This video definitely took a lot of work, I'm sure. Really appreciate your love for rpgs and just video games in general. I had my notebook out, making sure I wrote down anything that needs to be added to my list. Thank you for doing what you do!
Hey man dont listen to these replies. that man appreciates all of us and does this out of his own passion, love, and enjoyment. you never know what someone is going thru or how busy one is especially at his age. you a real one for this donation out of ur kindness
@AppleSauceYo Believe me, I'm definitely not. The thanks come in the form of more content and all the previous content, of which I've been watching for years. I don't personally do nice things for recognition, so, in my opinion, money is well spent. I look forward to the next video. 😃
@@mobileunclegaming591 it's so annoying seeing these cynical comments. I'm not sure what you do for a living, but people who work hard, especially in creative fields, often need to walk away after completing a labor intensive project. It's only been a few days. It's summer and a holiday (Canada Day). Johnny is probably spending time with his family, which is something he probably struggled to do while investing many hours in this video. People often turn off emails and notifications after a job well done. Sometimes that means you can't get their attention, even if you're trying to praise their work! He doesn't owe a pat on the head to anyone.
That is the first jrpg and one of the first ps1 games i’ve ever bought with my own money, i knew nothing about it but looking at the box and screenshots in the back i thought it looked like final fantasy 7 which i knew of because my friend had that one, i think i was in the store with my mom and birthday money was burning in my pocket or something, good times.
What an absolute treat it is to take a break from a chaotic work week to relive a bit of my childhood and reminisce about the past. Thank you, Johnny, for giving me something to look forward to!
@wil4485 I guess I totally gave my age away after saying I've played beaten and owned , Y's book 1&2 on PC Engine CD ROM..I was NOT QUITE a teen lol I'll say that much 1990...lol 89' "ish" lol
I’ve got to say-I grew up during the N64 and GameCube era of video games. Then, school and life got in the way a bit. But starting again with the switch, I have developed that love for video games again. In recent years, I have discovered older games like Super Metroid, Earthbound, Mario RPG, the Castlevania series, A Link to the Past, Super Mario World, and Street Fighter 2. I’ve also played some newer titles like Triangle Strategy, Dragon Quest 11, Metroid Dread, Mario Odyssey, Mario Wonder, and Hallow Knight. This channel has introduced to many of the titles mentioned above. So I’m always stoked to hear your opinion on games you love!
This is the first video of yours I’ve ever seen. And it’s really nice to come across folks who are just as passionate about these kind of games as I am.
There is not a single frame you could show from Chrono Trigger that won't bring joy to anyone who has played Chrono Trigger. That game truly was a masterpiece.
Awesome RPG video, Johnny. In a perfect world, your channel would have over 10 million subs from all the great content HCG has provided us over the years. Thank you!!!
So glad this is the mysterious project you were working on. I don’t think there’s a better person qualified to talk about the top RPG’s over the decades!
This video could not have come out at a better time for me! I'm sick currently, so when I saw that John has posted over an hour long video, I made myself breakfast and watched this while laying in bed. I can honestly say I'm feeling a little better now, thank you Johnny! (And greetings from Mexico!)
Since you asked, Paper Mario the Thousand Year Door comes to my mind as my favorite RPG that unfortunately wasn't featured on this list but I completely understand. Everyone has their own taste and preferences and it was a joy and pleasure to see and listen to yours Johnny.
This was an amazing video. Excellent work on this, Johnny. All 50 of your picks were solid ones and I know that even the ones I have not played were still considered great games. It was a longer video but it could have been much longer and still held my interest. For my Top 50, I would include Fire Emblem: Three Houses, Persona 4 Golden, Final Fantasy Tactics, the Mass Effect Trilogy, The Legend of Heroes Trails of Cold Steel saga, Baldur's Gate 3, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, Dragon Age Origins, Cyberpunk 2077, and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. If Castlevania: Symphony of the Night were to be considered an RPG, I would include that game as well.
I remember buying Phantasy Star IV with my dad in the early 90s. It cost $99 at Toys R Us (in the states). Insane prices for 1993, but remember my dad mentioning it had a bunch of special chips, and was HUGE game.
Yeah, that is definitely pricy, but the game takes like 25 hours to play through, which is huge considering many games only took a couple of hours back then, so it was a great value when you consider that.
@@dirtyfrench2926 too funny. Mystic Quest was my first proper turn based rpg. I had played Zelda and Zelda 3 before it but MQ holds a special place in my heart.
First time watching your video, but I really love the enthusiasm and passion when you talk about the games you love. I wish I was this excited about all the games I play 😂 sometimes you forget when you hear so many people complaining
Legend of Legaia is my all time favorite RPG. The fighting mechanics and combos were so awesome. The narrative of humans being corrupted by the mist and becoming monsters is prescient, especially in this day and age.
Johnny, this is my 2nd watch through of this video and i feel the need to comment on how much i love this video. Theres a few videos that i watch a couple times a year of yours, mainly the Christmas specials. I love the RPG genre and it has brough alot of happiness to my life throughout the years. I recently have gotten alot of PS1 RPGs mainly because i value your opinion on games alot as it seems we have the same taste in games. I loved going through memory lane with this video with you going through all of the old final fantasies and what not. Chrono trigger would have to be one of the tops for me and i think a replay is needed on it. I just wanted you to know how much i enjoyed this video and how much i love the channel. Thank you so much for continuing to put out videos :D
So much respect you mentioned every single game I loved playing, growing up. Even Grandia 2. I used video games to escape the abuse and hard times that jrpgs and rpg games have taken me away from. Legend of dragoon needs a remaster and a sequel, as it holds a special place in my heart.
