Good retro JRPG for somebody who has never played before

[Bakuma1997]

Honestly, I am amazed that no one here has suggested the first Final Fantasy game. The NES version is very glitchy, but you can find great rom hacks that fix that, or you could play the GBA version. It's super simple, super traditional, not too long or hard. I wasn't really into JRPGs up until I played this game.

The Hasted + Restored combo made the game a godsend

 

[Azuris]

I have never properly played a JRPG and would really like to try and give them a fair chance. What would be a good one to start with that would help me break in to the genre without being overwhelming?

My preferences (not absolute):

• Retro title for NES/SNES ideally
• Do not want to play any of the Mario RPGs as my understanding is that those are pretty different than the average JRPG, and I am looking for something pretty traditional
• Shorter playtime
• Not insanely difficult
• Good for learning the standard JRPG mechanics and turn based combat
• Really value a great story (one of the reasons I am interested)

Hope that is all reasonable.

Thanks so much!

Take Final Fantasy IV (the DS Version is the hardest, there are easier ones out there).

If you want it very basic, Final Fantasy 1 on the GBA, it is easier as other Versions and has many modern Optimizations.
With it you can learn the basic Stuff very good.

 

[thanonyx]

Don't sleep on Breath of Fire 1 and 2

 

[CG4R12I4N]

The only choice is either Chrono Trigger, Mystic Quest or Live A Live really. Others are kinda way too long or too old school for newbies to get into (DQ1-3, Earthbound/Mother 2).

 

[FateLanegod]

This: https://retrogametalk.com/repository/snes-rom/star-ocean-english-patched/

I began to love JRPG only after it.
There might be elliptic difficulty curve, but you may read guides and walkthrough on hard parts and it should be piece of cake.

Somebody finds battle system complex, but once you level up and get proper gear, AI companions provide a great help.

Anyway, it is just interesting and you eager to figure out what’s next, and I think this is just one of the best and unpredictable stories among other games of that era.

 

[TerrySaw]

Just wanted to say I am well into Chronotrigger and when I got to the trial scene and realized what was going on I was just shouting "Noooo" out loud. Having a great time. Thanks for the suggestion!