The List: 25 Classic RPGs Every Gamer Should Play in 2025

Our childhood was defined by role-playing games of all types. Due to their length, we spent so much time with RPGs, they shaped my tastes in media and introduced me to epic storytelling.

25 Classic RPGs Every Gamer Should Play (1990 - 2010)

The turn-of-the-century decades between 1990 and 2010 made for a special era of gaming that many gamers are still benefiting from - as technology grew by leaps and bounds, so did the ambitions of developers. The best games from that time have shaped more than just the RPG genre; they’ve left their mark on gaming as a whole, all but defining the medium in the modern era and beyond.

These 25 classic RPGs are more than just role-playing games - they’re cultural landmarks that have influenced countless titles, inspired millions, and birthed massive international fan communities through the years. This isn’t a best-of list, but a list of games to consider if you want a deeper look at what I think is the golden era of RPGs.

It doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned RPG enthusiast or someone new to the genre. Our hope is that this list will introduce you to one or more of the most timeless titles of our time.

All games mentioned were released between 1990 and 2010. We selected titles that we think defined the genre, whether by introducing new mechanics, changing the game, or being exceptional in one or more areas. We also limited our picks to one game per franchise.

Final Fantasy VII (1997)

For many PlayStation owners, Final Fantasy VII was a special and unforgettable experience. It was the first polygonal 3D entry in the long-running series, delivering groundbreaking graphics and a unique combat system that surprised many of us who had never seen or even dreamt of anything like it. Timeless characters like Cloud, Sephiroth, Tifa, Aerith, and the rest of the roster round out this epic journey of diverse characters banding together to protect the world from devastation. There’s a reason why fans were clamoring for the remake and why Square-Enix greenlit it as a big-budget trilogy, as Final Fantasy VII’s legacy is still making waves in 2024.

Chrono Trigger (1995)

Hironobu Sakaguchi’s magnum opus, Chrono Trigger, is considered one of the GOATs in the JRPG genre for many reasons. First off, it featured a totally unique, groundbreaking scenario. Time travel was an integral part of the game’s story, with a plot that was handled elegantly, with many layers like an onion (or ogre) to peel away as you progress. The soundtrack was phenomenal, and the sprites, based upon character art by Akira Toriyama, were the best in the business. It also incorporated the Active Time Battle combat system, a popular concept used to great effect by the Final Fantasy series. Chrono Trigger’s signature twist was the ability to do combo moves with certain characters.

It’s just the perfect JRPG package, and even features strong replayability thanks to multiple endings.

Baldur’s Gate 2: Shadows of Amn (2000)

Baldur’s Gate 2: Shadows of Amn is the perfect RPG for anyone who ever wanted to completely immerse themselves in D&D’s fantasy world. The rich narrative boasts multiple choices, the implementation of D&D mechanics, and strategy-focused gameplay. The Baldur’s Gate series played heavily into roleplayers’ love of intricate player choices, where you can perform unique interactions based on your characters’ specialties, such as persuading NPCs, or gaining access to a location through unconventional means.

The heavy focus on roleplaying, also seen in Baldur’s Gate 2’s contemporaries like Icewind Dale and Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick Obscura, brought about a short-lived but golden age of developers seeking to provide more varied and in-depth D&D experiences, leading to titles like 2002’s Neverwinter Nights. Though this style lay dormant for a while due to the time and effort involved, it has seen a resurgence in recent acclaimed titles such as Disco Elysium and of course, 2023’s Baldur’s Gate 3.

Diablo 2 (2000)

Action RPGs have changed for the better thanks to the influence of the Diablo series. While the first game kicked off the trend of addictive loot systems in action-RPGs, it was Diablo II that proved the concept’s potential, as this is a game many have replayed multiple times. Despite finishing Diablo II years prior, I would still find myself coming back, gathering a couple of friends with our character save files, and playing LAN games together to level up our characters, which we saved on floppy disks.

Character build customization was unmatched at the time, as you could go from a spell–wielding Sorcerer to an Undead Summoner and hunt for loot to craft the build you’re aiming for.

Dragon Age: Origins (2009)

Dragon Age: Origins was a nice surprise, as BioWare delivered a familiar Baldur’s Gate experience without the D&D formula as its backbone. It also boasted quality voice acting at a time when the practice was just becoming a staple industry practice. The vocal performances brought life to a beloved cast of characters. 

What we have is a deep narrative RPG where player choice plays an integral role. The satisfying tactical combat also requires a lot of micromanaging to get the best results, making for a constant challenge throughout.

