn Tempest
- Magister Negi Magi
- Magister Negi Magi 2
- Men At Work 3: Ai to Seishun no Hunter Gakuen
- Might and Magic 8: Day of the Destroyer
- Mobile Suit Gundam Seed Destiny: Generation of CE
- Namco X Capcom (Strategy RPG based on these two developers fighting characters) *
- Neon Genesis Evangelion: Raising Rei Ayanami With Asuka Langley (also known as: Shin Seiki Evangelion: Ayanami Ikusei Keikaku)
- Neon Genesis Evangelion 2
- Nobunaga no Yabou Online: Haten no Shou
- Nobunaga's Ambition Online (also known as: Nobunaga no Yabou Online)
- Nobunaga's Ambition Online: Hiryuu no Akira (exp pack)
- Nobunaga's Ambition Online : Tappi no Shou * (online Strategy RPG)
- Nurse Witch Komugi-Chan Maji-Karte
- Otometeki Koi Kakumei Rabu Rebo!!
- Persona 3: Fes (also known as: Personal 3: Festival) (offshoot of Persona series)
- Phantasy Star Generation: 1 (Port of original Genesis version)
- Phantasy Star Generation: 2 (Port of original Genesis version)
- Phantasy Star IV: End of the Millennium (TBA)
- PoPoLoCrois: A New Adventure (also known as: PoPoLoCrois Monogatari III: Hajimari no Bouken)
- Popolocrois: Tsuki no Okite no Bouken
- Pyuu to Fuku! Jaguar: Ashita no Jump
- Rebirth Moon (Strategy RPG)
- Realize: Panorama Luminary
- The Rhapsody of Zephyr
- Saiyuki Reload
- Seven: The Cavalry of Molmorth (also known as: Seven: Molmorth no Kiheitai)
- Shadow Tower Abyss
- Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne Maniacs *
- Shin Ten Makai: Generation of Chaos IV
- Shin Ten Makai: Generation of Chaos V (also known as: Shinten Makai: Generation of Chaos V)(Strategy RPG)
- Shinseiki Genso: Spectral Souls
- Shinseiki Genso: Spectral Souls 2
- Shoujo Yoshitsuneden
- Shoujo Yoshitsuneden: Koku wo Koeru Chigiri
- Spectral Force: Radical Elements (strategy RPG)
- Summon Night 3 (strategy RPG)(sequel to the first two PSX games)
- Summon Night 4
- Sunrise Eiyuutan 2
- Sunrise Eiyuutan R
- Sunrise World War
- Super Robot Taisen MX (also known as: Super Robot Wars MX)(Mech Strategy RPG)
- Tales of Destiny (full 3D remake)(only released in Jap Dec 06, US TBA) *
- Tales of Destiny 2 (full 3D remake)(no US release, fan translation underway) *
- Tales of Rebirth (another in the Namco Tales series, Jap only) *
- Tales of Symphonia (port of the Gamecube original, Jap only) *
- TearRing Saga Series: Berwick Saga
- Tenseigakuen Gensouroku
- Tenshi no Present: Marle Oukoku Monogatari (also known as: Angel's Present: Marle Kingdom Story)
- The Bishoujou Simulation RPG - Moonlight Tale
- The Dungeon RPG: Castle of the Living Demon
- The Law of Ueki
- Tokyo Majin Gakuen (also known as: Tokyo Wizard Academy)
- Ultraman Nexus
- Ururun Quest: Aiyuki
- Venus & Braves: Majo no Megami to Horobi no Yogen (also known as: Venus and Braves: The Witch Goddess and the Alchemist of Destruction)(sequel to Namco's Japanese only PS2 RPG Seven: The Calvary of Molmoth)(Strategy RPG)
- Violet no Atelier: Alchemist of Gramnad 2 (Second roleplaying game in the Alchemist of Gramnad Atelier series) *
- Waga ga Ryuu wo Miyo: Pride of the Dragon Peace
- Wizardry Empire III: Ancestry of the Empire
- Wizardry Gaiden: Prisoners of the Battles
- Wizardry Summoner (also known as: Wizardry: The Summoning)
- Wizardry Xth: Academy of Frontier
- Ys I & II: Eternal Story
- Ys III: Wanderers from Ys
- Ys IV: Mask of the Sun -- A New Theory
- Zill O'll Infinite
- Zwei!!

