The Ultimate Ranking of Square's PS1 Releases – See which Game Tops the List!

Highlights

Square's partnership with Sony for the release of Final Fantasy 7 on the PlayStation proved to be a game-changer in the console war, solidifying the PS1's success.

Square's PS1 library boasts a plethora of legendary and widely praised games, including the likes of Final Fantasy 7, Final Fantasy Tactics, Xenogears, and Vagrant Story.

Despite the remarkable achievements of Square's PS1 library, there were also a few titles that didn't quite meet expectations, such as Ehrgeiz, Tobal No. 1, and Chocobo Racing.

Console generations can be defined by the influence of a single developer, with fans associating consoles with their favorite games from either a first or third-party publisher. The NES, for example, had a remarkable collection of games from Konami and its subsidiary Ultra, while the Super Nintendo was defined by Nintendo's groundbreaking first-party titles. When considering the impact on the strength and success of the PS1, one company stands out: Square.

Square took a daring risk by partnering with Sony to release its next Final Fantasy game exclusively for the PlayStation, after the series gained popularity in the West. This partnership proved to be immensely successful, with Final Fantasy 7 playing a crucial role in the PlayStation's victory in the "console war" against other fifth-generation platforms. The success of Final Fantasy 7 propelled Square to new heights of productivity and creativity, a level they have yet to reach even after merging with Enix. These games not only include some of the finest titles on the PS1, but they are also among the greatest games ever created.

S Tier

Final Fantasy 7 - This game marked the beginning of Square's rapid ascent to popularity in the Western market. While fans may debate its ranking among the Final Fantasy series, it undeniably holds immense significance. It stands as a legendary installment in one of the most influential franchises in gaming history.

Final Fantasy Tactics - Drawing inspiration from the job systems of FF3 and FF5, Final Fantasy Tactics by Yasumi Matsuno is a seamless fusion of turn-based tactics and the iconic Final Fantasy theme. This exceptional spin-off not only solidifies its place as one of the best in the Final Fantasy universe but also stands as a legendary tactics game in its own league.

Xenogears is regarded as one of the most significant and iconic RPGs ever created, despite its unfinished second disc which compromises some of the game's climactic moments. The story of Xenogears is unparalleled in terms of its breadth and depth, and the captivating combat system, which can be experienced both on foot and inside the titular Gears, solidifies its position as a top-tier game. It is high time for a remake/remaster to be made.

Among all of Square's PS1 titles, Vagrant Story is arguably the most distinctive and deserving of a sequel. With Yasumi Matsuno at the helm and set in the same universe as Final Fantasy Tactics, Vagrant Story stands out in Square's extensive catalog due to its gripping narrative and innovative approach to dungeon crawling and combat.

A Tier

Parasite Eve - A unique blend of survival horror and RPG, Parasite Eve stands as a remarkable and underappreciated gem on the PS1.

Final Fantasy 9 - Marking a triumphant comeback for the franchise, Final Fantasy 9 marks the end of the PS1 era with an awe-inspiring finale. Regarded as one of the finest installments in the series, it solidifies its place among the beloved titles of the franchise.

Einhander - Square's foray into the shmup genre with Einhander proved to be a remarkable success, establishing itself as one of the finest entries on the PS1. Regrettably, Square has yet to explore this genre further, which is truly unfortunate.

Bushido Blade - Although not Square's initial venture into fighting games, Bushido Blade remains a legendary and extraordinary addition to the genre on the PS1. With its iconic roster of fighters and the thrilling potential for instant fatal blows, this game undoubtedly deserves a place in any PS1 collection.

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Chrono Cross - Despite receiving criticism upon its initial release for not having a clear connection to its predecessor, Chrono Trigger, Chrono Cross proves to be an exceptional RPG that can hold its own. By investing time in this game, players will uncover an abundant amount of lore that successfully bridges the gap between itself and the beloved SNES classic.

