Forum Overview :: Reviews :: Re: Japanese RPGs: Is there a good one?

[quote name="Last"]In spite of the fact that you asked for a PS2-era Japanese RPG, I recommend that you try Earthbound for the SNES. It is made in Japan but the localization work done on it is some of the best. It is completely charming. Here's some of the best parts that make it a thousand percent better than any other Japanese RPG. * The dialogue is actually funny on purpose. * They sidestep the game mechanic where dead monsters drop currency by having your dad deposit money into your bank account from time to time. Likewise with saving your game, which is done by calling your mom and catching her up on the latest gossip (instead of, say, hitting a floating neon box that exists for no reason or standing in an orange vortex that exists in the middle of the street for no reason). * Your enemies include crooked cops, passive-aggressive hippies, your fat neighbor. This is better than some half-rabbit-half-crocodile thing that Square thinks is an interesting enemy. * No random battles. The enemy is visible on screen so you have a chance to avoid them or flank them as necessary. * If you are sufficiently higher level than an enemy, the game is smart enough to skip the pointless 8-10 second battle where your victory is never in question and just gives you the 1-2 measly experience points. I can NOT BELIEVE that no one else uses this idea. It is such a time saver and other games are such bullshit for making you do every single stupid battle against lvl 1 kobolds. * At the beginning of the game, when your mom asks what your favorite food is, say something dirty and it will become hilarious later. It's been a while since I've played, so I fear that I'm not making a strong case for this game. I will conclude by saying that all JRPGs blow terrible horrible ass. Square makes games for emotionally stunted retards ESPECIALLY Final Fantasy INCLUDING 7 but possibly excepting 3 (yes, Japan homos, I mean 6). Having said that, I have beaten Earthbound a few times already and always enjoy recommending it to others.[/quote]