The 1990s were a pivotal decade for the gaming industry, marked by technological advancements and the rise of influential companies. This era saw the launch of the original Sony PlayStation and the Nintendo 64, ushering in iconic titles that would shape future games. New opportunities also fueled the growth of RPGs, many of which have stood the test of time and continue to be worth playing today.
Chrono Trigger
Released in 1995, Chrono Trigger was a collaborative effort between Squaresoft and Enix. Players embark on a journey through time with Crono and his companions to avert a global catastrophe caused by the alien entity Lavos. The game is celebrated for its engaging narrative, memorable music, and the Active Time Battle combat system, which was also featured in early Final Fantasy titles. A notable aspect of Chrono Trigger is its replayability, offering over a dozen distinct endings, including a special tribute to its development team, referred to as the "Dream Team."
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, released in 1997, represented a significant shift for the franchise, transforming it from a linear platformer into an action-RPG and laying the foundation for the Metroidvania genre. Players control Alucard, Dracula's son, as he explores a vast castle comprising 940 rooms, which are mirrored for a total of 1,880 areas across two maps. The game is admired for its gothic pixel art and Michiru Yamane's haunting soundtrack.
EarthBound
In contrast to the typical fantasy settings of the era, 1995's EarthBound presented a unique premise. The game follows a young boy named Ness and his friends as they combat an alien invasion, using everyday items like baseball bats and relying on food like pizza for health. Its 16-bit pixel art style is reminiscent of other Super Nintendo titles. Despite a mixed reception upon release, EarthBound has since gained a significant cult following.
Final Fantasy Tactics
Final Fantasy Tactics, launched in 1997, received critical acclaim for its compelling story and flexible job system. The game delves into themes of class warfare and political corruption during a conflict known as the Lion War, following cadet Ramza Beoulve. Players can switch between various classes and combine abilities. The game's success led to a PSP version, The War of the Lions, and a 2025 remake, The Ivalice Chronicles, featuring modern updates and graphical options.
Fire Emblem: Genealogy of the Holy War
Fire Emblem: Genealogy of the Holy War, released exclusively in Japan in 1996, remains a cult classic. The game is divided into two parts: the first allows for character pairings, and the second features a new cast largely composed of the first generation's children. While it never received an official English translation, fans continue to call for a remake.
Super Mario RPG
Released in 1996, Super Mario RPG marked Mario's first foray into the RPG genre, featuring a collaboration between Nintendo and Squaresoft. The game introduced an unusual team-up with characters like Bowser and Princess Peach, alongside a turn-based combat system. A modern remake was released for the Nintendo Switch in 2023, retaining the core gameplay of the original.
Fallout 2
Fallout 2, released in 1998, expands upon the post-apocalyptic world established in its predecessor. Set 80 years after the original Fallout, the game features a larger world map and more complex player choices that can significantly impact the game's outcome. The series' enduring popularity, amplified by a successful TV adaptation, makes revisiting Fallout 2 a notable experience.
Parasite Eve
Parasite Eve, a 1998 horror RPG set in New York City, blends survival-horror elements with cinematic RPG qualities. The game follows NYPD officer Aya Brea as she confronts a parasitic entity named Eve. Known for its weird and tense atmosphere, it delves into body-horror themes and remains best experienced through its original release.
Suikoden I & II
Konami's Suikoden I and Suikoden II, released in the mid-to-late '90s, aimed to rival Final Fantasy and are still highly regarded. Both games center on building an army and engaging in war, with Suikoden I featuring a faster plot against the Scarlet Moon Empire and Suikoden II focusing on a slower-paced narrative about friends torn apart by conflict. Each title includes 108 recruitable characters. An HD remaster collection is available, and a Suikoden anime is also forthcoming.
Pokémon Gold & Silver
Pokémon Gold and Silver, released in 1999, marked a significant step for the franchise, introducing color graphics and a new region, Johto, alongside 100 new Pokémon. Players could also revisit the Kanto region after completing the main story. These titles are often considered by fans to represent a golden era for the Pokémon series.
