As a seasoned gamer with over three decades of gaming under my belt, I must say that these SNES games are a hidden gem for those who dare to venture off the beaten path. These games were not just a part of my childhood but also shaped my understanding and appreciation of video games.
The first one that caught my eye was “Warriors of the Blue Dragon Legend: The Two Heroes.” Developed by none other than Game Freak, this game had me hooked from the moment I laid eyes on it. The top-down exploration mixed with 2D combat reminded me of my early days playing The Legend of Zelda. It was a unique experience that I wouldn’t have wanted to miss for anything.
Next up, “Torneko’s Great Adventure: Mystery Dungeon” took me on an adventure through dungeons as Torneko, a shopkeeper from the Dragon Quest series. This game marked the beginning of the Mystery Dungeon franchise and was a refreshing change of pace from the traditional RPGs I was used to.
“The Two Heroes” also reminded me of my beloved Pokémon games with its strategic combat and top-down exploration, but it’s a shame that I missed out on this one when it first came out in 1997. However, thanks to the wonders of fan translations, I was able to relive my childhood once more.
Lastly, “Warriors of the Blue Dragon Legend: The Two Heroes” and “Torneko’s Great Adventure: Mystery Dungeon” share a similarity with my favorite SNES game, “ActRaiser,” which also had top-down exploration and strategic combat elements. I guess you could say that these games took me on an adventure to a land not so far away, where I was the hero saving the day, one dungeon at a time.
And now for a little joke: They say that old gamers never die, they just level up to the next life! So grab your SNES controllers and let’s get leveling!
The role-playing game (RPG) genre had a somewhat awkward feel on the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), yet it eventually gave birth to massive franchises through games like Dragon Quest and Final Fantasy. However, these two were polished and improved upon in the subsequent generation with the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES). There are numerous classic RPGs on the SNES beyond the Dragon Quest and Final Fantasy series.
Many classic Role Playing Games (RPGs) designed for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) were never released in the United States. However, some did reach Europe, but only a handful. Among those games, there are several notable ones that players can enjoy through fan translations. It’s always wonderful if these SNES RPGs could be officially released in the U.S. someday.
8. Dark Half
Play The Light And Dark Side Simultaneously
- Developer: West One
- Publisher: Enix
- Released: May 31, 1996
- Platform: SNES
The game “Dark Half” boasts a highly distinctive concept for a role-playing game. Players alternated between two characters: an evil antagonist named Rukyu and a brave hero called Falco. While Rukyu had the ability to summon monsters to aid him in combat, Falco could amass allies for his party. The game also featured a soul meter that dwindled with every move made, similar to the meter in “Breath of Fire: Dragon Quarter” for those who are familiar with this challenging title. If either Rukyu or Falco depleted their soul meter before the final confrontation, the game would end in defeat. Although “Dark Half” was initially released only in Japan, fans eventually translated it into English for broader enjoyment.
7. Far East of Eden Zero
One Of Many Tengai Makyo Lost Projects
- Developer: Red Company
- Publisher: Hudson
- Released: December 22, 1995
- Platform: SNES
In the realm of gaming, I’ve come across a hidden gem that goes by the name Far East of Eden Zero, which belongs to the Tengai Makyo series, a collection of games primarily unfamiliar beyond Japan’s borders. It’s a pity that this game didn’t get a wider audience, particularly Far East of Eden Zero, as it seemed to surpass many Role-Playing Games (RPGs) of the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) era. The vivid colors employed in this enchanting universe left me speechless, and they still manage to impress today.
The gameplay, while not revolutionarily innovative, offered a unique twist with its turn-based mechanics and third-person perspective, ensuring that every party member was intricately detailed. What set it apart even more was the vastness of its world, which could be traversed using a myriad of vehicles such as airships. Although it wasn’t officially released in the Western hemisphere, it did receive an unofficial English fan patch.
6. G.O.D.: Heed the Call to Awaken
Awakening To The End Of The World
- Developer: Infinity
- Publisher: Imagineer
- Released: December 20th, 1996
- Platform: SNES
EarthBound, a unique treasure, was often underestimated on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), but later garnered newfound admiration. Since then, numerous tributes have emerged from the indie gaming scene, such as Undertale and Eastward. However, there were also games similar to EarthBound that took place in contemporary settings on the SNES, like G.O.D.: Heed the Call to Awaken.
