View Full Version : Under Rated RPGs?
a_nirvana_fan
14-06-2006, 22:58
Do you guys know any under rated RPG games because ive played the "popular" ones such as Final Fantasy, Chrono Trigger, Kingdom Hearts, Baldurs Gate, Fable, Dragon Quest etc I could go own but I want to play some others which Ive never experienced before which are good but under rated, any ideas?
aj the great
14-06-2006, 23:04
one of the goods ones not really underated but good is grandia 2 brilliant
a_nirvana_fan
14-06-2006, 23:18
Yeah, I have that but I dont really like it, the first one is great though, I hope the third one will better, it looks good so far, any more RPGs?
One of the must under-rated RPG's I know is Legaia 2, not many people look at that game because its story was a bit too simple, but its still a nice RPG. =P I think FFVIII is also somewhat under-rated but, not as bad as some others. Shadow Hearts 1 is not the most famous either. Oh, and Grandia 1 and Wild arms 1 =P
Have you played Diablo? Not really under-rated but I noticed it wasn't on your list ;P I would't really suggest it to the more FF-Fanatic type, who just loathe pretty pictures and easy turn-based systems ;P Yeah, Diablo II is kickass <3 The expansion is also fun, mainly cause of the new classes and the extra area (there's like 4 different "areas" - forest-like place, desert, swamp-like place and hell. Which of course are all big areas. Then with teh extra area which is the hometown to Barbarians, it's like snowy, rocky area, whatever.) and killing Baahl (sp?) lol.
Well what about Golden Sun (GBA) and Neverwinter Nights? I haven't really played Neverwinter Nights that much, but reminds me of Baldur's Gate and Icewind Dale (oh yeah, there's another one ;P xD), which I guess is like MMORPG's but without the MMO and a few other various features. Golden Sun, well I dunno if that's a full RPG, but I guess it sort of is =/
Depu Techiikue
15-06-2006, 22:13
One of the most underrated RPG's I know of is Digital Devil Saga. It's a two game series, the second game just came out late last year. It's a great game, and has a very enticing and original storyline. The skill system is influenced by FFX's Sphere Grid system, but also brings its own elements to the table. I would suggest this, but I think it still costs around $45-50 just used. It's an exceptionally rare title.
Suikoden III. This title is quite rare, but is very good. It's long, and has lots of side quests you can do. Personally, the Suikoden series is one of my favorite RPG series around. A lot of people bash this game because of the battle system, but it takes RPG's back to their roots, just like Dragon Quest VIII did.
Some of the Suikoden Series
Shadow Hearts
Golden Sun (For the GBA) is pretty good too (Like Auron Suggested) But you could always use an Emulator for that ;D
Uhm... Legend of the Dragoon (PS1)
That's all I can think of >.o
Brindley
21-06-2006, 10:06
Nobody mentioned Planescape Torment. That's how under-rated it is! Absolutely fantastic though, it was made by Bioware back when they were doing their Baldur's Gate / Icewind Dale stuff. Good, solid RPG with an excellent storyline. Go check it out!
Digital Devil Saga, I think this game is already too over-rated I played it and I was like Meh...
Shadows Hearts is defo under-rated, it beats any FF in my opinion (yes, even FF7).
Drakengard, I think is under-rated I never hear anyone talking about it, it's got a good storyline and great gameplay, there maybe alot of FMV's, but the actual game is really good.
Harvest Moon, definately Harvest Moon. I love all of the HM games, now I'm out of school my life is going to be entirely split between my band, my friends and Harvest Moon.
Seriously, they are just that addictive and awesome.
