Final Fantasy: Mystic Quest

Final Fantasy: Mystic Quest is a black sheep and a beloved underdog rolled into one. Squaresoft created it in 1992 as a deliberately simplified JRPG aimed at Western players who didn't yet know the genre well, it was meant to be a friendly entry gate into the world of turn-based battles, magic and heroic quests. Fans of the main series still argue to this day whether it was a step sideways or a clever move.

The game simplifies everything compared to a traditional Final Fantasy: the character moves along a clear world map between individual points, the battles are more direct, and there are convenient touches like visible enemies and the ability to use your weapons to break obstacles right in the environment. The battle system is lightweight but still offers tactical decisions with a choice of spells and attacks. On top of that, composer Ryuji Sasai's soundtrack is among the most energetic RPG music ever heard on the SNES.

The retro community takes a more conciliatory stance toward Mystic Quest than it once did. Yes, for a seasoned RPG player it's tame, but as an entry game for a beginner or for a relaxing afternoon it works splendidly. Its catchy music and stress-free pace make it a pleasant, undemanding gem of the 16-bit era.