The Essential Nintendo SNES RPG Guide
The Nintendo SNES was the first console that felt like it was made for the RPG. I know that sounds cheesy but it was true. When it launched I remember looking at the sprite work of Super Mario World and just feeling good things were ahead for RPG's. They were. Considering the SNES had hundreds of RPG's this list is actually easier to put together than you might think. I have very strong favorites which I think are essential. I hope you agree.
New Games
Breath of Fire
Capcom's first real foray into the RPG genre was a rousing success. Breath of Fire might be having hard times now ( lack of releases) but this first entry starring Ryu ( HADOKEN) innovated in terms of character customization and archetypes. What I liked was you never really knew how strong a boss was as sometimes they would continue fighting long after the health bar depleted.
Chrono Trigger
What more can I say? Innovative, one of a kind, amazing. Even these words don't do it justice. The dream team who made this game also made Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest, and Dragonball. Travelling back and forth in time was super innovate and fun. Seeing how the world changes as you change it is one of the most gratifying feelings. The team attacks (discovering and experimenting), were also very fun. I still have fond memories of using Chrono/Frog attacks.
EarthBound
A game that wasn't really innovative in terms of gameplay, but innovative in terms of location, characters, and offbeat humor. The main character Ness actually got more popular being in Smash Bros. than this game. Nonetheless, this was a huge adventure (50+ hours) gamers shouldn't miss.
Final Fantasy II
Known as Final Fantasy IV in Japan, it was the first Final Fantasy which really emphasized Characters and story. You cared about these characters. You might not have cared about the characters of Final Fantasy 1-3 mostly because they are user created. A story of deception, a story of redemption whatever you want to call it, its amazing.
Final Fantasy III
Known as Final Fantasy VI in Japan, it took Final Fantasy IV's game and took it pro. Not only did it have more than twice the playable characters each with their own abilities and motivations but it also had a better world, one with memorable places and moments. Final Fantasy III had the greatest villain in series history. Sorry Sephiroth, but you didn't destroy the world. Kefka Palazzo, that mad clown did. Most villains talk a big game but do very little. He was an overachieving clown.
Lufia 2 - Rise of the Sinistrals
Remembered perhaps for the saddest ending of the SNES era (which was subsequently butchered in the DS remake), this game will always be in my heart. A tale of saving the world never felt less cliche than when I first played this game on the SNES all those years ago.
Ogre Battle
One of the best original SRPG's on the system. The start of a truly special series. The story has elements of all the things that make drama great. Love, War, and Drama. The battle system has some real time elements, and even an alignment system not unlike what the Shin Megami Tensei series employees. I recommend it to any fan of Tactics Ogre.
Secret of Mana
This game is one of my top 3 favorite action rpg's of all time. It was one of the first action rpgs with a party system. Even if it wasnt implemented particularly well if you were by yourself it got the job done. The sprites were bright and well animated as well. The dungeons had a very clear difficulty curve. Things never felt too easy or too hard. The game was just pure fun.
Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars
They said it couldn't be done. Mario in an RPG? Preposterous. Then Square, the hottest hand in the field of RPG's stepped in. Together with Miyamoto they crafted a game which has influenced every Mario RPG which has come after. Fleshing out the Mario, Peach, Bowser characters was the first innovative thing. Mario was this heroic pantomime, Peach finally had a backbone and loved her kingdom, and Bowser became the "anti hero" a role which he would play many times in future titles. The time action battle system would also be used in almost every mario rpg to follow. Timing hits/dodges added a strategic element and made sure you were never bored during battle.
The Legend of Zelda: A Link to The Past
I know it's not really an RPG in the traditional sense, but in an interview Miyamoto said it was so for the sake of this list lets included. Why don't you want people to play it? Like Super Mario RPG, all future Zelda's would borrow elements from this game. The structure, 3 dungeons, plot twist, more dungeons would be borrowed time and time again. New items like the hook shot and hammer would become fan favorite items. I thought I would never say this but a sequel to this game is coming to 3DS this holiday called, The Legend of Zelda: A link between worlds. Play both.
Imports
Bahamut Lagoon
Dragon Quest V
Fire Emblem: Thracia 776
Live A Live
Rudra no Hihou
Personal Anecdote
The NES might have been the first system I bought with my own money. Saved up with allowance. So it will always hold a special place in my heart. But the system that means the most to me is the SNES. When I was younger I was in the hospital a full year ( the same year the SNES came out) going through reconstructive head surgery. Needless to say as a child it was one of the most depressing periods of my life. Then the SNES came out while I was still in the hospital. I had planned on buying it as a birthday present but I couldn't due to the situation. My birthday is in September and the system came out August 23, 1991. A few weeks after my birthday after a particularly painful operation, my parents surprised me with the box in the hospital room. Needless to say it was one of the best moments of my life. Playing Super Mario World for the first time not that far away after launch was one of the greatest times I ever had with a game. That's what the SNES means to me.
If you want to talk about my list or just chat about rpgs you can reach me at the comment section or on twitter @stealth____ .
Happy Gaming,
Stealth
