Top 10 RPGs for Genre Newcomers

9. Shining Force

Much like MMOs, most Strategy RPGs are difficult to recommend to a gamer that doesn't have much experience with RPGs. Many games of the genre require a firm understanding of the game's unique mechanics, as well tactical knowledge and understanding of certain RPG genre standards. While more modern SRPGs have worked to ease the barrier of entry for new players, this RPG sub-genre is still daunting to newcomers.

Which makes it odd, then, that one of the best recommendations for SRPGs is one of the oldest to be considered an 'SRPG' around. Shining Force was released on the Sega Genesis way back in 1993 (1992 in Japan), and was Sega's solution to Nintendo's Fire Emblem and Famicom Wars series. Whether intentional or not, Shining Force is far more accessible than its direct competitors, making this retro game a great launching point into the murky depths of the subgenre.

For starters, Shining Force does not have permadeath (which is if a character dies, they're gone for good). Reviving characters is as easy as going to the church in between maps and paying a fee to resurrect them. Should the main character fall in battle and you lost the map, you won't go home empty-handed, either: While you will lose items you've used in the battle, you'll be able to keep your levels and gold from the skirmish, making the next time you fight easier and the sting of defeat that much less painful.

Being a Genesis title, there are some rather archaic design choices that may annoy a player, including some obscure acronyms to save memory space and difficulties with inventory management, but overall it's quite easy to get to and see this SRPG to its end. Shining Force has also been re-released in collections and distribution services like the Wii Virtual Console and Steam, making it a cheap and easy find.