The Best JRPGs of the 90s

The 1990s were a golden age for Japanese role-playing games (JRPGs). They captivated gamers worldwide with their complex storylines, deep character ...

development, and engaging gameplay. Looking back on this era, we take a look at some of the most popular JRPGs that defined an entire generation.

1. Final Fantasy VI (1994)
2. Chrono Trigger (1995)
3. Dragon Quest V (1992)
4. Secret of Mana (1993)
5. Final Fantasy IV (1991)
6. The Elder Scrolls: Arena (1985)
7. Phantasy Star II (1989)
8. Lufia: The Ruins of Lore (1996)
9. Final Fantasy I & II: Dawn of Souls (1987)
10. Secret of Evermore (1994)

1.) Final Fantasy VI (1994)

- Genre: Role-Playing Game (RPG)

- Platform: Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), PlayStation

- Developer: Squaresoft (now Square Enix)

- What Makes It Great: Final Fantasy VI introduced a more mature storyline with complex characters and moral choices, setting a new standard for narrative depth in the series. The game's strategic combat system and memorable music also contributed to its legacy.

2.) Chrono Trigger (1995)

- Genre: Time Travel RPG

- Platform: Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), PlayStation, mobile devices

- Developer: Square Enix (formerly Squaresoft)

- What Makes It Great: Combining elements of action and adventure with a compelling narrative about time travel, Chrono Trigger offers multiple endings based on player choices. Its music by Yasunori Mitsuda is one of the highlights of the 90s RPG scene.

3.) Dragon Quest V (1992)

- Genre: Role-Playing Game (RPG)

- Platform: Family Computer Disk System, Super Famicom (Japan), various others

- Developer: Enix Corporation (now Square Enix)

- What Makes It Great: Dragon Quest V is a classic entry in the long-running series that set many RPG standards. It features deep character progression and an engaging story about destiny and sacrifice, with memorable characters and challenging battles.

4.) Secret of Mana (1993)

- Genre: Action RPG

- Platform: Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), PlayStation

- Developer: Square Enix (formerly Squaresoft)

- What Makes It Great: This game is celebrated for its seamless blend of action, exploration, and RPG elements. The story focuses on a group of mercenaries who must stop an evil force from destroying the world. Its vibrant graphics and memorable soundtrack also contribute to its appeal.

5.) Final Fantasy IV (1991)

- Genre: Role-Playing Game (RPG)

- Platform: Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), PlayStation, mobile devices

- Developer: Squaresoft (now Square Enix)

- What Makes It Great: A seminal entry in the Final Fantasy series, IV introduces Cecil Harvey as a main character and explores themes of fate, sacrifice, and redemption. The game's strategic combat system and class changes add replayability to an already rich storyline.

6.) The Elder Scrolls: Arena (1985)

- Genre: Action RPG

- Platform: Arcade, Amiga, Atari ST, Commodore 64, DOS, MS-DOS, ZX Spectrum, etc.

- Developer: Interplay Entertainment

- What Makes It Great: Though not strictly a JRPG, Arena is often cited as an influence by many modern RPGs due to its open-world exploration and freedom of gameplay. The game laid the groundwork for later games like Fallout and Elder Scrolls.

7.) Phantasy Star II (1989)

- Genre: Action RPG

- Platform: Master System, Mega Drive/Genesis, MSX2, Amiga, Atari ST, etc.

- Developer: Sega

- What Makes It Great: This sequel to the original Phantasy Star offers improved gameplay and a deeper storyline with branching paths based on player choices, making each playthrough unique. The game introduced elements of exploration and side quests that were uncommon in other RPGs at the time.

8.) Lufia: The Ruins of Lore (1996)

- Genre: Action RPG

- Platform: Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), PlayStation

- Developer: Quintet

- What Makes It Great: Lufia is a spiritual successor to the Dragon Quest series, featuring a rich storyline about a young boy who must save his world from an impending doom. The game's strategic combat and exploration elements were innovative for its time.

9.) Final Fantasy I & II: Dawn of Souls (1987)

- Genre: Turn-Based RPG

- Platform: NES, Super Famicom (Japan), PlayStation

- Developer: Squaresoft (now Square Enix)

- What Makes It Great: These remakes of the first two games in the Final Fantasy series were significant for introducing them to a wider audience. They featured updated graphics and an easier gameplay style suitable for RPG newcomers, allowing more players to enjoy these classics.

10.) Secret of Evermore (1994)

- Genre: Action RPG

- Platform: Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), PlayStation

- Developer: Square Enix (formerly Squaresoft)

- What Makes It Great: Secret of Evermore combines elements of action and adventure with classic RPG gameplay. The game follows the adventures of a group of mercenaries who must stop an evil force that threatens their world, providing challenging battles and memorable moments.

These JRPGs not only shaped the genre but also influenced countless games to follow in the years after. They continue to be celebrated for their depth, creativity, and timeless gameplay mechanics, making them essential parts of gaming history. As we look back on these classics, we can't help but feel grateful for the experiences they provided, shaping many childhoods and continuing to enchant gamers with their enduring appeal.

The Best JRPGs of the 90s