10 Best PS1 JRPGs, Ranked

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In a move that left gamers everywhere reeling, I found myself at the receiving end of one of the most shocking betrayals in gaming history when Sony decided to cut ties with Nintendo. With no other option but to stand on my own, I took a leap of faith and launched the PlayStation 1 independently. Incredibly, against all expectations, the console became an unparalleled success.

The PlayStation 1 boasted an impressive array of features including robust third-party backing, stunning 3D visuals, and innovative CD-ROM technology. This combination propelled it to the forefront of the gaming industry, solidifying Sony’s status as a significant player in the video game world.

Born in Japan, it’s only natural that the PlayStation 1 boasted a massive collection of games created by Japanese studios. Among these, my preferred genre – Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs) – captured my interest. I was initially exposed to JRPGs on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), but it was the PlayStation 1 that truly won me over with this captivating genre.

This list showcases my favorite PlayStation 1 JRPGs, arranged in a ranking that may be subjective but is filled with affection and explanations for why I believe these games stand out among the JRPG offerings on Sony’s initial console.

This list will include only one game per series to spice things up.

10.
Grandia

The First Twists To Turn-Based Combat

Currently, players of the game Grandia on contemporary systems could find themselves taken aback by the time it takes to enter a fight. In fact, you could be spending up to two hours conversing and discovering vibrant locations with Justin and Sue, rather than delving into the game mechanics.

If you’re a gamer who values the gameplay experience above all else when it comes to JRPGs, I encourage you to persevere as you’ll soon discover what sets the Grandia series apart once you engage in its opening battle.

As a gamer, I find this game’s turn-based system to be more dynamic than traditional ones. Instead of strictly following a time schedule for each character move, there’s a timeline that dictates our actions, making it feel more like real-time gaming. What’s even cooler is that we can strategically halt enemies from acting based on our decisions. To top it off, the magic system offers a unique blend where you can unlock new elements by mixing and matching the basics. It all combines to create a combat system that keeps me hooked and entertained!

In contrast to several JRPGs from the same era, Grandia adopts a more upbeat tone. The protagonist, Justin, is simply yearning for an exciting journey. Fate will eventually compel him to embark on this adventure as he hunts for an ancient civilization while evading the pursuits of the malevolent Garlyle Forces army.

9.
Wild Arms

The Wild West In The JRPG World

Instead of emulating Link’s adventures on Sony’s console, Alundra did so; however, Wild Arms truly embodied the spirit of dungeon puzzles and delivered a full-fledged JRPG experience. To make it even more appealing, Wild Arms offered this immersive gaming with a captivating wild west motif.

Initially, we embark on this journey individually as Rudy, Jack, and Cecilia, each with unique approaches to gameplay – be it during combat or otherwise. As we traverse dungeons and the global map, we employ artifacts to broaden our exploration and evoke a sense of pioneer spirit, fitting for a treasure-hunting adventure theme.

In time, the trio unite their efforts and embark on an expedition across Filgaia, safeguarding it from a malevolent onslaught. Given its role-playing game (RPG) nature, you can anticipate typical features such as summoning powers, character development that escalates towards divine capabilities, and a storyline heavily influenced by the protagonists’ pasts.

The standout feature of “Wild Arms” is undoubtedly its intricate dungeons and innovative application of the Tools system. Furthermore, the initial installment delivered an unexpected plot twist for young Murillo, which has left a lasting impression on me since then.

8.
Valkyrie Profile

Recruiting Dead Party Members

Valkyrie Profile is a Japanese Role-Playing Game (JRPG) rooted in Norse mythology but presented with an Eastern narrative flair. Essentially, this means that while the storyline has a main conflict, it primarily focuses on the growth and evolution of numerous secondary characters encountered throughout the gameplay.

The first time I experienced Valkyrie Profile, I was somewhat confused about gathering deceased characters since their deaths often occurred away from the screen. It’s fortunate that I didn’t fully grasp it then, as quite a few of those demises were graphic and not suitable for a child of ten years old.

In the past, I mostly played it due to my fondness for its battle system. It was a turn-based game, yet it allowed us to manage each character’s actions individually. We could execute a special move based on how effectively we strung combos together. Despite constantly hearing “Nibelung Valesti,” I never grew weary of it.

I primarily played it because I enjoyed the battle system back then. It was turn-based, but we had control over each character’s actions. We could perform a special attack depending on the sequence of combos we managed. Even after hearing “Nibelung Valesti” countless times, I never lost interest in it.

To this day, my major issue with the game ‘Valkyrie Profile’ is its obscurity when it comes to achieving the true ending. As the Valkyrie Lenneth, your task involves gathering allies to confront Ragnarok, the apocalypse of the Norse world.

