Goin' Full Weeb: Some of my favorite untranslated JRPGs
Sept 13, 2018 13:57:01 GMT -5
Post by bonesnapdeez on Sept 13, 2018 13:57:01 GMT -5
Just like the title says!
- These are games that haven't been translated in any capacity. No official translation or fan translation for any version of the game exists.
- I'm not listing games that are currently in the process of being fan translated (like The Legend of Xanadu).
- Sticking just to readily playable console/handheld games.
- No simplistic RPGs that have minimal text and/or English text (ie: Bokosuka Wars).
- The list may grow (with better descriptions) when I'm not so lazy!!!
Ginga no Sannin (Famicom)
Originally on Japanese computers, then ported to the Fami and published by Nintendo themselves! Anime portraits, space exploration, 2D platforming sections, $2 on eBay. I approve.
Aspic: Mahebiou no Noroi (Famicom Disk System)
By JRPG gods Xtalsoft. Originally on computers, and a semi-sequel to a game called Lizard. This is a strange and captivating mixture of top-down exploration, first-person dungeon-crawling, and sidescrolling battles. Characters can be recruited from the overworld "fields" and the game is actually pretty easy. Noice.
Dragon Slayer Gaiden: Nemuri no Oukan (Game Boy)
Epoch-published spin-off of the original Falcom classic. This is more of a Zelda-like exploration-based ARPG. Simple, and pretty fun. Better than the GB port of Dragon Slayer, surely.
Shining Force Gaiden (Game Gear)
The neglected first GG Shining Force installment. Classic SRPG sexiness.
Dragon Knight: Parts 1, 2, and 4 (various)
Part three was (shockingly) localized, but the others remained marooned in Japan. These are great eroge RPGs. Parts one and two are first-person dungeon crawlers, while the fourth game is a SRPG. Beautiful graphics, cute girls, solid gameplay mechanics. Sadly the only console port of the first game is very rare/expensive.
Lady Stalker (Super Famicom)
Terrible title. Solid game. The isometric sequel to the isometric Landstalker.
GD Leen (Super Famicom)
The first true JRPG on the system. Simplistic, occasionally questionable, but entertaining in that "early SNES" sort of way. Surprisingly good graphics. I dig it.
Arcus 1-2-3 (Mega CD)
A fantastic trio by Wolf Team, modified and compiled into one lengthy and enriching experience. Same series as Arcus Odyssey.
Efera & Jiliora: The Emblem From Darkness (PC Engine CD)
Lovely top-down ARPG featuring two playable female protagonists. Really striking cutscenes, that are not "anime" but more like something from a PC adventure game.
Seiya Monogatari: AnEarth Fantasy Stories (PC Engine CD & Saturn)
Legit 10/10 game. Basically the Chrono Trigger or Phantasy Star IV of the PCE. God-tier graphics, music, and story. Unique leveling system with no grinding.
Sakura Wars series (various)
Yeah, I know, one of the later titles was localized. Talking 'bout the earliest entries here. Fantastic SRPGs with simulation elements and plenty of waifus. You can get the first one on the Saturn for like $3. Do it.
Linkle Liver Story (Saturn)
Some of the best graphics ever seen in a video game. A cutesy Zelda-like game with cat and bunny girls. Shocked this isn't more popular.
Terra Phantastica (Saturn)
Deep and engaging SRPG with huge lengthy battles and an excellent visual presentation. On par with Dragon Force and Riglord Saga in terms of quality.
Brave Prove (PlayStation)
Simply another well-done top-down ARPG. A bit reminiscent of Beyond Oasis.
- These are games that haven't been translated in any capacity. No official translation or fan translation for any version of the game exists.
- I'm not listing games that are currently in the process of being fan translated (like The Legend of Xanadu).
- Sticking just to readily playable console/handheld games.
- No simplistic RPGs that have minimal text and/or English text (ie: Bokosuka Wars).
- The list may grow (with better descriptions) when I'm not so lazy!!!
Ginga no Sannin (Famicom)
Originally on Japanese computers, then ported to the Fami and published by Nintendo themselves! Anime portraits, space exploration, 2D platforming sections, $2 on eBay. I approve.
Aspic: Mahebiou no Noroi (Famicom Disk System)
By JRPG gods Xtalsoft. Originally on computers, and a semi-sequel to a game called Lizard. This is a strange and captivating mixture of top-down exploration, first-person dungeon-crawling, and sidescrolling battles. Characters can be recruited from the overworld "fields" and the game is actually pretty easy. Noice.
Dragon Slayer Gaiden: Nemuri no Oukan (Game Boy)
Epoch-published spin-off of the original Falcom classic. This is more of a Zelda-like exploration-based ARPG. Simple, and pretty fun. Better than the GB port of Dragon Slayer, surely.
Shining Force Gaiden (Game Gear)
The neglected first GG Shining Force installment. Classic SRPG sexiness.
Dragon Knight: Parts 1, 2, and 4 (various)
Part three was (shockingly) localized, but the others remained marooned in Japan. These are great eroge RPGs. Parts one and two are first-person dungeon crawlers, while the fourth game is a SRPG. Beautiful graphics, cute girls, solid gameplay mechanics. Sadly the only console port of the first game is very rare/expensive.
Lady Stalker (Super Famicom)
Terrible title. Solid game. The isometric sequel to the isometric Landstalker.
GD Leen (Super Famicom)
The first true JRPG on the system. Simplistic, occasionally questionable, but entertaining in that "early SNES" sort of way. Surprisingly good graphics. I dig it.
Arcus 1-2-3 (Mega CD)
A fantastic trio by Wolf Team, modified and compiled into one lengthy and enriching experience. Same series as Arcus Odyssey.
Efera & Jiliora: The Emblem From Darkness (PC Engine CD)
Lovely top-down ARPG featuring two playable female protagonists. Really striking cutscenes, that are not "anime" but more like something from a PC adventure game.
Seiya Monogatari: AnEarth Fantasy Stories (PC Engine CD & Saturn)
Legit 10/10 game. Basically the Chrono Trigger or Phantasy Star IV of the PCE. God-tier graphics, music, and story. Unique leveling system with no grinding.
Sakura Wars series (various)
Yeah, I know, one of the later titles was localized. Talking 'bout the earliest entries here. Fantastic SRPGs with simulation elements and plenty of waifus. You can get the first one on the Saturn for like $3. Do it.
Linkle Liver Story (Saturn)
Some of the best graphics ever seen in a video game. A cutesy Zelda-like game with cat and bunny girls. Shocked this isn't more popular.
Terra Phantastica (Saturn)
Deep and engaging SRPG with huge lengthy battles and an excellent visual presentation. On par with Dragon Force and Riglord Saga in terms of quality.
Brave Prove (PlayStation)
Simply another well-done top-down ARPG. A bit reminiscent of Beyond Oasis.
