This article was originally going to be another top 5 but I couldn’t get the list down to 5, thus these are the top 6 RPGs to be released on the SNES.
6. Tales Of Phantasia
Tales of Phantasia is the first game to be released in the ‘Tales of ‘ series, although never officially released outside of Japan or in English until the 2006 GBA re-release.
Tales of Phantasia also debut the Linear Motion Battle System, which is a unique real-time battle system as opposed to many other RPGs at the time which were using turn-based combat systems, the LMBS plays similar to games like Street-Fighter.
Legacy
Phantasia spawned an anime series based on the game, has been remade/re-released 3 times, had 9 direct sequels and 16 spin-off titles .
5. Secret of Mana
“There is one force in the universe that keeps good and evil in perfect balance. It is called the tree of Mana. But a magic sword has tricked a young warrior into upsetting this balance, spreading evil throughout the land.” – Official Box Art
Secret of Mana is the second game released in the Mana video game series, and the first to be adapted into English. Instead of using the traditional turn based combat, similar to the aforementioned it used a real-time battle system, although very different to Mana’s it was most similar to how combat was played in Legend of Zelda.
Legacy
7 sequels with the latest being released in 2007 and a manga series based on one the later games.
4. Earthbound
“Intergalactic terror strikes the small town of Onett as a blazing extraterrestrial object crashes in the night! The earth now faces imminent destruction by the universal evil threat known as Giygas!” - Official Box Art
In EarthBound you play as a young boy named Ness, who awakens one night to discover a meteor has landed near his house. Upon investigation Ness meets a friendly alien from the future who warns him of the worlds impending doom, and thus it’s up to Ness and his ragtag group of friends to save the world from certain destruction.
Earthbound like Secret of Mana is the second game in a JRPG series but the first to be translated into English. Although having many traditional RPG elements it is one few JRPGs that takes place in the modern day, and somewhat uniquely among JRPGs it does not have random encounters, instead you can see enemies on the map.
Legacy
EarthBound’s legacy is by far the saddest here, it had high critical praise yet a horrible commercial release in America , a sequel was in the works for the N64 but was scrapped, although years later they did release a sequel for GBA in Japan only.
Luckily for Ness the main character, he has become somewhat of a cult icon in the Nintendo world, and has appeared in every Super Smash Bros. game to date.
3. Final Fantasy 3 – (6)
“Many centuries have passed since the war of the Magi – civilizations have been rebuilt with iron, machines and technology. But the forces of magic have begun to return, and when ancient Esper is discovered, the risk of war resurfaces.” - Offical PSX Box Art
In Final Fantasy III, you play as ‘Terra’ a girl born with the gift of magic, half human and half Esper. She must help lead a group of rebels to overthrow an imperial dictatorship.
Final Fantasy III is by far the best of the 2D Final Fantasy games, and to date still has the largest amount of playable characters in the core final fantasy series. Although released as Final Fantasy III in the west it is the sixth Final Fantasy game.
Legacy
As in the previous top NES RPG article Final Fantasy has the best legacy of all JRPGs, but specifically Final Fantasy 3 has been re-released twice, once for the PSX with added cut-scenes and recently on the GBA with a retranslated script, a new dungeon, and 4 new Espers (and now know as FF6).
2. Super Mario RPG – Legend of the Seven Stars
“Mario’s latest rival is Smithy, a menacing creature who causes fear and treachery in the Mushroom Kingdom. Mario must recover seven stars and repair the Star Road before he can make his way to Bowser’s castle for a final confrontation.” - Official Box Art
During a battle between Bowser and Mario, who was on a routine mission to rescue Princess Toadstoll from Bowser, a gigantic sword crashes into the battle and causes the three of them go flying in different directions. Mario, upon finding his way back to the Mushroom kingdom, finds the princess is still missing and has to unravel the mystery of the gigantic sword and rescue the princess (…again) to save the kingdom.
Super Mario RPG is the first Mario role playing game to be released and the final Mario game to be released for the SNES. Super Mario RPG was developed as a joint venture between Square (most famously known for their Final Fantasy series) and Nintendo.
The graphics were highly critically praised upon release, and were done in a similar style to the Donkey Kong Country series, using pre-rendered 3d graphics layered onto a typical RPG isometric view.
The gameplay contains many similarities to other Square RPGs, mainly Final Fantasy and Chrono Trigger. The Mario RPG battle system is again a turn-based system. Fortunately battles are not random encounters, instead they occur when you bump into a enemy on the field map.
Legacy
Although no direct sequels were made, two similar series were released the Paper Mario series and the Mario & Luigi series, both have had a highly positive critical and commercial reception. Super Mario RPG is to be re-released on the Wii arcarde soon.
1. Chrono Trigger
“A portal is opened. The chain of time is broken. A young man is transported into the past, altering the course of history and the outcome of the future. He has to find his way home, but first he must travel to the outer edges of time to repair the world’s chronology.” – Official Box Art
Travel through time to save the world from a global catastrophe.
Chrono Trigger was developed by what Square called the “Dream Team” containing developers from the Final Fantasy and the Dragon quest series, music from renowned video game music composers Yasunori Mitsuda & Nobuo Uematsu, and character design and artwork from famed creator of Dragon Ball, Akira Toriyama.
Chrono Trigger is, in my opinion, by far the best RPG to be released on the SNES (albeit never released in Australia *sob*). Although it may have every role playing cliché possible, this game uses them in such a way to make an extremely captivating experience.
If you have played it I need not say more about how great a game Chrono Trigger is, and if you have not played it I suggest you go find a copy ASAP!
Legacy
Sadly not as good as it could have been; Chrono Trigger has been re-released for the PSX with added anime cut-scenes, had one official sequel; Chrono Cross, released for the PSX and a few text-based adventures released in Japan only.
Currently there are no plans for any new Chrono games.
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June 11th, 2008 at 5:59 pm
Greg Richmond
Nice article though I would have liked to see Terranigma in there!! Still must have been difficult to get it down to 6 due to the wealth of quality RPG’s availible!!