Lufia 2 & Vagrant Story are highly underrated and never mentioned anywhere. Secret of Evermore is definitely a hidden gem and I'm so glad he mentioned Legend of Dragoon. It's a fantastic game that definitely needs a remaster
@@ennuiarduous6446 Hi. The boon in this game is that you can make your own challenges by not using some of the game mechanics that you dont prefer much. So it is very re-playable.
I remember that it had pretty poor reviews in EGM back in the day, so I never gave it a try, but over the years, I've seen many hardcore RPG enthusiasts speak fondly about it. Maybe one day I'll get to try it.
LoD is an all time classic. Also was about to be enraged not seeing suikoden on the list until the very end, as the first 2 games are my fav jrpgs of all time and honestly flat out better games than the early final fantasy titles that they get compared to.
This is such a fantastic video! I loved every minute of reminiscing on all these awesome games that hold so much weight in my gaming journey as well. The art and music alone for so many of these games just blow me away even still.
Your energy is great! Some of my favorite RPG franchises are Star Ocean, Golden Sun, Tales, Final Fantasy, Suikoden, Breath of Fire, Dark Souls, Valkyrie Profile, Diablo, Wild Arms, Dragon Quest... a lot of the games you mentioned also.
How did I miss this video!! Grabbing my breakfast and diving in! Love your channel and respect your opinions and views on gaming so much. You have opened my eyes to so many amazing franchises and I can’t thank you enough.
Thank you Johnny!! I have been watching you for many years and it was so great to hear you finally bring up The Legend of Dragoon. It was the first RPG I ever got into when I was younger and is one of my favorite games of all time!
I love your passion for the same type of games I love and have enjoyed. Thanks for this video, reminds me of all the sweet memories I have of me and my older late older brother....miss him and those times.
Been a fan for many years and almost shed a tear because I feel this is such a wonderful video and momentous project for your channel! It brought me back and reminded me why I love RPGS so much! Loved every second of it 😊
Truth be told, I didn't agree with your list too much, but I super appreciate that you mentioned that these were your personal choices and not necessarily what you thought the set standard should be. Also, as someone who has never seen one of your videos before, you seem very genuine and likeable. Keep it up!
My childhood just flashed before my eyes. My love for RPG's started with Final Fatansy 2(4) and then I was hooked! I went Final Fantasy 3, Final Fantasy Mystic quest, Chrono trigger, Secret of Evermore, Secret of Mana and so many more! Legend of Dragoon was amazing, what a story, and I was a hugre fan of Lunar, traded my genesis and all games for the system and the game. Then went after the Sega Saturn so I could get to play Dragon Force on the system! I then imported a few games on the playstation 1, Xenogears, Final Fantasy Tactics, and Final Fantasy 7. Played and beat them all with help of online fan translation manuals! So many amazing games you covered and so many I have yet to try!
It took me a couple of days to finish this video. It is amazing how much you know, really know this RPGS. You can tell he really played and finished all those games. AWESOME video. Thank you so much for sharing it.
Hearing you mention your time with your wife playing Diablo 3 together really brought it back for me as i share the same experience. The only game i could ever get her into really but once she was hooked she wanted to play it even more than me lol!! Made my night hearing that. Cheers
great list. thanks so much for putting the time into this. I'm always looking for new recommendations and, because of that, I'm sure I will return to this video often ✌️❤️🤘
really enjoyed and appreciated the great video here- would love to have seen Suikoden included but have no problem with your choices- looking forward to getting Suikoden 1 and 2 remastered shortly
I haven’t played all the games on your list. But the ones I did… your reactions and memories are almost exactly like mine! Phantasy Star(s), Y’s, Arcadia, Oblivion, KOTOR, Lost Odyssey etc. I am right there with you! What awesome memories. Thank you!
@@supadrew932 EB's Peanuts/SouthPark vibe remains so unique to the genre for me. It was my first COVID 2020 lockdown first time playthrough & I love its battle screen/HP counter.
"I wish I could do 50..." We're not stopping you. We're ALL here for that. I'd watch it. Three times. We all love you Cheers, mate. Maybe we can see Mrs. HCG's list. And 29 years from now... HCG Jr's list!!!
Amazing episode, Johnny! One JRPG I never see mentioned that’s a favorite of mine is Defenders of Oasis on the Game Gear. Man, that game takes me back!
Your knowledge and passion for RPG/JRPGs are second to none. I always look forward to your videos and they are usually great company when I am cooking a Sunday roast! You are a bright and shinning light and a voice I have come to rely on when it comes to game recommendations. You've never steered me wrong to this day! Massive thank you
Objectively, I think the original Baldurs Gate cycle (1,2 and Throne of Bhaal) are my personal favorite RPGs. There's games with better writing, better characters, better graphics etc, but BG has the complete package in my book. That said, there is one story and title I always bring up when it comes to best RPGs: the Neverwinter Nights 2 expansion Storm of Zehir. People raise their eyebrows at this, and I completely understand why. The reason it's so close to my heart is purely personal. You see, I have a party of D&D adventurers that I've been writing stories about for most of my life, but because of some exotic character races and class conbinations I had never been able to play all of them in the same party in a video game... until SOZ. Thanks to a selection of mods, I was able to play all of them, in the same party, and as the races and classes they were supposed to be for the first time. It was a special experience for me, and one I'll always cherish.
BG2 is also very high in my list. I actually never played Neverwinter Nights because I get put off by transition to top down 3D. But I probably should play NWN2, it has to be a lot of dedication cuz I work 6 days a week, I'm mainly afraid of the amount of hours required. I also just bought Hogwarts Legacy on sale. I have to be selective about what to spend my time on.