[Demon Cleaner]

I have Summoner 1 & 2, also Baldur's Gate and Champions of Norrath. Also Bard's Tale, but I don't have them in my RPG folder. I took this folder yesterday, and wrote down all the RPGs that were in there, so some might be missing. But the PURE RPGs are in it.

Persona 3 as you say isn't released yet, as is Rogue Galaxy or Wild Arms: Another Code F. But they will be added as they see the light, don't worry.

[Teho]

Hey, I had no idea that Full Metal Alchemist games existed. Are they any good?

[LowercaseE]

My god that's a lot of RPGs?!?! Have you played them all through completely? That would take me like 8 years to do.

[Demon Cleaner]

I only have tested them, seemed not too bad. Graphics are not overwhelming though. And they also have real time combat system, not turn based. I prefer the turn based system, but I think that most people prefer real time.

[Harrison]

I would be more surprised if he hasn't played most of them all through completely! ;)

[Teho]

Actually, I prefer turn-based systems also. When there's strategy involved, I like thinking through my moves, which you never have time for in real-time games.

Will have to look at some reviews for those. Loved the anime. :)

[Harrison]

Me too. But it's a bit of a contradiction because I'm liking FFXII more than any previous FF game, but it is the first to not have turn based combat, instead having real-time combat with a mix of many ideas taken from the old turn based systems from the previous titles, such as a timer counting down to your next move.

[Demon Cleaner]

Have you played them all through completely?Gimme the money, so that I don't have to go to work, and I'll do it, I promise you. I even write you reviews with screenshots and much more.

I'm not yet finished with watching FMA, I'm at episode 29. I have to watch this one first, because I want to attack the Texhnolyze anime, I have the complete series in a collector's box.

[Harrison]

Persona 3 as you say isn't released yet, as is Rogue Galaxy or Wild Arms: Another Code F. But they will be added as they see the light, don't worry.

I've just compiled a list of PS2 RPGs still due for release, and added them under the main list.

Any other RPG's still due for release on PS2 that I've missed?

[Demon Cleaner]

I hope they will release Front Mission 5: Scars of War soon, as it's already been released in Japan since 12.22.2005

Also Wild Arms: The Vth Vanguard has yet to be announced. .hack GU will also have 3 parts, I have the first one, but the others are not announced yet.

And of course Dragon Quest Yangus which takes you in an adventure with young Yangus from Dragon Quest 8.

[TiredOfLife]

Also a fan of the turn based games.

So how about a top ten then?
(Including turn and time based)

[Demon Cleaner]

That would also give a good poll. But I don't think there are much RPG fans here. And I myself haven't played a lot of them yet, so I can't really list a top ten, or you have to include more consoles.

[TiredOfLife]

How about the best 3 you have played on the PS2 then.
(Looking for some for myself to try and am just after some advice.)

[Demon Cleaner]

FFX is very good, but nowadays you can also pick up FFXII, which I would recommend in your place.

I played the Xenosaga trilogy, which is very good too, but as it's a trilogy, you may have to play the 3 games to see the ending of the story.

Culdcept is not well known, but I loved this one. Not really RPG, but you travel and battle on some board, a bit like monopoly. The board is always different, and the terrain on every square is different, like earth, fire, water aso. You then throw the dices, and make your moves, as does your opponent. You then have different cards to use, you can acquire terrain, built on it and make your opponent pay or battle when he stands on it. It's a real unique gameplay, but I loved it, so so different of anything you've played until now. A must try :thumbs: (@Harrison: Try this one out and let me know!)

