If you're in the mood for tougher games, here's the video from last week - '7 JRPGs that are NOT for Newcomers'. ruclips.net/video/W6KF6OYo5VI/видео.html
It's hard not to be drawn into a subject when somebody talks so passionately about it. You make the whole experience seem really fascinating, I thank you good sir. Kudos for the mention of Blue Reflection - I will unashamedly never stop finding that world utterly magical.
Like other's have said, XC1's combat is a bit convoluted for beginners. It also has some some big difficulty spikes. Notably the boss fight against Xord, which can be extremely frustrating unless you really understand the mechanics. They also like to scatter very high level enemies (Territorial Rotbart) around early game maps as a trap for new players. XC3 is a lot more forgiving. That's what got me back into the genre. What would I recommend for absolute beginners? The non-timed Atelier games (Sophie, Ryza), Monster Hunter Stories 1 & 2, Ni No Kuni 1 & 2, the older Pokemon games (Gen II up Gen VII), Pokemon Legends: Arceus, the Mario & Luigi games.
@@MmntechCa yes. pretty much agreed. slight reservation on Ryza due to learning the alchemy stuff... I'm still confused... but it's definitely fun overall.
Atelier games are too niche for me for a newcomer. Since they're dependent on their crafting system, they're too far away from a standard JRPG experience. Love the games, but I don't see them as newcomer friendly.
I wouldn’t agree with xenoblade and cold steel. I think xenoblade combat is a bit confusing and hard to understand for newer players and I think cold steel is way too long for a starting JRPG
Length of a JRPG shouldn't be a factor really. Many JRPGs are long, if anything cold steel is one of the shorter ones. As for Xenoblade, I think you're overestimating it's complexity. I've recommended it to 4 friends who had no idea what to expect from a JRPG and they all loved it. If it was XC2 fair enough, but XC1 is simple to understand.
@@Sortyourselfout-cu7enagreed, XC1 really isn't that difficult to understand. Funnily enough the one that I always recommend but never hits is FFX. I'd say it has a 20% conversion rate in terms of bringing a newcomer in.
I’d have to agree with you there. As someone who plays exclusively JRPs nowadays when I started a few years ago Xenoblade was like the fifth one I started playing and I dropped it like 8 hours in because I just couldn’t connect with the combat and didn’t understand it😂 someday I’ll try to go back, but I get your point
That's an over exaggeration. I've recommended it twice, and both my friends were wondering if it became more complex. Anyone who has simply played a game will be able to understand XC1.
it's not an exaggeration. i agree 100%. sure a lot of people won't have trouble with it but a lot will. a lot. and it's hard to find others online that have had that same issue with the combat and other things. i love the game now but it was so frustrating I almost gave up.
@@easymoney8365 I have to disagree, I still find myself having trouble understanding the system from time to time, I was able to understand XBC2’s combat much easier though so it’s clearly just different from person to person
I think what people are missing with this statement is that if you're playing normally and doing side quests it might be that you're 15 hours into the game before optimal play "clicks" for some people.
Secret of Mana was my first J-RPG. Etrian Odyssey was when I realized I enjoy turn-based RPGs. Atelier Totori was a small step that got me interested in the genre. Trails of Cold Steel I was the giant leap that finally got hooked me on J-RPGs. The best thing about J-RPGs is that there are so many of them with different genres and gimmicks, ranging from simple turn-based to action or even tactical games. You can never really get tired of it.
My first JRPGs I played were Ys 1 and Miracle Warriors on the Sega Master System. But what hooked me on the genre was Final Fantasy 6 and Chrono Trigger.
I would add Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch to this list. It's a charming game and if you love Studio Ghibli, you will enjoy this game for it's story. It should be noted this game has a difficulty setting so you can make it as easy as possible. I never thought the game got too hard, but there were times it got a bit challenging, but it never felt unfair.
Good Video. Nice to see someone reaching out to "newcomers", because it's always nice to see the number of JRPG players grow. I can agree with all these recommendations. Maybe I could suggest to add the Atelier series to this list. For instance, Atelier Firis, Atelier Ryza (the first one) or Atelier Sophie 2 would be good a introduction to the JRPG genre too. I get, however, that you had to limit the number of games, because the list would grow out of control very fast...😉
I personally steered away from Atelier for this list because even in JRPGs they're pretty different to many other games with the crafting. I tried to keep the list as 'traditional' as possible.
7:57 hold up, the screen says that TOCS 1 is available on Nintendo switch. Is this a mistake, or did I somehow miss the game while searching on the online shop?
I gotta say when it comes to true JRPGs Xenoblade 2 and FFX were my first, which I loved them. So I definitely think a game like XB2 or cold steel 1 are a good start cause those are atleast where I started.
Ironically enough the first cold steal game was not only this pirates interdiction into the trails series but my very first JRPGS game I ever played❤ absolutely loved it played through the game 5 times before getting the second game.
Great list! Worth adding for Xenoblade DE is that it has an easier difficulty option for newcomers to use which makes the game less convoluted. Xenoblade DE is a great pick for newcomers so long as they play on that setting.
Happy you included Cold Steel 1. I knew you would have a Trails game on here, but I was hoping for Cold Steel 1, for a selfish reason; that it was one of my first JRPGs, and my first foray into the Trails series. And like you said, it hooked me and I became invested in the wider Trails franchise.
I'd recommend Fantasy Life. Charming graphics, easy-to-understand combat, flexible class system, & overflowing with content. Only downside is that it's stuck on the Nintendo 3DS. Sunk over 330 hours into it.
Sea of Stars is a perfect game for JRPG beginners. It’s on the short end of timing, it’s on all the modern consoles and PC, and it’s on GamePass. I’m not sure if it’s still on PS+
Omg i ALWAYS wanted to play blue reflection but couldn’t find a physical copy & had NO IDEA it was pc. That’s why i love these videos that can bring awareness THANK YOU for this❤
Some years ago my mom got bitten by the gaming bug, starting with the Sims. She's a very mom-like person so it's kind of an unusual situation. Nowadays she pretty much only plays FPS games like HalfLife2 but she's still got a gamer noob mindset. But I've been trying to get her into JRPGs because she does enjoy watching anime with me sometimes. My picks for starter JRPGs are Final Fantasy 10 and Dragon Quest 8. I've put quite a bit of thought into those choices.
Trails of Cold Steel #1 was my first (and only) foray into the Trails series (I have this on the Vita), and yes, it's a damned good game and has a great story. My issue was that it had too many playable characters. I couldn't really deal with the constant switching in every arc. I wish it was more like the Crossbell arc which I watched a playthrough of. That said, I'm thinking of trying Trails through Daybreak...we'll see how that goes as if I do end up getting it....I take really long to finish games (being an adult is hard).
