10 RPGs to Play Before You Die

There is a near infinite list of RPGs that could fill your gaming backlog from now until the end of time. As a big RPG fan, I have spent (and wasted) plenty of time playing 40-100 hour long games, so I have a pretty good opinion on what you should and shouldn't play. Most players know Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest, but what about the more obscure RPGs out there? Well, here is a list of 10 RPGs and a few honorable mentions (some of which are obscure) that you need to play before you kick the bucket. Keep in the mind, that this list is in no particular order.

10. Final Fantasy 6  This is one of the best games for the SNES and a fine start to this list. Great music, fun battles, and tons of party members make this Final Fantasy a wonderful jewel in Square's crown.

9. Earthbound  This quirky cult classic is comical and challenging. Another one of the SNES's finest games at work.

8. Mother 3  The GBA sequel to Earthbound is even better than the original. An amazingly well written script will keep you hooked to the bitter end.

7. Final Fantasy 7 One of the first "modern J-RPGs", this game has great characters and a well designed world. The best Final Fantasy on Playstation.

6. Chrono Trigger  One of the finest RPGs ever made with one of the best soundtracks in gaming history. Time traveling has never been so fun.

5. The Witcher  A PC-only RPG that tells a very adult story with stunning graphics. If you love fantasy tales, then this is a must play.

4. Final Fantasy 4  Another Final Fantasy that is well worth your time. This game has great villains, awesome music, and epic battles...what more could you want?

3. Dragon Quest 5 A wonderful RPG that tells the story of a hero from his birth to the time he has his own children. This game is considered to be the pinnacle of the DQ series.

2. Persona 4 The best Playstation 2 RPG, it features a cast of high schoolers entering an evil dimension inside of a television set, searching for a local serial killer. Awesome adult story and charming graphics make this game a winner.

1. Mass Effect  This series continues to re-define the RPG and the way science fiction can be told. These games are amazing, and deserve to be at the top of your backlog if you haven't played them for some reason.

Honorable Mentions:

Elder Scrolls: Oblivion
Brave Fencer Musashi
Ys Seven
Tales of the Abyss
Growlanser Generations
Persona 3
Persona 2 Innocent Sin