Top 10 Retro RPGs Everyone Should Play
Top 10 Retro RPGs Everyone Should Play
The world of role playing games is vast and ever evolving, but there is something timeless about the golden age of retro RPGs. Before modern consoles brought cinematic visuals and sprawling open worlds, developers on the NES, SNES, PlayStation, and Sega Saturn were crafting unforgettable adventures that still hold up today. These classics offered players sweeping stories, iconic soundtracks, and innovative mechanics that influenced nearly every RPG that followed.
In this countdown we will revisit ten essential retro RPGs that every gamer should experience at least once. Each entry has earned its place not only for its technical or artistic achievements but also for its enduring legacy. Whether you are rediscovering old favorites or diving in for the very first time, these games represent the foundation of the genre we love. Let us begin with number ten and work our way down to the single greatest retro RPG of all time.
10. Ys I & II (PC Engine, 1989)
The Ys series may not enjoy the mainstream recognition of Final Fantasy or Dragon Quest, but its roots stretch back to some of the most important innovations in RPG history. Ys I & II, released on the PC Engine CD in 1989, set new standards for audio quality, animated cutscenes, and fast paced gameplay at a time when most RPGs were still experimenting with basic mechanics.
The combat system in Ys I & II was unconventional. Instead of menu based battles, players used a “bump” system, ramming their character into enemies to deal damage. While unusual, this created a surprisingly engaging rhythm once mastered. Combined with lush environments and one of the earliest CD quality soundtracks in gaming, it felt revolutionary. The score composed by Yuzo Koshiro and Mieko Ishikawa remains highly celebrated to this day.
What truly sets Ys I & II apart is how ambitious it was in combining two games into a single epic narrative. Players followed Adol Christin on a journey that introduced the lore and mythos that continues to guide the series. For retro fans interested in tracing the evolution of RPGs from primitive beginnings to modern complexity, Ys I & II is indispensable. More about the series’ early impact can be found on Wikipedia.
9. Panzer Dragoon Saga (Sega Saturn, 1998)
Panzer Dragoon Saga is often considered the crown jewel of the Sega Saturn library. Released in 1998 near the end of the console’s life, it fused cinematic storytelling with a unique blend of real time and turn based combat. Its limited print run has made it one of the rarest and most expensive retro RPGs on the market, but those fortunate enough to play it praise it as one of the finest RPGs ever created.
The game set itself apart through its combat system, where players rode dragons in fully 3D environments. Battles were fast and dynamic, requiring constant movement and strategic positioning to exploit enemy weaknesses. At the time this level of fluid combat felt almost impossible on a home console. The story, centered on a world torn apart by ancient technology and human greed, carried an emotional weight that left a lasting impression.
Though its rarity makes it difficult to access, Panzer Dragoon Saga lives on through the dedication of retro preservationists and emulation projects. Its reputation continues to grow as more players discover its brilliance through gameplay videos, retrospectives, and reviews. For many fans it is proof that the Sega Saturn, though overshadowed by the PlayStation, had the potential to rival any system of its era.
8. Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars (SNES, 1996)
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Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars[/caption]
Nintendo’s most famous plumber may be best known for platforming adventures, but in 1996 Square and Nintendo joined forces to deliver one of the most charming RPGs ever made. Super Mario RPG combined the colorful world of the Mushroom Kingdom with the depth of a role playing game, creating a title that appealed to both casual fans and hardcore RPG enthusiasts.
The game featured an innovative battle system that encouraged timing and interaction. Rather than simply selecting an attack and waiting for it to resolve, players could press buttons at the right moment to increase damage or block enemy strikes. This simple addition kept battles engaging and helped introduce RPG mechanics to audiences who may have otherwise avoided the genre.
Beyond mechanics, Super Mario RPG delivered a delightful story with a cast that included not only Mario, Peach, and Bowser but also new characters like Geno and Mallow. Its humor and heart won over countless fans, and its legacy can be felt in later series like Paper Mario and Mario & Luigi. A full overview of its critical reception can be found at Nintendo Life.