Cold Steel I is a great place to start for JRPG and Zemuria (the world of the series) beginners. In fact the most proper order to play I'd say is CSI > Trails from Zero > Trails to Azure > CSII > CSIII > CSIV > Trails into Reverie and then the latest arc. Yes purists will say that Trails in the Sky trilogy must be played first...but's it's a fairly stand alone arc with relatively few characters migrating over to the later arcs. And essentially you're asking new players to play 3 full games to avoid one massive spoiler of one of the main characters in the series in Trails from Zero, and a bit more context when you do meet the Liberl characters and past events. While having to deal with older (though serviceable) mechanics and graphics.These aren't small games and they do still sell for €16-€30 a pop so there is a cost element with this. CSI also 'resets' and streamlines a lot of mechanics built up in the past, and while you might be intimidated by all the character stat numbers and quartz thingies you have to deal with, it'll become quickly apparent what you're supposed to do and which characters are good at what. And it takes it's time to explain them to you. Once you get a hang of it subsequent (and even past) titles are easier to understand.
Everyone is always shocked when I say that my gateway game into JRPGs, a genre I used to really dislike, was Chrono Cross. Cross has a lot of parts of the story where it's not always apparent where to go, and a lot of modern players will recommend playing with a guide. But that soundtrack, best in gaming history!
funny thing is that Cold Steel is what got me into the Trails series too, when i played it i was wondering why i never heard of this series because it was so good. I think Grand Blue Fantasy relink is also a game i would recommend for newcomers cause its short and pretty easy to play and the story is decent.
Super Mario RPG is a MUST for newcomers to JRPGs, if not turn-based RPGs in general. The others are hit-or-miss depending on the person. I love the Trails series, but I always have to take LONG breaks in-between sessions. As of right now, I believe I am in the second half of the first Cold Steel game (I started way back in March 2022). It’s the video game equivalent of a really dense novel, in my opinion. I would argue FE: Awakenings is a better starting point than FE: Engage. That game introduced casual mode, after all. But it’s definitely harder to find now that the 3DS is finished. Overall, great list.
I think some great beginner JRPGs are #1 Okage: Shadow King. It's available on PS2, PS4 and PS5. It's fairly basic with a story that's easy to follow. It might not be the most exciting RPG and the last dungeon can be on the tedious side, but it's really really great at introducing the besics. #2 Soul Hackers 2 - Available on all moden platforms. It's a spin-off of the Shin Megami Tensei games. Hardcore fans may have written it off, but I recommend it for 2 reasons: 1. It's a fairly straightforward RPG in terms of mechanics and combat and can be completed in less than 40 hours. 2. It introduces players to the basics of Persona or SMT without being a long or frustrating experience. #3 Kingdom Hearts 1. It's available on a plethora of consoles. This is a great introduction to Action RPGs. It features colorful characters and an easy to follow narrative (I'm only talking about the first game, not the series). It also offers a mix of easy to very difficukt side content, which is great as people learn the systems. #4 World of Final Fantasy. Available on most modern platforms. A fairly straightforward experience with difficulty options. This one is whimsical and the gameplay is easy to master. The stacking mechanics may not be for everyone and the story might be too basic but it can serve as a great introduction JRPGs. #5 - Final Fantasy XVI. Available on PS5 (with a PC port coming, probably early next year). Yes, it's not really a traditional FF game but it serves as a great introduction to more action focused RPGs. It's got accessibility options to curate an experience that even a beginner can enjoy. It's also very light on RPG elements so a new player won't feel overwhelmed with it's systems. It could even be a gateway to things like Dark Souls or Elden Ring. In the same way a tricycle is a gateway to high powered racing bike. And, there, I did it! I came up with 5 starter RPGs that weren't Pokémon andcar all currently accessible.
Trails is my favorite JRPG series, but there's no way I'd recommend it to a beginner. The fact that its part of this huge interconnected world can very easily scare away new players, heck its the reason why I started playing it much later than I should have. Then there's the length, which I think is a bit much for someone who's used to games that last for barely a dozen hours or so. Lastly, while combat isn't necessarily complicated, it still has some steep difficulty spikes, especially if you don't set up your orbments right, that could frustrate someone who's trying to get into the genre. I'm also surprised you didn't mention the Ys series, since they're stand-alone games with simple combat mechanics, so they're very easy to recommend to beginners.
Xenoblade was my first proper JRPG that clicked with me (on the Wii). Still my favourite series as I haven’t found another series yet that I like more. I had played a DQ and a FF on the GBA/DS but never got that far.
Zero was my first Trails game, which I would also recommend as a fantastic starting point. The only two things I could think might not be appreciated are 1) the Japanese voices and 2) the older graphical style. To me, though, it’s nearly perfect. Great list, KN!
honestly, I would not recommend those to beginners. Xenoblade is rather complicated for someone who hasn't played one before. Blue reflection is really nice, CT might not look like a game someone starting out wants to play. mario RPG only if you actually like Mario. Three houses 100% superior for a beginner. Further, I might recommend stuff like Tales of Arise or Lacrimosa of Dana because they look good, they play like something familiar as in action combat and they are rather gameplay heavy. While I love trails, I don't know if a beginner would be thrilled with the slow build up. And then also learning there are a dozen connected games and you're starting with Nr. 6. At that point, just start with daybreak instead tbh.
Thanks for choosing Chrono Trigger and Fire Emblem, over any Final Fantasy titles. While the FF games are great in their own right, I think as someone who grew up with Pokemon that this series is not great for JRPG beginners who didn't grow up with them, at least the older titles. I played FF6 and 7 when making the transition from Pokemon, but they only held my attention for a time and I haven't picked them back up since. When I played Chrono Trigger, something finally clicked in me and I could not pull myself away from the game. Then when I discovered Fire Emblem Awakening, I found a series that I wanted to continue playing until the credits rolled and could not wait for the next new title!
I think Tales games can be recommended to newcomers if they love story focused games. I don't think they're too hard to understand with the tutorials straight at the beginning. And I think the series balances combat and story pretty well. Tales of Berseria while the prequel to Zestiria is harder to recommend cause it leans towards some adult themes, so does Tales of Arise. Nothing sexual per se, but definitely a darker tone. I wish I could play Tales of Abyss, personally I recommend Tales of Vesperia definitive edition. Though something the game doesn't tell you is about the mage that joins the party, you want to control the mage asap and spam her some of her spells to make them stronger. The game can still be beaten without doing that, it's just that she'll be more useful if you do. For example spamming fireball eventually becomes 2 fireballs, then 3, 4, and I believe it maxes out at 8 fireballs towards the later half of the game. I recommend watching the movie Tales of Vesperia First Strike because for whatever reason that's the prequel to the game and it does give you some backstory on some of the characters
I'd recommend any numbered Dragon Quest though younger people might wait for the remakes of the first Erdrick trilogy. The originals were masterful to those of us who were there at the time but some elements have not aged well.
Since you mentioned Atelier Totori in one of brutal games for novice players, Atelier Iris 2 is exact opposite of Atelier Totori ,so it's easy to play and game is rather short. Persona 4, Dark Cloud 2, Final Fantasy I-VI Pixel Remastered, Star Ocean 2nd Story R (not original and other remakes), Tales of Vesperia, and Suikoden are worthy to mention.