Dr. Aeyze
21-06-2006, 14:42
PS2:
Shadow Hearts
Shadow Hearts: Covenant
The original was done on a budget. It was an early release onto the PS2 and got totally overwhelmed by the hype for FFX. It's a lot more innovative then the FF series in my opinion. And a lot darker as well. The graphics in the first game are iffy but the gameplay is there definately. If you can get your hands on it go for it. Shadow Hearts: Covenant is the second game, a lot more popular and easier to get a hold of, much bigger budget for this game, graphics are great, not quite as dark as the first one but some great humour in it, appeals to a lot of people and a great game over all. I love both of these games more then any FF games and I think they both have a much better "replayability" value then any FF. The third one is being released soon/has been released Shadow Hearts: From the new world. Can't wait to get it myself.
PC:
I'm a huge fan of fantasy RPG's, dragons, knights, magic etc. So I present~
Baldurs Gate
Baldurs Gate II
Planescape Torment
These are my top three games from Black Isle. Baldurs Gate I and II are great games, Baldurs Gate II is probably the better in my opinion due to the expansions made with regards to interraction with NPC's etc. Much fun to play through.
Nobody mentioned Planescape Torment. That's how under-rated it is! Absolutely fantastic though, it was made by Bioware back when they were doing their Baldur's Gate / Icewind Dale stuff. Good, solid RPG with an excellent storyline. Go check it out!
Absolute Truth. I love this game. So much. It's getting on a bit now but it's by far one of the best games I ever played. The character interaction is top notch, the setting is wonderful. Overall it's a pretty dark game but the characters, world and just everything about Torment is wonderful. The humour in it is absolutely excellent. If you liked the roleplay in Baldurs Gate you should love Planescape: Torment. I got mine for some $14 while I was in America on holiday but it should be easy to get online.
I haven't seen anyone or any site mention Atelier Iris:Eternal Mana, I think to my knowledge it's fairly new made by KOEI..but it's so awesome, it brings back that whole great RPG feeling the old popular games gave.
Going to bump this thread for great justice. >.>
I'm surprised noone's mentioned Valkyrie Profile yet (though I guess the fact alone noone mentioned it means it's underrated and overlooked too! =P).
Though I've yet to get my hands on an actual copy of the game (the original is SO hard to come by nowadays), it's definitely something to look for. It's based on Norse mythology, and you control the demi-goddess Valkyrie <3
They're bringing out a prequel to it now I believe, which I'm definitely gonna be pickin' up:
http://na.square-enix.com/valkyrieprofile/index2.html
Angyles Cerddoriaeth
07-09-2006, 20:03
I have to agree that the Suikoden series is a great under rated RPG. I have the entire series so far and I love all of them ((Except III)).
Dark Sephiroth
09-09-2006, 20:08
well drakengard is pretty under rated and its a good game i liked it but sadly i havent played drakengard 2.
Thirteenth Catastrophe
25-09-2006, 01:45
As previously mentioned, Shadow Hearts basicaly defines ''underrated'' in this generation of gaming.
Shadow Hearts and Koudelka are great, however, Covenant and From the New World pretty much took the series out of the shadows (No pun intended.) and is now recognized for what it is.
At least, about as much as it can stand out from the legions of fans of mainstream gaming.
Although personaly, Koudelka and Shadow Hearts remain the better games of the series. Much of the charm has been lost in From the New World.
Now I am about to make a sin.
The following is not underated. It is well known. And hated.
Everyone who knows it dreads it. No one has anything good to say of it.
Many who worked on this game have never been heard of in the gaming world again.
Shadow Madness.
Perhaps the game was much too hyped. Perhaps people were offended that it was brandished as the Final Fantasy VII killer.
But it is a fantastic game. Never to this day, I have found role playing characters with such well built personalities. Not only that, but the progression of such iis genious and amazing.
The world of the game itself is unique, with its own fantasticaly well established mythology, and its unique flares which spice up the atmosphere of every town and dungeon.
Even the world map is one of the most original I have ever had the chance to behold.
Based as a grid based cartographer's map, it includes icons and drawings you can inspect to learn more about the suroundings and the world of the game itself.
