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IGN’s Top 100 RPGs

Muku

Muku

Member
So, I've been waiting for the whole list to post anything, but that is a pretty horrible list for many reasons. For one, MMOs should have been left off the list. They could have filled it out without the MMOs. They're RPGs, sure, but they're a different beast. I'd rather straight up just see pure single player RPGs compared.

Second, and as much as I like SMRPG -- I named my online persona after something from the game after all -- I still think it's higher on the list than perhaps it should be. I kind of wish why they listed it as #21. They give it a bit of description, but that's it. For all we know, as far as I'm concerned, they threw a dart at a boatload of RPGs, and whichever one it landed got that place they were trying to fill at that time. So I guess that right now should already dismiss the list. I understand this is a very subjective list. But, I dunno, I'd like to have seen some reasoning.

Saw WoW coming from a mile away being in top 10 after realizing MMOs were going to be on this list. It's okay there I guess, but my frustration comes from fact they felt the need to include MMOs on the list.

I liked FFIV, but I dunno if I'd place it that high on the list. It was way better than FFVIII, in my opinion, but seems kind of high on the list. I don't ever think IV is really thought about. Hell, I don't even think about it much. I wouldn't go as far as to say it's better than VII either, but we all have our own reasons for why we like some RPGs better than others. (Still think they should have included reasons.)

What really kills me is number 1. FFVI? Really? 11? As in the online game? Really? It was my first MMO, so I'm not saying it shouldn't be on the list, because for me it should be, if only for the memories it gave me and the fun times... but I just can't see that being number 1. Yes, now it's far better than it used to be (went back to it for a while, but canceled because I hated paying by stupid company Click and Buy... though I hear that's changed now so I may have to go back). But I just can't say it's number one material. Over all RPGs. Yeah, MMOs shouldn't have been on this list.
 
Z

Zeliard

Member
cj_iwakura said:
No, it has a very devout following, and any pre-P3 SMT fans know it's the best.
Click to expand...

I think it's underappreciated relative to its sheer quality. Nocturne has a cult following, as do many relatively obscure titles in every medium, but it rarely features on best-of lists even though it's one of the very best RPGs ever made. It should be a staple.
 
S

SerRodrik

Member
I think I'm the most annoyed by Persona 4 being up in the nosebleeds alongside Diablo 3 and Fable 2.

Muku said:
What really kills me is number 1. FFVI? Really? 11? As in the online game? Really? It was my first MMO, so I'm not saying it shouldn't be on the list, because for me it should be, if only for the memories it gave me and the fun times... but I just can't see that being number 1. Yes, now it's far better than it used to be (went back to it for a while, but canceled because I hated paying by stupid company Click and Buy... though I hear that's changed now so I may have to go back). But I just can't say it's number one material. Over all RPGs. Yeah, MMOs shouldn't have been on this list.
Click to expand...

Uh, FFVI is Final Fantasy 6, not 11. That would be FFXI.
 
J

Jazzy Network

Member
Muku said:
So, I've been waiting for the whole list to post anything, but that is a pretty horrible list for many reasons. For one, MMOs should have been left off the list. They could have filled it out without the MMOs. They're RPGs, sure, but they're a different beast. I'd rather straight up just see pure single player RPGs compared.

Second, and as much as I like SMRPG -- I named my online persona after something from the game after all -- I still think it's higher on the list than perhaps it should be. I kind of wish why they listed it as #21. They give it a bit of description, but that's it. For all we know, as far as I'm concerned, they threw a dart at a boatload of RPGs, and whichever one it landed got that place they were trying to fill at that time. So I guess that right now should already dismiss the list. I understand this is a very subjective list. But, I dunno, I'd like to have seen some reasoning.

Saw WoW coming from a mile away being in top 10 after realizing MMOs were going to be on this list. It's okay there I guess, but my frustration comes from fact they felt the need to include MMOs on the list.

I liked FFIV, but I dunno if I'd place it that high on the list. It was way better than FFVIII, in my opinion, but seems kind of high on the list. I don't ever think IV is really thought about. Hell, I don't even think about it much. I wouldn't go as far as to say it's better than VII either, but we all have our own reasons for why we like some RPGs better than others. (Still think they should have included reasons.)

What really kills me is number 1. FFVI? Really? 11? As in the online game? Really? It was my first MMO, so I'm not saying it shouldn't be on the list, because for me it should be, if only for the memories it gave me and the fun times... but I just can't see that being number 1. Yes, now it's far better than it used to be (went back to it for a while, but canceled because I hated paying by stupid company Click and Buy... though I hear that's changed now so I may have to go back). But I just can't say it's number one material. Over all RPGs. Yeah, MMOs shouldn't have been on this list.
Click to expand...