Oh man thanks for reminding me about those legendary games and a special shout-out to divinity original sin 2, I was utterly entranced going through that game and can't wait to get round to BG3. Larion are the GOAT's
I'm sorry Witcher 3 is literally the most overhyped game ever. Its combat is terrible, Geralt is atypical loner cookie cutter uninteresting bounty hunter, and I just can't fathom how ppl like that game to this day
For my list I’d definitely have Final Fantasy Tactics, Ogre Battle 64, Golden Sun, and Valkyria Chronicles. But glad to see Star Ocean and Suikoden on the list.
Awesome video!!!! And kudos for being the first person on youtube to correctly pronounce "Lunar"... I greatly appreciate it. Great list containing a few gems that I had kinda forgotten about.
Oh man.. 1989, 10yrs old and getting a nes for my birthday.. I rip everything open, hook it up... my first game..... dragon warrior..and I hated it. My dad told me to give it a shot and try it out... and I got sucked in, so many fond memories playing that game with friends.. to this day, if I'm in a game store, and I see that cart, I can't help but smile.
Lost odyssey is for sale on the xbox market and often goes on sale for about 7$ Johnnys right this game is an incredible RPG. if you own an xbox you owe it to yourself to play this game
@@devan_danger playing Lost Odyssey on my series X w original disc(s)..w a 2024 hdmi 2.1 up to 144hz tv..w EVERY bell & whistle that either console sole can toss at it was like playing a remaster was amazing ✌️✌️✌️
Just played it for the first time last year. It was such a great story and game especially for being on the 360 which was light on JRPGS to have such a amazing game.
@@devan_danger I JUST SAW a really decent copy 14$ at a small non franchise retro gaming store in my area ..and w 3 series X's and 2 flagship TV's 2024'(I have kids lol )..it's almost like playing a remaster 👍✌️✌️✌️
You’ve brought back incredible memories with Phantasy Star! My uncle and I played each of the first four games together. We had so many hand drawn maps and notes! It was a fantastic adolescent experience!
Woo! Been saving this one for when I could truly enjoy and watch it! Such a great video, John!!! So many amazing games in here - it has me thinking of what I would put in a top 50! Truly the best genre and what’s great is everyone could do a list like this and they would be completely different! Again, great stuff as always! :)
My personal favorite RPGs I've played throughout my life: • Persona 5 Royal, Chrono Trigger, Bloodborne, FF7, FF9, Earthbound, Persona 4 Golden, Breath Of Fire 3, Omori, Secret Of Mana, Disco Elysium, Kingdom Hearts 1&2, Undertale, The Legend Of Dragoon, Dark Souls Trilogy, Mother 3, Persona 3, Wild Arms, Legend Of Legaia, Mass Effect Trilogy, Nier: Automata, Star Ocean: The Second Story, The Walking Dead, The Witcher 3 •
Thanks for this video Johnny! This had to be a ton of work! Really happy to hear your thoughts about The Legend of Dragoon. I just went through it recently and it holds really does hold up!
Chronocross was good graphically and the music was great. But the biggest issue was there was so many characters i had trouble relating. Xenogears first disc was the best rpg ever. Try it if you don’t believe. Especially if you are a mechanic maniac.
I few mentions that are my all time favorites: Shenmue 1 & 2 Vagrant Story Koudelka Valkyrie Profile!!! Vagrant Story and Valkyrie Profile constantly get snubbed over the years along with Koudelka.
@@philbarton2832 There is conflicted ideas about Shenmue being an RPG, I classify it as both RPG & a action adventure game. It has a balance of both genres combined together.
@@amandamedina2533 Really? There's no puzzles to solve, there's no turn based combat, there's no levelling up or any substantial progression of your characters strength so I'd be interested in how it's classified as an RPG. I'd say it has more fighting game mechanics than RPG with it's obvious virtua fighter similarities with the combat but overall it fits more into the narrative adventure game genre surely
@@philbarton2832 Shenmue did have puzzles just different types of puzzles like solving a riddle or solving a mystery regarding an NPC. You could upgrade Ryu’s combat styles by practicing his Judo or obtaining new scrolls that allowed him to perform new move during combat. So there are RPG elements incorporated into the game just low key and unlike most RPG’s you don’t have numbers that indicate to you the characters HP level and Attack power, but regardless it’s still incorporated into the game in a low key way. Suzuki’s vision was to make the game more immersive, almost as if you were playing an interactive movie. You didn’t just fight in this game, there were plenty of other things to do such as get a job, go to the arcade, eat food at a local restaurant etc.
@@amandamedina2533 Yeah I can see those elements are kinda RPG like, I guess because they're so minimal compared to the narrative and life sim type stuff I more lean on the narrative adventure description. The RPG genre is so fluid nowadays and hard to nail down but to me and RPG is a game with heavy character progression in terms of leveling up character stats/gear but I understand that others defy them with other elements. Either way I can confidently say that shenmue 1+2 are brilliant videogames ✌️
Hearing you speak about your experience growing up playing these beloved classic RPGs just makes me happy and while i am super much younger than you it feels surreal hearing an actual person go and buy Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest games Day 1! I would have loved to have been alive during those times! But in the end we both share our love/passion for these games!
Phantasy Star, Shining Force, Suikoden, Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest, Shin Megami Tensei, Persona, Secret of Mana, Crusader of Centy, Beyond Oasis are some of the RPGs off the top of my head that I love since they were released. ❤☘⚔🐉
@@banditkeithkingofduelmonsters it’s such a minor element though. It only has to do with your life and magic and it’s treated as an an item drop, if I recall correctly. It’s as much an rpg as the legend of Zelda.
It really isn't. Its overrated if anything. Underplayed, perhaps. Trails fans are eclipsed by many much larger franchises, but go anywhere online and it feels like everyone of them voices their opinion constantly.
