“New Game Plus” is a video game mode that allows the player to start a new game after they finish the game at least once.  Although the player starts a new game this new mode allows players to retain some aspects of their previously completed game.  Whether it be experience points, statistics, items, or relationships with other NPCs all of these elements affects the newly started game.  Throughout the years New Game+ has also been called “Replay Mode”, “Challenge Mode” or “New Game Ex”.

Whenever I hear about a game with a “New Game+” feature it makes me happy for numerous reasons.  The description basically tells me that the game has increased replay value and that it “should” be fun enough to play 2 or 3 times.  The developer HAS thought of a 2nd play through in mind so that’s always a great sign.

I took the liberty of compiling a list of games that have great ‘NEW GAME +” modes.

The first game that comes to mind when I hear “NG+” is Squaresoft’s masterpiece,

Chrono Trigger (SNES).

Chrono Trigger is the epitome of new game PLUS. With 13 different endings and an engrossing storyline it was HARD not to try out the new game+. The game was amazing by itself but the NG+ mode just made it legendary.

Chrono Cross (PSX)

It would only make sense the indirect sequel to Chrono Trigger would have a great new game plus mode as well.  I believe it was an item called the “Time Egg” which allowed you to even speed up or slow down the game!

(Spoliers, notice the “Fast Forward Option displayed throughout the game”)

The World Ends With You (DS)

This was a fantastic game that grabbed me and didn’t let go.  After I beat the game I was amazed to find out that it had a New Game + mode.  Well, it wasn’t EXACTLY a new game + mode but after completing the game, the player can return to any day in the story and play those events again, keeping the characters’ current statistics and inventory.  The point of this continuation was for players to gather “Secret Reports”, written segments that reveal background elements of the story, can be unlocked through this mode by completing specific missions during each day.  Completing the game allows the player to access “Another Day” from the game’s menus, an additional day of missions that explains certain events related to the main storyline.  It was a great way to fill in any plot holes and extend the already amazing game.

Metal Gear Solid Series
The Metal Gear Solid has always had tradition NG+ modes.  Although if you met certain characteristics you could unlocked secret weapons and cloak suits that would make the next play through SO much fun.

Here is a small compilation of games I thought have GREAT “New Game +” modes.  What did you think?

Did I miss any good ones?  Do you like new game + mode?

It seems like every other week there’s a new story about a gamer proposing to their girlfriend through a video game. Usually this just involves a message spelled out using a built-in level editor, but “TheRealPfhreak” on YouTube gets bonus points for actually hacking a Super Nintendo classic and working his message into the full game. According to the future nerd-groom:

“On October 17, 2008, I proposed to my (now) fiance. Originally I wanted to return to the site of our first date, Mount Baker, near Bellingham, Washington. Sadly, there was no discrete way to get her out there. So I turned to the next best thing, digitally recreating the mountain!”But why stop there? I figured I’d try and recreate many of our other favorite memories — stargazing, dancing, even her favorite song lyrics (from the Princess Bride). I’m a college student who is studying Computer Science, and I wanted to do something unique that used my talents, so I did some research on rom hacking, as she was playing through Chrono Trigger.”

Apparently, his girlfriend was convinced these were just bizarre coincidences right up until the part where her full name was displayed along with “Will you marry me?” She said “yes,” but only after noting that her husband-to-be was a “huge nerd.” The actual proposal is around the 6:20 mark if you want to skip straight to the key point. Okay, all together now: Awwwwwwwww.

This is a 1UP.COM article,

the original can be foudn here:

http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3170934

My TOP 10 RPGs List

If you have played any of these games then you’ll agree that these games are truly in a league of their own. If you haven’t, then please read on and you’ll see exactly why they are the best!

(Please note that if there was a series of games, ie. Final Fantasy, Zelda, I choose the best one from the series.)