I think engage is a good starting point, not only is it probably the most accessible game in the series but I think it having other characters from the series gives players an easy way to decide the next game. You like lucina? Go play awakening!, you like byleth? Play 3 house! And so on
I'd recommend Engage over Three Houses for a newcomer. It's a lot shorter and has less systems you need to micromanage, which could easily be overwhelming for someone new to the genre. Personally though, I'd recommend Awakening first over both of them to anyone who has access to it.
Hugely agree. I feel like engage could be difficult for new comers, Three houses or Awakening (if they have a 3ds or are comfortable emulating) are much better starting points. Also while you get to SEE the older characters, the game doesn't really give the player enough to properly introduce them and the titles they come from.
Personally I think Zero is a better story and starting point but not too dated. Cold Steel 1 feels way more “rigid” in its design even though it’s a more modern game.
My issue with Rhapsody is that it's got a high encounter rate (at least the original did on DS), Atelier is also a bit too 'different' to a JRPG mould for me because of how dependent it is on crafting.
A good list when it comes to Chrono Trigger, Super Mario RPG and dare I say CSI because my experience is very similar to yours in that vein when I started it just 4 short years ago. Have yet to play FE Engage so looking forward to it but thanks for the heads up on the story expectations.
I think FFX is one of the better intros to the genre. The pacing is really good, you never go long until you get new story beats and cutscenes. Plus it has an easy, and pretty fun battle system
I’m wanting to play the original Blue Reflection, but as a console gamer with poor PC gaming hardware (Mac) I can’t grab ahold of the original easily. Is Second Light easy to play and can I easily forget that I may never play the first game?
For me to recommend a JRPG to someone I'd need to know what type of games they knew beforehand to see if a JRPG I know of/like has something similar that the player can ease into the JRPG with. One BIG thing for me to pick out a JRPG for someone is that it has to have an English Dub. Unless the person I know is a HUGE anime fan that's watched a lot of anime subbed, I can't in good conscience recommend a game that doesn't have an English Dub. Note that, I'll most likely run into/know people that are English speakers/understand it well so that's why I feel that way and also as a big English Dub fan that has some sway too lol Either way my top picks would be, any Tales Of game, Persona 3, 4, or 5, Trails of Cold Steel 1 or Trails Through Daybreak, one of the many Pokemon games, or Mario Thousand Year Door from the top of my head.
Mario RPG and Chrono Trigger, I definitely agree with, maybe Xenoblade Chronicles as well, not as much, but I wouldn't recommend the others as a first time play. My very first rpg was the original Mario RPG in 1996 or 1997, but then I also played the Final Fantasy games soon after, so I'm bias to recommend those. Personally, I'm not really a fan of dragon quest games, I find most of them boring, but I appreciate there's some work put into them, so maybe some of the earlier ones instead of the newest ones, but some of these DQ games can be quite long, which may be a bit much to a first time RPG. Cold steel is also very much involved for its overarching plot and narrative, lots of characters and someone new may not be a fan yet of the whole school setting. I think when it comes to first time titles, it has to be something more simple, because thinking back to when I started, then again, I was a kid when I started, it was Pokemon, Mario RPG, FFs, which were a little more complicated for a 90s kid, and Chrono Cross and a few other SNES and PS1 RPGs for my first few years. Everyone will be different though depending on what they like. Some might like more of things like Harvest moon type or even Atelier games, more casual or sort of different mechanics with farming. Some might prefer turn based like Persona games, while some might like action rpg, so FF7 remake and rebirth, and maybe some prefer strategy, like Unicorn Overlord, perhaps FE engage as well for that.
I’d have thought Rhapsody, Grandia, and Nino Kuni would have been viable options for this list. Not to mention Kingdom Hearts, Adventure Time: Pirates of the Enchiridion, and South Park: Stick of Truth and Fractured (not sure if this fully qualifies as RPG). Yes, I know these definitely aren’t J RPGs, but still fun. Either way, enjoy your videos!
Thank you for replying. I’m truly honored. I’m beginning to think I was thinking of more “Child Friendly” JRPGs than entry level. Then again, I could have been facetious and suggested Rogue Galaxy, BOF: Dragon Quarter, and Xenosaga 2. 😆 Once again, appreciate the reply. Looking forward to your next work.
1- I personally would recommend Thousand Year Door over Mario RPG 2- Never played this 3- DQXI is my favorite game of all time, but I feel part of that is due to me already having an understanding of the genre and appreciating how it's a timeless classic that twists the formula enough to also be unique. 4- Xenoblade is a great starting JRPG but I feel like the combat is a bit strange for a beginner 5- I'm a hardcore play in order guy for Trails so nah 6- ENGAGE? Even Three Houses is a better pic for an FE game, I'd go with Awakening if they can 7- Chrono Trigger is absolutely one of the best starting JRPGS but not everyone will be into retro games
FF XVI if you want the "current gen" AAA experience Combat super easy with accessories Cant miss / lost the main objectives, marker everywhere Its final fantasy, daddy of jrpg
a general understanding of rpgs is required before playing Xenoblade imo, despite how shit the modern pokemon games are, they’re excellent introduction for turn based combat… and if i would recommend a good beginner rpg it’s definitely Dragon Quest 11S like you mentioned
I find it hard to recommend DQ11, because the 2 times I've tried playing through it Act 3 just ruins it for me. I didn't like the team level reversion and the decision that they make before hand, just ruins what happened
»Trails of Cold Steel I« ... really? For beginners? I have to admit the game makes it very easy - and this is one of the strengths of the series - to recognize all the characters in the game. Exploration is relative restricted and you always know what to do next. But the battle system with it's countless options? And I recall some of the later enemies to behave very tough? I don't know man but I wouldn't recommend this for newcomers (but IF a beginner is going into JRPGs with THIS ... he probably would start with one of the best titles available). Maybe more somethign like »Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana«?
Nah, Cold Steel I is as easy as it comes. On harder difficulties maybe, but on normal? Just spam crafts/arts and S crafts. I've recommended that game countless times to friends of mine, and they never had issues with the combat.
Great list, not gonna lie :). But honestly, the shitting on Engage's story is not only tired, but kinda stupid. Compared to something like the utter edge-fest that was Three Houses, I will take a more light-hearted/silly/not all that serious story like the one in Engage any day.
@@TheKisekiNut that might be. But it's still way more entertaining than the constant 'Oh look at me, woe is me' hullaballoo that Three Houses has going on. Different strokes for different folks, I'm 100 percent on board with that. But tbh, I like Engage's story, mess or otherwise (otherwise IMO)
I've tried to get into Xenoblade 5 seperate times and the combat for the game is just abysmal to me. I'm glad other people enjoy it but for me personally it's just awful
Definitely understand the point of view, I’m more of a fan of turn based combat myself - but it’s nice to have some variety too, and Xenoblade does a great job of building systems that feel very rewarding once you get a good understanding of them and get deep into them. The downside is that they feel pretty dull in the beginning with options lacking.