The story starts with a schoolboy, around 1999, who experienced an alien invasion and fell into a coma for a decade. When he awakens, it’s now 2009, and the world has been devastated by aliens, but pockets of humans continue to resist. Despite its bleak setting, the dialogue and enemies in this role-playing game (RPG) are filled with playful charm. Originally only available in Japan, there is an English fan translation patch available for it.
5. Glory of Heracles 4: Gift From The Gods
If God Of War Were A JRPG
- Developer: Data East
- Publisher: Data East
- Released: October 21, 1994 (Japan, SNES Version)
- Platform: SNES, Wii, Wii U
The “Glory of Heracles” series was quite popular in Japan, appearing on every Nintendo console, from the original to the SNES. These games were developed by Data East, a company that thrived in the 80s and 90s, particularly in arcades. Unfortunately, North America only received the final game in the series, which came out for the DS in 2010. This was the first game since “Glory of Heracles 4: Gifts from the Gods” was released in Japan in 1994. There is an English translation available for it, making it a must-play for RPG enthusiasts who appreciate Greek mythology and the mystery of Atlantis. Additionally, this DS game is a lesser-known gem within the portable gaming landscape.
4. Gunple: Gunman’s Proof
Zelda Meets EarthBound
- Developer: Lenar
- Publisher: ASCII
- Platform: SNES
- Released: January 31, 1997
The game titled “Gunple: Gunman’s Proof” appears to have been more suited for a Western release, as it shares similarities with popular Western games like “The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past” and “EarthBound.” Players embark on dungeon expeditions, battling extraterrestrials and common ruffians in a vibrant world. Instead of swords, they wield an array of guns and devices for combat, and can evade enemy fire by taking cover. While it contains puzzles, the focus is more on action than in traditional “Zelda” games. It boasts an English translation, despite minimal dialogue. Remarkably, “Gunple: Gunman’s Proof” was launched on the same day as one of the most influential RPGs ever made, “Final Fantasy 7.
3. Terranigma
Post-Apocalyptic Secret Of Mana
The game “Terranigma” was produced by Quintet, a company that created numerous titles for Enix on the SNES. Games like “ActRaiser”, “Illusion of Gaia”, and “Soul Blazer” were released worldwide, but unlike these, “Terranigma” was primarily distributed in Europe, making it easily playable in English for those who could import it from Japan.
Among all the Quintet games produced, this particular one is regrettably the one that never saw a release in North America due to an abundance of effort poured into it by its creators. Its gameplay, centered around action, was commendable with the graphics and overall experience reminiscent of “The Secret of Mana”. Despite being unavailable in North America, it can be played in English without requiring fan-made patches.
2. Torneko’s Great Adventure: Mystery Dungeon
The Beginning Of The Mystery Dungeon Series
Although the Dragon Quest series is extremely popular in Japan, only a few of their games have been released on digital platforms. Many spin-offs never crossed international borders either, like Torneko’s Great Adventure: Mystery Dungeon, which was a spinoff from the fourth game in the Dragon Quest series. This game marked the beginning of the Mystery Dungeon franchise, which also created titles based on the Final Fantasy and Pokemon franchises. In Torneko’s Great Adventure: Mystery Dungeon, players explore dungeons as Torneko, a shopkeeper, in search of treasures in a roguelike setting. The sequel was released outside of Japan on the PS1, but fans in North America who want to play this original SNES version will have to rely on fan translations.
1. Warriors of the Blue Dragon Legend: The Two Heroes
Samurai Pokemon Tactics
- Developer: Game Freak
- Publisher: T&E Soft
- Released: January 17th, 1997
- Platform: SNES
Warriors of the Blue Dragon Legend: The Two Heroes
Developed by Game Freak, this game’s artwork is a clear indication. In this game, players will traverse an expansive landscape from a top-down perspective, but switch to a 2D view during combat, reminiscent of early roguelikes such as Torneko’s Great Adventure: Mystery Dungeon. This tactical twist adds depth to the hack and slash gameplay. Unfortunately, it didn’t reach North America in 1997, but fans of Pokemon can now enjoy it thanks to another fan translation.
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2025-01-01 11:34