#10. Lost Odyssey

Lost Odyssey is a classically styled RPG from Final Fantasy creator Hironobu Sakaguchi. The game has amazing visuals and the cinematic cut scenes are top notch. When you first pick up the game it immediately feels like one of those old school RPGs. It has interesting characters (Kaim) and the gameplay systems have been tweaked enough to be enjoyable. The composite magic system and reflex-based ring attacks are pretty fun in execution. Spanning across 4 DVDs, Lost Odyssey is a truly epic tale and a wonderful edition to the RPG world.

Here is the US Extended TV Advertisement Commercial for Lost Odyssey

#9. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (Zelda 64)

Out of all the Zelda games, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time still holds the top spot in my heart. I will argue that Z64 is one of the best games that Nintendo has ever released (actually Smash Brothers kind of kills that argument). While maintaining an old-school feel the game still manages to introduce new elements of gameplay & story telling. The switch from 2D to 3D was seamless and the game creates many memorable gaming moments. Remember rescuing Epona and riding around for the first time? Remember the Hardest Temple in existence: The Water Temple?  Not only did Link have to save the Princess but he had to master time, get the master sword, rescue 7 maidens, and save 2 worlds! Z64 is hands down the best Adventure RPG for the N64.

#8. Kingdom Hearts

Kingdom Hearts is an action RPG that I’ll never forget. The game was a wonderful fusion of Disney’s animated characters and warriors from the Final Fantasy Universe. Although this was a slight deviation from Squaresoft’s traditional RPG, it was a change for the better. Kingdom Hearts had an unforgettable cast and it was very comfortable to get lost in its enthralling story. The game also had an astounding musical score featuring a track from acclaimed Japanese pop star, Utada Hikaru. The main protagonist, Sora fights the forces of evil and searches for his lost friends. He is backed up by Donald, Goofy and many other Disney characters. Once you see Disney characters run around and kicking ass it will forever be etched into your mind.

Here is the intro to Kingdom Hearts:

#7. Fallout 2

Taking place in a post-apocalyptic wasteland, Fallout 2 delivered a gaming experience that was unique to gamers. The player had to save their primitive tribe from starvation by finding an ancient environmental restoration machine known as the G.E.C.K: “Garden of Eden Creation Kit”. Most of the fun came from recruiting new characters and leveling up your characters skills, traits and perks. Remember duking it out with Enclave Patrols?? Fallout2 without a doubt influenced many of the squad based shooters made today.

#6. Star Wars: Knights of The Old Republic

This game takes me back to the good old D&D days. The game perfectly integrated Star Wars lore into the gameplay and style of each character. The player would take control of a soldier in a war against Darth Malak. Malak was an evil Sith-Lord that you have to fight later. KOTOR was awesome because the game allowed you to shape and mold your character. Depending on your actions throughout the game you could either be a good or evil character. It was cool to actually endure the Jedi trials and become a Jedi (I was a Guardian)! The gameplay was very satisfying and although it wasn’t anything revolutionary it was a solid system. It was also very satisfying to play the game over and be complete evil. Why is shooting lighting from your finger tips so fun?

#5. Suikoden 2

Suikoden 2 is a masterfully created game that introduced large scale confrontations in into traditional RPGs. Your average RPG would have 5 -10 characters but Suikoden 2 had 108 characters…that’s right 108. As a bearer of one of the 27 true Runes the main character would travel around the world search for allies, weaponry and information. Suikoden II is extremely rare and it’s impossible to find a copy. It is probably the most valuable game for the PlayStation with its price ranging from $100 to $250 on ebay.

#4. Persona 3

Although labeled as #3 in the series, Shin Megami Tensei: Persona , is actually the fourth game in the Persona Series. Atlus Co. really perfected its RPG formal by its fourth rendition of its Persona Series. Persona 3 sets itself apart from other RPGs by adding numerous additional elements. They added a social simulation where players can choose their friends and progress through high school. They also added an interesting Persona (demons who fight for you) mixing system. As you make friends and create school drama, your characters grows and becomes stronger. Every decision you make affects certain aspects of the game. The traditional turn based fighting is directly related to the friends and decisions you make in school.