Suikoden 3 is also pretty good, haven't played it through, but also Suikoden 5 got good reviews, Suikoden 4 less.

The Shin Megami Tensei series are pretty cool too, complete different seeting, a bit weird, but amazing.

Star Ocean always had good releases, as is Star Ocean 3, which I wanted to play now, but as FFXII is released, and everybody plays it, I'm gonna do the same.

Old school of course is Grandia II, which was previously released on Dreamcast. It's still good on PS2, I finished it, and I had a great time. Grandia 3 is also out, and I had a look, and it surprised me, positive.

Dragon Quest 8 is of course a must have too. It just rocks.

Valkyrie Profile: Silmeria, which was released lately, got also my attention, very nice graphics and huge combo potential.

Shadow Hearts series is also not bad as is Wild Arms series.

The best for you is to have a look at a games site, RPG related or not, and check out some reviews if you're going to play one, there so many, and so many good ones.

[Harrison]

I second some of those you mention.

FFXII is definitely the current game to get hold of if you can. It's out in Europe in February so pick it up if you can. It's the first FF game to move away from the regular turn based combat style though but if you give it a play stick with it as the real-time/turn based mix style is good once you get used to it.

I've also been playing Valkyrie Profile: Silmeria a bit and it's great too. It has a great story with some lovely looking locations. I love the side-on 2D style of movement (you need to play it to understand), as used in a few other RPGs on the PSX. The combat system is also open to a lot of variety. It takes a bit of practice to fully grasp the combat, splitting your party and timing etc... but it is worth it as it adds a lot of fun to the combat, especially then fighting the large enemies in the game.

For turn based combat, the strategy RPG style games are definitely the place to look. Suikoden is probably my favourite strategy series. I've not yet played 4 and 5, but 3 is a great game.

Another is the Disgaea series. They have a very quirky anime story but a great strategy game in a similar style to Final Fantasy Tactics.

Another series I've always loved is Breath of Fire. I've played them all right from the first one and they are all great. Breath of Fire V: Dragon Quarter is definitely worth playing and should be very cheap to buy these days. The combat in the Breath of Fire series has always been very similar to the Turn based FF combat.

Another is Dragon Quest 8. I've only played a bit of this one but impressed me. I can't say much more as I didn't get too far yet as I want to finish the others I'm playing first. It won awards for it's musical score at the time.

And if you like Mech's then the Xenosaga series is definitely recommended. Or for a more traditional Strategy style Front Mission 4 is good.

Another good series is Wild Arms. I've played them up to and completed Wild Arms 3, but have yet to play 4 beyond a quick play test. Another series worth looking at.

What else... Star Ocean. Another great series that mixes technology, space travel, time travel and traditional RPG styles together. The PS2 game Star Ocean: Till the end of time is the third in the series and well worth playing.

DC also mentioned Grandia 2. I played that one on the Dreamcast and it is a really good traditional RPG. Worth playing for sure. And there are also two sequels out on the PS2 as well so if you like Grandia 2 you would also have Grandia 3 and Grandia Xtreme to look forward too.

If you want something a bit different then a couple of recommendations are Legaia 2: Dual Saga that is a traditional style RPG, but with a combat style that uses button combos like a fighting game. Sounds a bit odd but it is a good game. The original PSX Legaia was good too. And Jade Cocoon 2. Many panned this game, but as again with the first on PSX, this is a nice game. It's a sort of monster collecting game similar in idea to Digimon, but done in a very different way.

[Harrison]

I've been slowly downloading all the missing RPGs from your list and during testing them I've found some great ones I really like and have short listed to play soon.

Steambot Chronicles is one that I intented to only play for a few minutes to make sure it worked, but found myself playing it for 2 hours (and then realising my memory cards were all full so I couldn't save the progress! :( ). I didn't think I was going to like that game either, being that it is realtime combat, and sort of retro mech in style, but the game somehow drew me in and got me hooked. As soon as FF12 is finished I may well play it next. :)

[Submeg]

I am currently playing FFX, FF8 and FF7. All are quite excellent in their own right. I also enjoy the Star Ocean series. There are quite a few awesome ones out there.

