As someone who grew up with a Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) as my gateway to video games, I can confidently say that the SNES was home to some of the most iconic and groundbreaking JRPGs ever created. Among these classics, there is one game that stands head and shoulders above the rest – Chrono Trigger.
The genre of Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPG) started becoming widely recognized during the time of the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), or what was called Famicom in Japan.
Yet, it was the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) that marked the beginning of Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs) gaining worldwide significance, with numerous series managing to secure a prominent position.
Certain franchises continue to thrive in the present, gaining strength with every new main series installment as they progress through generations.
Some individuals, however, spent their formative years within the SNES console and have since left an indelible mark that resonates until today, despite remaining within it.
10 Bahamut Lagoon
Dragons Partnership
Bahamut Lagoon” is among numerous games developed by SquareSoft that were exclusively launched in Japan. However, enthusiasts managed to enjoy it using unofficial translations made available by fans.
In this game, you’ll find yourself navigating a strategic role-playing experience set within the realm of Orelo – a land suspended by drifting islands. Here, you’ll guide both human and dragon characters through various adventures.
Among tactical games of its era, Bahamut Lagoon stood out due to its unique dragon unit system. Instead of traditional character enhancement, players could nourish dragons with diverse items and gear, empowering them and transforming their forms.
Regarding certain types of food, a dragon might stray from its allegiance towards the player. Given that they cannot be manipulated directly, these creatures may occasionally choose not to cooperate, causing complications for the player’s strategy, yet introducing an engaging element of unpredictability into the gameplay.
9 Breath of Fire II
Becoming A Dragon
Seeing other Japanese gaming companies enjoying success with Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs), Capcom decided it was time for them to create their own series. And so, the beloved Breath of Fire franchise was brought into existence.
Initially, the first game was rather straightforward, some might even say overly so, despite its innovative concepts. However, Breath of Fire II took those initial intentions and polished them significantly.
In the sequel, which is situated 500 years following the initial game, Ryu, our scaly hero, reunites. He teams up with a band of anthropomorphic allies, confronting one obstacle after another in an attempt to thwart the resurrection of an age-old demon.
One striking aspect of this JRPG lies in the extraordinary capabilities of its main character, who can metamorphose into a dragon during combat, along with a unique fusion system. Throughout the game, you encounter shamans scattered globally, allowing you to combine their powers with a party member. This results in a transformation of that character’s look and enhances their skills.
In Breath of Fire II, there was a town-building aspect as well. You could invite certain characters to settle down in your town, which would then grow with additional facilities and attractions.
8 Tales of Phantasia
The Beginning Of The Tale
The initial installment of the “Tales of” series, titled “Tales of Phantasia“, debuted in 1995 on the SNES console, though it remained exclusive to Japan.
The game, “Tales of Phantasia,” initially only saw an international release on the GBA in 2006. Yet, thanks to dedicated translation enthusiasts, it was still feasible to enjoy this classic game on SNES and witness the origins of one of the longest-running JRPG series.
In “Tales of Phantasia”, you embark on an adventure as Cress Albane, which features elements like time travel, summoning spirits, and an engaging battle system known as the Linear Motion Battle System. This system is set within a dynamic 2D environment.
As a devoted fan, I can’t help but marvel at how Tales of Phantasia revolutionized the JRPG genre on the SNES. Its stunning graphics, captivating voice acting, and unforgettable vocal theme song truly set it apart from others. This game was so groundbreaking that it ignited a series that now boasts over 15 mainline titles!
7 Trials of Mana
Moving forward with our tale about Japanese Role-Playing Games that initially stayed in Japan upon release, we come across “Trials of Mana”, previously called “Seiken Densetsu 3”.
The highly acclaimed sequel to “Secret of Mana,” named “Trials of Mana,” elevated SquareSoft’s action role-playing game design. Nowadays, this game enjoys global recognition due to its remastered version available on contemporary gaming platforms.
In this JRPG game, you have the freedom to select one out of six available main characters. Alongside your choice, you’ll also pick two companions from the same character pool who will be part of the central narrative based on the protagonist you’ve chosen. The story varies depending on which character you pick as the lead.
Every figure belonged to a particular category. When they achieved a specific advancement point, they could transform into either of two alternative classes – one leaning towards darkness or light. Following another progression milestone, another transformation became available. In the end, each individual could have up to six different categories, not counting their starting one.
The quality, originality, and fun factor of this SNES game were outstanding. In a recent interview, it was revealed that due to lack of space on the cartridge for translation, Trials of Mana wasn’t initially released outside Japan.
6 Final Fantasy IV
Discussing JRPGs inevitably brings up the topic of “Final Fantasy”, and particularly the fourth installment. Creator Sakaguchi designed “Final Fantasy” for storytelling, but with “Final Fantasy IV”, he elevated storytelling to an unprecedented degree.
The SNES RPGs featured well-rounded characters with distinct personalities, fears, and aspirations, making them more identifiable compared to the characterless templates seen in FFI and FFIII.
I found it relatable to empathize with Cecil’s challenges in fulfilling his role as the Dark Knight, including his transformation into a Paladin. Similarly, I could connect with Rydia, the cherished summoner who has won over countless fans across different game series.
Remarkably significant is the fact that Final Fantasy IV introduced the Active Time Battle (ATB) system, a feature that revolutionized traditional JRPG turn-based combat by incorporating a gauge. This system maintained an engaging pace, as players had to make swift decisions about their actions or face consequences for delay.
