PSP RPG. Which to Play?

[rein]

I wanted to start a hand held RPG this weekend and I put more effort into trying to decide which one to play vs actually playing one. I was going to buy Star Ocean: First Departure but one thing that annoys me about those games is the recruiting system. I hate it when some character block others from joining or requiring characters for additional characters to join. Honestly, I doubt I play through a second time unless there is a very compelling reason to do so.

I currently own TotW: Radiant Mythology, FF Crisis Core and some older PSP RPGs I have not finished. I also have a few DS titles, DQ IV, Heroes of Mana and Children of Mana but I would prefer to not start an RPG on the DS right now.

Can anyone recommend a good PSP RPG or should I load up Disgaea and start that? I have a crap ton of games I have barely started on the PSP and DS. I have gaming ADD pretty badly but much more so on hand held systems. Nothing like setting a game down and not picking it up for a few weeks. I'm willing to purchase a new game if it is something that will hold my interest.

[J Arcane]

D&D Tactics is a bit clunky, but decent enough.

Monster Hunter's fun, but more fun online with a full party.

The JRPG stuff however, tends to be even worse than JRPGs usually are, some seriously mediocre shit.

[Purple Santa]

Wild Arms XF. If you like SRPG. Gorvi is loving it...I think he mentioned he's at the 45th hour in the game. More typical RPG Brave Story New Traveler.

Where is Gorvi...he will have a long list to recommend...

[Gorvi]

Wild Arms XF. If you like SRPG. Gorvi is loving it...I think he mentioned he's at the 45th hour in the game. More typical RPG Brave Story New Traveler.

Where is Gorvi...he will have a long list to recommend...
I'm at about hour 55 into Wild ARMs now. Yeah, I love it. :) It got a really bad rep from reviewers for some reason, but it's the most original SRPG I've played in years. You don't just overpower enemies, you have to use actual strategy. The game is very long, I have probably 10 hours to go or so, and there really are no sidequests, but the story is pretty good and keeps you interested. My only complaint is that class progression isn't nearly as fast as I'd like. As far as I am into the game, each character has only mastered 2 out of the 20 classes, and I'd be shocked if they got more than one more class finished before the game is over.

Brave Story was good, but there's better out there. The story is pretty much a throw away, not awful but nothing that you'll actually care about. Think of your standard PS1 FF clone and that's basically what it is. It's short, though, I think I finished it in about 25 hours.

Really, though, if you haven't played Disgaea and you have it, play that. Or Jeanne d'Arc. I'm getting ready to play Star Ocean myself (picked it up with LBP) once I finish Wild ARMs.

[rein]

Thanks for the advice all...

I have Disgaea 1 & 2 on the PS2 and the PSP version of Disgaea and I have yet to beat any of them. I'm a loser. :o I'm going to start the PSP version again tonight (for the 3rd time). I also have Jeanne d'Arc and I can't remember why I stopped playing it.

Keep the suggestion coming because I am going to work toward starting a traditional RPG some time later this week.

[harle]

I bought Wild Arms 1 on the PSN Store for $5.99 and love it so far. A good old fashioned JRPG, if that is what you are looking for. :)

[rein]

I bought Wild Arms 1 on the PSN Store for $5.99 and love it so far. A good old fashioned JRPG, if that is what you are looking for. :)
I remember playing that on the PS and liking it but now you have reminded me of the PS (and PS2) rpgs I never finished. :)

This is a good example of what my problem is. I was prepared to go out and buy Star Ocean: First Departure this weekend and I have so many rpgs that I have not finished and some I have not even started. What the hell is wrong with me? :o

[EWolfmanD]

I'm pretty much the same way as you, rein. In fact, I've started and stopped almost every game you just mentioned. :p

I'm going to try to actually make some progress and hopefully beat a few handheld games this week because I'm going to have to lie around and do nothing for a few days after having minor surgery tomorrow. Hopefully I'll at least feel like gaming some.

You really can't go wrong with any of the suggestions though. Just pick something and play. :D

[Chris_D]

FF: CC is definitely the premier non strategy JRPG on the PSP at the moment. For me it's a better FF7 than FF7 was. A must play for FF fans.

[Seconds Out]

Brave Story was OK. I'd recommend it if you can pick it up on the cheap. FF:CC is definately the best RPG on the system. Might even give God of War a run for its money for best game on the PSP overall.

[Purple Santa]

I bought Wild Arms 1 on the PSN Store for $5.99 and love it so far. A good old fashioned JRPG, if that is what you are looking for. :)

I need to play that. I've only played the PSP Wild Arms and I know that's different from the rest of the series (although I am with Gorvi on the amount of enjoyment is in XF). Maybe over winter break...

@Rein: It sounds like you have some of the better RPGs already. I know you are looking for just a non strategy RPG...I still say Brave Story although I agree with the criticisms on of the game. It's nothing special...but that's like a number of RPGs on PSP. Generic but if you have an RPG itch to scratch...it's worth seeking out since I believe you can find it cheap.

[Gorvi]

Wild ARMs XF is the first WA game I've ever seriously played. I put maybe 10 hours into the first one a few years back, but never got around to getting any further. I still have 1-3 sitting on the shelf, and really, my love for XF has made me really want to put some time in with 3.

[Purple Santa]

I've been told to start with 3 also. It's the western theme that has me wanting to play them. I just find it hard to find time to play a RPG on a console.

Glad you really enjoyed WA XF...when I played it I thought it was something you might like to play.