Off 2008
Why it still holds upThe fights still play at a rhythm of their own, with cooldowns instead of turns and elements made of materials.
2000s RPGs that still hold up
Somebody to become, and a long while to become them
Games
Off 2008
Why it still holds upThe fights still play at a rhythm of their own, with cooldowns instead of turns and elements made of materials.
Pokémon Pearl Version 2006
Why it still holds upEven now, battles that depend on each move's type and category reward planning a team on the climb to the Champion.
Xenosaga Episode III: Also sprach Zarathustra 2006
Why it still holds upCombat that rewards planning a few turns ahead still keeps each battle tense today.
Severance: Blade of Darkness 2001
Why it still holds upEven now, four fighters with different weapons give each playthrough its own style.
Skies of Arcadia 2000
Why it still holds upA blank sky map that you fill in by flying between islands still gives exploration a sense of discovery today.
The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky the 3rd 2007
Why it still holds upScenes you open with a door and a symbol still make each dungeon a source of story as well as combat.
Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies 2009
Why it still holds upA hero of your own and side quests running in parallel still let you set your own pace today.
Neverwinter Nights 2 2006
Why it still holds upEvery roll is still something a Dungeons and Dragons player can read, with rules taken straight from the tabletop.
The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky SC 2006
Why it still holds upEach fight still has a moment of building toward a combined attack, with four members who can strike at once.
Mega Man Battle Network 3 White 2002
Why it still holds upBuilding a folder and drawing from it still turns every fight into a small puzzle today.
Breath of Fire IV 2000
Why it still holds upEvery party member is still useful outside combat, with field skills that clear a path.
Shin Megami Tensei: Digital Devil Saga 2004
Why it still holds upBuilding a party is still a puzzle of its own, with abilities that can be shared and combined.
Pokémon Ruby Version 2002
Why it still holds upEven now, choosing among a move, an item and a switch gives every turn a small decision.
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky 2009
Why it still holds upYour first run is still your own, since a personality test decides which Pokémon you become.
Muramasa: The Demon Blade 2009
Why it still holds upThe journey still has a look of its own, drawn by hand and inspired by Japanese art.
Space Rangers 2002
Why it still holds upA galaxy that keeps running its own wars and trade, and more than one way to finish, leave the shape of your career to you today.
Dark Cloud 2 2002
Also known as Dark Chronicle
Why it still holds upWith weapons doing the growing, every fight still feeds the gear you carry.
Final Fantasy Tactics Advance 2003
Why it still holds upEach fight is still fresh, since random limits change every battle and make you adapt your plan.
Atelier Rorona: The Alchemist of Arland 2009
Why it still holds upEach outing still gets a plan, with enemies you see before you meet them and ingredients to gather.
Monster Hunter Freedom Unite 2008
Why it still holds upThere is still plenty to chase in the hunts, with more quests, more gear and a Felyne fighter at your side.
Vagrant Story 2000
Why it still holds upChains that raise your risk, and gear that counts for more than levels, still make each fight a trade between risk and reward today.
Shenmue II 2001
Why it still holds upA world where people keep schedules and the weather changes still makes waiting and looking part of the game.
Golden Sun 2001
Why it still holds upPuzzles solved with magic, in places you can return to with new powers, still give exploring a reward of its own.
Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII 2007
Why it still holds upFusing materia and equipping what you fuse still makes building Zack a puzzle of its own.
Baten Kaitos: Eternal Wings and the Lost Ocean 2003
Why it still holds upPlaying a voice the characters answer to, rather than the hero, still shapes every conversation today.
Freedom Force vs. The 3rd Reich 2005
Why it still holds upA comic book war you can pick up and throw things in has plenty of room for repeat plays.
Shin Megami Tensei: Digital Devil Saga 2 2005
Why it still holds upDemon forms and Mantra Grids are still a good reason to play through it.
Mega Man Battle Network 3 Blue 2002
Why it still holds upBuilding a folder and drawing from it still turns every fight into a small puzzle today.
Disgaea: Hour of Darkness 2003
Why it still holds upChains planned across a whole board, and items you can dive into to strengthen, keep every battle a puzzle about what to set off first today.
Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne 2003
Why it still holds upToday, a silent hero in a post apocalyptic Tokyo lets the world do the talking.
Lost Odyssey 2007
Why it still holds upTiming a ring press on every attack still keeps each turn something you do and not just choose.
Final Fantasy IV 2007
Why it still holds upIts story and party of distinct fighters still have a place for anyone looking for a role-playing game now.
Dragon Quest V: Hand of the Heavenly Bride 2008
Why it still holds upRecruiting monsters that ask to join still gives the long stretches of battles a goal.
Summon Night: Swordcraft Story 2 2004
Why it still holds upWeapons you forge, swap and keep repaired still make every trip out of town a question of what to carry.
Neverwinter Nights 2002
Why it still holds upPlayers who like building a character of their own and living with the choices still have a long road here.
Tales of Vesperia 2008
Why it still holds upA story told through a guild of travelers is an easy one to settle into now.
King's Bounty: Armored Princess 2009
Why it still holds upToday a strategy game of this kind, with islands to sail between, still has a place in a collection.
Icewind Dale II 2002
Why it still holds upHeart of Fury mode gives a player who finishes it a reason to go back today for a harder run.
Final Fantasy Tactics A2: Grimoire of the Rift 2007
Why it still holds upHandicaps you choose for bigger rewards still let you set your own difficulty today.
Tales of the Abyss 2005
Why it still holds upRoom to run anywhere, and ground that can be turned into an upgrade, still give its battles more to do than trading blows today.
Summon Night: Swordcraft Story 2003
Why it still holds upForging new weapons from the materials you find still gives each trip into the labyrinth a purpose.
Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance 2001
Why it still holds upFighting through dungeons with a friendly build choice makes for a pleasant evening now.
Dark Cloud 2000
Why it still holds upA weapon that can break for good still makes every dungeon something you plan.
Geneforge 2001
Why it still holds upA world with no single right side still leaves the choices to you today.
Gladius 2003
Why it still holds upA school with different classes to balance gives each fight a puzzle.
Disgaea 2: Cursed Memories 2006
Why it still holds upA hub full of extra systems still gives each chapter plenty to dig into today.
Pirates of the Caribbean 2003
Why it still holds upRunning your own ship and crew across those islands is still an appealing way to spend time at sea today.
Might and Magic VIII: Day of the Destroyer 2000
Why it still holds upThe dragon is still one of your five, the thing the others usually fight.