As you progress through the game, you shall find much humour. The main character is simply hilarious, offering comments on just about everything. Every character is fleshed out so that what they do and say within the game is nicely entertwined.
It makes for absolutely interesting reading. The humour is close to that of the first Shadow Hearts, if one needs comparing.
The story, while somewhat clichéd, has you fleeing and then fighting against a mystirious plague which seems to render those it affects insane.
With the well built atmosphere and creative diologue, it makes for an interesting trip.
I love the music as well. A sort of mix between Celtic and midieval themed tunes, they fit everything so nicely, and are all quite catchy. The songs for battle differ, so you do not always get the same one over and over again. Nice and refreshing, and always engaging.
Of course, that is not to say the game is without flaws.
Because it bears some, and serious ones at that.
The menu interface, in and out of battle is attrocious. Ridiculous even. It makes battles confusing, and my skin crawl.
As well, the balance for difficulty is non existent. I can reach the maximum level before reaching the halfway point of the game.
Limited item inventory.
Extremely shoddy 3D texturing. (The rendered 2D backgrounds are marvelous however. A strange mix that.)
The reason the game has been condemend and forgotten...is highly because of its major flaws, of which I spoke.
It seems people could not get into the game..and it is a bit slow to start off, at least until one visits the second area.
I cannot convince anyone this is a great game, but I love it, and would suggest that anyone who owns it give it an honnest try.
Beneath the problems, lies a wonderful and imaginative game, full of emotion, humour and substance. Many role playing games lack this today.
I must say though, this is not a game everyone can get into, because it is much too unique. All a style all its own, which matches no other, for better or worse.
Perhaps I am just insane. In my ten years or so of gaming, I have only met one other person who enjoyed the game as much as I.
If so, then so be it. In any case, I would much rather play through Shadow Madness then I would overrated garbage such as Golden Sun or Legend of Dragoon.
To me it is a true treasure, and one of my favourite role playing games ever.
Blitz_Ace_Over
29-09-2006, 00:16
The Legend Of Mana is a great game.. clearly under rated... i loved it, i want to play it again, but i lost it, and don't know how to get it:(
The Suikoden series as a whole, mostly. I suppose more people started getting into the series around the time of Tactics and Suikoden V, but it's a damn shame that many would not have been able to experience the greatness of the series since I and II; which are the best in my opinion. I care little for flashy graphics, and a down-right awesome story and a great battle system will win me over; as well as a great set of soundtracks. ;) Anyhow, the series mostly only had a cult-following going back in the early days, which unfortunately screwed a lot of us avid fans over where titles such as the Suikogaidens are concerned...
Anyhow, I would also agree that the Legaia games didn't fully get the credit they deserved. I loved the first title, and Dual Saga only improved on an already great formula. Alas, I won't hold my breath on a third instalment...
But a title I would like to mention is an old Tactical RPG that I played on the PSOne known as Vanguard Bandits (not the game's originating title if memory serves). It shares a similar battle system to Fire Emblem, but your units are much akin to what you would see in a Gundam anime series, so it's very entertaining. The story is good, and there are lots of branches in conversation and the plot, which means instant replay value is assured. If you like TRPGs, track this game down, you should love it (as long as you are an old-school gamer like myself.)
Gonna bump this again =P
I gotta say that Shin Megami Tensei: Lucifer's Call (or Shin Megami tensei: Nocturne in the US) is one of the most underrated games ever.
One of the best RPGs I've played so far, I'm not THAT far into the game but I'm really impressed. It seems like a very long game, awesome story, etc.
You can recruit demons and ingest gems and all that, a lot of customisation, nice and dark storyline (though it depends on what you do in the game, you can make it as "bad" or as "good" as you want lol :P). Graphics aren't the best, but they sure as hell don't suck, they're pretty good.
http://www.atlus.com/smt/main.html
Dale Anthony
26-12-2006, 20:07
As previously mentioned, Shadow Hearts basicaly defines ''underrated'' in this generation of gaming.
