The Best Classic RPGs

Nothing is better than sinking hundreds of hours into the latest big-budget RPG, but sometimes it’s nice to revisit the games that started it all. The ’80s and ’90s were an incredible time for role-playing games, with studios like Square Enix and Game Freak producing some of the most innovative titles in the genre.

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It’s astounding what old-school RPGs accomplished on retro hardware. These games managed to create immersive fantasy worlds, tell mesmerizing stories, and deliver timeless combat, all within the limitations of the Super Nintendo, PlayStation 1, and even the Game Boy. The following games, in particular, are just as good today as when they launched.

8

Earthbound

A Silly Yet Charming Cult Classic

Systems

Released

June 5, 1995

Developer(s)

HAL Laboratory
, Ape Inc.

Publisher(s)

Nintendo

ESRB

T For Teen due to Fantasy Violence, Mild Blood, Suggestive Themes, Crude Humor

Best known as the inspiration for Undertale, Earthbound is the second entry in Nintendo’s cult classic Mother series. Take control of a telekinetic boy named Ness, who must harness the Earth’s power to fight the alien invader Giygas and his army of brainwashed creatures.

While it wasn’t a hit during launch, Earthbound has since gained a loyal following, thanks to its fascinating modern setting, engaging turn-based combat, and delightfully bizarre humor. After all, no other RPG lets you fight a sentient circus tent and a pile of vomit. You never know what to expect, but that’s part of the charm.

7

Xenogears

Pilot Mech Suits In This Epic Sci-Fi RPG

Xenogears

Systems

Released

October 20, 1998

Developer(s)

Square

Publisher(s)

Square

ESRB

e

Fans of mecha anime will feel right at home with Xenogears. The story follows the amnesia-riddled Fei Fong Wong, who learns to pilot mech suits called Gears to end a planet-wide war. As somewhat of a predecessor to Xenoblade Chronicles, the game explores many similar themes, including spirituality and existentialism.

Gameplay-wise, you switch between fighting on foot and battling in mech suits, keeping the game fresh and engaging throughout its meaty 80-hour campaign. In short, Xenogears strikes the perfect balance between epic anime action and thought-provoking story beats.

6

Super Mario RPG: Legend Of The Seven Stars

The Plumber’s Best Adventure

Systems

Released

May 13, 1996

Developer(s)

Square

ESRB

E For Everyone

Mario has starred in many incredible RPGs, but none can top the one that started it all. In Super Mario RPG, the famous plumber must team up with Bowser and Peach to stop the nefarious Smithy Gang from conquering the Mushroom Kingdom.

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Super Mario RPG revolutionized the genre with its action commands, which keep you involved in combat even after your turn. Not to mention the game’s remarkable world-building, gripping story, and loveable characters like Geno and Mallow. It adds so much dimension to the Mario universe, making it a must-play for fans of Nintendo or RPGs in general.

5

Shining Force 2

A Sega Classic That’ll Test Your Strategic Thinking

If you want a retro tactical RPG, Shining Force 2 is the best way to go. Terror strikes the kingdom of Granseal when the Door of Darkness opens, an ancient evil escapes, and the king succumbs to a mysterious illness. It’s up to a young swordsman named Bowie to raise an army and drive the demons back into their imprisonment.

Similar to Fire Emblem, each battle feels like a game of Chess, requiring you to position your units across the stage and decide when to attack, defend, and retreat. Challenging, strategic, and full of twists, Shining Force 2 is a gem in Sega’s library.

4

Suikoden 2

Face Your Fate In This Iconic JRPG

Suikoden 2

Systems

Released

September 29, 1999

ESRB

M For Mature 17+ Due To Mild Violence, Suggestive Themes

Suikoden 2 follows best friends Riou and Jowy, who get tangled up in a war after they each find one-half of the magical Rune of Beginning. What starts as an unbreakable duo turns into a fierce rivalry when the two become destined to fight until one of them owns both pieces of the Rune.

What makes this game unique is its mix of traditional turn-based combat and Fire Emblem-esque tactical battles where you command large armies. Throw in some stunning pixel art and a memorable cast of characters, and Suikoden 2 is a blast to revisit time and time again.

3

Final Fantasy 7

The Best Game In The Series

You can’t go wrong with any classic Final Fantasy game, but if you can only pick one, the seventh entry is the best choice. Set in a dystopian future, the plot follows mercenary Cloud Strife and his group of rebels, who must stop a tyrannical megacorporation and a power-hungry demigod named Sephiroth.

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Modern JRPGs would not have gotten to where they are now if it weren’t for these ten games laying the foundation!

Final Fantasy 7 is widely considered one of the most influential RPGs ever, thanks to its immersive sci-fi world, cinematic story, memorable characters, and shocking late-game plot twist. It was beyond innovative at the time, and it’s still just as incredible today.

2

Pokemon Gold & Crystal

Get Ready To Catch ‘Em All

Pokemon Gold and Silver

Systems

Released

October 14, 2000

ESRB

e

Pokemon Red and Blue set the foundation for the series formula, but Gold and Silver pretty much perfected it. You explore the Johto and Kanto regions to catch, train, and battle up to 251 species of Pokemon. The amount of content for such a tiny Game Boy cartridge is nothing short of astounding.

Gold and Silver introduced several new mechanics, many of which became Pokemon staples, including breeding, held items, and a time system. But above all else, their biggest strength is their accessibility. The turn-based combat is easy to learn but difficult to master, making it perfect for newcomers and long-time RPG fans. Don’t sleep on these retro masterpieces.

1

Chrono Trigger

A JRPG For The Ages

Of all the JRPGs made by Square Enix, Chrono Trigger is the best of the best. After witnessing a failed time travel experiment, Crono must venture into the past and future to restore the timeline. What follows is a powerful character-driven story with 12 different endings to keep you coming back for more.

It’s hard to overstate how innovative Chrono Trigger was for its time. The lack of random encounters was a huge step for the genre, and the Active Time Battle system hasn’t aged a day. Plus, the music is absolutely gorgeous, and the characters were expertly designed by Dragon Ball creator Akira Toriyama. Simply put, some games are timeless, and Chrono Trigger is one of them.

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