10 Old School and Classic RPGs That Still Hold Up Today

Do you ever get the feeling that older role-playing games play better?

Many gamers notice that some of today’s video games feel more like a product than an opportunity to enjoy an in-depth digital escapade. Sure, retro titles weren’t particularly accessible or beginner-friendly – but once you understood how to play them, that moment opened the gate to an infinitely replayable and rewarding experience.

They didn’t shy away from experimenting with different mechanics and solutions that contributed to delivering a truly unforgettable adventure. Luckily, we can still choose from a wide array of the best classic RPGs of all time on PC and consoles!

10 Old School & Classic RPGs That Still Hold Up Today

Wondering what to play in desperate need of something old-school? Use this ranking of golden must-plays!

Game	Release	Genre	Developer
The Elder Scrolls III Morrowind	2002-04-29	Adventure & Role-playing (RPG)	Bethesda Game Studios
Secret Of Mana	2018-02-15	Adventure & Role-playing (RPG)	SQUARE ENIX
Fallout	1997-11-01	Turn-based strategy (TBS) & Role-playing (RPG)	Interplay Inc.
Planescape Torment	2017-11-04	Puzzle & Role-playing (RPG)	Beamdog
Baldurs Gate II Enhanced Edition	2013-11-15	Role-playing (RPG) & Strategy	Beamdog
Suikoden I II HD Remaster	2025-03-06	Role-playing (RPG)	Konami
FINAL FANTASY VII	2013-07-04	Role-playing (RPG) & Turn-based strategy (TBS)	SQUARE ENIX
CHRONO TRIGGER	2018-02-27	Role-playing (RPG) & Turn-based strategy (TBS)	SQUARE ENIX

The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind

Release date:	2002-04-29
Genre:	Role-playing (RPG) & Adventure
Developer:	Bethesda Game Studios

Despite its weird-looking aesthetics, Morrowind is considered one of the best RPGs due to its vast open world, complex character customization, and an environment that feels like it could live without your involvement.

Image credit: Bethesda Game Studios

Play as a prisoner freed by Emperor Uriel Septim VII to embark on a journey across the province of Morrowind, complete a secret mission, and discover your destiny. Design a hero by choosing from available traits, battle, and explore forgotten dungeons! In this game, every playthrough feels unique, and the most insignificant choices can affect the course of your adventure.

You may like it because
Customize your hero and journey through the vast province of Morrowind Discover ancient secrets, locations, and puzzles Witness how the surrounding world reacts to your actions and choices Enjoy an unforgettable atmosphere and decide who you want to become

The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind

Release date:	1998-10-29
Genre:	RPG
Developer:	Prokion, Contrail

With its rich world-building, innovative combat system, and emotional charge, Legend of Legaia is still a must-play in 2025!

Meet Vahn, Noa, and Gala – three heroes wandering the world of Legaia in search of a cure for the mysterious mist, turning the peaceful Seru race into bloodthirsty beasts. You’ll have to fight through many dangerous situations – but know that this game rewards every effort like no other on our list! Plus, its emotional storyline will stay with you forever.

You may like it because
Lead three characters through the land of Legaia Learn powerful combos for maximum damage Watch the bonds between the characters evolve throughout the adventure Discover the rich lore of this atmospheric world

Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together

Release date:	1995-10-06
Genre:	Role-playing (RPG) & Simulator
Developer:	Quest Corporation, Square Enix, Riverhillsoft

If you’re looking for a game where your choices and their consequences matter, this tactical RPG legend comes to the rescue!

Play as young Denam Pavel to uncover the details of the disturbing conflict and decide the fate of your world. The high difficulty level, complex character development system, challenging combat, and branching narrative set this title apart from others of its time. However, its most important feature is the complexity of moral choices that can affect the entire continent’s fate.

You may like it because
Play as young Denam Pavel entangling himself in a disturbing intrigue Customize your character by choosing from unique options Explore the land, fight in a turn-based combat, and develop your skills Make challenging moral choices influencing the entire land’s fate

Secret of Mana

Release date:	2018-02-15
Genre:	Role-playing (RPG) & Adventure
Developer:	SQUARE ENIX

For those seeking a beautifully touching story evolving within role-playing mechanics, Secret of Mana may be the most memorable journey about the power of friendship.

Image credit: SQUARE ENIX

Meet Randi, Primm, and Popoi on their epic quest to restore the power of Mana to the magical world. This adorable recommendation lets you fight in real time, gain new skills, switch between playable heroes, and discover ancient secrets of the intriguing land. This game is famous for its beautiful graphics and soundtrack, so prepare for an engaging and cozy experience!

You may like it because
Lead three heroes on their quest to save the living world Explore, battle in real-time, and make good use of each hero’s unique skills Complete quests and unravel secrets Play solo or in co-op

Secret of Mana

Release date:	1997-11-01
Genre:	Role-playing (RPG) & Turn-based strategy (TBS)
Developer:	Interplay Inc.

This first installment in the acclaimed series takes its players to a post-apocalyptic world where they role-play one of the Vault 13 residents on a journey to save their people.