Shadow Hearts and Koudelka are great, however, Covenant and From the New World pretty much took the series out of the shadows (No pun intended.) and is now recognized for what it is.
At least, about as much as it can stand out from the legions of fans of mainstream gaming.
Although personaly, Koudelka and Shadow Hearts remain the better games of the series. Much of the charm has been lost in From the New World.
Now I am about to make a sin.
The following is not underated. It is well known. And hated.
Everyone who knows it dreads it. No one has anything good to say of it.
Many who worked on this game have never been heard of in the gaming world again.
Shadow Madness.
Perhaps the game was much too hyped. Perhaps people were offended that it was brandished as the Final Fantasy VII killer.
But it is a fantastic game. Never to this day, I have found role playing characters with such well built personalities. Not only that, but the progression of such iis genious and amazing.
The world of the game itself is unique, with its own fantasticaly well established mythology, and its unique flares which spice up the atmosphere of every town and dungeon.
Even the world map is one of the most original I have ever had the chance to behold.
Based as a grid based cartographer's map, it includes icons and drawings you can inspect to learn more about the suroundings and the world of the game itself.
As you progress through the game, you shall find much humour. The main character is simply hilarious, offering comments on just about everything. Every character is fleshed out so that what they do and say within the game is nicely entertwined.
It makes for absolutely interesting reading. The humour is close to that of the first Shadow Hearts, if one needs comparing.
The story, while somewhat clichéd, has you fleeing and then fighting against a mystirious plague which seems to render those it affects insane.
With the well built atmosphere and creative diologue, it makes for an interesting trip.
I love the music as well. A sort of mix between Celtic and midieval themed tunes, they fit everything so nicely, and are all quite catchy. The songs for battle differ, so you do not always get the same one over and over again. Nice and refreshing, and always engaging.
Of course, that is not to say the game is without flaws.
Because it bears some, and serious ones at that.
The menu interface, in and out of battle is attrocious. Ridiculous even. It makes battles confusing, and my skin crawl.
As well, the balance for difficulty is non existent. I can reach the maximum level before reaching the halfway point of the game.
Limited item inventory.
Extremely shoddy 3D texturing. (The rendered 2D backgrounds are marvelous however. A strange mix that.)
The reason the game has been condemend and forgotten...is highly because of its major flaws, of which I spoke.
It seems people could not get into the game..and it is a bit slow to start off, at least until one visits the second area.
I cannot convince anyone this is a great game, but I love it, and would suggest that anyone who owns it give it an honnest try.
Beneath the problems, lies a wonderful and imaginative game, full of emotion, humour and substance. Many role playing games lack this today.
I must say though, this is not a game everyone can get into, because it is much too unique. All a style all its own, which matches no other, for better or worse.
Perhaps I am just insane. In my ten years or so of gaming, I have only met one other person who enjoyed the game as much as I.
If so, then so be it. In any case, I would much rather play through Shadow Madness then I would overrated garbage such as Golden Sun or Legend of Dragoon.
To me it is a true treasure, and one of my favourite role playing games ever.
Wow! Thank you for that wonderful but yet...completely unneccessary review. To be honest, I've not heard of Shadow Madness...erm and I can't hate it cause I don't know what the hell it is...but thanks anyway! Good luck writing the book.
Erm...I dunno if it's so much under-rated but I think Earthbound is fantastic. I had never actually bothered with it until I saw Ness on Super Smash Bros. Melee and found it on a emulator my Dad downloaded for me and then I realised, my God...Earthbound is such a great game. I dunno if there's many other fans of Earthbound here but I'm typically a Nintendo fan and I must say...Earthbound is a great concept. Although, it's quite childish...that might put off alot of people.
rokimomi
29-04-2007, 05:24
I don't think golden sun is the least bit overratted. In fact, they did a fantastic job, and really made an effort to stress the gamers' brain with its various puzzles. I would rather GS2 over GS1 though.
