RPGs that still hold up

Pokémon Pearl Version 2006 i 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.

Ogre Battle 64: Person of Lordly Caliber 1999 i Why it still holds upLeading an army where how you win is counted as well as whether you win still makes each march a decision today.

Xenosaga Episode III: Also sprach Zarathustra 2006 i Why it still holds upCombat that rewards planning a few turns ahead still keeps each battle tense today.

Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor Overclocked 2011 i Why it still holds upA clock, and events that exclude each other, still make each choice cost something.

Fire Emblem: Thracia 776 1999 i Why it still holds upScouting is still part of the tactics, with fog that hides the map until a unit advances.

The Legend of Dragoon 1999 i Why it still holds upEach attack is still an act of timing, in a battle that asks for a command at the right moment.

Skies of Arcadia 2000 i Why it still holds upA blank sky map that you fill in by flying between islands still gives exploration a sense of discovery today.

Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies 2009 i Why it still holds upA hero of your own and side quests running in parallel still let you set your own pace today.

Parasite Eve 1998 i Why it still holds upExploration and fighting still feel joined, because combat continues on the screen where you walk.

Fire Emblem: Genealogy of the Holy War 1996 i Why it still holds upThe campaign still has a long arc, with a story told across two generations.

Pokémon White Version 2010 i Why it still holds upEven now, a party of six chosen from hundreds you have caught gives every team a different shape.

Mega Man Battle Network 3 White 2002 i Why it still holds upBuilding a folder and drawing from it still turns every fight into a small puzzle today.

Fire Emblem: Ankoku Ryuu to Hikari no Tsurugi 1990 Also known as Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon and the Blade of Light i Why it still holds upEven now, a cast of 52 units with fixed classes gives each choice of who to send a clear logic.

Phantasy Star 1987 i Why it still holds upExploring with pencil and paper beside you still gives each trip a puzzle of its own today.

Shin Megami Tensei: Digital Devil Saga 2004 i 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 i 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 i 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 i Why it still holds upThe journey still has a look of its own, drawn by hand and inspired by Japanese art.

Space Rangers 2002 i 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.

Pokémon White Version 2 2012 i Why it still holds upA steady loop of exploring and battling, with new places that hold new Pokémon, still gives it its pull.

Pokémon Black Version 2010 i Why it still holds upCollecting a team and growing it battle by battle is a simple loop that works now as well as it did.

Final Fantasy Tactics Advance 2003 i Why it still holds upEach fight is still fresh, since random limits change every battle and make you adapt your plan.

Legend of Legaia 1998 i Why it still holds upPlayers who enjoy planning combos will find in it a game that holds their attention now.

Dragon Warrior IV 1990 Also known as Dragon Quest IV i Why it still holds upFive chapters with different leads still let the story be told from several sides.

Vandal Hearts 1996 i Why it still holds upLosing your leader means a defeat, so protecting him is still part of every plan.

Atelier Rorona: The Alchemist of Arland 2009 i Why it still holds upEach outing still gets a plan, with enemies you see before you meet them and ingredients to gather.