Even to this present day, numerous enthusiasts of the Crystal series often rank Final Fantasy IV among their top-favorite games, demonstrating its significant impact during its era. The title was followed by a sequel, The After Years, and an additional game, Final Fantasy IV Interlude.
5 Earthbound
Casual, playful, original, and daring are among the terms gamers employ when discussing Earthbound (also recognized as Mother 2 in Japan).
As a gamer, I can’t help but appreciate why Earthbound stands out among the crowd. It’s not just another role-playing game; it’s a clever satire of American culture that subverts traditional RPG norms, almost turning it into an anti-RPG experience.
The game “Earthbound” is set in a nation mimicking the United States during the ’90s. Here, we control the character of Ness, a youngster endowed with psychic abilities, as he embarks on a mission to thwart an extraterrestrial danger.
Hidden within the genre of JRPGs, characterized by its turn-based combat, trippy graphics, contemporary backdrops, and the intriguing cultural juxtaposition between Japanese themes and the developers’ interpretation of American culture, lies a gem that, if launched today, would likely find greater success.
In a more contemporary context, numerous gamers liken Undertale to Earthbound, asserting that it drew significant inspiration from Ness’s role-playing game (JRPG).
4 Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars
In the past, one of the leading JRPG producers, SquareSoft, collaborated with Nintendo to develop a role-playing game featuring their iconic character, Super Mario. The fruit of this partnership resulted in the creation of Super Mario RPG, a SNES classic.
The classic game, Super Mario RPG, continues to captivate players with its enduring appeal. Its graphics remain impressive even now, the unique combat system that requires precise timing is legendary, and its narrative, centered around beloved characters from the Mario franchise, touched the hearts of fans across the globe.
Additionally, the game incorporated a platforming mechanism utilizing Mario’s leaps, complete with numerous puzzles and hidden secrets that were primarily discoverable by avid role-playing game enthusiasts.
For any diehard JRPG enthusiast, it’s essential to play the compact masterpiece, “_Super Mario RPG_.” Remarkably, this timeless gem has been reborn on the Nintendo Switch, making it an optimal platform for relishing this iconic game in all its glory.
3 Dragon Quest V: Hand of the Heavenly Bride
Discussing Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs) wouldn’t be complete without bringing up Dragon Quest, often seen as the genre’s ancestor. Dragon Quest V was the game that introduced the series to the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES).
Dragon Quest V: The Bride of the Heavenly Dragon was initially confined to Japan, but it eventually found its footing in the Western world through the Nintendo DS. However, as always, dedicated fans stepped up to ensure we could enjoy this game.
In Dragon Quest V, several classic elements of the series were kept intact, while an emotional time-jumping narrative was added. This tale is so heartwarming that it’s challenging not to feel touched by it.
Game-wise, Dragon Quest V introduced a mechanism for taming monsters. While this wasn’t a novelty in RPGs, as the honor of being the first belongs to Digital Devil Story: Megami Tensei, it was Dragon Quest V that made it widely popular, a concept that later skyrocketed with Pokemon on a global scale.
The epic tale traversing numerous generations, combined with a more polished battle mechanism, cemented Dragon Quest V as another enduring masterpiece hailing from the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) period.
2 Final Fantasy VI
If Final Fantasy IV demonstrated the narrative prowess of the franchise, Final Fantasy VI illustrated what transpires when developers invest all their accumulated expertise into a single game.
As a gaming enthusiast, I found myself immersed in the rich tapestry of Final Fantasy VI, a stark contrast to my previous adventure with Final Fantasy V. Unlike V, which was more about gameplay mechanics like its Job system, VI took me on an emotional rollercoaster ride with its deep narrative, character growth, and intricate world-building.
In this RPG game, there are fourteen primary characters, complemented by additional temporary allies. Each principal figure possesses distinctive traits, personal narratives, specialized abilities, and a common objective: to vanquish the Gestahlian Empire – with one exception being Shadow, who seems to have his own agenda.
Even to this very moment, there remains a debate as to which character serves as the main protagonist in Final Fantasy VI, due to the remarkable grandeur of several key figures within the game. Some argue that the opera scene is one of the finest moments in all Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) titles.
The primary factor keeping Final Fantasy VI from being number one on the list is due to the World of Ruin scenario. Despite my appreciation for the narrative that resulted in this desolate world and Kefka as an exceptional villain within the series, the game’s final moments felt more like a series of side quests rather than a cohesive conclusion.
1 Chrono Trigger
It was quite predictable, yet undeniably true – Chrono Trigger stands as the undisputed finest JRPG on the SNES, full stop.
Although I find Crono’s character to be somewhat underdeveloped, with minimal dialogue and less impact on the main storyline, I can easily overlook this issue due to the overall delight the game provides.
From a mechanical perspective, I don’t believe any SNES JRPG could surpass the achievement of Chrono Trigger. The game masterfully utilized the Active Time Battle (ATB) system, combining character placement, dual and triple techniques, and maximizing the potential of combat in an exceptional manner.
In most time-travel video games, there are often inconsistencies or convenient plot devices. However, the time-travel mechanism in this game is meticulously designed, minimizing such issues and maintaining a coherent narrative flow.
Every character is endearing and genuine, making them all relatable. Watching characters spanning various time periods come together for a shared purpose is delightful. An unexpected plot turn with the main character was rare in JRPGs at that time.
The main idea isn’t that Chrono Trigger is effortless to commend, rather, it’s challenging to find flaws in this classic JRPG. That’s why fans constantly implore Square Enix for a Chrono Trigger remake, yet they also worry that any attempt at remaking it could potentially mar its untarnished reputation.
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2024-11-14 13:40