Best SNES JRPGs Only Released on the Super Famicom in Japan

The SNES is known as one of the greatest video game platforms of all time for JRPG fans. Unfortunately, the 1990s were an awkward time for localization. Many of the best SNES JRPGs only released in Japan for the Super Famicom. Here are some of the titles you might have missed out on but should check out now.

Best Japan-Exclusive SNES JRPGs: Seiken Densetsu 3 (Trials of Mana)

In North America, we received official English versions of both previous Mana games regardless of the odd naming conventions at the time. However, for some odd reason, the third game never came west. This is a shame since it is one of the most stunning games on the Super Famicom and a great time with its multiple playable characters. Thankfully, its eventual 3D remake made it worldwide.

Tales of Phantasia

The Tales of series had its start here, but western fans wouldn’t be able to check it out until its port on the Game Boy Advance several years later. While the gameplay is a bit different from its successors, the hallmark foundation of this beloved action RPG series can be seen if you check it out.

Star Ocean

For as popular as the sci-fi JRPG Star Ocean series is, the original game in the series never made it west on the SNES. Instead, players would get the English localization introduction with its fantastic sequel on the PS1. These days, you can play this initial game officially in English, but not the original Super Famicom version.

Live A Live

Perhaps the most infamous JRPG exclusive on the Super Famicom, Live A Live haunted many JRPG fans like myself for decades. Square’s phenomenal exploration of eight main characters across timelines like prehistoric, the far future, and modern day is unlike any other game in the genre. While it took a long time, thankfully, there is an unbelievable remake in the HD-2D style now available.

Treasure of the Rudras (Rudora no Hihou)

All of the other games on this list are available officially in some capacity today. However, there are still Super Famicom JRPGs that never saw the light of today, at least officially, in English. Treasure of the Rudras is an unfortunate case of this. The heavy Hindu-based setting and lore is fantastic, plus the apocalyptic storyline feels pretty unique. But above all else, the custom magic system where players create their own spells is unlike any other JRPG of the time. Hopefully, Square Enix brings it back at some point.