Best RPGs Only Available On The SNES, Ranked

Summary

Hero Chronicle: Project Olympus is an obscure crossover RPG trapped on the SNES due to licensing issues.
Robotrek is a customizable, turn-based RPG on the SNES reminiscent of Pokemon with robots.
Lufia 2: Rise of the Sinistrals is a standout SNES RPG with unique battle mechanics and dungeon puzzles.

As someone who spent countless hours lost in the magical world of gaming during my youth, I must say that revisiting these overlooked gems from the Super Nintendo era brings back a flood of nostalgic memories. These games were the soundtrack to many sleepless nights and the source of countless adventures that fueled my imagination.

Starting with Lufia 2: Rise of the Sinistrals, I remember playing this game for hours on end, capturing monsters, solving puzzles, and battling through dungeons in search of the Sinistrals. It’s a shame that this incredible franchise never quite managed to make it out into the modern era, but the memories of Lufia 2 will remain etched in my mind forever.

Next up, we have Secret of Evermore – a game that was a spiritual successor to the beloved Secret of Mana, but with its own unique twist. I remember exploring the world, from the Roman Empire to the dinosaur-filled jungle, and it felt like embarking on an epic journey through history. Unfortunately, this game never quite managed to find the same level of success as its predecessor, but it remains a hidden gem in the annals of gaming history.

Then we have Secret of Evermore’s not-so-secret sibling, Lufia: The Legend Returns. This game was a breath of fresh air on the Game Boy Color and is one of my favorite games from that system. It’s a shame that it never quite managed to find its way onto modern platforms, but I still have fond memories of playing it on my old Game Boy Color.

Moving along, we come across the wildly overlooked RPG, Lufia: Curse of the Sinistrals. While it wasn’t a remake or reimagining in the same vein as Final Fantasy 7 Remake, it was still a worthy addition to the series that I enjoyed playing through.

Last but not least, we have two games that are not quite related to each other, but are both worth mentioning: Makai Prince Dorabotchan and Super Naxat Open. Unfortunately, neither of these games were released in the West, but they both had cameos from the Secret of Evermore series, which was a nice touch for fans who managed to get their hands on them.

In closing, I must say that revisiting these games has been a trip down memory lane and has reminded me just how much joy and adventure can be found in the world of gaming. And as a final joke, I always thought it was ironic that Lufia 2: Rise of the Sinistrals never quite managed to rise to the top of the SNES RPG rankings, but it will always have a special place in my heart.

The Super Nintendo boasts one of the most impressive video game collections ever assembled. Spanning a wide range of genres, from action-packed brawlers to strategic shooters to role-playing games (RPGs), it offers something for every gaming taste. Remarkably, numerous RPGs have been re-released on digital platforms such as the eShop, while some have undergone remakes altogether.

Example such as Chrono Trigger was remade and upgraded multiple times for platforms like the PlayStation 1 and Nintendo DS. Regrettably, not all fantastic games receive a re-release — titles like these SNES masterpieces and undiscovered treasures. The games featured in this compilation have never departed from the SNES console, but that doesn’t prevent them from being found online. These games will be rated according to their quality.

7. Hero Chronicle: Project Olympus

A Licensing Nightmare In A Fan’s Game

Developer: Winky Soft
Publisher: Banpresto
Released: November 20, 1992
Platform: SNES

In terms of lesser-known RPGs that haven’t reached Western shores, “Super Robot Wars” stands out as a clear favorite due to the numerous titles yet to be released. One such game, perhaps even more elusive, is “Hero Chronicle: Project Olympus,” which was limited to the SNES platform. This strategy RPG brings together characters and properties from “Ultraman,” “Gundam,” and “Kamen Rider” in a turn-based format.

Although it didn’t see a release in North America, there exists an unofficial fan translation for the game in English. Unfortunately, Japanese players have had difficulty finding this translation once more, potentially because of legal complications related to licensing, which often pose challenges when licensed games are re-released.

6. Robotrek

Pokemon With Robots

One of the rare titles by Quintet for Enix on the SNES that deviates from being an action RPG is Robotrek. Unlike most, this game operates in a turn-based format, resembling Pokemon. It centers around a young mechanic who embarks on journeys with a customizable robot companion.

As players advance, they can expand the robot by adding new components such as body parts and weaponry, along with additional companions. Robotrek may not have been a prominent figure in the RPG genre, but it did see release in North America, much like many of Quintet’s games which are also well-regarded on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES).