I don't think you know your roman numerals.
 
L

Lothar

Banned
Socreges said:
Is FFIV regarded that highly? What makes it so great?
Click to expand...

Look at the games that were released before FF4 was. It was one of the first RPGs if not the first to have characters that have more than a few lines of dialogue. I wonder if it's even the first game to have character development. Or the first RPG to not require grinding and have an active battle system and have a strong visual presentation. It's the first one I remember doing those things. And afterwards, almost every RPG seemed to be doing them.

I still to this day prefer the story and find the characters more likable than any Final Fantasy except for X.

It still has one of the best video game soundtracks even two decades later.
 
Y

Yuterald

Member
Foffy said:
Skyrim in the top 10? That's a fucking awful list.




The Western press has always hated King's Field and its spinoffs, despite the exact same qualities being what's emphasized in the Souls titles.
Click to expand...

I could have sworn that back in the day I remember reading positive magazine reviews for Kings Field II & III. I thought they were at least somewhat recognized and respected for what they did for their time. I do remember King's Field IV getting COMPLETELY shitted on for all the wrong reasons though. When I was younger my brother and I thought people were insane for not liking King's Field IV. Did anyone even understand how much of a gap/jump there was in quality/polish from King's Field III to IV? It was crazy how much the game evolved on PS2.

And yes, it blows my mind that people blow their loads all over the Souls games for their non-linearity, difficulty, and dark atmosphere when From Software was already doing ALL of this in 1994. Trust me, I don't hate the Souls games or anything (Demon's Souls is one of my favorite RPGs this gen), but it's certainly frustrating to see the rise in popularity all of a sudden amongst the community thinking the company finally "came around" and "made something good". Give me a break. Oh, and don't even get me started on the influence Shadow Tower had on the Souls games. 0_0
 
F

Foffy

Banned
Muku said:
What really kills me is number 1. FFVI? Really? 11? As in the online game? Really? It was my first MMO, so I'm not saying it shouldn't be on the list, because for me it should be, if only for the memories it gave me and the fun times... but I just can't see that being number 1. Yes, now it's far better than it used to be (went back to it for a while, but canceled because I hated paying by stupid company Click and Buy... though I hear that's changed now so I may have to go back). But I just can't say it's number one material. Over all RPGs. Yeah, MMOs shouldn't have been on this list.
Click to expand...

Roman numerals...



Yuterald said:
I could have sworn that back in the day I remember reading positive magazine reviews for Kings Field II & III. I thought they were at least somewhat recognized and respected for what they did for their time. I do remember King's Field IV getting COMPLETELY shitted on for all the wrong reasons though. When I was younger my brother and I thought people were insane for not liking King's Field IV. Did anyone even understand how much of a gap/jump there was in quality/polish from King's Field III to IV? It was crazy how much the game evolved on PS2.

And yes, it blows my mind that people blow their loads all over the Souls games for their non-linearity, difficulty, and dark atmosphere when From Software was already doing ALL of this in 1994. Trust me, I don't hate the Souls games or anything (Demon's Souls is one of my favorite RPGs this gen), but it's certainly frustrating to see the rise in popularity all of a sudden amongst the community thinking the company finally "came around" and "made something good". Give me a break. Oh, and don't even get me started on the influence Shadow Tower had on the Souls games. 0_0
Click to expand...


I like you.
 
M

MasterShotgun

brazen editing lynx
FFVI and Chrono Trigger as #1 and #2? It doesn't validate the whole list (Skyrim and Fallout 3 are way too fucking high), but I'll take the small victory.
 
S

Santiako

Member
Muku said:
So, I've been waiting for the whole list to post anything, but that is a pretty horrible list for many reasons. For one, MMOs should have been left off the list. They could have filled it out without the MMOs. They're RPGs, sure, but they're a different beast. I'd rather straight up just see pure single player RPGs compared.

Second, and as much as I like SMRPG -- I named my online persona after something from the game after all -- I still think it's higher on the list than perhaps it should be. I kind of wish why they listed it as #21. They give it a bit of description, but that's it. For all we know, as far as I'm concerned, they threw a dart at a boatload of RPGs, and whichever one it landed got that place they were trying to fill at that time. So I guess that right now should already dismiss the list. I understand this is a very subjective list. But, I dunno, I'd like to have seen some reasoning.

Saw WoW coming from a mile away being in top 10 after realizing MMOs were going to be on this list. It's okay there I guess, but my frustration comes from fact they felt the need to include MMOs on the list.

I liked FFIV, but I dunno if I'd place it that high on the list. It was way better than FFVIII, in my opinion, but seems kind of high on the list. I don't ever think IV is really thought about. Hell, I don't even think about it much. I wouldn't go as far as to say it's better than VII either, but we all have our own reasons for why we like some RPGs better than others. (Still think they should have included reasons.)