Star Ocean 2: The Second Story (1998)

If you want to experience the birth of good real-time time battles in a JRPG, Star Ocean 2: The Second Story remains one of the best to deliver such an experience. The unique sci-fi setting of the Star Ocean series where players visit multiple planets was something not many Japanese developers were doing at the time. 

This game triggered my interest in real-time RPG games, which led to me visiting similar titles, such as the Tales of and Mana series.

Grandia II (2000)

Grandia II was one of the most acclaimed titles for the Sega Dreamcast. During that time it stood out thanks to its graphics, fully rotatable 3D camera, and a familiar ATB battle system that enticed JRPG enthusiasts. The beauty of its battle system is that positioning matters, as perfectly-timed attacks and synergies may take out enemies in one sweep or stop their attacks from going off. When melee attacks are queued and it's a character’s turn to attack, they actually run toward the enemy to do the move instead of simply triggering in place, which also moves the timeline forward. This concept may sound tedious, but it adds an extra layer of 4D depth that makes going into random battles something to look forward to.

Pair the novel battle system up with a lovable cast of characters, a memorable score, and a story that had a more mature story compared to other JRPGS before it and you have an unquestionable classic.

Fallout 3 (2008)

Fallout 3 was a massive shift for the series when Bethesda introduced the game back in 2008, as the gameplay changed from a tactical real-time RPG to an open world first-person RPG. Many weren’t on board with the major shift during that time, but I was hopeful it might turn out well, as this was at the height of Bethesda Game Studios’ popularity with The Elder Scrolls series.

Imagine The Elder Scrolls, but in a post-apocalyptic setting. When it launched, many were just blown away by how you can get happily lost for hours with the many quests and narrative storylines, and are given unique choices or opportunities based on your character's skills and traits.

Many would argue that this new iteration of Fallout will not hit the levels of what The Elder Scrolls reached, but it has transformed the series into one of the most beloved open-world games you can ever experience today. Fallout 3’s success would spawn other timeless Fallout titles in the same vein, most notably Obsidian’s answer, Fallout: New Vegas, and Fallout 4.

EarthBound (1994)

EarthBound is one of those classics that leave a lasting impact on you. Its quirky humor and unique modern sci-fi setting make for a game that stood out to many players in the 90s. This is a game designed for kids, featuring a bunch of kids banding together to save the world. Yet, it was built with a lot of goofy situations and pop culture references that make it a treat for young adults as well. If you liked Toby Fox’s Undertale, give EarthBound a try. To this day, Shigesato Itoi’s EarthBound provides a unique RPG experience you don’t see nowadays, as it’s one of Nintendo’s rare gems with a singular vision, and while we wait anxiously for an official release of Mother 3, many wonder if we’ll ever witness a game like EarthBound ever again.

Skies of Arcadia (2000)

At this point, JRPG tropes and trends had formed and solidified, as there were a good amount of similar titles coming from Japan. In 2000, we were blessed with Skies of Arcadia, A JRPG released on the SEGA Dreamcast, with unique exploration featuring the use of the world’s airships, an inviting skyscape attached to a memorable story, and a turn-based combat system with a fast, satisfying flow. The game also featured ship-to-ship combat, a host of islands to discover and explore, and a generally bright, cheery tone with a cool, optimistic, upbeat set of protagonists.

The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind (2002)

The Elder Scrolls series is a long-running franchise, and I still do recommend the first game that started it all. But Morrowind is when the series gained a good footing, as it laid the foundation that led to the success of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. It’s one of the rare open-world RPG games where you are given almost complete freedom to do whatever you want with whatever character you create. 

For many, it was their first experience truly feeling like they’re on an adventure in a high-fantasy setting, exploring hidden dungeons, completing quests, and slowly making their mark on the world. It also helps that at the time, it was among the most visually-stunning 3D open-world games available. It was hard to believe a game like Morrowind existed. 

With Morrowind’s massive world and concept of a different adventure each time, plus the mod support given to The Elder Scrolls community, what you have here is an endless pool of possibilities and creativity that can make for seemingly infinite replay value. 

Suikoden II (1998)

Suikoden II is still to this day a rare breed, a turn-based RPG with a large party size of 6 during combat, and a cast of up to 101 playable characters, complete with unique skills that are only available when you pair up the right fighters. 

The scope of the story grows as you get deeper into it, as you’ll eventually find yourself managing a castle with all of the characters you’ve recruited, organizing armies, and using said armies against other army factions - essentially, Suikoden II turns into a tactical-turn-based RPG for a section.