5. E.V.O.: Search For Eden

Fight, Eat, Evolve

E.V.O.: Search for Eden” is an exceptionally distinct game on the SNES. It’s a 2D Role-Playing Game (RPG) where players journey through life while also progressively evolving. The adventure starts as a simple fish, feeding on plants, and over time, by accumulating experience points, they can learn to attack other fish, thereby transforming into larger predators.

In this game, players have the option to allocate evolution points when specific conditions are met, which adds a touch of versatility compared to evolutions as seen in the Pokemon series. Almanic developed this game for Enix, and they also created a Japanese PC game called “4.6 Billion Year Story: The Theory of Evolution”. Although there are similarities, each game stands independently.

4. Arabian Nights: Desert Spirit King

This Is Not Your Clive’s Ifrit

Developer: Pandora Box
Publisher: Takara
Released: June 14, 1996 (Japan)
Platform: SNES

In my perspective, “Arabian Nights: Desert Spirit King” bears a resemblance to the Japanese anime, “Inuyasha.” Much like in “Inuyasha,” I find myself as a character who discovers a mystical artifact, and within this trinket lies an antagonistic jinni named Ifrit. My wish is to bring harmony to the land, and surprisingly, Ifrit – who was imprisoned for malevolent acts – concedes to aid me, albeit reluctantly.

The conflict between these two elements is substantial, making this story unique among those found on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES). Gameplay involves turn-based strategies, with players employing cards to modify the terrain, influencing either enemies or characters by enhancing or diminishing specific attributes. Originally exclusive to Japan on the SNES, there hasn’t been an official re-release; however, fans have created an English translation for it.

3. The Twisted Tales Of Spike McFang

A Vampire Hunter Who Loves Tomatoes

The Whimsical Tales of Spiky Fang

The story revolves around a youthful vampire named Spiky Fang who prefers munching on tomatoes over imbibing blood. His objective is to quell the menace caused by other vampires across the realm, one dungeon and boss battle at a time. Gamers can engage enemies using their cape and hat, and there are magical card spells to collect. Battling and vanquishing adversaries will step by step escalate Spiky Fang’s level, and there is also an option for two-player cooperative play.

This game you’re referring to is a follow-up to a video game called “Makai Prince Dorabotchan,” originally developed for TurboGrafx-16. Unfortunately, neither this game nor the golf game titled “Super Naxat Open,” which featured characters from the same series, were released in Western regions.

2. Secret Of Evermore

Not A Mana Game, But Still Worthwhile

Evermore’s Secret isn’t directly connected to the Mana franchise, but it shares similar gameplay and visual aesthetics with Secret of Mana. Essentially, it can be seen as Square’s North American division’s spiritual successor to Secret of Mana, featuring the same action-oriented mechanics with a rechargeable energy system and circular menu interface.

Initially, it wasn’t launched in Japan, and it hasn’t been officially viewed there yet. This adventure is a thrilling journey that follows the escapades of a young boy and his canine companion, as they venture into an alternate realm reminiscent of a historical tour, traversing from the Roman Empire to a dense jungle teeming with dinosaurs. However, this world is actually one continuous landscape.

1. Lufia 2: Rise Of The Sinistrals

A Long Lost RPG Franchise

The entire Lufia series has been confined to the consoles it originally launched on. The sole exception is Lufia: The Legend Returns, a Role-Playing Game for the Game Boy Color, which later appeared on the Nintendo 3DS’s eShop. Unfortunately, this digital storefront was eventually shut down, meaning even that game didn’t have a lasting presence.

As someone who grew up in the golden age of RPGs on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), I can confidently say that among all the games I played, Lufia 2: Rise of the Sinistrals stands out as a true gem. Its unique blend of elements – turn-based combat reminiscent of Final Fantasy with early Limit Breaks, light monster-catching mechanics, and puzzle-like dungeons similar to The Legend of Zelda series – made it a standout title for many fans like myself.

However, it’s worth noting that Lufia 2 hasn’t been re-released in its original form yet, unless you count the DS game Lufia: Curse of the Sinistrals as a sort of reimagining rather than a remake. While I haven’t had the chance to play it, I can imagine that it might not capture the same magic as the classic SNES version due to its differences in approach and scope, much like how Final Fantasy 7 Remake took the original game and expanded upon it significantly.

That being said, I eagerly await any news about a possible remaster or remake of Lufia 2 that could bring this timeless RPG experience to a new generation of gamers.

2025-01-04 07:05