What really kills me is number 1. FFVI? Really? 11? As in the online game? Really? It was my first MMO, so I'm not saying it shouldn't be on the list, because for me it should be, if only for the memories it gave me and the fun times... but I just can't see that being number 1. Yes, now it's far better than it used to be (went back to it for a while, but canceled because I hated paying by stupid company Click and Buy... though I hear that's changed now so I may have to go back). But I just can't say it's number one material. Over all RPGs. Yeah, MMOs shouldn't have been on this list.
Click to expand...

6, not 11.
 
M

Manmademan

Member
kswiston said:
IGN posted the top 20:

20) Everquest
19) System Shock 2
18) Dark Souls
17) Earthbound
16) Diablo
15) Secret of Mana
14) Final Fantasy Tactics
13) Planescape Torment
12) Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
11) Final Fantasy VII
10) Fallout 3
9) Mass Effect 1
8) World of Warcraft
7) The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
6) Diablo 2
5) Final Fantasy IV
4) Pokemon Red/Blue
3) Baldur's Gate 2
2) Chrono Trigger
1) Final Fantasy VI


Surprised that Final Fantasy VII missed the top 10, and that Final Fantasy IV made the top 5. Also surprised that Dragon Age Origins and Final Fantasy XII were completely snubbed. I did not expect Diablo 1 or Everquest to show up either. Rest was mostly expected or at least a possibility.
Click to expand...

Yeah this is just bizarre. I can understand VI beating out VII, but IV?? IV is the definition of a bland ass FF game. Unless it was your first one (it was for me, I think) there's not a lot to recommend it.

Dragon Age: Origins got robbed. I wouldn't call it top 20 material per se, but it belongs on the list SOMEWHERE. Nocturne is top ten material period, but judging by the whack ass placement of Persona 4, I should have seen it coming.
 
S

Supermanisdead

Member
Pokemon Red/Blue at #4. Lol, it's really not the best Pokemon. It's probably most people's first and they love it for that, but it is outclassed in every aspect (except maybe Pokemon design) by every other game.
 
D

Dark Schala

Eloquent Princess
I personally would not place FFIV that high. Restricted customization (which was incredibly weird given what you could do in other games prior and a little after it), changed party often due to a strong influence of the story, the story's... well, (mid-game spoilers) you know what I think of the story... However, with that said, it was the first game in the series with the revolutionary ATB system, fixated a lot on story over customization, and one of the few games then that had a lot of dialogue.

I've played FFIV a lot and know the game inside-out, but I wouldn't put it that high unless I were talking about influential RPGs as opposed to referring to excellence.

This list, I feel, was more about influence than excellence. Therefore, some of their choices kind of make sense from that perspective.

Randdalf said:
I still can't fathom why Partners In Time is on there and none of the other Mario & Luigi games are.
Click to expand...
I was completely expecting Bowser's Inside Story/Superstar Saga to be on there given PiT was on there. I don't mind PiT at all, but the other two are so much better.
 
H

Heropon

Member
Oh, no. I called FFIV being high in the list. But that high, damn.
And Pokémon red/blue is outclassed by every other Pokémon game... Oh, well.
 
Z

Zeliard

Member
Yuterald said:
And yes, it blows my mind that people blow their loads all over the Souls games for their non-linearity, difficulty, and dark atmosphere when From Software was already doing ALL of this in 1994. Trust me, I don't hate the Souls games or anything (Demon's Souls is one of my favorite RPGs this gen), but it's certainly frustrating to see the rise in popularity all of a sudden amongst the community thinking the company finally "came around" and "made something good". Give me a break. Oh, and don't even get me started on the influence Shadow Tower had on the Souls games. 0_0
Click to expand...

Many people are aware of King's Field, and Demon's Souls was compared to it almost instantly.

The reason Demon's Souls got people so excited is because this console generation has been filled to the brim with shallow, hand-holding games, so the Souls games naturally felt like a breath of fresh air after years of mediocrity.
 
S

Spirit of Jazz

Banned
Jarlaxle said:
Agreed. It should be #2. Put Chrono Trigger back where it belongs.
:p
Click to expand...

Both games are nowhere near as well written as Planescape and the gameplay in each is simple as hell. CT and FFVI are a fitting 1 and 2 on a list that's utterly terrible, and any top 100 list which includes Mass Effect 1 at 9 but doesn't even include Bloodlines is terrible without a doubt.
 
Sanctuary

Sanctuary

Member
Heh, glad to see that I'm not the only one who thinks FFVI was the best of the FF games. I'm not sure if I'd place it in the top three, or even top five "best" RPGs though from all that were listed, but it's easily in the top ten.

