Good short RPGs you'd recommend?

Ex
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Good short RPGs you'd recommend? May 2, 2019 11:27:54 GMT -5

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Post by Ex on May 2, 2019 11:27:54 GMT -5

A lot of of us here at HRG love RPGs. Yet a lot of us don't have buckets of free time, or a consistent attention span, to finish long RPGs. In that regard, playing shorter RPGs is ideal. So this thread is about recommending good short RPGs. By "short", I'm talking 25 hours long at most. By "RPGs", I mean any sub-genre of that distinction; JPRG/WRPG/SRPG/TRPG/DRPG/ARPG what have you. Any platform is fine as well.

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To get the ball rolling, here's a few I recommend after having beaten them myself:

SPOILER: Click to show

Suikoden | PlayStation | 1996

An excellent, quickly paced JRPG, with a turbo fast battle system.
HLTB says: 20 hours

Gargoyle's Quest | Game Boy | 1990

A very fun action-RPG, with unusual flight-combat-platforming mechanics, and an intriguing forlorn world.
HLTB says: 3 hours

Eternal Ring | PlayStation 2 | 2000

A first person dungeon crawling action-RPG hybrid, great atmosphere, cool magic system.
HLTB says: 12 hours

Lost Kingdoms & Lost Kingdoms II | GameCube | 2002 / 2003

Unusual action-RPGs with realtime CCG mechanics, strong female protagonist, fantastic OSTs.
HLTB says: 6 hours for LK, and 10 hours for LK2.

Tougi-Ou: King Colossus | Mega Drive | 1992

Great action-RPG with solid dungeons, fun bosses, and a moody OST.
HLTB says: 7 hours

I'll recommend more stuff as time goes on.

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So what good short RPGs do YOU recommend we play?

Last Edit: May 2, 2019 11:31:39 GMT -5 by Ex

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bonesnapdeez HRG Zealot Archaic Action-RPG Aficionado Posts: 2,350	Good short RPGs you'd recommend? May 2, 2019 12:47:21 GMT -5 Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by bonesnapdeez on May 2, 2019 12:47:21 GMT -5 Ys Book I & II

20thcenturygamer
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Good short RPGs you'd recommend? May 2, 2019 12:54:35 GMT -5

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Post by 20thcenturygamer on May 2, 2019 12:54:35 GMT -5

I just wrote a review of King Colossus yesterday. Weird timing.

For me, Sweet Home. It doesn't exactly bring the characterization, but there's no grinding or outright time wasting here. It's a consistently tense, spooky experience. Even though it's mostly only ever mentioned for inspiring the early PS1 Resident Evil games, it's actually aged much better than any of them, in my opinion.

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Good short RPGs you'd recommend? May 2, 2019 14:29:54 GMT -5

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Post by Ex on May 2, 2019 14:29:54 GMT -5

May 2, 2019 12:47:21 GMT -5 bonesnapdeez said:

Ys Book I & II

Is the PSP version of Ys II worth playing?

May 2, 2019 12:54:35 GMT -5 20thcenturygamer said:

For me, Sweet Home. / It's a consistently tense, spooky experience.

I've beaten that one myself, and I agree the atmosphere remains tense and spooky throughout. My HLTB says it took me 9 hours to beat. Refreshing my own memory via my review, it appears I respected Sweet Home, but didn't enjoy some of its mechanics. I do think it's worth playing for 8-bit RPG fans, especially horror genre aficionados.

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Good short RPGs you'd recommend? May 2, 2019 14:49:55 GMT -5

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Post by Sarge on May 2, 2019 14:49:55 GMT -5

Seems like we have quite a few King Colossus fans around here. I beat it back when I got my Mega Everdrive, and it also happens to be my first Sega Genesis import game, since I was able to get it complete for like $5 on eBay. That's a no-brainer for me, even if I don't play it!

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Good short RPGs you'd recommend? May 2, 2019 18:21:47 GMT -5

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Post by Xeogred on May 2, 2019 18:21:47 GMT -5

It definitely gets harder and more interesting to try and come up with post-16bit RPG's that fit the bill. Suikoden is one of the ultimate answers with one of the best introductions ever, just nonstop perfect pacing. My last 100% run of it from a few summers ago clocked in at 20h 15m.

Arc the Lad 1 is a good simple 10 hour romp, or 20 if you do 100%. Think it has one of those huge optional dungeons at the end game that can extend things a lot. The game really is more like a prelude to Arc the Lad 2, which is a beefy 50+ hour journey. Arc 1 is still conclusive and self contained enough though.