June 11th, 2008 at 10:51 pm
Potato
Secret of Mana wasn’t the first from its series to be released in English. Seiken Densetsu 1 was released as Final Fantasy Adventure in 1991.
June 12th, 2008 at 6:33 am
TheImaginator
Shame you missed out on Legend of Zelda – Link to the Past, Illusion of Time, oh and there were the Breath of Fire games as well.
June 12th, 2008 at 6:52 am
Wolfull
Hey thanks for the replies,
TheImaginator: In my opinion Legend of Zelda is not an RPG, tis a adventure game. (No leveling up etc).
Potato: oops, my bad. I didn’t look at the gameboy releases.
Greg: yeah, there is so many great RPGs but originally I only wanted a list of 5.
June 12th, 2008 at 9:08 am
crux
EarthBound isn’t technically the first of the series to be translated into English (homebrew translations aside), as the first Mother game received a full localization in 1990 before the North American release was eventually canceled in 1991. It also would have been called EarthBound (the folks that hacked the beta cartridge appended “Zero” to the name to distinguish it for the ROM distribution), so presumably the EarthBound we all know and love would have been called EarthBound 2.
And, as said above, Seiken Densetsu reached the states on Gameboy as Final Fantasy Adventure.
June 14th, 2008 at 2:17 am
All time best Genesis RPGs | Casualty Gamer
[...] done the NES RPGs, the SNES RPGs.. the next logical retro step would be the Genesis(aka Mega Drive), thus these are the top Genesis [...]
June 18th, 2008 at 9:51 am
Kev
Man, that Secret of Mana box art brings back memories, it’s so different and captivating in it’s own way. By far my favorite on SNES, though there’s just so many good rpgs to choose from during that time.
July 3rd, 2008 at 1:34 am
zman
this is the best “Best SNES RPG” article!
Everyone forgets about Secret of Mana and Earthbound
Too bad Mother 3 is Japan only =/
Super Mario RPG never gets ranked that high, which is awesome.
And Chrono Trigger is the best hah.
Something about time travel, and changing things in the past to change the future is incredible.
July 8th, 2008 at 10:47 am
[KwZ]
There is going to be a Chrono Trigger game for the DS, square has announced it on their website, but this is not going to be a sequel… I feel sad for that… They should have never cancelled “Chrono Resurrection” it was fan-based after all.
July 10th, 2008 at 10:44 pm
Ian
I liked Secret of Evermore better than Mario RPG
July 23rd, 2008 at 12:00 pm
Leathersoup
I can’t accept this list. There’s no Shadowrun…
July 23rd, 2008 at 1:39 pm
Hamad
Big Gigantic failure,
Shadowrun by DataEast was the best of them all.
July 23rd, 2008 at 3:29 pm
Troll#728
Why is Terranigma not on this list?
I have the feeling you simply wanted in on the grand Chrono Trigger circle jerk and simply searched to find a few lesser known titles, ie Earthbound, Tales of Phantasia to round out this failure of list while ignoring superior games like Shadowrun and Terranigma.
You fail my good sir, a pox upon you and your ilk.
July 24th, 2008 at 1:36 pm
Amanda Kerik
I’m usually disappointed Lufia 2 doesn’t make these lists, but perhaps it’s because a lot of people haven’t played it?
July 24th, 2008 at 2:03 pm
Rick
What about Lufia 2? It’s comparable to FF6!
July 24th, 2008 at 2:14 pm
ironiridis
Come on; Secret of Evermore. That game made me cry… I admit it.
July 24th, 2008 at 2:23 pm
zacharias
what? no FF4? list fail.
July 24th, 2008 at 2:30 pm
Payback
Just wanted to say that there is a remake of Chrono Trigger being made by SquareEnix atm for the DS. Pity to not see Zelda 3: Link to the past on the list – but hey, can’t please everyone!
Other then that, great article
July 24th, 2008 at 2:34 pm
dude
FF4!
Illusion of Gaia!
LTTP!
P.S.
- Earthbound is Japan’s “Mother 2″. You should play “Mother 3″ as it is fan-translated into English and is just as good
- Secret of Mana is Japan’s “Seiken Densetsu 2″. You should also play “Seiken Densetsu 3″ as it is also fan-translated into English and is just as good
July 24th, 2008 at 2:36 pm
vuduuu
this list is such epic fails without shadowrun at #1
July 24th, 2008 at 2:42 pm
mehdi
zelda 3! zelda 3! oh no, it’s not on the list. You just killed me.
July 24th, 2008 at 3:15 pm
Cypher
Damn it, Ive played them all, Kinda lookin for a new one. Wishing I couldve played Bahamut Lagoon, except my Japanese sucks………
July 24th, 2008 at 3:44 pm
Gato
Chrono Trigger has a release on the DS check square enix website for more details
just for the internet cliche ill add in this “asshole”
July 24th, 2008 at 4:54 pm
Phyrehawk
Excellent choice of number one =] Though that musta been a difficult list to put together (especially with the suggestions people are making above, Terrainigma, Shadowrun etc.)
For anyone that is interested – Chrono Trigger is getting a remake for the DS due to be released in the winter
http://www.square-enix.co.jp/ctds/
~Phyre
July 24th, 2008 at 4:56 pm
blah
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Final_Fantasy_Adventure as you can see, Secret of Mana was NOT the first Mana game to be translated to english. Final Fantasy Adventure for the Game Boy was (though it was not marked as a Mana game at the time). The game has since been remade as Sword of Mana for the GameBoy Advance.
July 24th, 2008 at 5:13 pm
J Rock
Umm… Anyone else like 7th Saga? I thought it was dzope. I would have bumped earthbound sorry.
July 24th, 2008 at 6:42 pm
Tobias
Would be nice if a single one of these was on Virtual Console =P poop on Nintendo!
July 24th, 2008 at 9:42 pm
SniperJoe
I can agree with everyone except Tales of Phantasia, just because I have never played it. Secret of Evermore Illusion of Gaia were also off the chain.
