Summary
- Suikoden 2 stands out as a top JRPG for its engaging storytelling and unique characters.
- Xenogears is praised for its exceptional turn-based battle system, despite its flaws in realizing the game's full potential.
- Final Fantasy 7 revolutionized JRPGs with its epic story, dynamic combat system, and iconic characters like Cloud.
The 90s served as the golden decade for JRPGs, but certain other role-playing games from Western developers also enjoyed their time in the spotlight. This led to the release of several RPGs that left a lasting impression on gamers.
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JRPGs are known for their timeless storytelling, but some stand out visually. Here's a list of the best JRPGs graphically for their era.
Nailing satisfying real-time combat mechanics in these games was challenging, which is why many 90s RPGs opted for engrossing turn-based combat systems. These games are known for boasting fun turn-based combat mechanics that fans can't get enough of.
Suikoden 2
Arguably The Best Entry In The Series
Suikoden II
- Released
- September 29, 1999
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ Due To Mild Violence, Suggestive Themes
- Genre(s)
- JRPG
Many people point to Suikoden 2 when talking about the best entry in this underrated JRPG series. Exploring a massive world on the verge of a major conflict and recruiting more than a hundred playable characters adds a great deal to the unique allure of this title.
It helps that Luca Bright is one of the greatest JRPG antagonists of all time, who will invoke a sense of awe and dread whenever he gets the chance to shine. All of these elements, coupled with a simple and satisfying turn-based combat system, make it clear why so many people can't stop raving about Suikoden 2.
Xenogears
If This Game Had Achieved Its Vision, It Could've Been Something Truly Special
Xenogears
- Released
- October 20, 1998
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- e
- Genre(s)
- JRPG
Xenogears is one of the greatest turn-based RPGs of all time, but it could've been greater had the development of this title been handled with more care. Since the game failed to realize its vision in the wake of impending deadlines and a budget that was running out, a major chunk of the story became a glorified slideshow, which disappointed players greatly.
However, the first half of Xenogears is easily one of the greatest JRPGs on the PS1 that gamers can enjoy. Even if the title fails to stick the landing, the turn-based battle system with a focus on combos, along with its rich world-building and lore, helped Xenogears stand out as one of the greatest video games ever made.
Final Fantasy 7
Cloud's Legendary Adventure Speaks For Itself
Final Fantasy 7
- Released
- January 31, 1997
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T for Teen: Blood, Fantasy Violence, Language, Mild Suggestive Themes
- Genre(s)
- RPG
Final Fantasy 7 is one of the greatest JRPGs ever made, single-handedly sparking the JRPG revolution on the PS1. Cloud and Co.'s adventures serve as the first example of a proper AAA title that justified its marketing budget, cementing itself as a truly revolutionary game.
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Even after players notice some of the game's faults, the inherent greatness of this title is hard to deny, especially thanks to its epic story and its multiple twists and turns. On top of that, the addition of materia makes the turn-based combat system feel more dynamic, allowing players to decide the spells and abilities that each of their characters can wield.
EarthBound
An Amazing Anti-JRPG That Needs No Introduction
Earthbound
- Released
- June 5, 1995
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T For Teen due to Fantasy Violence, Mild Blood, Suggestive Themes, Crude Humor
- Genre(s)
- RPG
Given that EarthBound sparked the wave of anti-JRPGs that have become mainstream in indie gaming, it's easy to see why this is one of gaming's most important titles. Ness' adventures are grounded in reality for the most part, with the combat system contributing to the title's quirkiness.
The regular aggressive enemies players will fight in this title are oddly fun to beat up, with the battle system enhancing the game's charm. Furthermore, the scrolling health bar compels players to make quick decisions and heal heroes before their health drops to 0, adding to the dynamic nature of the turn-based combat.
Final Fantasy Tactics
A Final Fantasy Spin-Off That's Arguably Better Than The Numbered Entries
Final Fantasy Tactics
- Released
- June 20, 1997
- ESRB
- T For Teen // Mild Language, Violence
- Genre(s)
- Tactical, RPG
The fact that a spin-off established itself as one of the best Final Fantasy games ever made is a testament to the quality oozing out of Final Fantasy Tactics. It's arguably the best game set in the Ivalice universe, and it does an incredible job when it comes to building intrigue for its world.
Ramza's quest to uphold his family's honor leads to him playing the role of the honorable hero and convincing many people to join his cause as he faces off against several invading parties. Regarding the turn-based battles that players can engage with, the job system enhances the game's tactical combat, which is noticeably tougher than any mainline Final Fantasy game to have come out around this point.
Fallout 2
Established The Series' Iconic Dark Humor Along With A Compelling Narrative Of Its Own
Fallout 2
- Released
- October 29, 1998
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ due to Blood and Gore, Strong Language
- Genre(s)
- RPG
The first Fallout did a great job of establishing the franchise's universe, but most people consider Fallout 2 to be the title that helped this popular series develop an identity of its own. The focus on dark humor, coupled with the amazing presence of Frank Horrigan, ensured that the Fallout universe would be viewed by many as a very compelling place.
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It helped that the turn-based combat continued to be challenging yet riveting, as long as players were patient. Gaining numerous levels and finding the equipment needed to take on powerful Radscorpions and Deathclaws makes for satisfying progression, showing just how much the player can grow during their adventure.
Final Fantasy 6
Many People Consider This Title To Be The Best Mainline Final Fantasy Game
Final Fantasy 6
- Released
- October 11, 1994
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T For Teen Due To Fantasy Violence, Partial Nudity
- Genre(s)
- RPG
Final Fantasy 6 is a beloved entry in the Final Fantasy series. The ensemble cast, memorable villain, and ambitious narrative all combine to help this game stand out among its peers, and the turn-based combat featured is also incredibly fun to engage with thanks to the assortment of unique playable characters.
Almost every playable character in the game boasts a compelling backstory, and the onset of the World of Ruin is a mind-blowing moment that countless fans can't get enough of to this day. With the dawn of the Pixel Remaster, gamers can now check out the definitive version of this game, too.
Chrono Trigger
Set The Standard For JRPGs When It Came Out
Chrono Trigger
- Released
- March 11, 1995
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T for Teen: Fantasy Violence, Mild Blood
- Genre(s)
- RPG
Chrono Trigger is considered by many to be one of the best JRPGs ever made, with the combined talents of Yuji Horii, Hironobu Sakaguchi, and the late, great Akira Toriyama leading to this title establishing itself as a role-playing game that was a step ahead back when it first released.
The lack of battle screen transitions, multiple endings, and New Game+ are just a few things that hammer in just how ahead of its time Chrono Trigger was. Landing double and triple techs on enemies with the proper positioning never ceases to be satisfying and contributes to Chrono Trigger's allure as one of the best turn-based JRPGs of all time.
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