It was innovative at the time, as there were so many cool ideas added to this JRPG that it’s still considered one of the most beloved titles ever released in the late ‘90s. It was so beloved that everyone is crazy to finally find out that a remaster is finally releasing in 2025. Suikoden is a series that was sadly forgotten, as Konami wasn’t able to create the same success in future games.

Breath of Fire III (1997)

Breath of Fire III was one of the most memorable entries in the ‘90s JRPG golden era. It had the perfect package, as the game’s turn-based combat, its world, the lovable characters, the art style, and the deep story left many players impressed. 

The story left a strong impression back in the day, as it started with younger versions of the main cast, then eventually did a time skip to matured and older versions of each of the characters you were growing to love. It was an exciting skip, and it felt like I was swooning whenever major plot twists hit. 

Breath of Fire III’s turn-based combat system was nothing special, but they were able to provide each character with unique abilities, like how Ryu had various dragon transformations that tend to serve as the player’s trump cards during difficult encounters.

Xenogears (1998)

Xenogears was a special game, a sci-fi adventure that incorporated philosophical themes with a complex narrative that could make any kid’s head spin. But it’s hard to let go of the controller, as Xenogears has a unique turn-based combat system where you do specific button prompts to trigger skills. There was also mech combat, where the cast jumped into their respective Gears and fought some pretty challenging oversized enemies.

The game’s budget was famously cut, forcing the developers to condense and explain away much of the story. But when combining a likable cast of characters, strong emotional beats, and a final act that was literally out of this world, which at this point was expected from JRPGs, especially those with a sci-fi setting, you’ve got a visionary work of art that still draws comparisons to genre-busting works like Neon Genesis Evangelion.

Demon’s Souls (2009)

It’s crazy looking back to think that it was only due to strong fan demand that From Software’s action RPG, Demon’s Souls, was brought to the West. The brainchild of Hidetaka Miyazaki, Demon’s Souls gave birth to a punishing subgenre that has broken its niche shackles, as almost everyone knows what to expect from a game when someone calls it a ‘Soulslike’.

Demon’s Souls’ punishing yet rewarding combat system took many by surprise as, despite its difficult nature and vague and mysterious world and narrative, which drew inspiration from dark fantasy works like Berserk, you can’t help but stand back up and figure things out. 

The game barely gives you the teeniest minimum of what you need to know to play, as the rest is left for the player and community to figure out. Each boss battle was a challenge, and it felt amazing to finally overcome such encounters. At the start, many thought players would shy away from such an experience, and it’s not for everyone. A Sony boss at the time gave up early on and declared it ‘unplayable’. But Demon’s Souls’ mysterious and dark nature was something rarely seen, and with the unique online system where players can leave information (good or bad) and even invade players to either kill or help them blew people away.

The first game is no Elden Ring, but it still boasts the crunchy core physics, precise hitboxes and timing windows, risk-reward options, and esoteric challenge that makes the series so beloved. Thanks to the variety that Demon’s Souls provided and inspired other developers to achieve, we now have every flavor of 'Soulslike' under the sun.

Deus Ex (2000)

Ion Storm’s Deus Ex was a sci-fi RPG that gave players multiple paths vis-a-vis how to upgrade and tackle every area in the game. With well-written characters and player choice dictating how each major plot is resolved, combined with how players can either go in guns blazing or steal, Deus Ex was one of the first titles that showed that RPG games can create unique experiences similar to how open-world games do it, thanks to highly complex level designs that make sure players have multiple options as to how they can clear an area.

Around that time, it was rare to find a game with a sci-fi RPG feel like Deus Ex.

Parasite Eve (1998)

Parasite Eve was a good example of how horror and RPG can blend well. As a kid, I remember feeling a bit scared but thrilled to keep going thanks to its unique combat system. I revisited the game a few years ago, and it still holds up despite its age. 

The art design was grotesque, and Parasite Eve’s Lovecraftian narrative was set in the modern world where a police officer races against time to stop the antagonist Eve from destroying the human race. I loved the mystery of it all, and how combat is performed in real-time, as you’re actually moving protagonist Aya around the fixed combat space to avoid attacks. Then the game pauses to allow you to dish out attacks, which are mostly done with conventional weapons and spiritual powers you earn as you progress. 

The visuals were a mix of 3D characters and static 2D backgrounds, similar to Final Fantasy VII, VIII, and even IX, a style Square-Enix (Squaresoft at the time) was known for in the late 90s.

It’s a shame that Parasite Eve never received a proper sequel, but it left a mark as one of the most unique RPGs to have been released from Japan.

