Whilst modern RPGs like Elden Ring dominate the conversation surrounding the genre, the rise of original titles with a more traditional feel like Triangle Strategy as well as remasters like Chrono Cross: The Radical Dreamers Edition this year proves that the old-school style has an appeal beyond pure nostalgia.
There's nothing quite like the original titles, though. Games like Chrono Trigger and Final Fantasy Tactics may have aged somewhat but that has since become a part of the charm of these classic RPGs. That's why game fans on Ranker got together and voted on which of these retro titles have stood the test of time the best.
The Legend Of Dragoon (1999)
Sadly, many RPGs that don't manage to translate into a full franchise tend to fall into obscurity as time goes on. The Legend of Dragoon is one great exception, being a standalone title that is still remembered fondly by anyone who had the opportunity to play it. Similar to Final Fantasy VII, the gameplay is comprised of 3D sprites on prerendered backgrounds.
Whilst the story is a fairly standard fantasy RPG plot of a group of warriors attempting to stop the world from being destroyed, there are some major twists to make things interesting and the world is well-developed. With combat that's an intriguing mix of real-time and turn-based elements, The Legend of Dragoon is interesting enough that it doesn't deserve to be forgotten.
Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together (1995)
There are some great obscure JRPGs out there, and Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together deserves to be considered one of the best. The second title in the Ogre Battle series paints a fascinating world set on the archipelago of Valeria in which conflicts between the different groups that live there threaten to tear it apart.
The turn-based tactical gameplay is fairly standard but as well-executed as expected from Yasumi Matsuno, the developer also behind Final Fantasy Tactics. The world and story of Let Us Cling Together are what sets it apart, however, with a branching story path based on the player's choices that even gives the title a good deal of replay value.
Secret Of Mana (1993)
With the recent release of the mobile game Echoes of Mana, an upcoming anime series, and talk of a new mainline game in the future, the Mana series seems to have found new life in recent years. Those wondering why the nearly 30-year-old series warrants this much hype only need to play Secret of Mana to understand.
Beautiful artwork and a memorable soundtrack provide the background to an action RPG that can be tons of fun whether playing alone or co-op with another player. There are some of the issues that went along with archaic real-time combat back then present, but it's easy to overlook when the game is so full of color and life. The Collection of Mana on Switch provides a great way to play the title today.
EarthBound (1994)
Recently added along with EarthBound Beginnings to the Nintendo Switch Online collection, EarthBound is a game that firmly defies convention. With an offbeat sense of humor, EarthBound set out to parody RPG conventions, and, although it may not have sold well at the time, it grew a cult following that appreciated its deliberately goofy tone.
Set in a parody of America called Eagleland and centered on the iconic Ness, the game also has a unique visual style and perspective that make it stand out. With solid turn-based combat and a story that stays interesting all the way through, it's easy to see why the game is so well-loved and why there are so many calls for the EarthBound sequel to be localized.
Xenogears (1998)
Allowing players to take control of giant robots, known as "Gears," in intense combat was always likely to be a strong point for a JRPG that proved there was still plenty of room to innovate in the genre in the late nineties. Featuring two separate battle systems for hand-to-hand combat and Gear battles, the gameplay of Xenogears feels fleshed-out and interesting.
With a story that engages heavily with deep themes that still resonate and characters that are beautifully realized though, the combat is just the cherry on top of the cake for a game that spawned the Xeno franchise that continues to draw fans today. Arguably, some aspects of Xenogears haven't aged well, but it's still a game with a ton of retro appeal.
Breath Of Fire III (1997)
Although the JRPG didn't get great reviews at the time of its release, Breath of Fire III was popular with fans, and for good reason. Following the series' protagonist Ryu, a human with the ability to transform into a dragon, the game is a sprawling fantasy adventure with a bunch of different mechanics for the player to get to grips with.
Despite being the first fully 3D game in the series, Breath of Fire III was criticized for a lack of originality due to the slightly tired turn-based combat that didn't do anything much different and story beats that all felt very familiar. However, it's a game made for RPG fans, and anyone looking for a classic RPG that still feels great to play today wouldn't be disappointed by Breath of Fire III.
Suikoden II (1998)
Set sometime after the first game as new kingdoms begin to arise and stake a claim for power, Suikoden II developed further on the gameplay of the first game to create one of the most enjoyable RPG experiences of the time. Mixing traditional RPG party-based combat, single-player duels, and massive battles which are all about tactics, Suikoden II is a feast for old-school RPG fans.
Released during the rise of 3D RPGs when 2D 16-bit graphics were out of fashion, even those as beautiful as Suikoden II's, the game performed poorly critically and commercially. However, with the benefit of hindsight, the game came to be considered one of the all-time great RPGs and arguably the best RPG on the PlayStation.
Final Fantasy Tactics (1997)
In a franchise that is intensely focused on building memorable worlds and telling ambitious stories, Final Fantasy Tactics stands out as a title that's very focused on the gameplay. Whilst this may be surprising at first, it makes sense as the tactical combat system used in the game went on to define the entire subgenre.
The player recruits troops and takes control of them on a 3D isometric battlefield where they can maneuver them like chess pieces in fun tactical battles. Despite the stronger focus on combat, the narrative of Final Fantasy Tactics is still surprisingly memorable in a compact and enjoyable game.
Super Mario RPG: Legend Of The Seven Stars (1996)
Although it's a departure for the iconic plumber to feature in a traditional RPG and one that tells a completely original story with a new antagonist, Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars is full of the levity and sense of humor that makes the character so iconic. Pitting Mario against an evil robotic blacksmith named Smithy, the game tasks the player with retrieving the titular star pieces that have been stolen.
The title is developed by Square and the Final Fantasy influences are obvious in the turn-based combat, which is very much in the vein of a traditional JRPG. However, the gameplay outside of battle has a platformer feel that is perfect for Mario and the world is full of that typical Mario Bros. character.
Chrono Trigger (1995)
With a remaster of the sequel recently coming to the Switch in the form of Chrono Cross: The Radical Dreamers Edition, now is a great time to play through Chrono Trigger which is available on a variety of platforms. Featuring iconic characters, incredible designs, a huge soundtrack, and a time-traveling plot that still feels completely unique, Chrono Trigger is a true classic.
Beginning with a science experiment gone wrong that leads to the fate of the world being put on the shoulders of the central characters, the story of Chrono Trigger is impossible not to get drawn into. Likewise, every character is well-developed and even the combat is unique enough to truly set the game apart from the rest.