Characters, quests and progression: the RPG is the genre of epic and immersion, from JRPG to Western RPG. RomWize re-ranks the best games in the genre by its re-evaluated scores, each with its current score, its versions, their rarity and their collector value.
"An enhanced Japanese reissue of Eternal Arcadia with pacing and difficulty tweaks. The magic stays intact and the hours still fly by. A definitive edition."
"An Intelligent Systems papier-mâché RPG, full of charm and humour. The flat 2D world in storybook style charms instantly, the turn-based combat folds in precision timing prompts and every recruited partner has real personality. An accessible, delicious Mario RPG."
"This remake restores all the shine to one of the most beloved Paper Marios: witty writing, endearing partners, battles staged like theater. The pacing occasionally shows its age, but the charm lands intact and the visual overhaul is gorgeous."
"Oblivion delivers the first great open breath of Cyrodiil with a huge world where every NPC has a routine and every guild its arc. The levelling system still divides, but what a gust of classic fantasy under that radiant sun."
"Persona 5 is one of the greatest JRPGs ever created. The Phantom Thieves steal the hearts of corrupt adults in a stylised Tokyo. Iconic art direction, mature narrative, perfect dungeon gameplay. Perfect score well deserved."
"Blizzard's hack-and-slash is surprisingly at home on Switch: loot rains, abilities pop on screen and it runs without a hitch handheld. The full content plus expansions deliver hundreds of hours of joyful farming."
"Enriched Japanese version of FFX with the bonus Dark Aeons, Penance, Expert and Black Sphere Grids and additional scenes. The most complete JRPG experience on PS2 with content for hundreds of hours. The definitive version for fans wanting to exhaust the title."
"Vagrant Story is an absolute Square and Yasumi Matsuno masterpiece. Ashley Riot in the catacombs of Leá Monde in an action dungeon RPG adventure with an extraordinarily deep weapon customization system. Masterful political narrative, breathtaking PS1 visuals. An unsurpassable creative pinnacle of video gaming."
"Final Fantasy VII is one of the most important video games ever created. Revolutionary 3D transition, epic scenario with Cloud and Sephiroth, legendary Nobuo Uematsu soundtrack and stunning FMV sequences. An absolute masterpiece that defined an entire generation and remains unsurpassed."
"BioWare invent the modern space opera with a charismatic Shepard and an unforgettable trio of squadmates. Wheel dialogue, open galaxy and still rough combat lay the groundwork for a trilogy that will leave a lasting mark on modern Western RPG."
"Mass Effect 3 concludes the epic trilogy with the final war against the Reapers. Refined gameplay, culminating emotional moments, controversial ending. The trilogy as a whole remains a sci-fi RPG peak."
"Origins is one of the finest modern Western RPGs, with its origin prologues, political dilemmas and mature writing echoing Baldur's Gate. The tactical system breathes and the cast earns a top spot in BioWare's pantheon."
"Spanish version of Knights of the Old Republic, the best Star Wars RPG ever made. 4000 years before the films, Revan and the Sith Lords. The legendary narrative twist. Content identical to international version. The masterpiece in Spanish."
"Chrono Cross is a JRPG masterpiece with a unique element-based combat system and dozens of recruitable characters. The multi-dimensional world is fascinating, Yasunori Mitsuda's soundtrack is legendary. An artistic pinnacle of the PS1."
"Final Fantasy VII International is the enriched Japanese version incorporating bonus scenes from the western release and additional materias. The same absolute masterpiece experience in JRPG history with added content. The most complete version of FFVII on PS1."
"The culmination of the saga. The class and Interlink systems offer enormous tactical depth, and the story about mortality lands more truly than ever. The vast world demands its own pace, but the narrative ambition is remarkable."
"Pokémon X/Y on 3DS inaugurates the franchise's 3D polygon visuals and France-inspired Kalos. Mega-Evolutions, trainer customisation and Wonder Trade. A major visual turning point for the franchise."
"PS1 port of the legendary Chrono Trigger, considered the greatest JRPG ever made. Innovative ATB combat system, brilliantly constructed time travel, iconic characters and immortal soundtrack. Some loading times added alongside the bonus animations, but still absolutely essential."
