Top 10 RPG’s of All Time: Console Gaming

Introduction

A Role Playing Game (RPG) is a game where the player assumes the role of a certain character. Throughout the game, that person usually develops their character through a journey or series of quests. This article will analyze some of the best RPG’s of all time, allowing you to decide which one is right for you!

10. The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past

A part of the famous Zelda series, A Link to the Past was a ground breaking title. Released in 1991 by Nintendo, A Link to the Past was an instant favorite among RPG enthusiasts.

A Link to the Past focuses on Link as he travels on a journey to save Hyrule, defeat Ganon and rescue the seven descendants of the Sages. This particular title introduced a Zelda trademark. That is, the existence of two parallel worlds between which the player travels. The first of these, called the Light World, is the ordinary Hyrule where Link grew up. The second is what was once the Sacred Realm, but became the Dark World when Ganon obtained his dark powers. Multi world player environments have ever since become popular among many well known RPG titles. 

With it’s top view gameplay and expansive plot, Zelda holds all the characteristics of a classic RPG. Simple gameplay, addictive quests, and and overall amazing story has made this title a favorite to gamers far and wide.

9. Kingdom Hearts

Kingdom Hearts is an action based RPG. Released in 2002 by Square Enix, this game pushed the limits of imagination and creativity.

Kingdom Hearts is a crossover of various Disney settings based in a universe made specifically for the series. Final Fantasy characters also make an appearance in the game. The series centers around the main character Sora’s search for his friends and his encounters with different Disney and Final Fantasy characters on their own worlds.

The integration of well known characters and imaginative conflicts makes Kingdom Hearts a very unique title.

8. Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II The Sith Lords

Knights of the Old Republic II (KOTOR 2) was the most innovative release of 2005. Obsidian based this of the original title, Knights of the Old Republic, developed by Bioware.

KOTOR 2 takes place five years after the events of Knights of the Old Republic, in a time when the Jedi have been nearly exterminated by the Sith. Your player is a former Jedi that has been exiled by the Jedi order. Throughout the game, you and your companions search for the truth behind your exile, all while being hunted by a dark Sith Lord. 

What makes KOTOR 2 such a innovative game is the aspect of choice. Throughout the game you are encountered with numerous choices. Your choices effect the story, your character, and your abilities. In the end, you may become a honorable Jedi, an evil Sith, or even a neutral Jedi, in the gray between dark and light.

7. Lufia II: Rise of the Sinistrals 

Lufia II, released in 1995 by Neverland and Natsume, carries key elements that many great RPG’s share.

Lufia is centered around the hero Maxim, a swordsman from the town of Elcid. Maxim is born with a natural ability to fight and is destined to destroy the Sinistrals. The Sinistrals are god-like figures of evil, determined to destroy humanity. Throughout his journey, he meets others who are able to confront the Sinistrals as well.

Lufia, unlike some of our other titles, is a puzzle based RPG. Throughout the game, you’ll have to solve various puzzles in dungeons and castles abroad. 

6 – Secret of Evermore

Secret of Evermore is an interesting game to say the least. Released by Square USA in 1995, Secret of Evermore in very unique compared to other titles of it’s day. It was the only game developed by Square designers in America. 

The storyline follows a boy and his pet dog. Due to a series of unfortunate events, they are inadvertently transported to a fantasy world created by an eccentric inventor. You guide both the boy and his shape shifting dog through Evermore, a world that is composed of separate realms. Each realm resembles a different period of real-world history. This allows you to experience multiple time periods in a single RPG.

Secret of Evermore if hands down one of the most comedic and entertaining titles for the SNES. Although not well known, this game has definitely left it’s impression on those that have played it.

5 – Chrono Trigger

Chrono Trigger (Like many of our classics) was released by Square Soft in 1995. This game is recognized mostly by it’s creative storyline, beautiful soundtrack, and multiple companionships.

Chrono Trigger takes place in an original world similar to earth, with multiple eras such as the prehistoric age, the Middle Ages, and the post-apocalyptic future. Crono and his friends frequently travel through time to obtain allies, gather equipment, and learn information to help them in their quest. Your party also gains access to the End of Time (Year ∞), which serves as a hub to travel to other time periods.

With a multi-enemy/ally combat system, Active Time Battle System, and a more than exciting storyline, Chrono Trigger quickly became a favorite among RPG fans across the world.

4 - The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, released in 2007 by Bethesda, is one of the most expansive games in the history of gaming. With approximately 16 square miles of playable environment, Oblivion is sure to occupy some time. 

Oblivion uses a “Sandbox” type of gameplay. This means that the main quest can be held off while you complete other quests and activities located throughout the massive world of Cyrodiil. In the end, it’s up to you to close all the Oblivion Gates and prevent total destruction.

With it’s massive amount of quests and missions, alongside the endless number of player options and configurations, Oblivion is everything and more that you’d expect from a mordern RPG

3 – Mass Effect

Mass Effect, developed by Bioware in 2007, is another action based RPG. Like KOTOR 2 (above), Mass Effect also uses a choice based system to develop the storyline.

This game takes place in the year 2183, with the player assuming the role of an elite human soldier named Commander Shepard. Your role is to explore the Galaxy on a starship, the SSV Normandy.

Mass Effect takes it to the next level with gameplay. The choices you make have an effect on the entire galaxy. Not to mention, Mass Effect also has a number of options for player creation, dialog, morality, combat and equipment. This is a next generation RPG with next generation properties. Enjoyable up to the last second, Mass Effect will make it’s mark on the RPG industry for years to come.

2 – Earthbound

Earthbound, released in 1995, is the epitome of what a classic RPG should be. Although not as popular in America during it’s reign in Japan, Earthbound became know as one of the best RPG titles of all time.

Earthbound begins with Ness, who is awakened by a meteorite that has plummeted to the earth near his home. Upon further investigation, Ness is encountered by beings from another time and space. Earthbound takes the player through a series of compelling and story filled scenarios. You and your companions must discover the source of evil known as Giygas, and destroy it. Although this sounds simple, you encounter a plethora of interesting people and places along the way.

Although not entirely known to gamers today, Earthbound holds a place in the heart of any gamer who has led Ness through his adventures.

1 - Final Fantasy VII

Perhaps one of the most well known games in existence, Final Fantasy 7 is at the pinnacle of the RPG experience. Released in 1997 by Square (with over 9.9 million copies sold by 2005), FF7 quickly became a best seller in the gaming industry.  

FF7 takes place in the technologically advanced world of Gaia. There are 9 playable characters, the main being Cloud. Cloud, however, begins to doubt his ability to control his own actions. Influenced by the evil Sephiroth, Cloud becomes suspicious of his own memories and insists he is not a real human, but instead a specimen created from genetic material . Through a flurry of battles and conflicts, you must resolve this problem and confront Sephiroth himself.

This is an action packed RPG with a deep, detailed storyline. It’s advanced battle system and a wide array of characters. Final Fantasy is everything a RPG should be and more.

Well, there you have it. Now that you’ve read up on some of the greatest works in role playing history, get out there and play!

——-

Links:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page

http://www.bethsoft.com/eng/index.php

http://www.square-enix.com/na/

http://www.bioware.com/

http://starmen.net/mother2/