Top 20 Best Retro RPG Games

Widely regarded as the greatest RPG ever made, Chrono Trigger represents the pinnacle of 16-bit RPG design. Its innovative time-travel mechanics, multiple endings (over a dozen), memorable characters, and groundbreaking Active Time Battle system set standards that games still aspire to today. The collaboration between Final Fantasy creator Hironobu Sakaguchi, Dragon Quest creator Yuji Horii, and Dragon Ball artist Akira Toriyama resulted in a masterpiece that introduced the concept of New Game Plus. The music by Yasunori Mitsuda is legendary, and the game's Mode-7 effects and visual design remain stunning.

Considered by many to be the finest entry in the Final Fantasy series, FF6 pushed the SNES to its absolute limits. Its steampunk setting, politically charged narrative, and ensemble cast of 14 playable characters were unprecedented for the era. The game features one of gaming's most iconic villains in Kefka, and the opera scene remains one of the most memorable moments in RPG history. Game Informer ranked it #2 in their Top 100 RPGs of all time, and IGN placed it as the ninth greatest game ever made.

The game that brought JRPGs to the mainstream Western audience, FF7 is a cultural phenomenon. Its cyberpunk-meets-fantasy world, unforgettable characters like Cloud and Sephiroth, and emotional story moments changed gaming forever. The Materia system offered deep customization, and the pre-rendered backgrounds were visually stunning for the era. It consistently ranks in the top 3 of PS1 RPG lists and remains one of the most influential games ever made.

The definitive version of Generation 2, Pokemon Crystal perfected the Pokemon formula on handheld. It introduced animated sprites, the Battle Tower, the ability to play as a female character, and expanded the Suicune storyline. With access to both Johto and Kanto regions, it offered an unprecedented amount of content. Many fans still argue it's the best Pokemon game ever made, and it received the highest average score (8.15) in Game Boy Color community rankings.

Golden Sun revolutionized handheld RPGs with graphics that surpassed many PlayStation titles. Nintendo Power called it the richest, most intricate RPG ever to hit a handheld. The Djinn system added strategic depth to battles, and the Psynergy puzzles integrated seamlessly into exploration. It won Handheld Game of the Year at the 2002 Golden Joystick Awards and consistently tops GBA RPG lists with over 6,000 fan votes on Ranker.

Unquestionably one of the finest tactical RPGs ever made, FFT features a mature storyline full of political intrigue, betrayal, and moral complexity. The job system offers incredible character customization depth, and the isometric battles require genuine strategic thinking. It set the template for tactical RPGs that followed and remains highly playable today.

Widely considered the best original RPG on the Nintendo DS, TWEWY features a unique dual-screen battle system that no port has successfully replicated. Set in Shibuya, Japan, its stylish presentation, memorable soundtrack, and innovative psychs combat system made it unlike anything else. The story explores themes of connection and self-worth with surprising depth.

Initially overlooked at launch, Suikoden II has grown into a cult legend and is now considered one of the greatest RPGs ever made. Its war-torn narrative, featuring 108 recruitable characters, explores themes of friendship, betrayal, and the cost of conflict. The strategic army battles and castle-building mechanics add variety, while the character-driven story delivers genuine emotional impact.

Often upheld as the definitive Dreamcast RPG and one of the greatest traditional JRPGs ever made, Skies of Arcadia captures the spirit of adventure like few games before or since. Following the Blue Rogues air pirates, the game features airship battles, a charming cast, and a vast world of floating islands to explore. Over 900 gamers on Ranker consistently place it at #1 for Dreamcast RPGs.

RPGamer named it their RPG of the Decade for portable gaming. P3P combines traditional turn-based combat with social simulation in a uniquely dark setting, exploring themes of mortality and human connection. The addition of the female protagonist route doubles the content, and the refined combat system (borrowed from Persona 4) makes this the definitive portable version. It scores 81 on Metacritic and is recommended by 83% of critics.

The highest-ranked Dragon Quest game on Metacritic for DS, and the first mainline entry designed for handheld. Its class system, multiplayer features, and hundreds of hours of content made it a phenomenon in Japan. The charming visuals and addictive gameplay loop of questing and character customization kept players engaged for months.

This prequel to FF7 explores Zack Fair's story with emotional depth and spectacular action-RPG combat. The DMW (Digital Mind Wave) system adds an element of chance to battles, and the graphics pushed the PSP to its limits. Its ending remains one of the most emotionally devastating in gaming, and renewed interest from the FF7 Remake has only enhanced its legacy.

A quirky masterpiece that broke every RPG convention of its era. Set in a satirical version of America rather than a fantasy world, EarthBound's humor, heart, and surprisingly dark moments have earned it an enormous cult following. Its influence can be seen in countless indie RPGs, and it regularly appears in top SNES RPG lists despite poor initial Western sales.

Metacritic's 2007 PSP Game of the Year, this enhanced port of the PS1 classic added new content, beautiful cel-shaded cutscenes, and an improved translation. With an 88 Metacritic score, it stands as one of the PSP's finest strategy titles and the definitive way to experience this tactical masterpiece.

One of the most ambitious RPGs on NES and later GBC, Dragon Warrior III introduced the class system that would define the series. The GBC remake added new features including a thief class, mini-games, and improved graphics. It consistently ranks in the top 3 of NES RPG fan votes and represents the peak of 8-bit JRPG design.

Called the best action/RPG in the genre and one of the best GBA games of all time, Aria of Sorrow perfected the Metroidvania formula on handheld. The soul absorption system, where players gain enemy abilities, added incredible depth. Its tight controls, atmospheric design, and satisfying progression make it essential for action-RPG fans.

Xenogears stands out for its sheer ambition and narrative depth, exploring complex themes like the nature of the soul, duality, and the search for meaning. The combination of on-foot combat and giant robot (Gear) battles offered variety, and its philosophical storyline influenced countless games that followed. Despite a rushed second disc, it remains a beloved cult classic.

Among the most iconic turn-based RPGs of the early 2000s, Grandia II features an engaging character-driven story and excellent Active Time Battle system that feels faster-paced than typical turn-based combat. Its strong voice acting (rare for the era), beautiful graphics, and memorable soundtrack made it a Dreamcast essential.

Considered possibly the best arcade game ever made in a fantasy setting, Shadow Over Mystara improved on its predecessor in every way. Players can wield weapons, equip gear, learn spells, and the game features multiple branching pathways with different endings. It successfully translated D&D mechanics to an arcade beat-em-up format with genuine RPG depth.

The best traditional RPG on the Game Gear, Defenders of Oasis features a unique Arabian Nights-inspired setting based on One Thousand and One Nights folklore. It offers a solid turn-based battle system, party management with up to three characters, and a compelling story. For a handheld from 1992, it delivered a surprisingly complete RPG experience.