As a member of a special task force, you spend most of your nights kicking Demon ass. When you wake up, you go to school like any other high schooler. With a slick anime style and Jpop music Persona 3 is a fun experience that everyone should enjoy. Persona 3 was considered to be rare and went for around $80 on ebay. However Atlus has been kind enough to release an upgraded Persona 3 bundle called, “Persona 3 FES”. Its $30 and if you haven’t played the game before I definitely recommend picking it up.

Persona 3 Intro Movie:

#3. Final Fantasy 3 (6 in Japan)

Of all the Final Fantasy games I like Final Fantasy 3 (or 6 if you use the weird Japanese counting conventions) the best. FF3 takes place in a steampunk universe where machines clash against magic. An evil empire holds the world in its grasps as a small ragtag team of rebels try to fight for freedom (wow that sounds a lot like star wars). The empire discovers a special young lady who has the ability to wield magic. The rebels rescue her from the empire and our adventures begin. Who is she? Why can she use magic? Can she turn the tides of the war?

FF3 is a turn based RPG with each character having unique abilities. For example: Edgar had the options to use TOOLS wear he will take out a “SAW” and totally destroyed the enemy. Sabin (my fav) uses “Blitz techniques” bring into play martial arts. The game was long, fun and enjoyable. Memorable characters and great music makes this game a masterpiece. Although the gameplay is pretty basic its still fun when I play it again. I never knew you could save Shadow before the world ended…. Or where to learn Mog’s last “Water Rondo Dance”. Remember the Opera scene? Ahh good times.

Final Fantasy 6 PSX Intro Movie:

You are probably wondering why I excluded the other Final Fantasy Titles. How come Final Fantasy 7 is not on this list? Seeing as how this whole list could easily be “Final Fantasy” I choose to leave them out. Everyone knows Final Fantasy games are awesome, let’s not over do it.

#2. Chrono Trigger

Chrono Trigger is a game that’s in a league of it’s on. This game had 14 different endings, 7 unique characters, great graphics and an awesome storyline! It’s easy to create a masterpiece when you have an all-star team making the game. This “Dream Team”, consisting of Hironobu Sakaguchi, Kazuhiko Aoki, and composer Nobuo Uematsu. The Team also had Yuuji Horii and artist Akira Toriyama, developers for the Dragon Quest series.

Like most RPGs, the story followed a small group of heroes as they try to save the world from a mysterious enemy. This epic adventure takes our heroes to the future, the past, mystic worlds and beyond. As they try to prevent the end of the world many other events transpire. You could also combine powers in the game allowing you to perform devastating triple-techs. Chrono Trigger was truly ahead of its time and is “timeless”.

Chrono Trigger PSX Intro Movie:

#1. World of Warcraft

Although it’s not a traditional RPG, WoW is #1 on my list as the best RPG. WoW is Blizzard’s fourth game in the Warcraft universe and is currently the world’s largest MMORPG in terms of subscribers. This flourishing online community is constantly changing and allows for many fan based, mods and addons to improve the game.

Similar to other MMORPGs, players control one character within a persistent game world. There are so many things you can do in WoW its remarkable. You can exploring the world, communicate with other players, fight monsters, raise your weapon skills, perform quests for villagers, cook, participate in an ARENA fight, fish, etc, etc, etc.

The freedom to do so many things is what makes the game so fun. You build your own unique character and do whatever you want in an alternate reality. I played and a ORC shaman and I went around mining and picking flowers (shutup, herbalism is actually very useful in the game).

WoW also features “instances, and raids” where you would team up with other players and take down seemingly impossible bosses. It’s very gratifying to defeat a huge evil Dragon and receive an epic helm as your reward.

WoW Burning Crusade Intro Movie:

Well that’s the end of my list! Thank you for reading!!! I hope you enjoyed my list. If you haven’t played some of these games I hope you try them in the near future. I know I left out a lot of favorites so please don’t hate me. Please leave any questions, comments or suggestions! Thanks.

Games that ALMOST made it:

Terranigma

Jeanne D Arc

Super Mario RPG

Secret of Mana

Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance

Dragon Quest 8

Xenogears

Vagrant Story

Breathe of Fire 3

Front Mission 3

Disgaea

FABLE

MASS EFFECT