July 24th, 2008 at 10:41 pm
V
There was a translation for the Earthbound 3 Game in the works. Of course, this was only going to be a ROM release only, but from what the site suggests, it’s 90% complete.
http://mother3.fobby.net/
July 24th, 2008 at 11:28 pm
V
Earthbound 2 (Mother 3) Sorry…
July 24th, 2008 at 11:29 pm
Adam
Tales of Phantasia I wasn’t too pleased with. You should have just left it at top 5 and cut that one out.
July 25th, 2008 at 12:06 am
jmpavlec
7th Saga was awesome. Terrinigma was decent, doesnt deserve to be top 6 though.
July 25th, 2008 at 12:16 am
Cro-mos
I liked breath of fire. Maybe not top 5 but it was lots of fun.
July 25th, 2008 at 1:04 am
Sal Cangeloso
Shadowrun?
Secret of Evermore?
Some good calls, but IMO Mario does not make it to that list…
July 25th, 2008 at 1:14 am
Locke
Mario better than FF6?
Where’s Breath of Fire 2?
Earthbound make it and Lufias, Zelda and, specially, Secret of Mana 2 not?
July 25th, 2008 at 2:01 am
Mr.Spore
Ah sweet memories. My favorite has got to be “Secret of Mana”. Nice list, dugg.
July 25th, 2008 at 3:02 am
Chaosmos
How can you seriously make a “Best RPG” list and not include Zelda? A Link to the Past is one of my favorite video games of all time, let alone on the SNES. And I spent a *lot* of time playing my SNES.
July 25th, 2008 at 3:39 am
hazmat151
uh, Secret of Mana #5? Beaten by Earth Bound, and Super Mario RPG, of all games?!?!? Super Mario RPG should not even be on a list like this. Secret of Mana was more enjoyable than Chrono Trigger, and I think is still the best RPG of the SNES. Chrono Trigger was good but the gameplay and awesome soundtrack that accompany Secret of Mana really cannot be rivaled.
July 25th, 2008 at 4:18 am
erichansa
I played almost all of those. Now what is most popular, that must be video games:
http://www.zeeol.com/index.php/PC-Games/the-universe-of-video-games
July 25th, 2008 at 7:25 am
Adi Moga
next time try do not miss a link to the past.. if you come on digg again
July 25th, 2008 at 8:56 am
Wolfull
Zelda is NOT an RPG, it’s an adventure game.
July 25th, 2008 at 8:58 am
Mr. X
Seiken Densetsu III was far better than Secret of Mana, in my opinion. Maybe I’m just on crack.
July 25th, 2008 at 11:41 am
tony
I AM SHOCKED & DISGRACED NOT TO SEE THE LEGEND OF ZELDA IN HERE! SHAME ON YOU!
July 25th, 2008 at 8:08 pm
Wolfull
LOL Tony, read the comment a few above.
July 25th, 2008 at 9:06 pm
tony
woops Q(^.^Q)
July 27th, 2008 at 5:27 am
Free Apple Gear
Heh, I could think of a few other games that deserved to be on this list.
July 27th, 2008 at 10:51 am
Zakia
Theres always something missing in these, mainly due to the fact that they always have the same top 5/7.
August 12th, 2008 at 12:27 pm
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August 13th, 2008 at 2:19 pm
Vintrus
Have to say I loved Chrono Trigger I even recently purchased Its Soundtrack.
August 28th, 2008 at 12:08 pm
Matoking
Actually, there’s Chrono Trigger DS coming out to DS. If my memory serves right, it includes AT LEAST 2 extra dungeons, “arena mode/wireless play”, dual screen and touch screen support.
August 31st, 2008 at 5:20 pm
Floirt
Argh… Nobody mentionned Illusion of Time?
No waaaayyy- *explodes in a shover of gore*
Super Mario RPG merits it’s place through.
Too bad my save was corrupted/auto-erased-whatever, I had like 5 out of 7 stars…
September 1st, 2008 at 11:54 pm
GaZPT
wait a minute… no zelda!!! no evermore!!! this is an outrage, i demand a recount
September 6th, 2008 at 6:37 pm
kevin hackett
this list is absolutely perfect, granted the breath of fire games would at least be in the tip 10?
September 7th, 2008 at 12:53 pm
the brick
solid list, man, though I would have put in Zelda – Link to the Past.
Other than that, good one.
September 9th, 2008 at 11:24 am
Geoff
nice list heres my thoughts
chrono trigger is the best so good job on that but ff6 is 2nd cuz it rocks…
i wouldnt put mario in cuz i dont think hes a very good rpg hero… hes more suited to leaping over…. uh what does he leap over? anyways he would be gone
i didn’t like BoF2…. the first one was great but when i first played the second one i thought theyre just rippin on the awesomeness of the first one…. anyhoo…
things you miss (sorry to repeat what everyone’s said)
FF4
&
Treasure of the Rudras…. anyone played this game? awesome rpg….
nice list anywayz
September 10th, 2008 at 6:43 pm
Kaoryn
If another person says that The Legend of Zelda needs to be included on this list, I MIGHT smack a dude. Seriously. How can you consider yourselves fans of the RPG genre when you can’t even identify when a game isn’t an RPG? How does that happen? The only Zelda that actually had traces of RPG elements was Zelda 2: The Adventure of Link. Get your facts straight.
Secondly, lists like these are almost always biased. While BoF, Illusion of Gaia, and Final Fantasy 2 were all arguably good games, the author CLEARLY states he only wants six games. Therefore he can only put up the six games HE feels are the best. While you are all entitled to your opinion of what those top six are, please refrain from speaking when you know something intelligent isn’t going to come out.
Good list man, I too, would have swapped a few, but this does the SNES genre just fine.
September 17th, 2008 at 1:56 pm
Gagano
Where kind sir, is Dragon Quest 5 or 6?
