So I was thinking, I haven't played and beaten too many RPGs. It would be interesting to make a list of the best RPGs that nearly everyone should play.
The way this will work, people suggest the game and every time it is mentioned, it will get bumped higher on the list, so try to mention the best games as often as possible. If most people agree that a certain RPG does not belong on the list, then it will be taken off. So here it is, the list of...

EDIT: I have put them in order by number of times they have been mentioned, but all of them have 1 or 2 votes, so they are mostly tied. Try to mention ones that are already on the list if you think they should be higher!
EDIT: It might be easier to number them, that way it will be easier to put them in order.

RPGs That Everyone Should Play

1.Baldur's Gate -3
2.Final Fantasy X -3
3.Golden Sun -3
4.Golden Sun 2 -3
5.Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door -3
6.Breath of Fire -2
7.Breath of Fire II -2
8.Breath of Fire IV -2
9.Earthbound -2
10.Final Fantasy IX -2
11.Final Fantasy Tactics -2
12.Final Fantasy VI -2
13.Final Fantasy VII -2
14.Final Fantasy VIII -2
15.Knights of the Old Republic -2
16.Legend of Dragoon -2
17.Mario and Luigi: Partners in Time -2
18.Mario and Luigi: Superstar Saga -2
19.Tales of Symphonia -2
20.The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind -2
21.The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion -2
22.Akalabeth: World of Doom -1
23.Arc the Lad 2 -1
24.Arc the Lad 3 -1
25.Arcadia Tales I, II, III and IV -1
26.Atelier Annie: Alchemists of Sera Island -1
27.Baldur's Gate 2 -1
28.Betrayal at Krondor -1
29.Blue Dragon -1
30.Borderlands -1
31.Castlevania: Symphony of the Night -1
32.Chrono Trigger -1
33.Crystalis -1
34.Diablo 2 -1
35.Disgaea 2: Cursed Memories -1
36.Disgaea 3 -1
37.Dissidia: Final Fantasy -1
38.Dragon Age: Origins -1
39.Dragon Quest -1
40.Dragon Quest 5 -1
41.Dragon Warrior/Quest 3 -1
42.Dragon Warrior/Quest 4 -1
43.Eternal Quest -1
44.Eternal Sonata -1
45.Fable -1
46.Fable 2 -1
47.Fallout -1
48.Fallout 2 -1
49.Fallout 3 -1
50.Faxanadu -1
51.Final Fantasy 12 -1
52.Final Fantasy X-2 -1
53.Final Fantasy: Mystic Quest -1
54.Gurumin -1
55.Icewind Dale -1
56.Illusion of Gaia -1
57.Infinite Undiscovery -1
58.Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky trilogy -1
59.Lost Magic -1
60.Lunar 2: Eternal Blue -1
61.Mario and Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story -1
62.Mass Effect -1
63.Might and Magic: World of Xeen -1
64.Monster's Den: Book of Dread -1
65.My Pet Protector 1 -1
66.My Pet Protector 2 -1
67.Neverwinter Nights -1
68.Nier -1
69.Panzer Dragoon Saga -1
70.Paper Mario -1
71.Persona 2: Eternal Punishment -1
72.Persona 2: Innocent Sin -1
73.Persona 3 -1
74.Persona 3: FES -1
75.Persona 4 -1
76.Phantasy Star -1
77.Phantasy Star 4: The End of the Millenium -1
78.Planescape: Torment -1
79.Pokemon -1
80.Popolocrois -1
81.Quest for Glory 2: Trial by Fire -1
82.Quest for Glory 4: Shadows of Darkness -1
83.Quest for Glory: So, You Want to be a Hero -1
84.Secret of Evermore -1
85.Shadow Hearts -1
86.Shin Megami Tensei -1
87.Shin Megami Tensei 2 -1
88.Shin Megami Tensei Devil Survivor -1
89.Shin Megami Tensei Nocturne -1
90.Shin Megami Tensei Strange Journey -1
91.Shining Force 2 -1
92.Skies of Arcadia -1
93.Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars -1
94.Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together -1
95.Tales of Destiny -1
96.Tales of Eternia -1
97.Tales of Legendia -1
98.Tales of Phantasia -1
99.Tales of Symphonia 2 -1
100.Tales of the Abyss -1
101.Tales of Vesperia -1
102.The World Ends With You -1
103.Thousand Arms -1
104.Ultima 4: Quest of the Avatar -1
105.Ultima 5: Lazarus -1
106.Ultima 6: The False Prophet -1
107.Ultima 7 Part 2: Serpent's Isle -1
108.Ultima 7: The Black Gate -1
109.Ultima Underworld 2: Labyrinth of Worlds -1
110.Ultima Underworld: The Stygian Abyss -1
111.Valkyrie Profile -1
112.Valkyrie Profile: Lenneth -1
113.Wizardry: Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord -1
114.Ys 4: The Dawn of Ys -1
115.Ys I & II -1
116.Ys Origin -1
117.Ys Seven -1
118.Ys: The Oath in Felghana -1
119.Zoids Legacy -1

Please suggest!

