5 Classic Nintendo RPGS That Still Hold Up Today

by

For decades, Nintendo has been a leading force in the video game world. They played a key role in reviving the industry in the 1980s and have consistently innovated to stay ahead. While famous for classic platformers like Mario and Donkey Kong, and beloved action-adventure series like The Legend of Zelda and Metroid, Nintendo also boasts a strong collection of excellent role-playing games, particularly among their extensive back catalog.

Here are five classic Nintendo RPGs that still hold up.

5) Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story

The Mario & Luigi series quickly became popular on mobile devices. Superstar Saga, released in 2003, was a huge hit with its exciting story and fun RPG battles. Partners in Time was a good sequel, but didn’t quite reach the level of the first game. Luckily, Nintendo continued the series and released Bowser’s Inside Story to enthusiastic fans.

This well-loved Nintendo DS game surprisingly puts Bowser in the starring role, which was an unusual choice when it first came out. Luckily, it worked brilliantly, blending seamlessly with the established humor and gameplay of the Mario & Luigi series. It was a critical and commercial success, becoming the best-selling Mario RPG as of 2020. In 2018, an updated version was released, fixing a few issues and adding a new story featuring Bowser Jr. called Bowser Jr.’s Journey.

4) Fire Emblem: The Blazing Blade

For a long time, the Fire Emblem games were only released in Japan. This was strange, particularly after some of its characters appeared in Super Smash Bros. Melee. Luckily, players outside of Japan finally got to experience the series in 2002 with The Blazing Blade, and it’s been very successful ever since Nintendo and Intelligent Systems decided to release it internationally.

Considered a high point in the Fire Emblem series, The Blazing Blade offers a compelling fantasy story and satisfying turn-based battles. While later games expanded on the gameplay, this one’s simpler approach made it very accessible. Plus, since it was originally released for the Game Boy Advance, it avoids the pitfalls of aging 3D graphics and still looks fantastic today.

3) Super Mario RPG

When Super Mario RPG came out in 1996, it felt like a perfect match. Square, famous for its unique style, teamed up with Nintendo to create a fantastic spin-off adventure for Mario on the Super Nintendo. The game’s turn-based battles were incredibly well-done, and longtime Mario fans especially enjoyed getting to know the characters in a new way.

Considering how popular Super Mario RPG was, it’s no surprise that its director, Chihiro Fujioka, also contributed to the Mario & Luigi series. While he wasn’t as heavily involved in those games, his design style is still noticeable in the first three titles. Luckily, Super Mario RPG remains accessible today! Nintendo released a fantastic remake for the Switch in 2023, adding some helpful improvements to an already beloved classic.

2) Golden Sun

It’s disappointing that Golden Sun never became a big franchise for Nintendo. The original two games were huge hits on the Game Boy Advance, and even though Dark Dawn on the DS wasn’t as popular, it was still a good RPG. Sadly, Nintendo chose to have its developer, Camelot, focus on Mario Golf and Tennis games for the past ten years, leaving Golden Sun fans wanting more.

Those games are consistently enjoyable, and some cleverly blend in role-playing features. However, fans of Golden Sun have been hoping for a new installment for over 15 years. While that may not happen, you can still play the original two games on your Switch 2 through the Nintendo Switch Online service. It’s not the new game fans are dreaming of, but it’s a convenient and affordable way to revisit the classics without needing to buy an expensive Game Boy Advance copy.

1) Earthbound

EarthBound is a standout Nintendo game for the Super Nintendo, really capturing what makes the company so great. While most role-playing games at the time focused on fantasy or science fiction, EarthBound took a completely different approach. It blends in some sci-fi ideas, but its quirky, American setting feels much more lighthearted and unique compared to other games of that time.

The game’s turn-based battles are excellent for their time, and the strange enemies you encounter are genuinely funny. While a sequel, Mother 3, was released, it’s never been officially available outside of Japan – you’ll need a fan-made translation to play it. Luckily, you can enjoy both the original game and Earthbound through the Switch Online service.

What do you think? Leave a comment below and join the conversation now in the ComicBook Forum!

https://comicbook.com/gaming/list/5-nintendo-games-from-the-1990s-that-still-hold-up-today/embed/#

Read More

2026-03-15 01:10