7. Trials of Mana (Seiken Densetsu 3, SNES, 1995)
Trials of Mana was long considered one of the greatest RPGs that never left Japan. Released in 1995 as Seiken Densetsu 3, it remained inaccessible to Western audiences for decades except through fan translations. That changed with the official localization included in the 2019 Collection of Mana, which allowed the rest of the world to experience this gem in its original form, and later a full 3D remake.
What made Trials of Mana special was its ambitious scope. Players could choose three protagonists from a pool of six, and the story would unfold differently depending on their selections. This branching narrative offered a sense of freedom and replayability that few RPGs could match at the time. Add to that a class system that allowed characters to evolve in multiple directions, and you had an experience that felt fresh with every playthrough.
Visually, it pushed the Super Nintendo to its limits with vibrant environments and highly detailed sprites. Its real time combat built upon the foundation laid by Secret of Mana, offering more complexity and depth. Today, Trials of Mana stands as proof of how forward thinking Square was in the mid 1990s. Curious readers can explore its development history on Wikipedia.
6. Secret of Mana (SNES, 1993)
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Secret of Mana[/caption]
Secret of Mana remains one of the most beloved action RPGs of all time. Released in 1993, it captivated players with its colorful art style, real time combat, and the ability for up to three friends to play cooperatively. This made it a perfect choice for families and groups of friends who wanted to share an RPG experience together, something rarely seen in the genre at that time.
The story follows a young hero who discovers the Mana Sword and embarks on a journey to restore balance to a world threatened by an ancient empire. Along the way he is joined by two companions, each bringing unique abilities to the team. The cooperative play combined with the innovative ring command menu made battles fast, strategic, and accessible.
Musically, Secret of Mana delivered one of the greatest soundtracks of the 16 bit era. Composed by Hiroki Kikuta, its haunting and whimsical melodies are still celebrated decades later. The game has seen multiple re releases and a 2018 remake, allowing modern players to experience its magic. For many, it represents the perfect blend of story, gameplay, and artistry in a retro RPG.
5. Suikoden II (PlayStation, 1998)
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Suikoden II[/caption]
Suikoden II has earned a reputation as one of the most emotionally powerful RPGs ever made. Released on the original PlayStation in 1998, it tells a sweeping tale of friendship, betrayal, and political intrigue. What sets it apart is its ability to balance a deeply personal story with the grand scale of a war between nations. Players take the role of a young hero thrust into conflict, forced to make decisions that affect not only his companions but the future of entire kingdoms.
The most remarkable feature of Suikoden II is its recruitment system. Throughout the game, players can enlist up to 108 characters known as the Stars of Destiny. Each recruit brings something new to the game, whether it is strength in battle, a new mini game, or contributions to your ever growing castle headquarters. This mechanic gives the adventure a unique sense of community and progression that few other RPGs have matched.
Despite its initial limited sales, Suikoden II has since been recognized as a masterpiece. It frequently appears on lists of the greatest RPGs of all time, and publications such as Wired have highlighted its lasting influence. Its recent re release in remastered collections ensures that a new generation can discover the depth and beauty of this classic.
4. Final Fantasy IV (SNES, 1991)
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Final Fantasy IV[/caption]
Final Fantasy IV marked a turning point for RPG storytelling. Released in 1991, it introduced players to Cecil Harvey, a dark knight struggling with questions of morality, loyalty, and redemption. Unlike earlier RPGs that often placed players in the role of nameless heroes, this game offered a protagonist with a complex inner journey. The story unfolded like an epic opera, filled with betrayals, sacrifices, and transformations that kept players engaged from beginning to end.
The introduction of the Active Time Battle system was another milestone. Rather than waiting for strictly turn based actions, battles flowed with a sense of urgency as character turns were governed by hidden timers. This added a layer of strategy and tension that became a trademark of the Final Fantasy series for years to come. The cast of characters, including the conflicted dragoon Kain and the young summoner Rydia, gave the story both heart and variety.
Even decades later, Final Fantasy IV is celebrated as one of the great achievements of 16 bit gaming. It has been remade and re released on multiple platforms, including a 3D version for the Nintendo DS. For those who want to experience the roots of narrative driven RPGs, this game is an essential stop. You can explore its influence and development history on Wikipedia.