-Dragon Age: Origins
-Mass Effect (It's still an RPG, despite the shooter elements)
-Persona 3 & 4

Can i suggest flash games too? If so...
-My Pet Protector 1 & 2
-The Book of Dread (I think that was the name...?)

Thanks for the suggestions! Added!

Valkyrie Profile: Lenneth.
I have it on the PSP but iirc it is on the PS1 too, loads of fun with this game. <3 The battle system.

Secret of Mana is fun, but the AI pissed me off to no end. I prefer Secret of Evermore in everyway. Also yeah, VP (the original) is fantastic.

Also why isnt FFVI on that list? Its one of the few FFs worth playing. And BOF IV and Illusion of Gaia

Good list. I think Fallout 3 should be on there, as well as Baldur's Gate and Diablo 2.

Good to see Earthbound is on the list, thats one of my favorite games of all time.

Most Under-rated! RPG of 2010
NIER


such a unique storyline
great great music!

A song from the game.... "ingame"

I also got the Platinum trophy... (ps3) psn: Donline-

Wow, no one has said that RPG yet?
The one that everyone has played and some groan when its mentioned?
Final Fantasy 7

Final Fantasy 8 and 9 too

Plus the tactical games

Also, could Dissidia be included?
Its primarily a fighter but the RPG elements are quite hard to miss.

Haha, yes. Those are really good, Secret of Mana did get to me. Still does.

I have a couple good suggestions.

[Show/Hide] List

Einhander: (Excuse the language) This had a fuckin' amazing OST! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLY1YRxnk4A
A favorite old school shooting game.

Guilty Gear: I'm pretty sure everyone has played this game.

Hagane: An old school awesome Snes game
Final Fight: Great OST and gameplay
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1AazIDN9Os...feature=related

Cybernator: Classic old school shooter with great soundtrack!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLWEenwKMqQ...feature=related

Demon's Crest: The most demonic feeling I've ever got from a game!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXvo_fuLeGI...feature=related

Vectorman: Yes! Just yes! Hell yes!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UhLgl4Tlb5M

Goldeneye 007 for 64: My favorite first person shooter. Haha, badass OST.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bykhUazrrjY...feature=related

1extreme: Now this game may not sound much, but it's a real fun childhood memory game to knock your opponent off their ride.

Bloody Roar: Great music and fun game. Wish there was more though. This one is funny.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNn6uGMZYes

Tenchu Stealth Assassins: Oh my, this game brought me so much joy with the gameplay and music, especially music.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tsJLSx6ZdFk

Silent Hill: Creepy and grand Soundtrack.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LyoGrx4-nDA...feature=related

Resident Evil Outbreak: This game is real fun and is like a movie feeling.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sb_buz-Gags

Metroid is real good and Super smash bros: Had fun with both! Still play today.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=luOJNpk9I4Y...feature=related

Shadow of the Colossus: The title speaks for itself, it's colossal. Haha.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tA9tAPg5iF4

I'm sleepy so that's all I can think of for now. Even though I missed a crap load of good ones out there.

Obviously you are very sleepy, as this is not a thread about music, it's about RPGs. Please pay attention.

I usually don't like JRPG's. But Chrono Trigger was and IS amazing. It should be on the list.

Arcadia tales I- VI are great, though never had a american release. And all of the FF Games are great. i didn't really like chrono trigger that much. I enjoyed it yes, but it was way to short.

Yeah, Nier looks fantastic. I haven't had a chance to play it though.

Why isn't The Legend of Dragoon on the list?! xD

I thought CT was fairly long, as compared to oh say, FFIV.

Ace Attorney: Pheonix Wright sorta like a RPG.

It is a great game, but I don't think it really qualifies for this list.

Yeah, PR is far from an RPG.

Chrono Trigger too short? Thats crazy, that game was madd long, especially if you take the time to do all the end-game stuff.

Taaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaales of Symphonia, Abyss, Legendia, Phantasia, and the second Symphonia.

Why yes, I am a fanboy.

Oh god the Tales games :X

imo you listed all the bad ones, you didnt mention Destiny or Eternia

Golden Sun series (best GBA RPG series, and one of the best RPGs series of all time IMO), and Breath of Fire series (well, you can fight me on this one ).

I completely forgot about Golden Sun! I loved those games! By the way, I already put BoF 1, 2 and 4 up there. Do you just want all of them?

Legend of Dragoon
Great game.

No love for Fallout 1 and 2!!? No love for Baldur's Gate 1!!?
What about The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind, that pwnd Oblivion in terms of originality and difficulty!!
Also.... I'd hardly call it "Revolutionary", but I will always have a soft spot for Fable 1

I have played these and love 'em, I recommend Final Fantasy 12, Fable 2, Final Fantasy X and X-2, and that's about all I have for now.

I love Baldurs gate 1! :]

And I like Tales of Symphonia, the battle system was fun, even though I hated all the characters except for Zelos and the story line was preachy and annoying.

I'll bump up "Baldur's Gate 1", "FFX" and "Elder Scrolls 3: Morrowind".

Also gotta add "Baldur's Gate 2" to the list as well as "Planescape: Torment" (Best dialogue in any rpg ever! xD). Oh, and "Icewind Dale 1" for good measure.

XD I didn't see those on the list due to my inability to read the English language.
How about the Super Mario RPG series? Super Mario RPG for SNES, and the 3 games spread out between the GBA and DS. They're very good, and put a unique Nintendo-flavored creative spin on RPGs that you won't find in most other games.

My top 3 RPGs and a definite recommendation for those who are interested.

Popolocrois
Golden Sun 1+2
Final Fantasy X

Popolocrois is a must buy for anyone with one of the older PSPs. If you can understand Japanese and have the ability to play imported PS1 games then you will absolutely love the original 3 games. If not, just buy the UMD which condenses the 3 stories for any English speakers. Because of this, it splits the game up into 3 different stories featuring the same character. You'll laugh, you'll cry and you'll be damn sad the game finishes. I know I was!

17 hours per file run through. i can speedrun it in about 5 hours. Arcadia tales III takes nearly 350 Hours to collect everything. I liked chrono trigger,but it's not my favorite compared to the Brilliant 3D of Arcadia Tales 4. And i liked arcadia tales 4's music and bosses more.(Lavos core is so well.small.) and has 30000 Hp. Now the final boss of arcadia tales II(Sky wyvern) Has 90,000 in his first form. and in 4, he returns as a optional boss(Mecha Sky wyvern) with 5,000,000 Hp. Looked really great, and had the best theme in the ENTIRE series(Metal rising ftw.) Arcadia tales 4 had a better skill system imo. The skills in CT don't look devastating enough. and ACIII Is a SNES game,and i think the skills there are just brilliant. Unfortunately, the company that made AC Has gone under and they're releasing one last AC. ACVIII(8) 7 was such a disapointment imo. What the heck happened to Mika? She had the most arrogant,Badass skill in 6. Is the last bit of the attack censored or something? what is wrong by picking up a 67 ton enemy and slamming it in the floor. then beating the living crap out of it? In short, chrono trigger was a masterpeice. but it's not long enough for my liking. BTW. 8 is not a disapointment like the last game. finally they get everything right. Mika's hair is the right colour, Ant's Coat is now Black(It was a horrid blue colour in 7.) and Pole Joust and Neck Smash are returned to thier true glory. they fixxed alot of typo's in the 7 remake also.

USA got chrono trigger, Europe got Arcadia tales. after playing both(all the series) I must say i prefer AC. it's not like i hate CT. It's just that it seemed to lack against a few of the AC games.

Idk what a speed run is, but I assume its with a TAS or you increased the speed on your emulator, because there is no way you legit finished CT in 5 hours.

also wtf is Arcadia Tales? Am I the only person who has never heard of these games? I googled and Wiki'd and found nothing :<

...Google is not a search slave. if i find my SNES cart i'll post a picture of it. But i own the entire series, and it was only released in europe.(specifically only in france, UK and spain) They're really underrated and as rare as golden Chicken Nuggets, so they're probably hard to find. your local game story won't sell them for sure.(8 only sold 5000 copys in the UK) i know a original version is worth like £120.

Yeah but if it was popular it would have showed up on AT LEAST wiki :x

I believe you, I just want to see what it looks like. Could you link me to a site about it?

