Title: Top Handheld RPGs from the 90s: A Detailed Retrospection
The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening (1993) – Game Boy
This Nintendo Game Boy classic kicks off our list as it set a high bar for RPGs in the handheld platform. Link’s Awakening showcased the astounding depth a handheld game could achieve despite hardware limitations. This installment features Link washed up on the mysterious Koholint Island, and he is tasked with collecting mystical instruments to wake up the Wind Fish and return home.
Link’s Awakening had a Zelda-style gameplay that utilized an overhead perspective, signature puzzles, weapons, and dungeon exploration. But, it also featured several unique elements, adopting side-scrolling platformer-esque segments, a trading sequence side quest, and recurring, memorable NPC characters. The game’s charm lies in its surreal narrative and surprising depth, making it a seminal work in handheld RPGs of the 90s.
Pokemon Red/Blue (1996) – Game Boy
When talking about 90s handheld RPGs, it’s impossible to ignore the massive influence of Pokemon Red and Blue. These games transformed the Game Boy into a device you’d carry everywhere, just to catch, train, and battle your collection of Pokemon. Red/Blue has a simple, yet addictive gameplay loop, complemented by a fun, though straightforward, story.
The concept of trading creatures with friends added a social element to the gaming experience, revolutionizing the way we approach handheld games. The rock-paper-scissors type effectiveness system delivered strategic depth, and the sheer joy of nurturing your Pokemon team was unparalleled. Pokemon Red/Blue set a strong foundation for all the series’ future iterations and remains a standout RPG title of the 90s.
Final Fantasy Legend III (1993) – Game Boy
Final Fantasy Legend III was the crowning jewel of the SaGa series released under the Final Fantasy name in the West, celebrating an engaging story, solid gameplay mechanics, and addictive character progression integrated into a tiny Game Boy cartridge. This game introduced time-traveling long before it became a popular concept in RPGs, providing an interesting backdrop to the unfolding narrative.
Furthermore, the game’s character progression system allowed for some fun experimentation, with characters able to transform into cyborgs, beasts, or remain as humans based on what equipment or meat you provided them. The game’s inherent Final Fantasy charm, quirky mechanics, and engaging story marked it as one of the unforgettable handheld RPGs of the 90s.
Dragon Quest III (1996) – Game Boy Color
Released originally as Dragon Warrior III in the North American region, Dragon Quest III left an indelible impact on RPG fans, marking itself as one of the best in the extensive series. The game was known for its rich narrative, taking the player on a journey to become a hero in a beautifully-crafted, vibrant world, grappling with various challenges and quests.
Dragon Quest III also introduced a complex, class-based system, encouraging a plethora of character customization options. This element, combined with day-night cycles impacting gameplay, set the stage for many RPGs that followed. Its highly influential systems and charming narrative ensure its place in the pantheon of top handheld RPGs.
EarthBound (1995) – Super Nintendo Entertainment System
EarthBound, known as Mother 2 in Japan, brought a quirky, offbeat charm to handheld RPGs. This game followed Ness, a young boy with psychic abilities, as he traversed through strange and whimsical environments to save the world from an alien influence. The game’s unique modern setting, charming dialogues, and distinctive battle system made it a standout title.
EarthBound’s graphics were rich and colorful, more akin to a graphic novel than a traditional RPG. Also, the game boasted an irreverent sense of humor that bucked the seriousness often associated with RPGs. EarthBound came to be celebrated as not just a great RPG from the 90s, but as one of the greatest of all time.
Lunar: Silver Star Story (1998) – Sega Saturn
Lunar: Silver Star Story marked a significant achievement in handheld RPGs with its incredibly deep character development, awe-inspiring narrative, and fantastic turn-based battles. Set in a world where magic is loyal to only a few and dragons are as real as daylight, Silver Star Story introduced players to Alex, a hero aspirant who aims to become the Dragonmaster, a renowned protector of the realm.
This game was inclusive of anime-style cut scenes, full voice acting, and a charming soundtrack that significantly heightened the RPG experience. The masterful narrative marred with heartbreaking twists and a well-crafted turn-based combat system marked this RPG as an unforgettable experience of the 90s.
In conclusion, the 90s gifted us with an assortment of outstanding handheld RPGs that remained memorable even several decades later. They laid the groundwork for many games we cherish today and will remain celebrated relics in the RPG universe.
