It’s widely said that the PlayStation 1 was the go-to console for JRPGs in the ’90s, and for good reason.
It boasted groundbreaking series likeSuikodenandWild Arms, sequels likeBreath of FireIII,the iconicFinal Fantasy VII, and standalone titles likeThe Legend of Dragoon.
But the thing is, was the PS1 such a hallmark ofJRPGsbecause of its catalog, or was it because its competition barely dipped their toes into the genre? Today, we’re talking about the bestNintendo 64JRPGs. Spoiler alert: it will be a short list.
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One of the greatest marvels of JRPGs was exploring the overworld with an airship.
That’s because the Nintendo 64 barely explored the JRPG scene. The main reason at the time was its cartridge storage, which was much smaller than a CD-ROM. Since JRPGs were lengthy games often featuring CGI cutscenes, many developers opted for Sony’s console.
Still, digging deep, I found a list of JRPGs exclusive to the Nintendo 64. And while there aren’t many, they have heart and can scratch that itch if you’re a retro gamer hunting for classics.
Disclaimer: Two games on this list are Japan-only releases. I’ve never played them, but I’m including them for context. Also, I don’t consider Zelda an RPG, soOcarina of TimeandMajora’s Maskdidn’t make the cut.
7Shiren the Wanderer 2: Shiren’s Castle and the Oni Invasion
Nintendo 64 Mystery Dungeon Debut
The first Japan-only release is the secondShiren the Wanderergame, developed by Chunsoft, the developer behind the Mystery Dungeon game style.
The series is still active today, with its latest release in 2024:Shiren the Wanderer: The Mystery Dungeon of Serpentcoil Island.
Shiren the Wanderer 2sticks to the formula of the other installments. Players explore procedurally generated roguelike dungeons onturn-based grids, where every action triggers enemy responses.
If you die, you lose all your experience and keep only one item, though you’re able to expand this as you progress.
The story ofShiren the Wanderer 2: Shiren’s Castle and the Oni Invasioncenters on Shiren facing a demon invasion while visiting a village.
To defend against the demons, he must build a castle, which requires gathering rare materials from dungeons, thus forming the core gameplay loop of this JRPG. It’s perfect for fans of the Mystery Dungeon playstyle.
6Super Robot Wars 64
Mecha Pot-pourri Strategy RPG
The second Japan-only title belongs to theSuper Robot Warsseries, a prestigious JRPG franchise with over 30 entries.Super Robot Wars 64was the only installment on a Nintendo console and follows the series' typical strategic JRPG formula.
Known asSuper Robot Taisen 64in Japan, this game is a crossover between numerous mecha anime, includingGundam,Getter Robo,Dancouga, andMazinger, among many others.
Battles play out on turn-based strategy battlegrounds. Players control units, defeating enemies to earn experience and gold, which can be used to upgrade mechas.
The story begins with players choosing one of four protagonist-rival pairs, determining how the stages unfold. This variation offered over 100 distinct missions with unique narratives and characters.
You could acquire new mechas using the Transfer Pak with the Game Boy Color gameSuper Robot Wars: Link Battler.
5Pokemon Stadium
The Quota Vacancy Entry
Pokemon Stadium
First, I knowPokemon Stadiumisn’t strictly a JRPG since it lacks a storyline and other core RPG elements beyond turn-based battles. But given the genre’s scarcity on the Nintendo 64, I felt compelled to include it.
Especially since it allowed us to use the Transfer Pak to bring our Game Boy Pokemon to the N64 and see them battle in glorious 3D.
That was a dream come true for those used to seeing pocket monsters as tiny sprites on a handheld screen.
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JRPGs have some of the most iconic fights in gaming and while most are manageable, there are always a few in each game that give gamers chills.
The thing is,Pokemon Stadiumis a fantastic game. ThePokemonseries is an outlier whenever the debate “turn-based games are dying” pops up because it transcends genres and playstyles.
However, we can’t overlook how Pokemon games have built up their signature turn-based 1v1 battles while keeping them strategic over the years.
Pokemon Stadiumlets us assemble or play with pre-made Pokemon teams. While many battles boiled down to exploiting enemy weaknesses, these confrontations had hidden layers of strategy. If you need a break from battling, minigames provide fun activities to help you unwind.
4Hybrid Heaven
Metal Gear Cousin
Hybrid Heaven
Hybrid Heavenis the kind of game that’s considered a JRPG mostly because of its geography—Konami developed it—since its setting is as American asMetal Gear.
However, it’s worth mentioning becauseHybrid Heavenfeatures gameplay akin toParasite Eve, which is set in New York but is as much a JRPG asBrave Fencer Musashi.
