>>720171841 (OP)
1. Phantasy Star (1987)
– Female protagonist, 3D dungeons, sci-fi/fantasy blend, multi-planet travel, cinematic storytelling.
– The most ambitious and forward-looking RPG of the decade.
2. Prince of Persia (1989)
– Rotoscoped animation, real-time cutscenes, cinematic platforming.
– Blueprint for Flashback, Another World, Tomb Raider, Assassin’s Creed.
3. Metroid (1986)
– Nonlinear exploration, upgrade-gated progression.
– Atmosphere and isolation that defined “Metroidvania.”
– Would be higher if it had an in-game map.
4. Castlevania III: Dracula’s Curse (1989)
– Branching stage paths, multiple playable characters, high replayability.
– Introduced narrative “arcs” into action design.
5. Ultima IV: Quest of the Avatar (1985)
– RPG morality system where how you play determines the outcome.
– Shifted RPGs from “kill the evil wizard” to “live a philosophy.”
6. Super Mario Bros. 3 (1988 JP / 1990 US)
– World map, power-up suits, nonlinear level order.
– Set the permanent blueprint for platformers.
7. Zelda II: The Adventure of Link (1987)
– Hybrid 2D side-scrolling RPG/platformer with towns, XP, magic.
– Misunderstood at launch, but daring and experimental.
8. Mega Man 2 (1988)
– Perfected nonlinear boss select + weapon weakness loop.
– One of the tightest action-platformer designs ever made.
9. Elite (1984)
– Procedurally generated 3D space trading sim.
– Infinite galaxy exploration on microcomputers, decades ahead of its time.
10. Castle Wolfenstein (1981)
– Stealth before “stealth games” existed.
– Disguise mechanics, line of sight, and non-linear infiltration.
– DNA of Wolf3D, Metal Gear, and the entire stealth genre.
