The complete collection of 16 vintage rpg games — with full reviews, cheat codes, and trivia.
One of the most perfect games ever made, Symphony of the Night merged action platforming with deep RPG mechanics and a sprawling inverted castle to create the Castlevania series' masterpiece. It gave its name to a subgenre and remains the defining standard of exploration-based action games.
The Dream Team's masterpiece. Chrono Trigger's time-traveling epic, multi-ending structure, and groundbreaking Active Time Battle system produced what many call the greatest JRPG ever made.
Square's magnum opus and the game that defined the JRPG genre for an entire generation. Final Fantasy VII blended cinematic storytelling, a richly imagined dystopian world, and a revolutionary Materia system into an adventure that millions of players still consider their all-time favorite.
Opera Omnia. Final Fantasy VI is the crown jewel of 16-bit RPGs — a cast of 14 memorable characters, the most compelling villain in gaming history, and a second half that shattered the conventions of the genre.
One of the rarest and most extraordinary RPGs ever made, Panzer Dragoon Saga combined rail-shooter combat with deep RPG mechanics in a richly imagined post-apocalyptic world. Its western release of only 30,000 copies makes original versions highly valuable, but its reputation as a lost masterpiece is entirely deserved.
The most original RPG ever made. EarthBound's modern American setting, satirical humor, emotionally devastating depth, and complete refusal to follow genre conventions created a cult classic unlike anything before or since.
Square's loving tribute to Final Fantasy's origins, Final Fantasy IX returned the series to its high-fantasy roots with a timeless fairy-tale setting, deeply drawn characters, and a meditation on life, death, and what it means to exist. Many consider it the most emotionally resonant entry in the franchise.
The first Fire Emblem game released outside Japan, this GBA entry perfectly introduced Western audiences to Intelligent Systems' demanding tactical RPG with its famous permadeath mechanic, rich cast of characters, and deeply satisfying turn-based combat. A landmark SRPG that launched a global franchise.
The game that started one of the most successful media franchises in history, Pokémon Red challenges players to catch 151 creatures and become the greatest Pokémon Trainer in the land. Deceptively deep, relentlessly charming, and groundbreaking in its social design.
The finest handheld Castlevania and a landmark Metroidvania that introduced the Soul system — absorbing enemy abilities — creating one of the deepest ability collections in the genre. Set in the future year 2035, Aria of Sorrow reinvented the series with a bold narrative twist and exceptional mechanical depth.
Intelligent Systems' charming RPG gave Mario the storybook treatment — flat paper characters in a colorful 3D world — and delivered a warm, witty adventure with a battle system accessible enough for beginners yet deep enough for RPG veterans. Paper Mario is pure Nintendo joy in interactive form.
The crown jewel of the Phantasy Star series. Phantasy Star IV's manga-style story presentation, Macro combo combat system, and satisfying conclusion to the Algo Star System saga make it the Genesis's finest RPG.
The SNES action RPG masterpiece. Secret of Mana's real-time combat, gorgeous visuals, three-player simultaneous multiplayer, and Hiroki Kikuta's transcendent score created one of the genre's defining classics.
The collaboration that shouldn't have worked but produced one of gaming's greatest surprises. Square's RPG design applied to Mario's universe created a game of warmth, humor, and unexpected depth.
Camelot's technical marvel proved the Game Boy Advance could host a fully-featured JRPG. Golden Sun's Psynergy system — elemental magic used both in battle and for overworld puzzle-solving — was innovative, the presentation was stunning for handheld hardware, and the world of Weyard was richly imagined.
The game that saved Square and launched one of gaming's greatest franchises. Final Fantasy's rich class system, strategic turn-based combat, and ambitious world won over an entire generation of RPG players.
The rpg genre has produced some of the most beloved and influential video games in history. From early arcade classics to the sophisticated titles of the 16-bit era, rpg games have consistently challenged players with their unique mechanics and memorable experiences.
Our database covers 16 rpg games spanning from the earliest home consoles through the PlayStation era, complete with full reviews, cheat codes, development trivia, and recommendations for games like your favorites.