The best SNES Japanese role-playing games showcase the most vital parts of the entire Nintendo home console. The system anchored itself on its incredible selection of the best SNES JRPGs. Many of these games find themselves in the conversation for some of the greatest games of all time.
The best SNES JRPGs feel like must-plays for fans of the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. Some remain available on modern systems today, while others never left their original platform. Regardless, these games show the strengths of turn-based combat, action gameplay, leveling systems, storytelling, characters, graphics, and more on the SNES.
1. Chrono Trigger (1995)
Chrono Trigger shows developer Squaresoft and the SNES at their finest. It tells the time-bending story of a boy on an adventure to save the world and every timeline from an evil threat. Its time travel plot allows for a wondrous mix of locales.
The game also benefits from a phenomenal soundtrack and combat system. The complex turn-based system allows for strategic skills, which feel different from other games of the same ilk. Chrono Trigger not only triumphs over every other JRPG on the system but also makes a strong case for the best SNES game of all time.
2. Final Fantasy III/Final Fantasy VI (1990)
No matter what name players know this JRPG by, it stands out as one of the most outstanding entries in this crucial video game franchise. Its massive ensemble cast, cinematic storytelling moments like the opera scene, and shocking twists put it on a level far above almost all other SNES JRPGs.
3. Super Mario RPG: Legend Of The Seven Stars (1996)
Squaresoft took over the Mario license as a departure from the usual 2D platforming experiences. This game gives Mario and his pals a turn-based RPG experience but with some interactive twists. It has the right mix of accessibility and use of the Mushroom Kingdom for a must-play title.
4. Secret of Mana (1993)
Square avoided its typical turn-based combat systems for this game, and it turned out quite well in the process. The action combat system revolving around a ring command system for skills created the strongest action RPG on SNES. It also helps that this classic has some of the most beautiful graphics on the platform.
5. EarthBound (1994)
The iconic Nintendo character Ness originates from this charming modern-day JRPG. Its setting allows for witty writing and strange occurrences like aliens, corrupt officials, and relatable scenes. It feels down-to-earth and somehow weird at the same time.
6. Final Fantasy II/Final Fantasy IV (1991)
The fourth game in this monumental turn-based JRPG series (second for some, due to weird naming outside of Japan) showed the true potential of this series. It retains the classic top-down exploration and deep combat with spells and the like but incorporates a worthy tale of redemption and second chances.
7. Soul Blazer (1992)
This action game from Quintet kickstarted an entire trilogy on SNES of fantastic fantasy games, but this one remains the best and most inventive. Players liberate various villagers on a quest to stop an evil spirit. The engaging action combat works well in freeing people, who then appear in villages as NPCs to interact with and learn more about the world.
8. Ogre Battle: The March of the Black Queen (1993)
This tactical RPG captures the idea of war and conquest in a way almost no other game on the SNES does. It puts players in control of an army with strategic combat that requires the player to plan their movement and attack strategies. Its rich customization for the playable units gives the player tons of freedom in preparing and fighting.
9. Lufia II: Rise Of The Sinistrals (1995)
This sequel triumphed over the original in removing controversial features like random encounters. The story, set before the events of the original, has a more intriguing tale with its complicated story of the war between humanity and the Sinistral gods.
10. Illusion Of Gaia (1993)
This bizarre action JRPG takes place in the real world around the 16th century. The player travels to various famous locations, such as the pyramids in Egypt, Nazca lines in South America, and more. Three playable characters exist, each with their own quirks and unconventional progression systems.
11. Secret Of Evermore (1995)
This grand action RPG follows a boy and his dog who find themselves in the fantasy world of Evermore. The player controls both characters, which feels unique in its excellent action combat. The locations players visit resemble the natural world and history, giving it a cinematic feel.
12. Breath Of Fire II (1994)
This Capcom JRPG sequel improves upon almost every aspect of the first game. The visuals look better, while the gameplay feels smoother and more enjoyable. The storytelling also has a bit of a boost, even if it still feels pretty derivative.
13. Terranigma (1995)
This third action RPG in the trilogy from developer Quintet has such exceptional scale and world-building. It tells the story of a boy named Ark who goes on an adventure to revitalize a dead world. It takes place across a different version of Earth, with fun exploration and deep action combat.
14. The Twisted Tales Of Spike McFang (1993)
This underrated RPG has elements of games like The Legend of Zelda mixed with traditional leveling systems and the like. The whimsical premise of this cutesy vampire and his quest to take down an evil zombie general makes this a solid choice for all ages.
15. Arcana (1992)
This first-person dungeon-crawling JRPG from the developer of Kirby echoes the Western fantasy titles at the time on PC. Its world and dungeons have rich detail, with stunning hand-drawn locales. It also has an unbelievable challenge, as it refuses to hold the player’s hand in exploration.
16. Breath of Fire (1993)
Capcom’s foray into the turn-based JRPG genre landed pretty well. The gorgeous, detailed graphics make up for the simplicity of the gameplay and world. It may not win awards for its storytelling and cast, but it makes up for that with its polish.
17. Final Fantasy Mystic Quest (1992)
This forgotten spin-off game felt so far ahead of its time at release, which makes it worth a look today. It has some of the tropes of JRPGs at the time, such as its strategic combat and exploration. However, the lack of a traditional world map meant it had saving anywhere at any time and random, intriguing gameplay features like chopping down trees and intense puzzles.
18. Lufia & The Fortress of Doom (1993)
This turn-based RPG makes up for its lackluster visuals with excellent first-person combat. This game has challenging difficulty, including wasting turns, harsh random encounters, and complex dungeons.
19. Ys III: Wanderers From Ys (1989)
The tales of Adol Christin and his pal Dogi continue in this third game in the series. It takes players to Dogi’s hometown for a more personal and thrilling fantasy adventure. While the writing feels decent, the real draw comes from some of the most exhilarating action combat on the system.
20. Tales of Phantasia (1995)
This first action RPG from Namco kickstarted an entire franchise that is still going on today. The hack-and-slash combat and gorgeous 2D battle maps feel solid, even today. It may not have the features and characters of later games, but it makes up for that in its swift gameplay.
21. Dragon Quest V (1992)
The fifth game in this ground-breaking JRPG series stands out as one of the best in the franchise for its unique storytelling situation. Players embark on a journey across decades, with massive decisions throughout, such as who to marry and more.
22. Final Fantasy V (1992)
The fifth mainline game in this beloved JRPG series may not have the cast of characters or story to live up to the two games surrounding it, but it makes up for that in freedom. It has such a freeform job system, with characters able to switch often between classes like Black Mage, Ninja, Thief, and more.
23. Bahamut Lagoon (1996)
This fascinating blend of turn-based combat and the usual tactical RPG grid system makes for a solid JRPG. The real hook of this game comes from the fantastic inclusion of dragons, with each character having a Draconic companion to raise.
24. Live A Live (1994)
This monumental JRPG took huge risks with its structure by focusing on eight individual, separate characters and storylines. This allowed for different gameplay and styles, from a martial arts master to a robot on a spaceship in the future. It also helped that these storylines smartly converged at the end.
Source link
#SNES #JRPGs #Time #Ranked #Wealth #Geeks