With classic titles like Chrono Trigger and Final Fantasy VI, to most, the 90’s represent the golden age of RPGs. Many of the genre’s stand-out titles were produced during this period and the majority could be found on one console — the Super Nintendo Entertainment System.
Before merging in 2003, SquareSoft and Enix were two of the pioneers of the genre, producing a plethora of top-drawer titles. Together with other developers, they helped create systems and themes that would go on to define modern RPGs. Although many of the classic RPGs released on the SNES have since been remade or ported to modern-day consoles, there remains a wealth of hidden gems just waiting to be discovered.
10 Ogre Battle: The March Of The Black Queen
Ogre Battle: The March of the Black Queen is a tactical RPG developed by Quest. It offers a unique battle system and the same high-quality audio and visuals that one might expect from a SquareSoft game.
The story revolves around a group of rebels attempting to take down the evil Empress Endora. It features multiple endings, with the outcome dependent on the choices made by the player. Although somewhat rudimentary, the game’s moral alignment system was years ahead of its time. For that alone, it’s a title worth checking out.
9 Brain Lord
Brain Lord‘s story puts players in the shoes of Remeer, a young man trying to track down his missing father. Much of the story takes place within five dungeons spread out across the land, with progression coming through a mixture of combat and puzzle-solving.
The game’s story really isn’t much to write home about, but the combat offers something a little different. The puzzles also present a nice challenge and, at just 12 hours long, it’s a fairly simple game to complete.
8 Breath Of Fire II
At first glance, Breath of Fire II might seem like just another JRPG. Hidden beneath its unexceptional exterior though lies an engaging story with some beautiful character designs.
The game’s plot is loaded with absorbing twists and unexpected turns, while also offering an interesting take on morality and religion. Ryu’s journey is both heart-breaking and poignant and will likely leave the player questioning their own views on the subject matter once all has been said and done.
Coming in at over 40 hours, completing Breath of Fire II can be quite a slog. Anybody able to power through, however, will take a lot of enjoyment from the game’s narrative.
7 Live A Live
Live A Live is one of the many JRPGs that never made it stateside, and it’s a shame that more people didn’t get to experience it Although it’s not what many would call a ‘great’ game, it features some innovative ideas and mechanics that really pushed the definition of the genre at the time.
The game’s story is divided into seven chapters spanning seven different time periods. Unlike a traditional RPG, however, each chapter features its own cast and story. There are times when its execution falls a little short of its ambition, but for the most part, the game offers an enjoyable experience. Think Octopath Traveler, but more than two decades earlier.
6 Illusion Of Gaia
Illusion of Gaia is the second in a trilogy of games developed by Quintet during the early 90’s. It tells the story of Will, who sets out to save the world from impending doom. Despite featuring a large cast of supporting characters though, there are only three that are actually playable. Two of those are Will’s alter egos.
The game’s combat system is relatively simple for a JRPG. Attacks are primarily melee-based and each character has their own unique techniques. There’s no equipment system to over-complicate the process, making this a great starting point for people unfamiliar with the genre.
Some may find the game’s simplicity a little off-putting, but anybody who is able to look past this will find a charming title with an interesting story. It only takes around 14 hours to complete too, so there really aren’t any excuses not to give the game a try.
5 Front Mission Series – Gun Hazard
Front Mission Series – Gun Hazard released quite late in the Super Nintendo’s lifecycle. This allowed the developers to really push the system to its limits. With a unique approach to leveling up and a futuristic plot involving mechs, Gun Hazard offers much more than first meets the eye.
There’s a surprising amount of customization options and, in spite of it being fairly linear, a thoroughly enjoyable story. Players who go into this with an open mind will likely come away with a smile on their face.
4 Soul Blazer
The first game in the Quintet trilogy, Soul Blazer provides glimpses of the brilliance that this series has to offer. Much of the inspiration for the game can be traced back to ActRaiser, the very first game developed by Quintet.
The game mixes together some interesting ideas and provides players with a well-paced story and a wonderfully dark atmosphere. Sure, it’s not much to look at and the audio design is a little archaic compared even to games of the era, but it’s definitely worth a try.
3 Secret Of Evermore
Secret of Evermore is one of the only Super Nintendo RPGs that Square developed in the US. Although it has developed something of a cult following amongst retro RPG fans, critics responded poorly to the game at the time of its release. In fact, sales were so underwhelming that SquareSoft actually canceled plans for a Japanese release of the game.
Players familiar with Secret of Mana will perhaps draw several similarities between the games. Despite these parallels though, Secret of Evermore is not part of the Mana series. The game’s narrative is not the best, but the gameplay is top drawer and has aged like a fine wine.
2 Terranigma
It really is a mystery how the Quintet trilogy received such little recognition in the West. Terranigma is the third and final entry in the series and is undoubtedly the best that it has to offer. Unfortunately, this one didn’t even receive a North American release.
In many ways the game redefined the action RPG genre, combining an intuitive combat system with an epic story that many Hollywood screenwriters could learn a thing or two from. It really is an unforgettable experience and one that every RPG fan should experience at least once.
1 Lufia II – Rise Of The Sinistrals
Lufia II puts its own spin on the classic JRPG formula, allowing players to take a number of different approaches when tackling the game’s combat. The system has a lot of depth but manages to avoid ever feeling too complicated.
There’s also a great story, but it’s perhaps through its character development that the game really shines. At a time when characters served only as devices with which to drive the plot forwards, Lufia II’s cast demonstrates real growth as the story progresses, allowing the player to really feel the weight of the story.
The difficulty level does drop off somewhat as the story nears its conclusion, but this does little to take away from the game’s brilliance. It might have been overshadowed by some of the larger titles that released around the same time, but Lufia II is a fantastic game that is every bit as worthy of a player’s time as games like Chrono Trigger and Final Fantasy VI.
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