Best PS1 Games With Character Creation, Ranked

Summary

Character creation in games allows players to fully immerse themselves in different worlds with customized avatars.
PS1 games like Harvest Moon, Blaze & Blade, and Breath of Fire offer limited but influential character creation options.
Titles like WWF War Zone and Fighter Maker show how character customization expanded to genres beyond RPGs.

As a gamer who has spent countless hours navigating through the digital landscapes of various consoles, I must say that the PlayStation 1 era was truly golden. The games developed during this time were not only groundbreaking but also provided us with an unprecedented level of customization and creativity.

One of the many joys of gaming is the ability to create original characters, and personalize them both physically and skill-wise, as a way for players to fully immerse themselves in a different world by becoming someone entirely new. Character creation in games is being implemented more and more. Plenty of games have a huge array of ways to customize avatars, from appearance to class to race.

On modern gaming platforms, role-playing games (RPGs), massively multiplayer online RPGs (MMORPGs), sports titles, and fighting games have significantly expanded their options for character customization. Nevertheless, even the PlayStation 1 had a variety of games that offered players some degree of freedom during gameplay. Here are some of the top PS1 games featuring character creation.

10. Harvest Moon: Back To Nature

One Of The Most Influential Farming Sims

As a devoted moviegoer dabbling in virtual agriculture, I’d say that “Harvest Moon: Back to Nature” is my go-to for farming simulators. In this captivating game, the objective is to construct and manage a flourishing farm, all while nurturing friendships and overcoming the hurdles of seasonal gameplay. This title has left an indelible mark in the gaming world, particularly inspiring the creation of “Stardew Valley.

In the game “Back to Nature”, it’s true that you can only alter the character’s name and birthday, but this was already a significant improvement compared to many other games from the same era. Even with these minimal changes, players often feel more immersed in the farming simulation aspects of the game. This initial step also paved the way for more customization options in future simulation games.

9. Blaze And Blade: Eternal Quest

A Prime Example Of Critic Vs User Opinion Clash

Platform: Windows, PlayStation 1
Release Date: January 29, 1998
Developer: T&E Soft
Genre: RPG

In the role-playing game titled “Blaze and Blade: Eternal Quest“, players lead a group of adventurers across the perilous “Forbidden Land,” seeking an ancient relic. Though it received unfavorable comments from critics, this title remains popular among PlayStation 1 gamers.

In Eternal Quest, players have the freedom to customize various aspects of their party members such as gender, name, class, defense mechanism, and speaking style. This allows players to experiment with multiple playstyles and combat techniques. The game is easy to grasp for newcomers, offering a taste of classic role-playing game (RPG) action without excessive gore or intricate mechanics.

8. Breath Of Fire 3

A Stylistic Jump For One Of Capcom’s RPG Franchises

In Breath of Fire 3, you follow the character Ryu (whose name can be changed), who is the last dragon shapeshifter or “Brood”, on his quest to uncover the mystery behind the disappearance of his race. The captivating narrative and intriguing characters complement the series’ evolution into 3D graphics, resulting in a fantastic gameplay experience.

In this game, the characters you control already have a fixed look and history, but you get to decide which skills or abilities they improve throughout the game by selecting “masters” who dictate their playstyle. Additionally, you can pick your character’s name at the start, offering a bit of personalization and immersion.

7. Wizardry 7: Crusaders Of The Dark Savant

Customize An Entire Party

When the mystical pen, known as the “Cosmic Forge,” was stolen, it unveiled a new planet, exposing the potent artifact, “Astral Dominae,” to the greedy grasp of the Dark Savant’s power-seeking forces. The player’s mission is to keep the Astral Dominae out of harmful hands by employing a mix of strategic turn-based combat and diplomatic tactics.

Similar to numerous other Role-Playing Games, Wizardry 7 empowers players by enabling them to manage an entire team. Each member of the party can be customized based on gender, race, and profession, and players decide where to allocate bonus abilities and skill points. Furthermore, as a follow-up to the previous game, Wizardry 7 offers the option for players to transfer their existing characters from Wizardry 6 into the new adventure.

