The Ultimate PS1 RPGs You Probably Forgot About (But Should Still Play)

When it comes to the best RPG on the PS1, fans may have varied opinions, but the majority would likely choose Final Fantasy 7. Its impact was not limited to just RPG enthusiasts, as its impressive graphics and enticing TV ads drew in non-RPG players as well. However, it is worth mentioning that besides the renowned Final Fantasy series, there are several other exceptional RPG games on the PS1 that often go unnoticed. The accessibility of these games has become challenging in recent times, requiring physical copies or the use of emulation.

8 Arc The Lad Collection

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The Arc the Lad Collection served as the sole opportunity for players in the West to experience the initial three games of the series. Released in 1995 by ARC Entertainment, all preceding games leading up to this compilation were exclusively available in Japan.

The series, as a whole, has since faded into obscurity, including its sequels on the PS2. These games are turn-based RPGs, incorporating a grid system that adds a tactical element. While the first game is rather simplistic, the second and third installments are definitely worth exploring.

7 Beyond The Beyond

Beyond the Beyond, an early release for the PS1, failed to impress reviewers due to its generic storyline and underwhelming graphics. These criticisms still hold true today. However, it is important to note that this RPG from Camelot is often overlooked but deserves more recognition. For those familiar with Camelot's work, such as Golden Sun and Mario Golf, Beyond the Beyond can be seen as a spiritual predecessor to Golden Sun.

6 Kartia: The Word Of Fate

Kartia: The Word of Fate, an Atlus game, emerged during a period of their more experimental approach, as opposed to their focus on Shin Megami Tensei and Persona games. This tactical RPG offers players the ability to command a formidable group of heroes who can summon minions to battle alongside them. Comparable to a Pokemon tactics game, Kartia does not involve capturing creatures. While it may not be the top tactical RPG on the PS1, it will certainly satisfy players seeking that particular genre. Notably, Yoshitaka Amano, the acclaimed artist of Final Fantasy, contributed to the artwork for this game.

5 Rhapsody: A Musical Adventure

Rhapsody: A Musical Adventure stands out as a truly unique RPG concept. In terms of gameplay mechanics, it shares similarities with the Arc the Lad series, where players engage in turn-based battles but also have the ability to maneuver across the battlefield using tiles.

What set Rhapsody: A Musical Adventure apart was its full-fledged musical experience, reminiscent of a captivating Disney production. The delightful melodies featured in the game still manage to captivate listeners. Originally released by NIS as one of their early games, it has been recently made available on both the Switch and PC platforms, as of 2022.

4 Star Ocean: The Second Story

Star Ocean: The Second Story should be considered one of the best RPGs on the PS1, and not forgotten. It excels in action gameplay, features visually appealing and vibrant graphics, and has a captivating storyline.

3 Tales Of Destiny

Tales of Destiny, a lesser-known action RPG of this era, remains underrated compared to other games. As the second installment in the series, its visuals are more simplistic compared to Star Ocean: The Second Story. Resembling a refined SNES game, this aesthetic choice may have contributed to its lack of popularity among those seeking a different experience in the 90s.

Interestingly, a remake of the game was released on the PS2, enhancing both visuals and gameplay to a significant extent. Regrettably, similar to numerous entries in the series, it was never made available outside of Japan.

2 Tear Ring Saga

There is a plethora of exceptional Japan-exclusive PS1 RPGs that would require a separate list to fully explore. However, let's focus on Tear Ring Saga for now, as it stands out as an intriguing hidden gem on the platform. This game was crafted by Shouzou Kaga, the mastermind behind Fire Emblem, who departed from Intelligent Systems and Nintendo to establish his own company, dedicated to creating strategic RPGs in his own unique style.

If players were to stumble upon Tear Ring Saga today, unaware of its title, they would undoubtedly mistake it for a long-lost Fire Emblem installment. Had Sony collaborated in publishing this game prior to Fire Emblem's arrival in the West, they could have posed substantial competition to Nintendo.

1 Wild Arms 2

There are two games in this series available on the PS1, both worth exploring. However, Wild Arms 2 surpasses the original in every aspect, as it further developed the game's original concepts. Players had the option to begin their journey as one of three characters, whose paths would eventually converge. The dungeons were heavily focused on puzzles, reminiscent of The Legend of Zelda, and each character possessed unique abilities that assisted in exploration.

The game world drew inspiration from Westerns, a theme that would be truly perfected in Wild Arms 3. It is truly unfortunate that this series had its beginnings on the PS1, only to fade away during the PS2 era.