Modern Games that Feel like Old-School RPGs
There’s something special about old-school RPGs—the pixel art, the turn-based battles, the sweeping, unforgettable soundtracks. For those of us who grew up with games like Final Fantasy VI, Chrono Trigger, and Secret of Mana, modern RPGs can sometimes feel like they’re missing that certain magic, and they definitely don’t trigger that nostalgia button. But every now and then, a game comes along that captures the essence of classic RPGs while also giving us that something new we’re itching for.
If you’ve been longing for an RPG that feels like it belongs in the golden era of gaming, here are a couple of modern titles that deliver that old-school experience:
1. Octopath Traveler
Released: 2018 | Platforms: Switch, PC, Xbox, PlayStation
When Octopath Traveler was first revealed (by RPG giant Square Enix!), RPG fans immediately took notice. The game’s HD-2D art style blends classic pixel sprites with modern lighting and textures, creating something that feels both retro and new, both 3D and 2D.
Beyond aesthetics, Octopath Traveler embraces classic JRPG mechanics—turn-based combat, deep character progression, and a world full of side quests and secrets. The battle system, with its Boost Points and Break mechanic, adds strategic depth while keeping that familiar turn-based feel. The game’s eight protagonists each have their own stories, which is a departure from traditional party-driven narratives, but it still feels like something that could have existed in the SNES era. Even the art feels like retro Final Fantasy-era Yoshitaka Amano art. Delicious!
2. Sea of Stars
Released: 2023 | Platforms: Switch, PC, PlayStation, Xbox
Sea of Stars is one of the most love-letter-to-the-90s RPGs to come out in years. Developed by Sabotage Studio (the team behind The Messenger), this game draws heavy inspiration from Chrono Trigger, right down to the team-based combo attacks and seamless turn-based combat, Super Mario RPG with its timed inputs, and Illusion of Gaia‘s world-building depth (wow, do you remember that one?)
And let’s talk about the soundtrack. The main composer, Eric W. Brown, noted how RPG-music juggernaut Chrono Trigger influenced this soundtrack. So much so that Yasunori Mitsuda, the composer of Chrono Trigger and Xenogears, agreed to contribute a few tracks, which seriously makes this game worth looking into, just by itself.
If you miss the golden age of JRPGs, this one is a must-play.
3. Chained Echoes
Released: 2022 | Platforms: PC, Switch, PlayStation, Xbox
Chained Echoes doesn’t just take inspiration from old-school RPGs—it feels like it could have been an SNES classic. Created by a solo developer, this game features a rich story, beautifully crafted pixel art, and a combat system that rewards careful strategy.
One standout feature is its no-random-encounter approach—enemies are visible on the screen, similar to Chrono Trigger. It also eliminates grinding by removing traditional level-ups in favor of a progression system that focuses on skill points earned through combat. If you’re looking for a game that scratches that Final Fantasy VI-era itch, Chained Echoes is a hidden gem worth playing.
Final Thoughts
The golden age of RPGs may be behind us, but that doesn’t mean we can’t still experience the magic. Whether it’s through the time-traveling adventures of Sea of Stars, the strategic battles of Octopath Traveler, or the rich storytelling of Chained Echoes, modern developers continue to create experiences that honor the classics while bringing something fresh to the table.
Did I miss any of your favorites? What modern games have given you that nostalgic RPG feeling? Let me know in the comments!