Top 10 Ranked JRPGs for PS1

In a dramatic turn of events, Sony found itself compelled to sever ties with Nintendo, leading to the independent launch of the PlayStation 1. Against all expectations, this move resulted in remarkable success for Sony.

The PS1 combined an impressive game library, robust support from third-party developers, innovative 3D graphics, and cutting-edge CD-ROM technology, revolutionizing the gaming industry and establishing Sony as a formidable player in the gaming landscape.

Hailing from Japan, the PS1 boasted an extensive collection of games crafted by talented Japanese developers. Among these gems, my personal favorite genre—JRPGs—took center stage. While I first discovered JRPGs on the SNES, my true connection to the genre blossomed on the PS1.

This article celebrates the most exceptional JRPGs for the PS1, presenting a curated ranking that is as heartfelt as it is subjective, highlighting the reasoning behind my selections while ensuring a diverse representation by including only one title from any given series.

10 Grand

The First Twists to Turn-Based Combat

Players new to Grandia on contemporary platforms might be surprised by the leisurely pace of the game’s early moments. Expect to spend one to two hours navigating vibrant landscapes and engaging in dialogue with characters Justin and Sue before delving into the action.

However, if your focus in a JRPG lies within dynamic gameplay, I encourage you to persevere, as the first battle in Grandia reveals the series’ unique charm.

The game’s turn-based combat system incorporates real-time elements. A timeline drives character actions, and players can strategically prevent enemies from retaliating. Coupled with a creative magic system that allows for the mixing of spells, the combat is both engaging and enriching.

Grandia stands out for its lighter narrative tone, as Justin’s adventurous spirit leads him on a quest to discover an ancient civilization while evading the nefarious Garlyle Forces army.

9 Wild Arms

The Wild West in the JRPG World

While Alundra mirrored Link’s escapades on Sony’s console, it was Wild Arms that seamlessly blended dungeon puzzles with classic JRPG gameplay, all enveloped within a captivating wild west aesthetic.

Your journey begins as players control Rudy, Jack, and Cecilia—three characters with distinct combat styles and exploration methods. In dungeons and on the world map, players utilize artifacts to enrich their adventure, embodying the spirit of pioneers in a scavenger-themed quest.

Ultimately, these three heroes unite to explore Filgaia while fending off demonic threats. Expect copious JRPG conventions such as powerful summons, character progression towards godlike abilities, and a narrative deeply rooted in character backstories.

The game’s ingenious use of dungeons and the Tools mechanic represent its hallmark features, alongside a memorable plot twist that left a lasting impression on players, including myself.

8 Valkyrie Profile

Recruiting Dead Party Members

Valkyrie Profile masterfully weaves Norse mythology with a distinctly Eastern storytelling flair. While the main plot revolves around a central conflict, it places heavy emphasis on the development of its diverse cast of secondary characters.

My initial encounter with Valkyrie Profile left me bewildered by the intricacies of recruiting fallen heroes, many of whom met grisly, offscreen fates that were far from suitable for a ten-year-old player.

What drew me in was the engaging turn-based battle system where players dictate character actions, executing unique combos to unleash special attacks.Despite the repetitive voice line “Nibelung Valesti, ”the excitement never faded.

However, the journey to unlock the true ending remains a frustrating challenge to this day. As Lenneth the Valkyrie, your objective is recruiting allies to contend with Ragnarok, the impending doom of the Norse realm. The obscure requirements for achieving the optimal conclusion can leave many players feeling disheartened.

7 Star Ocean: The Second Story

The Clash Between Sci-Fi and Fantasy

Choosing between a sci-fi or fantasy background shapes your experience in Star Ocean: The Second Story, where protagonists Claude and Rena hail from starkly different worlds. While this choice does not significantly influence the central narrative, they soon unite around a common mission.

Exploring the tensions between sci-fi and fantasy serves as a thematic backbone in the Star Ocean series, informing the lore, dialogue, and character interactions. One standout attribute is its innovative progression system, one of the most dynamic and occasionally game-breaking within the genre.

Item Creation mechanics offer extensive customization options that can fundamentally alter gameplay within a few hours, providing a unique opportunity for speedrunners.

The leap in creativity and ambition from the original Star Ocean to its sequel is palpable. Each protagonist possesses distinctive weapons, skills, and personalities contributing to a richly woven narrative that spans across two planets, complete with numerous side quests influencing character dynamics.

Action-oriented combat introduces another layer of complexity, refreshing players who have grown weary of traditional turn-based systems—a stark contrast to the contemporary shift towards real-time gameplay. Although not fully realized, Star Ocean has maintained a devoted fan base that yearns for greater development of its universe.

6 The Legend of Dragoon

The PS1 JRPG Swansong

My close friend, Shuhei Yoshida, once remarked that remaking The Legend of Dragoon would be as monumental as revamping Final Fantasy VII. While unfortunate, I comprehend his sentiment. This JRPG launched during the twilight of the PS1 era, showcasing its technical capabilities but missing the timing for a broader audience.

