A mark that Ni no Kuni has, Dragon Quest 8 had, Suikoden 4 had, all JRPGs that I actually finished...

A first person free look mode. I don't know why but when a JRPG doesn't have that feature I'm far less likely to finish it.

Anyone else care about that or is it just me. I wont be surprised if its just me, I'm not normal.

Nope can't say I'm with you on that one. Some games need free look modes, but I can't say I would want it in a JRPG.

I've never thought about it, or cared about it.

I've seen it as an oddity but definitely not the mark of much, aside from a developer that had to find a use for the select button.

Not finishing it because there is not first person mode?

I am baffled to say the least...

i dunno, there's plenty of good 2D JRPG's that your missing out on.

Ni No Kuni has a first person free look mode?

You had me up until you said "A first person free look mode."

@Turambar said:

Ni No Kuni has a first person free look mode?

I believe it's from clicking in one of the sticks, only applicable when not in the over world map. Used it once to stare at Drippy for a minute, haven't used it since.

I think including Suikoden 4 in that list will kind of counteract your point for a lot of people. (Even though I thought it was okay. Definitely the weakest Suikoden though.)

There are times when it's a nice feature, especially when you've got nice environments to look at, but it's hardly a feature I look for or even particularly care about in RPGs.

I don't know about that. I would say a "solid but quick game loop" helps any RPG let alone a JRPG which it feels like Ni No Kuni has.

Never really felt it was a necessity but i suppose it helps, though i usually find more glaring issues then that with most JRPGS now days, im happy this is not the case with Ni No Kuni.

My mark of a good JRPG: random battles are actually anticipated and not dreaded

Suikoden 4? Eh...That's pushing it. Then again, that was the first game in the series that I managed to get all 108 stars in.

You might be onto something!

@Devil240Z: I am definitely with you.

A big part of the fun for me in old school JRPGs is exploring worlds, which means I want to look at the scenery. Much easier to do with first person free view.

I am not with you about Suikoden IV, that game was no bueno.

Never really bothered me, as the quality of a game for mine doesn't rely on whether there is a free look button or not. I would prefer gameplay, combat, story, etc. and whether the game as a whole is enjoyable and fun.