@@brianwright9215 Sky 1, Cold Steel 1, the original Legend of Heroes on PC Engine CD and Nayuta. Probably won't play more until the Remaster/Remake of the Sky Trilogy releases (or somehow a Legend of Heroes 2 fan translation drops), but I still own all of Sky/Cold Steel Azure/Zero and Reverie. Have daybreak preordered too.
@@iCABALi How dare fans on things voice their support of it? It's actually overrated? Like really? That's your the best dumb ass response to Trails is underrated you can come up with?
Thanks for giving all the xeno games Justice! Absolutely loved your list! Me and my Girlfriend recently started playing dragon’s crown because of your videos ❤
I'm still baffled with all your love for classic and retro RPGS that I've nvr heard you talk about Chained Echoes! I really think you'd love it and it may even find a home on the next update for this list😁
1:04:15 *The Legend Of Dragoon* looks so good I pray they remake it or remaster it someday. I will have to check out 57:50 *Parasite Eve 1 and 2* so thanks man and hope it gets a remake or remaster one day. Also I hope 38:14 *Lost Odyssey* gets a remake or remaster as well because it looks beautiful.
Played lost oddessy at least 4 times all the way through. It was the last old school turn based game made that i enjoyed and looked incredible at the time.
FF9 was done dirty. It released at the same time as the PS2 but only on original PlayStation. That caused it to be severely under appreciated. It is absolutely a top notch RPG even by golden age standards.
This video definitely took a lot of work, I'm sure. Really appreciate your love for rpgs and just video games in general. I had my notebook out, making sure I wrote down anything that needs to be added to my list. Thank you for doing what you do!
Hey man dont listen to these replies. that man appreciates all of us and does this out of his own passion, love, and enjoyment. you never know what someone is going thru or how busy one is especially at his age. you a real one for this donation out of ur kindness
@AppleSauceYo Believe me, I'm definitely not. The thanks come in the form of more content and all the previous content, of which I've been watching for years. I don't personally do nice things for recognition, so, in my opinion, money is well spent. I look forward to the next video. 😃
@@gggtvjason exactly, we need people to understand that and humble down
@@mobileunclegaming591 it's so annoying seeing these cynical comments. I'm not sure what you do for a living, but people who work hard, especially in creative fields, often need to walk away after completing a labor intensive project. It's only been a few days. It's summer and a holiday (Canada Day). Johnny is probably spending time with his family, which is something he probably struggled to do while investing many hours in this video. People often turn off emails and notifications after a job well done. Sometimes that means you can't get their attention, even if you're trying to praise their work! He doesn't owe a pat on the head to anyone.
@@RUclips_Troll1 😆 hahaha 😆
A 75 minute HCG video?! I am absolutely going to love watching this, thanks Johnny!
and no mention of FF8. Unsubbed! j/k
I'm gonna listen to this at work a hundred times!!!!
Yes pls:))
Right? Amazing 💯
@@CheeseshredderAre you kidding? Gr ow ⬆️
This will be one of those classic videos I'll just revisit and have in the background while I'm working.
Watching it while working as we speak 👌🏿
Solid list man! 😎
My fav RPGs are
FF7, Breath of fire III, FF8, Pokemon red/blue
So glad Legend of Dragoon was on your list. Fantastic list btw. I can’t wait to try the ones I haven’t played before after this video
That is the first jrpg and one of the first ps1 games i’ve ever bought with my own money, i knew nothing about it but looking at the box and screenshots in the back i thought it looked like final fantasy 7 which i knew of because my friend had that one, i think i was in the store with my mom and birthday money was burning in my pocket or something, good times.
What an absolute treat it is to take a break from a chaotic work week to relive a bit of my childhood and reminisce about the past. Thank you, Johnny, for giving me something to look forward to!
@wil4485 as a "40 something" lifetime gamer I feel u ✌️✌️✌️
@wil4485 I guess I totally gave my age away after saying I've played beaten and owned , Y's book 1&2 on PC Engine CD ROM..I was NOT QUITE a teen lol I'll say that much 1990...lol 89' "ish" lol
I only found this channel about a year ago but I think it’s become my favorite gaming channel on RUclips. You’re such a genuine guy
I’ve got to say-I grew up during the N64 and GameCube era of video games. Then, school and life got in the way a bit. But starting again with the switch, I have developed that love for video games again. In recent years, I have discovered older games like Super Metroid, Earthbound, Mario RPG, the Castlevania series, A Link to the Past, Super Mario World, and Street Fighter 2.
I’ve also played some newer titles like Triangle Strategy, Dragon Quest 11, Metroid Dread, Mario Odyssey, Mario Wonder, and Hallow Knight.
This channel has introduced to many of the titles mentioned above. So I’m always stoked to hear your opinion on games you love!
This is the first video of yours I’ve ever seen. And it’s really nice to come across folks who are just as passionate about these kind of games as I am.
There is not a single frame you could show from Chrono Trigger that won't bring joy to anyone who has played Chrono Trigger. That game truly was a masterpiece.
I think it's the best 2D RPG ever made.
@@omegaweapon116 No contest, honestly.
the music alone sends me back to my childhood :D
I don't know but I find Chrono Cross better though.
@@Scrappy_Moo He didn't say chrono cross wasn't also a masterpiece. I love that game as well
Awesome RPG video, Johnny. In a perfect world, your channel would have over 10 million subs from all the great content HCG has provided us over the years. Thank you!!!
Agreed!
So glad this is the mysterious project you were working on. I don’t think there’s a better person qualified to talk about the top RPG’s over the decades!
This video could not have come out at a better time for me! I'm sick currently, so when I saw that John has posted over an hour long video, I made myself breakfast and watched this while laying in bed. I can honestly say I'm feeling a little better now, thank you Johnny! (And greetings from Mexico!)