It was quite challenging to decipher the correct sequence of actions for the optimal outcome without a guide, leading me to assume I was inept when in fact, my performance wasn’t as poor as it seemed.

7.
Star Ocean: The Second Story

The Clash Between Sci-Fi And Fantasy

In the game “Star Ocean: The Second Story“, you get to decide whether your main character will originate from a sci-fi or fantasy setting. This choice determines if you’ll be controlling Claude, who hails from a technologically advanced world, or Rena, who comes from a medieval, underdeveloped realm. However, their individual backgrounds don’t significantly affect the storyline as they quickly join forces and work towards a common goal.

In the Star Ocean series, the contrast between science fiction and fantasy serves as a central theme, influencing the storyline, dialogue, and character interactions. Additionally, a notable characteristic of this franchise is its dynamic progression system, widely regarded as thrilling yet somewhat overpowered within the gaming genre.

Creating items in Star Ocean offers a high degree of customization, which could potentially disrupt the game’s balance during the early stages, making it an ideal scenario for players who aim to complete the game quickly (speedrunners).

It’s quite tangible how much advancement and aspiration there was between the first “Star Ocean” game and its sequel. Each main character in these games has a unique flair, equipped with their own weapons, abilities, and distinct personalities.

The game, originally released for the PlayStation 1, has two soundtracks and is incredibly lengthy. It unfolds a narrative across two distinct planets, and it’s worth mentioning that there are numerous side-events called Private Actions that influence the bond between the main character and their allies.

The action in Star Ocean was a welcome change amidst the sea of turn-based games back then, and even though things can become complex later on, that’s what made it so refreshing. Isn’t it ironic how things eventually come full circle? Despite being one of my favorite series, I feel like Star Ocean hasn’t been given the opportunity to fully explore its space potential with adequate funding.

6.
The Legend of Dragoon

The PS1 JRPG Swansong

Shuhei Yoshida, a close friend of mine, mentioned that redeveloping “The Legend of Dragoon” would involve as much effort as “Final Fantasy VII”. It’s unfortunate, but I understand the reasoning behind it. This JRPG was unfortunately launched towards the end of the PlayStation 1’s lifespan, allowing it to showcase more technical capabilities, however, it missed out on a more advantageous release timeframe.

Due to Brazil’s history of delayed releases, I experienced The Legend of Dragoon as if it had just hit stores. It left me astounded by the graphics, the impactful battle sequences, the epic narrative scope, and undeniably, the unique rhythmic control system during combat.

To me, the JRPG (Japanese Role Playing Game) seemed incredibly ambitious and, up to this point, the most epic one I’ve ever encountered. I assumed it would be lauded for years, but little did I know that was just my perspective, and many people were already looking forward to Sony’s next console and preferring real-time games instead. I can only hope that The Legend of Dragoon eventually receives the recognition it deserves.

5.
Suikoden II

Viva La Résistance

During a period when numerous JRPGs were immersed deeply in pure fantasy or veered into the realm of science fiction, we had Suikoden. While it does contain elements of magic and griffins, the narrative is predominantly realistic and revolves around an unusual political conflict, which was not common in the genre at that time.

Frequently, enthusiasts regard Suikoden II as one of the greatest JRPGs ever. I don’t believe it quite reaches that level of greatness, but its influence on the gaming industry is undeniable. After all, how many games at that time allowed you to recruit 108 characters while enhancing your base and unlocking new features? Apart from the original Suikoden, I can’t think of many others.

As a fervent player, I’ve noticed that in the game’s turn-based battles, several characters share similar fighting styles. However, by strategically pairing certain ones based on their bonds, you can unleash an array of unique combos. Additionally, equipping runes introduces fresh spells and abilities, providing me with a wider canvas to experiment and play creatively.

Without a doubt, Luca steals the spotlight in the game, not merely serving as an adversary but truly embodying a malevolent character. Unlike typical villains, he lacks any moral ambiguity or tragic past motivating his violent acts. Instead, he acts on pure desire, which can make you yearn to give him a well-deserved tough time, especially when he’s being particularly irritating.

4.
Breath of Fire III

The Love of My Life

If you were born in the 90s or before, chances are you have two beloved games: your current go-to game and a cherished classic from the past. In my case, Breath of Fire III is my treasured pick from days gone by. It’s been some time since I last played it, but it was the first JRPG that struck a chord with me and led to using “Ryu” as my gaming alias across all platforms.

In a nutshell, beyond the protagonist transforming into dragons and my personal fondness for them, Breath of Fire III significantly deepened the foundation laid by the first two games in the series. The dragon motif remained, serving as a backdrop for a heartfelt journey of self-realization and enlightenment.

In these strategic fights, the outcomes were unpredictable yet exciting, as they occurred consistently within a captivating setting. Each character in your group boasted distinct abilities, which could either be leveraged optimally or enhanced via the adjustable master system.

