As a child I rebought PS1 disks when they fail/lose them, (they're cheap hacked copies,) like Digimon games! Now, I only buy my games once! #gaming #lolz #bbh
The Collector’s Conundrum: A Deep Dive into Buying JRPGs Multiple Times
In the world of gaming, especially among JRPG enthusiasts, there's a familiar phenomenon: purchasing the same game multiple times. Whether due to console upgrades, improved editions, platform preferences, or simply the love for owning physical copies, many gamers find themselves constantly rebuying their favorites. In a recent reflection, a passionate JRPG collector divulged their personal experiences with this habit, spotlighting ten titles they’ve bought repeatedly. This candid insight offers a relatable glimpse into the obsessive love for JRPGs and the complex reasons behind it.
The speaker kicks off by acknowledging their frequent multiple purchases of JRPGs. The motivations are multifaceted: transitioning from old consoles to newer ones, acquiring definitive or remastered editions, or upgrading from digital to physical formats—all under the guise of wanting to experience these games in the best possible way. While sometimes driven by the desire for nostalgia or collection completeness, it’s often a practical choice for better performance or enhanced versions.
The first game discussed is Persona 5. Initially launched on the PlayStation 3 in 2016, the game’s compelling storytelling and engaging gameplay made it one of the presenter’s all-time favorites. They’ve bought Persona 5 four times: the original collector’s edition for PS4, a digital Royal re-release, a physical Royal for PS4, and currently a PS5 edition. Ironically, they’ve only played the vanilla version, leaving the Royal iteration untouched due to a lengthy backlog. This highlights how love for a game can lead to multiple copies, even if one hasn't fully experienced each version.
A more astonishing example is Tales of Symphonia. Originally on GameCube, the collector owns six versions across different platforms, including PS2, PS3 (import and localized), PS4, and Switch. The older versions, especially the GameCube one, run the best, but the desire to play on various consoles has driven multiple purchases. This situation underscores the collector’s deep affection for the Tales series, which also extends to numerous other entries—many owned in multiple forms, sometimes because of remasters, import editions, or just the joy of owning a tangible copy.
Bravely Default 2: Improving on a Less-Than-Perfect Experience
The Bravely Default series is another example. The speaker bought Bravely Default 2 on Switch at launch but was disappointed by its technical issues—jagged models, low FPS, graphical pop-ins. When a PC port was announced, they doubled down, purchasing it again to enjoy a much improved experience with better visuals and performance. Their passion for this game reveals how much they value playing games in their optimal form.
Harvestella exemplifies how the love for owning physical copies can conflict with practical gaming. Initially purchased on Switch during its demo, the game performed poorly on the console, leading the collector to buy the PC version. Yet, the sentimental attachment to physical media persisted, so they bought a sealed Switch copy at a sale, even though they haven’t finished or even started it properly due to real-life injuries and distractions. The desire to support physical media remains strong despite the gameplay setbacks.
The Final Fantasy 13 Trilogy: A Series Love Affair
For Final Fantasy 13, the collector bought the trilogy across three platforms—PS3, Xbox 360, and PC—at various prices, often during sales. The games hold a special place, being among their favorite entries, and the versatility of playing them on different hardware adds to their nostalgic value. They even mention that Final Fantasy 13 was their first platinum trophy, cementing its emotional significance.
Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince is yet another title bought twice—initially on Switch and later on PC for better performance. They support the franchise passionately, emphasizing its place as their favorite turn-based JRPG series. Although they haven't yet completed the game due to recent busy schedules, they eagerly anticipate finally experiencing it in the best possible form.
Tokyo Xanadu, a game with allure for fans of Falcom, is an interesting case. Purchased across multiple platforms—Vita, PS4, PC—the collector has only dabbled in it, getting distracted by other titles or life events. Despite their curiosity and admiration for Falcom’s soundtracks, they’re hesitant to fully dive in, wondering if the game warrants their time.
Triangle Strategy serves as another example of rebuying games for enhanced visuals and smoother gameplay. The collector bought it for Switch, then again on PC, mainly to enjoy its HD2D art style in higher resolutions and at higher frames per second. However, their current mood—fueled by a love for Final Fantasy Tactics—has prevented them from playing it, even though they plan to tackle it before the upcoming remaster.
