Relive the Classics: Top Super Nintendo Action RPGs to Revisit

The Super Nintendo (SNES) is renowned for its incredible library of RPGs, and its action RPGs are no exception, offering a blend of real-time combat and role-playing depth. If you’re looking to revisit some classics or discover new favorites, here are some excellent SNES Action RPG games to consider:

Must-Plays (Often considered among the best RPGs on the system):

The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past: While some debate if it’s a true “RPG,” its top-down action, exploration, and item progression make it a foundational action-adventure with strong RPG elements. It’s a masterpiece of game design.
Secret of Mana: Known for its innovative real-time combat system that allows for co-op play, a memorable soundtrack, and a charming fantasy world. It’s a classic for a reason.
Illusion of Gaia: The second game in the “Soul Blazer Trilogy” (though each is standalone), it offers a unique progression system without traditional leveling. It’s lauded for its story, atmosphere, and “Zelda-esque” exploration.
Terranigma: Considered the spiritual successor to Illusion of Gaia and the third in the “Soul Blazer Trilogy,” Terranigma is often hailed as one of the best SNES RPGs, particularly for its grand story and evolving world. It was never officially released in North America, but fan translations are widely available.
Soul Blazer: The first in the unofficial “Soul Blazer Trilogy,” it combines action-RPG combat with town-building elements. You revive destroyed towns by defeating enemies in dungeons, creating a satisfying sense of progression.

Other Excellent Choices:

Secret of Evermore: Developed by Square (Squaresoft) of America, this game often gets overshadowed by its Japanese counterparts. It features a unique alchemy system, a dog companion, and a distinct Western feel.
Trials of Mana (Seiken Densetsu 3): The direct sequel to Secret of Mana, this game was also a Japan-exclusive until recent re-releases. It offers multiple protagonists with branching storylines and varied gameplay depending on your chosen party.
Ys III: Wanderers from Ys / Ys V: Ushinawareta Suna no Miyako Kefin: The Ys series is known for its fast-paced action combat. While Ys III on SNES (also released as Wanderers from Ys) is a more traditional side-scrolling action-RPG, Ys V (Japan-exclusive) is a top-down action-RPG.
Shadowrun: A unique cyberpunk action-RPG based on the tabletop RPG. It offers a grittier atmosphere and a blend of real-time combat with point-and-click adventure elements.

Hidden Gems & Lesser-Known Titles:

Brain Lord: A solid action-RPG with a focus on dungeon crawling and puzzles, often compared to early Zelda titles.
Dragon View: An interesting side-scrolling action-RPG with a unique aesthetic and brawler-like combat.
E.V.O.: Search for Eden: A truly unique game where you evolve your creature based on your actions and environmental factors, leading to a wide variety of forms and abilities. It’s a platformer with strong RPG elements.
The Twisted Tales of Spike McFang: A more lighthearted and quirky action-RPG with a charming visual style and simple, enjoyable combat.

When revisiting these games, consider if you want to play them on original hardware, emulators (with fan translations for unreleased titles), or through modern re-releases (like those available on Nintendo Switch Online or in collections). Enjoy your journey back to the golden age of SNES Action RPGs!