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The U.S. Saturn suffered early on due to a lack of RPGs, and one of the first released was Virtual Hydlide. The game was a noble attempt at bringing a 3D environment to the genre, but it sacrificed everything the Hydlide series had built up over the years. The result was an adventure better left to rot in a dungeon.
The Master System is not known for a wide selection of RPGs, but some actually get passed over in favor of more recognized titles. Miracle Warriors is such title, having spent decades in the shadows of Phantasy Star and Ys. While it is far from their level of quality, there is actually a decent game under some unforgiving RPG mechanics.
The Sega CD has a great selection of RPGs, but most were sadly left in Japan. Those willing to brave the language barrier should consider playing Shin Megami Tensei, an installment in the long-running and popular series that was never brought to the West. It’s a great upgrade over the Super Famicom version, and there are FAQs online to help with the plot!
RPG fans looking for some adventure on their Game Gear should give Defenders of Oasis a try. Despite some basic design flaws, it has an interesting quest and a stellar presentation that are worth sinking some hours into. It’s not Phantasy Star, but it has its own charm, and there’s enough here to keep you coming back.
What can really be said? This is the one that started it all! Phantasy Star kicked off an epic franchise and pushed the limits of what an 8-bit console RPG could do. It was a sight to behold when it debuted in 1987 and has aged very well. Anyone who has yet to join Alis, Odin, Myau, and Noah on their journey to defeat Dark Force needs to clear their calendar in a hurry.