Xenosaga II is only about 20 hours long and Xenosaga III about 30+. The first is the longest, mainly for its slower battle system. And it's weird to recommend shorter sequels, but just throwing it out there...

Dragon Quest IV doesn't look too daunting to me, somewhere in the 30 hour ballpark? Probably the next DQ I'll play (DS version). It seems like the first three aren't too long? Maybe just feel like it with the grind though, haha. I'll have to give the earlier ones another shot someday since I'm getting more into the series now, might be easier to appreciate them.

The Quintet developed games on the SNES are never too long, Terranigma being one of the bigger ones probably in the 15-20 hour range. Soul Blazer and ActRaiser rule, definitely some good ones.

Last Edit: May 2, 2019 18:23:49 GMT -5 by Xeogred

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Good short RPGs you'd recommend? May 2, 2019 23:11:11 GMT -5

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Post by Sarge on May 2, 2019 23:11:11 GMT -5

Yeah, most SNES action-RPGs aren't massive time sinks. I recommend pretty much all the Quintet games for sure.

In all technicality, Chrono Trigger isn't all that long, but then again, I've been playing it for years. My last run was around 17 hours, but I figure 25-30 is a better estimate there for a first-time player.

HLTB lists Treasure of the Rudras at 25 hours for a straight run. I can't remember exactly how many hours it took me to finish, but 25-30 sounds about right. And everyone's favorite mech-RPG Gun Hazard is under 20.

Apparently Phantasy Star I/III/IV come in under the bar as well. I especially recommend PSIV if you haven't played it; it's the best RPG on Genesis, and stands along the SNES greats like Final Fantasy III and Lufia II. While we're on Genesis games, Beyond Oasis clocks in at under ten hours, as does its Saturn sequel Legend of Oasis. I haven't finished the latter, but the former is top notch. Light Crusader was a lot better than I expected, and also comes in under ten, and so does Crusader of Centy.

Some might balk at calling them RPGs, but any 2D Zelda game should be played in my opinion, except for the CDi games... that I'm actually tempted to play through some day.

Last Edit: May 3, 2019 12:02:16 GMT -5 by Sarge

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Good short RPGs you'd recommend? May 3, 2019 2:46:59 GMT -5

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Post by dunpeal2064 on May 3, 2019 2:46:59 GMT -5

I'm definitely leeching recs off of this thread, but I'll try to contribute as well.

E.V.O - Theory of Evolution (PC-98) - No hltb on this one, but I finished it, so it can't have been too long. I'd guess 7-8 hours. Has an English translation, gorgeous sprite work, and is all around pretty fun!
E.V.O. - Search for Eden (SNES) - hltb puts this one around 9-10 hours. Its probably the better of the two games, but I liked it a touch less after playing the first. Still solid!
Shining Force (Genesis) - Bit on the longer side, hltb puts this at 21-22 hours. I haven't played it, but it is on my list of reasonable length RPGs I want to play.
Super Mario RPG (SNES) - hltb says 17 hours. Guessing everyone knows about this one already, but I love it to bits so I have to recommend it.

On Chrono Trigger, I played this last year after not having played it since I was a kid, and i still finished it out in about 22 hours, and that was including at least some of the side stuff. Should fit the bill here.

Sweet Home has always been intriguing. Now that I know its not too long I may have to give it a try.

Hopefully by 2025 a certain 5 hour long RPG won't be a meme anymore and I can recommend it without getting loud groans.

Last Edit: May 3, 2019 2:50:52 GMT -5 by dunpeal2064

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Good short RPGs you'd recommend? May 3, 2019 11:26:45 GMT -5

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Post by Ex on May 3, 2019 11:26:45 GMT -5

May 3, 2019 2:46:59 GMT -5 dunpeal2064 said:

Hopefully by 2025 a certain 5 hour long RPG won't be a meme anymore and I can recommend it without getting loud groans.

Oy vey, keep that tale under the table.

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Here's 25 more good RPGs you don't have to be a hikikomori to beat:

Arc the Lad | PS1 | HLTB: 10 hours

A no-nonsense concise SRPG that is pretty fun albeit very simple.

Atelier Rorona: The Alchemist of Arland | PS3 | HLTB: 20 hours
Released in 2009 in Japan, this is a heartwarming JRPG full of charm.

(I recommend the "Atelier Rorona Plus: The Alchemist of Arland" version though.)

Brave Story: New Traveler | PSP | HLTB: 24 hours

A well made JRPG with tight pacing and nice graphics.

Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia | DS | HLTB: 11 hours

If you only play one "metroidvania"-styled Castlevania, make it this masterpiece.