Since you asked, Paper Mario the Thousand Year Door comes to my mind as my favorite RPG that unfortunately wasn't featured on this list but I completely understand. Everyone has their own taste and preferences and it was a joy and pleasure to see and listen to yours Johnny.
This was an amazing video. Excellent work on this, Johnny. All 50 of your picks were solid ones and I know that even the ones I have not played were still considered great games. It was a longer video but it could have been much longer and still held my interest.
For my Top 50, I would include Fire Emblem: Three Houses, Persona 4 Golden, Final Fantasy Tactics, the Mass Effect Trilogy, The Legend of Heroes Trails of Cold Steel saga, Baldur's Gate 3, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, Dragon Age Origins, Cyberpunk 2077, and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. If Castlevania: Symphony of the Night were to be considered an RPG, I would include that game as well.
I remember buying Phantasy Star IV with my dad in the early 90s. It cost $99 at Toys R Us (in the states). Insane prices for 1993, but remember my dad mentioning it had a bunch of special chips, and was HUGE game.
It was a 24 meg cart and had battery backup, they are the only special things about it.
Yeah, that is definitely pricy, but the game takes like 25 hours to play through, which is huge considering many games only took a couple of hours back then, so it was a great value when you consider that.
@me_mate_argyle u brought back memories I have a C.I.B Phantasy Star 2 & 3 in 1991 OG Sega genesis grid box ...never did get 4....✌️✌️✌️
PS4 was the very first RPG I played back when I was 13. I followed that up with FF Mystic Quest which was a dud and then another banger with FF6.
@@dirtyfrench2926 too funny. Mystic Quest was my first proper turn based rpg. I had played Zelda and Zelda 3 before it but MQ holds a special place in my heart.
Long time subscriber, and this channel is going from strength to strength. Loving the recent change in content whilst still being the HCG we all love
Golden sun on the GBA is one of my fav RPGS of all time.
golden sun was a amazing game I could def see it making the cut. I still need to play the next one in the series.
They recently added it to switch online! both of them
Definitely on my list as well! I have played all of them, it's a shame that the series is just laying dormant. I am hoping for a new game someday
Yup super fun rpgs, love the graphics! Have all 3 cib minty
Golden sun is goated. My childhood right there
First time watching your video, but I really love the enthusiasm and passion when you talk about the games you love. I wish I was this excited about all the games I play 😂 sometimes you forget when you hear so many people complaining
Legend of Legaia is my all time favorite RPG. The fighting mechanics and combos were so awesome. The narrative of humans being corrupted by the mist and becoming monsters is prescient, especially in this day and age.
Criminally underrated and a bit more challenging that your typical JPRG
You could dang near make an entire top 50 list with the ps1/ps2 alone
Yes. But you’d HAVE to add Xenoblade 1-3 lol
With the Sega Master System alone tbh
lol
SNES..?
@@domymbd is great but ps1/ps2 has a lot more tbh
@@kaetceXenoblade is overrated as hell
I played Earthbound for the first time this year and its aged spectacularly. So awesome to hear you talk so highly about it
Top 50! I always struggle to sort my top 10, or even top 15 without rearranging it every few weeks. Looking forward to this!
Johnny, this is my 2nd watch through of this video and i feel the need to comment on how much i love this video. Theres a few videos that i watch a couple times a year of yours, mainly the Christmas specials. I love the RPG genre and it has brough alot of happiness to my life throughout the years. I recently have gotten alot of PS1 RPGs mainly because i value your opinion on games alot as it seems we have the same taste in games. I loved going through memory lane with this video with you going through all of the old final fantasies and what not. Chrono trigger would have to be one of the tops for me and i think a replay is needed on it. I just wanted you to know how much i enjoyed this video and how much i love the channel. Thank you so much for continuing to put out videos :D
So much respect you mentioned every single game I loved playing, growing up. Even Grandia 2. I used video games to escape the abuse and hard times that jrpgs and rpg games have taken me away from. Legend of dragoon needs a remaster and a sequel, as it holds a special place in my heart.
Lufia 2 & Vagrant Story are highly underrated and never mentioned anywhere. Secret of Evermore is definitely a hidden gem and I'm so glad he mentioned Legend of Dragoon. It's a fantastic game that definitely needs a remaster
Oh, I'd always perceive Vagrant Story as way overrated ;)
Lufia 2 is one of my favorites. Such a great game. Love the puzzles and characters. Especially DEKAR!
Vagrant Story is amazing!!
@@ennuiarduous6446 Hi. The boon in this game is that you can make your own challenges by not using some of the game mechanics that you dont prefer much. So it is very re-playable.
Lufia 2 is my all time favorite. The capsule monsters hidden evolution and the secret dungeon probably burned an entire summer of my youth completing.
Legend of Dragoon, fave RPG of all time. So happy you put this in.
I remember that it had pretty poor reviews in EGM back in the day, so I never gave it a try, but over the years, I've seen many hardcore RPG enthusiasts speak fondly about it. Maybe one day I'll get to try it.
Better than ffvii
LoD is an all time classic.
Also was about to be enraged not seeing suikoden on the list until the very end, as the first 2 games are my fav jrpgs of all time and honestly flat out better games than the early final fantasy titles that they get compared to.
LoD is one of my favorite games of all time, let alone top RPG. The story building, cinematics, music, dam. Just an absolutely fantastic experience.
This is such a fantastic video! I loved every minute of reminiscing on all these awesome games that hold so much weight in my gaming journey as well. The art and music alone for so many of these games just blow me away even still.
Your energy is great!