Started Cold steel this year and have loved binging it, played all but 3 and reverie twice and still couldnt get enough. unfortunately daybreaks been a disappointment. main jrpg experience is personas and a couple fire emblems
@Draxila225 anything in particular stand out for you? I didnt like van,the grendel battles, the orbment changes, certain story elements, with only risette and shizuna from the olayable cast interest me(shizuna especially because i want to see her and rean interacting)
There is something really clunky about Chrono Trigger's battles that does not age well (compared to FF6 for example). Now I have not played remakes, but it has something to do with the very non-continuous pace, the constant pausing of the time trackers, something feels really off. For this reason alone, and even though it does not sound like a big one, I say it doesn't age well.
Xenoblade Future Connected on the thumbnail and I can actually see it. It is short, fairly nonambitious and uncomplicated and the only remotely hard mainstory fight is the final boss. That is infact "baby's first JRPG"-material. The downside of course being that it expects you to have played Xenoblade DE(Which is a really bad pick for the video itself btw) first due to being a semi-direct narrative sequel, so you probably will need a friend to explain major mechanics to you because it isn't tutorializing many things that got carried over.
I disagree with trails and Engage, trails while not really that hard to understand takes too much time investment for a new player. as for Engage for me personally id recommend Three houses over it. as for what i would replace them with would be Ys8 and Trials of Mana
Dragon Quest XI Persona 5/royal Ni No Kuni: Wrath Of The White Witch Yakuza: Like A Dragon Final Fantasy 9 Final Fantasy 7 Remake Bravely Default Trails of Cold Steel
completely agree about CT and dragon quest 11, disagree about xenoblade and cold steel, xenoblade has way too many concepts for a new player to jrpgs, cold steel takes forever to get to the main story
I find that funny, because a lot of the recommendations I gave here are the exact ones I've given to my friend groups. These were the ones that had the best conversion rate, Cold Steel being at the peak too.
I wouldnt recomend most of this for begginers, xeno combat is really slow and takes time to learn, Dragon quest Xi is good but the systmen may be to classic for someone new to genre same goes for chrono trigger in my opinion.
I think Trails and Xenoblade are not good for beginners at all. Especially Cold Steel. Cold Steel 2s ending chapters are terrible as a Trails beginner, not to mention an RPG beginner. My personal recommendations for RPG beginners would be Golden Sun and Grandia. Quite easy to grasp and not too long and the stories are quite nice too. For Fire Emblem I'd say Blazing Sword. Blazing Sword was made with a lot of love is a great game for Fire Emblem and RPG newcomers. And of course Pokemon. Pokemon is the perfect gateway RPG. You can do everything in the game even without knowing what you're doing. So yeah, the perfect gateway will always be Pokemon.
This is a horrible list for beginners! A great list of JRPGs for sure, but hardly any of these are beginner friendly. Mario and Dragon Quest are probably the best picks here, but Pokémon Sword/Shield, Monster Hunter Stories, Final Fantasy pixel remasters, Ni No Kuni, and Rune Factory 4 are more akin to what I would recommend beginners.
Ni No Kuni is not beginner friendly, that battle system is whack for even veteran players. Pokemon has been poor since X/Y, so I'm not recommending those either.
I am always sad that Fire Emblem is the tactics rpg that is mainstream and most recommended. Other than the radiant games, that felt like a proper JRPG with a good story and interesting world development. The rest of the series is just so derivative of itself that I feel like I am playing the same game with almost the same story and same characters every game. I just wish some of the other more interesting tactics rpg series didn't fall in the cracks like Shining Force, arc the lad, and the luminous series. I secretly know why FE is so popular, but it disgusts me lol and that's its dating/shipping characters together that appeals to a broader audience.
The slow burn at the beginning of XC:DE makes it not as accessible for newcomers. I would personally replace XC:DE with Super Robot Wars V. While we're at it, Tales of Berseria is quite accessible in terms of difficulty.
If you're in the mood for tougher games, here's the video from last week - '7 JRPGs that are NOT for Newcomers'.
ruclips.net/video/W6KF6OYo5VI/видео.html
It's hard not to be drawn into a subject when somebody talks so passionately about it. You make the whole experience seem really fascinating, I thank you good sir. Kudos for the mention of Blue Reflection - I will unashamedly never stop finding that world utterly magical.
Like other's have said, XC1's combat is a bit convoluted for beginners. It also has some some big difficulty spikes. Notably the boss fight against Xord, which can be extremely frustrating unless you really understand the mechanics. They also like to scatter very high level enemies (Territorial Rotbart) around early game maps as a trap for new players. XC3 is a lot more forgiving. That's what got me back into the genre. What would I recommend for absolute beginners? The non-timed Atelier games (Sophie, Ryza), Monster Hunter Stories 1 & 2, Ni No Kuni 1 & 2, the older Pokemon games (Gen II up Gen VII), Pokemon Legends: Arceus, the Mario & Luigi games.
@@MmntechCa yes. pretty much agreed. slight reservation on Ryza due to learning the alchemy stuff... I'm still confused... but it's definitely fun overall.
Atelier games are too niche for me for a newcomer. Since they're dependent on their crafting system, they're too far away from a standard JRPG experience. Love the games, but I don't see them as newcomer friendly.
I would recommend Dragon Quest XI easily to beginners. It's the very definition of an classic JRPG. Also Golden Sun 1 and 2.
The golden sun games are so brilliant .
@@pocketrocketradio Golden Sun 1 and 2 were my first true JRPGs. Since then I am in love with the genre.
@@jogymogy3691 that's an amazing way to get into the genre.
I see best Trails girl Laura in the thumbnail, i click.
I wouldn’t agree with xenoblade and cold steel. I think xenoblade combat is a bit confusing and hard to understand for newer players and I think cold steel is way too long for a starting JRPG
Yes, especially since graphics of cold steel I are dated. I would rather start with daybreak
Length of a JRPG shouldn't be a factor really. Many JRPGs are long, if anything cold steel is one of the shorter ones. As for Xenoblade, I think you're overestimating it's complexity. I've recommended it to 4 friends who had no idea what to expect from a JRPG and they all loved it. If it was XC2 fair enough, but XC1 is simple to understand.
I hated xenoblade 1s combat even as a somewhat veteran can’t even imagine playing this as ur first. Story is lit tho
@@Sortyourselfout-cu7enagreed, XC1 really isn't that difficult to understand. Funnily enough the one that I always recommend but never hits is FFX. I'd say it has a 20% conversion rate in terms of bringing a newcomer in.
