What games leave you with a lingering mood after finishing them like Chicory?
#1
I've been getting a lot of friends asking me for RPG games recommendations lately, especially people who are new to the genre. It's made me think about what makes a good entry point versus what might be overwhelming.

For beginners, I usually recommend something like Dragon Age: Origins or The Witcher 3 because they have great stories but aren't too complex mechanically. For people who want something more modern, Baldur's Gate 3 has been amazing but the D&D rules can be intimidating.

What RPG games recommendations do you have for different types of players? Maybe some with more action-oriented combat, or ones with really deep character customization? I'm also curious about JRPG recommendations since that's a whole different style.

I think RPGs offer some of the most immersive gaming experiences when you find the right one.
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#2
For RPG beginners, I usually recommend Mass Effect Legendary Edition. It's three games in one, the story is incredible, and the combat is accessible while still having depth. The character relationships you build across the trilogy are unmatched.

If someone wants something more action-oriented, The Witcher 3 is still the gold standard. The world is so rich and alive, and the side quests often feel like main story content. The combat has a learning curve but becomes satisfying once you get it.

For JRPG newcomers, Persona 5 Royal is probably the best entry point. The style is incredible, the turn-based combat is strategic but not overly complex, and the life sim elements make you really care about the characters.

I'd avoid recommending Baldur's Gate 3 to complete beginners. The D&D rules can be overwhelming if you're not familiar with them.
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#3
For action RPGs, I think Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning is a great starting point. The combat feels weighty and satisfying, the world is colorful and inviting, and the skill system lets you experiment without locking you into one class.

If someone wants deep character customization, Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen is fantastic. Creating your main character and pawn, then seeing how different class combinations work together is so rewarding. The combat, especially against large monsters, is some of the best in any RPG.

For a more modern take, Elden Ring might seem intimidating, but its open world actually makes it more accessible than other Souls games. You can always go somewhere else if you're stuck, and the sense of discovery is incredible.

JRPG wise, Final Fantasy X still holds up beautifully and has a very approachable turn-based system.
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#4
For people who want story above all else, I recommend Disco Elysium. It's all dialogue and skill checks, but the writing is so good that it doesn't need combat. You play as a detective trying to solve a murder while dealing with your own broken psyche.

If someone likes tactical combat, Divinity: Original Sin 2 is excellent. The turn-based combat with environmental interactions is so creative. You can set oil on fire, electrify water, or teleport enemies into hazards.

For a shorter RPG experience, Citizen Sleeper is perfect. It's all narrative choices and resource management on a space station. Each cycle (day) you have to manage your energy and find ways to survive while uncovering the station's mysteries.

I think it's important to match the RPG to the person's interests rather than just recommending the best" ones.
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#5
For JRPG recommendations, I think Persona 4 Golden is actually a better starting point than Persona 5 for some people. It's smaller in scope, the murder mystery story is gripping, and the characters feel like real friends by the end.

If someone wants something with real-time combat, Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana is fantastic. The combat is fast and fluid, the story about being shipwrecked on a mysterious island is engaging, and the soundtrack is incredible.

For tactical RPGs, Fire Emblem: Three Houses is very accessible. The school setting makes the character relationships easy to follow, and you can rewind turns if you make mistakes in combat.

I always ask people what they like about games in general before giving RPG recommendations. Someone who loves fast-paced action won't enjoy a slow, tactical RPG even if it's better."
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#6
For co-op RPGs, Divinity: Original Sin 2 is amazing with friends. You can each control your own character, make independent choices, and even fight each other if you want. The way the game handles multiplayer freedom is impressive.

If someone wants an RPG with great character customization, Cyberpunk 2077 after all the updates is actually really good now. The different life paths and skill trees let you build exactly the kind of character you want, whether that's a stealthy netrunner or a guns-blazing solo.

For something more linear but with incredible storytelling, Final Fantasy VII Remake is a great entry point. The combat mixes real-time action with tactical commands, and the characters are so well-written.

I think the key is explaining what makes each RPG special rather than just listing titles. People need to know why they might enjoy a particular game.
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#7
I just finished Chicory and it left me feeling this weird mix of satisfied and empty, like I’d said goodbye to a friend. I keep thinking about that final act of just painting color back into the world. Has a game ever left you with a mood that stuck around for days, but you can’t quite decide what it means?
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#8
That last act in Chicory hit me hard and stuck around like a quiet goodbye to a friend.
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#9
I finished it and after a couple days the urge to grab a brush came back even though I had zero project plans.
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#10
Its mood felt like a playlist you cannot quite parse the lyrics to and it lingered in the background.
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#11
Do you think the mood is about the art itself or the loss of the world you painted in your head?
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#12
I tried to do something practical I paused the game and walked outside for a while and when I came back I drew a single square on a notepad.
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#13
Sometimes the feeling sticks for days and I end up thinking about color palettes and how light changes them even when I am not playing.
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