[Demon Cleaner]

:lol: I also played Steambot Chronicles for several hours, got me stuck.


As soon as FF12 is finishedHow far are you?

[Harrison]

Not all that far. I've only played about 10 hours in total so far as I've been doing too much else including the site. I hopefully will have more time to play it soon.

[rayzorblue]

this reminds me dragons quest is coming to the DS and Wii now cant wait for that there hasnt been one on nintendo for years and im not sure if they were ever released in UK, big blow for Sony though as they are the Japanese favourite rpg apparently.

[Harrison]

The DS has been seeing quite a few RPGs released recently. Most are old school remakes though, but RPGs are always good for a platform. The PSP does have a few good RPGs, plus it now has access to the complete PS1 back catalogue, but it could do with some more decent new RPG releases.

Not all bad news for Sony though as the release of FF12 in the US saw it outsell most other games that month and the PS2 sales were very high in November which is quite surprising considering the PS3 was just about to be released at the time. It shows that a platform doesn't sell just because of it's technical ability and hardware, but due to the games available.

[Demon Cleaner]

It shows that a platform doesn't sell just because of it's technical ability and hardware, but due to the games available.That is so true, why did I buy a PSX?? Mainly to play some cool RPGs, and not because I wanted a console. And now I completely changed from computer freak to consolero, never thought that would happen, so's life.

[Harrison]

Do you know anything about an RPG called Rebirth Moon? I see it is released in Japan, but no mention of a US release.

[Demon Cleaner]

I was already released in Nov 2005 in JP, but I don't know if a release in the US is planned. Perhaps they have some info about it at RPGamer or RPGFan, which I cannot reach from here (you know why).

I also have an RPG called Judie No Atelier, an RPG of the Atelier series (Atelier Iris). I also have the JP version, as I didn't know it was the JP release. But there's no info about a US release either. It's a really old school RPG, so there's no rush to get it, as I have some of those still to play, and they rank very last in my "have to play" list.

[Harrison]

Hope you don't mind. I just edited the original list to resort it into alphabetical order to make it easier to look through. I also added a couple of extra games to the list. Plus I have also added an unreleased/japan only game list at the bottom so we can update both lists easier.

I've also added another list of games to my post under the main list containing other games that are in the RPG/Adventure/Action genres but not fully fitting into the true RPG genre. Just so we have a complete list for everyone to use.

[Harrison]

I also have an RPG called Judie No Atelier, an RPG of the Atelier series (Atelier Iris). I also have the JP version, as I didn't know it was the JP release. But there's no info about a US release either. It's a really old school RPG, so there's no rush to get it, as I have some of those still to play, and they rank very last in my "have to play" list.

I just looked that up on IGN and it is being listed as the 4th game in the Atelier series, and it's full title is Judie no Atelier: Alchemist of Gramnad It also seems to of had at least 3 Japanese releases including the original release, a Premium Box edition and a budget re-release. Strange with so many re-releases that they haven't decided to do a western release considering it must be popular to get re-releases and also that the other Atelier games got a release.

IGN also states Rebirth moon is Japan only release with no intention of a western release. Shame as the story behind this game sounds quite interesting. I may download the Japanese release just to take a look though. :)

In fact, now that I am close to completely collecting all games on that list (I have 5 still to find) I think I may start to seek out and collect all of the Japanese and Asia only RPG releases for the PS2 next! ;)

[Demon Cleaner]

Hope you don't mind. I just edited the original list to resort it into alphabetical order to make it easier to look through.No problem, better overview.

I also added a couple of extra games to the list.Which ones? I only want the games in the list which I have, and when you add some, I think I'll already have them, and don't d/l them.

Plus I have also added an unreleased/japan only game list at the bottom so we can update both lists easier.Good idea, so if they get released, we can move them to the list above.

