Ever played one of those RPGs where you're supposed to be the chosen hero, but everyone else is just as chosen as you? That's The 7th Saga in a nutshell. You pick one of seven characters—mage, knight, demon, alien, take your pick—and set off to collect runes before the others do.

Here's the kicker: the other six "heroes" aren't just NPCs waiting around. They level up alongside you, hunt the same runes, and will absolutely wreck you in random encounters if you're not careful. First time I ran into one as a low-level elf, I barely escaped with my life. Turns out being the chosen one doesn't mean squat if you're outmatched.

The combat's tough, the magic system's weirdly specific, and the soundtrack slaps harder than it has any right to. Just don't go in expecting a cozy team-up adventure—this is more like a free-for-all with occasional grudging alliances. The SNES had smoother RPGs, but few with this much backstabbing potential.