Poll: Retro JRPG's

[EboMan7x]

So I'm looking to get into some old school JRPG's having recently finished Paper Mario: Thousand Year Door. So my plan is to download an emulator and a ROM for either Chrono Trigger or FF3.
However, I know nothing of JRPG's. So I thought I'd turn to the fine folks down at the escapist for help.
Which emulator should I get if you vote Chrono Trigger? Is Final Fantasy 3 really the best old school Final Fantasy? Or should I get a different game altogether?

 

[Dreiko_v1legacy]

Just play CT on the DS, it has a lot of extra content.



FF3 isn't the best, FFVI or IV are arguably the best pre-psx ones.

 

[starwarsgeek]

Haven't played all the way through FF3, but Chrono Trigger is my favorite game.

Get the SNES version, NOT the playstation. That PS1 had some neat anime cutscenes, but they kind of break the flow of the game, and--for some reason--the load times are ridiculous. It can take several seconds to even open your menu.

I'm currently playing through Earthbound (SNES), and I'm loving it, so I'd recomend it as well.

 

[EboMan7x]

Just play CT on the DS, it has a lot of extra content..

Actually I don't have a DS...

 

[CrazyCapnMorgan]

If you're going to pick up Chrono Trigger, I have a three word suggestion for you...

Secret.

Of.

Mana.

(Captcha: ithemain van. I shall fetch it immediately, Lord Inglip...)

 

[Xander_VJ]

Since most people are gonna suggest "Chrono Trigger" and "Final Fantasy VI" (or III, depending on if you mean the japanese number or the american number) I'm going to recommend a different one.

"Terranigma".

Probably not as well known as CT and FFVI since it was never released in America. But it was released in Europe (meaning you can find it translated to English) and it's one of the best JRPGs, not only of SNES, but of all time.

We could say it was to Europe what "Chrono Trigger" was for America. A timeless master piece that got some kind of mystic status partly because of the fact that it was not released everywhere. European people envyed Americans because of "Chrono Trigger" and Americans envyed Europeans because of "Terranigma".

A must play.

 

[viranimus]

Yeah, also not a good idea to mention you intend to download a rom here.

But.. I say... Cthulu saves the world!, Its due out for PC within the next month or so, and its going to be cheap as cheap can get.

 

[psicat]

I would say if you're going with ROMs get an SNES emulator and look for Chrono Trigger and EarthBound.

 

[Mr. In-between]

Chrono Trigger, most definitely. Along with the other most underrated RPG of it's time, Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars.

 

[Gottesstrafe]

FF3 isn't the best, FFVI or IV are arguably the best pre-psx ones.

Think he meant the American version, which was simply called Final Fantasy III.

Also, what exactly constitutes "Retro" for you? Are we talking anything before 2000? If so, then I would probably recommend Chrono Trigger, FF IV & VI, Suikoden II, and Tales of Phantasia (GBA version).

If you're willing to give a little leeway, then I'd also like to recommend Skies of Arcadia (the Game Cube version), which was first released on the Dreamcast. It's one of the better examples of how to do a pirate-themed RPG.

Spoiler

 

[Ultress]

Earthbound, quirky, funny, and fun as hell.

 

[kaioshade]

Terranigma is an awesome game. I never did finish it though. I think i need to fix that.

Seiken Densetsu 3 is also another game i recommend.
And if you are looking for something a little different, Treasure of the Rudras is a very well done game, although the difficulty can sometimes be on the side of outright sadistic.

 

[Cheesepower5]

I assumed that by FF3, you mean SNES, not DS or Famicom. Completely different game, if nto change one to FF6.

 

[Randomspike]

Chrono Trigger, it is a good game to play as an introduction to JRPGs and it has a decent plot, interesting characters and great music.

 

[AetherWolf]

I'm a bit worried about getting the banhammer, but the SNES emulator I use is SNES9x. Of course, I haven't tried any other ones... but this one works just fine.

In any case... I recommend Ter--

Since most people are gonna suggest "Chrono Trigger" and "Final Fantasy VI" (or III, depending on if you mean the japanese number or the american number) I'm going to recommend a different one.

"Terranigma".

Probably not as well known as CT and FFVI since it was never released in America. But it was released in Europe (meaning you can find it translated to English) and it's one of the best JRPGs, not only of SNES, but of all time.

We could say it was to Europe what "Chrono Trigger" was for America. A timeless master piece that got some kind of mystic status partly because of the fact that it was not released everywhere. European people envyed Americans because of "Chrono Trigger" and Americans envyed Europeans because of "Terranigma".

A must play.

Yesyesyesyesyesyes. <3
My first choice! I adore this game, but coming across fellow players is pretty darn rare. :/

Oh right, other games: Breath of Fire I and II, Secret of Mana, Super Mario RPG, Illusion of Gaia, and Earthbound. Might I also recommend Secret of Evermore even though it technically isn't a JRPG? There's also some hidden gems that only came out in Japan but have English patches. I especially like Live a Live, Bahamut Lagoon, Treasure Of The Rudra, and Radical Dreamers.

If you can, get Chrono Trigger for DS. I usually stick to emulating games you can't actually buy, you know?

 

[Phlakes]

FFVI is the best oldschool. But if you'll be getting a PS1 emulator, get Chrono Trigger and FFVII and IX, although those two aren't as retro.

 

[DustyDrB]

SNES Chrono Trigger and Earthbound were my gateway to JRPGs. Go with either of those.

 

[HellspawnCandy]

Go for FF6, it's pretty damn fun.

 

[Solo-Wing]

Earthbound. Fun. Very very fun. Now... NINTENDO RELEASE MOTHER 3!!!

 

[ddq5]

Earthbound, baby! You'll definitely like it if you liked Thousand Year Door.