6. Legend Of Mana

A Beautiful Precursor To Contemporary Open World Games

In the game known as “Legend of Mana”, the main character is assigned the mission to rejuvenate the realm of Fa’Diel following a destructive war, during which the vital Mana Tree was consumed in flames. A unique feature called “Land Make” allows the player to shape the world by strategically positioning Artifacts on a map.

In Legend of Mana, players are given the freedom to customize their character’s gender, name, and equipment, while their backstory remains a product of their imagination. This game offers an array of appealing aspects, such as companions, weapon crafting, and intriguing quests that span across varied and breathtaking landscapes. It’s a vibrant fantasy realm filled with whimsical touches that are sure to leave a lasting impression.

5. Diablo

The Origins Of An Iconic Franchise

Back in the day, I was among those who got hooked on the console version of Diablo, specifically the PlayStation 1 edition. For me, it was a game that left an indelible mark, and for good reason. You’d find yourself stepping into Tristram, a town eerily deserted after demons broke free from their prison beneath the monastery. The task then fell to you – the player – to vanquish the malevolent forces that were tearing humanity apart.

In this game, the player is given the chance to select among three initial classes: warrior, rogue, or sorcerer. As they advance through the game and gain levels, these basic characters can be further developed and specialized. This early character creation setup ultimately paved the way for extensive customization options that would later become a defining feature in the Diablo series.

4. WWF: War Zone

Create Your Own Persona And Wrestle!

Platform: PlayStation 1, Nintendo 64, Game Boy
Release Date: 1998
Developer: Iguana West
Genre: Fighting

In other words, Role-Playing Games (RPGs) aren’t the only type of games that involve character creation. For instance, “WWF: War Zone” is a combat game, focusing on wrestling, where players can assume the roles of famous figures in the wrestling world or create their own characters to fight with.

In the “Create Player” menu, users have the freedom to modify numerous aspects of their wrestler’s look. They can choose apparel, signature moves, and even select theme music. With this vast array of customizable options and a color slider, WWF: War Zone was actually quite progressive in character creation, offering similar depth as seen in The Sims.

3. Fighter Maker

Design Your Own Fight Style

Platform: PlayStation 1
Release Date: July 30, 1998
Developer: ASCII Entertainment
Genre: Fighting

Discussing the crafting of characters in fighting games, it’s hard not to mention the renowned game known as Fighter Maker. Unlike Street Fighter, where combat mechanics are standard, this game sets itself apart by granting players the freedom to design custom moves and animations for their fighter.

Following the principles of the Fighter Maker might take a fair amount of time due to its detailed design process. But don’t worry if you’re after just the basic fighting experience, as you can opt to play with the predefined characters instead. The “VS mode” brings about numerous chances for competitive gameplay and character customization, even allowing for some hilarious moments with deliberately absurd builds.

2. Armored Core

Customize And Pilot Giant Combat Robots

Platform: PlayStation 1
Release Date: July 310, 1997
Developer: FromSoftware
Genre: Third-person shooter

In the gaming sphere, FromSoftware has ascended to prominence, launching numerous critically acclaimed games like Dark Souls, Sekiro, and Elden Ring. However, it’s worth noting that their success didn’t start with these titles alone; they also had impressive early games, Armored Core being among them.

In a post-apocalyptic setting where various groups vie for power, you assume the character of a mech pilot, or “Armored Core.” You’re tasked with piloting these mechanical behemoths through diverse missions provided by clients. By successfully completing these tasks, you accrue funds that can be used to build, enhance, and personalize your units. Different components and armaments affect the weight and energy usage, as well as performance in various scenarios, giving players immense opportunities for customization.

1. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2

Become A Pro Skater Via Satisfying Gameplay

Known for its unforgettable soundtrack from the PS1 era, the Tony Hawk series offers both gamers and real-life skaters a chance to perform tricks like grinding, flipping, and hanging out in various edgy settings. By accomplishing tasks in career mode, players earn cash which they can use to unlock new equipment and levels. “Free skate” provides an open environment where players can try out their skills without restrictions or limitations.

In Pro Skater 2, the “design your own skater” option was introduced, allowing players to personalize their character’s history, appearance, clothing, and skateboard. Although it seems to be a game primarily designed for ’90s enthusiasts, its gameplay offers enjoyment for everyone with its rewarding (and somewhat addictive) mechanics.

2024-12-21 06:06