In fact, now that I am close to completely collecting all games on that list (I have 5 still to find) I think I may start to seek out and collect all of the Japanese and Asia only RPG releases for the PS2 next!Would be an idea, but that is only for the hardcore collector ;)

[Harrison]

I will highlight the ones I added in blue so you can quickly see which I added.

[Demon Cleaner]

I also have Romance of the three Kingdoms, but never put them in my RPG list. Are these true RPGs? Latest one I have is XI which was released 2 weeks ago.

[Harrison]

Well, not true RPGs in the same sense as most. They are actually Strategy RPGs/wargames with a sort of Civilization mix to them, so you might not automatically stick them into the RPG genre, although most PS2 sites do. They do have quite a lot of RPG elements in the mix though.

Having just completed section R of the site you probably noticed the first two games in the series were released on the Amiga :) We have them listed as Wargames which they could also fit under.

update: I also downloaded RTK XI but like you I only quickly ran it to check it worked. I've just read a review and it seems KOEI have butchered this latest version and removed all the fun stuff, leaving mainly just a large scale wargame. They have upgraded the graphics to a full 3D engine but cut out all of the sub ruler stuff.

In RTK X you had the ability to not just concentrate on being the ruler. You also have the ability to choose to take control of any of your officers in the food chain and explore your kingdom with them. Focus on developing each character as you play them, building skill and reputation, travel the country performing tasks for the locals and being able to sabotage and recruit under the local ruler's nose. All of this is the RPG element I was talking about, and it seems they have removed all of this from the latest XI game which is very sad news. For this reason fans are saying everyone should stick to RTK X as it contains all of these great features.

It also seems they removed many other features from the latest version too, including detailed alliance control with bordering regions. Before you could call on your allies for help in a battle, but now it just gives you the ability to move freely in their regions without your own forces being attacked, and no control or aid features from the old games exist.

So basically, if you want to play one of the RTK games and really enjoy it and get the most out of it including all the fun officer RPG bits stick to RTK X and don't touch the newer XI.

[Submeg]

In RTK X you had the ability to not just concentrate on being the ruler. You also have the ability to choose to take control of any of your officers in the food chain and explore your kingdom with them. Focus on developing each character as you play them, building skill and reputation, travel the country performing tasks for the locals and being able to sabotage and recruit under the local ruler's nose.



Wow, this sounds quite cool. So what does the world look like? It sounds very interesting!

[Harrison]

I've now spent some time adding a near complete list of Japanese only PS2 RPGs to the post under the English (US/EU) release list. There are a lot of Japan only releases and some of them are definitely worth looking at as they are from many series that have seen a Western release.

I've also added some extra games to the main list, plus some more to the additional lists.

[Demon Cleaner]

Nice JP RPG list. I also have Future Tactics: The Uprising, but I don't have it in my RPG folder. I think I also have Magic Pengel 2, don't know anymore.

[Harrison]

Hey, I had no idea that Full Metal Alchemist games existed. Are they any good?

I've played both of the Full Metal Alchemist games for over an hour each (to see what the games were like) and they are definitely worth playing if you are a fan of Full Metal Alchemist. As DC mentioned previously the combat is real-time and is very Beat 'em up based with Combos being a key feature, but it is quite easy to get to grips with and there is a lot of variety in the combat system so you don't get bored (unlike some other real-time RPG systems which end up being single button bashing combat).

The games are also quite well scripted with some nice graphics and reasonable voice acting. The stories also seemed quite fresh, although they do still contain a lot of elements from traditional RPGs.

There is also a three more games in the series called:

Fullmetal Alchemist 3: Kami wo Tsugu Shoujo (Translated as: Fullmetal Alchemist 3: God of the Forever Girl), but sadly it doesn't look an English version is likely.

Full Metal Alchemist: Dream Carnival, which is out in Japan but again has no mention of an English version.