3. Final Fantasy VI (SNES, 1994)
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Final Fantasy VI[/caption]
When fans debate the greatest RPG ever made, Final Fantasy VI is almost always near the top of the conversation. Released in 1994, it pushed the Super Nintendo to its limits and delivered a story that felt mature, sweeping, and emotionally raw. Featuring a cast of fourteen playable characters, it gave each their own arcs and struggles, while weaving them into a narrative that explored freedom, oppression, and the resilience of the human spirit.
The villain Kefka Palazzo stands out as one of gaming’s most chilling antagonists. Unlike many villains who threaten destruction but never achieve it, Kefka succeeds in reshaping the world into a wasteland under his rule. His maniacal laughter and descent into godhood left players stunned, and his presence still resonates as one of the most memorable in gaming. Mechanically, the Esper system allowed characters to learn magic from magical beings, giving players freedom to shape their party in countless ways.
Critics and fans alike consistently rank Final Fantasy VI among the greatest games ever. GamesRadar has called it the best Final Fantasy title, praising its rich narrative and diverse cast. More than twenty five years later, it remains a touchstone for the genre, a game that set a high bar for what role playing games could achieve.
2. Chrono Trigger (SNES, 1995)
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Chrono Trigger[/caption]
Chrono Trigger is often cited as the pinnacle of retro RPG design. Released in 1995, it brought together some of the greatest minds in the industry, including Hironobu Sakaguchi of Final Fantasy, Yuji Horii of Dragon Quest, and Akira Toriyama, the artist behind Dragon Ball. This “dream team” collaboration produced a game that still feels timeless nearly three decades later.
The story takes players on a time traveling journey that spans prehistory, the Middle Ages, a post apocalyptic future, and beyond. Each era is rich with its own characters and conflicts, and the choices players make ripple across history. The battle system was equally groundbreaking, with characters combining their abilities into powerful dual and triple techs that encouraged experimentation and strategy. Its multiple endings gave it a replayability unmatched at the time.
Chrono Trigger’s soundtrack, composed by Yasunori Mitsuda and Nobuo Uematsu, remains one of the most celebrated in video game history. Tracks such as “Frog’s Theme” and “Corridors of Time” continue to be praised for their beauty and emotional power. Modern players can experience the game through ports on the Nintendo DS, PC, and mobile devices, ensuring that its legacy continues to inspire. More about its enduring acclaim can be found on Wikipedia.
1. Final Fantasy VII (PlayStation, 1997)
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FFVII - Playstation 1[/caption]
When Final Fantasy VII released in 1997 on the original PlayStation, it did more than sell millions of copies. It redefined what video games could be, transforming RPGs from a niche genre into a global phenomenon. For many gamers, it was the very first role playing game they ever experienced, and its impact on the industry is so profound that it continues to shape modern gaming nearly three decades later.
Final Fantasy VII was revolutionary in how it used cinematic storytelling to pull players into its world. From the opening train ride into Midgar to the sweeping FMV cutscenes, it felt like stepping into an interactive movie. The shift to 3D graphics, combined with pre rendered backgrounds, gave the game a level of visual spectacle that had never been seen in an RPG. It was not just another installment in a beloved series, it was a cultural moment that introduced millions to the possibilities of interactive storytelling.
The narrative of Final Fantasy VII remains one of the most powerful in gaming history. At its core, it is the story of Cloud Strife, a mercenary with a mysterious past, who is drawn into a battle against the Shinra Corporation and ultimately the godlike figure Sephiroth. Themes of identity, environmentalism, corporate corruption, and personal trauma run throughout the game. The famous moment of Aerith’s death shocked players and proved that video games could deliver the same emotional weight as films and novels.
The characters surrounding Cloud are equally memorable. From the eco warrior Barret Wallace to the enigmatic Vincent Valentine, every party member brought depth and personality. Their struggles and triumphs made the game feel like a shared journey, one that millions of players across the world experienced together.
