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So you want to know the Top Role Playing Games of the 90′s, eh?  Well, your dreams have come true.

You: I’m getting a pet dolphin!?

The RPG Guy:  Do you truly understand the responsibility with a pet of that size?  First off you would need an exuberant amount of wate- wait a minute here.  Oh, I see what you did there.  Funny.

Anyways, below are the top role playing games of the 90′s.  Some of these could be among the top role playing games of all time.  Let’s take a look.

1. Final Fantasy VII | 1997 | Square Enix

One of the most compelling and amazing video games to date.  This game secured the role playing game as among the most lucrative genres in the industry.  With out FFVII we wouldn’t have some of the games that we have today, like Mass Effect, the Fable series or World of Warcraft.

The real strength of this game was both its in-depth storyline and amazing cast of characters.  The plot twists are among some of the best to date.  It was because of this that made you so immersed in the game play, never noticing the time going by (until you hit 99 hours… then you’re like… omgbbq!)

It could be the fact that FFVII became the game that shifted the paradigm of all game developers out there or that it sold 10 Million copies to date that make this role playing game untouched.

This is easily at the top of the list for top role playing games of the 90′s.

2. Chrono Trigger | 1995 | Square Enix

The characters are vibrant and have a lot of character to them (go figure).  Although some may fit stereotypes, like the “aloof main character,” this definitely does not detract from the game at all.  All of the characters are not just hum drum and have great energy to them – with strong thoughts, likes and dislikes.

I’d love to point out Frog.  He had so much motivation that he really pushed the story.  Finding out his background and how he became “Frog” was great.  He is definitely one of the coolest characters in this cast.

Plus, you can’t beat the concept of time-travel.  Woops!  Did I just ruin the game for you?

You: Dude!  I played this game like 42.3 times (going for 43 now).  If I could marry it, I would!

The RPG Guy:  Keep your pants on.

Chrono Trigger has the kind of story that sticks with you for a long time.  Memorable scenes like when Chrono is judged by the court at the beginning of the story and the jet bike race against Johnny to get through Lab 32 was what made this game simply “classic.”

3. Shining Force | 1992 | Camelot Software Planning

A great strategy role playing game with a huge cult following which spurred its re-release in 2004 on the Game Boy Advance.  This game generated several more Shining games (14 to date) based on its early success, hence the reason why it’s on the top role playing games of the 90′s list.

The story has the classic Good vs. Evil story model that just works.  If you haven’t played the game, it would be worth to go back and purchase a genesis just to play it.  The massive cast of characters (30) that you get through out the game is super impressive for its time considering that most other games had 5-6 at the max.  Pair that with the awesome battle cut-scenes and you have a great game with huge replay value.

4. Phantasy Star IV | 1995 | Sega AM7

This ranks in the top role playing games of the 90′s due to the great characterization, classic role playing elements, fantastic story, awesome graphics (for its time) and cinematic perspectives.  The 3rd perspective view was ahead of its time and presupposes that of what MMORPG’s are today.

This game has so many strengths including its macro-system, which is still one of the coolest time-saving elements in a game today.  This allowed for the full functionality of battle and also allowed for strategic attacks – this was brilliant.  The music and cut-scenes made this game so engrossing that you never really realized the hours that passed by.

You: I love Phantasy Star IV!  Yyyyyeeeeeeaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh!!!111oneone

The RPG Guy: You stop it!  Ok, fine – just a little.

You:  Yeeaahh…  :)

Such an amazing game easily takes the number four position of “top role playing games of the 90′s.”

5. Final Fantasy VI | 1994 | Square Enix

Final Fantasy VI was one of the games that really kick-started the Final Fantasy series with this amazing game.  Who else loves magic, technology and magical technology?  I know I do!  This game was seriously epic and involved such an in-depth storyline that rivals that of any great book.  The best part is you actually get to play a part in the quest.

You:  Of course you do!  It’s a video game!

The RPG Guy:  Don’t make me smack you!

You:  Like a hooker?

The RPG Guy:  Right.  Like a hooker.

The style, magic system, side-quests and all of the fine details is what made this game simply elite.  Thank God it was ported here to the States.  You can obviously see why this hits the top role playing games of the 90′s.

 

A Note from The RPG Guy: I appreciate you coming by!  And, thank you for reading Top Role Playing Games of the 90′s!  Want to see more top role playing games?  Feel free to comment below for your requests.

 

I leave you with this my fellow RPG friends.

You begin forcefully pulling on the rock like a nerd playing WoW tries to get to level 70 in a weekend.  A searing pain arcs from your hand around your forearm to your chest and the words from your forearm are suddenly gone.

You get a strange feeling that the ground you are standing on is magical as the little hairs on the back of your neck stand up.  It feels as if a cat were pawing at your neck.  What do you?

Forget about the feeling!  I try to chuck that darn rock! – You pull your hand back and new words form on your forearm saying, “Top Role Playing Games of 2012 (for the PC)”

I have no clue! – You stand there dumbfounded when the rock all of the sudden drops to the ground from your hand.  You suddenly wish you knew 4 Role Playing Tips (Plus 1 Extra!) to Level Up Your Improvisational Skill (In Real Life)

You don’t know what this is?  Check out How you can make your RPG awesome! – that’s where it all began.

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