Summary
Today’s role-playing video games are some of the most complex and sophisticated choices available when it comes to entertainment. They have complex storylines, beautiful and unique settings, top-of-the-line graphics, and all kinds of customization options that include everything from body art to weapons.
The top-down RPGs of the 8-bit era had their share of immersive and challenging games, and Nintendo was one of the dominant names in the industry during that time. NES owners had access to some of the best and hardest early role-playing games. For those enthusiasts who are interested, the Famicom, which was the Japanese version of the NES, had even more RPG titles that were never localized.
6Times Of Lore (1988)
Times of Loreis only a difficult game for gamerswho are new to RPGs, and even then it’s a gentle learning curve. It’s set in a place called Arbaleth, a mystical kingdom in need of a hero. Not only has the high king and three magical treasures gone missing, which has caused the ruling class to threaten a civil war, but Barbarians threaten to invade and monsters are destroying the once peaceful forest.
The hero can choose between the roles of Dwarf, Barbarian, or Valkyrie, an early version of class and race choices. The game is also designed like a modern open-world game, with optional areas to explore, and choices to make that alter the environment permanently.
5Faria: A World Of Mystery And Danger! (1991)
The story of this game begins with the protagonist waking up in a mysterious location, which is now a common trope in modern RPGs. In this case, it’s the Kingdom of Faria, and more history and lore are revealed as the character progresses through the various chapters.
There’s a complex plot to adventure through here, and similarto some modern RPG gamesthat rely on detailed stories, this one is divided into several parts. The Big Boss is an evil Wizard who has a clever scheme to steal the royal scrolls, a classic villain from this genre. The closing credits include a sequence in which the triumphant hero travels back to his homeland.
4Dragon Warrior 3 (1988)
The game is also known asDragon Quest 3: The Seeds of Salvationin Japan, but when it was ported to the NES and localized for North American audiences it was renamedDragon Warrior. The franchise had a reputation for beingone of the more difficult RPGsat the time and was a huge hit in Japan. Its protagonist Erdrick made an appearance in aSuper Smash Bros. UltimateDLC in 2018.
Nowadays, the original NESDragon Questreleases can seem a bit rudimentary, but they are largely responsible for setting the foundation of the JRPG genre. While later sequels likeDragon Quest 5,8, and11tend to receive most of the love in this day and age, fans of role-playing games should not hesitate to seek out this classic, especially sinceDQ3’s combat is not far removed from the systems found in its successors.
3Dungeon Magic: Sword Of The Elements (1990)
A first-person RPG in real-time, which is a daring project for any era, and a ticking clock can make any game more difficult if the quests or storyline are time-sensitive. Players can choose to be fighters or magic users, and just like in modern RPGs, they can acquire new gear from completing quests and exploring dungeons.
The detailed story tells the epic legend of the hero Magi, his magical swords, and his battle against Darces, the Dark Overlord. The hero has long since passed but the Dark Lord has returned and a new chosen one must rise to defeat him.
2Destiny Of An Emperor (1990)
Destiny of an Emperorwas one of the earliest gamesto combine real-time strategywith role-playing, and it integrates the politics of the drama into the story as much as the action on the battlefield. The game is loosely based on the Chinese epic,Romance of the Three Kingdoms, with some famous characters from the story also playing major roles in the game.
The protagonist is a general who has to fight their way to imperial power, and after a winning battle, they can bolster their forces either through force or bribes. There are different paths that players can take to a successful outcome, such as the subjugation of the warring tribes and their unification.
1Ultima 4: Quest Of The Avatar (1985)
What makesUltima 4one of the most difficult RPGs ever made isn’t the design or combat, but the ultimate end goal. This game isn’t about fighting a bossbut self-improvement, which means leveling various skills and abilities in a land mostly at peace.
The previous three games were about defeating the Triad of Evil, and with them gone, the new nation of Britannia can rise and thrive. After the main character passes the trials set by the new king, Lord British, they are elevated to the status of Avatar.
