I still remember the day I found out that there were Japanese exclusive JRPGs. It was a feature on the Final Fantasy series wherein they showed screenshots of several titles we missed, and explained how Final Fantasy VII really was the seventh installment. Since that day I became obsessed with finding out about all the RPGs I had missed out on. After that I learned about fan translations. Final Fantasy V was the first one I played, and started a snowball effect. Since then various fan groups have translated role playing games for English speakers to enjoy. There’s a sea of different fan translations for the genre, and it can be difficult to pick out the ones truly worth playing. That’s why today I’m going to highlight the best RPG fan translations that are currently available. I do however have some criteria for my rankings. Let’s get right into it.
- I’m only going to talk about RPGs which haven’t seen an official English release. Some titles, like Final Fantasy V, were translated but have since been officially released in English. I’m all for checking out official releases so I won’t be mentioning those ones.
- This list only contains games that are playable from start to finish in English. Partial translations don’t count here.
Without anymore stalling let’s dive right into it. These are the top 25 best fan translated RPGs!
#25. – Phantasy Star Gaiden
When I finished the series I was hungry for more, and I don’t mean Phantasy Star Online. The traditional RPGs had me hooked. I was overjoyed to discover that Sega continued the story, but only on the Game Gear and in Japan. Phantasy Star Gaiden follows the exploits of the original’s heroine Alis, and takes place within a colony she settled. You have the typical turn based combat from the original, as well as graphics and music that fit the franchise. Because of the small display of the hardware things look a bit awkward, but it’s still perfectly playable. I love how Phantasy Star Gaiden expands on the lore of the franchise.
#24. – Rent a Hero
At the time of release Rent a Hero was mostly overlooked even by Japanese gamers. That’s likely because it was so weird and different, but in the best ways possible. In this game you play as a Japanese youth who gains super hero powers. He even dons a suit ala Power Rangers. The best part of it is the battle system. Instead of your typical turn based affair you instead engage in a one-on-one fight ala Street Fighter II. It’s pretty neat, and the battles are surprisingly fun. One of the major problems the fan translators had with this one is translating all of the jokes into Japanese. Rent a Hero is sort of a spoof on Japanese culture in the 90s. I found it hilarious, and plenty fun. Rent a Hero is definitely one of the best RPG fan translations available.
#23. – Choumahou Tairiku Wozz
This one is a bit hard to read. It’s a colorful game with super detailed graphics for the era, and it should be because it’s a late release for the platform. That’s because Wozz (as I’ll call it from now) makes a lot of Japanese jokes that are a bit lost in translation. The graphics however are absolutely incredible. This title reminds me a lot Breath of Fire, and that isn’t a bad thing by any means. The battles are displayed from a skewed perspective. You input commands, and take turns exchanging blows with a party of four characters. As I already mentioned the battle system is a bit derivative, but it’s fun, and the story is fairly interesting. Wozz is a great choice for those looking for one of the best fan translated RPGs.
#22. – Grandia: Parallel Trippers
If there’s one fault I have with the Grandia series it’s the lack of continuation. Grandia: Parallel Trippers for the Game Boy Color rectifies this. The story isn’t anything to write home about, admittedly, but I do appreciate that they kept the story within the same universe. The battle system based upon timing attacks and cancelling foes makes it’s trumphant return. The interface takes a little getting used to but if you take the time to learn it you’ll find it’s very similar to the main game. Grandia: Parallel Trippers is perfect for fans of the franchise because it’s the only installment that serves as a continuation. Others can make better choices for fan translated RPGs.
#21. – STED: Iseki Wakusei no Yabou
Here’s a game I never would have heard of if not for the fan translation community. I’ve long been a fan of the original Phantasy Star with it’s first person dungeons and science fiction fantasy story. I was overjoyed to learn that STED is a copycat of this title, but in the best way possible. Everything from the overhead perspective on the world map and towns, to the first person viewpoint while interacting with characters is copied here. Even the dome-like buildings in towns will ring familiar. While STED isn’t as good as Phantasy Star (not by a long shot) but it’s perfectly good in its own right. It’s easily one of the best fan translated RPGs around. The soundtrack is also amazing and one I will be listening to outside of the game.
