So, I’m a big JPRG fan and just playing through Mother 3. I love Mother 2 (aka Earthbound) as well. I love the music, quirkiness, style, pacing, simple yet rewarding tactics in boss battles.
So, I would appreciate any game recommendations you have for a similar game or game series.
If it helps, my other favorite JRPGs are: Chrono Trigger, Final Fantasy 6, 9, and 10.
The Lufia series were not ground-breaking at the time, not that that matters today, but were instead focused on just doing things really well.
The Breath of Fire series is another highly notable old one from about that same time period. You can really see the development of technology as it progresses, like from 2D overhead scrollers in the earliest ones to more 3D effects later on.
I’m surprised you did not mention the Dragon Warrior series bc I’ve heard it’s one of the biggest in Japan even today. Especially the ones never released outside of Japan, but there are fan-made English translations.
It is hard to top Chrono Trigger - it basically cannot be done afaik!