All time 3 favorite RPGs & why

First, you make it difficult to only pick 3, I love RPGs. (I did not list any Final Fantasy, not because I don't love them [I do] but because they get all the attention. The Pokemon games are very good too)

1) Chrono Trigger (SNES): This game has great characters, depth of story, side quests, multiple endings, plot twists, amazing villains, and some of the best video game music out there. The battle system is simple and fun, enemies are creative, scary, and even funny sometimes. There are many different pieces of equipment to use, magics to perform, and one of the most interest party variation tools. There are many playable characters and several different and unique party combinations. Also, my favorite part of this game and a huge part of the story line: Time Travel. This is one of those games you need to play.

2) Super Mario RPG (SNES): This is a testament to what Square and Nintendo can do when working together using the best elements of each. The whimsical nature of the Mario universe, the ingenuity of Square's legacy of RPGs, kickin music, rockin badguys, and the ability to play a party of Mario, Peach, and BOWSER, is more than any fan can ask for. The gameplay is complex, different than other RPGs, since you can time your hits and enemy hits for increased and decreased damage, respectively. Combined with a simple "mana" system for spells (a group pool of "Flower Points"), fun weapons, and interesting bosses, the turn based combat doesn't always feel like it, so even those who are on the fence about RPGs can get something out of this. Very worthwhile.

3) Skies of Arcadia (Dreamcast, Gamecube): Two words: Air Pirates. This game has a fantastic world full of fun characters and a corrupt government to bring down! Also, your main character is Vyse, the Blue Rogue. He's an Air Pirate, which means this world is like the Spanish seas of the age of exploration, only with less water and more flying ships! Aside from the story, the combat system is different than most, since there is magic and weapons, but also special moves which draw power from a group pool that increases each turn. And this is only the characters fighting, there are also maritime battles! Yes, you get to have naval conflicts which do require a certain amount of strategy. And what story about pirated would be complete without discoveries!? As you travel the world, you can find things of interest and sell the information for some quick cash. And this is a world you will want to travel. This game is wonderful and a must play.