From forgotten SNES classics to modern masterpieces, these are some of the most underrated RPGs ever made.
So many of the genres great games remain tragically underrated and overlooked.
Pirates of the Caribbean (2003)
Yes, Im serious.
No, there is no need to laugh.
It is certainly not that, though.
While janky and frustratingly complicated,Pirates of the Caribbeanis a truly impressive open-world RPG for its time.
Its just a shame that the game isnt easily available these days.
Then again, you are a pirate.
Wildermyth
The newest game on this list,Wildermythflew under a lot of radars in 2021.
Wildermythis a procedurally generated RPG that doesnt treat that mechanic as a gimmick.
Youll experience unforgettable moments in this game that other players will simply never come close to seeing.
That sadly caused many to overlook this game in favor of the (admittedly excellent) competition.
However,Grim Dawnreally may be the best game in its particular class.
Grim Dawns horror themes prove to be the perfect backdrop for its relentless ARPG gameplay.
This game doesnt hesitate to swarm you with mechanics, possibilities, and enemies.
Its a must-play for anyone who has ever enjoyed aDiablogame.
Radiant Historia
There are a surprising number of RPGs that incorporate time travel into their narratives.
However, the true star of this show may beRadiant Historias combat system.
Its remake,Radiant Historia: Perfect Chronology, is also exceptional.
Summoner 2
Summonerand its sequel are pretty rough games.
Yet,Summoner 2s issues are quickly overshadowed by the quality of the games story.
To be honest, it doesnt always work.
The game is more eerie than scary, and the JRPG gameplay isnt always the best vehicle for frights.
Yet, the whole thing is just such a compelling package.
At its best,KoudelkacombinesResident Evil-style survival horror exploration with PS1-era JRPG combat, leveling, and gearing.
At worst, its just a really well-done JRPG of that era with some refreshing horror vibes.
To be fair, the game certainly lacks the polish of other BioWare titles of that era.
Its not perfect, but there is nothing else quite like it.
Darklands
In many ways,Darklandswas too ambitious for its own good.
An expensive RPG that is often remembered for its many technical problems?
Yup, they had thosein 1992as well.
Why dont we have more historical RPGs like that?
There is some truth in those criticisms, but they dont tell the whole story.
Aspects of this title (especially its engaging combat system) are begging to be revisited to this day.
Those who took a chance on this game soon found something wonderful.
This is an incredibly deep title from both a gameplay and narrative perspective.
It was ambitious and it was…flawed.
Anachronoxis worth most of those headaches, though.
Elements of this games combat, puzzles, and storytelling make it an essential experience despite the various wrinkles.
Released by LucasArts in 2003, this gladiator-themed tactical RPG tasks you with surviving various arenas of gladiatorial combat.
At the very least, it was certainly the companys biggest project yet in terms of production values.
Unfortunately,Rogue Galaxyended up being a massive sales disappointment.
Fortunately,Rogue Galaxyholds up remarkably well.
Besides, few other RPGs offer quite so many worthwhile sidequests and activities asRogue Galaxydoes.
Its a shame this game fell so hard when it tried to fly so high.
However, it turns out that sending your boldest enemies to one place isnt always the best strategy.
Avernum has become a nation unto itself.
You will find horrors there, but youll also find an opportunity to make your own way.
Of course, you could also help lead a rebellion against the same surface dwellers that sent you there.
Anyone who finds themselves craving 90s-era hardcore RPGs needs to know about this one.
He decided to create a more ambitious JRPG experience that wasnt quite as reliant on JRPG tropes.
DubbedThe Last Story, Sakaguchis ambitious project was meant to be the Nintendo Wiis definitive RPG experience.
Much likeBlue DragonandLost Odyssey, though,The Last Storydidnt quite make the impact that Sakaguchi was looking for.
Ive never fully understood those criticisms.
The gameplay, meanwhile, offers an engaging ARPG experience that best represents Sakaguchis desire to do something different.
Resonance Of Fate
Resonance of Fates complex combat system is one of the oddest youll find in an RPG.
Alpha Protocolis a third-person action developed by RPG studio Obsidian.
Thats the thing aboutAlpha Protocol.
This title doesnt hold your hand, but the efforts you invest in it always pay off.
However, the considerable ace upShadow Hearts sleeve is the brilliance of its Judgement Ring mechanic.
Landing attacks and completing certain interactions often require you to hit certain spots on the ring.
A perfect input can result in incredible bonuses.
A missed input can result in completely missing an attack or interaction.
It should be frustrating, but its not.
There is a creative energy to this game that is nearly impossible to replicate.
The Age of Decadencetests the limits of hardcore role-playing design.
Some roads are simply not available to you.
Those drawn by that promise though, will struggle to find few games quite like this one.
Arx Fatalis
Long before they were relegated toRedfall, developer Arkane Studios established their immersive sim credentials withArx Fatalis.
In the world ofArx Fatalis, the failing sun has forced survivors to make a new home underground.
Even casting spells requires you to trace movements in the air as if are waving a wand or staff.
Thankfully, time has done little to tarnish this games brilliance.
In fact, the best thing aboutNoxis how it reimagines so many ARPG concepts.
Even the class you choose at the beginning of the game drastically alters the events of the story.
Terranigmais similar toIllusion of Gaiain many ways, but everything here feels so much more refined.
Best of all, the games jaw-dropping storyline is perfectly complemented by its stunning presentation value.
Seriously, this is one of the best SNES soundtracks ever.
WhileTerranigmawasnt initially released in North America, its relatively easy to find today.
Any fans of the SNES era need to experience it.