Innovation in Gameplay and Design
Mechanically, Final Fantasy VII expanded on the foundation of its predecessors with the Materia system. Materia allowed players to customize abilities and magic in limitless ways, giving freedom to experiment with different party builds. The blend of turn based battles with cinematic Limit Breaks created combat that was strategic yet visually explosive. Side content like the Gold Saucer amusement park, Chocobo breeding and racing, and optional bosses such as Emerald Weapon added enormous replay value.
The soundtrack, composed by Nobuo Uematsu, was equally groundbreaking. Tracks like “One Winged Angel,” “Aerith’s Theme,” and “Main Theme of Final Fantasy VII” remain iconic and are still performed by orchestras around the world. The music elevated every moment, cementing the game’s emotional impact.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
Final Fantasy VII sold over 13 million copies and was instrumental in making the PlayStation a dominant force in the console wars. It proved that RPGs could be blockbuster titles, drawing in audiences far beyond Japan. It inspired countless developers, influenced narrative design across genres, and elevated the expectations of gamers everywhere.
Its legacy has only grown with time. The Final Fantasy VII Remake project, beginning in 2020, reintroduced the story to new audiences while rekindling nostalgia for longtime fans. Even today, debates rage about the best way to play it, whether on the original PlayStation hardware, modern digital versions, or through fan modifications that enhance its visuals. A deep dive into its influence can be found on Wikipedia.
Final Fantasy VII is not only a game, it is a watershed moment in entertainment history. It demonstrated that video games could be epic, emotional, and universally appealing. It pushed technology to new heights, delivered unforgettable characters and storylines, and inspired a generation of gamers and developers. For anyone exploring the world of retro RPGs, there is no better place to start. Its influence is felt in every modern RPG, and its story still captures the imagination of players around the globe.
Conclusion
These ten retro RPGs prove that the classics remain timeless. From the sweeping political intrigue of Suikoden II to the heartfelt humor of Super Mario RPG, from the innovative branching paths of Trials of Mana to the world changing villainy of Final Fantasy VI, each of these games carved its name into history. They are more than nostalgic throwbacks, they are essential experiences that continue to teach us why storytelling, music, and innovation matter in gaming.
Whether you are playing on original hardware, diving in through remasters, or discovering them for the first time through emulation, these masterpieces remind us of a time when limitations inspired creativity and every pixel told a story. For any gamer who wants to understand the roots of role playing games and appreciate the foundation upon which modern titles are built, these are the adventures that cannot be missed.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is considered the best retro RPG of all time? | Many fans and critics agree that Final Fantasy VII stands as the most influential retro RPG, thanks to its groundbreaking story, cinematic presentation, and global cultural impact. |
| Why are retro RPGs still popular today? | Retro RPGs remain popular because of their timeless storytelling, iconic music, and innovative mechanics that continue to inspire modern game design. |
| Can I play retro RPGs on modern consoles? | Yes, many classics like Chrono Trigger and Final Fantasy VII have been re-released digitally on platforms such as PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, Steam, and mobile devices. |
| What was the first major Final Fantasy game to reach global success? | Final Fantasy VII was the first to achieve massive worldwide popularity, selling millions of copies and establishing RPGs as mainstream hits. |
| Are retro RPGs difficult for new players? | While some can be challenging, many retro RPGs are accessible and enjoyable for beginners, offering tutorials and balanced progression systems. |
| Which retro RPG has the best soundtrack? | Chrono Trigger and Final Fantasy VI are often praised for their iconic soundtracks composed by Yasunori Mitsuda and Nobuo Uematsu. |
| What makes Suikoden II unique compared to other RPGs? | Suikoden II features a massive roster of 108 recruitable characters, creating a sense of community and scale unlike most other RPGs of its era. |
| Is it possible to play Panzer Dragoon Saga today? | Original copies are rare and expensive, but preservation efforts and emulation projects allow dedicated fans to experience this Sega Saturn masterpiece. |
| Do retro RPGs still influence modern games? | Absolutely. Many modern RPGs borrow mechanics, storytelling techniques, and design philosophies directly from retro classics like Final Fantasy IV and Secret of Mana. |
| Where should I start if I have never played a retro RPG? | Final Fantasy VII and Chrono Trigger are excellent starting points because of their accessibility, engaging stories, and lasting influence on the genre. |
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