Big in Japan – JRPG July PlayStation Recommendations
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PS4, PS3, PSP, Vita
Over on the PlayStation Store Sony have just kicked off their ‘Big in Japan’ sale, which coincides nicely with the JRPG July event that we here at Player2 are participating in. While the sale features Japanese developed games from a variety of genres, we thought we’d get the Player2 crew to share some of their JRPG recommendations from the sale so readers can participate in the event and save a few bucks at the same time!
Note: All prices are in $AU and current at time of posting. The sale ends on the 20th of July, 2017.
- Final Fantasy VII (PS4, PS3, PSP, Vita)
- Price – $7.55 – $11.95
Stephen Says: “This game has probably had the biggest impact on the genre for good and bad. It was my first JRPG and a good starting point for anybody looking to get into these types of games. Go with the PS4 version if possible as it is more refined compared to the PAL PSX version that the other systems are emulating.”
Paul Says: ” If you’re already sick and tired of waiting for the FFVII Remake I don’t blame you, but why not pick up the port of the original to fill in the gap? PS4 is the best place to pick it up but should you not own a PS4, then the PS1 Classic versions on PS3, Vita and PSP will still suffice.”
- I Am Setsuna (PS4)
- Price – $29.95
Jenn Says: “This JRPG brings back everything we loved about retro role-playing games, complete with turn-based combat and a lush graphical backdrop.”
Paul Says: “Love Chrono Trigger? Then this is about the closest you’ll get to a new game in that franchise for quite some time. Add gorgeous visuals and enchanting score and you’re in a good time!”
- World of Final Fantasy (PS4, Vita)
- Price – $24.95 – $39.95
Jenn Says: “Combines the characters we know from FF games with a new storyline and adorable chibi characters!”
- Final Fantasy X-X2 Remaster (PS4, PS3, Vita)
- Price – $24.95 – $30.95
Jenn Says: “It’s Final Fantasy and it’s remastered and it’s on sale. Do it.”
Stephen Says: “A well-loved entry in the series, this is a solid place to start for people who can’t bear going back to PSX era visuals.”
Paul Says: “A high quality remaster of a pair of high quality games. The sphere-grid system is one of the coolest aspects of any Final Fantasy gaming granting depth to progression that few games have ever equalled while the characters plights will have you gripped throughout.”
- Rogue Galaxy (PS4)
- Price – $8.95
Stephen says: “The PS2 swansong for developer Level 5, this ambitious game sprawls across multiple planets and contains numerous sidequests and mini-games to keep even the most avid JRPG fan busy for hours on end.”
- Trails of Cold Steel Part 1 (PS3, Vita)
- Price – $12.95 – $19.45
Stephen says: “Look out for my deep dive on this in the coming weeks – this is one of my all-time favourite JRPGS ever and a steal at this price. While I prefer the portability of the Vita version, the PS3 does edge it out in terms of frame rate and resolution. Cross-save is available for those looking to double dip!”
- Persona 5 (PS4, PS3)
- Price – $49.95 – $84.95
Stephen says: “Stylish, modern and 100 hours plus – what more can a JRPG fan in 2017 ask for? With the price a bit steep, those on a budget can grab Persona 3:FES on the PS3 for $7.55”
- Final Fantasy IX (PS3, PSP, Vita)
- Price – $7.55
Paul says: “Final Fantasy IX is the pinnacle of what the JRPG can be. It merges the best aspects of the franchises history, whilst also tosses in some truly emotive storytelling, rivetting characters, top-line turn-based combat and exciting sub-quests. Consequently Final Fantasy IX ends up being the greatest game ever made”
Stephen says: “Its late release (3 months after the PS2 launched) make this the most refined PSX Final Fantasy entry which also hews closest to the series’ origins. Visually, the deformed chibi-style characters are also the easiest to return to 17 years after the fact.”
- “Tales of” Franchise (PS4, PS3, Vita)
- Price – $5.95 – $47.95
Paul Says: “Tales is one of the truly great JRPG franchises, and Namco have done an exceptional job in making most of them available on modern systems. From the brand new titles like Tales of Berseria right through to the pinnacle of the franchise in Tales of Symphonia there’s countless hundreds of hours of value in the Tales franchise, and much of it is available in this sale!”
So there you have it folks – pick up a bargain today and join the Player2 crew as we journey through JRPG July together!
