@@Jbam17 Dragon Quest V, for example, was only published by Enix, it was made by Chunsoft, so it technically could fit on this list, too. Chunsoft made the first five games, actually, not Enix. Enix only published them, as every Dragon Quest game prior to the SE merger was developed out of house. Only 8 of the Square-Enix published Dragon Quests were made by SE, and only two were mainline titles (X and XI), the rest were spinoff games lol I agree with the reasoning for the video, but it's the ol "um actually" for this that stands out.
@@techramancer nothing you have said is wrong, but given that I don't think any of the 3 games you listed make people think Square Enix. Whilst Dragon Quest is Square Enix's flagship gaming franchise, could hardly think of games that are more SE even if largely their work on the games was in the background. Anyways he got the number 1 game right on this list, Lufia 2 is a masterpiece
Tales of Phantasia will always have a place in my heart. Since it was not just the first RPG, but the first Story driven game that I ever finished in my life.
David I’ve recently gotten into replaying old gems I missed as a kid via emulation and I want you to know your channel is where I get all my recommendations.
HOLY CRAP Thank you for mentioning Eternal Filena. I would have never known about this game and it really means a lot to me to find out a game like that existed. I immediately went looking for it after his vid.
Lufia 2 RUUUUUULES! I was scared you wouldn't even mention it. You have excellent taste my man! I'm in, that's all I needed to see. I rented that game from a grocery store like 5 times over 2 months when I was 11, they killed off movie & game rentals a month later and liquidated their stock. Got my mom to plop down 12 dollah and played it for years until the internal batteries that back up your save files crapped out. My favorite JRPG ever!
Criminally underrated is an understatement for Granstream Saga. Both it and Illusion of Gaia were some of my absolute favorite classic RPGs. So happy to see Illusion of Gaia on the list and its connections to Soul Blazer, Terranigma, and Granstream Saga pointed out, as they are all fantastic games. I also completely agree with you about Lufia II: Rise of the Sinistrals. It is my absolute favorite SNES RPG, even more so than Chrono Trigger or Earthbound, which are also some of my favorites. Such a great masterpiece!
Tales of Phantasia is my example for emulation being a wonderful thing. I remember downloading one game at a time, this is before you damn kids had yer "fancy" internet, and accidently downloading TOP. I played it just to kill time, while i downloaded the game i really wanted, and thank God i did because it was one of the greatest games of my life.
i totally agree. i played Symphonia a little before TOP and loved the story and gameplay, AND THE SOUNDTRACK YESSS. all not even noticing that TOP takes place 1000 years after symphonia. i thought they were like FF games where all the titles didnt relate. then i read a forum that explained how TOP is 1000 years AFTER TOS and it BLEW MY MIND.
Interesting. Non-Square/Enix Super Famicom RPGs I'd recommend are Chaos Seed, Gunple: Gunman's Proof, Shin Megami Tensei, Energy Breaker, and Neugier: Umi to Kaze no Koudou. They're at least worth trying out if you ask me.
For all of the hate down below, just try to be nice instead. Quintet developed both Illusion of Gaia and Terranigma, so technically they are correct to be listed, though I agree the title of the video should probably be "Top 10 best-non Square/Enix developed SNES RPGs". With that said, this person made a good video we all watched, so hoorah for that! Smile, people, smile!
Before the merger with Squaresoft, Enix was exclusively a video game publisher. Enix never developed any video games, so games published by them shouldn't be on this list.
I love this approach to "top lists." No disrespect to Square of Final Fantasy, but I agree that everyone already knows they're good and it's nice to see new variety. Great work!
I loved Illusion of Gaia, I didn't like Soul Blazer and found Terranigma even better but harder, and could not finished. i didn't know there was a fourth installment! For the discussion. Why is Illussion of Gaia considered a RPG while Zelda A Link to the Past is not? In my opinion, neither is an RPG, both are what at the time was called "adventure game". In early/mid 90s, an RPG would be only games with turn-based combat.
no love for Robotrek or the SNES Fire Emblem games? :/ eh, at least my favorite game of all time is #2 EDIT: I suddenly realized RoboTrek wouldn't have been on the list anyway as it was an Enix title...
