Best RPG games of 1998
The 12 best RPG games released in 1998, ranked from 5,426 critic and player ratings.
The best RPG game of 1998 is The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, with a critic score of 92/100 — updated augusti 2026.
S
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is the fifth main installment of The Legend of Zelda series and the first to be released for the Nintendo 64. It was one of the most highly anticipated games of its age, and is listed among the greatest video games ever created by numerous websites and magazines. The gameplay of Ocarina of Time was revolutionary for its time, it has arguably made more of an impact on later games in the series than any of its predecessors even though they had the same cores of exploration, dungeons, puzzles and item usage. Among the gameplay mechanics, one of the most noteworthy is the time-traveling system. The game begins with the player controlling the child Link, but later on an adult Link becomes a playable character as well and each of them has certain unique abilities. Ocarina of Time also introduces the use of music to solve puzzles: as new songs are learned, they can be used to solve puzzles, gain access to new areas and warp to different locations. Dungeon exploration is somewhat more puzzle-oriented than in earlier games but they are not too complex.
92
/100
02
Baldur's Gate
91
/100
03
Fallout 2
A turn-based tactical Western RPG in which the Chosen One is tasked with exploring post-nuclear California to locate and retrieve the fabled Garden of Eden Creation Kit for their famine-stricken tribe, while coming into contact through branching dialogue trees with numerous tribes, factions and micro-civilizations, each with their own virtues, vices, socioeconomic situations and political agendas.
89
/100
Might and Magic VI: The Mandate of Heaven
The Ironfist Dynasty is tottering on the brink of ruin. As endless calamities plague the kingdom of Enroth, evil doomsday cultists plan to overthrow child Prince Nicolai and claim the throne for their charismatic leader. Fear grips the land and the people wonder if their sovereign has lost the Mandate of Heaven - the divine right to rule. The enemies of reason are at the gate and only extraordinary heroes can stem the tide of darkness. Will you answer the call? From the depths of the deepest dungeons, to the intrigues of the royal court, you will lead a band of adventurers on a dangerous journey of amazing depth and intelligence. With a completely new 3D graphics engine and a non-linear adventure system, Might and Magic VI: The Mandate of Heaven brings a unique role-playing experience to life.
87
/100
05
Fallout 2
86
/100
06
The Adventures of Alundra
86
/100
07
Xenogears (1998)
84
/100
08
Suikoden II
82
/100
09
Parasite Eve
81
/100
10
Pokémon Yellow Version: Special Pikachu Edition
Pokémon Yellow is an enhanced version of Pokémon Red and Blue that allows you to start the game with your very own Pikachu following you around on-foot and collect the 3 other starters from strangers you meet around the region. However, your goal remains the same: catch them all and become the ultimate Pokémon Master.
80
/100
11
Populous: The Beginning
75
/100
12
Sonic Adventure
55
/100
What is the best RPG game of 1998?
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time currently tops the ranking with a score of 92/100 across 2,084 ratings. It holds a S grade from the Tier community — updated augusti 2026.
How is this ranking built?
Games are ranked on their aggregated critic score out of 100, with a minimum vote threshold so a single glowing review never outranks a proven classic; the Tier community's own F-to-S grades are shown alongside each game.