Recommend me a good TURN-BASED RPG

[BanicRhys]

-Every Final Fantasy that I care about (Dimensions, Tactics, 1-6)

Well, first of all, you should start caring about FF7-10. (At the very least, give 9 a chance).

Then try out the Valkyria Chronicles series. It's basically anime Xcom except you actually care about the characters (even the ones with no presence in the plot).

 

[Zeras]

Why don't you have the first two Penny Arcade games? They're both turned based - ABT style RPG's, silent protagonists, great lines, a great narrator (the only voiced character), and the story that continues in 3/4 is laid out in the first two.

 

[Random Argument Man]

I'm currently playing through Persona 3 FES since it's the one available on PSN for the PS3. It's pretty good, but only drawbacks of the version is you can only control your character and your stuck with the male main character. If you have a PSP, check that version.

I wonder if there's a way for me to get Persona 4 on my PS3 though...

 

[Lord_Jaroh]

The original Shining Force. If you haven't played that, it is a must. I definitely second Valkyria Chronicles, and Heroes of Might and Magic 3, as well as mentioning Valkyrie Profile 1 and 2. Dragon Warrior 8 is a well deserved mention, and the newer Ninu Kuni looks to be great (I haven't played it myself, but the wife seems to enjoy it.

 

[Saltyk]

Well, people already recommended several that I would have suggested. So, I'll suggest the Suikoden series. I know you can get Suikoden via PSN as a PS1 Classic. Sadly, last I checked Suikoden 2 is not available. And that one goes for like $200 anytime I check.

Those two are great games, and Suikoden 2 is probably among the best games of the PS1. And loading data from the original, will grant you bonuses to returning characters, such as boosts to levels, weapons, and even equipment will carry over in some cases. Plus, you can get the original's hero to act as a party member giving you access to his True Rune and a powerful Combination with the Suikoden 2 hero.

Suikoden 3 isn't as good as 2, but still pretty good. I can't recommend 4, but I've heard 5 is good.

 

[SlaveNumber23]

I recently got Bravely Default for the 3DS and its been excellent so far. Its pretty much a Final Fantasy game in every aspect apart from the title and has a lot of fresh mechanics to liven up the classic FF gameplay. I recommend giving it at least a look, it reminds me a lot of Final Fantasy 3.

 

[Battleaxx90]

For the turn-based RPG aficionado on the go, it's hard to go wrong with Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies on the DS. Fun combat system, good difficulty curve, above-average storytelling and an emphasis on character customization. It is by far one of the best RPGs on the DS, so give it a shot!

 

[RandV80]

Grandia 2 (for Dreamcast or PS2).
Grandia 3 (for PS3)

AVOID Grandia 1 and Grandia X at all costs. There is no connection between Grandia 1 and 2, so there's no reason for you to suffer through Grandia 1 to play the good Grandia games.

Grandia 1 was a great game, unless you have a problem with childish appearing characters right off the bat, but they grow on you.

Anyways we don't really know the systems you have access too but for something that's quick & easy, and free, I recently stumbled across a PC game called Battle for Wesnoth. For free it's not bad, basically a turn based hex-based Fire Emblem game, that comes with loads of content. Other than that there really isn't anything other people haven't mentioned, unless you're neglecting Sega with Genesis games like Phantasy Star or Shining Force. You can find Phantasy Star 2-4 in a classic games bundle on Steam.

 

[KoudelkaMorgan]

The Shadowhearts Series on PS2. I sometimes think that they don't actually exist, and are only in my mind considering how I seem to be the only one that ever mentions them.

 

[XpressTuning]

Phantasy Star IV is my favorite 16bit RPG. The music is fantastic, it's a plot heavy game and the storytelling, through comic-book like cutscenes and dialogue, is unique and a breath of fresh air. I also love that 80s anime artstyle they used for the cutscenes. The turn-based combat system is remarkably well done with the right amount of depth, i love the strategic use of the macro system, which is vital for boss fights, and the countless team combos you can use. The boss fights, in particular, where impossible for me until i learned a good combination of attacks for the macro system.

Shining Force II is a fantastic strategy RPG, very addictive, and easy to get into. I highly recommend this one as well.

Phantasy Star IV and Shining Force II are the reasons why i prefer the SEGA Genesis over the SNES. Amazing games.

On PC, Temple of Elemental Evil has the best turn based combat of them all, and is the best rendition of the D&D rule set.

Grandia 2 (for Dreamcast or PS2).

I wouldn't recommend Grandia 2 for the PS2. I have both versions, and the PS2 version is a glitchy mess, with slowdown and worse graphics. The Dreamcast version is the best version, flawless, no slowdown and better graphics.

 

[DarthVella]

I recently got Bravely Default for the 3DS and its been excellent so far. Its pretty much a Final Fantasy game in every aspect apart from the title and has a lot of fresh mechanics to liven up the classic FF gameplay. I recommend giving it at least a look, it reminds me a lot of Final Fantasy 3.

I've never played a Final Fantasy game (more out of chance than choice) but I will still concur with absolutely no hesitation. Bravely Default is an absolute gem of a JRPG.

 

[sanquin]

Grandia for the PSP and Grandia 2 for the PC are very interesting imo. It combines turn-based combat with tactical positioning.

 

[Al-Bundy-da-G]

There is but one I can recommend.

 

[otakon17]

Time for me to recommend one of the best turn-based JRPGs of all time.
It was on a console ahead of it's time, but was sadly cut short. The game was later improved and later ported over to the Nintendo GameCube.
Ladies and gentleman, the one, the only:

A wonderful story, varied worlds, great characters, and fun gameplay. This game was released in a time in which Final Fantasy still dominated, but this gem managed to score near-perfect to perfect scores across the board!

