After seeing all the recent "Top 100 RPGs" lists, I decided as a huge fan of RPGs, that I would make my own list with what I've played. Unfortunately I haven't played 100+ RPGs, as most are a huge time investment, and I tend to replay my favorites more often then I play new ones.
Warning: There are a lot more JRPGs than WRPGs in my list!
This game along with Path of Radiance are not only my favorite RPG but also my 2 favorite games of all time. I rank Radiant Dawn above Path of Radiance because I prefer the more challenging gameplay. As well as the art design, skill system, support system (say what you will but at the end of the day Fire Emblem is a strategy game). But the main reasons I love these 2 games so much is for the amazing storytelling as well as the main protagonist: Ike, whom is also all time favorite character in gaming.
10/10
Got this game day 1 and I'm so glad I did because it's not only one of my 2 favorite games, it's also one of the rarest/most expensive games on the Gamecube. For the longest time I preferred Path of Radiance over Radiant Dawn, but after replaying them time after time I found myself enjoying Radiant Dawn a bit more. However they're both incomplete without the other (you won't get the complete game story by just playing one of them). What I enjoy most about PoR though, is watching Ike's evolution from an inexperienced child mercenary, into the fearless commander of the Crimean Army. Also the fact that he's virtually unstoppable on the battlefield gameplay-wise, really ties well with his personality. As well as the story regarding his achievements he's known for in Radiant Dawn (the sequel).
10/10
If I could only choose 1 game as my all time favorite game instead of the two above this, it would be this game. Persona 3 was my first Persona/Megami Tensei game, and I really didn't know what to expect. The life sim/JRPG combination was all so strange to me at first but over time I became infatuated with it. The high school setting and the dark undertone of the plot really piqued my interest and was a welcome change from the typical JRPG. Anyway, out of all the Persona games I've played, this game had my favorite atmosphere, soundtrack, and final boss and I guess that; paired with its meaningful theme, is what draws me to it the most. (Also Akihiko is easily my favorite character in the series)!
10/10
One of the most flawless games ever made, this one blew away my expectations, the definition of a masterpiece! (Also Geralt is a badass)!
11/10
This game is my childhood and the first M-rated/online multiplayer game I ever played. I spent countless hours addicted to this game, and I still fire it up every now and then even today. This game was a masterpiece in its prime and is basically the video game equivalent to crack.
10/10
Possibly the only game I've played that has lived up to the hype I had for it before its release. Persona 5 is the most stylish game I've ever had the pleasure of playing. I waited 4 long years for this game, and I was not disappointed in the least. Even though it's not my favorite Persona game, I recognize that it's indeed better than both Persona 3 & 4 in terms of the story and gameplay.
10/10
The only reason I bought a Vita, and I don't regret it one bit! I spent over 300+ hours on this game with about 3 playthroughs along with the Platinum trophy. Persona 4 Golden had my favorite cast of characters as well as my favorite ending out of the Persona games.
10/10
Suikoden II is a HUGE step up from its predecessor, and it tells one of the best stories in video games in my opinion. A must play for fans of traditional turn-based RPGs!
10/10
Another game I can easily say is a flawless masterpiece. Everything about this game is just so good! It helps that I'm a huge fan of Toriyama's artwork but along with that came possibly the best designed battle system ever, mix that with a killer soundtrack and you get a game WAY ahead of its time. A must play for ALL gamers!
11/10
A game I watched my brother play a lot of as kid. But I didn't actually play the game myself until about 12 years later, and even though I knew what was going to happen regarding much of the story, my first playthrough was still an incredible, and even nostalgic experience. Final Fantasy VII has my favorite story and cast out of all the ones I've played. A timeless classic and a must play for all RPG fans.
10/10
If I could manifest nostalgia into a physical form, this game would be the outcome of that for me. As a child, I was inseparable from my Game Boy Color playing Gen. 1 & 2 Pokemon. However Gen. 2 was something truly special. With the addition of the Kanto region and another 8 badges to collect, as well as that EPIC final battle! Pokemon Gold/Silver made sure to be an adventure that I could never forget.
10/10
Possibly the most addicting game ever made! I spent more time then I care to admit playing this game back in the day, and it somewhat destroyed my social skills and grades in high school. However it's hard to have regrets with the amount of fun I had playing Vanilla, TBC, and WOTLK with all my friends. It was hands down the best online gaming experience I ever had. As sad as it may sound I feel somewhat privileged to have experienced the WoW phenomenon in its prime. If WoW was still the same game it was back in those times, it would most likely be at the very top of this list for me! Unfortunately (and fortunately) WoW is a shadow of its former self and I no longer have any interest in playing it.
9.5/10
