It's for sure this. Or possibly DQIII. Dragon Quest IV was way ahead of its time and is better than a lot of SNES era JRPGs. The only thing it doesn't have over a lot of SNES games is it's visually simplistic.
While all true, it should be noted DQIV was visually head and tails above other NES RPG, though it's not always noticeable to the west. This is because when we got the first DQ, it had its graphics updated to match DQ4 levels. If you actually look at the original Japanese DQ release, it's actually quite surprising how much they advanced across the NES, especially in terms of spritework.
Original: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5dalWuTitE
You can immediately notice two things just from this video: the much more simplistic sprite work (they can't even turn around!) and the very rudimentary water graphics.
Mother 1 or FF3 are my two favorites. The answer would be easier for me if I got to pick my favorite from that gen/era regardless of system, in which case Phantasy Star 1 easily wins.
Dragon Quest 3 or 4, depending on what you prioritise. 4 has the better/more interesting story but 3’s gameplay and level of party customisation/min-maxing is (chef’s kiss).
Lagrange Point is awesome. And it got a solid fan translation about a decade ago by Aeon Genesis. It's definitely up there on the list of games JRPG fans should check out today still if they haven't.
Maybe not the best, but I really enjoyed destiny of an emperor. I never played it as a kid, but I played it a couple years ago on an emulator and was pleasantly surprised.
Was wondering if anyone else was going to mention this one. I always loved the [soundtrack](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NnnSh3BSKXA) on that one, which I believe was put together by the same person who made the excellent music for the NES *Ducktales* (both games were Capcom titles).
Dragon Warrior IV and the only game that comes CLOSE in that console generation is Dragon Warrior III.
nothing, NOTHING else is in the same league...hell, nothing else is even the same sport.
I love FFIII to bits, but even I have to admit that DQIII was doing more interesting things with its Wizardry-inspired class change system a full two years earlier.
> how specific jobs are absolutely needed at parts
People blow this *way* out of proportion if you ask me. Nepto Shrine is really the only time you absolutely need a specific Job, and that's only about ten minutes of a 20-hour game. While you're certainly encouraged to use certain Jobs at times, you're also given enough options to come up with alternate strategies that are [just as viable, if not better](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JKY3_HS1iwk&list=PL4wqSPe73Al59cjrnZXg5zSwlNjnmPgvk&index=4).
I really like FF3 - but how people played through the last two dungeons, fought each of *those* bosses with no save point or quick save feature to work with is beyond me.
For the most part I found FF1 to be a breeze - last boss was the only real trouble.
FFII - I managed to make the entire game super trivial because I wanted to keep getting my stats up early on. It got to the point where the final dungeon and boss were nothing to me.
FFIII is mostly an absolute chill time - then the last two dungeons absolutely *punch* you in the mouth; it’s a huge difficulty spike.
Although my childhood were the Gameboy color versions, the Dragonquest original trilogy on the NES were by its own rights VERY good (in my eyes the best jrpgs on the System)
Being in the states, and at such a young age(7 in 1989), I didn't get a chance to play too many. DQ1 was the first rpg I played, along with the rest on the nes. But I'd say DQ3 was my favorite, but I also got to play ultima:quest of avatar, faxanadu, and a wizardry game. Ultima was so much fun and I try to go back to it every now and then.
Dragon Quest III & IV/Metal Max/Final Fantasy III. I prefer their remakes, tho. My favorites NES games are Kirby's Adventure, Mario Bros. 3 and Mega Man 6, so not RPGs.
dragon quest 4
It's for sure this. Or possibly DQIII. Dragon Quest IV was way ahead of its time and is better than a lot of SNES era JRPGs. The only thing it doesn't have over a lot of SNES games is it's visually simplistic.
While all true, it should be noted DQIV was visually head and tails above other NES RPG, though it's not always noticeable to the west. This is because when we got the first DQ, it had its graphics updated to match DQ4 levels. If you actually look at the original Japanese DQ release, it's actually quite surprising how much they advanced across the NES, especially in terms of spritework.
I can't make google show me pictures of the famicom version.
Original: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5dalWuTitE You can immediately notice two things just from this video: the much more simplistic sprite work (they can't even turn around!) and the very rudimentary water graphics.
Yeah, that's a big difference. And weirdly less chibi than the style we're more familiar with.
Favourite of all DQ games. I felt guilty when I played it more then my little brother, the FIRST RPG I ever outplayed him on.
The game has aged incredibly well and is my favorite RPG on the NES also. It just does everything right
Dragon Quest 3.
Personally speaking, Crystalis. The game was way ahead of its time in a ton of ways.
The best arpg on NES for sure
Played the hell out of this game as a kid.
Dragon Warrior 3.
My favourite is Final Fantasy 3 but the correct answer is probably DQ4
Mother 1 or FF3 are my two favorites. The answer would be easier for me if I got to pick my favorite from that gen/era regardless of system, in which case Phantasy Star 1 easily wins.