And finally Full Metal Alchemist: Destineer, which does have a Pending Q2 US release date stated currently.

[Demon Cleaner]

Shining Force EXA has now been released.

[Harrison]

Really! Cool. Off to dow... aquire a copy now ;)

[Demon Cleaner]

I just played Avatar: The Legend of Aang, and it plays also a bit like an RPG, more action RPG. The game is by Nick Games, from a Nickleodeon comic/anime I suppose. It has a comic style, but plays good. At Gamefaqs it's categorized as fantasy action game.

[Harrison]

I've seen that listed on a few p2p sites I use and wondered what it was. Will add it to my downloads. :)

[Demon Cleaner]

Just tested Shining Force EXA, looks good, but nothing special. Real time combat, anime look and voice output.

[Harrison]

I've also tried Shining Force EXA for a few hours and it's pretty good (eventually).

I did find that this game is quite different from the last Shining Force game, Neo, and the first part of the game is quite slow and unimpressive and left me quite disinterested. But if you persevere through this first part of the story until you find the item you are searching for (don't want to give the plot away) the game gets a lot more interesting and regains your interest.

One cool feature of the game is interchangeable characters. You basically play the game as two characters and can chop and change between them during combat to take advantage of their unique abilities, which is a nice feature for the real time arcade style combat in this game. You can also bring additional characters with you in your party for adventures and combat, but these additional characters are always AI controlled, so they are always just there for backup support.

The real-time combat system does take some getting use to and I found it too difficult to pull off many of the moves which ended up getting annoying. You have the ability to string together combos for charge attacks, or to trigger special attacks, but these both require very precise timing during the on-screen character animation and can become very frustrating to try and pull off as you only have slightly misjudge the timing of a button press and the character won't perform a move. The plus side of combat is that you can find yourself fighting a large number of opponents, with up to 30 on-screen at once during a fight! This gives a great sense of being in a big battle, but due to the combat control issues this can also mean that many of the fights end up having a very high difficulty level.

The game's graphics are really nicely created and colourful, with a wide variety of character and monster models populating the world. The Music and Sound Effects are also really good, but the voice acting leaves something to be be desired.

If you liked previous titles in the Shining Force series you should like this game. Also if you liked real time combat RPGs again you should like this. I do still personally prefer the last game Shining Force Neo over this one though.

If there is one thing that lets this game down it is the fiddly and difficult combat control system. And this may be a problem because I've read that the game is very long, lasting more than 50 hours.

[Demon Cleaner]

Good review :thumbs:

I have only played it for 30 minutes.

[Demon Cleaner]

After finishing FF12, I have now to chose what RPG to play next? I thought about:

- Grandia III
- Star Ocean III
- Dragon Quest VIII
- Suikoden V

or perhaps Rogue Galaxy? But after FF12 I want to play a turn based RPG again. Do you have another one in mind, which you played and was good?

Or perhaps I'm going to play God of War 1 and then the sequel, as the games look awesome.

[Harrison]

If you want a change of pace I definitely recommend you give the two God of War games a play. They are both great, with the set pieces and bosses in the second game being some of the largest and amazing looking in any game to date.

As for the others you listed, if you want to play a turn based RPG then I would recommend Suikoden V out of those. But they are all great games equally. Did you play Suikoden IV already?

[Demon Cleaner]

Did you play Suikoden IV already?Nope. But as I heard, it's not that good, and Suikoden V is better again. I have not played any of the Suikoden games yet :no:

[Harrison]

Suikoden is a great Turn based Strategy RPG series. The first two games on the PSOne might now look a bit dating graphically but they are still both great games and worth playing. I'm not sure which of the 5 games I would pick as the best in the series as each is seperate in story and setting. I've also not played the 5th game through completely yet so cannot yet say how it compares. At the moment I would say Suikoden 3 is the best one I've played so far.

One cool unique feature of the series is that you have been given the ability to build and then control a castle to defend your realm against enemies.

[xmino1984@yahoo.com]

thanks