The Best Action JRPGs From The 1990s

As a seasoned gamer with decades of experience under my belt, I must say that these three games have left indelible marks on the Action RPG genre. Each one stands out in its own unique way, showcasing creativity and innovation that is rarely seen nowadays.

Many consider the 1990s as a golden age for Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs). Famed series such as Final Fantasy and Chrono Trigger significantly boosted the popularity of turn-based JRPGs in the Western world, making these games familiar names in many households.

During the 90s, it wasn’t only turn-based games that saw development; developers also aimed to combine the narrative depth and character advancement of role-playing games (RPGs) with the dynamic gameplay of side-scrolling action games and combat titles, giving birth to the Action RPG genre.

Drawing inspiration from ’80s series such as The Legend of Zelda and Ys, the blueprint for an Action RPG was developed and perfected during the ’90s, culminating in some of the highest-rated games within this genre.

9 Castlevania: Symphony Of The Night

Dracula Bashing

In 1997, this game was labeled as an Action RPG, but we wouldn’t use that term today. Since the term “Metroidvania” wasn’t coined yet, how would one categorize the mix of dynamic action-based combat and strategic character advancement that Castlevania presented?

Following directly from 1993’s “Rondo of Blood,” Symphony of the Night introduced a more flexible gameplay experience, enabling players to chart their own course through the story and unlock various endings. Additionally, it deepened the RPG aspects, introducing character leveling, equipment slots for gear, magical spells, and secondary weapons.

In the gameplay structure known as the “relic system,” Alucard acquired his double jumps and various abilities to explore the surroundings more extensively. This system was instrumental in shaping the Metroidvania genre, which eventually stood side by side with the Action JRPG as a unique gaming category.

8 The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time

In Tune

Although the role-playing aspects in The Legend of Zelda series have traditionally been minimal, it played a pivotal role in shaping the Action RPG genre as one of its pioneers. Ocarina of Time furthered this series’ legacy by transitioning to three-dimensional graphics and adopting an over-the-shoulder camera perspective.

Changing the viewpoint opened up possibilities for unique level and puzzle structures that significantly impacted action games over time. This game is adored by fans due to numerous factors such as seeking hidden treasures, engaging in numerous sub-quests, or experiencing iconic features like the Ocarina.

7 Star Ocean: The Second Story

Starry Night

The initial installment of the Star Ocean series to make it to the Western markets was “Star Ocean: The Second Story.” This title managed to garner enough fanbase to cement Star Ocean as a lasting Japanese Role-Playing Game franchise. Unlike numerous games in ’98, Tri-Ace opted to stick with sprite art instead of adopting new 3D visual styles, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of anime universes. The game’s unique combat mechanics and the choice of sprite art also contributed to its individual charm.

In The Second Story, players don’t just manage their own character during live battles; they can also customize the actions of their AI allies. The addition of companions, who are crucial to both the narrative and gameplay, offers a unique feature: multiple character choices that aren’t always compatible with each other, thus increasing the game’s replay value.

6 Secret Of Mana

Secret Sauce

1993 saw the debut of a game known as Secret of Mana, which was remarkably advanced for its era. Its graphics were visually stunning, its mechanics were groundbreaking, boasted an exceptional soundtrack, and offered drop-in/drop-out cooperative play for up to three participants. The principal characters — Randi, Primm, and Popoi — enabled additional players to join the game seamlessly without interfering with the storyline; the AI would control solo player’s character if they were absent.

In the gameplay of Secret of Mana, there was a blend of action and combat where a power gauge motivated players to time their attacks skillfully for maximum impact. The Ring Commands system, serving as a tactical pause menu for deploying abilities, further deepened the strategic depth. Moreover, having the option to soar on a dragon’s back added an extra emotional resonance that left a lasting impression on countless players.

5 Parasite Eve

Paranormal Investigations

Parasite Eve offers a distinctive approach within the Action RPG genre, seamlessly integrating horror elements and set in a modern-day New York City backdrop. Developed by Squaresoft, it showcased the exceptional quality and graphical detail their games were renowned for, featuring strangely unsettling CGI scenes that still give one a chill today.

The battle system offered an engaging blend of action and strategy, allowing players to explore their environment at will, followed by pausing to strategize attacks and special abilities. The arsenal included contemporary firearms, while the abilities were powered by “Parasite Energy” and operated like enchantments in traditional RPGs. This unique-yet-familiar blend of gameplay elements has cultivated a devoted fanbase, often referred to as its cult following.

4 Shadow Tower

Foreshadowing

In the style of contemporary FromSoftware games, Shadow Tower distinguished itself among Action RPGs with several unique features. Drawing upon its King’s Field series, Shadow Tower is a first-person dungeon explorer that blends Western fantasy elements into its design.

In this game, the method by which characters advance is unique. Unlike other games where you earn experience points to increase your level, in this one, you receive lasting stat upgrades when you vanquish opponents. Once an enemy is defeated, they are eliminated permanently, eliminating the need for tedious level grinding.

This unique game features a sparse musical score. Initially, it received mixed reactions, including some unfavorable critiques. However, fans of later works by FromSoft have discovered many appealing aspects in the classic game called “Shadow Tower“.

3 Brave Fencer Musashi

Bravely Different

During a time when Squaresoft games were exploring novel concepts, the game Brave Fencer Musashi stood out as a unique fusion of Action and Role-Playing Game (RPG) elements. It offered real-time combat using swords and spells, featured day and night cycles, and incorporated some Metroidvania-style advancement mechanics.

As Musashi the wandering samurai assists and saves people in various towns, he acquires magical skills akin to spells. On the other hand, abilities such as climbing and double-jumping can be mastered by discovering and collecting legendary armor fragments.

Resources-rich creatures emerge according to the rhythm of day and night, offering a unique gameplay experience where players must strategize their actions based on these timings. Additionally, there’s an engaging sleep system in place, requiring the player character to seek out safe resting spots or else risk dozing off unprotected in the open.

2 Terranigma

Enigmatic And Sophisticated

Terranigma

As a dedicated fan, I’d like to share my thoughts on the intriguing magic system in Terranigma. It was a unique twist where spells were crafted as one-time use items from a resource that could be reused. This peculiar, complex system complemented the game’s distinctive melee attack variety, which included running, standing, and jumping attacks, each tailored to counter different enemy types. This blend gave the game a distinct flavor that I found quite captivating.

1 Final Fantasy Adventure

A Game Of Many Names

Fans of JRPGs might recognize this game under the title “Seiken Densetsu,” while European gamers may know it as “Mystic Quest.” During its development, it was also called “Gemma Knights.” Regardless of its name, many players fondly remember “Final Fantasy Adventure” as one of the exceptional Action RPGs on the Game Boy.

Initially planned as a spin-off action game from the famous series, Final Fantasy Adventure, turned out to be so popular that it became the first installment in the extensive Mana series. This top-down game offered real-time combat with a power gauge for controlling player attacks’ speed. It has been revamped and upgraded multiple times, re-emerging under different titles such as Sword of Mana and Adventures of Mana.

2024-09-06 13:34