Top 8 Must-Play Action JRPGs on PS1 That Will Blow Your Mind!

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Summary

  • Final Fantasy 7 ushered in a new era for JRPGs on PS1 with its graphics, story, and battle system.
  • Brave Prove’s simplicity and sprite art make it a standout, though it was never released outside of Japan.
  • Tales of Destiny brought action-based gameplay to the PS1 and set the stage for future entries in the series.

The PlayStation 1 (PS1) is where many iconic turn-based Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs) found their home, significantly influencing the platform. To illustrate, nothing can surpass the influence of Final Fantasy 7 on the console, marking a new phase for the series and the RPG genre. With revolutionary graphics, a thought-provoking narrative, and adaptable battle mechanics, it’s no wonder it gained such widespread appeal.

Among the notable PlayStation 1 games featuring turn-based combat are “Breath of Fire 3”, “The Legend of Dragoon”, and “Wild Arms 2”. For action RPG enthusiasts, while the action JRPG sub-genre wasn’t as prevalent, there were still some excellent titles that stood out due to their overall quality.

8. Brave Prove

Hidden From The West

  • Developer: Data West
  • Publisher: Data West
  • Released: April 16, 1998 (Japan)
  • Platform: PS1

Brave Prove” is an old-school top-down action RPG that doesn’t aim for anything flashy, and that’s perfectly fine. Gamers are given a sword, allowed to explore dungeons and towns, level up, and the whole shebang. While its artwork might not have been impressive in 1998, the sprites help it remain more playable than many PlayStation 1 games today.

As a fervent enthusiast myself, I’d like to share that while Brave Prove didn’t get a global release, it has been graced with an English fan translation for those of us who are intrigued. For PlayStation 1 aficionados, I’d wholeheartedly recommend giving Community Pom a spin. It’s a more light-hearted, whimsical title that’s definitely worth your time.

7. Legend Of Mana

A Do It Yourself Adventure

One of the most intriguing games in the series is “Legend of Mana”. In this game, players start by selecting their weapon, after which it becomes akin to an interactive storybook with multiple paths. The artwork corresponds with the fairy-tale layout of the town and dungeon maps, allowing each player’s experience to be unique due to the rearrangeable map setup.

The location of the villages affects the narrative and design. It was tricky to follow in the past, and it can still be confusing without a guide. Ignoring the structure, it’s an enjoyable 2D action RPG for those who appreciate complex mechanics. Notably, there has been an updated version as well.

6. Tales Of Destiny

A First For A Second

The initial game in this collection, titled Tales of Phantasia, originally appeared on the SNES but wasn’t distributed in our region until a Game Boy Advance adaptation. Instead, it was Tales of Destiny that made its debut in North America first. Similar to other games in the series, Tales of Destiny combines traditional random battles with action-oriented gameplay.

In this game, the viewpoint remains two-dimensional, similar to many earlier versions that eventually transformed into three-dimensional environments. Although Tales of Destiny doesn’t hold the top spot in the series, it’s an enjoyable title for the PlayStation 1.

5. Parasite Eve 2

Even More Resident Evil

Initially, the original “Parasite Eve” was a turn-based game, but during waiting periods, players could roam confined battlefields. In contrast, “Parasite Eve 2” allows for free movement with Aya in combat scenarios, enabling real-time shooting. However, by pausing the game, players can activate Aya’s skills such as Pyrokinesis and water healing abilities.

In this new adventure, Aya joins a specialized FBI team focused on tracking down monsters rooted in mitochondria, taking her to a secret facility hidden beneath the Mojave Desert. The game, Parasite Eve 2, took Resident Evil-style elements like tank controls, real-time combat, and covert subterranean bunkers to new heights. Although it may not reach the iconic status of the original, it offers a captivating evolution for the series.

4. Threads Of Fate

Two Campaigns In One

Threads of Fate, developed by Squaresoft, is considered one of their less challenging games for the PlayStation 1. It provides two distinct storylines, allowing players to choose between Rue or Mint. Although they both traverse similar dungeons, their narratives take different turns. Rue is a more solemn character, armed with an axe-like weapon, and possesses the ability to transform into monstrous forms.

As a gaming enthusiast, I find Mint to be the quirkier character among the two, equipped with rings that unleash magical blasts and even the ability to cast full spells. Mint’s antics make her more engaging to watch, but I’d recommend playing through both campaigns because, given the game’s brevity, you won’t want to miss out on either of their unique experiences.

3. Brave Fencer Musashi

The Legend Of Samurai

Among the funniest RPGs on the PS1 featuring complete English dialogue is Brave Fencer Musashi. Although voiceovers were becoming more frequent during this period, it wasn’t always a given. The tale revolves around a young samurai named Musashi, who is called upon by a princess to defend her kingdom.

In this world, everyone, be they friends or foes, bears names inspired by various foods, much like in the “Dragon Ball” series. The gameplay shares similarities with “Zelda,” but it leans more towards action rather than puzzles. One of Musashi’s most impressive features is his ability to temporarily mimic enemy abilities, such as shrinking objects or bouncing around on his sword like a pogo stick.

2. Star Ocean: The Second Story

Sci-Fi And Fantasy Blended

The first installment of the Star Ocean series to reach the Western market followed its initial release on the SNES. In this game, elements of fantasy and science fiction were combined in a way reminiscent of a Star Trek episode. A spaceship full of explorers crashes onto an unspoiled planet that bears a striking resemblance to a world you might find in a Final Fantasy game.

In this game, players can traverse the world as they would in a typical JRPG of its time. However, when battles ensue, players gain the ability to move freely within the arena and engage in real-time combat, much like in the Tales of series. Initially released for the PSP with improvements from Star Ocean: Second Evolution, the optimal way to experience it now is through the complete remake on contemporary consoles titled Star Ocean: The Second Story R.

1. Castlevania: Symphony Of The Night

Taking The Series To The Next Level

Back in the day, I was thrilled when Castlevania: Symphony of the Night breathed new life into a beloved franchise that had been shining on the NES. Rather than a simple action game, this time around we welcomed back Alucard, Dracula’s son, who made his debut as a playable character in Castlevania 3: Dracula’s Curse.

In Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, Alucard’s arsenal expanded, enabling players to accumulate experience by battling monsters and outfit their character with gear. Additionally, newly acquired abilities enabled explorations into previously unreachable parts of Dracula’s castle, paving the way for the popularization of the Metroidvania gaming genre.

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2025-03-27 18:40