From Polygon · Jen Glennon · · 1m 20s
7 Classic JRPGs That Never Need a Remake
These JRPGs have aged perfectly and don’t need updates to stay great.
In brief
These JRPGs have aged perfectly and don’t need updates to stay great. Seven classic JRPGs remain as good today as when they were released, with no need for remakes. Originally reported by Polygon.
Earthbound
Earthbound, released in North America in 1995, is a beloved SNES RPG with quirky enemy designs and a warped small-town America setting.
“We may never get an official English version of Mother 3, but we do have one of the most endearing and influential RPGs of all time as part of the SNES library on Nintendo Switch Online.”
Final Fantasy 9
Final Fantasy 9, released in 2000, is a heartfelt medieval fantasy game with a sassy princess and a chipper hero that doesn’t need a remake.
“Rumors of a remake have been churning around this one for years, but last year’s 25th anniversary came and went without an announcement.”
Chrono Trigger
Chrono Trigger, released in 1995, features a time-travel epic with a warrior frog, cave woman, and robot, and remains mesmerizing today.
“A one-off collab by the 'dream team' of Final Fantasy creator Hironobu Sakaguchi, Dragon Quest creator Yuji Horii, and Dragon Ball creator Akira Toriyama.”
Lunar: Silver Star Story
Lunar: Silver Star Story, released in 1993, has anime cutscenes and original music, with a floating magic academy and sassy cats.
“The game has seen several remasters and ports over the years, but mercifully none have eliminated the charming aesthetic of the 1993 original.”
Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
A Link to the Past, released in 1991, is a classic SNES Zelda game with Death Mountain and Zora that remains eminently playable today.
“Pro tip: take advantage of Switch Online’s rewind function so you don’t have to re-do a whole dungeon if you die.”
Suikoden 2
Suikoden 2, released in 1998, tells the story of two childhood friends on opposite sides of a continent-spanning war with 108 allies.
“Konami’s 2025 remaster bundles together the first two games in the series, largely retaining the aesthetics and pacing of the PS1 originals.”
Golden Sun
Golden Sun, released in 2.001, features two childhood pals investigating supernatural causes with sea monsters and talking trees.
“Both Golden Sun and its sequel, 2002’s Golden Sun: The Lost Age are included in the GBA game library on Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack.”
The big picture
Seven classic JRPGs remain as good today as when they were released, with no need for remakes.