I’d have to agree with you there. As someone who plays exclusively JRPs nowadays when I started a few years ago Xenoblade was like the fifth one I started playing and I dropped it like 8 hours in because I just couldn’t connect with the combat and didn’t understand it😂 someday I’ll try to go back, but I get your point
Xenoblade takes 15 to 20 hours before combat is really understood
That's an over exaggeration. I've recommended it twice, and both my friends were wondering if it became more complex. Anyone who has simply played a game will be able to understand XC1.
it's not an exaggeration. i agree 100%. sure a lot of people won't have trouble with it but a lot will. a lot. and it's hard to find others online that have had that same issue with the combat and other things. i love the game now but it was so frustrating I almost gave up.
Ehhh
@@easymoney8365 I have to disagree, I still find myself having trouble understanding the system from time to time, I was able to understand XBC2’s combat much easier though so it’s clearly just different from person to person
I think what people are missing with this statement is that if you're playing normally and doing side quests it might be that you're 15 hours into the game before optimal play "clicks" for some people.
You mention Blue Reflection- you get a like from me!
Though I do prefer the second one more.
@TheKisekiNut same here. Second Light is a top 5 game for me.
! Kirara is top tier for me
Secret of Mana was my first J-RPG.
Etrian Odyssey was when I realized I enjoy turn-based RPGs.
Atelier Totori was a small step that got me interested in the genre.
Trails of Cold Steel I was the giant leap that finally got hooked me on J-RPGs.
The best thing about J-RPGs is that there are so many of them with different genres and gimmicks, ranging from simple turn-based to action or even tactical games. You can never really get tired of it.
My first JRPGs I played were Ys 1 and Miracle Warriors on the Sega Master System.
But what hooked me on the genre was Final Fantasy 6 and Chrono Trigger.
I would add Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch to this list. It's a charming game and if you love Studio Ghibli, you will enjoy this game for it's story. It should be noted this game has a difficulty setting so you can make it as easy as possible. I never thought the game got too hard, but there were times it got a bit challenging, but it never felt unfair.
Good Video. Nice to see someone reaching out to "newcomers", because it's always nice to see the number of JRPG players grow.
I can agree with all these recommendations. Maybe I could suggest to add the Atelier series to this list. For instance, Atelier Firis, Atelier Ryza (the first one) or Atelier Sophie 2 would be good a introduction to the JRPG genre too.
I get, however, that you had to limit the number of games, because the list would grow out of control very fast...😉
I personally steered away from Atelier for this list because even in JRPGs they're pretty different to many other games with the crafting. I tried to keep the list as 'traditional' as possible.
Amazing list! i would also add Trials of Mana Remake. It is a simple, yet polished and charming jRPG that is very welcoming for a newcomer.
7:57 hold up, the screen says that TOCS 1 is available on Nintendo switch. Is this a mistake, or did I somehow miss the game while searching on the online shop?
It is available on Switch, only in Japan though.
I gotta say when it comes to true JRPGs Xenoblade 2 and FFX were my first, which I loved them. So I definitely think a game like XB2 or cold steel 1 are a good start cause those are atleast where I started.
Ironically enough the first cold steal game was not only this pirates interdiction into the trails series but my very first JRPGS game I ever played❤ absolutely loved it played through the game 5 times before getting the second game.
Great list! Worth adding for Xenoblade DE is that it has an easier difficulty option for newcomers to use which makes the game less convoluted. Xenoblade DE is a great pick for newcomers so long as they play on that setting.
Happy you included Cold Steel 1. I knew you would have a Trails game on here, but I was hoping for Cold Steel 1, for a selfish reason; that it was one of my first JRPGs, and my first foray into the Trails series. And like you said, it hooked me and I became invested in the wider Trails franchise.
I'd recommend Fantasy Life. Charming graphics, easy-to-understand combat, flexible class system, & overflowing with content. Only downside is that it's stuck on the Nintendo 3DS. Sunk over 330 hours into it.
dawg i love fantasy life, im so excited for the sequel !
Good recommendation 👍
That's the main issue really, I want all these games to be at least on modern hardware. But it's a great shout.
Good to see my beloved Xenoblade on this list! Fire Emblem Engage is also a pretty great choice for beginner JRPGs, nicely done TKN!
I played Chrono Trigger all the way through as a newcomer in 2022 and the game is magnificent and still holds up!
Sea of Stars is a perfect game for JRPG beginners. It’s on the short end of timing, it’s on all the modern consoles and PC, and it’s on GamePass. I’m not sure if it’s still on PS+
Omg i ALWAYS wanted to play blue reflection but couldn’t find a physical copy & had NO IDEA it was pc. That’s why i love these videos that can bring awareness THANK YOU for this❤
Some years ago my mom got bitten by the gaming bug, starting with the Sims. She's a very mom-like person so it's kind of an unusual situation. Nowadays she pretty much only plays FPS games like HalfLife2 but she's still got a gamer noob mindset. But I've been trying to get her into JRPGs because she does enjoy watching anime with me sometimes. My picks for starter JRPGs are Final Fantasy 10 and Dragon Quest 8. I've put quite a bit of thought into those choices.
Trails of Cold Steel #1 was my first (and only) foray into the Trails series (I have this on the Vita), and yes, it's a damned good game and has a great story. My issue was that it had too many playable characters. I couldn't really deal with the constant switching in every arc. I wish it was more like the Crossbell arc which I watched a playthrough of. That said, I'm thinking of trying Trails through Daybreak...we'll see how that goes as if I do end up getting it....I take really long to finish games (being an adult is hard).
Cold Steel I is a great place to start for JRPG and Zemuria (the world of the series) beginners. In fact the most proper order to play I'd say is CSI > Trails from Zero > Trails to Azure > CSII > CSIII > CSIV > Trails into Reverie and then the latest arc. Yes purists will say that Trails in the Sky trilogy must be played first...but's it's a fairly stand alone arc with relatively few characters migrating over to the later arcs. And essentially you're asking new players to play 3 full games to avoid one massive spoiler of one of the main characters in the series in Trails from Zero, and a bit more context when you do meet the Liberl characters and past events. While having to deal with older (though serviceable) mechanics and graphics.These aren't small games and they do still sell for €16-€30 a pop so there is a cost element with this.
CSI also 'resets' and streamlines a lot of mechanics built up in the past, and while you might be intimidated by all the character stat numbers and quartz thingies you have to deal with, it'll become quickly apparent what you're supposed to do and which characters are good at what. And it takes it's time to explain them to you. Once you get a hang of it subsequent (and even past) titles are easier to understand.
Everyone is always shocked when I say that my gateway game into JRPGs, a genre I used to really dislike, was Chrono Cross. Cross has a lot of parts of the story where it's not always apparent where to go, and a lot of modern players will recommend playing with a guide. But that soundtrack, best in gaming history!
Thanks for the list! Although, Xenoblade Chronicles should have been in last week’s video. 😸
Agree! Chrono Trigger is good to setting up the threshold for great JRPG!
funny thing is that Cold Steel is what got me into the Trails series too, when i played it i was wondering why i never heard of this series because it was so good.