Some of my favorite RPG franchises are Star Ocean, Golden Sun, Tales, Final Fantasy, Suikoden, Breath of Fire, Dark Souls, Valkyrie Profile, Diablo, Wild Arms, Dragon Quest... a lot of the games you mentioned also.
I really enjoyed playing Golden Sun on the GBA. Breath of Fire III on the PS was my first RPG ever. Memories!!
How did I miss this video!! Grabbing my breakfast and diving in! Love your channel and respect your opinions and views on gaming so much. You have opened my eyes to so many amazing franchises and I can’t thank you enough.
Really loved having a long episode this Sunday. Thanks Johnny!
This is definitely going on repeat. Awesome video!
Already watched it 5 times
Thank you Johnny!! I have been watching you for many years and it was so great to hear you finally bring up The Legend of Dragoon. It was the first RPG I ever got into when I was younger and is one of my favorite games of all time!
I love your passion for the same type of games I love and have enjoyed. Thanks for this video, reminds me of all the sweet memories I have of me and my older late older brother....miss him and those times.
Great stuff, Johnny. These videos give me so much nostalgia as someone who was growing up in the 90s. Rock on, man!
Been watching your channel for years Johnny, and I been waiting for a big top RPG list like this for awhile. Good Stuff!
So hyped for this. Respect for the sheer volume of work. You the man.
An hour of RPG talk with the guy who got me interested in the genre in the first place? Sounds like heaven to me!
Been a fan for many years and almost shed a tear because I feel this is such a wonderful video and momentous project for your channel! It brought me back and reminded me why I love RPGS so much! Loved every second of it 😊
Truth be told, I didn't agree with your list too much, but I super appreciate that you mentioned that these were your personal choices and not necessarily what you thought the set standard should be. Also, as someone who has never seen one of your videos before, you seem very genuine and likeable. Keep it up!
My childhood just flashed before my eyes. My love for RPG's started with Final Fatansy 2(4) and then I was hooked! I went Final Fantasy 3, Final Fantasy Mystic quest, Chrono trigger, Secret of Evermore, Secret of Mana and so many more! Legend of Dragoon was amazing, what a story, and I was a hugre fan of Lunar, traded my genesis and all games for the system and the game. Then went after the Sega Saturn so I could get to play Dragon Force on the system! I then imported a few games on the playstation 1, Xenogears, Final Fantasy Tactics, and Final Fantasy 7. Played and beat them all with help of online fan translation manuals! So many amazing games you covered and so many I have yet to try!
Now THIS is good content! Can't wait to see the games you have on this list!!
Breath of fire 3 is my favorite Breath of fire along with part 4, and I'm glad you put in Chrono Cross, it's amazing, great video.
Great video! I am a first time watcher and quite impressed with your work.
It took me a couple of days to finish this video. It is amazing how much you know, really know this RPGS. You can tell he really played and finished all those games. AWESOME video. Thank you so much for sharing it.
I could listen to Johnny talk about RPGs for hours. Hell, give us 50 more, Johnny!
Johnny I am SO glad you included Tales of Arise. I absolutely fell in love with that game. So good. Thanks for the great list!
Over an hour breaking down the greatest RPG's of all time? Can't wait to dive into this video later
You love to see it
Same hope my favorite makes the cut
Hearing you mention your time with your wife playing Diablo 3 together really brought it back for me as i share the same experience. The only game i could ever get her into really but once she was hooked she wanted to play it even more than me lol!! Made my night hearing that. Cheers
Great video Johnny, a real trip down memory lane. I just wish I had the time to go back and revisit some of these and finish them!
“Sold my entire collection for this game! Was it worth it? ……Yes!”
Somebody get Andrew on the phone for his opinion on the game 🤣 🤣 🤣
An hour long video is so awesome, thanks Johnny!
The music in the background couldn't be better. So nostalgic
great list. thanks so much for putting the time into this. I'm always looking for new recommendations and, because of that, I'm sure I will return to this video often ✌️❤️🤘
Wow. That was a truly awesome video. Thanks for spending so much time with us. I wish I had even half your capacity for remembering. 😁
Fantastic list john! Love Xenogears, Tactics Ogre, FF7 the best!
I’m 31 years old and have been watching for probably 10 years now. I couldn’t care less about RPGs but this was a great video.
Keep it up!!!
If you like wind waker there's no reason you wouldn't like action rpgs. Keep an open mind
@@postgotham he would SO devour Ys8. Pulling all nighters guaranteed!
@@postgotham Stop telling people what to like/dislike. Keep an open mind.
@@wreagfe getting highly offended at suggestions (on other's behalf) is literally the opposite of an open mind
I cherish the time I spent with Dragon Warrior. It actually came free with a subscription to Nintendo Power.
really enjoyed and appreciated the great video here- would love to have seen Suikoden included but have no problem with your choices- looking forward to getting Suikoden 1 and 2 remastered shortly
I haven’t played all the games on your list. But the ones I did… your reactions and memories are almost exactly like mine! Phantasy Star(s), Y’s, Arcadia, Oblivion, KOTOR, Lost Odyssey etc. I am right there with you! What awesome memories. Thank you!
1.DQIV...2.Earthbound...3.Chrono Trigger...4.FFVI...5.Secret of Mana
Are you in my brain?!
All games from a single 5-year window. Not saying it is a bad list but there have been a lot of great games since 1995.
@@MrDernagonThat window was peak gaming, though. Not saying newer games are bad, but damn we had it good back then.
Guys whats so special about Earthbound that it can better then Chrono Trigger ?
@@supadrew932 EB's Peanuts/SouthPark vibe remains so unique to the genre for me. It was my first COVID 2020 lockdown first time playthrough & I love its battle screen/HP counter.
"I wish I could do 50..."
We're not stopping you.
We're ALL here for that.