Pokémon Red and Blue (1996)

I mean, who doesn’t know Pokémon? Yes, the Shin Megami Tensei-inspired monster-collect-a-thon counts as an RPG, and back in the ‘90s, there was nothing like it in terms of popularity. With 151 cute and interesting Pokémon to collect combined with a simple turn-based combat system against wild beasts and other trainers, Pokémon Red and Blue blew up, kicking off the global phenomenon that remains a top seller to this day. 

There were a lot of unique concepts going for Pokémon, as this game allowed players to fight and trade with each other locally, and the two versions had exclusive Pokémon, all enticing for a player as it was completely different and catered to all ages.

If you somehow find a way to play the game that started it all, you’ll be surprised how well it holds up to this day.

Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance (2005)

We like Ike, the Guts-adjacent mercenary protagonist of Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance and Radiant Dawn, both for the Nintendo GameCube. As one of the first major Fire Emblem titles to be localized, Path of Radiance features a deep, unforgettable story with an excellent cast of 40+ playable characters, and some of the best music and map design in the entire series. Fire Emblem’s key mechanics of permanent character deaths, supports, and the weapon triangle are in full effect here.

Mass Effect (2007)

Mass Effect is a special franchise for many. Like Dragon Age, BioWare struck gold by creating a captivating sci-fi world with deep character interactions and a story that gave players tough choices. It’s a world worth getting lost in, and you can’t help but love the characters you slowly get to know. 

Mass Effect still holds up great today, even more with the Legendary Edition which adds some quality-of-life improvements to the first game, such as making the shooting and control schemes more aligned with its sequels. The Mako is still the worst part of the game, but is slightly improved in this new edition.

Pick this up if you want to know why many have such high expectations from BioWare, as they did deliver something truly special with this franchise’s trilogy.

The Witcher (2007)

The Witcher was a big surprise for many, as it’s a third-person RPG with a mature setting and storytelling that was very fresh at the time. It had branching narratives and complex moral choices. When I booted up the game for the first time I was sucked in by its world, the concept of Witchers, and how creatures have multiple layers of lore regarding their weaknesses and history. 

Thanks to this game, we were given amazing sequels set in the same world that elevated the franchise even further, making it one of the most known RPG series to date.

Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King (2005)

If you want to look back at the Dragon Quest franchise from the very beginning, by all means go for it, but many fans consider Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King its best entry. It has a fantastic 3D cel-shaded rendering of Akira Toriyama’s art style for the PS2 and features the staple turn-based combat system. Nothing too complex, just a solid, lengthy, visually vibrant and emotionally resonant JRPG that showcases the franchise's best qualities, from its story, art, to its many characters. The game’s voice acting is also strong.

Tales of Vesperia (2008)

If you’re a sucker for real-time combat, the Tales of series have been a fantastic choice to scratch that itch. One game in particular, Tales of Vesperia, is a fan favorite, as it’s considered one of the best entries in the series. Tough and sometimes morally gray protagonist Yuri Lowell recently won a fan poll as the series’ most compelling hero. Featuring a strong story, lovable characters, and anime art style that Bandai continues to favor to this day, Vesperia has a typical plot of having unique characters band together to eventually save the world, but each one stood out in this likable bunch, as this is one of those games where the small banter between characters on the side as you travel goes a long way at bringing each of their personalities up front without forcing it onto the player. 

Vesperia was a game that I replayed a couple of times and enjoyed each time I revisited it, as the combat system evolved in such a way that it was satisfying to chain multiple moves to put enemies in a stunned state, constantly damaging them and preventing them from retaliating.

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door (2004)

Strong comedic writing, memorable character moments, cool bosses, and a fun combat system kept Mario’s lengthy GameCube romp fresh, even when excessive backtracking and tedium in the back half threatened to derail the 40+ hour experience.

The original release of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door boasts one of Nintendo’s best translations, so much so that fans still hold it up as a gold standard for the company at large. It’s witty without being overly reliant on puns. It’s heartfelt when it needs to be, but it doesn’t shy away from being edgy. The original game canonized Bowser’s lovesick nature, poked fun at AI, featured catcalling Goombas, and even explored Peach’s insecurity at not being ‘princess-like’ enough. Goombella’s wit and courage is inspiring, as are the clever ways Paper Mario’s charm and flatness factor into the story. 

The Legend of Dragoon (1999)

The Legend of Dragoon was a unique JRPG thanks to its addition of timed attacks. Overall, it's a turn-based RPG at heart, but its timing-based attack system made the gameplay engaging. Proper button prompts will trigger strong attacks, so that alone kept things interesting; if you want to be effective in combat, you’ll need to pay attention even after issuing character actions.

The progression system was also novel at the time, as it was exciting to grow each character. The depth of the RPG system rewards players for skill and proper planning.