October 2nd, 2008 at 7:29 am
Tresh
HOW CAN MARIO BE THERE!!! HOW CAN MARIO BE THERE INSTEAD LUFIA II!!!? OH MAN YOU ARE SUCH A FASCIST>>>
October 6th, 2008 at 1:44 am
panickedthumb
I think Zelda IS an RPG, just not a typical one. Very, very atypical actually. I wouldn’t consider it for a list like this, but it is an action RPG. If it’s not an RPG then neither is Kingdom Hearts
October 14th, 2008 at 12:56 pm
Bassium
I have never gotten the chance to play most of these, I’ve only been able to play Super Mario RPG. :\
October 15th, 2008 at 8:24 am
ShadowGHX
This is a pretty awesome list, but I havent played most of these.
Super Mario rpg was awesome.
October 16th, 2008 at 8:08 am
Orion164
I like your list for the most part. I Definitely think Chrono Trigger, Secret of Mana, and FF 3/6 are some of the most unbelievable games ever made, still to this day. I personally have a hard time deciding between FF 3/6 and 2/4. I actually just replayed FF 4, think I played through all versions of the game now, still find the game amazing after all these years.
If I had a top 6 it might go:
1. FF 2/4
2. Chrono Trigger
3. Secret of Mana
4. Lufia 2
5. FF 3/6
6. Secret of Evermore
I am not including Zelda because I agree with the Adventure RPG classification, however it is definitely one of the best games. If anyone hasn’t played Lufia 2 I highly recommend it, the first one was nowhere near as good though.
Also, Seiken densetsu 3 wasn’t on par with the SoM or SoE in my opinion.
Thanks to the person who mentioned Treasures of Rudras by the way, never heard of it but I plan on playing it now, always fun to expand your snes rpg repertoire.
Wish they would make good rpgs still 8(
October 21st, 2008 at 3:05 pm
Play Zelda Online
Zelda Rocks
October 24th, 2008 at 5:41 am
Play Zelda Online
why isnt zelda on this list?
October 24th, 2008 at 6:22 am
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November 3rd, 2008 at 12:24 am
Leroy Emerson
xqt62luq9bd62nts
November 13th, 2008 at 7:31 am
Davey McDave
Final Fantasy 5 never gets mentioned on lists like this, probably because it wasn’t released outside of Japan – easy to get a translation these days. The gameplay mechanics are very rich, but it lacks on presentation (sound/graphics) which can put some off.
Chrono trigger feels like more of a movie than a game. Great presentation. No challenge. Very little character customisation. I thoroughly enjoyed completing it but best RPG ever? come on.
V. pleased to see people wanting Terranigma in. Superb game. Nice blend of fantasy and real world history in the plot.
December 25th, 2008 at 5:34 am
Jsgamerman36
This is a Great List Of Rpg’s but Tales Of Phantasia is much better than mario rpg
December 27th, 2008 at 5:45 am
TheoryvoMamumreutuar
yyxobagynovitdstwell, hi admin adn people nice forum indeed. how’s life? hope it’s introduce branch
December 29th, 2008 at 11:54 am
Brandon Y
Wow. I love you. These are all my favorite games! We must have so much in common! Seriously, I would have picked these exact ones! I’d love to meet you. That would be better than giving a blow job to a pillsbury dough boy! Did you ever play battleship? I loved the Aircraft Carrier.
December 31st, 2008 at 8:42 am
Axl
To the comment above:
Get on your knees honney. And later, if you want, write a smarter comment
January 8th, 2009 at 2:52 am
jimmy
I’m tired of everyone trash talking super mario rpg. So what Mario isn’t who you’d expect to be the hero of an rpg, thats what made it so great. timed attacks made the battle sequence so much more enjoyable than your average rpg. Plenty of secrets which i have unlocked and made the game that much better. the story was awesome, the graphics and sound were awesome. and FOR THE LOVE OF GOD ZELDA IS NOT AN RPG, so cut him some slack for it not making an rpg list. RPG lists are for RPG’s, not action adventure games, and no Zelda not being an RPG does not make Kingdom Hearts not an RPG due to the level up and attributes systems Kingdom Hearts is an action RPG. I do like the list not so keen on the order. In my opinion and that is just what it is an opinion (just like the original list) there’s no way Chrono Trigger is the ultimate SNES RPG Defining title. If any game should hold that right it should be mario rpg since mario was the systems defining character. Most of the people complaining about this game being on this list have probably never even played the game or understood the fact that mario rpg is just as fun for adults as it is to kids (the intent upon the games release.) I would love to see Square and now Enix do more titles like this, unsuspecting RPG classical game heros. Here’s just a few suggestions: Ninja Turtles, Zelda (although not so unsuspecting, and I would love to see zelda and link in a real rpg), and i think it would be cool for some one like samus in metroid to be a main rpg hero. oh and by the way i would love to see your top six rpgs for the genesis, although not as good as a system, still deserves alot of credit. That list would definetly have to include the Phantasy Star series, The Shining Force series (although more strategy based but still an rpg) and the Uncharted Water series, well at least #2 although that game has crappy graphics and not so great a variety of sounds a very unique level up system and battle system (kind of a beefed up paper rock scissor system. well thats all I have to say, except for no matter my opinion or anyone elses, that’s your list and it will always be just that.
January 15th, 2009 at 6:28 pm
jimmy
Oh yeah, I’m very interested in playing the Treasure of the Rudras game and cannot find the ROM if anyone coul “help a brother out” that would be way cool, and umm I forgot on the Genesis list you would definatly have to put Shadorun in there it’s also quite different then the SNES version, not quite as good but still a note worthy title for both systems.
January 15th, 2009 at 6:39 pm
Foxx
I’ve played all of those games except for tales of phantasia 3 or whatever… Those actually are pretty good, rare games. That’s what makes them special! ^^ oh I also bought the soundtrack to CT favorite childhood game
January 18th, 2009 at 11:19 am
Red V
dood. earth bound sucks…
it was pretty original. however… it was just to slow. the battle system was horrible as well.
Chrono Trigger all the way!!
