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Post by Sarge on Dec 19, 2020 15:39:19 GMT -5
While the previous discussion was mostly centered on 16-bit action-RPGs, I feel it's worth looking at all action-RPGs. However, I'm not rolling with standard RPGs here - those tend to have a much more explicit focus on story, and as such tend to outshine nearly anything in the ARPG genre. With that out of the way, what ARPGs do you think had the best stories? Which do you think were the most original? There are no wrong answers - I'm genuinely curious about your personal choices and why you think they stand out. I will actually start with a game that isn't 16-bit, myself, and that's Alundra. It sports a tremendous localization, and stays surprisingly dark throughout its runtime. Definitely one of my favorites, and one I really should play through again.  |
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Post by toei on Dec 20, 2020 1:09:29 GMT -5
I was going to say Alundra too. The tone is completely different from most of the genre. It has a dreamlike-quality - or I should say, a dream quality, since you literally enter people's dreams - somewhat reminiscent of Soul Blazer, but it's quite a bit darker, as the villagers of the town around which the game centers start to get murdered one by one after a while, and it seems another villager is responsible. This dark tone apparently got a bit of backslash at the time, and is probably the reason why Alundra 2 is so goofy and cartoony. I usually see RPGs having one hub town rather than a whole world of them as a limitation, but there are two games I can think of that really do something with that concept; Alundra and Mother 3.
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Post by Ex on Dec 20, 2020 1:37:59 GMT -5
The first game that popped in my mind, if we want to consider it an action-RPG, is Vagrant Story. A complex and enjoyable tale, competently portrayed, and extraordinarily well localized.
I do recall enjoying Trails of Nayuta's plot, specifically because of the element about mysterious stones called "Star Fragments". They keep appearing in the game's world (of islands). By shining a light on the stones in a certain way, views of the phantom world of "Lost Heaven" can be seen. The way the story uses this plot mechanic was enjoyable to me.
Beyond that, I will have to think on this one further.
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Post by Ex on Dec 21, 2020 15:38:10 GMT -5
Beyond that, I will have to think on this one further. I did enjoy Front Mission: Gun Hazard's plot. Although I'm a sucker for neo-political techno-thriller stuff. A recap from Wikipedia:
Story
Set in 2064, the story of Gun Hazard takes place all over the world in an alternate Front Mission universe. In the early 21st century, nations around the world fought over the control of natural resources. With natural resources dwindling in supply, the nations of the world eventually banded together to seek a solution to the growing crisis. Realizing the potential in space-based energy, they began development of an orbital elevator known as "Atlas" in 2024.[5] As the orbital elevator's completion drew near, a breakthrough was achieved in miniature fusion reactors. The countries responsible for Atlas began to halt development of the orbital elevator and pursued miniature fusion reactor technology. Left unfinished, Atlas became a symbol of failed dreams and hopes as the world regressed back into a world of conflicts.[6] One such conflict is the Bergen coup d'état in 2064.
Plot
The plot of Gun Hazard revolves around a soldier based in Bergen, Norway named Albert Grabner (whose parents reside Eningen, Germany). In January 2064, Ark Hellbrand of the Bergen Army stages a coup d'état in an attempt to overthrow the government led by President Moss Orwen. As the coup d'état forces begin to take over the country, President Orwen radios for assistance from NORAD and a faction of the Bergen Army loyal to him. Albert Grabner is sent to act as the president's bodyguard and helps him escape the country. However, the two are eventually captured by Hellbrand. Albert escapes from prison with the help of Brenda Lockheart, a mercenary employed by the Kernelight Association. Upon escaping Bergen and reaching New York City, they visit the Kernelight Association headquarters. Hoping to return to Bergen and rescue Orwen, Albert agrees to working for the Kernelight Association to find allies that can help him overthrow Ark. As the two work for the mercenary guild and travel to war-torn countries around the world, Albert begins to see a link between the civil conflicts, the Bergen coup d'état, and an organization only known as "The Society".
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Post by Sarge on Dec 21, 2020 17:48:46 GMT -5
Yeah, that's another good one. Definitely enjoyed my time with it.
Vagrant Story straddles that ARPG line, but I think is probably close enough to work. I really enjoyed that one as well. And the localization is superb.
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Post by Xeogred on Dec 21, 2020 18:14:52 GMT -5
Terranigma is pretty ambitious with several heartfelt moments throughout, including the ending. I definitely think it stands out more in this department compared to others in the genre.
I really dug the story in Gun Hazard as well, more than the first Front Mission itself.
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Post by Sarge on Dec 21, 2020 18:22:51 GMT -5
Yeah, Terranigma is definitely there, too. Much like Soul Blazer, it could have used another pass on the localization, but it's better than that game was. Honestly, all the Quintet games are interesting with iffy translations.
Oh, you know what? While some may balk at calling it an ARPG, I think the Mega Man Legends games have a shockingly cohesive world and story, or at the very minimum compelling characters. Too bad we never got a proper end to the series.
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Post by Xeogred on Dec 21, 2020 19:11:33 GMT -5
Yeah my brain doesn't compute Mega Man Legends = ARPG... haha. But who cares, as someone that replayed both just a few years ago, they HOLD UP! Excellent world building, characters, stories, the whole package. Some of the most charming games ever. It's criminal we didn't get a sequel on the PS2 and instead got crap like Mega Man X7. 
Tron Bonne was great too, which I beat just last year. But it's definitely the B-game to the awesome two Legends games.
Although classically turn based, Mega Man X Command Mission seemed pretty competent. I just thought the gameplay and level design was rather dry, so I fell off of it after awhile. Might give it another look someday.
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Post by toei on Dec 21, 2020 19:46:14 GMT -5
I do think of Mega Man Legends as an action RPG, but it's too cartoony for me. I was able to overlook that for Alundra 2 because the core Alundra/Landstalker type gameplay is so solid, and eventually that story grew on me to a point.
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Post by Ex on Dec 21, 2020 21:30:58 GMT -5
I think MML hews closer to ARPG than it does action-adventure. It's criminal we didn't get a sequel on the PS2 and instead got crap like Mega Man X7. It's even more criminal that we were teased with a tangible MML3, but then Crapcom. - Although I never finished the game (maybe someday I will), Soul Reaver has an above average plot. I mean this is a helluva intro: |
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