This, this, this and did I mention this? Yes please, if you can manage to find a copy of it, GET IT FOR THE LOVE OF RPGS!

Another I recommend if not mentioned already would be Grandia. A physical PS1 copy would be nice but it's also on PSN if you have a PS3(or PSP).

Grandia for the PSP and Grandia 2 for the PC are very interesting imo. It combines turn-based combat with tactical positioning.

You rat bastard YOU STOLE MY THUNDER!

Like I said, I need a good TURN-BASED RPG to keep me busy.

Huh, no one has mentioned the criminally underrated Wild Arms for the PS1. Great game, came out around the same time as Final Fantasy VII did. Typical turn based battle system, and only three characters each fitting a kind of sub-type you're probably familiar with. The setting is kind of what you'd get if you mixed a western and a fantasy. Another big thing is field puzzles that require the usage of specific items to solve and get past, all three characters have unique skills that develop by finding items, experimenting or finding certain statues. Was hailed as a Final Fantasy killer WAAAAAAAAAAAAAY back in the day. The remake, Alter Code F is decent too, on the PS2.
Surely, though, there are other gems that I haven't discovered yet? Whatever system they are on, it doesn't matter, though I'd really like to know about great games for Steam and Android specifically

Xenogears (for the Playstaion 1). Seriously, why is Xenogears, one of the best turn-based JRPGs ever made, not on your list already?!

Xenosaga 1-3 (for the Playstation 2). Not as good as Xenogears, but great stories and turn-based combat.

Persona 3 (preferably the PSP version, Persona 3 Portable for better party control).

Persona 4 (any version).

Jeanne d'Arc (for the PSP, technically a tactics game, but it is turn based and plays very classic JRPG esque)

There you go. Those should keep you busy for a while.

But WAIT, there's more!

Grandia 2 (for Dreamcast or PS2).
Grandia 3 (for PS3)

AVOID Grandia 1 and Grandia X at all costs. There is no connection between Grandia 1 and 2, so there's no reason for you to suffer through Grandia 1 to play the good Grandia games.

The hell is this garbage? Grandia 1 is fantastic, with memorable characters and a HUUUUUUUUUUUUUUGE world to explore. Grandia 3 and 2 aren't related in any way beyond combat system and callback items/spells like the Final Fantasy series does. Not only that, I feel that Grandia 3 tries to hard to emulate the original and dare I say it, up beat adventure that was Grandia. It truly was a wonder, it just felt so genuine that you were going on this grand quest with this kid, discovering the world with your friends. And oh, that ending. I'd say the only thing that's wrong with the game is that the storyline doesn't really focus until the second disc, but then it kind of becomes the typical "save the world" plot. And the last boss is a chump since the combat system is so fun and the ambush music SO GOOD you'll probably let yourself get ambushed by guys just to hear it(even if you completely outclass them). Fantastic characters, fantastic combat system, absolute classic of RPGs.

Surprised no one has mentioned the PS1 Wild Arms, classic game that was overshadowed by FFVII. Don't worry, it doesn't pull that 3D on 2D backgrounds, pure top down well animated sprites. Combat graphics were kind of meh though, the remake Wild Arms: Alter Code F on the PS2 solve that issue but the gameplay changed a good deal for a nearly new game.

 

[Fireaxe]

Golden Sun. Play them in chronological order.

 

[Multi-Hobbyist]

Welp, I see you mentioned EarthBound already. So there goes my fangirling.

BUT! I didn't see MOTHER 3, in which case I highly recommend it if you haven't already. The story is twice as realistic (yeah, realism in a MOTHER game? What?) and 10 times as gripping as EB.

 

[Bara_no_Hime]

The hell is this garbage? Grandia 1 is fantastic, with memorable characters and a HUUUUUUUUUUUUUUGE world to explore. Grandia 3 and 2 aren't related in any way beyond combat system and callback items/spells like the Final Fantasy series does. Not only that, I feel that Grandia 3 tries to hard to emulate the original and dare I say it, up beat adventure that was Grandia. It truly was a wonder, it just felt so genuine that you were going on this grand quest with this kid, discovering the world with your friends. And oh, that ending. I'd say the only thing that's wrong with the game is that the storyline doesn't really focus until the second disc, but then it kind of becomes the typical "save the world" plot. And the last boss is a chump since the combat system is so fun and the ambush music SO GOOD you'll probably let yourself get ambushed by guys just to hear it(even if you completely outclass them). Fantastic characters, fantastic combat system, absolute classic of RPGs.

Grandia 1 was a great game, unless you have a problem with childish appearing characters right off the bat, but they grow on you.

You like Grandia 1? Fine. To each their own.

I did not. I found it to be easily the worst of the series (aside from Grandia X, its direct sequel).

For me, the characters were not memorable - they were cookie cutter. The world felt silly and small. The characters did not "grow" - I wish they did, as it might have made things tolerable. I kept playing and playing that game, hoping it was going to get better, until I realized I was near the end and it still hadn't.

But that's my opinion. You found it charming rather than silly and pointless? Fine. I do not wish to step on your nostalgia.

However, I will not recommend a game I didn't like.

 

[Rush Syks]

The Last Remnant

Yes, the main character is a bit annoying but the game is really huge and has a unique art style. The fighting system is also fresh, because you have way more units than usual and it's extremly deep due to formations and so on. You might feel a little lost in the beginning, this game is way underdocumented from the official site, but there's a lot of in depth material around the net.

There's also a demo on Steam so there's that. Although the demo doesn't really show everything it has to offer, you can definitly test out whether you like the group based combat.

Edit: Since you mentioned STEAM, I assume you'll get the PC version. If you think about getting it for the XBox360 DON'T. The PC version is a extremly polished re-release with all DLC seamlessly included.