RolePlaying Game Series Chapter II: Console RPGs

If you're the type of person who loves a challenge and enjoys solving puzzles through engaging storyline, RPGs may well be for you. The market for role-playing games for the console systems -- Nintendo, Super Nintendo, GameCube, XBox, Playstation, etc -- may not be as broad as that of the shoot-'em-up, knock-'em-down, romping stomping action or fighter games, but it is enormous nonetheless. Subsequently, there are many different titles that you can choose from, especially if you're willing to do a little bit of hunting. Here are a few options.

Legend of Zelda

A famous and long-running series, the Zelda games also began on the 8-bit NES. Its more modern incarnations are a blend of 3-D and platform gaming, but they are no less worthy of attention. NES, GameCube, Nintendo64 and SNES have hosted the Zelda games, and the hero Link and heroine Zelda have been included in crossovers (MELEE!)...and immortalized in song (Namely, System of a Down's "Legend of Zelda").

Xenogears, Xenosaga

A blend of futuristic (read: giant robots), medieval-fantasy, and martial arts (giant robots...doing Karate!) themes, the Xeno-series offers incredible depth of storytelling and gorgeous, sweeping soundtracks. - Playstation, PS2

Chrono Cross, Chrono Trigger

Another essential series, Chrono- began on the Nintendo systems and continues on to the PlayStation console. Though some of the characters are rather whimsical, the story is compelling - a must-play. - SNES, PlayStation

Final Fantasy

Perhaps one of the longest running and most popular series of RPGs, Final Fantasy began humbly in 1987, debuting in Japan on the 8-bit Nintendo Entertainment System. Who can forget the chiming MIDI music, the themes of battle and victory that have persisted for nearly two decades?

Three of this series of games were, until recently, not released in the United States -- II, III and V. To add to the confusion, Final Fantasy IV was released under the title Final Fantasy II in the U.S., and Final Fantasy VI was released under the title Final Fantasy III. Both were for the Super Nintendo.