Best PS1 Tactical JRPGs

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of experience under my belt, I must say that these three games have left a lasting impression on me, each in its unique way.

1994 marked my entry into a golden era of gaming with the unveiling of Sony’s iconic PlayStation. This little gray box revolutionized the world, introducing me and countless others to timeless characters like Lara Croft, Crash Bandicoot, Spyro the Dragon, and numerous others. It wasn’t just about games; it was also the shift from cartridges to compact discs, paving the way for a long line of successful sequels that continues today.

Among over 4000 game titles launched, a significant number were role-playing games, ranging from popular choices like Final Fantasy to less known ones such as Jade Cocoon. One subcategory of this vast library that garnered as much affection as strategic positions is the tactical RPG, where strategy and careful planning played crucial roles in achieving victory. Here are some top tactical RPGs from the PlayStation 1 era.

6 Breath of Fire III

Unleash The Dragon Within

Best PS1 Tactical JRPGs

Turn-based combat speed based on the agility stat.
Swap the party’s formation to gain an advantage.

First introduced by Capcom back in 1997 on PlayStation consoles, Breath of Fire III furthered the adventures and lore of Ryu, a unique character belonging to a lineage capable of transforming into dragons. The game received acclaim for its immersive storyline set in a vibrant Medieval-style fantasy realm, as well as its intricate tactical and strategic turn-based combat system.

In hostile environments or dungeons, players may encounter enemies unexpectedly as they journey. During these encounters, players must choose actions like attack, defend, or cast spells at the start of each turn. The outcome of these actions depends on a character’s agility stat. Additionally, players can utilize the formation system to arrange their characters strategically for various benefits, which can give them an edge in upcoming battles.

5 Vagrant Story

Unique Tactical Combat Set In A Surprisingly Dark World

Lets players target specific limbs within range.
Features a deep crafting system and roguelite elements.

Back in the year 2000, I found myself on the ominous side of the Final Fantasy universe, delving into the gritty world of Vagrant Story for PlayStation. Developed by SquareSoft, this game puts you in the boots of Ashley Riot, a hard-boiled Riskbreaker. My mission? Unravel the sinister secrets of the long-lost city of Lea Mondé, where an ominous power lurks within its crumbling stone walls, giving birth to monsters and reanimating the dead. As I progressed, I navigated a maze of intricate rooms teeming with enemies, tricky puzzles, and deadly traps – all as twisted as the story unfolding before me.

In combat situations, Ashley’s distinctive Battle Mode offers a pause feature, enabling him to aim and attack specific body parts of nearby opponents. This system takes into account factors like terrain elevation as well. Additionally, there’s an intricate crafting system that enables players to disassemble and reassemble weapons for improved efficiency against specific foes. Overcoming a boss introduces a roguelike element, where a random stat is amplified by a lucky wheel spin, which can significantly impact the gameplay experience.

4 Lunar: Silver Star Story Complete

A Playable Anime Full Of Charm And High Stakes

Move around the battlefield to gain an advantage.
Find the right time to strike and know when to withdraw.

In 1998, the game “Lunar: Silver Star Story Complete” by Game Arts was launched for PlayStation, earning praise for its rich and vibrant setting, full-motion video scenes, and excellent English script. Beyond these aspects, it’s a classic top-down adventure with sprites, where you guide Alex, a small-town boy destined to become the next Dragonmaster of the world.

In this game, you’ll frequently come across various monsters as you progress, similar to the style found in games like Final Fantasy or Dragon Quest. However, what sets this title apart is the option to utilize a turn to maneuver on the battlefield for a better position. This transforms encounters into something akin to a chess game, with a risk/reward system that demands players to approach enemies to attack them. Making the right moves – whether to strike or move away – is vital to gameplay, creating an atmosphere of strategic, suspenseful combat.

3 Grandia

Explore A Fantasy World With A Technological Twist

Sneak up on enemies in the field to gain an advantage.
Raise Skill Levels to use a variety of weapons.

Launched by Game Arts for the PlayStation in 1999, Grandia became a significant foundation for numerous strategic JRPGs in future years. Unlike many other games set in Medieval times, this one is set in a fantasy world on the brink of technological advancement. The protagonist is Justin, a youth from the humble village of Parm, who finds himself on a quest to uncover the mysteries surrounding an ancient civilization, after inheriting a magical stone.

As you traverse the game world, you’ll encounter monsters in the open areas, ready for battle whenever you tap them. However, strategic opportunities arise before fights start; astute players can surprise their opponents by sneaking up from behind. This tactic works both ways, so it’s essential to stay vigilant and begin each fight with an advantage.

2 Xenogears

Mechs Meets Martial Arts

Features a unique combo system that’s almost like a fighting game.
Strategically switch to mech-based combat to gain an advantage.

Released in 1998 by SquareSoft for the PlayStation console, “Xenogears” shares similarities with popular JRPGs of that era, like “Final Fantasy” and “Chrono Trigger”. It employed an adapted version of their signature Active Time Battle system for turn-based combat, but with a twist – it incorporated martial arts elements, allowing players to execute combos reminiscent of fighting games such as “Tekken”. This distinctive blend was seamlessly integrated into the game’s narrative, which was heavily influenced by Jungian psychology, maintaining a consistent tone throughout the gameplay experience.

In the game Xenogears, there are two main battle styles – ordinary fights with human characters, and grand battles with colossal robots known as ‘Gears’. These Gears significantly boost the team’s powers, but they need to be used wisely since they consume fuel and their attack power relies on a build-up of Attack Level. Strategy is crucial in deciding when to deploy these Gears or rely on fists, and mastering this aspect adds another layer to the gameplay experience, all before delving into the captivating narrative.

1 Final Fantasy Tactics

The Classic Job System Meets Strategic Battles

A chess-like battle system lets players choose where and when to move.
Features 20 iconic Jobs from the Final Fantasy series.

In 1997, Square Enix, three years prior to the release of its sequel, introduced a standalone game titled “Final Fantasy Tactics” that was set in the same universe as “Vagrant Story”. This game is part of the Ivalice Alliance series and focuses on the story of Ramza Beoulve who navigates the repercussions of the Fifty Years War between the realms of Ivalice and Ordalia.

In contrast to the typical random encounters in the series, battles within Final Fantasy Tactics occur on a three-dimensional, isometric grid. Players have the freedom to move their characters around the battlefield similar to a chess game, with their moves and actions contingent upon the chosen job class they’ve leveled up. The strategic aspect lies in assembling an effective team by assigning appropriate job classes for various scenarios, as a well-balanced squad can significantly influence the outcome of each fight.

2024-08-31 11:44