InHybrid Heaven, aliens plot to take over the U.S. by replacing high-ranking government officials with clones. They start with the Secret Service, but their ultimate target is the president.
Diaz, a collaborator, begins hearing voices urging him to get rid of the clones, thus beginning our protagonist’s journey.
The gameplay inHybrid Heavenis a mix of adventure and turn-based RPG. When encountering an enemy on the field, a battle begins, confining the player and enemy to a specific area.
A power gauge gradually fills, building bars that can be used to perform actions like punches or kicks or saved up to unleash combos.
When the enemy attacks, the player can evade, defend, or counterattack, creating a system reminiscent of rock, paper, and scissors.
Winning battles grants experience, allowing the character to level up. Diaz can jump, climb, shoot, and solve puzzles outside combat during exploration, just like Lara Croft.
A Bonafide JRPG
Quest 64is often regarded as the only true JRPG on the Nintendo 64, as it was the first to make its way to the U.S.
The game is set in Celtland, a medieval world inspired by Ireland. Brian, our mage protagonist, must save Celtland by recovering the stolen Eletale Book while searching for his father, who pursued the artifact.
The gameplay ofQuest 64blends turn-based and real-time mechanics. As Brian explores the world, he encounters monsters.
Engaging in battle triggers a circular arena that encloses the combatants. Each individual acts in sequence, so Brian will attack in intervals if there are multiple enemies. The mage can use staff attacks or elemental spells.
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Quest 64features a unique leveling system. Brian’s four stats—Agility, Defense, HP, MP, and the four elemental attributes—improve through specific actions.
Agility increases as he moves, Defense and HP grow when he takes damage, and MP improves as he inflicts damage. Elemental attributes can be enhanced by defeating enemies or finding orbs in the world, unlocking stronger spells.
The game’s gameplay loop is familiar to JRPG fans: players explore a world map to pursue a goal, visiting villages and dungeons along the way. While not the most groundbreaking title,Quest 64is one of thefew games on Nintendo 64that composes its JRPG library.
2Ogre Battle 64: Person of Lordly Caliber
Welcome To The Big League
BeforeYasumi Matsunocreated the world of Ivalice, home to games likeFinal Fantasy TacticsandFinal Fantasy XII,he was responsible for theOgre Battleseries on the Super Nintendo.
On the Nintendo 64, he releasedOgre Battle 64: Person of Lordly Caliber, which expanded upon its predecessor in every way.
The game takes place once again on the continent of Zeteginia. Players assume the role of Magnus Gallant, who joins a revolution to challenge the Holy Lodis Empire and stop its domination of the continent.
The game features three distinct endings, determined by an invisible Chaos Frame modifier. A high score represents benevolence, while a low score reflects malevolence.
The gameplay inOgre Battle 64is strategy-based. Players build squads consisting of various distinct classes. We select tactics when allies encounter enemies on the field, and battles play out automatically.
The ideal strategy involves deploying multiple squads across the map to capture towns, expand territory, and overpower the enemy.
Ogre Battle 64became a significant reference in the world of tactical RPGs due to its branching narrative and unique strategic style. The game continues to inspire others to this day, such asUnicorn OverlordbyVanillaware, released in 2024.
1Paper Mario
Hard To Beat Mario In His Turf
Paper Mario
Mario’s home is on Nintendo consoles, and the Japanese company rarely misses the mark when it comes to our mustachioed hero.
Paper Mariois the spiritual successor toSuper Mario RPG, once again bringing a dedicated story and narrative to Mario’s universe, along with turn-based combat featuring timed inputs and action commands.
InPaper Mario, Bowser is up to his old tricks. He steals the Star Wand from Star Haven, banishes the Star Spirits, and kidnaps not only Princess Peach but her entire castle. It’s up to Mario to rescue the Star Spirits, grow stronger in the process, and save the princess.
Mario can team up with eight distinct characters, each representing a type of enemy from the franchise. Each ally has a special ability for battles and the field, which helps solve puzzles.
Turn-based battles function as expected, but Mario can enhance his attacks with timed inputs and other on-screen commands. Only one ally can assist Mario at a time.
Paper Mariowas a hit on the Nintendo 64 and is often considered the console’s best RPG. It kickstarted a series of the same name, with the most recent entry being a remake ofPaper Mario: The Thousand-Year Doorfrom the GameCube for the Switch.
Other Mario RPGs have also emerged over the years, such as theMario & Luigiseries, which began withSuperstar Sagaand saw its latest release,Mario and Luigi: Brothership.
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Have we got a lineup today—ten of the best battle arenas in JRPGs. Don’t miss out on this tournament of champions!
