Summary
The 16-bit generationwas, in many ways, the definitive era for the JRPG genre, establishing the popular tropes and mechanics and achieving widespread global acclaim. The genre was a core staple of the SNES/Super Famicom, which wasthe pre-eminent console of the time, introducing a pioneering generation of gamers to the format, which offered some of the most immersive gameplay on the market.
This led to the16-bit era holding a strong resonance of quality and nostalgiafor fans of the genre. Due to the enduring legacy of the aesthetic, developers are still releasing 16-bit JRPGs to this day, which somewhat complicates the rankings. Fans are sure to be divided on whether modern games that use the aesthetic but not the technical restraints really constitute true 16-bit, but in this instance they do, so now’s the cue to storm out in protest. With that in mind, these arethebest 16-bit JRPGs.
Remasters are another bit of tricky footing because many classic titles have been remastered or re-released over the years due to their continued popularity. Purists will argue they lose some appeal, butCollection of Manawonderfully repackages two 16-bit gems,Secret of ManaandTrials of Mana.
Trials of Manawas not originally localized for Western audiences, soCollection of Manais the most accessible way for non-native speakersto enjoy that adventure. The collection also includes the first entry in the series,Final Fantasy Adventure, making it comfortably the best way to experience the start of theManaseries.
Octopath Traveleris the definitive example of a 16-bit JRPG made for the current console generation. The developers lovingly pay tribute to the genre while enhancing the experience with modern technology, such as the lighting and water effects used alongside the pixel art aesthetic to create a stunning hybrid of the two worlds.
The most significant overhaul is the combat, which elaborates on class types and elemental advantages without fully reinventing the wheel. It’s familiar and atypical of the genre but adds layers of depth for complex party builds and some challenging bosses that require players to think outside the box.
This one is definitely taking a few liberties with what constitutes a 16-bit game, butDragon Quest 11 S: Echoes of An Elusive Age - Definitive Editiondoes offer thefull campaign in a 2D modethat converts the game to a 16-bit format. The mode can be activated by visiting one of several priests dotted around the map.
To be fair, it’s more than just an aesthetic transition; it fundamentally changes some key mechanics and the way certain events unfold during the campaign. That does mean that activating or deactivating the mode comes at the cost of losing progress for the current chapter, so it’s not something that can be changed on the fly.
Due to a limited release and a bizarre and rather horrifying structure, most Western audiences were first introduced to Ness in theSuper Smash Bros.series. However, as the years have gone on since, theMotherseries and in particular the NA releaseEarthBoundhave grown in infamy.
EarthBoundtruly embodies its offbeat reputation but, mechanically, it is also a fantastic and unique take on the JRPG genre. The world is far from the traditional fantasy setting that permeated most releases of the era and instead allows the player to explore a quirky, modern sci-fi adventure.
Star Oceanis not as much of a household name as some of its JRPG contemporaries, but it is one of the most significant releases in the genre,pioneering many of the tropes that fans love today. The game was designed to push the boundaries of the genre and really tested the limitations of the Super Famicom.
The downside to all that innovation was thatStar Oceanwas released very late into the console’s life cycle and, as such, was rushed to market and is essentially unfinished. It was re-released asStar Ocean: First Departure,which adds localization and all missing content, but the structure was changed significantly, so it’s really a matter of preference as to which one to recommend.
3Super Mario RPG: Legend Of The Seven Stars
Nintendo’s Genre-Switching Mascot
Super Mariowas already one of the most recognized names in gaming and a flagship property for the SNES manufacturer Nintendo. As such, the industry juggernaut decided to transport its mostprofitable mascot into the emerging JRPG genreand spawned a critically acclaimed side-series to the mainlineMariogames.
Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Starswas the first time any serious narrative was added to the Mushroom Kingdom, which was certainly a draw for fans, but the game was also notable for a unique overworld more aligned with the traditional series and its time-based combat. Additional button prompts were added to the turn-based format, allowing for more player input in deciding the outcome of battles.
While it would be overshadowed by the next-generation entry that would really shatter the bounds for theFinal Fantasyseries,Final Fantasy 6is a spectacular JRPG in its own right and one of the absolute best available in 1994.
The scope of the game is frankly ludicrous for the time period, with a huge range of spells and items and an impressively cinematic story that comfortably runs for 30 hours of gameplay. As a sworn favorite of most 2D JRPG fans, the game has been ported and remastered multiple times, fixing various bugs and issues from the original. The best way to experience it is really a matter of preference.
For the huge technical achievement that some other entries on this list were,Chrono Triggertook it one step further bothmechanically and especially in the narrative department, creating a seminal and near-perfect JRPG experience. The time-traveling epic sees the player flung backwards and forwards in time to an impressive diversity of locations.
The game did away with random encounters, a sometimes frustrating element of the genre, in favor of battles that are clearly delineated and take place in the overworld, improving overall immersion. The combat system also utilized a cooldown mechanic that has become a popular staple of the genre, with players able to activate their party in battle whenever they are ready, rather than the traditional turn-based format.
