5 Greatest RPG Series From the 1990s, Ranked

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The 1990s were a golden age for role-playing game (RPG) enthusiasts. The Super Nintendo was a haven for the genre, and the arrival of the PlayStation later in the decade revolutionized things. The PlayStation’s use of CDs instead of cartridges gave developers much more space to create expansive, immersive games. Several RPG series dominated the decade with memorable releases. This list highlights five of the best, focusing specifically on games released during the 1990s. While some of these series began earlier or continued after the decade, this selection focuses on their contributions within the ’90s.

Here are the five best RPG series in the 1990s.

5) Ogre

  • Games released: Ogre Battle: The March of the Black Queen (1993), Tactics Ogre (1995), and Ogre Battle 64 (1999)

Even if you exclude Ogre Battle 64 because it wasn’t released in North America until 2000, the Ogre series as a whole still deserves a place on this list. It brilliantly combined real-time strategy with tactical RPG elements, offering players a fantastic entry point to the genre during the 1990s.

I think all three of these games are totally worth playing, and luckily, it’s pretty easy to find them now with all the remakes that have come out. It’s a shame the series hasn’t really continued past those, though. But if you were a gamer back in the ’90s, you definitely knew about – and probably played – an Ogre game!

4) Suikoden

  • Games released: Suikoden (1995), Suikoden II (1998)

Although we only received two Suikoden games in the 1990s, many fans consider that decade the peak of the series. While Suikoden 3-5 are all good games, the second installment is the one most people fondly remember – and with good reason. It’s an outstanding RPG that built upon the foundation of the original and refined it to near perfection.

A key feature of Suikoden is its massive roster of over 100 recruitable warriors. While many games struggle to make even a handful of characters stand out – like Mass Effect with its 10 companions – Suikoden II manages to make every one of its 100+ characters memorable. This incredible feat helps create one of the most immersive and captivating RPG worlds of its time.

3) Fallout

  • Games released: Fallout (1997), Fallout 2 (1998)

Some fans believe the Fallout series peaked in the 1990s. While Bethesda’s newer Fallout games have gained popularity – even inspiring a successful TV show – many feel they don’t capture the same magic as the original two titles.

The original creators blended a bleak, realistic world with surprisingly funny moments and complex role-playing elements. Bethesda smoothed out much of that, especially in Fallout 4. The first two Fallout games were pioneers for Western developers in the RPG genre, paving the way for popular titles like Baldur’s Gate, Planescape: Torment, and many others to reach a larger audience.

2) Dragon Quest

  • Games released: Dragon Quest IV: Chapters of the Chosen (1990), Dragon Quest V: Hand of the Heavenly Bride (1992), Dragon Quest VI: Realms of Revelation (1995)

The Dragon Quest series began in 1986 and became truly popular with the release of DQ3 in 1988. While many fans consider DQ4 and DQ5 to be the highlights of the series, DQ3 and DQ8 are also frequently mentioned as top contenders. Overall, the Dragon Quest series arguably reached its creative peak during the 1990s.

It’s important to remember that the original Dragon Quest games were released at different times in Japan and North America. While Dragon Quest III and IV made it to North America in the 1990s, Dragon Quest V and VI weren’t released until much later, appearing on the Nintendo DS. Regardless, fans in the ’90s got two truly classic Dragon Quest titles – a great result!

1) Final Fantasy

  • Games released: Final Fantasy III (1990), Final Fantasy IV (1991), Final Fantasy V (1992), Final Fantasy VI (1994), Final Fantasy VII (1997), Final Fantasy VIII (1999)

That’s quite a track record! Square dominated the gaming world with the Final Fantasy series in the 1990s, releasing a successful game nearly every year. It’s true that the release dates get a bit confusing when considering North America, as some of Square’s best titles weren’t available in the West for several years. Nevertheless, the 90s were a fantastic time to be a Final Fantasy fan.

Many consider Final Fantasy VI and Final Fantasy VII to be the two best role-playing games of the 1990s. FFVI beautifully showcased the pixel art and gameplay that defined the series, while Final Fantasy VII revolutionized gaming with its impressive graphics, compelling story, and expansive world. Final Fantasy VIII is also a very enjoyable game.

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2026-06-05 00:41