I think Grand Blue Fantasy relink is also a game i would recommend for newcomers cause its short and pretty easy to play and the story is decent.
Super Mario RPG is a MUST for newcomers to JRPGs, if not turn-based RPGs in general.
The others are hit-or-miss depending on the person.
I love the Trails series, but I always have to take LONG breaks in-between sessions. As of right now, I believe I am in the second half of the first Cold Steel game (I started way back in March 2022). It’s the video game equivalent of a really dense novel, in my opinion.
I would argue FE: Awakenings is a better starting point than FE: Engage. That game introduced casual mode, after all. But it’s definitely harder to find now that the 3DS is finished.
Overall, great list.
Nice list. I might add Rhapsody as a very beginner-friendly RPG.
Problem with Rhapsody is that high encounter rate for me. Easy game, good as well but quite frustrating because of it.
I think some great beginner JRPGs are
#1 Okage: Shadow King. It's available on PS2, PS4 and PS5. It's fairly basic with a story that's easy to follow. It might not be the most exciting RPG and the last dungeon can be on the tedious side, but it's really really great at introducing the besics.
#2 Soul Hackers 2 - Available on all moden platforms. It's a spin-off of the Shin Megami Tensei games. Hardcore fans may have written it off, but I recommend it for 2 reasons: 1. It's a fairly straightforward RPG in terms of mechanics and combat and can be completed in less than 40 hours. 2. It introduces players to the basics of Persona or SMT without being a long or frustrating experience.
#3 Kingdom Hearts 1. It's available on a plethora of consoles. This is a great introduction to Action RPGs. It features colorful characters and an easy to follow narrative (I'm only talking about the first game, not the series). It also offers a mix of easy to very difficukt side content, which is great as people learn the systems.
#4 World of Final Fantasy. Available on most modern platforms. A fairly straightforward experience with difficulty options. This one is whimsical and the gameplay is easy to master. The stacking mechanics may not be for everyone and the story might be too basic but it can serve as a great introduction JRPGs.
#5 - Final Fantasy XVI. Available on PS5 (with a PC port coming, probably early next year). Yes, it's not really a traditional FF game but it serves as a great introduction to more action focused RPGs. It's got accessibility options to curate an experience that even a beginner can enjoy. It's also very light on RPG elements so a new player won't feel overwhelmed with it's systems. It could even be a gateway to things like Dark Souls or Elden Ring. In the same way a tricycle is a gateway to high powered racing bike.
And, there, I did it! I came up with 5 starter RPGs that weren't Pokémon andcar all currently accessible.
Okage is a great choice
@@akou12 I'm surprised it never comes up on these lists. It really is a great starter RPG.
Trails is my favorite JRPG series, but there's no way I'd recommend it to a beginner.
The fact that its part of this huge interconnected world can very easily scare away new players, heck its the reason why I started playing it much later than I should have.
Then there's the length, which I think is a bit much for someone who's used to games that last for barely a dozen hours or so. Lastly, while combat isn't necessarily complicated, it still has some steep difficulty spikes, especially if you don't set up your orbments right, that could frustrate someone who's trying to get into the genre.
I'm also surprised you didn't mention the Ys series, since they're stand-alone games with simple combat mechanics, so they're very easy to recommend to beginners.
Xenoblade was my first proper JRPG that clicked with me (on the Wii). Still my favourite series as I haven’t found another series yet that I like more. I had played a DQ and a FF on the GBA/DS but never got that far.
Blue Reflection on Steam Deck, once you figure out some of the configurations. Great on the Go chill game.
Zero was my first Trails game, which I would also recommend as a fantastic starting point. The only two things I could think might not be appreciated are 1) the Japanese voices and 2) the older graphical style. To me, though, it’s nearly perfect. Great list, KN!
That's the thing, I consider Zero the worst entry point due to 'certain' events. But we're all different!
honestly, I would not recommend those to beginners. Xenoblade is rather complicated for someone who hasn't played one before. Blue reflection is really nice, CT might not look like a game someone starting out wants to play. mario RPG only if you actually like Mario. Three houses 100% superior for a beginner. Further, I might recommend stuff like Tales of Arise or Lacrimosa of Dana because they look good, they play like something familiar as in action combat and they are rather gameplay heavy. While I love trails, I don't know if a beginner would be thrilled with the slow build up. And then also learning there are a dozen connected games and you're starting with Nr. 6. At that point, just start with daybreak instead tbh.
Thanks for choosing Chrono Trigger and Fire Emblem, over any Final Fantasy titles.
While the FF games are great in their own right, I think as someone who grew up with Pokemon that this series is not great for JRPG beginners who didn't grow up with them, at least the older titles. I played FF6 and 7 when making the transition from Pokemon, but they only held my attention for a time and I haven't picked them back up since.
When I played Chrono Trigger, something finally clicked in me and I could not pull myself away from the game. Then when I discovered Fire Emblem Awakening, I found a series that I wanted to continue playing until the credits rolled and could not wait for the next new title!
I'm definitely not recommending any of the newer Pokemon titles, the series has been on a downward trend for years.
I think Tales games can be recommended to newcomers if they love story focused games. I don't think they're too hard to understand with the tutorials straight at the beginning. And I think the series balances combat and story pretty well. Tales of Berseria while the prequel to Zestiria is harder to recommend cause it leans towards some adult themes, so does Tales of Arise. Nothing sexual per se, but definitely a darker tone. I wish I could play Tales of Abyss, personally I recommend Tales of Vesperia definitive edition. Though something the game doesn't tell you is about the mage that joins the party, you want to control the mage asap and spam her some of her spells to make them stronger. The game can still be beaten without doing that, it's just that she'll be more useful if you do. For example spamming fireball eventually becomes 2 fireballs, then 3, 4, and I believe it maxes out at 8 fireballs towards the later half of the game. I recommend watching the movie Tales of Vesperia First Strike because for whatever reason that's the prequel to the game and it does give you some backstory on some of the characters
Great list, though Cold Steel 1 & 2 are not on Switch unfortunately (I wish they were!). Just PS3, PS4, PSVita, and PC.
They are, but only in Japan.
I'd recommend any numbered Dragon Quest though younger people might wait for the remakes of the first Erdrick trilogy. The originals were masterful to those of us who were there at the time but some elements have not aged well.
Since you mentioned Atelier Totori in one of brutal games for novice players, Atelier Iris 2 is exact opposite of Atelier Totori ,so it's easy to play and game is rather short. Persona 4, Dark Cloud 2, Final Fantasy I-VI Pixel Remastered, Star Ocean 2nd Story R (not original and other remakes), Tales of Vesperia, and Suikoden are worthy to mention.
great list but i will say fire emblem engage is not the best 1 to start of with right? isnt it smarter to make ppl start with three houses ?
