The original Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) was home to many groundbreaking RPGs that laid the foundation for the genre. These games transported players into fantastical worlds filled with rich narratives, strategic combat, and unforgettable adventures. Here are the best RPG games on the NES that every enthusiast should experience, in reverse order.
10. Dragon Warrior IV (Dragon Quest IV)
Developer: Chunsoft
Release Year: 1990
“Dragon Warrior IV” is known for its innovative storytelling, where the game is divided into chapters, each focusing on a different character. Players must ultimately unite these characters to defeat the evil Psaro. The game’s rich narrative, diverse gameplay mechanics, and memorable characters make it a fitting conclusion to the NES Dragon Warrior series.
9. Ultima IV: Quest of the Avatar
Developer: Origin Systems
Release Year: 1989
“Ultima IV: Quest of the Avatar” is a classic RPG that emphasizes moral choices and virtuous behavior. Players must complete various quests to become the Avatar, the embodiment of the eight virtues. The game’s deep narrative, open-world exploration, and ethical dilemmas set it apart from other RPGs of its time.
8. StarTropics
Developer: Nintendo
Release Year: 1990
“StarTropics” follows the adventures of Mike Jones, a young boy searching for his missing uncle on a tropical island. The game combines action-adventure and RPG elements, with players solving puzzles and battling enemies in real-time combat. Its unique setting and engaging story make it a memorable entry in the NES library.
7. Faxanadu
Developer: Hudson Soft
Release Year: 1987
“Faxanadu” combines side-scrolling action with RPG elements in a fantasy setting. Players control a nameless hero who must save the world tree from an evil force. The game features a variety of weapons, spells, and items, as well as a nonlinear exploration system. Its atmospheric world and challenging gameplay have made it a standout title on the NES.
6. Dragon Warrior III (Dragon Quest III)
Developer: Chunsoft
Release Year: 1988
“Dragon Warrior III” expanded on the foundations laid by its predecessors with a deeper storyline, more complex gameplay mechanics, and a class system that allowed players to change their party members’ jobs. Players must defeat the evil Baramos and his master Zoma to save the world. Its expansive world and engaging narrative make it one of the best RPGs on the NES.
5. Crystalis
Developer: SNK
Release Year: 1990
“Crystalis” is an action RPG set in a post-apocalyptic world where players must defeat an evil empire using powerful swords and magic. The game is noted for its fast-paced combat, intriguing story, and exploration-based gameplay. Its blend of action and RPG mechanics has made it a cult favorite among NES enthusiasts (gamesradar) (Den of Geek).
4. Zelda II: The Adventure of Link
Developer: Nintendo
Release Year: 1987
“Zelda II: The Adventure of Link” took a different approach from its predecessor by incorporating side-scrolling action with RPG elements. Players must explore dungeons, gain experience points, and learn new spells to progress through the game. While its departure from the original’s formula was controversial, it remains a unique and challenging entry in the Zelda series.
3. The Legend of Zelda
Developer: Nintendo
Release Year: 1986
While not a traditional RPG, “The Legend of Zelda” incorporated many RPG elements such as exploration, puzzle-solving, and an open-world design. Players guide Link on a quest to rescue Princess Zelda and defeat the evil Ganon. The game’s innovative design, nonlinear gameplay, and memorable soundtrack have made it one of the most influential titles in gaming history.
2. Final Fantasy
Developer: Square
Release Year: 1987
“Final Fantasy” is the game that started one of the most beloved RPG franchises in history. Players control the Light Warriors, who must restore the balance of the world by defeating four elemental fiends and ultimately the evil Chaos. The game introduced a job system that allowed players to customize their party, and its engaging story and challenging gameplay set a high standard for future RPGs.
1. Dragon Warrior (Dragon Quest)
Developer: Chunsoft
Release Year: 1986
“Dragon Warrior,” known as “Dragon Quest” in Japan, is widely considered the grandfather of console RPGs. It introduced many to the turn-based combat system and quest-driven gameplay that would become staples of the genre. Players control the Hero, who must rescue the princess and defeat the Dragonlord to save the kingdom of Alefgard. The game’s simple yet engaging mechanics and charming 8-bit graphics make it a timeless classic.
The NES era was a golden age for RPGs, with many titles laying the groundwork for future classics. These games not only defined a genre but also provided countless hours of immersive gameplay and storytelling. Whether you’re revisiting these classics or experiencing them for the first time, the best RPGs on the NES remain essential plays for any gaming enthusiast.
Let us know your favorite NES RPG games in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this list with fellow retro gaming enthusiasts!
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