January 29th, 2009 at 4:06 pm
Cory
Usually when I read lists like this I can understand the viewpoint of the author, but usually still have my disagreements. I think this is the first list I have read where I am in complete agreement (maybe swap #2 and #3, but that would be it). Great selection of games and very fond memories!
February 16th, 2009 at 4:53 pm
Yoda
good list man! I agree with the games, just not in the exact order. SoM #1 for me, probably cuz of all the memories and time spent playing it as a kid. My first love. Cant believe people are saying this list sucks because Illusion of Gaia and Shadowrun etc. arent on here. They’re good but not top 6. btw, Zelda can be considered an RPG, for your taking the role of a character, saving the world etc. but it’s debatable. No right or wrong. ( I would have left it off too =P )
February 23rd, 2009 at 12:22 pm
Jama7301
Under that logic though, any game could be considered an RPG because you’re assuming the role of someone/thing else. Nice list, and lots of nice suggestions in here. Might have to play some of the ones I haven’t beaten.
March 3rd, 2009 at 12:24 pm
Tami
Star-F**kin’-Ocean.
Seriously. Waaaaay better than earthbound.
March 5th, 2009 at 6:05 am
Amaranth
I consider an RPG to be any game where, obviously, you take on the role of a character throughout the whole game, it has a clear storyline that makes it interesting and goals and things you must achieve. I always considered Zelda one because you’re taking on the role of a regular person who goes on a quest to ultimately become a hero. You get to explore various locations, do things at your own pace and you have to do certain tasks to progress the storyline.
It’s also classified as an RPG at these sites:
http://www.gamespot.com/snes/rpg/legendofzeldaalinkttp/index.html
http://mikesrpgcenter.com/zelda3/
http://www.mobygames.com/game/legend-of-zelda-a-link-to-the-past
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Super-Nintendo-Zelda-Link-Past/dp/B00002STXN
http://www.super-nes.com/zelda3.htm
And, in a sense, you do sort of level up. You get more powerful items and weapons as the game progresses, as well as more heart containers (or whatever you’d like to call them) which allow you to survive longer and be able to sustain further damage. While you may not gain EXP per se, I think it can still be considered an RPG regardless. An adventure RPG, sure, action RPG… but still an RPG.
I’m not saying it should be added to this list, as many above have stated, it’s a personal opinion and people need to realize that. We all like different games. You think a game should be added to the list? GOOD FOR YOU, I’m sure many of us do, but this isn’t a list going by the average for what the top six games were, this is someone’s personal opinion on what the best RPGs were to them. So honestly, stop bashing the person for not adding your game to the list. They’re not going to add it just because you throw your little tantrum, if you want a more “correct” (in your opinion) list, make your own.
March 27th, 2009 at 3:10 am
Jeiscon
My top 10 i think is…
#1- Chrono Trigger
#2- Seiken Densetsu 3
#3- Terranigma
#4- Tales of Phantasia
#5- Earthbound
#6- Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars
#7- Secret of Mana
#8- Secret of Evermore
#9- Star Ocean
#10- Bahamut Lagoon
And also,,, why is crono using flaming sword combo with marle in the game cover ???
any opinions???
April 8th, 2009 at 7:18 pm
Patokid
What RPG “cliché’s” are you talking about in Chrono trigger?
April 17th, 2009 at 9:13 am
Awesome
Tales Of Phantasia belongs at Number 1! That game had an amazing story! Its battle system was AHEAD of its time. Stunning images also ahead of its time! Overall that game touched my soul!
Chrono Trigger was AWESOME! def a hot second for me!
Earthbound, Mario can def be taken off… honestly id prolly remove FFIII.
May 5th, 2009 at 4:46 am
Harry
I agree so much with Davey McDave: Chrono Trigger is overrated as an RPG, its fun to play or watch but not challenging enough.
And i have to disagree with others about Earthbound, Earthbound was awesome, very strange and mysterious but also funny.
May 7th, 2009 at 5:34 am
SSior27
Sadly I have played all but one of the games on the list, and a smattering of others. I can understand why FinalFantasy5 isn’t on the list as it wasn’t released in the US till later on GameBoy. But reading some of the idiotic posts make me laugh. Zelda an RPG? Hardly! Dark Cloud for PS2 was more an RPG than Zelda (and also a good game!). And if the definition of an RPG is where you play the role of one character, this would include Halo, Doom, Contra, and Pac-Man. Mario RPG I was skeptic about… till I played it. It actually was pretty good, imo. I also find it amusing how people whine and complain that games not released in the US weren’t on the list.
Tales was interesting though I personally had trouble getting the hang of the combat system. Enjoyed the visual styles.
Secret of Mana was rather enjoyable even if a bit cartoony.
Just started playing EarthBound. Will be interesting to see where this Ness kid originates.
While I don’t agree that Final Fantasy 3/6 is the best 2D Final Fantasy game, I do agree it’s one of the best (both 2D and 3D). Didn’t care how the many characters drop in and out of your party constantly, which is one thing I enjoyed with Final Fantasy 5, a constant core cast of characters. (Had the same qualms with FF2/4)… but FF3/6 had the best representation of Moogles!
ChronoTrigger…what’s to be said? Great story, cinematic presentation, some-teen endings, lol. The genesis of my belief that any game worth being made into a movie already is presented as one.
May 16th, 2009 at 7:23 pm
Kvmathis
I know you only have limited spots, but where is Breath of Fire?
May 27th, 2009 at 5:32 am
scroto baggins
earthbound number 1 chrono close 2nd can’t decide from there…
June 7th, 2009 at 2:03 pm
Bionic
Perfect list, thee only thing I would switch would be Secret of Mana for Secret of Evermore. But SoM still being in a top 10.
Shadowrun & Terranigma
Should be NOwhere near this list honestly.
Mediocre games. Definitely not top 5 material.. (or 6) in this case. Lets face it, theres plenty of snes RPGs that dwarf these two completely!
Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
Simply put – Shall not be seen on any RPG lists; IF SO!! Somebody has made a mistake. Sorry link fans. Don’t get me wrong its a fantastic game, But it is NOT an RPG genre.
If this qualified as an RPG so would Super Metriod and with that said Super Metriod would be at the top of EVERY snes list ever!
After all.. it is the highest rated ROM.
Naysayers?? Do some research xD
Out.
____Bionic is no Gimmick.
June 15th, 2009 at 8:33 pm
Tha Q-Tip Killa
There really only needs to be a top 3:
1. Chrono Trigger
2. Earthbound
3. Final Fantasy III
July 18th, 2009 at 1:28 am
chinese chicken bwuk
1. Lufia II
2. Terranigma
3. Secret of evermore
4. Secret of mana
5. chrono trigger
6. Link to the past
July 18th, 2009 at 7:52 am
Oxfordattic
top ten needs to include robotrek, FF3, Fire emblem 4, Digital Devil Story 2 and star ocean as musts. oddly enough I’ve never played shadowrun, must change that…
There is virtually no snes rom you can’t find a translation for, so just hunt.
August 5th, 2009 at 11:38 pm
andy
thanks for including tales of phantasia – amazing game. i really feel that it would be a household name if an english version had been released back in the snes heyday.
August 16th, 2009 at 5:30 am
Kelidiscope
Wow.. I never knew so many people liked shadowrun so much.. It really wasnt that good of a game in my opinion. FF3 and FF2, were both Excellent games.. Lufia 2 was incredible (and incredibly hard).. Mario RPG was also a great game.. Not to mention Chrono Trigger.. for whatever reason, I could never get much into Terranigma.. and Earthbound.. ew.. just.. not my thing anyway.. but based on the defintion of RPG put up here, what about Knights of the Round, or how about Kirby superstar?
August 20th, 2009 at 10:40 am
Kelidiscope
Oh and Ogrebattle..!
August 20th, 2009 at 10:40 am
maidenskiss
The 3 SNES FF’s are my ultimate favourites. After that, in no particular order I enjoyed Tales of Phantasia, Terranigma and Chrono Trigger the most.
I’ve yet to complete Secret of Mana or Dragon Quest VI, but I think they deserve a mention.
Another pretty good rpg is ‘Live A Live”.
September 4th, 2009 at 12:36 am
Eden Rocks
Peoples’ own personal tastes and values of nostalgia and notwithstanding, the best SNES rpg, in terms of design, originality, and scope, is **Ogre Battle**, in my view. I also give an honorable mention to 7th Saga (another highly original rpg and very difficult, which I wish more games were). Also let me say that the storyline for Final Fantasy 2 (4) is my favorite of all the SNES rpgs I have played. Let me also note that I have never played any of the Dragon Quest games. As far as this list goes, I must give props, as it seems to reflect a popular view of these games, even if I do not agree with each particular game at its spot. My top 5:
1. Orge Battle: March of the Black Queen
2: Chrono Trigger
3: Final Fantasy 3 (6)
4: Super Mario PRG
5: Secret of Mana
Honorable mentions: Final Fantasy 2 (4), 7th Saga, Earthbound, Lufia 2, Tales of Phantasia, Shadowrun, Robotrek
Addendum: Zelda is an ADVENTURE game, please, let us all agree on this.
Keep up the good work people.
September 4th, 2009 at 8:59 am
ZELDAISANRPG
First off, RPG whose very definition is “Role Playing Game” Means you are put into the mindset and point of view of a character whose actions you choose. Zelda, and many other games similar are, in fact, RPGS and anyone who debates otherwise is a moron who needs to gain a little education into the terms they throw around so freely.
September 15th, 2009 at 9:17 am
Anonymous
1- Tales of Phantasia
2- Chrono Trigger
3- etc
October 20th, 2009 at 10:23 am
really
nice list tho i have to say zelda its RPG, many folks think thats not rpg but go google it and ull find out, im a huge fan of zelda, i played evey title ever release,
BTW great list but zelda a link to the past OWNS
November 3rd, 2009 at 3:21 pm
Menthol Box
Paladin’s Quest was a new take on the magic system, used a completely alien world and allowed for limited customization of the party through the hiring of mercenaries. Still my favorite.
November 27th, 2009 at 4:45 am
Kain
lets get something straight morons Role playing game means you take on the persona of a character and control their action bot NOT on consoles you need a level up system and growth to be calsified as an rpg on game CONSOLES zelda is a brilliant game though NOT an rpg.
also Rudra no Hihou/treasure of the Rudras should be there and lufia 2 definetly
November 28th, 2009 at 1:11 pm
Kain
oh by the way just because you google something doesnt mean its true
November 28th, 2009 at 1:13 pm
Proteome
Wow. You guys really have to stop hopping on Link’s bone. Zelda fanboyism… now THERE’S a game that’s overrated.
I love your definition of RPG, Kain. It’s so flawed that my balls feel like they’re going to explode simply because I tried to re-read the disaster you posted here. Ow. “Moron.”
And no. Zelda isn’t an RPG. It’s a dead horse that has been beaten for too many years now. Let’s move on, kids.
November 30th, 2009 at 6:27 am
Fret
I agree with the list somewhat.. I saw a poster above mention paladins quest, Which was a difficult game but it grew on you.
My list would be,
1.Final Fantasty series
2.Chrono Trigger
3.Breath of fire
4.7th Saga
5.Lufia Series
6.The might and magic ports
7.Legend of the seven stars
8.Eye Of the beholder 3
9.Shadowrun
A link too the past is as much a rpg as the tales games or secret of mana? Just because it was more popular doesnt mean you have to withhold graces from it.. I dont like any of them after a link too the past though…
December 4th, 2009 at 8:09 pm
pepperOpixel
when I think of an rpg, I think of checking my stats, deciding what equipment to use against my next enemy, sort out my spells, and battle.
( like dragon warrior for nes ) I DO NOT think of zelda when I think of rpg.
1. no in-depth strategy, run and hit.
2. no hit points, as in numbers, not hearts.
