Among classic RPGs of the 90s, many of the most iconic and beloved games are Japanese RPGs or JRPGS. JRPGs are often regarded for their plots and storylines, their memorable characters, and often tote classic soundtracks. While not the case in every JRPGs, many games of the genre -- especially within the 90s -- feature turn-based combat systems. Of course, how this combat system is implemented varies from game to game.

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But which of these 90s JRPGs are the best? A good way to surmise quality is by checking which JRPGs tote the highest ratings on Metacritic. Many of these classic JRPGs from this era have been remade and ported, making them available on more recent consoles. This list will include updated versions of games that originally were released in the 1990s.

10 Dragon Quest IV: Chapters Of The Chosen - 86

The fourth entry in the iconic Dragon Quest franchise, Dragon Quest IV: Chapters of the Chosen is a classic JRPG that totes traditional turn-based combat and an iconic cast designed by Dragonball creator, Akira Toriyama.

The game features a unique structure in which a player experience numerous storylines that follow the game's numerous protagonists, as all of these stories become interwoven throughout the game's duration.

9 Alundra - 86

Released for the original Playstation in 1997, Alundra is one of the lesser-known entries on this list, but it received incredibly positive reviews at the time of its release. Unlike the majority of the entries on this list, Alundra is an action RPG that does away with turn-based combat.

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However, it still maintains the same top-down view found in a series like Final Fantasy or Dragon Quest. Many reviews praised the writing of the game's story as well as its difficulty.

8 Final Fantasy IV - 89

Cecil Dark Knight Final Fantasy IV
via.FinalFantasyWikia

Initially released in 1991, Final Fantasy IV is one of the most influential entries in the franchise's history. It puts a major focus on characters, their growth, and character arcs. Rather than featuring a static cast of characters that make up a player's party, characters will drop in and out of one's party as the game progresses.

This keeps things fresh and exciting as players have to switch up strategies. Final Fantasy IV was also notably the first entry in the series to utilize the active time system that would become a staple in the series moving forward.

7 Grandia - 89

Justin and Feena from Grandia, lying on a rug.

Released for the Playstation in 1991, like many JRPGs, Grandia is a game that puts a significant priority and focus on its cast. In addition to praising the game's story, many critics lauded the game's combat system.

It allowed characters to improve and gain new abilities through the utilization of their equipment. The unique art style also different from the more "romantic" art from Final Fantasy or Akira Toriyama's now-famous art style.

6 Castlevania: Symphony Of The Night - 89

castlevania alucard

Castlevania: Symphony of the Night is one of the most distinct entries on this list that has little in common with games in series like Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest. It is a side-scrolling action game that is most often associated with "Metroidvanias".

But Symphony of the Night features a vast array of mechanics that are synonymous with a JRPG such as similar progression and exploration systems. The focus is also on one major character as he works through a journey to overcome a great problem.

5 Final Fantasy VIII - 90

squall final fantasy viii

This was the second main-series game in the Final Fantasy series to be released for the original Playstation. Final Fantasy VIII released in 1999 to positive reception from critics. At the time of its release, the game was praised for having some of the most impressive visuals of any RPG on the console.

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While the visual and story were praised by critics across the board, both players and critics shared mixed opinions regarding the numerous departures from gameplay traditions such as removing the use of MP. Moreso than other entries in the franchise, this game is a love-it or hate-it kind of title.

4 Dragon Quest V: Hand Of The Heavenly Bride - 90

dragon quest v

First released in 1992, Dragon Quest V is often regarded as one of the most impressive entries in the Dragon Quest Series. Taking place across the protagonist's life, the player experiences growth and story progression spread across thirty years, starting as a child and ending with children of one's own.

The game blends mechanics from the core Dragon Quest series with mechanics found in a game like Pokemon. The player can tame and utilize monsters in battle.

3 Final Fantasy VI - 92

final fantasy vi art amano

Originally released in 1994, many view Final Fantasy VI as one of the most complete and perfect RPGs ever created. The third and final entry in the series to be released for the Super Nintendo, the game features a massive in-depth story that is still praised to this day for its writing and characters.

The game also features one of the largest casts of playable party members that the Final Fantasy series has seen. It further offers players a great deal of customization with these characters.

2 Chrono Trigger - 92

Chrono trigger art
Chrono trigger art

It's hard to have a conversation about the best JRPGs of all time without bringing up Chrono Trigger. Released in 1995, this game focuses on time-traveling throughout numerous eras of the game's world. Like games in the Dragon Quest series, Chrono Trigger features iconic character designs by Akira Toriyama.

The game included many influential features that would help pave the way for games that followed. It featured numerous alternate endings with a significant focus on developing the members of the cast.

1 Final Fantasy VII - 92

Final Fantasy VII Shinra Mansion sephiroth and cloud

When it comes to the most iconic JRPGs of all time, few games tote as much name recognition as Final Fantasy VII. It was the first game in the Final Fantasy series to feature 3D graphics. But it was also the first to be initially released on a non-Nintendo console as it was released on the Playstation.

The game features many mechanics found within prior entries in the series though it built upon gameplay with its Materia system. Additionally, Final Fantasy VII puts a major focus on its cast and story, possessing some of the most memorable character designs and music in any JRPG. To this day, there are many who believe that Final Fantasy VII isn't just the greatest JRPG of all time, but one of the greatest video games of all time.

Next: 15 Best Turn-Based JRPGs Of All Time, Ranked