As we take in the nostalgia associated with them, we bring you these best SNES RPGs that are still enjoyable by all means. If you’ve played any of these games back in the days, we bet you it isn’t a bad idea to indulge in them again, as they’ll succeed in bringing back pleasant memories of an era which only survives in our remembrances.
We don’t suppose you still have your Super Nintendo Entertainment Systems on you, but there’s nothing to worry, for most of these titles are available on modern platforms in either in their original forms or in enhanced versions of them. Now without further ado, here goes the compilation. It should be noted that this list is in no particular order of preference.
1 – Secret of Mana
Developed by the master of the genre, Square, Secret of Mana makes use of real-time battles like those from the Legend of Zelda, while also incorporating conventional role-playing elements. Another one of its interesting aspects is its pioneering co-op multiplayer which features a drop-in and drop-out ability. And the game’s overall appeal is taken to the next level thanks to its wonderful soundtrack by Hiroki Kikuta who recently, also lent his talent to Soulcalibur V. You can now play this game on your Wii consoles as well as your iOS devices.
2 – Shadowrun
The second addition to our roster of SNES RPGs possesses a cyberpunk theme, and is based on a popular table-top role-playing game of the same name. With its futuristic nuances, it tells the story of a data courier named Jake Armitage, who has been injured by assassins in the year 2050. Now suffering from loss of memory, Jake must strive to expose his own identity, and in the process accomplish his original mission. Its frantic battles that take place in isometric viewpoints are its main highlights. A new game named Shadowrun Returns is currently under development thanks to a Kickstarter campaign that reached its goal within just 28 hours of going live.
3 – Final Fantasy IV
Counted regularly among the finest role-playing games of all time, Final Fantasy IV is a legendary title in every sense of the term. The fascinating tale of a dark knight named Cecil had managed to delight millions of gamers around the world, and it still does thanks to its much demanded re-releases for today’s devices. Its gameplay is noted for its Active Time Battle system which granted each character its own changeable class. And with its superbly crafted RPG mechanics, it’s just plain addictive. Advanced versions with added cinematics and extra content are available for the DS and the PSP, while the original version can be played on a number of platforms including the Wii.
4 – Tales of Phantasia
Namco Tales Studio (formerly Wolf Team) has been developing Tales games from 1995 till today, when we have the fabulous Tales of Graces F and Tales of Xilia. Out of the many new elements introduced by Tales of Phantasia, its Linear Motion Battle System is the most noticeable. It conducts battles on a 2D landscape, and allows you to control one and only one character. Moreover, it is also possible to allocate items and combination moves to certain buttons of the controller. The Game Boy Advance title has this right now, and so does the PSP.
5 – Chrono Trigger
Chrono Trigger, the next entry to our catalog of the best SNES RPGs, is the brainchild of the Dream Team as it is known, consisting of Final Fantasy-creator Hironobu Sakaguchi, Dragon Quest-creator Yuji Horii and Akira Toriyama, the man behind the Dragon Ball manga series. With such a driving force behind it, the game just had to be something ground-breaking, but it turned out to be much more than that. Its story follows a set of adventurers who travel through time to prevent a global catastrophe. If its innovative graphics fail to impress you, its multiple endings, plot-related sidequests and its unique battle system definitely will. It is now available for the PS3 (PSN), iOS, Android, DS as well as the Wii.
6 – Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars
Back in 1996, what more could an SNES gamer have asked for than an RPG featuring the iconic Nintendo mascot himself! This game features a magnificent story, and is complemented by equally amazing RPG mechanics and a sweet and simple battle system. This is the last Mario game to have been developed for the Super Nintendo, and marks the beginning of the long-standing series, the most latest addition to which will be Paper Mario: Sticker Star, slated to arrive later his year. Its is available to be purchased for the Wii.
7 – Final Fantasy VI
Just like the third game from this list of SNES RPGs, Final Fantasy VI too is considered among the greatest role-playing titles ever to have been created. It is set in a fantasy world, and has its story focused on a set of rebels who’re trying to overthrow an imperial dictatorship. The game features a total of fourteen permanent playable characters. With its mesmerizing music, engrossing story and flawless gameplay, Final Fantasy VI will make you forget all else as you indulge its unforgettable offerings. Just last year, it was launched for the PS3 through PSN. Besides, it can also be purchased through the Wii Shop Channel.
Conclusion:
That ends our compilation of the best SNES RPGs which for more reasons than one will definitely invoke lots of pleasant memories of the past for those who’ve played them. If you haven’t, be sure to get them as quickly as possible to experience their brilliant offerings.