NEWS
5. Final Fantasy VI
Final Fantasy VI
Why it’s good for beginners: This is a good
spot to jump into RPG gaming in general, but it’s a really great place to get
on board the Final Fantasy series. It’s got great visuals for a SNES-era game
and a story that moves along nicely without any monotonous or overly difficult
moments. If you like Final Fantasy VI, continue on to Final Fantasy VII as
well. It’s also an incredible game, even though the blocky polygon graphics
don’t really hold up these days.
How to play it: It’s available for iPhone
and Android, but like most mobile ports, it’s not a great version of the game.
The best way to get it would be to download it from the PlayStation Network for
the PS3 or for the Virtual Console on the Wii.
6. Super Mario
Super Mario
Why it’s good for beginners: Super Mario
RPG tricks you by skinning a traditional role-playing game from a company like
Square (who also produce the Final Fantasy series) with characters and settings
from the Mario franchise.
How to play it: Other than dusting off your
old SNES, the only way to get your hands on Super Mario RPG: Legend of the
Seven Stars is on the Virtual Console on Wii.
7. Pokémon
Pokémon
Why it’s good for beginners: All the games
of this list are here because they’re really easy to understand and to just
pick up and start playing, but the Pokémon games are by far the most
accessible. They’re aimed at slightly younger audiences, so don’t expect a
gripping story or anything, but there’s something about collecting animals and
then making them fight each other that is really addictive.
How to play it: If you’re a purist, you’ll
find an old Game Boy and Pokémon Red or Blue cartridge and start there. If
you’re looking for something a little more contemporary, the recent remakes of
Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire are very fun.
8. Skies of Arcadia
Skies of Arcadia
Why it’s good for beginners: The story
isn’t going to be all that appealing for newcomers to the genre, since it’s the
sort of run-of-the-mill adventure quest to save the world that you see in every
JRPG (although it does have a steampunk flair, which is something little
different, I guess.) The nice part is that it’s a stand-alone experience (as
opposed to a single game in a long series) with really fun and intuitive
gameplay. It’s also really great at rewarding players regularly, which will
keep most players interested right up until the very end.
How to play it: This one is kind of a
challenge. You could always find an old Dreamcast and an original copy of the
game on eBay, but that’s a lot of work. There was a remake released for
GameCube as Skies of Arcadia Legends, but even that may be a little tough to get
your hands on.