Overview
Everything aligned. The mid-1990s through early 2000s delivered RPGs at an unprecedented rate and quality. Square released Chrono Trigger, Final Fantasy VI, VII, VIII, IX, and Xenogears. Black Isle created Fallout, Baldur’s Gate, and Planescape: Torment. BioWare launched their dynasty. Atlus refined SMT. The CD-ROM enabled cinematic presentation; 3D hardware arrived; creative teams hit their peaks simultaneously.
Fast facts
- Period: 1995-2001.
- JRPG peak: PS1 era.
- CRPG peak: Infinity Engine.
- Catalyst: CD-ROM capacity.
JRPG landmarks
| Title |
Year |
Achievement |
| Chrono Trigger |
1995 |
Dream team |
| Final Fantasy VII |
1997 |
Mainstream breakthrough |
| Xenogears |
1998 |
Philosophical ambition |
| Final Fantasy IX |
2000 |
Series refinement |
| Final Fantasy X |
2001 |
Voice acting |
CRPG landmarks
| Title |
Year |
Achievement |
| Fallout |
1997 |
Post-apocalyptic choice |
| Baldur’s Gate |
1998 |
D&D revival |
| Planescape: Torment |
1999 |
Narrative peak |
| Baldur’s Gate II |
2000 |
Epic scope |
| Deus Ex |
2000 |
Immersive sim fusion |
Enabling factors
| Factor |
Impact |
| CD-ROM |
FMV, voice, music |
| 3D graphics |
Visual spectacle |
| Mature teams |
Experienced creators |
| Publisher support |
Genre investment |
Creative peaks
| Studio |
Output |
| Square |
FF, Chrono, Xenogears, Vagrant Story |
| Black Isle |
Fallout, Baldur’s Gate, Planescape |
| BioWare |
Baldur’s Gate, KOTOR preparation |
| Atlus |
Persona 2, SMT refinement |
End of era
| Factor |
Shift |
| PS2 transition |
Development costs |
| Studio changes |
Key departures |
| Genre fragmentation |
Action-RPG rise |
| Market evolution |
Different expectations |
See also