Among a select group of JRPGs, Breath of Fire III stands out due to its narrative incorporating a time leap. Witnessing Ryu’s transformation from a young boy to an adult as the world evolved was captivating and aligned beautifully with the game’s themes. While some argue that Breath of Fire IV is superior from the PS1 era, it’s the third installment that lingers vividly in my memory.

3.
Chrono Cross

Not Trigger, And That’s Good

Among the crowd, I stand as one who prefers the intriguing charm of “Chrono Cross” over the classic “Chrono Trigger.” I’m not shy about expressing this opinion, but only because our geographical locations remain unknown. While the link between the two games may seem tenuous, perhaps that’s what allowed “Chrono Cross” to showcase its unique mythology more effectively.

Chrono Cross unfolds across two interconnected dimensions. In one, our hero Serge goes about his ordinary life. In the other, Serge has tragically passed away, and upon departing his home to venture into the alternate world, the entity responsible for his demise seeks to ensure that he remains deceased in both realities.

This sets into motion one of the most astonishing stories I’ve encountered in a PlayStation 1 JRPG. The most incredible aspect is that it maintains internal consistency, given the game’s rules. It’s unusual, non-standard, and intricate, yet it holds together remarkably well.

The narrative revolves around a game mechanism featuring more than 40 playable characters, each having distinct motivations, some rather superficial but all unique in their abilities and weaponry. What I find most fascinating about this game is observing the ripple effect caused by Serge’s presence or absence, and how these worlds subtly vary as a result.

If you’ve typically steered clear of or had a dislike for Chrono Cross, due to its distinctiveness from Trigger, I encourage you to give it another chance. This time, set aside any preconceived ideas you may have and appreciate the JRPG for what it truly is, rather than comparing it to your expectations.

2.
Xenogears

Dark Themes At Their Best

The plot of Xenogears is incredibly intricate, far-out, and downright mind-bending, taking the elements you described for Chrono Cross and amplifying them significantly. This role-playing game delves deeply into philosophical, religious, psychological, and perhaps nihilistic themes, weaving them together to create a colossal narrative structure that is as thought-provoking as it is challenging to unravel.

Initially residing in a tranquil hamlet, our main character, Fei Fong Wong, experiences an abrupt invasion by mechanical beings known as Gears. He takes control of one of these invaders, unleashing a catastrophic blast that claims the lives of everyone he holds dear. Plunged into despair, he embarks on a voyage during the initial stages, only to find himself spiraling into a deep pit of depression. This is merely a glimpse of the opening sequences.

Originally, Xenogears was intended to be the fifth installment in Takahashi’s series of six games. Although he may not fully actualize this original concept, he has endeavored to do so through Xenosaga and Xenoblade. In these newer works, he consistently includes nods to his earlier creations.

Absolutely, there’s another aspect – the gameplay. In this game, the turn-based combats employ a combo system, where combining inputs triggers Deathblows. Battles are always thrilling with the use of Gears, making every sci-fi journey more exciting. Unfortunately, the second disc of Xenogears seemed to have messed up the plot, but fortunately, the game still effectively conveyed a full storyline.

1.
Final Fantasy VII

Surprise, Surprise

Without a doubt, my preferred Final Fantasy game from the PlayStation 1 era is Final Fantasy IX. I understand why we only received Zidane’s game, and perhaps even Squall’s, since Final Fantasy VII was an unprecedented critical, commercial, and cultural sensation on a global scale. It remains the most renowned installment in the series, and its legendary status is well-deserved.

Final Fantasy VII offered an abundance of features and more, with the ATB (Active Time Battle) system making a return. Although I’m not particularly fond of how most characters share similarities outside their Limit Breaks, the Materia system was both practical and enjoyable to use.

However, its characters and plot resonated profoundly with an entire generation of gamers. To this day, the edgy protagonist Cloud Strife remains a highly acclaimed figure in JRPGs, while Sephiroth, the model for shampoo commercials, is still widely recognized as one of the most captivating and formidable antagonists.

It’s quite fascinating, I’d wager that many young players who first encountered FFVII years ago might not have fully grasped the storyline. They likely didn’t understand the intricacies of the Zack and Cloud relationship, and they were unaware that Jenova was orchestrating events from behind the scenes while a weakened Sephiroth resided in the North Crater.

However, none of that made a difference. What we craved were explosions, eco-terrorism, top-notch CGI, spectacle, and all things Michael Bay adores. And it delivered. Fortunately for SquareSoft and JRPG enthusiasts like us, FFVII proved to be successful. I’m relieved it was, since I never anticipated that years down the line, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth would rank among the top games of my lifetime. Despite my ongoing belief that Cloud remains a jerk.

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2025-05-14 20:44