When Nintendo made the decision to stick with cartridges for theNintendo 64, it lead to one of the greatest RPG developers of all time jumping ship.Nintendo’s loss was Sony’s gain, and, thanks in no small part to Sony’s partnership with publisher Square, the PS1’s game library boasts some of the greatest RPGs ever made.
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From thenarratively excellentXenogearsto the behemoth that isFinal Fantasy VII, no other 5th-generation console can compete when it comes to RPGs. The PS1had a lot more going for it than just SquareandFinal Fantasythough. Of course, these are the titles that dominate the conversation, but there are a host of other fantastic games on the system for RPG lovers to sink their teeth into.
12Threads Of Fate
Threads of Fatecombines platforming, action, and a healthy spattering of RPG elements to deliver an end product that Dr. Frankenstein himself would be proud of. The game’s platforming is tight, the art style is endearing, and the soundtrack is exactly what gamers had come to expect from Square.
It’s not a particularly complicated game in terms of story or gameplay, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. It really is one of the most unique games released on PS1. Sadly though, most Western gamers overlooked it due to it being released so late on in the console’s lifecycle.
11Koudelka
When it comes to underrated PS1 RPGs, they don’t come much bigger thanKoudelka. Developed by the same studio that would later be responsible for the fantasticShadow Heartsgames on the PS2, the game perfectly blends together elements from the horror and RPG genres to create an experience that is unlike anything else on offer during that era.
Set in the year 1898 near the seaside town of Aberystwyth, Wales,Koudelkais a little like a cross betweenResident EvilandFinal Fantasy, mirroring the tone and exploration elements of the former and featuring a battle system that’s somewhat akin to the latter. The pre-rendered backgrounds are starting to look a little rough around the edges, but, as a piece of gaming history, it’s still well worth a look.
10Chrono Cross
A lot of people dismissChrono Crossas being nothing more than a poor imitation ofChrono Trigger. It’s worth remembering though that the latter is one of gaming’s true masterpieces. When compared directly with the Mona Lisa, most art looks like a child’s drawing.
It’s certainly true thatChrono Crossis inferior to its younger brotherin practically every way, but that doesn’t mean that there’s not still enjoyment to be found here. The huge cast of characters is a little overwhelming and the story confusing, but for the most part, it provides an engaging journey with an interesting twist. Yasunori Mitsuda also returned as the game’s composer, so it’s rocking a fantastic soundtrack too.
9Alundra
While many RPGs were making the leap to 3D, the team behindAlundraopted to stay in the second dimension. It was a bold decision, but one that definitely paid off in the long run and one that ensures that the game still holds up well today.
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Alundrafeatures a beautiful art style with some of the most intricate sprite work of the period. The story is admittedly nothing special, but the game’s dungeons provide just the right amount of challenge to avoid frustrating the player while also keeping them coming back for more.
8Vandal Hearts
Vandal Heartswas one of the first RPGs to really make the most of those extra 16-bits, with impressive visuals that used 3D environments and objects to show off what the PS1 was capable of. The game is held back a little by its linear narrative and lack of exploration, but redeems itself through its gorgeous graphics and a grid-based combat system.
It’s a system that really makes players think about what they’re going to do next rather than just diving in headfirst. All told, it’s a relatively short game and one that players will be unlikely to return to after completing it once, butVandal Heartsis definitely worth checking out.
7Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together
ThoughTactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Togethertechnically started life on the Super Famicom in Japan, it was eventually ported to the PlayStation in late 1997, with a North American release coming early the following year. This was the first time that the series had been readily available in the west and led to strong reviews from both critics and players alike.
Unlike most other RPGs from the mid-nineties though,Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Togetheruses a grid-based system that’s not too dissimilar fromFinal Fantasy Tactics. The Isometric viewpoint may not be to everybody’s liking, but it really compliments the art style and ensures that the game still holds up fairly well today despite now being more than three decades old.
6Thousand Arms
Thousand Armsmay share a lot of similarities with other JRPGs from the ’90s, but where it sets itself apart is through its use of dating-sim mechanics. The main character is able to date female party members as well as various NPCs, and doing so will allow them to imbue their weapons with new powers and skills.
It’s pretty rudimentary by today’s standards, but at the time offered a unique element to the genre. Anime fans will love the game’s art style and humor whilst those who enjoy a challenge will not be disappointed with whatThousand Armshas to offer.
5Jade Cocoon: Story Of The Tamamayu
With Katsuya Kondo ofKiki’s Delivery Servicefame serving asJadeCocoon’s animation direction and character designer, it’s no surprise that the game ended up being one of the most visually impressive titles of the era. Like almost every other RPG ever, the aim of the game is to save the world— but it differentiates itself through its battle system that has players using captured monsters that they can also breed to create new types.
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Unfortunately forJade Cocoon, it failed to live up to the expectations set by the earlier releasedPokemon Red &Blue, which provided a simpler experience, not to mentioncuter, more appealing monsters.
4Brave Fencer Musashi
Brave Fencer Musashimight not be one of the best-looking games for the system, but it is definitely one of the most charming. From its endearing cast of characters to its well-designed towns, there really is a lot to love here. While the story certainly has its moments, it’s the gameplay that really carries the experience and will keep players coming back for more.
It’s challenging, it’s rewarding, and it’s a lot of fun. Granted, it’s perhaps a little more action than RPG, but Square has meshed the two genres together exceptionally well here. The game also features some pretty decent voice-acting, which at the time was something of a rarity.
3Legend Of Legaia
Visually,Legend of Legaiais pretty similar toFinal Fantasy VII, whilst its combat system is reminiscent of the one found inXenogears. AlthoughLegend of Legaiafailed to emulate the success that the aforementioned titles achieved, it is every bit as enjoyable.
The game’s story is one of the best out there, and the atmosphere created through the game’s audio and visuals is perfectly in keeping with the themes and ideas set out through the narrative. Some mediocre dialogue does detract from the experience at times, but, given the quality of the overall package, it’s pretty easy to excuse.