As for the story, it’s a traditional JRPG tale with an unfortunate protagonist, but it’s such a well-thought-out world that I’m surprised we didn’t see more adventures set in this universe. Legend of Dragoon was also a visual spectacle back in the PS1/PSX era, so Dragoon was able to stand out despite the success of other series like Final Fantasy.

---

Honorable Mentions

Panzer Dragoon Saga (1998)

Often called the least-played greatest game of all time, the source code of this classic from the days of the Sega Saturn has unfortunately been lost to time, and there are very few ways to play it legally, unless you want to spend close to $1,000 for a copy. However, anyone who has ever played it has nothing but fond memories of this fantasy epic, which pushed the Sega Saturn to its absolute limits with 3D graphics and voice acting.

Front Mission 3 (1999)

Customization and strategy is the name of the game when it comes to the Front Mission series, where you’re tasked with outfitting and deploying highly customizable mechs in challenging tactical combat missions where you’ll be rewarded based on performance. Front Mission 3 expands upon its predecessors with the Double Feature Scenario, which allows players to experience simultaneous independent campaigns within the game’s storyline.

Final Fantasy Tactics (1997)

Final Fantasy Tactics was a special game, so much so that if Square-Enix dropped a full-on remaster or remake, many wouldn’t even hesitate to pick it up. Set in an isometric perspective, each battle plays out in a turn-based system as you control the actions of your team of characters that you’ve personally grown and invested in. There are a variety of classes, with some available to characters only if they reach certain requirements. It’s fun, and you always have the possibility of losing a fighter completely if down for too long.

You then mix it with a captivating high-fantasy story and challenging situations, plus add verticality and terrain effects to the grid-based combat, and what you have is a memorable title that people still think about to this day.

Secret of Mana (1993)

This beautiful SNES RPG featured some unique combat features, including real-time combat and a cooperative multiplayer system where friends can drop in and out of the game to help out. Excellent sprite-work and a classic soundtrack round out a package that was way ahead of its time.

Lunar: Silver Star Story Complete (1998)

Originally released on the Sega Saturn in 1996, most probably remember the superior Lunar: Silver Star Story Complete on the PSX. The fully-featured game had a top-notch English translation (often considered one of the best localizations of all time), which paired well with the fully-animated and voice-acted cut-scenes interspersed throughout.

System Shock 2 (1999)

Before Bioshock, there was System Shock. This first-person sci-fi horror title, which often appears on greatest of all time lists, saw your character fighting an outbreak of a genetic virus that infected the crew of an entire starship. System Shock 2 featured strong role-playing elements to customize your playstyle and build, whether you want to focus on, say, psychic or hacking abilities.

Golden Sun (2001)

Hands-down the best RPG on the Game Boy Advance, Golden Sun marked a turning point for handheld RPGs. Its gorgeous sprite-work, excellent game mechanics including overworld-altering psionic abilities, top-notch soundtrack, and lovable characters created an alchemical masterpiece that still holds up to this day.

Legend of Legaia (1998)

Sony’s Legend of Legaia featured one of the most novel combat systems I’ve seen in a JRPG - essentially, instead of a simple “Attack” command, your characters can perform fighting game-like combos with the face buttons. You’ll pick between High, Low, Left, and Right attacks and can chain them together for combos and team-up attacks. Each of the three playable characters has a different playstyle, and the action flowed like no other in tense battles. The battle system is so perfectly realized that I am still astounded that this hidden gem has never been remade.

Arcanum: Of Steamworks And Magick Obscura (2000)

Set in the midst of an industrial revolution, Sierra On-Line and Troika Games’ isometric steampunk open-world classic features a complex world where magic and evolving technology are constantly butting heads. Whether you want to use guns, gadgets, magic, or other means, you’re given an incredible amount of player choice to customize your build and save the world from an ancient power hell-bent on chaos.

Phantasy Star Online (2000)

Phantasy Star Online is not just one of the very first online console co-op games, at the time it was also one of the most addictive multiplayer games I had ever played. In this incredibly influential action-RPG, you’ll make your way through a variety of environments, slaying foes, racking up loot, helping citizens with side quests, and slaying powerful bosses. My brothers and I spent untold hours on the GameCube re-release, which combines both Dreamcast titles and features up to four-player split-screen co-op.

These are the games we believe every gamer—new or seasoned—should revisit or experience for the first time. While many more classics could have made the list, we’ve curated these titles as essential picks for anyone feeling nostalgic or eager to explore the roots of the RPG genre.

What would you put on your list of classic RPGs every gamer should play?

---