Most Beautiful Locations In PS1 Games

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Summary

  • PS1 games had visually stunning locations that still hold up today due to limitations pushing developers.
  • The original PlayStation showcased cities like Midgar and Raccoon City with beautiful and immersive designs.
  • Esthar in Final Fantasy 8 stands out as the most futuristic and grandest city in the entire series on the PlayStation.

For younger gamers, it’s easy to imagine the original PlayStation as a console featuring antiquated graphics due to its release before their time. However, this assumption would be inaccurate. While the PS1 did have hardware limitations beyond our comprehension today, these constraints actually pushed developers to reach the pinnacle of their artistic abilities. The outcome was some of the most visually stunning game environments ever created, which remain impressive even by today’s standards.

It’s doubtful that modern graphics in the “Final Fantasy” series evoke the same emotional response as Midgar did for gamers discovering “Final Fantasy 7.” Although the series now boasts more advanced visuals, it remains questionable if they can resonate with new players as deeply as the original PlayStation’s best-looking locales did.

7. Midgar (Final Fantasy 7)

The First In A Long Line Of Beautiful Fantasies

The “Final Fantasy” series has made a significant visual advancement, with improvements in both 3D and pre-rendered backdrops. However, even by today’s standards, “Final Fantasy 7” was incredibly impressive when it first released. While modern players might not find it visually stunning, those born in the late ’80s and early ’90s will recall how breathtaking it was to witness a shift from the traditional medieval-like setting of “Final Fantasy” to a full-fledged steampunk world, which didn’t seem out of place.

Midgar presents a striking contrast, with its bleak and dystopian landscapes illuminated by neon lights powered by generators that drain the planet’s vitality. Despite this, it boasts intimate, comforting nooks designed for everyday citizens even in the most unanticipated locations. This city was where the PlayStation 1 truly began to excel.

6. Raccoon City (Resident Evil 2 & 3)

Surprisingly Pleasing

The first installment of Resident Evil revolutionized how gamers experienced horror games, but it didn’t drastically alter their perceptions of horror. Although the Spencer mansion from the initial game had a good design, it wasn’t particularly breathtaking. In contrast, Resident Evil 2 and 3 were visually stunning, even if the zombie-infested scenes occasionally obscured their beauty.

Throughout the game, Raccoon City’s police station may grab all the attention, but the entire city is visually stunning due to its meticulously designed and vividly rendered surroundings. Players who appreciate this aspect should also consider playing the remake of Resident Evil 1, as it does an excellent job in recreating the iconic Spencer Mansion.

5. Alexandria (Final Fantasy 9)

Peak Pre-Rendered Res

In the role of a gamer, I’d say: “Compared to the gritty, futuristic Midgar from Final Fantasy 7, Alexandria, where my adventure in Final Fantasy 9 begins, feels like a breath of fresh air. Instead of beauty hiding a dark truth, Alexandria is a charming, medieval-inspired town that’s as classic and comfortable as the games in this series get. It sets the perfect tone for this game, with its cozy vibes that players can immediately immerse themselves in.

As a gamer myself, I can confidently say that if you’re a fan of the original Alexandria and yearn to see it in high definition, consider yourself lucky! Among all games from the PS1 trilogy, this is the one and only title that received a remaster that truly does justice to the stunning pre-rendered visuals of the game, presenting them in all their true HD glory.

4. The Abyss (Soul Reaver)

Harrowingly Beautiful

At the onset of the game, Soul Reaver, the Abyss serves as a backdrop for one of the most harsh and violent scenes ever depicted in gaming. Remarkably, its beauty only amplifies this grim spectacle, making it no less captivating to behold. Be it in the game’s initial cutscene or during subsequent player encounters, the Abyss is not just a hauntingly beautiful sight, but also a tribute to the original PlayStation’s power when utilized effectively. Those yearning to experience the lingering enchantment of the Abyss can now do so in stunning high-definition detail with the remastered versions of Soul Reaver 1 & 2.

3. Lea Monde (Vagrant Story)

SquareSoft’s Beautiful Twist

Following the awe-inspiring Final Fantasy 8, gamers anticipated SquareSoft to consistently deliver superior pre-rendered backdrops. However, with Vagrant Story, the company opted to forgo the reliance on pre-rendered backdrops for stunning visuals and instead chose the full 3D route. The outcome is no less spectacular than any of its previous works with pre-rendered backdrops, and now players can even manipulate the camera for a more immersive experience of the landscapes. Regrettably, Vagrant Story failed to sell as much as it should have, but this underrated gem is definitely worth exploring.

2. Lara’s Home (Tomb Raider Trilogy)

Simple And Gorgeous

In a slightly different wording, here’s the The tutorial sections often lack excitement, but it’s surprising because Core Solutions mastered the art back in 1996 when they designed Lara’s enormous English manor as the tutorial area for the first Tomb Raider game. Not only did this fit thematically, but it also provided unspoken character insights. This individual values having a well-equipped gym at home over showcasing the wealth associated with British nobility, yet they still appreciate aesthetic charm.

In the initial game, Lara Croft’s manor is stunning, but it keeps improving throughout the series. Unfortunately, numerous games within the series miss out on showcasing their unique interpretations of this historically captivating location.

1. Esthar (Final Fantasy 8)

The Future Was 1999

Among the locations in PlayStation history, it could be argued that the city that left the developers of its visually stunning games breathless and inspired them to think “What a remarkable city” is worth highlighting. The city that stands out most in Final Fantasy 8 is Esthar, the largest and most advanced metropolis in the game, and arguably the grandest city across the entire series.

The cities in the Final Fantasy series might have become more visually stunning, but none on the PlayStation 2 managed to match the grandeur and aesthetic appeal of Esthar. While the cities in Final Fantasy 9 boast higher resolution than Esthar, it’s the inspired design that makes Esthar a tough act to follow.

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2025-07-25 09:34