#20. – Ganbare Goemon Gaiden: Kieta Ougon Kiseru
I’ve been a huge fan of the Goemon franchise since Legend of the Mystical Ninja on the Super Nintendo. That continued with all the localized releases, but I always had a feeling we were missing out on some of them. Turns out I was right. Ganbare Goemon Gaiden flips the series conventions on their head. Instead of being an action adventure title this is instead a traditional JRPG. This means you unravel a storyline while traversing a world map, towns, and dungeons. Furthermore, the battle system is strictly turn based. It doesn’t do a lot of new things, but the franchise’s trademark sense of humor is in place. It’s a balanced game that’s a lot of fun despite being a Dragon Quest clone. It’s a real shame this RPG was never translated.
#19. – Musashi no Bouken
Here’s yet another Dragon Quest clone. Thankfully I’m a big fan of these otherwise this list would be pretty sparse. Musashi no Bouken sticks to the formula very strictly. This is to the point that it looks like the developers re-drew the world map graphics from Dragon Quest. These tiles are much more detailed, but in screenshots you could almost mistake the two games for one another. Musashi no Bouken is a bit limited in that you have just one character in your party. This means you’re able to really focus on progression and becoming stronger. It’s pretty heavy on grinding but honestly I like the mechanic and it doesn’t feel too crazy here. I also love Musashi no Bouken’s zany sense of humor. If you’re looking for one of the best fan translated RPGs then this one deserves a spot on your list.
#18. – SD Snatcher
Now prepare for something completely out of left field. After releasing Snatcher on select Japanese computers Hideo Kojima created something just for fans on the MSX. The end result is SD Snatcher. It’s basically a re-imagining of the original Snatcher story, but with super deformed characters. SD Snatcher also ditches the adventure aspects of the original in favor of a more traditional JRPG experience. This means battles occur randomly while you wander around the dungeons, but the systems in place are pretty unique for the time. For example enemies have multiple targets, and defeating them in specific order grants you strategic bonuses. The fact that SD Snatcher was made at all is surprising, and it’s clearly one of the best fan translated RPGs around. You just gotta love Hideo Kojima’s sense of humor.
#17. – Star Ocean: Blue Sphere
We missed out on that original Star Ocean for the Super Famicom, but after the sequel was localized for the PS1 it was hopeful that we’d see all the others. Unfortunately the very next release was also left in Japan. Thanks to a helpful fan translation it’s playable in English. Star Ocean: Blue Sphere is one of the most ambitious games for the Game Boy Color. It’s a continuation of the original’s battle system which takes place in semi real-time. The dungeon designs are where things have been ramped up. You can choose your party of characters and each of them has an out of battle ability used for exploration. This makes these areas a lot more fun to explore. It’s a shame Star Ocean: Blue Sphere wasn’t localized, but that just makes it one of the best fan translated RPGs now.
#16. – Sailor Moon: Another Story
RPGs based on multimedia licenses are a rarity, and that’s part of what makes Sailor Moon: Another Story unique. Most titles based on this franchise are relegated to the realm of beat ’em ups and so this is a refreshing change. Another Story is based on the main characters from the popular anime series, and takes place after the original season concluded. I actually like the alternate take on the universe presented here, and the continuation is really cool. The battle system is traditional turn based fare with a focus on magical attacks. What’s particularly nice about this one is that the story segments into vignettes allowing you to explore strategies for each individual character more. If you aren’t a fan of the show then you probably won’t bother with this one, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t still one of the best fan translated RPGs available.
#15. – Rudra no Hihou
In the 16-bit era Squaresoft finally began to realize that North American gamers wanted their RPGs. It’s surprising then that they left one of their most ambitious ones in Japan only, and it hasn’t seen re-release since. This is most likely due to the fact it was released after the next generation consoles had launched. Rudra No Hihou at first appears to be a traditional Final Fantasy style RPG. It does a few things differently which help it to stand out from their other offerings. For starters the magic system is completely unique. You pair symbols together to create different outcomes. The possibilities are vast, and makes experimentation a major plus. Secondly the game is based on different scenarios. This means that many areas and dungeons are recycled, but it never feels redundant. Rudra no Hihou is distinct and unique and really should have been translated.
#14. – Ganbare Goemon Gaiden 2: Tenka no Zaihou
The original Ganbare Goemon Gaiden must have done fairly well because it wasn’t long after that Konami released a sequel. It is largely a continuation of the first one, but with lots of quality of life improvements made to the formula. For starters, the battle scenes are much more polished. The interface has been vastly improved and looks more like something you would expect in a 16-bit RPG. The enemies are even animated which is amazing for something released on the original Famicom. You also have more options in battle which pushes this one above being just another Dragon Quest clone. Ganbare Goemon Gaiden 2 is one of the most impressive Famicom RPGs.
