Yes, the latest AAA games boast stunning graphics that improve year after year, consistently outdoing themselves. However, they often lack the nostalgic charm of older classics. Here are some iconic RPGs from the late 90s and early 2000s that are worth revisiting.
Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King invites you to explore a colorful, expansive fantasy world with a classic JRPG feel. The story follows a hero and his companions on a quest to defeat the evil jester Dhoulmagus and lift a curse on their kingdom.
The game features traditional turn-based combat, a skill allocation system, and extensive side quests and mini-games. Praised for its vibrant art style (character designs by Akira Toriyama) that still looks fantastic today, great story, and polished gameplay mechanics, it helped popularize the Dragon Quest series in the West.
© Square Enix
Earthbound takes you to a quirky, modern-day world inspired by American culture, with surreal and humorous elements. The story follows Ness and his friends as they journey to stop the alien entity Giygas from destroying the world.
The game features turn-based combat with a rolling HP meter, quirky enemies, and unique psychic abilities (PSI). Gaining a dedicated cult following due to its humor, charm, and distinct style, EarthBound has influenced many subsequent RPGs.
© Nintendo
Chrono Trigger is a time-traveling adventure that spans multiple eras, from prehistory to a dystopian future. You control Crono and his companions as they seek to prevent a global catastrophe by traveling through different time periods.
The game features turn-based combat with a unique combo system, multiple endings based on your choices, and a New Game Plus mode. Renowned for its innovative gameplay, compelling story, and contributions from RPG legends such as Hironobu Sakaguchi and Akira Toriyama, Chrono Trigger is considered a masterpiece.
© Square Enix
Final Fantasy VI awaits you with a world blending magic and steampunk technology, dominated by the tyrannical Gestahlian Empire. The story follows an ensemble cast, including Terra, a woman with mysterious powers, as they battle against the Empire and the mad clown Kefka.
The game features turn-based combat with the Active Time Battle system, character-specific abilities, and the Espers system for learning magic. Often hailed as one of the greatest RPGs of all time, Final Fantasy VI is praised for its storytelling, character depth, and iconic music by Nobuo Uematsu.
© Square Enix
Fallout 2 sets you in a post-apocalyptic world recovering from nuclear devastation, filled with various factions and dangers. As a descendant of the Vault Dweller from Fallout, you must find a GECK to save your village, navigating complex moral choices and faction politics.
Fallout 2 features turn-based combat, open-world exploration, and branching storylines with a high degree of player choice. Celebrated for its dark humor, deep role-playing mechanics, and expansive world, it remains a classic in the post-apocalyptic RPG genre.
© Bethesda
Diablo II is set in the dark, gothic world of Sanctuary, besieged by the Prime Evils: Diablo, Mephisto, and Baal. You pursue Diablo across multiple acts, culminating in a battle against Baal in the expansion "Lord of Destruction."
Known for its addictive hack-and-slash mechanics, randomized dungeons, extensive loot system, and diverse character classes, Diablo II also features online multiplayer for cooperative and competitive play. It is a landmark in the action RPG genre, influencing countless games and maintaining a strong player base even years after release.
© Blizzard
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic takes place in the Star Wars universe, 4,000 years before the rise of the Galactic Empire. You choose a path as a Jedi or Sith while uncovering your character's mysterious past and combating a looming Sith threat.
The game features turn-based combat, a morality system that affects the story and character development, and a party system with diverse companions. Hailed for its storytelling, character development, and impactful choices, it is considered one of the best Star Wars games ever made.
© Lucas Arts
The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind invites you to explore the volcanic island of Vvardenfell in the province of Morrowind, part of the larger continent of Tamriel. You take on the role of the Nerevarine, a prophesied hero destined to challenge the return of an ancient evil.
Morrowind offers open-world exploration with extensive freedom, detailed lore, faction-based quests, and a customizable magic and combat system. With strong support from modders, Morrowind has a robust modding community that has significantly extended the game's longevity. It is widely acclaimed for its depth, immersion, and world-building, setting a high standard for open-world RPGs.
© Bethesda
Baldur's Gate takes you to the Forgotten Realms, a detailed Dungeons & Dragons universe, particularly around the city of Baldur's Gate. You follow your character's journey from humble beginnings to discovering their destiny as a child of the god Bhaal, involving intricate political and personal intrigue.
Featuring real-time combat with pause, character customization, and a strong emphasis on party dynamics and strategic combat, Baldur's Gate pioneered the isometric RPG genre. It is renowned for its rich narrative and deep tactical gameplay, spawning a highly successful sequel and numerous expansions.
Baldur's Gate 3 might look more fancy, but if you want to check out the roots of the series, give the first game a try – you won't regret it!
© Interplay
Gothic brings you to a dark, gritty medieval fantasy world confined within a magical barrier that imprisons criminals. You control the Nameless Hero, a convict who must navigate political factions within the prison colony and ultimately confront an evil threat.
The game emphasizes immersive open-world exploration, complex NPC interactions, and a challenging combat system. Known for its atmospheric setting and deep story, Gothic has a dedicated fanbase and has influenced later open-world RPGs.
© THQ Nordic
Yes, the latest AAA games boast stunning graphics that improve year after year, consistently outdoing themselves. However, they often lack the nostalgic charm of older classics. Here are some iconic RPGs from the late 90s and early 2000s that are worth revisiting.
