why does your intro vid make me cry everytime? as a 40 yr old JRPG lover, it encapsulates my entire youth in 45 secs. lol. Anyways, video was amazing as always, cant wait to see whats next
Yeah this is definitely one I was on the verge of including, ultimately I decided not to though since I already had a couple other games with dark atmospheres and a good amount of games from the PS2. We’ll probably make a part 2 at some point though so expect to see it in that one
Shadow Hearts is high on my TDL. What about Drakengard? Not many games have a weird dark theme and Drakengard was around long before Platinum Games made Nicer mainstream. I mean some of those endings are just super weird...
Glad to see this was one of the top comments here. Shadow Hearts is vastly underrated and I'm still holding out hope that Sony will make them available again for the PS4/5 since PS2 emulation seems to be forthcoming.
Its so nice to hear a popular rpg content creator be positive to ff8, literally my favorite game ever and atmosphere is king. Story also rly helped me emotionally when i was 17 and really helped me form into an adult. Love yall, killer work once again as always
There are plenty of Final Fantasy fans who aren't big on Final Fantasy 8. And here you are, boldly declaring it as your favorite Final Fantasy. That's one of the big reasons why I'm subscribed-you're like a gaming rebel! Great job!
Not to take away the cool points I just earned lol but I wouldn’t say 8 is my overall favorite FF actually, just that it has my favorite atmosphere with 10 close behind or maybe even tied with it. In terms of my overall favorite FF, 8 has definitely risen over the years to where it’s top 3 for me now though!
Vagrant Story has incredible atmosphere! From the opening, to all the cinematics, and the sound design, right to the end, its atmosphere is totally unique. And even more amazing is how this was all the way back in 2000! Today, you could say it has a similar vibe to the Souls games, but this game came out almost 10 years *before* Demon's Souls.
Vagrant Story does have some excellent atmosphere for sure! Could definitely be fitting for a future video. I didn’t want to include it in this one though since I just talked about it in our last 8 great list video
Panzer Dragoon Saga probably has my favorite atmosphere of any JRPG (and game in general). Shadow Hearts would've been great on here too but really happy to see Skies of Arcadia make it.
You mentioned a whole lot of my favourite RPGs. Skies of Arcadia and Final Fantasy 8 make up two of my top 5 (along with Xenogears, Witcher 3, and Chrono Trigger). Particularly Xenoblade Chronicles and Xenoblade Chronicles X had exceptionally beautiful locations.
Final Fantasy VIII is not only my favorite FF game and JRPG, but also my all-time favorite game, period. It has been so since late 1999, when I was 13 years old and got my hands on a Japanese copy. I've just finished the remastered version on PC and the game hit harder than ever now that I'm almost 38. It's always nice to see some love towards the most unjustly maligned FF game, so thank you.
YES MORE FF8 FANS!! Same here with that game it did so much for me in my late teens and does even more now in my 20s. Love this game very dearly. First played the remaster when i graduated high school and felt so lost. It was a really fantastic experience and is also my favorite game full-stop
I never got to play Wild Arms 3, but you have finally convinced me to rectify this!!! Can't wait to play it after I wrap up my FF7 modded playthrough :) Thanks man
When talking about the atmosphere of Xenoblade 1, you can't forget the voices in my opinion! Such a big factor, always accompanying u during the whole game and so different from most other parties in JRPG imo
Did you add a commercial break? Your stay tuned was timed perfectly with the ad that came up. You are the first youtuber I have seen do that. Love it 👏👏👏
the .hack series also had pretty unique atmosphere, especially the first 4 games. On top of the Front Mission-esque emails and forums, the dungeons themselves feel very otherworldy.
I feel like you can do another 5 or 6 videos like this, honestly 😅 I mean that’s what a big part of JRPG love is made of, the unique atmospheres. I can easily think on another 8 games without thinking too much
Aw... Skies of Arcadia: Legends, was my most played GC game! I loved it so much that after I finished it the first time, I wrote my own guides to get 100%. I still have my printed out sheets of paper with info on what is where and how to get extras.
@@kelcast8775 I've seen a lot of RU-vidrs mention the DrakeNier games as JRPGs, hence why I thought ARPGs from Japan are just a subgenre of JRPGs. What is the difference between an ARPG made in Japan and a JRPG from your POV?
@@MikatianaRPG the lines are getting blurrier, but ARPGs are just action-adventure games (like Bayonetta, DmC, Zelda) with below-surface RPG elements. The term JRPG only exists from our perspective, as they are just traditional RPGs but made in Japan, like DQ and Octopath. And finally for my point of view: if a game is closer to DmC than to DQ, it's an ARPG.