3. no stats, as in weaknesses, resistances, etc.
4. at most it’s an extremely good ADVENTURE game.
December 21st, 2009 at 4:59 am
Eden Rocks
It is up to gamers to agree on what constitutes a “role-playing” game, as the definition given above (“put into the mindset and point of view of a character whose actions you choose”) applies to **every game ever created**. In my view, traditionally speaking a “role-playing game” usually features a lot of text, several strategical decisions the player must make which are usually done in stop-time, mathematical calculations, and is heavily focused on dialogue and story. An “adventure game” has traditionally been more action and gameplay-oriented, and less concerned with complicated mathematical systems and story. For example, Final Fantasy (the original) is an RPG, and the Legend of Zelda (the original) is an adventure game. The point of having this discussion is only for the clarification of categories to serve the greater benefit of all gamers. There is no other purpose, other than this “artistic” one. This is my offering, which I find reasonable, well-thought out, and not influenced in any way by my ego. Zelda is an adventure game with perhaps some RPG elements (I would argue it is more of a puzzle game than a RPG). It is not an RPG. If one will continue to argue this point do not embarrass yourself by posting rude comments which are completely and obviously erroneous.
December 22nd, 2009 at 11:01 am
A Wise Man
I agree with everybody that has ever posted a comment here.
January 17th, 2010 at 1:32 am
The_Hug
And to the wise man you are a dumbass because you cant agree with everyone because that just stupid.
April 25th, 2010 at 11:13 am
InSaNiTy
Let’s take a chill people. RPG, or role playing game (also rocket propelled grenade…) is, by definition, a game where you as the player, play a game via a character that you become part of. For an RPG to be considered one, a leveling system is not required (a plus, but not required). Also, a story must be in place. With that in mind, you must be able to feel like you can actually play a role in a story. Hence role playing game. So everyone quit arguing, grow up, and shut up. If you believe that Zelda is not an RPG, then so what? Keep that to yourself
June 2nd, 2010 at 4:16 pm
dru
wait so Goldeneye is an rpg? lmao
June 3rd, 2010 at 3:00 pm
Mountain Man
Some people make a halfway decent argument as to why they consider Zelda an RPG, but many people consider RPGs to be a different genre from Action/Adventure titles. Some games, like Zelda LTTP, walk both lines.
I would call LTTP primarily an Action/Adventure game with some RPG elements. That’s just my opinion, just like whatever you think is yours. Neither of us can be “right”, so don’t bother trying to prove your stance, it’s futile.
June 8th, 2010 at 2:29 pm
Athyu
Lets get several things cleared up:
1: Zelda causes too much argument on how to classify it, hence just call it an Adventure-RPG
2: THIS IS THE GOLDEN AGE OF RPG GAMING WE ARE TALKING ABOUT. WE WILL NOT AGREE WITH THE CHOICES ESPECIALLY WHEN TALKING ABOUT THE BEST OF THE BEST
July 12th, 2010 at 3:53 pm
Banjo
Chrono trigger has a ds remake now. go get it!
August 5th, 2010 at 8:50 pm
Ciephied
best SNES rpgs imo would be
1- breath of fire 2
2- Super mario RPG
3- multiple final fantasy games
4- chrono trigger
5- lufia series
I haven’t played everything but I am soon to play shadowrun and secret of evermore.
August 31st, 2010 at 7:54 am
lufia
LUFIA 2 is THE BEST SNES RPG. PERIOD….with EXCLAMATION!!!!
November 24th, 2010 at 8:35 am
keh0ol
totally forgot terranigma in this list
it was never released in the US so maybe that’s why people don’t give it enough credit
best rpg i’ve played on the SNES
January 11th, 2011 at 11:59 am
Anthony
What no soul blazer?better than illusion of gaia by the way.I love soul blazer
February 14th, 2011 at 8:04 am
trm
So many people keep complaining about Shadowrun being one of the greatest of all-time. It was average. Get over it. It was a solid game until you got towards the end, and then it seemed like they ran out of ideas.
February 14th, 2011 at 10:53 am
abcdeff2ff3.....
stupid list.. sounds like a kid made it..
i hate chrono trigger
ff3(6) was incredible..
ff2(4) had a killer story
and as for the rest they are ok.. !!
February 21st, 2011 at 11:59 pm
abcdeff2ff3.....
also if u are interested in my comments u should try some patches/ hacks its kinda fun to play different types of the games
cheers !!!
February 22nd, 2011 at 12:02 am
Me
Zelda is a rpg, An rpg is a game in which the player assumes the role of a character(s) in a fictional setting, you play the role of zelda who is a fictional hero in a fictional land with both light and dark worlds. how dare you speak such blasphemous words about zelda!!
April 3rd, 2011 at 4:07 am
pikoromagus
my first 6
6 tales of phantasia / Breath of dragon
5 final fantasy VI (FF III USA)
4 seiken densetsu 3 (secret of mana)
3 zelda a link to the past
2 terranigma
1 chrono trigger
and about zelda when i played it was labeled as an rpg so i put it my list & my first and only rpg played in console, not emulators
PS: i haven’t played dragon quest, shadowrun, illusion of gaia, soul blazer, ocean star, ff 4 & 5, so my top games can change.
my top all times rpgs are(nes, snes, n64, gc, wii, psx, genesis, saturn, dc):
FF VII
Chrono Trigger
Terranigma
April 15th, 2011 at 2:40 pm
reptvargede
Im 19 going on 20 in may i got my nose done at raw dawgs and it hurting in the end grave and its been 5 to 6 weeks the centre of my nose is sollowen and its starting 2 puss is that a eulogistic thing and when i asked the rather residence i got it done they said nothing was in error with it and my confidante got hers done 2 days before my and she isnt having any turbulence nor pussing so how do i know if i dont compel ought to to get grey hair about if my nose is infected or no high cholesterol foods to avoid
May 10th, 2011 at 9:00 pm
Over Stock Memory Foam Mattress
I had put in a good deal of my own time looking for you to definitely explain this kind of subject clearly.
