Set in the Mushroom Kingdom, this adventure RPG starts with Mario’s classic mission to rescue Princess Toadstool from Bowser. However, the arrival of a mysterious new enemy, Smithy, forces the eternal rivals into an unprecedented alliance. Their quest spans diverse locations—from a mole mining town to a tropical forest—where they overcome strategic obstacles, gain power, and recruit unique allies. This masterful blend of traditional RPG elements and Mario’s signature action cements its legendary status.

The Legend of Zelda – A Link to the Past (1991) isn’t just a landmark SNES title—it’s the architect of modern action-adventure design. Players control Link, summoned by Princess Zelda to save Hyrule from the demonic Ganon. The difficulty is well-balanced: challenging but fair, especially with the inclusion of helpful NPCs like the wise old man and the seven maidens. Influential, classic, foundational — A Link to the Past is all three.

Final Fantasy II on the SNES (known in Japan as Final Fantasy IV) is widely regarded as a landmark RPG. The game follows Cecil, a Dark Knight commanding the Red Wings, who begins to question the king he loyally serves. It revolutionized the genre with a more character-driven story, a memorable cast, and an emotional score. While the Western release was criticized for a simplified translation and easier difficulty, its narrative remains highly engaging, full of unexpected twists that keep players invested in the characters’ fates.

If Final Fantasy II set the standard for cinematic storytelling in RPGs, then Final Fantasy III (known in Japan as Final Fantasy VI) perfected it and then shattered all expectations. It is not merely a great SNES game; it is a landmark achievement whose ambition, depth, and emotional power remain unmatched by many modern titles. This is all supported by a new sophisticated battle system that rewards tactical thinking without sacrificing accessibility.

Secret of Mana (released in Japan as Seiken Densetsu 2) stands as a landmark SNES RPG title, pioneering the Action RPG genre with its vibrant world and groundbreaking co‑operative multiplayer. The story follows a young boy who unwittingly pulls a magical sword from its resting place, unleashing monsters and setting off a quest to restore the fading power of Mana. Its lush, painterly environments brought a sense of life and wonder rarely seen in 16‑bit games.

If there is one game that represents the absolute peak of the SNES era—and arguably the entire RPG genre—it is Chrono Trigger. Developed by a “Dream Team” consisting of key creators from Final Fantasy (Hironobu Sakaguchi), Dragon Quest (Yuji Horii), and the Dragon Ball (Akira Toriyama), Chrono Trigger is a masterpiece so refined, so imaginative, and so perfectly crafted that it feels almost flawless. The game is a timeless journey across epochs, emotions, and the very fabric of fate.

Capcom’s RPG debut, released in Japan in 1993 and localized for North America by SquareSoft (now Square Enix) in 1994, launched the dragon‑shifting Breath of Fire series. You play Ryu, a young hero who can transform into powerful dragons, navigating a mostly linear tale of betrayal and restoration. The story balances lighthearted party banter with darker moments—village razings and betrayals—creating an engaging, emotionally varied adventure.

If the first Breath of Fire was a charming debut, Breath of Fire II is a darker, more ambitious sequel—bigger cast, deeper combat, and a mature story. Its scope impresses but also exposes flaws, notably a famously troubled localization that leaves it beloved yet imperfect. Dialogue and translations can be uneven, but strong set pieces and emotional beats—especially character moments—give the plot real weight.

While it may appear to be a standard early SNES RPG, Lufia and the Fortress of Doom delivers one of the 16-bit era’s most emotional and tragic stories. Few RPGs at the time dared to deliver such an emotionally mature story. The narrative transforms a classic fantasy quest into a profound tale about fate versus free will, identity, and sacrifice. Its reputation as one of the most touching narratives of its generation is well-earned, focusing not just on saving the world, but on the heartbreaking choice between love and duty made while doing it.

Lufia II: Rise of the Sinistrals is widely regarded as one of the SNES’s most distinctive RPGs and a superb prequel to Lufia and the Fortress of Doom — it refines nearly every element while delivering a tragic, compelling story. It’s especially praised for its inventive gameplay and emotional storytelling — not merely a “walk‑around‑and‑fight‑monsters” RPG, but an adventure that constantly engages the player’s mind. An essential hidden gem that rewards patience with one of the SNES’s most heartfelt adventures.

In a crowded SNES lineup, Paladin’s Quest (Lennus) materializes like a melancholic dream, rendering its world in the pale blues and muted purples of a strange, haunting watercolor. Its unconventional magic system and unforgiving difficulty deter many, but those who persevere discover a somber and rewarding tale—Chezni’s quest to undo an ancient machine’s havoc, weaving a narrative of atonement, loss, and strange beauty. Through its bold creativity and alien charm, the game secures its status as one of the SNES‘s most unique RPG journeys.

The game is one of the SNES’s most polarizing RPGs — rewarding for players who relish brutal, sometimes unfair challenge and system mastery. You pick one of seven protagonists (or more in multiplayer), each with distinct backstories and motivations. Rivals can become enemies as you race to collect seven runes. Not a cheerful high-fantasy tale; ideal for fans of old-school difficulty, deliberate stat management, and high-stakes exploration.

Robotrek is a quirky, lighthearted SNES RPG that trades swords and sorcery for wrenches and circuit boards. You play as a young inventor who builds and programs robots to battle a comical group of villains—a premise that remains refreshingly whimsical even today. Its bright, cartoonish art style, featuring expressive sprites and vibrant environments, evokes a playful, almost toy-like universe.