For a starting game I'd say 3 houses is way better than engage if you're gonna recommend one
I think engage is a good starting point, not only is it probably the most accessible game in the series but I think it having other characters from the series gives players an easy way to decide the next game. You like lucina? Go play awakening!, you like byleth? Play 3 house! And so on
I believe its mostly depending on what you prefer if you like story than its 3 Houses but if you like gameplay more than its Engage.
I'd recommend Engage over Three Houses for a newcomer. It's a lot shorter and has less systems you need to micromanage, which could easily be overwhelming for someone new to the genre.
Personally though, I'd recommend Awakening first over both of them to anyone who has access to it.
Hugely agree. I feel like engage could be difficult for new comers, Three houses or Awakening (if they have a 3ds or are comfortable emulating) are much better starting points.
Also while you get to SEE the older characters, the game doesn't really give the player enough to properly introduce them and the titles they come from.
Personally I think Zero is a better story and starting point but not too dated.
Cold Steel 1 feels way more “rigid” in its design even though it’s a more modern game.
Not Zero for me. It looks more dated that Cold Steel depending on who you ask, and it's for me the worst starting point of the 'entry' games.
Rhapsody is really easy to recommend lighthearted and so easy to finish any modern atelier games are also easy for beginners
My issue with Rhapsody is that it's got a high encounter rate (at least the original did on DS), Atelier is also a bit too 'different' to a JRPG mould for me because of how dependent it is on crafting.
A good list when it comes to Chrono Trigger, Super Mario RPG and dare I say CSI because my experience is very similar to yours in that vein when I started it just 4 short years ago. Have yet to play FE Engage so looking forward to it but thanks for the heads up on the story expectations.
I think FFX is one of the better intros to the genre. The pacing is really good, you never go long until you get new story beats and cutscenes. Plus it has an easy, and pretty fun battle system
I’m wanting to play the original Blue Reflection, but as a console gamer with poor PC gaming hardware (Mac) I can’t grab ahold of the original easily.
Is Second Light easy to play and can I easily forget that I may never play the first game?
I played Second Light first, had no issue with playing that with no background.
@@TheKisekiNut Thank You! So looking forward to it 🙂
For me to recommend a JRPG to someone I'd need to know what type of games they knew beforehand to see if a JRPG I know of/like has something similar that the player can ease into the JRPG with. One BIG thing for me to pick out a JRPG for someone is that it has to have an English Dub. Unless the person I know is a HUGE anime fan that's watched a lot of anime subbed, I can't in good conscience recommend a game that doesn't have an English Dub. Note that, I'll most likely run into/know people that are English speakers/understand it well so that's why I feel that way and also as a big English Dub fan that has some sway too lol
Either way my top picks would be, any Tales Of game, Persona 3, 4, or 5, Trails of Cold Steel 1 or Trails Through Daybreak, one of the many Pokemon games, or Mario Thousand Year Door from the top of my head.
Mario RPG and Chrono Trigger, I definitely agree with, maybe Xenoblade Chronicles as well, not as much, but I wouldn't recommend the others as a first time play.
My very first rpg was the original Mario RPG in 1996 or 1997, but then I also played the Final Fantasy games soon after, so I'm bias to recommend those.
Personally, I'm not really a fan of dragon quest games, I find most of them boring, but I appreciate there's some work put into them, so maybe some of the earlier ones instead of the newest ones, but some of these DQ games can be quite long, which may be a bit much to a first time RPG.
Cold steel is also very much involved for its overarching plot and narrative, lots of characters and someone new may not be a fan yet of the whole school setting.
I think when it comes to first time titles, it has to be something more simple, because thinking back to when I started, then again, I was a kid when I started, it was Pokemon, Mario RPG, FFs, which were a little more complicated for a 90s kid, and Chrono Cross and a few other SNES and PS1 RPGs for my first few years.
Everyone will be different though depending on what they like. Some might like more of things like Harvest moon type or even Atelier games, more casual or sort of different mechanics with farming.
Some might prefer turn based like Persona games, while some might like action rpg, so FF7 remake and rebirth, and maybe some prefer strategy, like Unicorn Overlord, perhaps FE engage as well for that.
I’d have thought Rhapsody, Grandia, and Nino Kuni would have been viable options for this list. Not to mention Kingdom Hearts, Adventure Time: Pirates of the Enchiridion, and South Park: Stick of Truth and Fractured (not sure if this fully qualifies as RPG). Yes, I know these definitely aren’t J RPGs, but still fun. Either way, enjoy your videos!
Ni No Kuni for me is a no because of it's weird combat, Rhapsody is a good game but it's just way too frustrating with the constant random battles.
Thank you for replying. I’m truly honored. I’m beginning to think I was thinking of more “Child Friendly” JRPGs than entry level. Then again, I could have been facetious and suggested Rogue Galaxy, BOF: Dragon Quarter, and Xenosaga 2. 😆 Once again, appreciate the reply. Looking forward to your next work.
1- I personally would recommend Thousand Year Door over Mario RPG
2- Never played this
3- DQXI is my favorite game of all time, but I feel part of that is due to me already having an understanding of the genre and appreciating how it's a timeless classic that twists the formula enough to also be unique.
4- Xenoblade is a great starting JRPG but I feel like the combat is a bit strange for a beginner
5- I'm a hardcore play in order guy for Trails so nah
6- ENGAGE? Even Three Houses is a better pic for an FE game, I'd go with Awakening if they can
7- Chrono Trigger is absolutely one of the best starting JRPGS but not everyone will be into retro games
FF XVI if you want the "current gen" AAA experience
Combat super easy with accessories
Cant miss / lost the main objectives, marker everywhere
Its final fantasy, daddy of jrpg
a general understanding of rpgs is required before playing Xenoblade imo, despite how shit the modern pokemon games are, they’re excellent introduction for turn based combat… and if i would recommend a good beginner rpg it’s definitely Dragon Quest 11S like you mentioned
Nah I'm not recommending the newer Pokemon games, they've been pretty poor since X/Y.
@@TheKisekiNut oh definitely not Scarlet and Violet these shit are a mess and a half, sword & shield are the most tolerable on the switch
The only ones even worth recommending for a newcomer are BW1 or ORAS imo. Everything else has issues from a newcomer perspective.
I find it hard to recommend DQ11, because the 2 times I've tried playing through it Act 3 just ruins it for me. I didn't like the team level reversion and the decision that they make before hand, just ruins what happened
For me YS 8, scarlet Nexus,tales of berseria,pokemon,world of final fantasy is good for newbie
»Trails of Cold Steel I« ... really? For beginners?
I have to admit the game makes it very easy - and this is one of the strengths of the series - to recognize all the characters in the game. Exploration is relative restricted and you always know what to do next.
But the battle system with it's countless options? And I recall some of the later enemies to behave very tough?
I don't know man but I wouldn't recommend this for newcomers (but IF a beginner is going into JRPGs with THIS ... he probably would start with one of the best titles available).
Maybe more somethign like »Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana«?