B Tier

Final Fantasy 8 - In an attempt to differentiate itself from its predecessor, Final Fantasy 2, Final Fantasy 8 introduces several experimental mechanics. While some of these innovations succeed, others fall short. Nevertheless, Final Fantasy 8 remains a commendable game, although it may not reach the exceptional standards set by FF7 and FF9.

SaGa Frontier - SaGa Frontier, developed by Square, introduced many mechanics that would later become their own series within the SaGa franchise. One of the first to make its way to the West was SaGa Frontier, which gave players the unique opportunity to choose from multiple protagonists and witness their stories intertwine, similar to the approach used in Octopath Traveler.

Front Mission 3 - Despite being numbered, Front Mission 3 is actually the first game in the series to be released in the West. This game combines the mech customization seen in Armored Core with the turn-based tactical combat found in Final Fantasy Tactics. With its unconventional gameplay, Front Mission 3 stands out from other Square titles and is highly recommended for tactics enthusiasts.

Brave Fencer Musashi possesses a rare charm that few games can match. Fans of this lighthearted action-RPG wonder why Square never provided a proper sequel to this beloved title.

Within the Mana series, there are many fantastic games. Although Western fans of Secret of Mana had to wait years for its direct follow-up, Trials of Mana, they found solace in the impressive alternative, Legend of Mana, on the PS1. This title stands out for its innovative feature that allows players to create a personalized version of the game's world and map according to their own preferences.

Parasite Eve 2 falls just short of reaching the same level as its predecessor, but it still stands out as a fantastic sequel. It holds its ground alongside other survival horror titles from the later-era of the PS1, despite not having the same depth in RPG elements. Instead, it compensates with real-time combat and a stronger focus on action.

While not initially well-received upon its release, Chocobo's Dungeon 2 has gained a better reputation among fans over the years. This simplistic and delightful dungeon crawler even features a cameo appearance from Cid, making it feel like an official Final Fantasy game.

Final Fantasy Origins - Among the collections Square released on the PS1, Origins is the only one that fans may not consider a must-have. Although it features a remastered version of the original Final Fantasy, the inclusion of the mixed bag that is Final Fantasy 2 poses a challenge for fans, which would only be resolved with the release of the Pixel Remasters' version of the much-maligned sequel.

C Tier

Despite showcasing a selection of impressive fighters, Ehrgeiz falls short in delivering a satisfying fighting experience. Unlike Square's exceptional entry, Bushido Blade, the combat in Ehrgeiz feels awkward and the controls lack fluidity. Regrettably, this genre experiment fails to ignite excitement beyond its roster of characters.

Tobal No. 1 - Unfortunately, Tobal No. 1 is often overshadowed in history as "that game that came with the Final Fantasy 7 demo." While not inherently bad, it fails to fully captivate as a standout title.

Bushido Blade 2 - Square recognized the growing popularity of their games in the West and made the decision to create more accessible sequels for their fans. Their attempt with Bushido Blade 2, however, resulted in sacrificing the complexity that made its predecessor unique. This misstep failed to attract new fans and left old ones feeling alienated.

Chocobo Racing - Before the rise of other impressive kart racers, such as Mario Kart, Square ventured into creating their own kart racing game featuring the popular avians from the Final Fantasy series. Sadly, this game did not meet the same level of excellence as another PS1 kart racing classic, Crash Team Racing.

Threads of Fate - Although not a direct sequel to Brave Fencer Musashi, Threads of Fate was another endeavor by Square to develop an action RPG that would appeal to a wider audience. Unfortunately, the attempts to simplify and make the game more accessible ended up backfiring, as many criticized its lack of complexity.

SaGa Frontier 2 - The SaGa franchise has always stood out in the Square library with its intricate mechanics and challenging encounters. While the first SaGa Frontier on PS1 was no cakewalk, the difficulty level of SaGa Frontier 2 is on a whole other level. This game is exclusively for avid players who enjoy endurance-testing boss battles.