Persona originally started out as a spin-off to the already successful Shin Megami Tensei (SMT) series, but Persona arguably has become even more popular than the original. Developed by ATLUS, the SMT and Persona series are both well received all over the world. While I have never played the first two Persona games, I have played P3 and P4, and the latter takes the cake as my favorite. It has everything that you could ever want from a JRPG; endearing characters, exceptional story, turn-based combat, top-tier soundtrack, long playthroughs, and even longer dialogue scenes. I spent over 70 hours on one run, and I didn't even grind as much as I had to. Just like many other JRPGs, it also has New Game +, so it extends its replayability even more. It is so good that it was remade for the PSVita, and probably helped with the Vita's lackluster sales. There are also two anime adaptations, one for the original game and another for the remake. This series is a must play for fans of anime and JRPGs alike, and if you stick with it, you will be in for one hell of a ride. P4 will be my most loved, and hopefully the upcoming sequel won't disappoint either.
If P4 is my favorite Eastern RPG, then DA;O is my favorite Western RPG. Bioware truly made a masterpiece with this game, combining old-school elements reminiscent of classics such as Baldur's Gate and Newerwinter Nights, with modern graphics and ingenuity. DA:O features a well-rounded cast of suberbly voice acted characters, with each unique personalities and goals. The story is also very well executed, and puts your character in the shoes of the last hope for the people living in Bioware's world of Thedas. The game also offers moral choices throughout the story that will affect the outcomes of many of events in the game. However, the best feature is seeing your choices affect the sequels Dragon Age 2, and Dragon Age Inquisition. Having the characters in the most recent game, Inquisition, talk about my exploits and adventures in the previous games makes for a truly unforgettable experience, one that not everyone who played the games would share. Even seeing the character I made in the second game physically appear in Inquisition was surreal, and harkoned back to the nostalgic days of playing the originals. If you're still a fan of RPGs, but not of anime, then I recommend Dragon Age: Origins, for it will fill all your needs as one of the best RPGs of today.