As a Brazilian player, I experienced The Legend of Dragoon in a bubble, relishing the stunning graphics and grand narrative scale, particularly the unique mechanic of rhythmic inputs during combat.

This JRPG felt ambitious beyond any I had encountered up to that point, leading me to anticipate long-term acclaim. However, its release coincided with a transition towards Sony’s next-generation console, which overshadowed its legacy. One can only hope The Legend of Dragoon receives the recognition it deserves in the future.

5 Suikoden II

Long live the Resistance

In a gaming landscape filled with fantastical worlds and epic sci-fi narratives, Suikoden stands out with its focus on realistic political intrigue and character-driven storytelling.

Popular among fans, Suikoden II is often hailed as one of the premier JRPGs of its time. While I don’t fully agree, I appreciate its influence on the genre—how many games from that era allowed players to recruit 108 characters while upgrading their base and unlocking new features?

In turn-based combat, while many characters share similar fighting styles, players can chain specific characters to unleash powerful combos. Equipping runes enhances capabilities, enriching gameplay options.

The game’s antagonist, Luca, is particularly noteworthy. He embodies the essence of villainy without a tragic backstory to justify his actions, simply committing atrocities out of ambition, which offers players a deeply satisfying narrative motivation for conflict.

4 Breath of Fire III

The Love of My Life

If you grew up in the 90s or earlier, chances are you have at least one nostalgic favorite game. For me, it’s Breath of Fire III, a title that resonated deeply with me and inspired me to adopt “Ryu”as my go-to gamer tag.

While my affection for the game stems partly from its dragon-transformation mechanic, Breath of Fire III expanded on its predecessors by offering a rich coming-of-age narrative centered on self-discovery.

The turn-based battles, while random, occurred within the same vibrant environments, creating a unique charm. Each character had their strengths and weaknesses, customizable through the game’s distinctive master system.

The time skip mechanic added depth, showcasing Ryu’s growth from a child to an adult as the world around him evolved. While some may argue that Breath of Fire IV surpassed it in quality, the third installment holds a special place in my heart.

3 Chrono Cross

Not Trigger, and That’s Good

I proudly declare my preference for Chrono Cross over its prequel, Chrono Trigger—a stance that invites both agreement and disagreement. The flimsy connection between the two titles allows Chrono Cross to blossom into a narrative uniquely its own.

This JRPG transports players across dual realities. In one, protagonist Serge enjoys the mundane; in the other, he is already dead. The narrative unfolds as those who wish to prevent his survival ensure his demise.

What follows is one of the most captivating tales found in any PS1 JRPG, a mix of oddities and complexities that cohesively work together within the game’s framework.

With over 40 playable characters, each contributing unique skills and motivations, the gameplay emphasizes the far-reaching effects of Serge’s existence—or lack thereof—on the world.

If you’ve held back from exploring Chrono Cross due to its differences from Trigger, consider revisiting it with an open mind and appreciate the narrative as a standalone entity rather than a mere sequel.

2 Xenogears

Dark Themes at Their Best

If my previous description of Chrono Cross as bizarre and intricate was merely an introduction, consider Xenogears the full evolution of that complexity. This JRPG tackles profound concepts of philosophy, religion, psychology, and even nihilism, presenting a tapestry of rich storytelling.

Players follow protagonist Fei Fong Wong, whose peaceful life is shattered by an assault from hostile Gears. The explosiveness of his early experiences propels him down a path of self-discovery and turmoil.

Originally intended as the fifth installment in Takahashi’s expansive saga, Xenogears remains a standalone effort that continues to influence the narrative structures of his subsequent titles, such as Xenosaga and Xenoblade.

Combat in Xenogears features a turn-based system with combos that unlock devastating moves, while battles involving Gears add an exhilarating sci-fi twist. Despite the narrative’s shortcomings in its second disc, the storytelling remains largely intact.

1 Final Fantasy VII

Surprise, Surprise

While my personal favorite from the PS1 era is Final Fantasy IX, I recognize that the franchise owes its widespread recognition to the undeniable impact of Final Fantasy VII—an iconic and universally acclaimed title that broke new ground.

This game encapsulates everything a JRPG should be. With the return of the ATB system and the introduction of a seamlessly integrated Materia system, gameplay feels both functional and entertaining.

However, it’s the characters and the overarching plot that left an indelible mark on a generation. Cloud Strife remains an archetype of a beloved protagonist, while the legendary villain Sephiroth captivates audiences with his charisma and complexity.

Interestingly, many young players from its initial launch likely missed the deeper narrative connections, including the intricacies surrounding Zack and Cloud, or the shadowy manipulations of Jenova within the plot.

Yet, none of that diminished the thrill fans sought—spectacular visuals, thrilling eco-terrorist themes, and cinematic moments that resonated widely. Ultimately, the impact of Final Fantasy VII cannot be overstated, and with the recent release of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, the legacy persists, thrilling both new and old fans alike—a fitting testament to its enduring influence.

Source & Images