#13. – Kawa no Nushi Tsuri
Ready for something weird? If so Kawa no Nushi Tsuri has your number. In the West later games were localized as Legend of the River King. To be honest I was shocked when I first discovered the franchise began on the Famicom because we didn’t get any of the titles until they released on the Game Boy Color. This game is divided into two parts. The first is a traditional turn based RPG where you encounter enemies on a separate screen and input commands to attack. The next is pure fishing. You cast your line out and reel in fish. This supplements the RPG action by giving you money to upgrade your gear and weapons. Considering how big fishing games were on the NES it’s a surprise this one was never localized, but now it’s one of the best fan translated RPGs for the platform.
#12. – Valkyria Chronicles 3
After releasing the original exclusively for the Sony PlayStation 3 Sega wanted to reach a larger audience and moved the franchise to the Sony PSP. Valkyria Chronicles 2 introduced some unwanted changes including kind of a ‘schools days’ anime approach. Part 3 was supposed to be a return to form, but because the platform was floundering in the West it stayed a Japanese exclusive. This is a unique strategy RPG where you take turns moving units across a field while completing objectives. You are in direct control of one unit at a time, and can be attacked in real-time while moving around. This makes strategy in unit placement paramount. Part 3 has a great story, and brings back all the lovely gameplay conventions we came to love in the last two titles.
#11. – 7th Dragon
When 7th Dragon was announced for the Nintendo DS I was anticipating it a great deal. It makes use of a classic turn based battle system while incorporating the classic job system that I’ve always loved. Unfortunately the title was silently canceled for North America, but has eventually been translated into English. It features a cute art style that isn’t completely overbearing, a nice soundtrack, and excellent 2D graphics. The job system offers a lot of variety and strategy into play allowing you to fine tune your party to your liking. While the genre was well represented on the platform it’s always nice to have another option. 7th Dragon is definitely one of the best fan translated RPGs of all time.
#10. – Magical Vacation
Before the Game Boy Advance was released Magical Vacation was easily one of the most anticipated titles for the platform. This is because it was designed by developer Brownie Brown which consisted of several ex-Squaresoft staff, specifically those that worked on the Mana series. The colorful graphics and watercolor art style were a stark contrast to the darker and edgier visuals the genre was showcasing at the time. Magical Vacation is a turn based role playing game that harkens back to the 16-bit era. You command a party of up to six characters who duke it out against enemies in turn based fashion. There are several unique conventions here such as an elemental system as well as bonuses based on using spirits to perform dastardly combinations. It’s a shame we never got this one, but that just means it’ll always be one of the best fan translated RPGs.
#9. – Emerald Dragon
Emerald Dragon has been released across a myriad of different platforms throughout the years, but only in Japan. Only the Super Famicom version has been fan translated. Unlike most fan translated RPGs on this list this isn’t a mere Dragon Quest clone. Emerald Dragon has one of the most interesting battle systems in any RPG of its era. You control just one character with the others being left to the AI. Battles take place from an overhead perspective utilizing a grid for movement. What’s unique about this is that you have an action bar at the top of the screen. This depletes with every action you take be it moving, attacking, etc. Emerald Dragon is a fun game with a fantastic story, great anime style character portraits, a memorable soundtrack, and unique battle system.
#8. – Shin Megami Tensei II
The franchise has been relatively obscure outside of Japan. That is, until the off-shoot Persona became one of the most popular RPGs worldwide. This is probably due to the religious implications and super dark storyline. This is somewhat of a Pokemon clone, but well before Pocket Monsters was even in development. You play as a human that recruits demons to fight for him. You can recruit enemies that you encounter, but this is left to chance with some random elements being involved. This is a dungeon crawler which is sure to turn off some gamers more atune with the likes of Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest. You explore environments from a first person perspective, and battles occur from the same point of view. This is a much more difficult and trying title than most on the list, but it’s still worth playing.
