The Dragon Slayer series mixes it up again, this entry being more traditional turn-based, almost Dragon Quest-ish, RPG setting and gameplay, though it has some unique aspects to keep things fresh. Although the original is in Japanese, there's a translation patch to play in English. It scores rather high in all categories and is one of those games that show off just how pimp the MSX2 is. Listen to those jams! Also, it ended up becoming its own series.
Final Fantasy (MSX2)
RPG
Arguably the better 8-bit version of the original. Has far better graphics and sound but at the cost of MSX quality scrolling.
SD Snatcher (MSX2)
RPG
Yeah, it's FUCKING SNATCHER, only it's an RPG. Also, some plot points are a bit different as well, so you don't think you've played the normal Snatcher with this. A neat element about this is that you can utilize tools and body-part targeting to your advantage. An enemy robot has wheels? Rip them to shreds, and he's a sitting duck! Because Metal Gear got turned into Puchi/Petit-sized, he now serves as an auto-battle, and he'll typically exploit any smart tactics you've used to topple enemies. One of best the games on the system, and probably the best 8-bit graphics you will ever see (at least on MSX). It even takes several floppy disks to play. Originally Japanese only, but an english translation patch was made.
A fully 3D remake of Final Fantasy III, which was previously never officially released outside of Japan. Unlike the NES version, the orphans have a bit of individual background this time, and there's bonus content; however, most you have to unlock by filling up the bestiary. As usual, there are many classes to choose from and to level up, but choose wisely. If you haven't played it yet, now is the time to do so. Also available on the Nintendo DS with MogNet and on iOS which is the exact same thing, only with touch controls instead of controller or keyboard controls.
A fully 3D remake of the SNES game. Includes decent voice-acted cut scenes and a new ability system designed to offer a modicum of customization in the least-customizable FF game to date. Also of note is the increased difficulty over previous ports of the game. The Nintendo DS version is virtually the same as this one but generally better, get that if you have a Nintendo DS. Additional alterations, additions, and omissions noted here.
A fully 3D remake of the WiiWare game. Any tale you unlock after the prologue can be played in any order, similar to Live-A-Live. The Chrono Trigger-esque Band system is slightly altered from the original FF4TAY. Playing FF4 before this is recommended, but not mandatory. However, there is a FF4PC save bonus, in the form of Tails (hint hint) There are no classic FF bosses in this version (replaced by recolored FF4 bosses with new skillsets), no multiplayer like WiiWare, and no challenge dungeons. That said, the challenge dungeon equipment can be bought in the final chapter. If you prefer the extra content, stick with the PSP/WW version.
Amazing trilogy of story-driven RPGs by Falcom of Ys fame, they play like your standard console RPG in maps and battles are done is more of a grid based sRPG/cRPG style than a traditional console RPG, with tons of sidequests that increase your rank in order to get items. They were later followed by Trails of Cold Steel.
Picking up from where the Trails in the Sky trilogy left, with new powerful nations rising while old ones fall. Definitely much more verbose, it keeps with the same combat system from the old titles while adding some new stuff.
