RPGs that still hold up

Monster Hunter Freedom Unite 2008 i 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.

Valkyrie Profile 1999 i Why it still holds upEach outing still has two rhythms, platforming through a dungeon and then switching to battle.

Vagrant Story 2000 i 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.

Tales of Phantasia 1995 i Why it still holds upDirectly controlling one fighter among computer controlled allies still makes each battle a matter of timing and positioning.

Golden Sun 2001 i 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.

Baten Kaitos: Eternal Wings and the Lost Ocean 2003 i Why it still holds upPlaying a voice the characters answer to, rather than the hero, still shapes every conversation today.

Star Ocean: The Second Story 1998 i Why it still holds upA party that differs on every playthrough still gives a reason to start again today.

Dungeon Master 1987 i Why it still holds upEven now the dungeon rewards the effort of learning the rune system, which is part of the game.

Shin Megami Tensei: Digital Devil Saga 2 2005 i 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 i Why it still holds upBuilding a folder and drawing from it still turns every fight into a small puzzle today.

Bahamut Lagoon 1996 i Why it still holds upA dragon raised by what you choose to feed it still makes each squadron your own today.

Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne 2003 i Why it still holds upToday, a silent hero in a post apocalyptic Tokyo lets the world do the talking.

Radiant Historia 2010 i Why it still holds upRewinding to a decision and pushing enemies together on the grid still give every chapter two kinds of planning today.

Dragon Quest V: Hand of the Heavenly Bride 2008 i 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 i Why it still holds upWeapons you forge, swap and keep repaired still make every trip out of town a question of what to carry.

Shadowrun 1993 i Why it still holds upJobs you choose and a crew you hire yourself still let every run be planned your own way.

Golvellius: Valley of Doom 1987 i Why it still holds upWith eight environments ruled by bosses and secret chambers to find, it still rewards a curious player.

Front Mission 3 1999 i Why it still holds upEvery attack still has a second target, since a mecha's pilot can be hit as well.

Shadowrun 1993 i Why it still holds upYou still get somewhere by talking, with a bank of words you collect and use in conversation.

Lufia II: Rise of the Sinistrals 1995 i Why it still holds upDungeons where enemies move only when you do still make every step a decision today.

Final Fantasy Tactics A2: Grimoire of the Rift 2007 i Why it still holds upHandicaps you choose for bigger rewards still let you set your own difficulty today.