So apparently Eternal Filena is based on a japanese novel series written by Takeshi Shudo, the original writer for the Pokemon series. I think I might have to play it, it sounds incredible
Lufia II was amazing! I agree that BOF2 is fantastic and a real standout for quality and originality in a fantasy RPG on the SNES. But I think BOF3 on the PS1 was the series' pinnacle. A real masterpiece and basically the same themes as they ever had done. Drags a bit around Momo's tower and the farm, but it wasn't from the usual RPG masters and it holds up really well IMO even now with its good sprite work and clever, fast paced feeling and yet fully turn based battle system. And who doesn't love the dragon gene summoning system? BOF2 was easily my fave before it came out but I've loved that game more out of the series since I owned it on the PS1 back then. Thanks for the great, nostalgic videos!
I also love the soundtrack of BOF3 and feel it took good advantage of the PS1's capable sound hardware. I wish I could recall some of the BOF2 music but I can't - not to say it isn't memorable, I haven't replayed it nearly as much as 3. What'd you think of the PSP remakes of Star Ocean and Second Story?
Dario Llanos you should force yourself just a little more. I got into the tales of franchise thanks to symphonia. Actually the begining is some kind of boring but after a while you get into the game and just can't stop playing. There's some twists that make the story more mature and interesting. I can suggest you to try Tales of Eternia and Abyss which is my favorite tales of
Hi Dario Llanos they changed the battle system in Abyss making it more nervous. I spent over 120 hours on it enjoying every single second. I also found the difficulty more challenging and the donjon design more complexe. Make me know your feeling about it 😀 bye
Breath of Fire II, lol... The elemental weaknesses weren't implemented in the final game, so you could just use any spell. Killing fire enemies with fire spells was hilarious.
Only game on the list I haven't played is Lufia 2. For some reason growing up I DID have the Lufia poster on my wall, though. Strange. Anyway, I think it's time I finally give that game a whirl. Great list!
dude, your hidden gems lists put others to SHAME. cant tell you how many repeat titles i've come across- but Filena, Wozz, WHAT?? so damn obscure. youve done your research and i think we're all grateful for it. bravo!
Lufia is my love, I have fallen in love with this fantastic game since I was 12, now I am 30! The list reminds me that I haven't tried Star Ocean, thanks man!
It is pretty funny seeing that Star Ocean and Terranigma being defended for being on this list because Enix published them not developed. A fun fact is that Enix is a publisher, NOT a developer. They never developed their flagship Dragon Quest series, they published it. The SNES games were made by Chunsoft (iirc the NES games as well), so technically, Dragon Quest would qualify for the list with your requirements. I understand what you were trying to do in the video, but it makes you look misinformed. It also looks incredibly cheap to list published games, as opposed to developed games, and it comes off like you couldn't actually scrounge up a list of 10 games not made by Square or Enix. For future lists, I would either recommend you either do a bit of research to cover your bases, or completely stray away from including something that could be easily misleading.
Alundra is one of the best "Zelda like" games I've played. Interesting story and great but sometimes frustrating puzzles. It was on the PS1 and it was available on psn for PS3 for a while. Not sure if its still there.
Uhhh... Holy crap. You mentioned a 16 bit RPG, I've absolutely never heard of... That Wozz game looks rad and it is cheap as hell, with a full translation... Weird, I somehow missed that one. Thanks, great list!
Love the video! I do think Ogre Battle: March of the Black Queen should have made the cut, but maybe it varies enough from the "RPG mold" to be more of a strategy game.
This purposely says in Japanese... ガイア幻想紀も天地創造もSTAR OCEANもSQUAREと合併する前のENIXから発売されている（開発はクインテット） But that isn't a big problem Thank you for choosing Lufia 2（エストポリス伝記2） as number one
I really miss new games for the SNES, so many great games and amazing RPG's, I think consoles since haven't really been as exciting and fresh, was compiling a list over on my channel, and just wanted to keep going and going.
