RPGsare many a gamer ’s   favorite form of escapism . With the crush of a button , we can instantly be carry into a phantasy region , a faraway planet , or something as simple as our own little farm on the outskirt of a quirky piddling town .   Whether you ’d like to explore and drudge or hack - and - slash ,   there ’s unquestionably one for you .

It ’s often been debated that the peak of the literary genre arrive with the age of 16 - bit graphics and with the assistant of Metacritic ,   we just might settle the score . We ’ve included RPGs old and novel to contend for top title on our inclination , so quick your stats and organize to play .

Breath of Fire (79)

It ’s an RPG involving dueling dragons , beautiful goddesses , and lots of magic spell ,   it ’s none other than Capcom’sBreath of Fire.granting us Dragonborn power long before we explored the natural state of Skyrim ,   this often - overlooked RPG definitely has a certain charm . Even if it does reuse a fewStreet Fightersound snack

It ’s about as definitive JRPG as you may get , but it ’s not that we ’re complain .   The visuals are telling , the characters are singular , and the report is engaging .   It was so darling   it warrant   five other sequels if the first one was n’t enough for you .

Phantasy Star (82)

It might be Sega ’s solvent to theDragon Questseries , but it ’s gone down as one of the most beloved game on the system . interchange the swords and sorcery motif ofDragon Questfor its own original infinite opera house plot ,   the serial is nothing if not interesting .

Although the serial is more well - know for its MMORPG game , this was the one that started it all . For the time , the graphics and gameplay were revolutionary , and it was something that even made the ilk of Nintendo nervous . If you need to experience this incredible secret plan , a brilliant larboard is presently usable on the Switch .

Octopath Traveler (83)

Octopath Traveleris an absolutely beautiful RPG that pay accurate tribute to SNES classics of the ' 90s .   Taking more than a few tone from the the likes of ofChrono Trigger , Final Fantasy , and even a littleDragon Quest , the secret plan is a memorable experience that any fan of the genre should play .

The design perfectly blends classical 16 - fleck Sprites with 3D graphics and force ,   the story and gameplay in Courage multiple playthroughs , and combat feels classic but not tired .   It ’s one of the most sensational game in the Switch ’s program library and is positively perfect for that JRPG itch .

Collection of Mana (83)

TheManaseries   was a game - auto-changer when it rack up the SNES in the 90s ,   being one of the first truthful action RPGs that graced the home consoles .   However , up until now , the full series had only been available in Japan . But thanks to the Nintendo Switch ,   retrogamers can finally get in on all the action .

The series definitely has aZelda - esque smell to it but has all the spell and   wizard beauty of aFinal Fantasytitle .   In fact , the first secret plan in the serial started off as aFinal Fantasyspinoff .   If you ’re looking for a different kind of RPG , we highly recommend giving this series a look .

Hyper Light Drifter (84)

We ’ve talked aboutHyper Light Drifterseveral times before , but it ’s simply one of those game that bear repeating . To put it in the unsubdivided term ,   the game is essentially aZelda - similar RPG with dead no spoken negotiation or text .   The plot itself is anybody ’s guess ,   but it still deliver an exceptional experience .

You ’ll upgrade your lineament , explore the populace for collectable , currency , and out of sight areas , as well as defend a selection of monsters and bosses along the way . It ’s a unique cyberpunk dungeon - crawler , but with enough action to fulfill   any fan of fight - pore games .

Wargroove (84)

Directly inspired by theAdvance Warsseries on the Game Boy Advance , Wargrooveis an interesting action - scheme game that puts the musician in control of their own ground forces of fantasy forces .   Will you be a benevolent royal , an subtle necromancer , a mighty virtuoso , or a friendly works monster ?   You adjudicate how to lead your scout troop to battle .

Not as overweight asFire Emblembut definitely longer than your average biz of chess ,   for grouping will definitely put your nous to the   examination as well as your gambling acquisition .   If you wanted large - scale battle with a XC 16 - minute aesthetic ,   this is the biz for you .

Stardew Valley (87)

We ’ve talked about cyberpunk dungeon fishing worm ,   16 - bit battles , and quad opera house adventures ,   but sometimes you want to put down the sword and shield and just quetch back on your own small patch of Heaven in a cozy retro - style earth . That ’s whatStardew Valleyis for .

Tell many have compared this game to the popularHarvest Moonfranchise , we think it rifle a footling deeper than that . Though the game share several similarity , there is a lot more to do . you could conjure up a farm and livestock , you could research a donjon full of lusus naturae , and you could also see honest love from the quilt of this 16 - bit reality .

Dragon Quest XI S (2D Mode) (91)

In all satinpod , we could have feature a issue of Dragon Quest titles on this list . But in the destruction ,   we had to go with the most late ledger entry   in the series , thanks to the freshly introduced " 2D Mode . "   although the main biz is done and to the full give three-D graphics , players have the option to play in the traditional 16 - bit flair .

Although this is chiefly anesthetic change that changes little to nothing in the overall storyline ,   it serve as a reminder to show buff where the series came from . It has the traditional   JRPG formula ,   and even reintroduces the original combat system from the other games .   It ’s definitely   top - tier material for us .

Chrono Trigger (92)

Of of course , we ca n’t have a list of 16 - number RPGs without spill about the granddaddy of them all , Chrono Trigger.considered by many to be the greatest RPG of all sentence , and even by some to be the great biz of all time , this clever little title from Square Enix has stood the test of time .

Several entry on this list seek to pay tribute to the techniques and practices set forth by the SNES title . But at the end of the day , there ’s only oneChrono Trigger .   There ’s an amazing port of it on the Nintendo DS , and it ’s certainly a game everyone should experience .

Though there might be some arguments whether or not theZeldaseries should be considered an RPG or not , we have to giveA Link to the Pastthe top spot on this list . Think about it , you search a illusion human beings collectingvarious weaponsand potion , you plunk into mysterious dungeons satisfy with monsters and cakehole , all while attempt to vote down an evil wizard and salve a princess .

It sure sound like an RPG to us ,   which is why we have to give this secret plan top billing . Although Link has since   made the jumping the fully rendered graphics , everyone and their buddy will compare   the newer game   to this   statute title .

NEXT:10 Movies To determine If You Like The Legend Of Zelda Games

Collage of Willow and Clash of the Titans

A.J. Cook’s JJ, Joe Mantegna’s David Rossi, and Paget Brewster’s Emily Prentiss in Criminal Minds: Evolution season 3, episode 2.

Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor smiles inside a building

RPGsThings

Breath of Fire

Sega Genesis Mini Phantasy Star 4

Characters in Octopath Traveler posed on the cover art

Secret of Mana

Titans screaming in Hyper Light Drifter

A battle map on display for Wargroove

The player character and Mayor Lewis stand in front of the Stardew Valley Community Center.

Retro mode from DQ11 with 16 bit art

Chrono Trigger box art

Link to the past Triforce