Most Timeless Classic JRPGs – Investment Policy

A truly classic JRPG needs to be innovative when it’s first released and remain enjoyable years later. While it’s fantastic that companies are updating older games with ports, remasters, and remakes – like we’ve seen with Final Fantasy 7 Remake and Persona 3 Reload – when people talk about the best games from the golden age of JRPGs, they’re usually referring to the original, untouched versions.

These games are still enjoyable and hold up well when played on their original systems. That’s not to say that updated versions aren’t good – they might even be the best way to play these RPGs. It simply means the originals don’t require modern upgrades to remain engaging, with only a few minor exceptions.

Parasite Eve

My Body Is Changing

The game Parasite Eve was innovative for its time, blending the suspense of survival horror with role-playing game mechanics. Players take on the role of Detective Aya Brea, investigating strange mutations happening across New York City. Her investigation will lead her to the source of these events: a mysterious being named Eve.

During combat, players are free to move around, and on their turn, they can attack using guns, close-combat weapons, or psychic abilities – all of which affect a certain area. The game’s biggest drawback is that it’s only available on older gaming systems, which limits its popularity.

Kingdom Hearts 2

Organizing Evil

Kingdom Hearts 2 is a significant step up from the first game, despite a famously slow beginning that takes about two hours to get going. Once past that, players explore different Disney-themed worlds, connected by a fun, space shooter mini-game that’s just as enjoyable as the main action RPG gameplay.

Throughout the Disney World areas, you can team up with other familiar faces like Aladdin in Agrabah and Mulan in The Land of Dragons. Battles feel more dynamic with a mix of Keyblade attacks, magic, and Sora’s new abilities, and the game features more responsive platforming.

Suikoden 2

Building Your Kingdom

Though Suikoden 2 used pixel graphics when it came out on the PlayStation in 1999, its beautiful artwork has kept it popular over the years. Beyond the visuals, the game also offers a truly unique and memorable gameplay experience.

Players journey across a vast world, recruiting over a hundred unique characters to build an army and overthrow a tyrannical government. These characters participate in turn-based battles or contribute back at your base by performing helpful tasks. The game offers an experience unlike any other, except for other titles in the Suikoden series.

Mother 3

Japan’s Best Kept Secret

Mother 3 came out for the Game Boy Advance in 2006. While it’s available on Wii U and Switch in Japan, it hasn’t been officially translated into English. Luckily, passionate fans created an excellent English translation a long time ago, so fans of EarthBound can now enjoy this intriguing sequel.

Even today, the game’s art style stands out with its vibrant colors and expressive character designs, and the environments are fun to discover. Despite being a lighthearted JRPG, the combat is surprisingly engaging, featuring a clever slot machine mechanic that determines how much damage your allies take.

The World Ends With You

Noise Canceling

Originally released on the DS, The World Ends With You remains a standout JRPG. Players take on the role of Neku and find themselves in a unique, alternate version of Shibuya, Japan. To survive, they must complete a game over seven days, facing challenges set by mysterious beings called Reapers. Throughout the game, Neku teams up with different partners, such as Shiki, for each trial.

During battles, you’ll control Shiki and her teammates using the DS’s face buttons, while Neku is controlled by touching the screen. The game features an amazing pop soundtrack, stylish fashion that’s integrated into the gameplay, and a compelling story focused on Neku’s personal growth.

Fire Emblem Awakening

A Fiery Reawakening

Fire Emblem Awakening really changed the game for the series by letting players explore more freely. Unlike previous titles, it wasn’t a straight path from start to finish. The developers added helpful features, like a world map with optional battles, making it easier to level up characters and enjoy the game again and again.

The game’s system for building relationships between characters was updated, and a somewhat surprising way for couples to have children who become powerful warriors was added. However, the best change was including an easier difficulty setting and making permadeath optional. This made the game accessible to a wider audience, and it remains a fantastic tactical experience, especially on the 3DS.

Super Mario RPG: Legend Of The Seven Stars

A Silly JRPG

Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars was Mario’s first adventure in the Japanese role-playing game style, created by the experts at Squaresoft. Although a visually updated version is now available on Nintendo Switch, the original Super Nintendo game remains enjoyable today.

This game brings together familiar faces, both friends and foes, to tackle a major new danger in a sprawling version of the Mushroom Kingdom. Battles are turn-based, but feel dynamic thanks to timed attacks and counters that give you an edge. It’s a brief, hilarious adventure packed with surprises, making it an ideal weekend escape.

Dragon Quest 9: Sentinels Of The Starry Skies

Play Your Way

Despite being on the Nintendo DS, Dragon Quest 9: Sentinels of the Starry Skies is a complete Dragon Quest experience. It’s incredibly replayable thanks to its engaging world and battles. You can follow a main story, but also customize your character and create your entire party. Plus, you can team up with three friends to explore the world or fight in the turn-based combat system.

The game’s class system, called Vocations, kept things interesting because there was always something new to learn. Regular online updates also added fresh content like new islands and weapons. Even though the online features aren’t as active now, this version of the game is still fantastic.

Final Fantasy 9

A Classic Love Letter

Many Final Fantasy games remain enjoyable even today, but Final Fantasy 9 truly showcases the series at its best. It features a remarkably immersive fantasy world, thanks to surprisingly good graphics for the original PlayStation, diverse races inhabiting each kingdom, and a sense that the world feels genuinely alive.

This game offers a delightful mix of lighthearted moments and darker themes. While the battles aren’t the most original compared to other role-playing games from the 90s, they fit the game’s overall action well. It really felt like a fond goodbye to the traditional style of gaming.

Chrono Trigger

Timeless And Trendsetting

Given how beloved Chrono Trigger is, it’s disappointing that Square Enix hasn’t consistently improved its releases over the years. If you can find an original SNES version, grab it—it’s the perfect JRPG for anyone just getting into the genre.

This game’s time travel elements are amazing, and its battle system – which relies on combining attacks – is really exciting, especially with the music. The characters are all unique, and it’s great that you don’t have to deal with random battles or spend a lot of time leveling up. It’s a JRPG that was truly innovative for its time, achieving incredible quality while remaining surprisingly understated.

2025-11-28 18:06