Best retro RPGs

Role-playing games trade reflexes for strategy and story. You build a party, level up, manage equipment and travel across a large world, usually through menu-based battles.

Typical commitment: epic journey. Tip: Retro RPGs can require some level grinding and rarely tell you exactly where to go next. Talk to every townsperson, save often and use a guide if you get stuck: there is no shame in it.

Pick one of these for me

RPGs by system

The 48 most celebrated retro RPGs

#31 Mother box art
Mother NES · 1989 · RPG Classic
#32 Shenmue box art
Shenmue Dreamcast · Action-Adventure Classic