You should try Castlevania, aria of Sorrow. Im not sure if its underrated, but it will keep you occupied for a while. Great game.
Definitely Breath of Fire 1-5, but 5 is very different from the rest. Breath of Fire utilizes the rare element of in-battle transformation (into a dragon, and in the first game, one of your other characters can fuse with two or more of your characters). The fifth one is a cross between a tactical RPG and a standard RPG. In 2, 3 and 4, you can also sort of make your own town and hire people to come and live there, and they will offer services to your party. Great stuff. I've beaten Breath of Fire 1 a total of 27 times (and that's before I bought it for the GBA), and Breath of Fire 2 about 15 times.
Shadow Hearts (the original one) is probably one of the most underrated rpg's.. It isn't known by many rpg fans, but if it was it'd be really popular. I feel the original shadow hearts is far better then covenant and from the new world (which doesn't have the same sh feeling)...
Sephiroth912
19-05-2007, 20:33
I've got two:
Sword of Mana - excellent game, excellent story (from 2 playable viewpoints, no less) and both good battle system and graphics, especially for the Game Boy Advance. Unfortunately, though, the reviews for it weren't the best and I only know a few people who have ever played this gem.
FFVII: Dirge of Cerberus - No, I'm not going all fanboy here. Am I gonna say it was teh uber win and the gameplay was some of the best ever? No. But all I ever hear, even from myself, plenty of the time, is how the gameplay was horrible and it was too short. However, people tend to not recognize the good points, including the sound, the story and the extra missions. I played the first extra mission (mind you there's about 80 or so, I think) and died in about a minute or two.
Zidane007nl
20-05-2007, 23:35
Jade Cocoon (1 and 2) - Its a game ala Pokémon. You have to capture and purify minions. You can sell them or fuse with other minions to get stronger ones. It's a kinda short game though. The games sold kinda bad because much think its just another Pokémon ripoff.
Vagrant Story - A action role playing game made by Square which plays in Leá Monde. It was released in the same time as FF9 and Chrono Cross. You need a lot of patience, since the game is really strategic. The battle system can be hard to understand in the beginning, but when you're used to it its great. Also there are a lot of puzzles.
Wild Arms series - A Wild Western style series.
Hyperblade
25-05-2007, 17:28
Shadow Hearts 1 and 2
And the SMT Digital Devil Saga games.
I find these games a lot more entertaining than the recent batch of FF games for sure XD
alexanderpas
28-05-2007, 19:57
Sword of Mana - excellent game, excellent story (from 2 playable viewpoints, no less) and both good battle system and graphics, especially for the Game Boy Advance. Unfortunately, though, the reviews for it weren't the best and I only know a few people who have ever played this gem.played it and finished it... the mana series is one to watch... as it's actally an experimental series, where they try new things and see how ppl react.
I've got two:
Sword of Mana - excellent game, excellent story (from 2 playable viewpoints, no less) and both good battle system and graphics, especially for the Game Boy Advance. Unfortunately, though, the reviews for it weren't the best and I only know a few people who have ever played this gem.
^-- Played it as well, only then I played the very, VERY original version of that game. It was for Game boy back in the day, and its called Final Fantasy Adventure. Played it, beat it, loved it. xD
Well, Suikoden 5 is a bit under rated...
Suiko Jin
08-06-2007, 00:00
Suikoden 1 and 2 are the best! You have to find them and play!
Also the first 3 Breath of Fire games is a must... oh and try out the older Wild Arms games. those are also great.
Suikoden 1 and 2 are the best! You have to find them and play!
Dude! I love you for loving Suikoden!!! ...Yeah, it's under rated...