Great list and honestly the atmosphere of your channel is definitely part of what keeps me coming back so this was a perfect topic choice IMO! I love your aesthetic and editing choices, they always manage to capture the perfect sense of wonder and whimsy that JRPGs have given me since I was a child and I can tell your love for this genre in your videos! Thanks so much!
Also I'd say Chrono Cross and Xenogears deserve to be on this list as well. Those are two of the most atmospheric games I've ever played. From the island vibes in Cross to the otherworldly advanced yet primitive world of Xenogears.
Another great video. Final fantasy 8 atmosphere its amazing really, it always makes me relaxed. I also love the atmosphere from Breath of Fire 3, though i think the music plays a large part on that as well. Both very relaxing.
Wild Arms 3 - Yes! I know they were going for a bit of "spaghetti western" flavor since the first game, but tbh the 3rd one is the only one where the environments and character designs truly have that feel to any great degree. The rest were like just a dash here or a sprinkle there(and 4 didn't have *any* of that feel at all, oddly enough). Xenoblade Chronicles - I have the Switch version. I haven't beaten it yet, but I have made it to a couple areas that absolutely blew me away. Like the swamp area. When I first got there, I thought "oh, great, a generic swamp level," and then *night fell* and I felt *all* the emotions. Then I had a repeat, only even better, when I got to the snow area. Again, just snow as far as the eye can see. And again, night fell, and my jaw dropped. The color change, and the way the golden light seems to be falling from the sky like sand. Easily one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen in a video game. Paladin's Quest - I'm glad to see this getting some love. I'd definitely have to play it in some way that allows me to speed things up nowadays(that walking speed is painfully slow), but when I was a kid it didn't bother me at all. And it really does have a unique look. The color palette really lets you know you're on an alien world, and the architecture is like nothing I've seen before or since. It definitely has its weak points, but there were a lot of interesting ideas, too, and I thoroughly enjoyed it as a kid.
Soul Sacrifice Delta for the Vita hits the Berserk-style surreal eldritch horror aesthetic perfectly. Ys 8: Lacrimosa of Dana has a bit of a generic art direction, but the music and locations makes you really feel line you are in a dangerous, dinosaur-infested, island paradise.
Another game with unique atmosphere is Nayuta Boundless Trails. Its magical like environments with scattered gears over the places always amaze me. It is one of my favorite games of all the time.
I always get so happy when I see a new video by you guys. Wild ARMs 3 is so good. I love the cell shades graphics and the music. Virginia is an amazing protagonist. And yeah dungeon interaction is always fun. Lufia 2, golden sun, wild ARMs. Valkyrie profile is another amazing game. The platforming with enemies on screen, the battle system... So good. Skies of Arcadia was so fun. Can't believe it hasn't been ported. I hope that sky Ocean wings for hire is a worthy spiritual successor.
I got a soft spot for the dreary overcast forrests of the 3D star ocean games. Even 6 nailed it right out the gate. Again, sakuraba's jams really help.
Paladin's Quest mentioned! I love it so much. For all its faults, there is nothing else quite like it. I would kill for a remake or spiritual successor to that game. I also LOVE Valkyrie Profile. What an experience that game is. Indellible.
Dude I got major goosebumps the first time I played Valkyrie Chronicles and got Brahms and he did his special move where he runs ups and yells "SPECIAL STRIKE! BLOODY CURSE!!!" and rips bloods up from the ground while uppercutting the enemies. That was so frikkin awesome.
I understand because not everyone has access to play it, but panzer dragoon saga is one of those jrpgs with amazing unique atmosphere. The music from Kobayashi is outstanding along with the art direction.
Atelier Ryza trilogy’s world is so atmospheric. 1’s is definitely through its amazing music as the locations are decent but not amazing. But that’s just the start. The locations in 2 & 3 are almost out of this world stunning. Especially at night time once the building lights are on and the trees and the jewels begin to glisten. I think I’ve spent more time capturing screen shots on Ryza 3 than actually playing it. 😅 Ryza 2 is definitely the peak though. As well as the above, its soundtrack is also top tier and so atmospheric. The various ancient ruin locations, the town, the countryside… its beauty all stands out and has amazing music to match.
I’m not gonna lie besides Eternal Mana I’ve never delved into the Atelier series much, based on what I’ve heard and seen I didn’t know if they were games for me with the bigger focus on alchemy and less on a traditional save the world plot, plus they maybe looked a little too lighthearted for my preference. But your comment has reinvigorated my interest in them a bit! Some JRPGs I just play for the atmosphere alone so if the atmosphere is that good then it may be worth looking into. Is 3 a fine entry point or is it recommended to start with the previous entries?
