The 1990s was a great decade for fans ofrole-playing games. During those ten years, the Fallout series was established, Final Fantasy reached a new level, and several iconic games that defined the genre were released.
At the start of the century, 2D turn-based RPGs were the standard style for the genre. However, the world started to see more 3D environments and real-time combat toward the middle and end of the decade. So, the ‘90s presented a time of change for role-playing games. Here are the genre’s best efforts for each year of the decade.
Very early into the ’90s, players from Japan were able to get their hands on what would become one of the decade’s best RPGs in Dragon Quest 4. There were a few other decent RPGs released in 1990, but none of them became as well-known as DQ4.
The game moved away from the type of storytelling seen in the other entries in the series by dedicating each chapter to a specific character. This allowed for deeper and more well-defined characters, as dedicated focus was placed on each of them.
The ’90s were filled with Final Fantasy releases. In fact, six main instalments were released over the ten-year period. The second of them was Final Fantasy 4, which remains among the most important games in the series.
This is because it introduced the ‘active time battle’ system, which provided a new spin on turn-based combat and would become a staple of the FF series. On top of that, it was the first Final Fantasy game to really display compelling storytelling containing interesting characters and unique arcs.
Back in 1992, Ultima Underworld stood out in multiple ways. For starters, it was a first-person RPG, which was still a fresh concept back then. Out of those that did exist, few gave you the same freedom of movement as Ultima Underworld. Plus, it was a pioneer in regards to using 3D environments, as not many games did at the time, regardless of genre.
So, all things considered, it was an important game for the RPG genre and gaming as a whole. This is what puts it above several of the other great RPGs that came out in ‘92.
While there have been somegreat co-op RPGs, cooperative play isn’t something the genre is known for. However, Secret of Mana had co-op play all the way back in 1993. It allows you and up to two friends to control different heroes as you attempt to save the land.
Both the story and the inclusion of co-op received much-deserved praise at the time. The real-time combat was also very satisfying and unique since RPGs didn’t often have real-time combat in ‘93.
Earthbound wasn’t released until 1995 in the US, but it did arrive in Japan in ‘94 as Mother 2. While it did okay in Japan, Earthbound initially struggled in America. Over the years, though, the appreciation of this cutesy RPG has grown significantly.
As such, it can realistically be put on the same level as the likes of Final Fantasy 6 and Shin Megami Tensei 2, which also came out in ‘94. Where Earthbound excels is in its adorable art style and clever script. The game manages to juggle humor and serious topics better than most.
Regardless of genre, Chrono Trigger is amongthe best games to come out in 1995, so, of course, no RPG that year can match it. As with any incredible game, there are plenty of reasons for Chrono Trigger’s greatness.
One of those reasons is the exceptional character-driven storytelling that does a good job of giving each character depth and importance. Also, the inclusion of choices that impact the overall narrative is something that is common in RPG titles these days, but that wasn’t the case before Chrono Trigger came onto the scene.
The 1996 release was actually called Pocket Monsters because that was the original name of the series in Japan. The American port titled ‘Pokemon’ wasn’t released until 1998.
In 1996, the gaming world was treated to several iconic RPGs, such as The Elder Scrolls 2: Daggerfall and Super Mario RPG. Yet, the most notable RPG of the year was the original Pokemon game - albeit it was called Pocket Monsters at the time.
This title helped launch one of the most successful video game series ever and an entire media franchise. So, it is certainly an important game. It is also a good game, as its unique turn-based combat and creature collection mechanics make for a great combination.
1997’s Final Fantasy 7 is so great that Square Enix has made a series of games to remake it instead of just one. Therefore, the developers clearly think highly of the game, which they should since it’s amongthe best Final Fantasy titlesever. So, it beats the likes of the original Fallout to be ‘97’s best RPG.
This is partially down to the exceptional narrative revolving around an eco-terrorist group taking on a megacorporation. There is so much depth to the storytelling and characters that it’s a game that is still being talked about years later.
1998 had some amazing RPGs, from Xenogears to Fallout 2. Along with them was a certain game that helped start the legacy of Bioware, which would go on to become one of the most well-respected RPG developers out there.
The game in question is the original Baldur’s Gate. While not as popular as its third instalment, this first Baldur’s Gate is a classic in its own right. Its use of the Dungeon and Dragons world and gameplay rules makes it a unique experience, especially compared to other RPGs of the time.
The Final Fantasy series and the RPG genre ended the millennium on a high note with the release of Final Fantasy 8. It’s an entry into the FF series that doesn’t completely change what Final Fantasy is. However, it excels in the areas an FF game usually does by providing brilliant storytelling, compelling characters, and memorable moments.
Where it does differ from the games before it is in the character models. By this point in time, the characters in FF8 were the most realistic-looking that the series had ever seen, as they were more correctly proportioned.