Nah, Cold Steel I is as easy as it comes. On harder difficulties maybe, but on normal? Just spam crafts/arts and S crafts. I've recommended that game countless times to friends of mine, and they never had issues with the combat.
Great list, not gonna lie :). But honestly, the shitting on Engage's story is not only tired, but kinda stupid. Compared to something like the utter edge-fest that was Three Houses, I will take a more light-hearted/silly/not all that serious story like the one in Engage any day.
Nah, Engage's story blows. It tries to be serious, but has too much humour in there to make that stick. Doesn't have a clue what it wants to be.
@@TheKisekiNut that might be. But it's still way more entertaining than the constant 'Oh look at me, woe is me' hullaballoo that Three Houses has going on. Different strokes for different folks, I'm 100 percent on board with that. But tbh, I like Engage's story, mess or otherwise (otherwise IMO)
I'd recommend Dragon Quest 4 and Ys Origin to beginners.
I’m a simple man. I see Laura Arseid on a thumbnail and I click.
I've tried to get into Xenoblade 5 seperate times and the combat for the game is just abysmal to me. I'm glad other people enjoy it but for me personally it's just awful
Likewise- great game series for other people that just isn’t for me
Definitely understand the point of view, I’m more of a fan of turn based combat myself - but it’s nice to have some variety too, and Xenoblade does a great job of building systems that feel very rewarding once you get a good understanding of them and get deep into them. The downside is that they feel pretty dull in the beginning with options lacking.
I may be in the minority here but I liked Blue Reflection Second Light more than the first mostly because of the combat system in Second Light.
I liked Second Light more, I think it's a consensus that the sequel is widely preferred.
+1 for Laura
I'm currently trying to get my seven year old daughter to try chrono trigger on her 3ds.
Started Cold steel this year and have loved binging it, played all but 3 and reverie twice and still couldnt get enough. unfortunately daybreaks been a disappointment. main jrpg experience is personas and a couple fire emblems
@Draxila225 anything in particular stand out for you? I didnt like van,the grendel battles, the orbment changes, certain story elements, with only risette and shizuna from the olayable cast interest me(shizuna especially because i want to see her and rean interacting)
ENGAGE MENTIONED! LETS FUCKING GOOO!
There is something really clunky about Chrono Trigger's battles that does not age well (compared to FF6 for example). Now I have not played remakes, but it has something to do with the very non-continuous pace, the constant pausing of the time trackers, something feels really off. For this reason alone, and even though it does not sound like a big one, I say it doesn't age well.
i liked soooo much FE Engage!!!
Be honest, you would have put A trails game in this video even if it had a 50 hour learning curve.
You caught me.
In my opinion the only game I agree with in this list is chrono trigger and dragon quest XI
Xenoblade Future Connected on the thumbnail and I can actually see it. It is short, fairly nonambitious and uncomplicated and the only remotely hard mainstory fight is the final boss. That is infact "baby's first JRPG"-material.
The downside of course being that it expects you to have played Xenoblade DE(Which is a really bad pick for the video itself btw) first due to being a semi-direct narrative sequel, so you probably will need a friend to explain major mechanics to you because it isn't tutorializing many things that got carried over.
i really want to play the xenoblade games but i have no switch lol
I disagree with trails and Engage, trails while not really that hard to understand takes too much time investment for a new player. as for Engage for me personally id recommend Three houses over it. as for what i would replace them with would be Ys8 and Trials of Mana
Great list! Agree with all of them.
Dragon Quest XI
Persona 5/royal
Ni No Kuni: Wrath Of The White Witch
Yakuza: Like A Dragon
Final Fantasy 9
Final Fantasy 7 Remake
Bravely Default
Trails of Cold Steel
completely agree about CT and dragon quest 11, disagree about xenoblade and cold steel, xenoblade has way too many concepts for a new player to jrpgs, cold steel takes forever to get to the main story
I find that funny, because a lot of the recommendations I gave here are the exact ones I've given to my friend groups. These were the ones that had the best conversion rate, Cold Steel being at the peak too.
I wouldnt recomend most of this for begginers, xeno combat is really slow and takes time to learn, Dragon quest Xi is good but the systmen may be to classic for someone new to genre same goes for chrono trigger in my opinion.
Dragonquest 11 was such an amazing game in many ways. But I honestly quit playing it because I couldn't stand the repetitive ost.
Horrible OST, brilliant everywhere else.
I think Trails and Xenoblade are not good for beginners at all. Especially Cold Steel. Cold Steel 2s ending chapters are terrible as a Trails beginner, not to mention an RPG beginner. My personal recommendations for RPG beginners would be Golden Sun and Grandia. Quite easy to grasp and not too long and the stories are quite nice too. For Fire Emblem I'd say Blazing Sword. Blazing Sword was made with a lot of love is a great game for Fire Emblem and RPG newcomers. And of course Pokemon. Pokemon is the perfect gateway RPG. You can do everything in the game even without knowing what you're doing. So yeah, the perfect gateway will always be Pokemon.
This is a horrible list for beginners! A great list of JRPGs for sure, but hardly any of these are beginner friendly. Mario and Dragon Quest are probably the best picks here, but Pokémon Sword/Shield, Monster Hunter Stories, Final Fantasy pixel remasters, Ni No Kuni, and Rune Factory 4 are more akin to what I would recommend beginners.
Ni No Kuni is not beginner friendly, that battle system is whack for even veteran players. Pokemon has been poor since X/Y, so I'm not recommending those either.
Xenoblade beginner friendly!? Lol
No final fantasy games, like X or 9? ok, your list.
15 hours in and still don't how to craft gems. Xenoblade chronicles de.
I am always sad that Fire Emblem is the tactics rpg that is mainstream and most recommended. Other than the radiant games, that felt like a proper JRPG with a good story and interesting world development. The rest of the series is just so derivative of itself that I feel like I am playing the same game with almost the same story and same characters every game. I just wish some of the other more interesting tactics rpg series didn't fall in the cracks like Shining Force, arc the lad, and the luminous series. I secretly know why FE is so popular, but it disgusts me lol and that's its dating/shipping characters together that appeals to a broader audience.
xenoblade is a poor choice for beginner
Not going to agree on Cold Steel. Way too many mechanics for newcomers.
How about Final Fantasy Maxima?
Xenoblade is really hard lmao
Am I the only one who doesn't like Dragon Quest 11?
Fire Emblem Engage is not good because the awful censorship 😡
God recommending cold steel first is dislike worthy
The slow burn at the beginning of XC:DE makes it not as accessible for newcomers. I would personally replace XC:DE with Super Robot Wars V.
While we're at it, Tales of Berseria is quite accessible in terms of difficulty.
First🦆
New fans please play cold steel 1 on nightmare first run
Then get stuck and go back to trails in the sky fc 🔥🔥🔥
trails of cold steel is a great game to start of with. It was for me at least in the past.
I will say it here and I've been saying this for years: TRPG (or SRPG if you use the Japanese nomenclature) are *NOT* the same genre.