Well to be fair, if we're going to get pedantic about it, it was published by Enix, not made by them. Quintet were the developers. Same deal with Star Ocean, which was made by Tri-Ace.
Enix did not develop any games they where always a publishing house. if one is going to be strict on the terminology then all dragon quest games are available for this list as none of them where developed or are developed by enix/squareenix. but the gist is rpgs that aren't squaresoft or dragon quest
Since you mentioned Tales of Phantasia being remade, then just as a short mention; Star Ocean was remade for the PSP (and then that version was remastered for the PS4 and Switch just recently), so you should probably pick up one of those versions instead if you can. I've had the PSP version lying around for like 3-4 years now, never tried it, but after this preview of the plot I'm definately going to give it a whirl. Same goes for Lufia II; it was actually remade/reimagined for the Nintendo DS, as Lufia: Curse of the Sinistrals. I tried Lufia II on the SNES just recently for an hour or two and while it's clearly a decent game; the story kind of felt like the same old, the battle system and exploration while polished was pretty generic and I just didn't get hooked on it like I did for the true greats of the genre (FF6/7, Panzer Dragoon Saga, Phantasy Star IV, Chrono Trigger). Nor even steadily drawn into it like I did into Tales of Phantasia, FF5 or Breath of Fire II. I don't think the SNES version at least holds up as well in this day and age; but I do have high hopes for the DS remake when I get around to trying it. As to the SNES version I felt little motive to continue what seems to be shaping up as an above-average game but with so many other recommendations why bother. Terranigma fared a bit better for me; after just a couple of hours I can really see that the story and world-design is shaping up to be quite something and that's what's driving me on. But I don't much appreciate the slow start nor the rather simplistic combat, while the puzzle solving thus far is more of a drag than anything. Nor the character exposition really. I don't know or care about anyone in the village, other than a little bit the girl perhaps; and suddenly I'm asked to risk my ass to unfreeze them - and when I do all I get from them is a small text blurb. IMO it's in need of a remake. Finally Ys Mask of the Sun was remade on the PS2 I think but I'm not sure if that was Japanese-only or not.
So, both Illusion of Gaia and Terranigma are Enix games. I thought Star Ocean was an Enix game as well. (I've only played 3 and 4 and those were both released by Square Enix)
@@Terranigma23 enix was solely a publisher, so if you make a list with no enix games you can include them all as they didnt do development on snes. Its a moot point bo enix games should mean no enix games
Lufia II had an INCREDIBLE ending. If you've played the original Lufia, you already know what's going to happen, but it still doesn't prepare you for the ending. Just be sure to have a hanky or a box of tissues ready...
So glad I grew up as a teenager playing the SNES. Earthbound is my fav on this list. Over all fav RPG though was Secret of Mana and it's not an easy choice given the game variety
The SNES had so many good RPG Games. Not only from Square and Enix. But over here we only had 5 Games. Secret of Mana, Lufia 2, Terranigma, Secret of Evermore and Illusion of Gaia.(And Breath of Fire 2 which was however not released in my country i think but at least in PAL Region)
Granstream Saga was done by another company called Shade with the funding of Sony. A few Quintet employees (mainly Tomoyoshi Miyazaki and the sound team) were subcontracted to help with the development. The main reason Granstream Saga is brought up when talking about Quintet is that the game was localized for the american and european markets while Quintet actual original games developed for Saturn are Japan-only which is a bit baffling. It's the same reason why no one talks about Brightis (again Japan-only action RPG for PS1 with aid by Quintet) in relation of Soul Blazer trilogy. Actually Shade was partly formed from Quintet however I don't think it's correct to identify Granstream Saga as a pure Quintet game. It's just that many believe a not-so- well researched article by hardcoregaming101 without double checking.
Probably should have been a Fire Emblem game here instead of one of three Enix games, and I could see an argument being made for a Shin Megami Tensei game as well. Anyway, I find the SNES RPG is pretty weak without Square, as they made by far the best two RPGs for the system (Chrono Trigger and FFVI), and their games would likely make up 8 or 9 spots on my non-restricted list of Top 10 SNES RPGs (Earthbound would be my only definite exception).