Demon's Crest | SNES | HLTB: 5 hours
Fantastic flight capable action-RPG with an impressive horror atmosphere.

Dragon Quest Swords: The Masked Queen and the Tower of Mirrors | Wii | HLTB: 9 hours

Lost of people hated this "action-RPG on rails", but I really enjoyed it, even if my arm didn't.

Dungeon Explorer: Warriors of Ancient Arts | DS | HLTB: 10 hours

Weak graphics yes, but as an action dungeon crawler with loot I had fun.

King's Field (Japan) | PS1 | HLTB: 10 hours

An impressive start to the best FPDC series ever made.

King's Field (USA) | PS1 | HLTB: 15 hours
The sequel brings non-linear exploration and more challenging monsters.

King's Field II (USA) | PS1 | HLTB: 24 hours
The third entry offers a huge world to explore and more NPC interaction.

King's Field (IV): The Ancient City | PS2 | HLTB: 20.5 hours
The PS2 graphics are more impressive, the ominous atmosphere is super intense.

Koudelka | PS1 | HLTB: 12 hours
Highly unique survival horror JRPG.

Faselei! | NeoGeo Pocket Color | HLTB: 10 hours

Really cool mecha SRPG with unique combat system.

Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: The Crystal Bearers | Wii | HLTB: 11.5 hours

This misunderstood action-RPG is a ton of fun with amazing graphics for its platform.

Parasite Eve | PS1 | HLTB: 10 hours

Unique combat system and a survival horror atmosphere with a great protagonist.

Parasite Eve II | PS1 | HLTB: 12 hours

Even stronger survival horror slant, great graphics, fun bosses and cool puzzles.

Phantasy Star | SMS | HLTB: 18 hours
The very best 8-bit JRPG ever made still holds up today.

Quest for Glory II: Trial by Fire | PC | HLTB: 10 hours

Excellent action-RPG-adventure with an intriguing Arabian setting.

Shadow Hearts | PS2 | HLTB: 25 hours

Criminally ignored by typical JRPG fans, this dark beast is simply amazing and a must play.

Shadow Tower | PS1 | HLTB: 15 hours
A very challenging and deeply engaging survival horror dungeon crawl.

Shadow Tower Abyss | PS2 | HLTB: 8.5 hours
The sequel brings amazing PS2 graphics, far easier difficulty, strong otherworldly exploration.

Sword of Vermilion | Genesis | HLTB: 15 hours

This somber fantasy RPG offers a large variety of gameplay and an unforgettable experience.

Vagrant Story | PS1 | HLTB: 23 hours

The absolute best JRPG on PS1 and it won't cost you your social life to beat.

Xanadu Next | PC | HLTB: 13 hours

Freaking awesome action-RPG with great dungeons. Get it on GOG.

Zwei: The Ilvard Insurrection | PC | HLTB: 22 hours

The vibe reminds me of Mega Man Legends, a super charming feel good action-RPG. GOG.

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Good short RPGs you'd recommend? May 3, 2019 12:04:04 GMT -5

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Post by Sarge on May 3, 2019 12:04:04 GMT -5

Oh, forgot about Brandish: The Dark Revenant. Ex got me to play it, and it's really, really good. I still like to call it a designed rogue-like, which is much more up my alley.

EDIT: Brave Fencer Musashi and Threads of Fate both clock in at about 15 hours. I really need to get around to finishing ToF, and BFM has been on my list for forever, but I never got far into it.

I know a few folks don't care for them, but I like both Crystalis and Willow on NES. I also ended up enjoying Esper Dream 2 a fair bit.

EDIT 2: Oh, dang! Dragon View, folks. Play Dragon View! I think it's fantastic, a great blend of ARPG and belt-scrolling hack-and-slash action.

Defenders of Oasis on Game Gear was a lot of fun, too.

Last Edit: May 3, 2019 13:22:57 GMT -5 by Sarge

Post by Ex on May 2, 2019 11:27:54 GMT -5

Post by bonesnapdeez on May 2, 2019 12:47:21 GMT -5

Post by 20thcenturygamer on May 2, 2019 12:54:35 GMT -5

Post by Ex on May 2, 2019 14:29:54 GMT -5

Post by Sarge on May 2, 2019 14:49:55 GMT -5

Post by Xeogred on May 2, 2019 18:21:47 GMT -5

Post by Sarge on May 2, 2019 23:11:11 GMT -5

Post by dunpeal2064 on May 3, 2019 2:46:59 GMT -5

Post by Ex on May 3, 2019 11:26:45 GMT -5

Post by Sarge on May 3, 2019 12:04:04 GMT -5