A JRPG for me? Turn based and fancy free?

[ElderGnome]

Hello all.

OK - so I'm trying to find a JRPG that I'll enjoy. Full disclosure - I usually like isometric turn-based games. I think Temple of Elemental Evil and Baldur's Gate 2, Arcanum, etc - that was the golden age of computer games. I like some grid based games as well. Grew up on the SSI Gold Box stuff.

What I don't like in most JRPGs:
1) Really mazelike dungeons easy to get lost in with no automap. Hate that.
2) Tons of random encounters in said mazelike dungeons, a constant grind.

What would be one of the least mazelike, least grindy JRPGs for me to try on Steam? Turn based only, no action at all.

 

[Falksi]

Is Final Fantasy X available on it? Turn based, very few dungeons which will tax you because of their layout, and a great game too.

Last Remnant is another good option. Slightly more"Mazey", but still nothing major.

And Phantasy Star 4 on emulator. Again has "mazey" elements, but nothing which will bother you too much.

 

[Hexprone]

Trails in the Sky has visible enemies you can avoid, and you can run from any non-boss battle. There's an isometric view similar to the Infinity games and turn-based combat on a tactical grid (not that the combat really requires much in the way of tactics, but it is on a grid!). The game is also very charming.

FFX has its good points -- and a ton of random encounters. It's been announced for Steam but isn't yet available.

 

[Wisdom]

I just called to say how much I love the title.

 

[ElderGnome]

Thanks all. I might start out with Trails in the Sky since it's sitting in my Steam library and I don't recall when I got it.

 

[rune_74]

Thanks all. I might start out with Trails in the Sky since it's sitting in my Steam library and I don't recall when I got it.

I have played quite a way in that…I like it.

 

[joxer]

Valkyria Chronicles.

Turn based, fancy free, no grinding, achievements grant you actual ingame rewards.

 

[Aubrielle]

Trails in the Sky was the first to spring to mind, but I have to second Joxer's suggestion for Valkyria Chronicles. If you don't mind emulators, I'd also highly recommend Chrono Trigger…and Fire Emblem: Awakening, if you have a 3DS.

 

[Elel]

Seconding Trails in the Sky.

Trails in the Sky has visible enemies you can avoid, and you can run from any non-boss battle. There's an isometric view similar to the Infinity games and turn-based combat on a tactical grid (not that the combat really requires much in the way of tactics, but it is on a grid!). The game is also very charming.

And no grinding It will help to know that XP you get from enemies scales. If you're low on it you'll get a lot more than otherwise, so there's no need to force yourself to play random encounters just to earn more XP.

 

[ElderGnome]

Trails is sounding like a winner. I also noticed that I kind of liked (and got significantly through) Celestian Tales: Old North, so I might pick that one up again too!

 

[Carnifex]

You cannot go wrong with Trails or Valkyria, imo. Even if you don't really like jrpg's, as long as you enjoy turn based games, these two should satisfy.