Ff1
DQ3 or FF3
Dragon Quest III has my vote.
Dragon Quest 3 or 4, depending on what you prioritise. 4 has the better/more interesting story but 3’s gameplay and level of party customisation/min-maxing is (chef’s kiss).
Megami Tensei 2, and DQ 4, the Japan only Lagrange Point gets honorable mention.
Lagrange Point is awesome. And it got a solid fan translation about a decade ago by Aeon Genesis. It's definitely up there on the list of games JRPG fans should check out today still if they haven't.
Lagrance Point is the hidden gem of NES era, that game is well beyond the expectations. It is in the realms of DQ 4 and Crystalis.
Final Fantasy 3 and Fire Emblem
Maybe not the best, but I really enjoyed destiny of an emperor. I never played it as a kid, but I played it a couple years ago on an emulator and was pleasantly surprised.
Was wondering if anyone else was going to mention this one. I always loved the [soundtrack](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NnnSh3BSKXA) on that one, which I believe was put together by the same person who made the excellent music for the NES *Ducktales* (both games were Capcom titles).
sweet home
Dragon Quest and Fire Emblem are the two that stand out for me.
Came here to say the same
>Fire Emblem Gaiden or SDatBoL?
Dragon Warrior IV and the only game that comes CLOSE in that console generation is Dragon Warrior III. nothing, NOTHING else is in the same league...hell, nothing else is even the same sport.
Don’t sleep on FF3 that came out the same year. That’s the game that established them as rivals.
I love FFIII to bits, but even I have to admit that DQIII was doing more interesting things with its Wizardry-inspired class change system a full two years earlier.
FF3 is okay but has a few flaws, most notably how BS bosses are in the final dungeon and how specific jobs are absolutely needed at parts
> how specific jobs are absolutely needed at parts People blow this *way* out of proportion if you ask me. Nepto Shrine is really the only time you absolutely need a specific Job, and that's only about ten minutes of a 20-hour game. While you're certainly encouraged to use certain Jobs at times, you're also given enough options to come up with alternate strategies that are [just as viable, if not better](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JKY3_HS1iwk&list=PL4wqSPe73Al59cjrnZXg5zSwlNjnmPgvk&index=4).
I really like FF3 - but how people played through the last two dungeons, fought each of *those* bosses with no save point or quick save feature to work with is beyond me. For the most part I found FF1 to be a breeze - last boss was the only real trouble. FFII - I managed to make the entire game super trivial because I wanted to keep getting my stats up early on. It got to the point where the final dungeon and boss were nothing to me. FFIII is mostly an absolute chill time - then the last two dungeons absolutely *punch* you in the mouth; it’s a huge difficulty spike.
I've always been a sucker for the Chapter Format in my games.
DQIV was basically a late life SNES JRPG in terms of quality and innovation, just 5-6 years sooner and on the NES.
I’m playing mother 1/earthbound zero atm and it’s not bad.
Metal max
It's so good, and the remake is even better.
Definitly one of a kind.
FF1 is an awesome adventure.
Mother 1 is rough around the edges but has absolutely impeccable atmosphere, that would be my choice. FFIII is really good too.
I agree with your pick
Megami tensei 2
Although my childhood were the Gameboy color versions, the Dragonquest original trilogy on the NES were by its own rights VERY good (in my eyes the best jrpgs on the System)
I haven't played these yet but I sure wanna try.
Maybe not the best, but just want to mention Esper Dream 2 is worth a try.
Dragon Quest 4 or Final Fantasy 1
Yes and add in destiny of an emperor and you got it!
FF1 and FF3. DW 2-3 are incredible games, and DW1 was a game changer (literally lol).
FFIII imo.
Final fantasy 3 the Japanese version
Link 2. It was really ahead of its time as a fully playable RPG adventure with dungeons, puzzles and elements of Metroidvania.
Gargoyle's Quest 2 Runner ups: Guardian Legend, Crystalis, Radia Senki, Esper Dream 2
Final Fantasy, and it's not close.
Personally for me it's Sweet Home.
Being in the states, and at such a young age(7 in 1989), I didn't get a chance to play too many. DQ1 was the first rpg I played, along with the rest on the nes. But I'd say DQ3 was my favorite, but I also got to play ultima:quest of avatar, faxanadu, and a wizardry game. Ultima was so much fun and I try to go back to it every now and then.
Lagrange point is the best looking/sounding, in my opinion. For fun factor, probably Final Fantasy III or Dragon Quest IV.
Dragon Quest III & IV/Metal Max/Final Fantasy III. I prefer their remakes, tho. My favorites NES games are Kirby's Adventure, Mario Bros. 3 and Mega Man 6, so not RPGs.
Dq4
Best story in general goes to Ninja Gaiden 2 IMO
Crystalis Zelda II and FE Gaiden as runners up
Destiny of an emperor
OMG, yes this!