7 Classic JRPGs That Are So Good They Never Need a Remake
These JRPGs may have been ported to newer platforms or lightly remastered, but they look and play nearly identical to when they were first released
Here are seven JRPGs that have aged beautifully and require no remakes:
1. Mother 2 (Earthbound) - This quirky and humorous RPG remains a timeless classic, even without a faithful English version. Its unique enemy designs and clever humor keep it fresh for players in 2026.
2. Final Fantasy 9 - Despite rumors of a remake, this 2000 classic still shines with stunning visuals and music. Its heartfelt story about love, life, and mortality makes it a must-play.
3. Chrono Trigger - This sweeping time-travel epic, featuring a memorable ensemble cast, remains mesmerizing today. Though a remake exists, Chrono Trigger's brilliance is still unmatched.
4. Lunar: Silver Star Story - This game combines pixel art aesthetics with anime cutscenes and original music. Its charming story and gameplay elements like a floating magic academy and a romance between a priestess and mercenary make it a fan favorite.
5. A Link to the Past - This SNES-era classic lays the foundation for modern Zelda games. Its iconic locations, like Death Mountain and the Zora, showcase the game's enduring influence on the series.
6. Suikoden 2 - This early Suikoden title tells the tale of two childhood friends who become enemies in a continent-spanning war. With 108 recruitable allies and a plot to stop a genocidal maniac, it's a must-play for fans of epic JRPGs.
7. Golden Sun - This GBA gem revolutionized time-worn RPG elements with crunchy puzzles and deep character customization. Its story of two childhood friends investigating supernatural forces keeps players engaged.
Written by urgent.news from Polygon's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
