Top 6 Forgotten 90s JRPGs That Are Secretly Masterpieces

Terranigma is a philosophical action RPG that explores the themes of birth, evolution, and rebirth on a global scale. Its gorgeous sprite work and atmospheric music enhance a narrative about life, death, and civilization’s cycle. Despite not reaching North American audiences officially, it remains beloved by fans worldwide for its ambitious storytelling and gameplay. If you’re able to get a hold of this game, then by all means, don’t pass it up. Before playing, you might want to make sure you have a way to translate or read through the game’s menu and story through transcripts. But if you enjoy retro JRPGs, this is a must-play.

2. Bahamut Lagoon (1996 – SNES)

Anyone reading this should already know what Fire Emblem and Final Fantasy Tactics are. Those games would be on this list, save for the fact they are easily the most legendary games in the tactical JRPG genre. Bahamut Lagoon deserves the same legendary status but never made it mainstream, sadly. This tactical RPG stands out for its deep battle system featuring dragons that grow and evolve depending on how you nurture them. Bahamut Lagoon combines beautiful art, memorable music, and strategic combat, making it a must-play for fans of classic tactical role-playing games and fans of forgotten 90s JRPGS.

3. Live A Live (1994 – SNES)

This game is a fantastic way to experience a bit of time travel shenanigans. Ahead of its time in storytelling, Live A Live offers multiple stories set in different time periods, each with unique gameplay mechanics and themes. This anthology-style game delivers diverse experiences and innovative narrative structure that still impresses players today. If you’re a fan of deeply narrative-driven games, this one is a surefire winner when it comes to forgotten 90s JRPGS, especially from Square.

4. Valkyrie Profile (1999 – PlayStation)

For anyone who enjoys God of War, or other similarly themed games, but wants to play an RPG version, then this is your game. Inspired by Norse mythology, Valkyrie Profile features a non-linear story and a distinctive combat system combining timing-based attacks and party management. Its challenging gameplay and philosophical themes have made it a cult favorite among JRPG enthusiasts. The artwork is also quite attractive, making this a visual stunner in all of its pixel glam that rings true with forgotten 90s JRPGS.

5. Albert Odyssey: Legend of Eldean (1996 – Sega Saturn)

Do you like awesome dragons and some quirkiness? Well, Albert Odyssey delivers traditional JRPG gameplay with a charming and humorous script. Notably, it is one of the few JRPGs released for the Sega Saturn in the West, making it a unique and enjoyable experience for collectors and players alike. If you’ve never had a Sega Saturn, you might want to try and hunt down one those retro consoles and this game while you’re at it.

6. Rudra no Hihou (Treasure of the Rudras, 1996 – SNES)

This is truly a standout when it comes to forgotten 90s JRPGS. Featuring an innovative magic system where you create spells by combining words, Treasure of the Rudras boasts an ambitious story told from multiple protagonists’ perspectives. This game blends creativity with rich storytelling, offering a fresh take on JRPG magic mechanics.

Why You Should Explore These Forgotten 90s

JRPG Gems

While these forgotten 90s JRPGs may not have had the global exposure of Final Fantasy or Chrono Trigger, they offer unique gameplay, rich stories, and stunning artistry that have stood the test of time. Interestingly, the vast majority of 90s JRPGs came out on Nintendo platforms, but other consoles are represented here. Whether you’re a longtime JRPG fan or new to the genre, diving into these titles can offer a fresh and rewarding experience. Similarly, if you’re intro classic video games, make sure to check out our list of the best video game prequels.