I was wondering what these games are too. I can't find any mention of them anywhere.

Every game I recommend is probably found on this excellent site. (not sponsored, lol)

http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/

The one I see no love for is Final Fantasy Mystic Quest.

Zoids Legacy, couldnt stand random battles but overally pretty good.

No Shadow Hearts love? Also, I probably should have checked, but I didn't...Thousand Arms?

Thousand Arms was good if you dislike fun battle systems

BURN! Ahaha...

Haha, the visuals and quirky story were really awesome though! And for the most part the music was fantastic, especially the overworld theme

Disgaea 2 Cursed Memories was pretty awesome. It's a game that loves to make fun of the RPG genre (and itself), but is very fun to play. Pretty high replay value, and there are a lot of hard-cores out there that get to the max level (9999) for the hell of it.
Tales of Symphonia is alright, but it got pretty boring about 20-30 hours in. I can't finish it, I just am not compelled.
I am currently playing Persona 3 FES, which is fun in a few hour doses. I currently have 30 hours racked up, and getting all of the social links up is just addicting. The one thing that gets really annoying is that the entire game is based on a schedule, and I always want to be doing dungeon crawling when I can't, and I don't want to when I am. xD
Paper Mario the Thousand Year Door was pretty fun. It was light and didn't get too boring at any point in the game. not much else to say here.
Slightly off topic: Lost Magic is a simple RTS that wants to be an RPG for the DS where you draw them runes...Very fun, but the harder mode can get frustrating. That, and there are so many rune combinations and yet you really only need to ever use a few out of the 400 or so that you can deploy.

I loved Paper Mario: TTYD, but I hated Lost Magic. It was a very neat concept, but I couldn't get into it enough to beat the harder levels.

Xbox:
- Infinite Undiscovery
- Blue Dragon (Amazing TBRPG)
- Borderlands (FPSRPG if those count)
- Castlevania: Symphony of the Night (arcade. Was originaly on PS)
- Eternal Sonata

DS:
- The World Ends With You (Another excellent Square Enix title)
- Lost Magic
- Mario and Luigi: Bowsers Inside Story
- Mario and Luigi: Partners in Time

Others:
- Paper mario and the thousand year door (GC)
- Paper Mario (N64)
- Nearly all the Zelda games to have ever been created
- Mario and Luigi Rpg (The first one on GBA. Cant remember the exact name. Something to do with beans)
- All castlevania's (All very challenging and frustrating but beating them always give you a sense of accomplishment and relief. Especially ecclesia hard mode with a frickin' lv1 cap)

Many. many, many more but I cant think right now... Might update if I can remember more.

Btw some of these have probably been listed or mentioned but I just listed them anyway. (For example in the post above me you mention both PMTTYD and Lost Magic)

Where are ALL the final fantasy games, GET THEM ON THERE NOW! NOW I TELL YOU! OR I SHALL CALL BAHAMUT!

Also: I found it, it's just so..well unclean. and my camera is as confusing as F**K. plus i found 2 of my 4 FF6 Snes carts. ahh..It's good to be me =P

I'd Recommend Disgaea 3, Tales of Vesperia and eternal quest if you like annoying dungeon crawlers.

Do you really mean every single Final Fantasy game? Have you played them all, because I remember on another topic, you listed the ones that you had played, and it was only about half of them.

Yes, i've played all of the main series, and a few spin-offs. Call me a nerd if you wish. Cause i really don't give a shit if you think i am a nerd. I only own up to 8 but i have played the rest at my friend's before. I'm planning on getting XIV If it turns out like 7 7X2= 14. Back in the day, i used to play ff4 every day. I now regret doing so, as my ff4 cart is Ph00ked. I'm playing through dissidia atm, that's not entirely a RPG, but i would call it a fighter psuedeo RPG. I plan to get 9 on the PSN Console, as well as 10 when they release it.

I never found the early FF games to be that good. I was hooked on VII but didn't like VIII at all. IX was good, X was better, XI was dull, XII was mind numbingly dull and I haven't played XIII

I would recommend FFVII, naturally, and FFX. There's another few RPGs I'd recommend...

And no, XIV will not be VII*2, XIV is online... So it'll be XI but slightly better, hopefully...

If I had to list 5 RPGs that are must-play:

- Final Fantasy X
- Tales of Vesperia
- Chrono Trigger
- Lost Odyssey
- Heroes of Might and Magic III

Naridar this post was made back in August of last year. Please, do not necropost.

Topic Closed.