Image credit: Interplay Inc.

Combining dark humor, a unique setting, complex combat mechanics, and a choice-driven narrative, Fallout stands out as one of the most iconic genre representatives. Since the Fallout TV show and all video game installments in the series enjoyed incredible popularity worldwide, it’s worth trying this classic to see where and how it all began.

You may like it because
Play as a resident of Vault 13, traversing a dangerous wasteland to save their people Develop your skills within the unique S.P.E.C.I.A.L. system Make choices and encounter unforgettable personalities Discover secrets and fight in turn-based combat

Fallout

Release date:	2017-11-04
Genre:	Puzzle & Role-playing (RPG) & Strategy
Developer:	Beamdog

Play as Nameless One – an immortal being deprived of their memory, trying to piece together their past while dealing with themes of life, death, and identity.

Image credit: Beamdog

This exceptionally complex and philosophical recommendation lets you play as Nameless One, trying to find your place in the titular universe. It’s up to you how this story unfolds – make challenging choices, fight in real-time, explore, unravel secrets, and pick sides. Who knows, maybe you’ll finally discover your identity. Or forge a new one!

You may like it because
Play as Nameless One trying to learn their forgotten identity Explore a fascinating world to fight and meet its inhabitants Make choices to shape your destiny Gather a team and fight in real-time

Planescape: Torment

Release date:	2013-11-15
Genre:	Role-playing (RPG) & Strategy
Developer:	Beamdog

With the recent release of the phenomenal Baldur’s Gate 3, many players want to play its predecessors – like Shadows of Amn, considered one of the best RPGs in the genre’s history!

Image credit: Beamdog

Travel to the Forgotten Realms to escape the sinister wizard Irenicus and embark on an epic journey in search of your destiny and adventure. Recruit companions to your party, make crucial choices, explore romance options, and fight. It’s a must-play role-playing experience offering up to 138 hours of fun gameplay and multiple alternative endings!

You may like it because
Escape Irenicus and embark on an epic journey Gather a party, chat with your companions, and pick from several romance options Fight and make challenging choices Play solo or in multiplayer for up to six players

Baldurs Gate II: Shadows of Amn

Release date:	2025-03-06
Genre:	Role-playing (RPG)
Developer:	Konami

This retro JRPG tells the tale of a young warrior entangled in a conflict between two powerful factions ruling the kingdom of Jowston. Now, he must collect 108 Stars of Destiny – the most influential characters capable of overthrowing tyranny.

Image credit: Konami

Featuring political intrigue, 108 recruitable characters, a tactical combat system, and rich lore, Suikoden II remains one of the most underrated titles of the 90s. You can prepare yourself for a truly immersive and emotional experience! Moreover, various mini-games and side activities make it even more engaging, offering up to 52 hours of exciting gameplay.

You may like it because
Recruit 108 Stars of Destiny to restore peace Explore an open world of combat opportunities and memorable encounters Lose yourself in political intrigue Enjoy a mature story and rewarding side activities

Suikoden II

Release date:	2013-07-04
Genre:	Role-playing (RPG) & Turn-based strategy (TBS)
Developer:	SQUARE ENIX

Discover the story of Cloud Strife joining the Avalanche group to confront the evil corporation overexploiting the planet.

Image credit: SQUARE ENIX

Gather your team and embark on an epic journey to unravel disturbing secrets and fight for the fate of all living beings. Explore massive locations, develop your combat potential, battle for the planet’s future, and discover your destiny. It’s one of the most emotional and complex games on this list – a must-play for those craving a deep narrative set in a breathtaking environment.

You may like it because
Meet Cloud Strife and his team fighting for their world’s future Explore vast locations and develop your skills Discover the power of friendship Prepare for a heavily emotional experience

Final Fantasy VII

Release date:	2018-02-27
Genre:	Role-playing (RPG) & Adventure
Developer:	SQUARE ENIX

Play as Crono – a young boy engaged in time travel after his friend, Marla, disappears during a technology exhibition. Will the hero and his friends be able to save the familiar world?

Image credit: SQUARE ENIX

Explore various lands and eras, make choices, influence the course of history, and discover the details of the enemy’s evil plan. This recommendation is one of the most beloved in the genre due to its non-linear plot, time travel theme, dynamic combat system, and iconic characters. All this, set in a wholesome storyline, provides a short but unforgettable experience.

You may like it because
Play as young Crono to travel through time and save the world Explore various eras and change the flow of history Enjoy free exploration without random confrontations Make choices and forge lasting friendships

Chrono Trigger

It’s true that modern RPGs provide advanced graphics, complex mechanics, and immersive worlds. On the other hand, retro role-playing games, like the ones on our list, often pose a challenge.

They are less beginner-friendly and require an understanding of lore and mastery of gameplay mechanics – which makes each achievement more rewarding! Their limited technology doesn’t deprive players of freedom of choice or creativity in shaping their adventure.

So give them a shot if you crave that sense of satisfaction from discovery, immersion in the story, and a challenge. You may soon discover adventures leading to the creation of the most beautiful memories!