The SNES was a fantastic platform for RPGs to try new things and reach greater heights.

Since it was first released in 1991, tons of incredible RPGs made their way to the SNES library – and if we include the Japanese-only Super Famicom’s roster, the list becomes seemingly endless.

I’ve always been committed to bringing our readers easy-to-read info on this stuff – so here are some of the best RPGs on the SNES/SFC that you can’t miss out on.

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30. Brain Lord (1994)

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I’m fascinated with Dungeon Crawlers that manage to keep you on your toes.

Atmospheric music, claustrophobic corridors, and puzzles that may put you in some real danger if you do them incorrectly – that’s what it’s all about.

You’ll find all of this and more in Brain Lord, which sees your hero and his two “Jades” – units that heal you and perform long-range attacks – exploring the Tower of Light, the Droog Volcano, and three other dungeons in search of his father.

29. Uncharted Waters: New Horizons (1994)

As I’ve said before, I’m always up for unusual RPGs like Uncharted Waters: New Horizons – the best strategic pirate adventure before Sid Meier’s Pirates!

Uncharted Waters lets you choose one of six characters, including Joao Franco, Catalina Erantzo, and Otto Baynes.

Some are merchants, others adventurers, and there are some combat-minded sailors as well.

Depending on who you choose, your experience on the high seas will be much different.

28. Front Mission Series: Gun Hazard (1996) (JP)

If you liked those parts in the Mega Man X series where you have to ride in an armored power suit, you’ll love Front Mission Series: Gun Hazard.

This unique title was developed by Omiya Soft and brings together RPG mechanics with side-scrolling shooter gameplay.

Progress was made mostly by upgrading your bad-ass mecha with new weapons and other equipment that’ll improve your mechanized armor.

27. Shadowrun (1993)

Japan dominated the RPG market during the SNES era.

But the console wouldn’t have been the same without Western RPGs like Shadowrun.

Developed by Beam Software, Shadowrun is based on the tabletop RPG of the same name. The setting, storyline, and combat are all heavily influenced by its pen-and-paper counterpart.

Its gameplay isn’t all that great. But the storyline is genuinely gripping and a standout in the SNES’ roster.

26. Soul Blazer (1992)

If you like obscure RPG series and dark storylines, you’ll want to play Soul Blazer.

This ARPG follows an angelic warrior sent down by God to aid his people in their fight against the evil Deathtoll.

As you progress through the game, you’ll notice the world changing around you thanks to your actions. These details are what great games are made of – though the groovy soundtrack and creative dungeon design help a lot.

25. Robotrek (1994)

If what you’re looking for is a genuinely unique game, Robotrek is the RPG for you.

Rather than epic medieval fantasy warriors, the game asks you to raise robots and power them up with scrap parts found throughout your adventure.

While stats ultimately determine how much damage is dealt or received, the game’s combat system does away with traditional turn based mechanics and replaces them with billiards. No, really.

24. The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (1992)

The SNES saw the release of many seminal titles for Nintendo – including The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past.

While not the first Legend of Zelda title, this game set the standard that the series would try to emulate for a long time.

The gameplay has a nice balance between exploration, puzzle-solving, and challenging combat – and the graphics are to die for.

Many people don’t consider this title an RPG – or any other in the Zelda franchise, for that matter. But I’d say it’s a somewhat simplified Action RPG that drives your attention away from the RPG mechanics by presenting progression and powering-up as part of the story.

23. Fire Emblem: Genealogy of the Holy War (1996) (JP)

Most long-time Fire Emblem fans in the West have only known about the series since the release of Fire Emblem: The Blazing Blade for the Game Boy Advance.

But by that point, the series already had a long history in Japan.

And the best Fire Emblem title on the SNES has to be Genealogy of the Holy War.

It takes place in Jugdral, a continent divided into eight countries founded by the “Twelve Crusaders”. The story follows two generations of warriors fighting to stop the revival of an ancient dragon god.

It was produced by the legendary Gunpei Yokoi, known as the father of the Game & Watch and the original Game Boy. In such capable hands, it’s no surprise this game was so good.

22. Tales of Phantasia (1995) (JP)

The Tales franchise is among the most well-loved and prolific of the last few decades.

Most long-time fans follow it since the incredible Tales of Destiny on the PlayStation, which was the first game released in the US – but it began with Tales of Phantasia for the SFC three years before.

This early title already had that high fantasy setting, a great story, and exciting combat – though partner AI was notoriously dumb.

I’m a die-hard Tales fan, so I’m thankful to this game for starting one of my favorite franchises.

21. Bahamut Lagoon (1996) (JP)

You may remember the Bahamut as the hardcore boss from Final Fantasy II, or the useful summon in Final Fantasy X – but did you know it has its own game?

Bahamut Lagoon was developed by Square, and it plays a bit like Pokémon in that you can capture and raise dragons so you can command them in battle.

That said, Bahamut Lagoon is a Tactical RPG.

And battles happen on grid-based arenas where you’ll strategically command your dragons in the name of justice.

You can feed your dragons different equipment or food to make them more powerful, and that’s honestly half the battle. After all, you can only give commands like “Go!” or “Wait!” rather than choosing specific moves.

You have to trust your dragon.

20. Secret of Evermore (1995)

If Secret of Evermore’s name reminds you of another ARPG on the SNES, you’re right on the money.

Now on the PC, for the corp. They were all pretty darn bad! Ibm notes. IBM, internally was on Profs, (which was a green screen program, but still hands down one of the best email clients of all time). World, you had Word Perfect Office, CC Mail and MS Mail.

Square developed Secret of Evermore as a sort of American-made spiritual successor to Secret of Mana.

Regrettably, it never managed to crawl out of SoM’s shadow. But it remains a fantastic entry in the SNES roster.

If you’ve played SoM, you’ll find combat and exploration in SoE pretty familiar, except for one thing.

Rather than learning magic or equipping items with assigned spells, players must brew magical potions through alchemy. Actually a very fun playthrough once you get the hang of it.

19. Final Fantasy Mystic Quest (1992)

Some people find the number crunching and deep strategic thought of most traditional RPGs to be too much effort when they’re just trying to relax and wind down with a good video game.

If you’re like this, I recommend

Best Snes