#7. – SD Keiji Blader
Here’s one that took me completely by surprise! I went in expecting some low quality licensed Dragon Quest clone but what I got was so much better. SD Keiji Blader offers some fantastic twists to the age old formula. It’s set in a distant anime based future, and you play as a young space detective named Blader who arrives on Earth to protect the citizens from the evil Jado. What is Jado’s goal? To transform all people into subserviant animals, of course! There’s a surprising amount of polish here for an almost entirely unknown RPG. The battle sequences in particular look nice, and the fact that you can equip and select from several different weapons at once is a neat idea. I absolutely love the art style in this one with its colorful pastel graphics, and the storyline is fun and will keep you hooked.
#6. – Lagrange Point
Lagrange point is noteworthy for a number of reasons. For one Konami was not generally well known for their RPG output. A big budget project like this for the Famicom so late in it’s lifespan seems a bit out of place. They went so far as to include a special sound chip to really enhance the soundtrack, and nothing else sounds quite like it. Lagrange Point is a traditional RPG set in a sci-fi world slowly being overtaken by a plague. It’s up to your character, and a party of tagalongs to get to the root of it and save mankind. The sci-fi setting is absolutely incredible here, as is the ability to travel to different planets. The clever use of vehicles to traverse the world map feels unique. My only complaint is the upgrade system. In order to get stronger you have to purchase stat enhancements from the shop.
#5. – Dragon Quest Monsters: Caravan Hearts
It’s a real wonder why Enix decided to forego an English release in their third Pokemon-like spin-off. Caravan Hearts is a wonderful upgrade to the formula. This one steers toward a more traditional Dragon Quest experience. You have the wagon for example, and as you move you have to give your monsters rations. Defeated foes drop hearts which are used to upgrade your own teammates by changing them into new forms. Besides that it’s basically Dragon Quest Monsters for better or worse, and it happens to be a formula I have loved from the very start. What’s also neat is the fact that you play as Keifer, one of the protagonists from Dragon Quest VII. The twist is that he has been transported to a new world, and I absolutely love the recycled protagonist. If you enjoy monster collection RPGs then this one is a great choice.
#4. – Tengai Makyou Zero
This franchise once went toe-to-toe with Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest in Japan. These days it has been mostly forgotten. Tengai Makyou Zero was the only mainline game released for the Super Famicom and like those that came before it was a Japan only release. It’s sort of a side story, but has a similar sense of humor, nearly identical turn based combat system, and through and through just feels like a Tengai Makyou title. This is the only one that has been translated and this easily makes it one of the best fan translated RPGs around. It’s also one of the most technical games for the platform with a real-time clock and battery built in, and graphics that look like they would be more at home on the Sony PlayStation and Sega Saturn. It’s crazy just how much work went into this release.
#3. – Sweet Home
Capcom was an unlikely developer for role playing games back in the 80s. They were mostly known for their arcade hits, licensed games, and ports with an occasional console exclusive peppered in. That changed with Sweet Home. It’s a very unlikely video game in general. It’s a survival horror Japanese RPG with turn based combat and a very dark storyline. Sweet Home is also based upon a Japan-only horror film. I’ve seen the movie and I’m not the biggest fan, and I’d actually say this is one of those rare cases where the game outperforms the film. Sweet Home has plenty of dark twists and turns, and it’s clear to see why this one was never localized into English. This one is a no brainer for a list of the best fan translated RPGs.
#2. – Sakura Taisen
Sakura Wars (as we know it in English) was one of Sega’s biggest hits on the Saturn console. This was a turn based strategy RPG with dating elements, and there’s nothing else quite like it. It’s a real shame that this was never localized. Due to how off-beat the concept is it’s not likely that Sakura Taisen would have made a big difference in the West, but more RPGs is never a bad thing. While outside of battle you’re tasked with interacting with the main cast of female characters. At key points you’re given options to move the conversation forward. You get different results depending on what you pick, and if you increase affection with the secondary characters they will perform differently in battle. Sakura Taisen is an amazing game, and now that it actually is playable in English, it’s one of the best fan translated RPGs of all time.
#1. – Mother 3
This title was originally in development for the Nintendo 64 as Earthbound 64. As development entered troubles it was canceled, but later the concepts were re-imagined as a Game Boy Advance exclusive. This meant we got none of the fancy 3D graphics but the sprites are so detailed and full of character that it’s hard to fault Mother 3 for it’s visuals. It also has one of the most incredible storylines I’ve ever experienced in a video game. It seems weird and off-beat, but that only adds to it. The battle system also has a lot of unique elements where you really need to explore each character’s abilities because they play specific roles in battle. Mother 3 is an absolutely unforgettable game, and is easily the best RPG never released in English.
