There are so many RPGs that it is difficult to pick out a mere five as our top 5 RPGs of all time, but here we are, at it again. From Chrono Trigger to Super Mario RPG to Xenoblade 2, there are so many to choose from. Despite this, limiting our list to a mere five gives us the opportunity to focus on those that are the cream of the crop. Let’s get started.
Xenosaga Episode III: Also Sprach Zarathustra
Xenosaga Episode III is a very special game. It perfected the turn-based combat system and had a story that may be the best in any video game. It’s the story of will and long before there were any significant lead female protagonists, Shion was the heart of the story. Her relationship with KOS-MOS drove the narrative and each of the supporting characters had their moments to shine. Combined with a story for the ages, an incredible cast of characters, and a superior battle system (including mechs!), what’s not to love about this game?
Chrono Trigger
Chrono Trigger was released for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System and developed by Square and to this day remains one of the all-time greats in the RPG genre, which by far makes it one of the top 5 RPGs of all time. There are so many twists and turns in this game and the story is bar none. The cast of characters are loveable, the story is one of the best in gaming with some plot twists you will never see coming, and the time travel element to the story makes it incredibly unique. It is a game for the ages and one of the best titles for the SNES.
Super Mario RPG
Super Mario RPG is quite possibly the best Mario game of all-time. It’s unique, has excellent gameplay, and for a 16-bit game, outclasses some of the more recent entries in the franchise. It has heartfelt moments, levity, an exquisite combat system, and the best story in any Mario game. Not to mention it’s a lot of fun. Super Mario RPG is a game for the ages and it’s a travesty that the game hasn’t received a sequel, especially with its cast of memorable characters, making it one of the top 5 RPGs of all time. One can hope for a sequel, right?
Final Fantasy XIII-2
This choice may surprise some people, and it may enrage others. Final Fantasy XIII was a divisive entry in the series due to its linear nature and over-pretentious mythology, half of which you had to read through a codex. Final Fantasy XIII-2 fixed so many of XIII’s problems and was a masterpiece in its own right. From the non-linear nature of the story, the time travel aspect, strong protagonists, and incredible music, Final Fantasy XIII-2 established its own identity with its own set of characters, setting it apart from Final Fantasy XIII and simply being a “sequel.” The combat, while similar to XIII’s, was tweaked and lightning-paced, making for a really enjoyable and rewarding experience. All-in-all, it is the best Final Fantasy game since X, and maybe even before that.
Xenoblade Chronicles 2
Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is a masterpiece. It’s not only the best RPG of our generation but quite possibly the best RPG of all-time. It’s a story of a boy who faces insurmountable trials yet keeps moving forward, no matter the cost. It’s a story of boy meets girl, and while this may sound cliche, it’s executed so well that it doesn’t take away from the game one bit. It’s by far one of the best games for the Nintendo Switch and the best RPG for the system. Tetsuya Takahashi has improved exponentially since Monolith Soft was bought by Nintendo. After Xenosaga, which was heralded as a commercial failure, his new Xenoblade series has been nothing short of incredible. Although the game has many typical anime tropes, this doesn’t take away from the game one bit. The story is superb, the battle system is unique and while it takes some getting used to, it is one of the best systems in any RPG to date, and the characters are not only memorable but are endearing. For all these reasons, Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is the best RPG of all-time.