Good old PS1 hosted many legendary RPG games. Final Fantasy is the most famous one among many other great PS1 RPGs. I think it’s time to make a list of the best PS1 RPG games.
Are we late? Nah, I don’t think so. These games are old but gold. Almost all of them are cult classic games worth re-visiting. One can even say, PS1 role playing games age like a fine wine!
Finding discs and a working PS1 might be a challenge. However, you can play all of them on your computer thanks to PCSX emulator. It’s optimized and now working perfectly.
Let’s cut to the chase already. There, top 20 PS1 RPG games that must be played:
1. Final Fantasy Series
The Final Fantasy series is considered by many to be the best RPG franchise on the PS1. Because of its compelling storylines, memorable characters, and innovative gameplay. It was revolutionary for that time.
The series spans over a dozen games on the platform, each with their own unique worlds and themes. Countless memorable characters.
Final Fantasy VII, in particular, is often cited as one of the greatest RPGs of all times. It is also ported to PC, Xbox, and PS5 in 2020 – 2021 as Final Fantasy VII remake.
2. Breath of Fire Series
The Breath of Fire series is a well-regarded RPG franchise on the PS1, known for its colorful graphics, unique characters, and engaging storylines.
The series spanned 2 games on PS1, Breath of Fire III and IV. First two games were available only on SNES and Game Boy Advance.
The games offer turn-based combat, exploration, and puzzle-solving, and rich story.
Its anime-inspired look is cute!
3. Legend of Mana
Legend of Mana is one of the best RPGs on the PS1. Games beautiful visuals, epic music, and innovative gameplay mechanics make it memorable.
The game features a unique world-building system. You create your own map by placing different artifacts in different locations. This system adds a level of personalization which makes its world unique for whoever is playing.
It also does have a multiplayer mode. You should consider playing Legend of Mana with friends, family, or the loved ones.
4. Chrono Cross
Chrono Cross is a another popular PS1 role-playing game. It’s developed by Square, a studio later merged with Enix Corp. and created Square Enix.
You control Serge, a young man who finds himself transported to an alternate dimension where he died as a child. Serge must embark on a quest to uncover the mysteries of this parallel world and restore the balance of the dimensions.
Along the way, he meets a diverse cast of characters, some of whom can join his party and aid him in his journey. Combat mechanics are party based.
A remaster of the game, titled Chrono Cross: The Radical Dreamers Edition was released in 2022.
5. Parasite Eve
Parasite Eve is an ARPG with horror elements, also created by Square. Basically, the game is a blend of real-time action and traditional RPG elements such as leveling up and equipment upgrades.
Player character is Aya Brea, a New York City police officer who finds herself caught in the middle of a deadly biological outbreak. It is caused by an ancient organism called Eve that awakens from its slumber.
You can navigate through the city, fight mutated creatures, and uncover the secrets behind the outbreak.
6. Xenogears
Xenogears is another role-playing game developed by Square for the PlayStation classic. Looks like Square holds monopoly over PS1 RPGs.
The game takes place in a world where two rival nations are engaged in a war. They use mechanized weapons called gears.
Main protagonist is Fei Fong Wong, a young man who suffers from amnesia and is drawn into a conflict that threatens to consume the entire world. As he uncovers the truth behind his past, Fei becomes embroiled in a cosmic struggle between powerful beings known as the Gazel Ministry and an ancient civilization that was destroyed thousands of years ago.
Overall, it’s a philosophical game that explores the religion, and the nature of humanity.
7. Legend of Dragoon
Legend of Dragoon is a Japanese RPG developed by Sony Computer Entertainment for the PlayStation console. It’s one of those games where you can play as dragon.
The story follows a young warrior named Dart, who seeks revenge against the Black Monster that destroyed his hometown and killed his parents. Along the way, he meets other characters who join him on his journey, and they discover a conspiracy involving an evil empire and an ancient god of destruction.
8. Vagrant Story
Vagrant Story is just another RPG developed by Square. Main protagonist is Ashley Riot, an elite agent of a religious organization. He investigates a mysterious cult and a man named Sydney Losstarot. A self-professed prophet.
The game is set in the fictional city of Leá Monde, a ruined city filled with dangerous creatures. You must go in and investigate!
9. Vandal Hearts
Vandal Hearts is a tactical RPG developed by Konami for the PlayStation console.
The story follows a young warrior named Ash Lambert, who leads a group of rebels against a corrupt government. Minister of Defense, evil sorcerer named Hel Spites must be defeated. Story was ahead of its time.
Story has multiple endings and moral choices that affect the outcome of the game.