@@GamingBroductions 3 references 1&2 fairly often as it all plays into the overall theme of the Trilogy’s overarching story, and I believe 3 would mean a lot more story wise if you play though all of them. They’re not particularly long in the grand scheme of things and I don’t think anyone should be skipping the locations and music of 2 anyway. It almost becomes a JRPG’s interpretation of Tomb Raider at points (which is why I love 2’s locations, music and its plot tbh). 3 has equally amazing locations that are built for photo mode or just looking around, and the crafting mechanics are addictive in this trilogy (which should be the case as it’s the series’ bread and butter). Plus it was your video thumbnail that instantly made me think of Ryza 3 because of a particular area that has a very similar design in regards to the crystal like forests that light up and beautifully glisten in the night sky.
Fallen Arms made me cry with its music, both because of how beautiful and because I have so much nostalgia with this place (and every other, just valak montain not that much... Even though the song is amazing)
Man that intro never fails to reinvigorate me. Absolutely think this video deserves a couple of sequels but thanks for the shout out for Okage. Such an odd yet objectively average game at the same time. Did just enough right and different to sink its claws in my heart though. Fuck that one luck based trophy on the PS4 version but definitely one of the games I'm on the look out for physically for my PS2 at my retro store.
@@GamingBroductions Yeah, i only found out about Skies later, despitr growing up with a GameCube, but its just a fun, bright adventure, wjth air pirates
I never played it, but I feel like Panzer Dragoon Saga probably should be here, especially as a representative of that Moebius-inspired look (though I like that Paladin's Quest got in, don't get me wrong!). I'm kinda shocked Lost Odyssey and Eternal Sonata didn't make it here either, though there generally is a lesser focus on "newer" (newer than 32-bit, I mean) JRPGs on the channel I know. They're just both very unique. I mean, Lost Odyssey has that thoughtful, somber, mature vibe and the world where people can't die and how that affects their outlook on life, while the vastly underrated Eternal Sonata takes place in a dying composer's dream - that's just cool! Great selections here though for sure, and a theme that you could use for many more videos I'm sure. Always a pleasure to see what choices make it into a Gaming Broductions video.
I mean its a pretty basic answer but ff7 has some sweet atmosphere imo. Its hard to pick Nobby Umi's best work but i think all the music in there is really unified thematically and its all got this "im sad but also hopeful i guess" vibe that i really dig. As soon as you hit the sector 5 slums for the first time and that theme kicks in its like HOHHHH!!
The sad but hopeful vibes is a great way to put it. FF7 does have very strong atmosphere, I think that’s partly what helped set it apart when it first came out as it was so different than pretty much any JRPG before it
I do mention this in the video, I originally had Baten Kaitos in the list as it was one of the first I thought of but I realized I literally just included it in our last 8 great list video already and didn’t want to make two list videos in a row with the same game as I’d rather spread the love. So just kinda poor timing unfortunately. But if we make a part 2 to this it will definitely be in that one
@@GamingBroductions That's too bad, because Baten Kaitos was the game that immediately came to mind for me. Not that I would disagree with any of your actual picks though.
its criminal not to have Dragon Quest 7 here, the atmosphere of mystery and unkniwn, trying to figure out the secret behind the state of the world, its really unforgettable
God your intro gets me hyped every time. So good. Amazing list! I'm glad you guys included some titles that are available on modern consoles too. There's nothing I hate more than hearing about a certified banger stuck on a dead console I'd have fork out loads to get ahold of. SMT Nocturne and Xenoblade Chronicles are two of my favorites and definitely are peak with atmosphere. FFVIII is also a foundational game for me. It was my first exposure to RPGs and the name Final Fantasy. I'm so glad you included these all, while also giving me another reason to finally play Wild Arms and Valkyrie Profile.
Some of my favorites are E.G.G, Skies of Arcadia, Ultros, Albion (dos), Metroid Prime 2: Echoes, Jak & Daxter: PL, Journey to the Savage Planet, FF IX..
I actually just played through Jak and Daxter earlier this year for the first time in awhile, that game does have a very charming world and atmosphere for sure
I feel that numerous SaGa games fit this. SaGa Emerald Beyond alone has some weird and whacky locations. Imagine going to a desert filled with scarecrows, an ocean with pirates and a creature that can grant any wish, the inside of a human body, and a capital city during a presidential election, all in the same game.
