The 50 Best RPGs Of All Time

42 – Star Ocean: Till the End of Time

Developers: tri-ACE

Initial Release Date: August 21, 2004

Why it’s one of the best RPGs: Star Ocean: Till the End of Time got a rocky start on initial release in Japan, but the buggy mess that was its initial launch was correctly quickly with the Director’s Cut that then went on to release in North America and Europe. Using active, interactive combat more similar to action roleplaying games than traditional ones, Star Ocean games embody the complex combat systems those types of games (including those in the Tales and Xenoblade series) are known for.

Till the End of Time takes place mostly on an underdeveloped planet after the main character and his friend are attacked and escape. In spite of its origins on that planet, you’ll be dealing with plenty of different aliens races, technologies, and the Pangalactic Federation, and an unexpected space war. Its climactic and somewhat confusing finale gets a tad Matrix-y with its themes, and may leave you wondering who really is real, and how deep the rabbit hole actually goes. With its blend of science fiction and familiar technical combat, Till the End of Time remains memorable to this day.

Next: 41 - Golden Sun: The Lost Age