Unleashing the Toughest Challenges: 7 Epic PS1 RPGs That Will Push Your Limits
Embark on a challenging journey through the PlayStation 1 era with these 7 RPGs that push your skills to the limit Brace yourself for intense battles, intricate puzzles, and unforgettable stories in this list of the toughest PS1 RPGs!
Video games have gradually become easier as the preferences and tastes of newer generations of gamers differ from those who came before them. Although there are some modern games that are equally challenging as those from two decades ago, it is more common to find that difficulty levels have been lowered throughout the gaming industry. Consequently, revisiting PS1 games, especially RPG games, can come as a shock to contemporary gamers who realize the significantly higher level of difficulty in those days. While some gamers enjoy the old-school challenge that these games offer, others despise it and seek a more laid-back experience in their gameplay.
7 Vagrant Story
Revolutionary for its time, Vagrant Story took a departure from the typical RPG genre by delving into unique subjects. The game centers around a "Riskbreaker" agent, wrongly accused of murder, as they unravel a clandestine plot involving a cult and a prominent parliament member. Players are immersed in the breathtakingly designed world of Lea Monde, where they have the opportunity to explore underground catacombs and witness captivating cutscenes.
Notably, Vagrant Story distinguishes itself by posing a considerable challenge compared to contemporary RPGs. Combat requires players to employ strategic thinking throughout the entirety of the game, while the puzzles present an unexpectedly high level of difficulty. Moreover, the absence of conventional shops shifts the focus onto players' ability to craft and customize their own weapons, offering a unique and engaging adventure.
6 Persona 1
Gamers nowadays mock the recent entries in the Persona franchise for being easier compared to the earlier games. This is especially true for Persona 1, a game that unnecessarily made enemy encounters challenging due to their random inconsistency. This difficulty might persist in the upcoming remake.
The true challenge in Persona 1 arose from the overwhelming number of opponents, especially in later dungeons. Players had to spend more time grinding than in most RPGs. However, there are some aspects that alleviate this, such as the game's overall length not being as extensive as the later entries in the franchise.
5 King’s Field
It is not surprising that one of the most difficult challenges in any PS1 RPG came from the team behind the creation of the Dark Souls franchise. FromSoftware, the developer, started with their debut video game, King's Field, which was an early version of a challenging 3D RPG console game. Initially developed for PC, the team decided to switch to PlayStation instead.
King's Field places players in a dungeon filled with monsters and tasks them with locating the dark door responsible for spreading great evil throughout the Kingdom. While there is a significant amount of lore surrounding this dark adventure, King's Field does not bear much resemblance to later FromSoftware games, apart from its high level of difficulty.
4 Chrono Cross
Chrono Cross, released in 1999, is a beloved JRPG set in a world similar to Chrono Trigger. The game follows the adventures of the main character, Serge, who accidentally finds himself in a parallel dimension where he died a decade earlier. This event has drastically altered the world he now explores. While the storyline of Chrono Cross can be intricate, particularly for its time, it is the game's difficulty that truly stands out.
Unlike traditional RPGs, Chrono Cross does not rely on a leveling system. Instead, players must employ strategic thinking and careful party management during combat. While it is possible to complete the game, players may find it surprising to go back to the original version due to the significant differences between Chrono Cross and modern RPGs.
3 Dragon Quest 7
The Dragon Quest franchise holds the distinction of being one of the longest-running JRPG franchises in gaming history. An example of its endurance is the release of its seventh installment in 2000 for the PlayStation 1. With its vast open-world that takes countless hours to navigate, even without indulging in any side quests, along with its challenging turn-based combat, Dragon Quest 7 sets itself apart within the franchise.
The storyline revolves around an unnamed protagonist who travels back in time to ensure the survival of various continents in the modern world. Initially, only a solitary remaining island existed, but as the game progresses, a vast world unfolds. The expansive nature of the game makes it a daunting task for players, and many are unable to complete Dragon Quest 7 as a result.
2 Alundra
Originally released in 1997, Alundra centers around a silent protagonist, a common feature in many RPGs. The game follows Alundra's journey to a village plagued by murderous nightmares, where he discovers his ability as a dream walker. In an effort to save the village, Alundra navigates between the dreams of the villagers, facing off against a demonic force.
Alundra is a timeless game that has never received an update. Even today, players continue to grapple with the challenging and meticulously designed puzzles that are scattered throughout the game. Praised for decades, Alundra's difficulty and well-crafted puzzles remain a hallmark of its enduring appeal.
1 SaGa Frontier
SaGa Frontier is an intriguing game, belonging to a challenging franchise that offers players the opportunity to select from seven diverse protagonists at the start. What sets SaGa Frontier apart from other RPGs is the fact that each of these characters possesses their own unique and captivating storyline.
The game takes place in a collection of planets known as The Regions, where players can explore the system and encounter elements of other characters' narratives. As players progress through each character's story, the game gradually becomes easier. However, at the beginning and throughout the gameplay, players will face formidable challenges as they navigate the complex controls and engage in intense combat. This level of difficulty is unmatched by most PS1 games, and a remastered version has additionally been developed.