Lufia 2 has one of, if not THE greatest boss theme on the SNES. The sound in that game is so well composed. I never really thought about Lufia 2 as being a revolutionary or extremely great JRPG at the time of its release, especially after playing it. I have to admit that during the time I played it I had quite a bit of trouble with some of its puzzles and had to defer to guides in some cases to get through. This happened on a few occasions, but I do not know if now I would have an easier time with it than I did. This game is clearly far better than my original experience with it. At some point I would love to play the original Star Ocean and Tales of Phantasia, both games looking perfect for me trying them especially as I write this in 2020. Eternal Filena is a new one on me and I must look into that one with more depth. While I also missed out on Illusion of Gaia and need to go and play that too, something in your explanation peaked my interest for that title, especially that you visit Angkor Wat. That is a place in real life I would love to visit so more points to that game for including it. Thanks David!
Late to the party, but this is a great list. I snagged Wozz because of this video and also checked out Eternal Filena. Tales of Phantasia is my favorite SNES game of all time. Great list, and awesome video.
When I start thinking of Square(Enix) titles on the SFC/SNES vs. non-SE titles, it goes to show how they dominated 16-bit JRPG gaming in the early to mid-90's. Sheesh...even my favorite Japanese titles were made by Squaresoft back then...
Great list and well commented. Snes games had looooot of art, that music, the drawings, the landscapes, the colors, the old school anime style, it just had something that is hard to find in other consoles.
davidvinc Yes, and maybe it's just me but I feel tactical rpgs have a bit more development in art than normal rpgs. Bahamut Lagoon, Final Fantasy Tactics, Tactics Ogre... that style.
I love BoFIV i am currently playing and its sooo goooooood i Love the battle system where all six characters are in battles and feels more like all of them are fighting unlike the past ones where you just choose your 4 favorite characters(3 on BoFIII), don't get me wrong i Love it all but i like it more... Ps:Sorry if i spelled a word wrong i still learning english
@@joncliffmckinley5868 honestly wish I enjoyed it. It has one of my favourite settings. An underground city shut off from the surface... but I just don't enjoy the combat on any level.
You have a unique take on things that's different from your usual retro gamer RU-vid faire, I love it! Actually found a couple I hadn't heard of, which is weird for me. sub'd
Great video, great list! some people explain about square-enix games being in the list even though the title says there shouldn't be any. However, I heared you say in the video that it's about games that didn't leave Japan, but at the number one you mention it being a non-square-enix gamelist. Maybe you decided to change the title later? Still a good video though in my opinion. The only thing I disagree with is with your recommendation for playing Tales of Phantasia on PS1. I see where you're coming from but I think the SNES version is still the best version. Comes down to preference I suppose, because i really felt the mujsic on the ps1 version was too "smooth" in comparison too the harsh sound of the SNES.
Im using ur great video to power up before i start one of two cartridges today for turkey day morning! Either this earthbound "uncut" version ive never heard of or secret of mana i found last week randomly sitting on a shelf at a record store when i was just getting a couple used dvd movies lol happy Thanksgiving!!! 👾👾👾👾👾🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃👾👾👾👾
Breath of fire 2 was one of the games that lead to a lifetime of incalculable hours of “rpg-ing”. I was 11 when Santa brought me that wonderful machine and although I had even played other rpg’s on the Nintendo like FF and DW, nothing holds a candle to the impact games like BoF2 and FF3(as it was known here,6 in Japan) had on my young lil’ mind. I was never a big reader, but I always loved stories-these were interactive “choose your own adventure” books for me. Graphical power has always been the least important attribute to me and while of coarse absolutely beautiful games like The Witcher 3 are amazing to look at- that is not the true reason we love these games. Someone once asked me with a hint of... I guess condescension would fit best- whether I thought I had wasted my time or essentially my youth...... I replied “ well... I can clearly see you’ve never played Final Fantasy VII” and walked away.
This is the 3rd straight video of yours I’ve watched and I must say ... we would most likely been best of friends....well...when not totally enthralled by whatever new rpg had been available for rent at the video store lol
You included several games actually published by Enix (Illusion of Gaia, Star Ocean...), which several times owned the licence. A true non Square-Enix list is kinda short to be fair.