Most striking is their collection of Valkyrie Profile entries, bought in every format and version imaginable—each with sentimental and collector’s value. This game has personal significance, representing a sort of “white whale”, costing over $200 at times. The collector’s reverence for its Norse myth-inspired story and innovative combat design highlights how certain titles transcend mere gameplay.
The Bumpy Road of Series Evolution
Conversely, they lament the decline of the Valkyrie series after Valkyrie Profile 2, noting how spin-offs and mobile games haven’t matched the original’s magic, especially criticizing Valkyrie Alisium—a game they claim caused emotional distress due to its departure from the series’ roots.
The Final Fantasy Pixel Remasters is a clear case of continuous support and multiple purchases. They own the entire set across Steam, PS4, and Switch, having bought, played, and platinumed each version. For this collector, these remasters symbolize an essential JRPG entry point and a significant part of their gaming journey. They emphasize the increased accessibility and quality of these editions, encouraging new players to experience these legendary classics.
Throughout the narrative, a theme emerges: while some may see their multiple purchases as needless waste, for the collector, it’s about love, support, and the desire to experience games in the best form possible. They acknowledge that the accumulated costs are significant and might suggest better choices in hindsight. Still, they hold no regrets—each copy represents a cherished memory or a future plan to enjoy again.
This personal recount resonates with many gamers who find themselves repeatedly returning to their favorites. Whether it’s to support developers, enjoy better performance, or simply own a physical piece of art, the reasons are deeply emotional and practical. If you’re a fellow JRPG enthusiast, perhaps you recognize some of these patterns in your own collection. And if you’re considering starting or expanding your own collection, remember: sometimes, the journey of rebuying can be just as rewarding as the game itself.
Do you have games you’ve bought more than once? Share your stories in the comments. And don’t forget to like and subscribe if you love JRPGs—there’s always more to discover and discuss!
Part 1/14:
The Collector’s Conundrum: A Deep Dive into Buying JRPGs Multiple Times
In the world of gaming, especially among JRPG enthusiasts, there's a familiar phenomenon: purchasing the same game multiple times. Whether due to console upgrades, improved editions, platform preferences, or simply the love for owning physical copies, many gamers find themselves constantly rebuying their favorites. In a recent reflection, a passionate JRPG collector divulged their personal experiences with this habit, spotlighting ten titles they’ve bought repeatedly. This candid insight offers a relatable glimpse into the obsessive love for JRPGs and the complex reasons behind it.
The Phenomenon of Rebuying Games
Part 2/14:
The speaker kicks off by acknowledging their frequent multiple purchases of JRPGs. The motivations are multifaceted: transitioning from old consoles to newer ones, acquiring definitive or remastered editions, or upgrading from digital to physical formats—all under the guise of wanting to experience these games in the best possible way. While sometimes driven by the desire for nostalgia or collection completeness, it’s often a practical choice for better performance or enhanced versions.
Highlighting Iconic Repeat Purchases
Persona 5: A Case of Top-Tier Obsession
Part 3/14:
The first game discussed is Persona 5. Initially launched on the PlayStation 3 in 2016, the game’s compelling storytelling and engaging gameplay made it one of the presenter’s all-time favorites. They’ve bought Persona 5 four times: the original collector’s edition for PS4, a digital Royal re-release, a physical Royal for PS4, and currently a PS5 edition. Ironically, they’ve only played the vanilla version, leaving the Royal iteration untouched due to a lengthy backlog. This highlights how love for a game can lead to multiple copies, even if one hasn't fully experienced each version.
Tales of Symphonia: A Game Owned Six Times
Part 4/14:
A more astonishing example is Tales of Symphonia. Originally on GameCube, the collector owns six versions across different platforms, including PS2, PS3 (import and localized), PS4, and Switch. The older versions, especially the GameCube one, run the best, but the desire to play on various consoles has driven multiple purchases. This situation underscores the collector’s deep affection for the Tales series, which also extends to numerous other entries—many owned in multiple forms, sometimes because of remasters, import editions, or just the joy of owning a tangible copy.
Bravely Default 2: Improving on a Less-Than-Perfect Experience
Part 5/14:
The Bravely Default series is another example. The speaker bought Bravely Default 2 on Switch at launch but was disappointed by its technical issues—jagged models, low FPS, graphical pop-ins. When a PC port was announced, they doubled down, purchasing it again to enjoy a much improved experience with better visuals and performance. Their passion for this game reveals how much they value playing games in their optimal form.