Skywalker
11-08-2007, 00:43
One of the must under-rated RPG's I know is Legaia 2, not many people look at that game because its story was a bit too simple, but its still a nice RPG. =P I think FFVIII is also somewhat under-rated but, not as bad as some others. Shadow Hearts 1 is not the most famous either. Oh, and Grandia 1 and Wild arms 1 =P
Legaia 2 was good, but I like the orignal Legend of Legaia for Playstation better. It is one of my favorite RPG's to this day.
Definitely Suikoden is very underrated and it's a damn shame since the games are plain amazing. The story and how all games fit together in one timeline is definitely something that Konami did well with this. The way of magic and how it is added to the storyline (basically it's all about the whole True Rune thing)...everything actually.
Suikoden I, II and V are definitely the best in the series...III was okay and IV kind of disappointed me, but nonetheless an amazing saga that doesn't get enough credit.
Death Penalty
26-10-2007, 20:28
vagrant story. i dont know if one would consider it underrated, but i dont hear to much praise of it often, which is a problem. it has one of the best stories of any videogame i've ever played, and weapon/armor customization is wonderful. plus, there's a new game+ that's actually worthwhile to play.
Vagrant Story used to get quite some praise in the past, but indeed you don't hear the title pass by often when old games are being mentioned. The game was very good and had a great storyline.
AngelicWings
03-08-2008, 17:00
Well, the first games that pop in my mind would definitely be the first Shadow Hearts (I regretfully never completed it yet) and the Xenosaga Trilogy.
The first Shadow Hearts game is a darker RPG, if you are into that style then I am sure you'll find it rather satisfying. Although the graphics are not always the best sometimes (it was originally set for a Playstation 1 release but it came to be released on the PS2 instead) - but it would be amazing graphics if you consider it to be on the Playstation 1.
The Xenosaga Trilogy, I am not entirely sure how the second and third game did for gamers but the first one was definitely underrated. I think it was one of the earlier games for the PS2, but I think its great. They did overload the game with cutscenes so a lot of players complain that they spend more time watching than playing (the story is quite phenomenal). Although, I think the first game in this series is difficult to find, I believe I heard that in the UK they have a special movie disk included in the second game that shows all the scenes that occurred in the first Xenosaga game. Well, second one isn't that wonderful as the third and first one are though.. Well, I may be picky because I played the first one but they changed the style immensely from the first one, and a lot of the voice actors have had a change. But they certainly improved in the third one. But if you try the series, I recommened you start from the first one to get a good grasp on the story if you could.
Hope you find what you are looking for!!
*Fly High to the Sky*
~AngelicWings~
Skies of Arcadia for the Dreamcast
Wild Arms series
Fallout series
Legend of Dragoon
Chrono Trigger / Chrono Cross
Breath of Fire series
Vandal Hearts series
but nothing beats
Alundra and Alundra 2
Skies of Arcadia for the Dreamcast
Wild Arms series
Fallout series
Legend of Dragoon
Chrono Trigger / Chrono Cross
Breath of Fire series
Vandal Hearts series
but nothing beats
Alundra and Alundra 2
AngelicWings
05-08-2008, 06:20
Oh I also forgot to add about older RPGs. Threads of Fate is definitely under rated. I don't think I have ever met someone who has played it. Well, ToF isn't your traditional RPG so I am uncertain if you would consider it to be an RPG or not. I definitely agree about Chrono Cross as well, not many others play it :p but I am so stuck on it right now.
I <3 Legend of Dragoon and Alundra 2 is fun as well. But two games I never have beaten.. I miss playing Playstation One games.. I wish they wouldn't act so funny on my PS2 and my emulator is just plain annoying :p hehe
Wow.. Sorry I totally lost track on the topic ^^;
*Fly High to the Sky*
~AngelicWings~
Suikoden 1 2 and 4 3 and 5 had hugde success imo, where as 12 and 4 we're so lucky when even 1 and 2 clearly holds 2 of the best games EVER made.
Vandal Hearts, ah the memories
Shadow hearts before 2006, after that it became over popular
Valkyrie profile PS1 version.
tales of phantasia, SNES version.
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