Given the number of Quintet games on the list I am very disappointed that Robotrek didn't make the cut. I love the game and one of my saddest video game related memories was moving, unpacking, and finding out that my copy it had disappeared along with many other games when I was 15. I never understood why there was never a sequel. Take the basic system and add in a wider varaity of ranged and melee weapon classes.
Not sue you know it. It isn't listed. I''m looking for a old SNES RPG adventure game. It takes place as you a blond white boy and you have a dog. Who goes with you on your trip adventure. Yo go to a shop to get something from your grandpa,I think, but something goes wrong. I remember your dog can turn robotic. Do to place you go to. The game play is active. You mix things to make moves and can level them up. It isn't on 3DS.
I knew soulful blazer and terranigma was related to illusions of Gaia butnhaf no idea granstream Saga was part of that. Adolescent me bought Grandstream for the butt scene, and ended up really enjoying the game lol
It's a shame you didn't allow Square games because Secret of Evermore is an outstanding game. Easily my favourite of all time and I was surprised to even hear you mention it. You're the only person online or in person I've ever heard name that game. Soul Blazer and Illusion of Gaia are also on my top lists. Excellent games!
Um ... the snes version of tales of Phantasia was okay ... it was pretty challenging but I feel the game looks more beautiful on the snes than on any other console . I don’t know about ps1 but the GBA looks way to bright and loud . The snes has cute models . The controls makes me feel like this belongs to an snes and the snes belongs to it .. like ... they were made for each other ....... I dunno ... I’m babbling lol ! I just feel in my heart that tales of Phantasia is better in snes
For me the SNES version is pretty difficult in comparison to the other versions. I agree on your statement about the GBA version. Also there were a few scenes in which you can't understand much what you're reading because it's white font on white background or on pretty bright background. The PlayStation version is in my opinion the best version (didn't play the PSP version, sadly).
Squall Leonhart I guess the fact that snes version is difficult is what made love it more than the other version . I love when the game becomes difficult and not just present everything to the player on a golden plate
I did some research on Eternal Filena, and it turns out that Eternal Filena is actually based on a really sad anime from Japan that was so dark that it was unreleased internationally released, according to what I found out at least.
Illusion of Gaia ....nice RPG. Expansive story line from what I can remember! The leading hero travelled through the ages, ancient mythical continents like Gnu, Atlantis etc! Very interesting game! 😊
my biggest regret in life was having only 4 dollars at my local video store, they were selling chrono trigger for 2$ and lufia 2 for 3$ I was gonna buy lufia and come back for chrono trigger after I asked my grandma for more money......sadly when I came back chrono was bought I was gutted. this was in 1999.
Nope i disagree. Terranigma is/was Enix before the fusion. Squaresoft is (in ancient times) only Squaresoft and Enix (Quintet) were different things.....Im getting old😅😂😂
But Illusion of Gaia is a enix game, i think it was not édités by enix in North America but in japan and Europe it was edited by enix juste liké the others game of the saga
I love lufia. Tho you should mention if you want to play lufia in chronological order you need to play lufia 2 first then lufia 1. # 2 shows what happened in the past leading up to the exact point when # 1 begins. You also wont get the huge spoiler since the ending of # 2 is the begining of # 1
I love Lufia 2, like a lot, but fuck the Ancient Cave. Fuck that cave in particular. Never did manage to beat it despite having all the blue chest gear. Some of those enemies in the final floors of that place are just insanely strong.
I agreed with you until Lufia 2, as a kid I always held lufia 2 in high regard, but I played it again in the last 2 years and it just doesn't hold up imo. I think it overstays its welcome by like 10 iterations of "new town, dungeon, new town, dungeon"
Don't forget the casino in L2 I remember it was the funnest thing about the game and I'm currently trying to find it after I just started playing it again
The only reason I disliked Illusion of Gaia and Soul blaze was because they have the same sound profile. This is also the same sound profile as ActRaiser.
