Some RPGs, both from the East and the West, are very lucky because they get to come back as ports, remasters, or remakes. Final Fantasy 7 is a prime example that has achieved all three types, and has remained in the popular zeitgeist due to the many multimedia projects associated with it. Final Fantasy 7From books to movies to spinoff games.
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These old-school JRPGs represent the best the genre had to offer before the 2010s, with no drop in quality during their playthrough.
Some games, even if they get a second or third chance at life, aren't lucky enough to stick around for long, and that's a shame. If more RPG fans played these games, perhaps they would be more accessible, or at least more talked about today. Popular or not, they are all great in their own way.
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Breath of Fire 4
Late to the party
Breath of Fire 4 A late addition to the PS1 in 2000, it came out in North America after the PS2 launched. Like all major entries, the game starred a blue-haired mute hero, Ryu, who could transform into dragons in turn-based combat.
The visuals still look great thanks to the vibrant colors of the polygonal models, and the world is a bit more desolate than other entries in the series, giving it an almost post-apocalyptic vibe at first. There is some good news for Capcom RPG fans Breath of Fire 4 Released on GOG in 2025, so it's not too late to check out this hidden gem.
Champions of Norrath: Realms of Everquest
A true Diablo rival
Champions of Norrath: Realms of Everquest It was released for the PS2 in 2004, and there, along with its sequels, it has been ever since. Like Diablo games, players can choose one of several characters, all belonging to a specific race and class. They could then proceed in a linear progression of levels through top-down rooms to fight hordes of monsters and collect loot.
It was a staple for PS2 RPG fans who enjoyed multiplayer, and it's a shame that Sony hasn't remastered it or ported it to another PlayStation console since publishing it in North America.
Dragon Quest 5: Hand of the Heavenly Bride
Before Pokemon
Most of the time Dragon Quest North American fans are missing out Dragon Quest 5: Hand of the Heavenly Bride Because it didn't really come out here. Originally released for the SNES in Japan, the 2009 DS remake was the first official North American release. Release history aside, the second trilogy in the series, which includes this game, is often forgotten in comparison to the others. Dragon Quest Titles.
Dragon Quest 5: Hand of the Heavenly Bride Either version has many interesting concepts worth checking out. Players will grow up over time, choose a bride, and instead of a party, they will befriend monsters, and it is important to note that this was four years ago. Pokemon.
Final Fantasy 5
Not enough praise
Another fifth installment in the massive franchise, final fantasyAlso doesn't get enough credit. Final Fantasy 5 It was also released in 1992 for the SNES in Japan, and North Americans got to play it in 1999 via the PS1 Collection. Final Fantasy Compilationwhich also includes Final Fantasy 6.
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This was the second game to use the work system, the following Final Fantasy 3And it did a good job developing its core four characters over time. The job system was the selling point, and while there are many versions to choose from now, the GBA release is still the best, albeit hard-to-find, option.
Joan of Arc
For France!
Joan of Arc A PSP exclusive strategic RPG developed by Level-5 taking place in an alternate timeline of the English and French wars in the 1400s. In this version, the English are aided by demons, and a young girl, Jean, is given a magical bracelet to transform into a powerful warrior, and along the way other characters gain similar transformational abilities.
Tactical combat is pretty standard with moving units on the grid, but that doesn't mean it wasn't compelling. Like many other PSP RPGs, it fell by the wayside due to the portable's low sales rate in North America. The game is thankfully now available on PS5, with other PSP gems just waiting to be rediscovered.
Lufia 2: Rise of the Sinistrals
Stuck on the SNES
The Lufia The series is largely forgotten because it's a case where all the games are currently stuck on outdated hardware. Many fans believe Lufia 2: Rise of the Sinistrals This is the best of the bunch, and it was released on the SNES in 1996. It has nice music, colorful sprites, interactive dungeons, monsters that appear in dungeons and much more.
It was way ahead of its time on the SNES, and the only real way to play it officially was to buy a cartridge, and the unboxed version doesn't come cheap either, but anyone who pines for the SNES glory days will find a way to play this game.
Odin Realm
Action Anthology
Odin Realm The PS2 had a very late release in 2007, which was a year after the PS3's worldwide launch. It's a 2D action RPG developed by Vanillaware, which always excels in 2D art with gorgeously painted backgrounds and intricately detailed larger-than-life characters.
Players go through different fairy tales, exploring different characters all connected to the same world, such as Mercedes the fairy, who uses a crossbow, and Cornelius, who is a warrior who has been transformed into a bunny-like creature but can still use a sword. Odin Sphere Leifthrasir There was a 2016 remaster, and a good one at that, but even the re-release didn't set the world on fire. True fans appreciated it, and Odin Sphere Leifthrasir Can still be played on PS5 thanks to backwards compatibility.
Bright history
Lost for time
Bright history is a must-play DS RPG that was released in North America in 2011 before this new addition, Radiant Historia: The Perfect Chronologyin 2018 for the 3DS. The effort to make it available again was commendable, but it would have done much better on the Switch because the DS cartridge still worked on the 3DS, and the Switch was killing it in sales.
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Aside from porting history, this turn-based RPG used time travel as a core mechanic to tell its story. Instead of going into wild timelines like prehistoric or futuristic, e.g Chrono Trigger, Bright history It was wise about its choices as they all dealt with solvable problems within a given era. Art, story, and combat really combined in “Perfect Chronology”.
Shadow Heart: Covenant
Alternate History RPG
Shadow Heart: Covenant
- issued
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September 27, 2004
Shadow Heart: Covenant Another alternate history RPG, but it takes place during World War I. From a female soldier to a vampire wrestler, the party had an eclectic vibe that made the gameplay all the more engaging, and the over-the-top nature of the story also made it fun to dive into.
Turn-based combat was also a bit more active as players could time attacks and specials with a ring-like mechanic to get bonuses, which wasn't easy. Like the rest Shadow hearts Games, these PS2 gems are completely lost to time, but hopefully, diehard fans will never stop beating the drum.
Xenogears
The start of something great
Xenogears One of the more ambitious games from Square on the PS1, it combined martial arts, mechs and religion all into one fantastic adventure. The story is almost impossible to summarize because it is so dense, but the twisting nature of its characters at least kept players entertained and guessing what might happen next.
Combat was turn-based, but players could input button combos to create special attacks, and later, unlocked mechs. Today, spiritual Xenoblade Chronicles Get more attention with games Xenogears The lie is now forgotten on the PS1.
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