The 1990s were a transformative decade for the gaming industry, marked by technological leaps and the emergence of foundational companies. This era saw the launch of consoles like the original PlayStation and the Nintendo 64, which brought forth landmark titles such as Super Mario 64, Resident Evil, and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. The burgeoning opportunities of the '90s also significantly impacted the role-playing game (RPG) genre. Despite advancements in technology over the subsequent three decades, many RPGs from this period continue to be highly playable and influential.
Chrono Trigger
Nearly a decade before Square Enix was officially formed, Squaresoft and Enix collaborated in 1995 to create Chrono Trigger. Players control Crono and a group of companions who journey through time to prevent a global catastrophe orchestrated by the alien entity Lavos. The game is celebrated for its compelling narrative, memorable soundtrack, and the Active Time Battle combat system inherited from early Final Fantasy titles. A standout feature is its replayability, offering over a dozen distinct endings.
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
While not the first entry in the franchise, Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, released in 1997, represented a significant shift for the series. It transformed Castlevania from a level-based platformer into an action RPG, laying the groundwork for the Metroidvania subgenre. Players take on the role of Alucard, Dracula's son, exploring a vast castle that spans 940 rooms, mirrored in an additional 940 inverted rooms. The game is lauded for its gothic pixel art and Michiru Yamane's acclaimed musical score.
EarthBound
Released in 1995, EarthBound offered a departure from typical fantasy RPG settings. The story follows Ness and his friends as they use baseball bats and modern conveniences to combat an alien invasion. Gameplay involves mundane activities like visiting libraries for information and traveling by bus, all rendered in a charming 16-bit pixel art style. Despite a lukewarm reception at launch, EarthBound has since gained a dedicated cult following.
Final Fantasy Tactics
Final Fantasy Tactics, launched in 1997, garnered critical acclaim for its intricate story exploring themes of class warfare and political corruption within the backdrop of the Lion War. The game introduced a flexible job system, allowing players to customize characters by mixing and matching abilities from various classes. A PSP version, The War of the Lions, was released in 2007, and a modern remake titled The Ivalice Chronicles arrived in 2025 with updated graphics and quality-of-life features.
Fire Emblem: Genealogy of the Holy War
Released exclusively in Japan in 1996, Fire Emblem: Genealogy of the Holy War never received an official English translation, making it accessible primarily through emulation. The game is divided into two parts, with the first focusing on character pairings that influence the cast of the second part, a narrative structure that emphasizes its namesake genealogy. Fans continue to advocate for a remake of this cult classic.
Super Mario RPG
Super Mario RPG, a 1996 collaboration between Nintendo and Squaresoft, marked Mario's first foray into the RPG genre. This title saw Mario teaming up with unexpected allies, including Bowser and Princess Peach. It features a turn-based combat system familiar to fans of the Final Fantasy series. A modernized version of Super Mario RPG was released for the Nintendo Switch in 2023, retaining the core gameplay mechanics of the original.
Fallout 2
Released in 1998, Fallout 2 builds upon the post-apocalyptic world established in its predecessor, offering a significantly larger map and more complex narrative. Set 80 years after the original Fallout, the game emphasizes player choice, where decisions can drastically impact the fate of towns and their inhabitants. Given the enduring popularity of the Fallout series, including its successful TV adaptation, Fallout 2 provides valuable insight into the franchise's origins.
Parasite Eve
Parasite Eve, a 1998 horror RPG set in New York City, blends survival-horror elements with cinematic flair. The game follows NYPD officer Aya Brea as she confronts an ancient mitochondrial parasite named Eve and her host, a singer named Melissa Pearce, who are causing spontaneous combustion among opera attendees. The game is noted for its tense atmosphere, body-horror themes, and compelling narrative, remaining a unique experience best played in its original form.
Suikoden I & II
Konami's Suikoden series aimed to rival Final Fantasy in the 1990s. Both Suikoden I and Suikoden II focus on building an army and engaging in war. Suikoden I features a faster-paced plot against the corrupt Scarlet Moon Empire, while Suikoden II delves into a more gradual narrative about a war impacting childhood friends. Both games are notable for their roster of 108 recruitable characters who contribute to the player's army and base. An HD remaster collection of these titles is available.
Pokémon Gold & Silver
Pokémon Gold and Silver, released in 1999, were instrumental in solidifying the franchise's immense popularity. These titles introduced color graphics, a new region (Johto), 100 new Pokémon, and the ability to revisit the Kanto region after completing the main storyline. Many fans consider Gold and Silver to represent the pinnacle of the Pokémon series.