@MSDGAMEZ Graphically on the field, it's nothing special. Similar to SaGa Scarlet Grace in that aspect. It shines in battles and content. Battles are simple to understand, but are very tactical in nature. Attacks move you forward and back on the timeline, and there are counters, interrupts, pursuits (instantly taking a turn after an enemy), chains (same thing as pursuit but for allies), and a ton of status effects to manipulate the timeline and hinder your enemies. You can clear a region in one playthrough, and the next time you come through (outside of mandatory starter areas for the characters), it will have changed. An example using ocean pirate world. First time you come through, it gives you things to do in a certain pattern. 2nd time through, you're given a choice in the beginning that completely changes how the region plays out. This results in new story for the region, and potentially (depending on how you do things) a new party member.
The aesthetic of Lennus/Paladin’s Queat is super cool, never heard of it before but was a 100% sold when I heard the art style was influenced by Moebius. Great rec.
I wouldn’t say it’s an amazing game but yeah it’s got a super unique art style that alone makes it worth checking out, it feels very different than most other 16 bit RPGs
Great video. 👌 NieR Gestalt/Replicant and Koudelka would definitely be on my list. Nice to see that you mentioned Okage. Not the best JRPG ever made but the music & visuals absolutely justify a place on the list.
Come on! Why couldn't you transition from finding the town of Joly Rodgers in Wild Arms 3 into Skyes of Arcadia? This is a missed opportunity I feel... Other than that, cool list, Makes me want to replay some of those
Wow, someone mentioned Paladin's Quest and didn't diss it and actually had nice things to say about it? Everybody craps on that game but I always enjoyed it.
Kind of shocked a few games are missing from this list. You need a part two lol Chrono cross, legend of dragoon, final fantasy 9 over 8 for sure, and grandia 1 just to name a few.
Junction system in FF8 gets better with age of the player IMO. As a kid, none of it made sense to me; but, as an adult, I have found it way more strategic and fun (particularly to break wide open wayyyy early on)
@0:38 "...or bright and cheery" *shows Fragile Dreams* 👁️👄👁️ -- Rather than atmosphere, I'd say that FF8 has an unique 'setting' instead. A fusion-fantasy military academy setting. FF7, FF9, and FFX each had more cohesive atmosphere but less unique settings than FF8. But if we're focussing on uniqueness, then what about Earthbound...? And are The World Ends With You, the Etrian Odyssey series, and Legend of Mana considered outside the purview of JRPGs? They admittedly do lean more towards action-RPG or dungeon crawlers, I suppose. -- That said, this is a pretty great list. Got some new discoveries to look into from it. Thanks for the recs! 🙏 (And thanks for including music credits, too.)
Incredible list. Haven’t played a couple of them but definitely get their listing. I’d toss Resonance of Fate and Front Mission 3 on the list of games with cool/unique atmospheres.
Dude, if you do another one of these vids you should mention the 7th saga on snes for a 16 bit choice. That game is all atmosphere, from the world to the music it's still one of my favorites.
What you said about the villains in Xenoblade 1 is true, and this is a thing I love about Xenoblade 2, the villains in this game are the best in my opnion It is sad I almost don't remember the villains in Xenogears.. it was confusing for me, but I remember I got really impressed with ID. I hope someday I will replay Xenogears and fully understand its story
You should check out Folklore for the PS3. It's one of the most unique looking games out there. And it's a damn good game with a really unique fantasy noire style.
@@GamingBroductions100% and I think most of your subscribers enjoy when they learn about a game like this that they have maybe never heard of. Maybe a "Top 8 JRPG's you probably didn't play" video is due.
Oh I love Chrono Cross and it definitely would be fitting here, it’s maybe my favorite video game atmosphere ever, I just feel like I’ve talked about it in a lot of videos recently and wanted to show some love to other titles instead. I was torn between either including CC or FF8 for a ps1 squaresoft title but I’ve talked about CC even more in comparison and have talked about it more recently in one of our 8 great format videos
4:23 i feel it, i discovered last month my old games 30 of them are like this and some of them where the cd is even stuck on the plastic box and the book is stuck too on cd. Fucking heavy rain and cave storage
Man wild arms 3 looks so good even today. I never got far in it. The only one I've beaten is Wild arms 4 and currently playing the fifth one. Satori marsh in xenoblade is so beautiful and so is Uraya in XC2. I would have included Megaman legends 1 with Cattlelox island and it's massive interconnected dungeons and FF7 Rebirth and even Ar tonelico 1 or 2
Lol that’s funny I actually reference this in the video before this one about people always asking about where the shot of the girl’s eye is from. That shot is from Xenogears and the night city is from the movie Akira