May 17th, 2011 at 11:07 pm
Chris
Is Tiger Woods PGA Golf 2011 also an rpg? Is it a Golf RPG? A hell of a lot more statistical customization, character growth, etc. than the Zelda series…
Tiger used “Long Drive”!
Fairway Evaded with Special Ability “Sudden Gust”!
…
Tiger Fled from battle.
…
A wild Bunker appeared!
So… what were we arguing about here?
May 19th, 2011 at 8:33 pm
Tyler Barry
Love the Tiger analogy but seriously, the SNES was probably the greatest system for RPGs. I would put FF III and Chrono Trigger in a dead heat, but ultimately FF III wins. Still, most of the RPGs are good enough to make the list at http://www.meltedjoystick.com/top_games_by_genre.php?genre=Role+Playing+%28RPG%29
May 21st, 2011 at 11:33 am
Czar
Awesome list, Ty! Time to try some of these and replay some.
June 27th, 2011 at 12:16 am
Carli
These topics are so cnfounsig but this helped me get the job done.
July 13th, 2011 at 7:43 am
A Random Zelda Fan
You play the role of Link, not Zelda….
Me
Zelda is a rpg, An rpg is a game in which the player assumes the role of a character(s) in a fictional setting, you play the role of zelda who is a fictional hero in a fictional land with both light and dark worlds. how dare you speak such blasphemous words about zelda!!
April 3rd, 2011 at 4:07 am
July 18th, 2011 at 6:18 pm
Linux De Tylmarande
What’s happening with you guys?! do you know the meaning of RPG?! it is ROLE-PLAYING GAME!! and you play as a role as zelda.. u can replace it’s name with your own name, right? and it has nothing to do with level up or what kind of training system the game does have, as long as you play the role! that’s it! basically called a ROLE-PLAYING GAME!!! keep that in mind!
July 29th, 2011 at 9:52 am
tR fa11en
Want to play my rpg here is is you take the role of a candy covered teddy bear on a was path with the red moon that stole his yellow plumpkin socks of furry he has to kill the monkey of fruit cups in order to win the black gimp suit of the nine bananas
August 24th, 2011 at 6:12 pm
DrART
Wanderers from Y’s (Y’s 3) is also a great RPG. Keep the names coming guys so I can search for them and play RPGs ive never played before
October 3rd, 2011 at 2:03 pm
terranigmafan
I think Terranigma had probably the most interesting story and themes of any SNES rpg, it was more interested in history than anime and really benefits a lot as a result; plus there were references to contemporary issues such as terrorism and technology in Japan, check out this article to learn more: http://supergametheory.wordpress.com/2011/09/13/terranigma-and-the-philosophy-of-history/
December 29th, 2011 at 12:50 am
WBYYO
well ffvi should be 1 or 2 with chrono trigger
January 7th, 2012 at 5:37 am
Heh
I dont know theres a massive battle in my head over number 1 spot between secret of mana,chrono trigger and tales of phantasia.
February 21st, 2012 at 7:35 pm
Nick the Greek
Dunno about best, but Breath of Fire 2 is one of the most difficult RPGs I’ve ever played (and never finished). Anyone here finished it?
March 7th, 2012 at 9:27 pm
Nick
6. Earthbound
5. Zelda: A link to the Past
4. Final Fantasy 2 (4)
3. Final Fantasy 3 (6)
2. Shadowrun
1. Chrono Trigger
March 12th, 2012 at 4:49 pm
This Guy
Uncharted Waters New Horizons, best snes rpg ever
May 4th, 2012 at 2:03 pm
Skyzzz2
Skyzzz2…
Fantastic blog post, saw on…
May 10th, 2012 at 7:33 pm
ryan
Wow, the comments are better than the article itself almost. Thanks for listing all these games as I’m really getting into console style RPGs and want to play plenty as possible.
I’m just about done with my first playthrough of Chrono Trigger though and have to say, that is a fantastic game. It’s a little light sided on the RPG side of things like customization and a little easier than I expected but it is none the less an epic; story, gameplay, visuals and all.
Very exicted to play all these games after I’m done with CT so thanks to everyone out there voicing their opinions, I’ve seen more variety in the comments then I have in the 100 “top ten SNES RPGs” articles I’ve read.
Such a shame I missed the SNES generation of gaming.
May 18th, 2012 at 12:38 pm
ryan
Oh and just comment on this whole “Is Zelda an RPG?” debate;
Zelda is NOT an RPG in the terms of what makes an RPG an RPG. While the term “Role Playing Game” itself may literally apply to the Zelda franchise, it still doesn’t qualify to be one, with this arguement you could even say CoD qualifies as an RPG because you’re playing the role of a soldier. An RPG has major strategic elements that involve varied character progression such as levels, statistics, and skills.
Zelda is an adventure game for a reason but that doesn’t make it any less of a quality game.
May 18th, 2012 at 12:46 pm
Fennyariel
How do you figure that Zelda isn’t an RPG?!
October 25th, 2012 at 4:07 pm
goobie
Hero sets out on a quest to save the world. He traverses an overworld, which includes towns, people, and even merchants from which to buy inventory using money gained from defeating enemies. He eventually devles into a dark dungeon, and once said dungeon is cleared of enemies and a final boss, and in so doing, Hero has not only gained new equipment, weapons, and/or abilites, but has also seen his max HP (and perhaps even MP) increase. Hero returns to the overworld, travels to another dungeon, more battles, more equipment/abilities/life/magic gained, again and again, until he is powerful enough to confront the evil wizard that terrorizes the land, and defeat him.
Sound like an RPG? Nah, that’s just Zelda. (Zelda IS an RPG, just one that is simplified and streamlined, but all the markers of it being an RPG is distinctly in place.)
December 13th, 2012 at 2:44 pm
Chase
Zelda and Legends of Gaia are not RPGs. Zelda is an adventure game, always has been and always will be. Not even resembles an RPG.
January 25th, 2013 at 1:05 pm