10. Lunar Series
Lunar is a classic RPG serie that follows the adventures of a young adventurer named Alex. Who is on a quest to become a Dragonmaster. Along with his friends, Luna and Nall, Alex sets out to collect the four elemental dragons.
Throughout the series, you explore different regions of the world, fight various monsters, and collect items to strengthen your characters.
11. Granstream Saga
The Granstream Saga is an action-adventure RPG that takes place in a world where magic and technology coexist, just like Technomage.
In game you take on the role of a young boy called Eon who must use his magical abilities to defeat an evil empire and restore peace.
Along the way, Eon meets a cast of interesting characters, explores mystical locations, and uncovers the truth about his own mysterious past.
12. Star Ocean: The Second Story
Star Ocean: The Second Story is an action RPG that follows the journey of Claude C. Kenni, and Rena Lanford. They explore different planets and battle against various monsters and enemies.
The game takes place in a universe where humans have discovered the power of space travel and have colonized many planets. You’ll be encountering many different alien species along the way.
It’s the first Star Ocean game created for PlayStation Classic. After completing Star Ocean: The Second Story, you can play 2022 release Star Ocean The Divine Force on PC, PS5, or Xbox.
13. Grandia
Grandia is a PS1 JRPG that follows the story of a young adventurer named Justin, who dreams of becoming an adventurer like his father.
I used to be an adventurer like you, then I took an arrow in the knee.
Along with his childhood friend Sue, Justin sets out on a journey to explore the world and discover the secrets of an ancient civilization.
As he travels, Justin learns about the power of magic and meets a diverse cast of characters who join him on his quest. Together, they uncover the dark secrets of an evil organization known as the Garlyle Forces and work to stop them from taking over the world.
14. Wild Arms
Wild Arms is a Western-themed role-playing video game that takes place in the fantasy world of Filgaia.
Story is about journey of a group of adventurers, including the gunslinging hero Rudy, the magic-wielding princess Cecilia, and the treasure hunter Jack. They try to prevent an evil race of creatures called the Metal Demons from taking over the world.
The game introduces a unique system for using weapons called the ARMs (Ancient Relic Machines). It’s all ancient technology.
15. Suikoden
Suikoden is a role-playing video game created by Konami. Story of the game follows a young man named Tir McDohl, who becomes embroiled in a war between the Empire and the City-States of Jowston. There are many playable characters, including mercenaries, magicians, and other adventurers.
Also, spiritual successor of the game called Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes is set to release in 2023.
16. Eternal Eyes
Another PS1 RPG, but this time it’s mostly focused on strategy.
The story of Eternal Eyes centers around a young boy named Luke who has the ability to use magical puppets called madoshi.
When his village is attacked by an evil sorcerer named Zara, Luke’s parents are killed, and he sets out on a journey to avenge their deaths. Along the way, he meets a girl named Elena who is also searching for Zara, and the two team up to defeat him.
17. Saga Frontier
The story of Saga Frontier follows seven different protagonists, each with their own storyline that eventually intertwines with the others.
Game itself takes place in a world where the magical power of Asellus has the ability to grant immortality, but at a cost. As the main characters journey through this world, they encounter a variety of different characters, including the members of criminal syndicate Black X. Unfortunately, Black X members killed the family of main protagonists. So, this is also a revenge story.
18. Legend of Legaia
The story of Legend of Legaia takes place in a world where humanity lives in isolated villages surrounded by mist.
Player characters is a young man named Vahn, who discovers that he has the ability to use seru, Seru are powerful creatures that can grant special abilities to their hosts. Almost like JoJo stands.
Vahn sets out to save the world from a great evil known as the Mist. T
Sequel of the game is called Legaia 2: Duel Saga and can be played on PS2.
19. Brave Fencer Musashi
Brave Fencer Musashi is a PS1 action RPG that follows the story of a young swordsman named Musashi. Who is summoned from another world to save the kingdom of Allucaneet from an evil wizard named the Wizard of Darkness.
Along the way, Musashi meets a cast of colorful characters and collects powerful swords, which he can use to defeat enemies and solve puzzles.
As he travels through the game’s world, Musashi must explore dungeons, defeat bosses, and ultimately save the kingdom from the Wizard of Darkness.
20. Thousand Arms
Thousand Arms is a PS1 JRPG that takes place in a world called Meisheit, where magic and technology exist side-by-side.
The game follows the story of Meis Triumph, a young blacksmith who is also a Spirit Blacksmith, meaning he can imbue his weapons with spirits to give them magical powers.
Meis sets out on a journey to find a way to save his homeland from an evil sorcerer named Sazan who is attempting to awaken an ancient evil.