Spirit of Jazz said:
Both games are nowhere near as well written as Planescape and the gameplay in each is simple as hell. CT and FFVI are a fitting 1 and 2 on a list that's utterly terrible, and any top 100 list which includes Mass Effect 1 at 9 but doesn't even include Bloodlines is terrible without a doubt.
Click to expand...

Come on man, consider the source. It's IGN. Do you really think they are going to list anything other than major or near major mainstream games? Only a few PC specific games are on that list. Does anyone really believe that either Chrono Trigger or FFVI were as good as Baldur's Gate 2 (yeah, I know...rhetorical)? Guess which one wasn't on the consoles. And why the hell do the Diablo games constantly get labled as RPGs? They sure as hell aren't.
 
I

illadelph

Member
Pokemon Red/Blue was more than a game.....it was life. People complaining and saying that the new ones are better are completely missing the point.

Good to see Mass Effect so high up, what a phenomenal experience that game was
 
J

Jarlaxle

Member
Spirit of Jazz said:
Both games are nowhere near as well written as Planescape and the gameplay in each is simple as hell. CT and FFVI are a fitting 1 and 2 on a list that's utterly terrible, and any top 100 list which includes Mass Effect 1 at 9 but doesn't even include Bloodlines is terrible without a doubt.
Click to expand...

Would you at least agree that those are the two finest JRPG's then? Also, I agree about Mass Effect 1. That game blew and I probably wouldn't have put it in my list.
 
cj_iwakura

cj_iwakura

Member
Jazzy Network said:
Yea seriously. Look at all those shitty JRPGs on that list and the only one that was innovative and original during the PS1 era isn't even on that list.
Click to expand...

You're forgetting Persona 2, which is still the best game in the series.


And I agree with ME1. Better than 2 and 3 at least.
 
D

Delusibeta

Banned
No real objections to the top five, but Fallout 3 and New Vegas should have switched places, wot no Nocturne, Dragon Age Origins or Vampire Bloodlines, Deus Ex is too damn low, as was Persona 3 & 4 and Witcher 2. Also Planescape outside of the top ten? Really?
 
Sanctuary

Sanctuary

Member
Delusibeta said:
No real objections to the top five, but Fallout 3 and New Vegas should have switched places, wot no Nocturne, Dragon Age Origins or Vampire Bloodlines, Deus Ex is too damn low, as was Persona 3 & 4 and Witcher 2. Also Planescape outside of the top ten? Really?
Click to expand...

Currently finishing up Nocturne for the very first time. Been seriously jonesing for some JRPGs that I've missed out on since finishing Xenoblade Chronicles. Will be playing Persona 3&4 next.
 
eot

eot

Banned
KotOR 2 isn't even on the list
New Vegas way below F3, same with NWN / NWN2.
I guess that's in line with popular opinion but dammit KotOR 2 is better than that.
 
kunonabi

kunonabi

Member
cj_iwakura said:
You're forgetting Persona 2, which is still the best game in the series.


And I agree with ME1. Better than 2 and 3 at least.
Click to expand...

The mechanics and sheer wealth of content in P2 just outclasses the rest of the series. I still prefer the atmosphere,story, characters, music, etc from Persona 1 but as far as pure gameplay goes P2 is king.
 
L

Lothar

Banned
Dark Schala said:
I personally would not place FFIV that high. Restricted customization (which was incredibly weird given what you could do in other games prior and a little after it)
Click to expand...

It's no weirder than giving you a different storyline and a different battle system each game. Some people like freedom of customization. Some people hate it. I for one think FF5 and FF6 regressed by going back to freedom of customization. You know how in FF4, you're stuck with only one character that can heal, one character that can do black magic, etc. That makes the gameplay harder and more strategic than the lame gameplay systems where you can have every character being able to do everything. It's why I consider FF4's gameplay to be more fun than later FFs.
 
kunonabi

kunonabi

Member
Lothar said:
It's no weirder than giving you a different storyline and a different battle system each game. Some people like freedom of customization. Some people hate it. I for one think FF5 and FF6 regressed by going back to freedom of customization. You know how in FF4, you're stuck with only one character that can heal, one character that can do black magic, etc. That makes the gameplay harder and more strategic than the lame gameplay systems where you can have every character being able to do everything. It's why I consider FF4's gameplay to be more fun than later FFs.
Click to expand...

Plus it took so long to learn master jobs in FFV that it made the system kind of moot anyway.
 
mysteriousmage09

mysteriousmage09

Member
Skyrim as the seventh best rpg of all time.....Skyrim.......7........all time......I........

......
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..
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...
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What the fuck am I reading!?
 
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