The Super Nintendo is one of the best consoles of all time, with the rise of 32-bit gaming allowing for deeper and more complex graphics to become the norm. There's a reason why players are so nostalgic about the graphics of this time period, which is when pixel art peaked in the eyes of many.
10 Best Story-Driven Games On Nintendo Switch, Ranked
These games deliver incredible narratives that keep players engaged from start to finish on the Nintendo Switch.
Players love the many story-driven games on this console, some of which are as complex as they come. These multi-faceted narratives have aged gracefully, ensuring that players will have a blast as they make progress in these games and uncover a narrative for the ages.
8 Illusion Of Gaia
A Fun ARPG With A Compelling Story
Illusion of Gaia
- Released
- November 27, 1993
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- e
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
During a time when real-time combat wasn't the norm, games like Illusion of Gaia made for a fresh change of pace from the turn-based JRPGs that graced this console. It helped that this story of this title was more riveting than anyone could've expected.
A simple journey about saving an alternate version of Earth from a disastrous event turns into something special as players fall in love with the game and its ambitious storytelling. The wild twists and turns will make Will's adventure one of the most memorable ones on the SNES.
7 Fire Emblem: Genealogy Of The Holy War
An Epic Story Told Over Two Generations
Fire Emblem: Genealogy Of The Holy War
- Released
- May 14, 1996
- Developer(s)
- Intelligent Systems
- Genre(s)
- Tactical, RPG
As one would expect from any Fire Emblem game, the epic storytelling present in Genealogy of the Holy War does a great job of hammering in just how serious the central conflict of this title is.
The politics present on the continent of Jugdral are quite riveting, with the machinations at play behind the scenes forcing the countries of this landscape to go to war against each other. The generation-spanning narrative boasts many epic and impactful moments that make Genealogy of the Holy War one of the more underrated games in the series.
6 Final Fantasy 4
Uses The Recurring Elements Of Final Fantasy To Tell A Riveting Story
Final Fantasy 4
- Released
- July 19, 1991
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- e
- Genre(s)
- JRPG
Final Fantasy 4 is one of the greatest entries in the series, using the game's recurring elements to tell a grand story that fans love. Everyone's jobs tie into their character and their personalities, with Cecil's character development causing him to turn from a Dark Knight to a Paladin.
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The title is full of such grand narrative moments that make Final Fantasy 4's story more ambitious than it has any right to be. Players will love just how compelling the game is from start to end, with the final act seeing players head to the moon in one of the game's wildest and most entertaining moments.
5 Live A Live
Fans Became Familiar With This Title's Narrative Brilliance After A Modern Remake
Live A Live
- Released
- September 2, 1994
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- t
- Genre(s)
- RPG
Live a Live is one of the most ambitious SNES JRPGs that never made it to the West, until an HD-2D remake that let a new generation of gamers understand what makes this title so special.
Players control heroes from multiple timelines who embark on a quest for the ages and save their respective worlds from antagonists who embody the chaotic spirit of Odio. This eventually leads to an epic showdown where all the heroes from multiple timelines arrive in one dimension to take out the dark knight Odio and save the world once and for all.
4 EarthBound
Boasts One Of The Most Charming And Riveting Stories In A JRPG
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
EarthBound is one of the best video games that established the anti-JRPG trend. The simple, unremarkable premise of the story allows for a ton of charm to infect the proceedings as players fall in love with the game's quirks.
Ness and his friends head on an adventure to stop Giygas, which is way wilder than fans expect. The novelty of this game's unique story and setting ensures that EarthBound will have a lasting impression on players.
3 Terranigma
The Story Has Some Wild Twists And Turns That Will Make Fans Question Their Decisions
Terranigma
- Released
- October 20, 1995
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- e
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
One of the most underrated SNES games that more people need to check out, Terranigma's incredible setting makes it one of the best video games that no one has played.
10 Best Discontinued JRPG Series That Deserve A Comeback, Ranked
These classic JRPG series had strong stories, gameplay, and worlds that would shine with modern remakes or sequels.
The idea of a boy dictating the evolution of life after Earth's resurrection makes for a fascinating setting for a plot with many wild twists and turns. By the end, players will be floored by Terranigma's vision and storytelling, making them rue the fact that it took so long for them to check out this masterpiece.
2 Final Fantasy 6
Boasts One Of The Most Epic Stories In A Final Fantasy Game, Bolstered By The Series' Most Entertaining Antagonist
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 arguably the best entry in the series, with the storytelling in the World of Balance being especially strong. Even if the World of Ruin's non-linearity affects the story structure, there are still many strong character moments that fans love.
Celes' attempt to end her life and Locke's struggle to revive her fiancee show that the World of Ruin still has some compelling story moments. This ensures that Final Fantasy 6's storytelling will sink its claws into players in no time and keep them engaged till the very end.
1 Chrono Trigger
A Time-Travelling Plotline That Will Keep Fans Engaged Till The Very End
Chrono Trigger
- Released
- March 11, 1995
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T for Teen: Fantasy Violence, Mild Blood
- Genre(s)
- RPG
Chrono Trigger is one of the greatest JRPGs of all time that fans can't get enough of. Every aspect of this game is amazing to behold, from its compelling storytelling to its groundbreaking yet simple turn-based combat.
The memorable characters of this all boast compelling narrative arcs that players will love to see to completion. This, coupled with a great overarching story featuring Lavos and his planet-eating actions that have multiple endings, makes Chrono Trigger's narrative the finest fans can experience from an SNES game.
The 27 Best PS5 RPGs, Ranked (2025)
The best PS5 RPGs find ways to push the console to its limits, providing players with an engrossing experience unlike anything else that came before.