The Power and Tragedy of Multiple Copies
Harvestella: Love in Both Digital and Physical
Part 6/14:
Harvestella exemplifies how the love for owning physical copies can conflict with practical gaming. Initially purchased on Switch during its demo, the game performed poorly on the console, leading the collector to buy the PC version. Yet, the sentimental attachment to physical media persisted, so they bought a sealed Switch copy at a sale, even though they haven’t finished or even started it properly due to real-life injuries and distractions. The desire to support physical media remains strong despite the gameplay setbacks.
The Final Fantasy 13 Trilogy: A Series Love Affair
Part 7/14:
For Final Fantasy 13, the collector bought the trilogy across three platforms—PS3, Xbox 360, and PC—at various prices, often during sales. The games hold a special place, being among their favorite entries, and the versatility of playing them on different hardware adds to their nostalgic value. They even mention that Final Fantasy 13 was their first platinum trophy, cementing its emotional significance.
Dragon Quest Monsters: Support and Anticipation
Part 8/14:
Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince is yet another title bought twice—initially on Switch and later on PC for better performance. They support the franchise passionately, emphasizing its place as their favorite turn-based JRPG series. Although they haven't yet completed the game due to recent busy schedules, they eagerly anticipate finally experiencing it in the best possible form.
The Challenges of Staying Dedicated
Tokyo Xanadu: A Game That Keeps Escaping
Part 9/14:
Tokyo Xanadu, a game with allure for fans of Falcom, is an interesting case. Purchased across multiple platforms—Vita, PS4, PC—the collector has only dabbled in it, getting distracted by other titles or life events. Despite their curiosity and admiration for Falcom’s soundtracks, they’re hesitant to fully dive in, wondering if the game warrants their time.
Triangle Strategy: Rebuy for Better Experience
Part 10/14:
Triangle Strategy serves as another example of rebuying games for enhanced visuals and smoother gameplay. The collector bought it for Switch, then again on PC, mainly to enjoy its HD2D art style in higher resolutions and at higher frames per second. However, their current mood—fueled by a love for Final Fantasy Tactics—has prevented them from playing it, even though they plan to tackle it before the upcoming remaster.
Celebrating Classics and White Whales
Valkyrie Profile: The Holy Grail
Part 11/14:
Most striking is their collection of Valkyrie Profile entries, bought in every format and version imaginable—each with sentimental and collector’s value. This game has personal significance, representing a sort of “white whale”, costing over $200 at times. The collector’s reverence for its Norse myth-inspired story and innovative combat design highlights how certain titles transcend mere gameplay.
The Bumpy Road of Series Evolution
Conversely, they lament the decline of the Valkyrie series after Valkyrie Profile 2, noting how spin-offs and mobile games haven’t matched the original’s magic, especially criticizing Valkyrie Alisium—a game they claim caused emotional distress due to its departure from the series’ roots.
Final Fantasy Pixel Remasters: A Love Letter
Part 12/14:
The Final Fantasy Pixel Remasters is a clear case of continuous support and multiple purchases. They own the entire set across Steam, PS4, and Switch, having bought, played, and platinumed each version. For this collector, these remasters symbolize an essential JRPG entry point and a significant part of their gaming journey. They emphasize the increased accessibility and quality of these editions, encouraging new players to experience these legendary classics.
Reflection: Is Rebuying Good or Wasteful?
Part 13/14:
Throughout the narrative, a theme emerges: while some may see their multiple purchases as needless waste, for the collector, it’s about love, support, and the desire to experience games in the best form possible. They acknowledge that the accumulated costs are significant and might suggest better choices in hindsight. Still, they hold no regrets—each copy represents a cherished memory or a future plan to enjoy again.
Final Thoughts
Part 14/14:
This personal recount resonates with many gamers who find themselves repeatedly returning to their favorites. Whether it’s to support developers, enjoy better performance, or simply own a physical piece of art, the reasons are deeply emotional and practical. If you’re a fellow JRPG enthusiast, perhaps you recognize some of these patterns in your own collection. And if you’re considering starting or expanding your own collection, remember: sometimes, the journey of rebuying can be just as rewarding as the game itself.
Do you have games you’ve bought more than once? Share your stories in the comments. And don’t forget to like and subscribe if you love JRPGs—there’s always more to discover and discuss!