The Ultimate List of PlayStation 1 RPGs

The original PlayStation was an absolute goldmine for RPGs, especially JRPGs, and the sheer volume of titles can be overwhelming. Here’s a long list, categorized loosely, with some highlights and hidden gems to help you navigate:

The Heavy Hitters (Must-Plays):

Final Fantasy Series:
- Final Fantasy VII: A true genre-defining game, iconic characters, deep story, and groundbreaking cinematics for its time.
- Final Fantasy VIII: A more romantic and modern take, with a unique Junction system for character progression.
- Final Fantasy IX: A return to more traditional fantasy roots, loved for its charming characters and heartwarming story.
- Final Fantasy Tactics: A revolutionary tactical RPG with an incredibly deep job system and a mature, politically charged storyline set in the Ivalice universe.
Suikoden Series:
- Suikoden: The first entry, introducing the concept of recruiting 108 Stars of Destiny, with a focus on war and political intrigue.
- Suikoden II: Widely considered one of the greatest RPGs of all time, building upon the first with an even more compelling story, characters, and improved gameplay.
Chrono Cross: A spiritual successor to Chrono Trigger, known for its stunning visuals, innovative battle system, and a complex, multi-dimensional story.
Xenogears: A deeply philosophical and narratively ambitious RPG with a complex story involving mechs, religion, and human identity.
Grandia: Praised for its captivating story, charming characters, and a dynamic, engaging battle system.
Vagrant Story: A unique action RPG with a deep weapon customization system, no NPC interaction, and a dark, intricate narrative set in the Ivalice universe.
Legend of Dragoon: A fan-favorite JRPG from Sony with a unique “Addition” combat system and a grand, epic story.
Lunar Series (Lunar: Silver Star Story Complete & Lunar 2: Eternal Blue Complete): Beautifully animated JRPGs with strong voice acting, memorable characters, and classic turn-based combat.

Excellent & Highly Recommended:

Breath of Fire Series:
- Breath of Fire III: Known for its vibrant 2D sprites, charming characters, and the ability to transform into powerful dragons.
- Breath of Fire IV: Continues the series with a darker tone, improved visuals, and a compelling dual protagonist narrative.
Wild Arms Series:
- Wild Arms: A unique “Wild West meets fantasy” setting with a memorable soundtrack and puzzle-solving elements.
- Wild Arms 2: Expands on the first with a more involved story and improved battle mechanics.
Parasite Eve: A unique blend of survival horror and RPG, set in modern-day New York City with a real-time/turn-based hybrid combat system.
Legend of Legaia: Features a distinctive “Arts” combat system where you input button combinations to perform attacks.
Star Ocean: The Second Story: Offers two different protagonists, leading to different story paths and an extensive crafting system.
Valkyrie Profile: A unique action-RPG/platformer hybrid with a strong Norse mythology theme and multiple endings based on character choices.
Alundra: An action-RPG often compared to The Legend of Zelda, known for its challenging puzzles and dark fantasy story.
Persona Series:
- Revelations: Persona: The first in the now-famous series, offering a modern setting, demon negotiation, and unique dungeon crawling.
- Persona 2: Innocent Sin / Eternal Punishment: Continuation of the Persona storyline, known for its strong character development and mature themes.
Front Mission 3: A tactical RPG focused on customizable mechs (Wanzers) and a branching storyline.

Hidden Gems & Worth Checking Out:

King’s Field (Series): FromSoftware’s dark fantasy action RPGs, predecessors to the Soulsborne series, known for their challenging first-person exploration.
Azure Dreams: A unique blend of dungeon crawler, monster raising, and town building.
Brave Fencer Musashi: An action-RPG with a whimsical tone, unique absorption abilities, and a real-time combat system.
Jade Cocoon: Story of the Tamamayu: A monster-collecting RPG with a distinct art style and a focus on fusing creatures.
Kartia: The Word of Fate: A tactical RPG with a compelling story told from two perspectives and a unique “Phantom” summoning system.
Koudelka: A horror-RPG hybrid with a gothic atmosphere and a focus on character interactions.
Thousand Arms: A turn-based RPG that incorporates dating sim elements, where strengthening relationships with female characters enhances combat abilities.
Vanguard Bandits: A tactical RPG featuring mechs, multiple story paths, and an engaging combat system.
Saiyuki: Journey West: A strategy RPG based on the classic Chinese novel “Journey to the West.”
Rhapsody: A Musical Adventure: A charming and lighthearted musical RPG with a simple combat system.
Threads of Fate: An action RPG where you can switch between two protagonists with different abilities and storylines.
Tecmo’s Deception / Kagero: Deception II / Deception III: Dark Delusion: Unique strategy/trap-based games where you set up elaborate traps to defeat enemies. While not traditional RPGs, they often appeal to RPG fans due to their strategic depth and character progression.
Grandstream Saga, The: An early polygonal action RPG from the creators of the “Soul Blazer” series.
Eternal Eyes: A tactical RPG with a monster-raising system where you collect and train “dolls” to fight alongside you.
Dragon Valor: An action RPG with a unique generational system where your protagonist changes based on your choices.

This list barely scratches the surface of the vast RPG library on the PlayStation, but it covers many of the most celebrated and interesting titles. Enjoy your retro RPG journey!