I'd watch it.
Three times.
We all love you
Cheers, mate.
Maybe we can see Mrs. HCG's list.
And 29 years from now... HCG Jr's list!!!
Knights of the Old Republic 1 and 2 gotta be on there. My favorite Star Wars things period. So so so so good.
Amazing episode, Johnny! One JRPG I never see mentioned that’s a favorite of mine is Defenders of Oasis on the Game Gear. Man, that game takes me back!
Your knowledge and passion for RPG/JRPGs are second to none. I always look forward to your videos and they are usually great company when I am cooking a Sunday roast! You are a bright and shinning light and a voice I have come to rely on when it comes to game recommendations. You've never steered me wrong to this day!
Massive thank you
An hour long HappyConsoleGamer episode?! YES PLEASE!
Objectively, I think the original Baldurs Gate cycle (1,2 and Throne of Bhaal) are my personal favorite RPGs. There's games with better writing, better characters, better graphics etc, but BG has the complete package in my book.
That said, there is one story and title I always bring up when it comes to best RPGs: the Neverwinter Nights 2 expansion Storm of Zehir. People raise their eyebrows at this, and I completely understand why. The reason it's so close to my heart is purely personal. You see, I have a party of D&D adventurers that I've been writing stories about for most of my life, but because of some exotic character races and class conbinations I had never been able to play all of them in the same party in a video game... until SOZ. Thanks to a selection of mods, I was able to play all of them, in the same party, and as the races and classes they were supposed to be for the first time. It was a special experience for me, and one I'll always cherish.
Baldur’s Gate 1/2 will always be my goat ❤
BG2 is also very high in my list. I actually never played Neverwinter Nights because I get put off by transition to top down 3D. But I probably should play NWN2, it has to be a lot of dedication cuz I work 6 days a week, I'm mainly afraid of the amount of hours required. I also just bought Hogwarts Legacy on sale. I have to be selective about what to spend my time on.
Oh man thanks for reminding me about those legendary games and a special shout-out to divinity original sin 2, I was utterly entranced going through that game and can't wait to get round to BG3. Larion are the GOAT's
Great list, but The Witcher 3 is sorely missed. My favorite game of all time
I guess I really need to give this one another go / fair shake.
I'm sorry
Witcher 3 is literally the most overhyped game ever. Its combat is terrible, Geralt is atypical loner cookie cutter uninteresting bounty hunter, and I just can't fathom how ppl like that game to this day
@@FalloutZombie5555 Go play shit ring
@@SpeaksYourWord thanks I do and will
@@FalloutZombie5555as a guy who loves fallout, and appreciates elden ring, i must say the witcher 3 is great game
Nailed the list bro, hit a lot of my faves.
I never had my RPG backlog completed.
Glad you’re still making videos!
Chrono Cross has the most beautiful music of any game I can think of. I listen to that sound track constantly.
For my list I’d definitely have Final Fantasy Tactics, Ogre Battle 64, Golden Sun, and Valkyria Chronicles. But glad to see Star Ocean and Suikoden on the list.
Honestly shocked Golden Sun didn’t make the list.
Same.
The music of Final Fantasy 3/6 blew my mind. The iconic opening scene with the mechs in the snow with Tera's Theme playing. Magical.
Awesome video!!!! And kudos for being the first person on youtube to correctly pronounce "Lunar"... I greatly appreciate it. Great list containing a few gems that I had kinda forgotten about.
Oh man.. 1989, 10yrs old and getting a nes for my birthday.. I rip everything open, hook it up... my first game..... dragon warrior..and I hated it. My dad told me to give it a shot and try it out... and I got sucked in, so many fond memories playing that game with friends.. to this day, if I'm in a game store, and I see that cart, I can't help but smile.
Lost odyssey is for sale on the xbox market and often goes on sale for about 7$
Johnnys right this game is an incredible RPG. if you own an xbox you owe it to yourself to play this game
I want a PC release for this game...
@@devan_danger playing Lost Odyssey on my series X w original disc(s)..w a 2024 hdmi 2.1 up to 144hz tv..w EVERY bell & whistle that either console sole can toss at it was like playing a remaster was amazing ✌️✌️✌️
Just played it for the first time last year. It was such a great story and game especially for being on the 360 which was light on JRPGS to have such a amazing game.
I played it emulated on Steam Deck. You can keep a mostly constant 40fps with minimal loading times. It feels so good to play!
@@devan_danger I JUST SAW a really decent copy 14$ at a small non franchise retro gaming store in my area ..and w 3 series X's and 2 flagship TV's 2024'(I have kids lol )..it's almost like playing a remaster 👍✌️✌️✌️
*THIS* is deserving of the Doritos and Mountain Dew!
Cool Ranch???
You’ve brought back incredible memories with Phantasy Star! My uncle and I played each of the first four games together. We had so many hand drawn maps and notes! It was a fantastic adolescent experience!
Woo! Been saving this one for when I could truly enjoy and watch it! Such a great video, John!!! So many amazing games in here - it has me thinking of what I would put in a top 50! Truly the best genre and what’s great is everyone could do a list like this and they would be completely different! Again, great stuff as always! :)
My personal favorite RPGs I've played throughout my life:
• Persona 5 Royal, Chrono Trigger, Bloodborne, FF7, FF9, Earthbound, Persona 4 Golden, Breath Of Fire 3, Omori, Secret Of Mana, Disco Elysium, Kingdom Hearts 1&2, Undertale, The Legend Of Dragoon, Dark Souls Trilogy, Mother 3, Persona 3, Wild Arms, Legend Of Legaia, Mass Effect Trilogy, Nier: Automata, Star Ocean: The Second Story, The Walking Dead, The Witcher 3 •
I'm a simple man. I see a video from Happy Console Gamer. It's 75 minutes. I'm happy.
