8 PS1 RPGs That Divided Fans But Are Still Must-Play Classics!

The PS1 is known as the cradle of the golden era for JRPGs, particularly with the phenomenal success of “Final Fantasy 7”, which made this genre highly lucrative for the console. From SquareSoft’s array of fantastic games to other developers offering immersive role-playing experiences, it’s no wonder that many players hold a special affection for RPGs on the original PlayStation.

It’s understandable that not every RPG on this platform has garnered the same degree of affection as the console’s top-tier games. Fortunately, they possess enough quality that it encourages players to try them out, even with their flaws.

8. Koudelka

The Combat Is A Slog But The Story And Atmosphere Make Up For It

Koudelka is a JRPG that came before the Shadow Hearts series, offering an atmospheric gothic role-playing experience filled with a gripping plot and unforgettable characters. Yet, some players find its battle system to be quite sluggish.

To truly savor the overall journey in the game titled “Koudelka“, players might need to persevere through its challenging battles. However, if players can tolerate or bypass the combat aspect, they’ll find themselves immersed in a captivating narrative that the game offers.

7. Final Fantasy 8

The Junction System May Be Broken, But Fans Don’t Mind As Long As They Get To Enjoy The Game’s Stellar Visuals

Many people recognize that the Junction system in Final Fantasy 8 has its flaws and can be quite demanding, especially when players have to draw 100 units of each spell. Adding to this challenge is a narrative that can seem illogical at times, which contributes significantly to why some find the game challenging or frustrating.

Generally speaking, many individuals adore this game due to its stunning graphics and characters that possess greater complexity than one might initially expect. Players can easily empathize with Squall’s internal struggles, as he develops into a leader and ultimately saves the world from Ultimecia’s time compression.

6. Chrono Cross

The Sequel Was Never Going To Live Up To The Legacy Of Chrono Trigger

Chrono Cross was a highly anticipated game among fans, as it followed the legacy of what many consider the best JRPG ever made. Yet, many found themselves not fully appreciating the numerous changes from its predecessor, Chrono Trigger. From battle screen transitions to an expansive cast that could sometimes feel overwhelming for players, these alterations were points of contention for some.

It was inevitable that Chrono Cross would face many comparisons, but those who evaluate this RPG as a standalone game will appreciate how captivating the title is on its own merit. As players approach the game with reasonable expectations, they’ll find themselves enjoying playing Chrono Cross and exploring its intricate narrative.

5. Xenogears

The Second Half Of The Story Runs Out Of Steam, But The Journey Is Still Worthwhile Regardless

Players find themselves either thrilled or frustrated by the game Xenogears, depending on their personal experiences. The initial part offers a captivating narrative and compelling characters, but unfortunately, the latter half struggles under the burden of its lofty aspirations.

Although the narrative might become overly explanatory at this stage, the experience remains unique and cherished by numerous gamers. To this day, Xenogears stands as a radiant illustration of a JRPG from the PS1 era that, with more thoughtful development, could have been extraordinary. Nevertheless, it continues to be an engaging option for enthusiasts of this specific genre.

4. Parasite Eve 2

The Game Is Great In Its Own Right, Even If The Gameplay Changes Were Frowned Upon By Many

In light of the success of “Resident Evil” on the PlayStation 1, SquareSoft opted to incorporate aspects of this genre into the sequel for “Parasite Eve”. However, the tank controls can be a bit tricky to adapt to, as they seem like a regression compared to the straightforward yet engaging turn-based combat system in the original game.

For those prepared to adapt to its challenging combat system, playing Parasite Eve 2 is an enjoyable experience. It’s a respectable sequel that continues Aya Brea’s adventure and marks the last quality game in this series until The 3rd Birthday‘s underperformance put the series on hiatus for quite some time.

3. Revelations: Persona

The Dungeon Crawling Can Get Grating, But Players Forgive This Game For Its Fun Story

Initially, before the “Persona” series gained momentum with its third installment, it was merely a spin-off of “Shin Megami Tensei,” featuring high school students who team up to combat supernatural perils. The first game in the series, “Revelations: Persona,” experienced issues such as a frequent encounter rate and lengthy battles, which could make the journey feel laborious.

Players who persevere through some of the game’s less compelling aspects will be captivated by its engaging storyline and well-developed characters, which have the potential to gain mainstream recognition in a remake. With Persona‘s current popularity at an all-time high, it’s not hard to understand why fans are eager to experience a significant installment in the series that laid the groundwork for this spinoff to surpass the original in prominence.

2. Vagrant Story

The Title Has Immaculate Vibes, Even If The Gameplay Systems Can Be Overly Complex

It’s not hard to question whether or not Vagrant Story was divisive initially, but it’s clear that its complex battle system and inopportune launch period made the game largely overlooked by many players.

Many JRPG enthusiasts who initially overlooked it should definitely give this game a try due to its outstanding localization and tactical combat. As players invest in keeping their gear current and become engrossed in the narrative, they’ll discover that navigating the world of Ivalice is an enthralling journey that will hold their interest right up until the final moments.

1. Persona 2: Eternal Punishment

Failed To Live Up To The Standards Of Its Predecessor, But The Amazing Gameplay Makes Up For It

Many devoted fans of Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs) highly regard “Persona 2: Innocent Sin” as one of the finest entries in the series, yet it often gets unfairly dismissed. On the other hand, opinions on its successor tend to be more divided.

Some individuals appreciate the enhanced gameplay mechanics and increased difficulty, while others are less enamored with a storyline that revisits familiar themes. Yet, the narrative of “Innocent Sin” is incompletely understood without playing “Eternal Punishment“. Even though it may not be as exceptional as the initial “Persona 2” game for some, it will still astonish fans.

2025-01-19 20:07