The 1990s were a golden age for the RPG genre. Two massive Final Fantasy games, Nintendo properties that succeeded in the genre, and even the success of the Western RPG were among the highlights.
Whether you played on SNES, PS1, or PC, a fantastic RPG experience awaited you.
Here are some of the best RPGS from the ’90s that we remember fondly.
Super Mario RPG
The recent remaster for Nintendo Switch (pictured above) helped bring this iconic RPG to a new audience.
Although Nintendo did not develop the Super Mario RPG, this is a Nintendo experience through and through. It also helped pave the way for future Mario-inspired RPG games like Paper Mario and Mario & Luigi.
Earthbound
There is no RPG experience out there like Earthbound.
It’s an absolutely delightful, charming, and wholly unique experience that’s arguably ahead of its time. While other JRPGs were playing by the rules, Earthbound isn’t afraid to be different.
Final Fantasy VI
It was a great decade for the Final Fantasy franchise. Honestly, I could have had this list dominated by Final Fantasy games, but we’ll settle for the two absolute best.
Final Fantasy VI is the last entry to use the iconic 2D-pixel graphics. However, that doesn’t stop it from delivering an incredible experience with some of the best characters in any Final Fantasy game.
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Final Fantasy VII
The one everyone knows and loves.
Final Fantasy VII remains iconic today for a reason. Its story remains relevant, its characters are as iconic as ever, and the 3D presentation was well ahead of its time.
This is the game that helped showcase the power of the PS1.
Phantasy Star IV
The final entry in the original Phantasy Star series is an RPG masterclass for the Sega Genesis.
Believe it or not, the game was underappreciated upon release in 1993. Time has done nothing but age this beauty like a fine glass of wine. It’s a classic JRPG experience that everyone should play for themselves.
Fallout 2
We’ve talked a lot about JRPGs on our list of best ’90s RPGs thus far, so let’s give a Western RPG some love.
The Fallout franchise would not be as iconic and beloved today if it were not for Fallout 2. It improves on the original in every possible way, delivering a perfect balance of humor and depth to its story.
Although modern Fallout games may play differently, it’s well worth playing the old-school titles at least once.
Elder Scrolls II: Dagerfall
Ironically, the team that handles the Fallout franchise now is the one that gave us Elder Scrolls.
Bethesda’s iconic RPG experience got off to a rocky start, but Daggerfall is where the series started to find its grove. While the game is exceptionally large, it’s also surprisingly focused and has aged tremendously better than other RPGs from the 1990s.
Chrono Trigger
Chrono Trigger set the mold with a lot of gameplay features and innovations we take for granted today.
New Game Plus was a novel idea at the time. Its visuals were breathtaking for their time, and the game’s music still ranks among some of the best in gaming.
The entire experience, though, really did an excellent job of setting itself apart. It may not be as impressive today as it was upon release, but it’s still an incredible game.
Suikoden II
On March 6th, 2025, Suikoden II is getting a much needed HD remaster.
While the game was partly overlooked due to its 2D graphical style (everyone wanted those 3D graphics in the late ”90s!), the gameplay and story helped Suikoden II become the cult classic it is today.
Few tactical RPGs are as good as this one, and I can’t wait for the HD remaster next month.
Baldur’s Gate
Decades before Baldur’s Gate 3 saw the light of day, there’s the original BioWare RPG classic.
The original Baldur’s Gate stands out compared to modern RPGs as it’s not a power fantasy. Instead, it feels like a traditional Dungeons and Dragons experience in video game form. It may not be as big or expansive as its predecessors, but it’s just as delightful.
Pokemon Red and Blue
The original Pokemon game had me hooked from the very beginning.
Believe it or not, this was the first JRPG I ever played. I was hooked from the very beginning, exploring the world of Kanto as a young trainer, trying to capture all 151 (including Mew, somehow) Pokemon, and aiming to be very the best like no one ever was.
System Shock 2
Before the BioShock games, there was the System Shock franchise, and System Shock 2 is an all-time classic.
The immersive FPS/RPG delivers on presenting itself a memorable atmosphere with complex gameplay, a well-written story, and plenty of gameplay choices.
For those who thought BioShock was too watered down, System Shock 2 is here for you.
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