An hour long video of HCG talking about his favorite RPGs. Thank You
Thanks for this video Johnny! This had to be a ton of work! Really happy to hear your thoughts about The Legend of Dragoon. I just went through it recently and it holds really does hold up!
Just getting around to watching this now. You're making my Friday night Johnny! Cheers!
Chronocross was good graphically and the music was great. But the biggest issue was there was so many characters i had trouble relating. Xenogears first disc was the best rpg ever. Try it if you don’t believe. Especially if you are a mechanic maniac.
Xenogears both discs are amazing
I few mentions that are my all time favorites:
Shenmue 1 & 2
Vagrant Story
Koudelka
Valkyrie Profile!!!
Vagrant Story and Valkyrie Profile constantly get snubbed over the years along with Koudelka.
Although they're great groundbreaking games I don't think the shenmue games are RPG's, they're more narrative adventure games
@@philbarton2832 There is conflicted ideas about Shenmue being an RPG, I classify it as both RPG & a action adventure game. It has a balance of both genres combined together.
@@amandamedina2533 Really? There's no puzzles to solve, there's no turn based combat, there's no levelling up or any substantial progression of your characters strength so I'd be interested in how it's classified as an RPG. I'd say it has more fighting game mechanics than RPG with it's obvious virtua fighter similarities with the combat but overall it fits more into the narrative adventure game genre surely
@@philbarton2832 Shenmue did have puzzles just different types of puzzles like solving a riddle or solving a mystery regarding an NPC. You could upgrade Ryu’s combat styles by practicing his Judo or obtaining new scrolls that allowed him to perform new move during combat. So there are RPG elements incorporated into the game just low key and unlike most RPG’s you don’t have numbers that indicate to you the characters HP level and Attack power, but regardless it’s still incorporated into the game in a low key way. Suzuki’s vision was to make the game more immersive, almost as if you were playing an interactive movie. You didn’t just fight in this game, there were plenty of other things to do such as get a job, go to the arcade, eat food at a local restaurant etc.
@@amandamedina2533 Yeah I can see those elements are kinda RPG like, I guess because they're so minimal compared to the narrative and life sim type stuff I more lean on the narrative adventure description.
The RPG genre is so fluid nowadays and hard to nail down but to me and RPG is a game with heavy character progression in terms of leveling up character stats/gear but I understand that others defy them with other elements.
Either way I can confidently say that shenmue 1+2 are brilliant videogames ✌️
Skies of Arcadia _and_ Grandia II are underrated TBH
Maybe Grandia II but Skies of Arcadia, I see brought up often on people's list.
Thank you for this video. It made my Sunday morning with coffee really enjoyable. I will definitely recommend your channel.
Hearing you speak about your experience growing up playing these beloved classic RPGs just makes me happy and while i am super much younger than you it feels surreal hearing an actual person go and buy Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest games Day 1! I would have loved to have been alive during those times! But in the end we both share our love/passion for these games!
Phantasy Star, Shining Force, Suikoden, Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest, Shin Megami Tensei, Persona, Secret of Mana, Crusader of Centy, Beyond Oasis are some of the RPGs off the top of my head that I love since they were released. ❤☘⚔🐉
Can’t argue with those games just the only o e I haven’t played was Crusader of Centy
Centy and Beyond Oasis are more action adventure than rpgs. But they are also two of the best games I’ve ever played
Love your options. Especially Shining Force. That game set me on the path of RPG lover 🥰
@@opaljk4835 Beyond Oasis does have a leveling up system so it technically is one.
@@banditkeithkingofduelmonsters it’s such a minor element though. It only has to do with your life and magic and it’s treated as an an item drop, if I recall correctly. It’s as much an rpg as the legend of Zelda.
The Trails series is so underrated
Facts! ❤️
It really isn't. Its overrated if anything. Underplayed, perhaps. Trails fans are eclipsed by many much larger franchises, but go anywhere online and it feels like everyone of them voices their opinion constantly.
@@iCABALi But have played it...😏
@@brianwright9215 Sky 1, Cold Steel 1, the original Legend of Heroes on PC Engine CD and Nayuta. Probably won't play more until the Remaster/Remake of the Sky Trilogy releases (or somehow a Legend of Heroes 2 fan translation drops), but I still own all of Sky/Cold Steel Azure/Zero and Reverie. Have daybreak preordered too.
@@iCABALi How dare fans on things voice their support of it? It's actually overrated? Like really? That's your the best dumb ass response to Trails is underrated you can come up with?
Chrono Trigger is the Princess Bride of video games. The best ever.
Thanks for giving all the xeno games Justice! Absolutely loved your list! Me and my Girlfriend recently started playing dragon’s crown because of your videos ❤
I'm still baffled with all your love for classic and retro RPGS that I've nvr heard you talk about Chained Echoes! I really think you'd love it and it may even find a home on the next update for this list😁
1:04:15 *The Legend Of Dragoon* looks so good I pray they remake it or remaster it someday.
I will have to check out 57:50 *Parasite Eve 1 and 2* so thanks man and hope it gets a remake or remaster one day.
Also I hope 38:14 *Lost Odyssey* gets a remake or remaster as well because it looks beautiful.
Played lost oddessy at least 4 times all the way through. It was the last old school turn based game made that i enjoyed and looked incredible at the time.
FF9 was done dirty. It released at the same time as the PS2 but only on original PlayStation. That caused it to be severely under appreciated. It is absolutely a top notch RPG even by golden age standards.
Best 1:15:40 of youtube.
The work you did on this video is insane! Thank you! 🙏
I thought I had passion for gaming but wow your passion for games is on another level. Love your content