Top 10 Playstation 1 RPGs

Script written by Jamie Leslie

Top 10 Playstation 1 RPGs

There very well may have been no better era for original role-playing games. Welcome to WatchMojo.com, and today we’re counting down our Top 10Playstation 1 RPGs.

For this list, we'll be strictly ranking RPGs that originated on the Playstation 1 console, That means that because Chrono Trigger was originally on the SNES, it won’t make the list here.

#10: “Star Ocean: The Second Story” (1999)

If you're a fan of the traditional RPG style, this game probably made your list too. Given the option to play through the game as either the male or female protagonist, Star Ocean not only allows players a total of 86 different endings, but a whole host of different perspectives throughout. The game however does differentiate itself with its innovative real-time battle system, a rare application for its time. With the addition of a very intricate skill system based on specialties such as Herbal medicine, Cooking, Writing, Composing and more, this RPG allows for a multi-layered playing experience.

#9: “Grandia” (1999)

Enjoy a mildly simplistic role-playing game riddled with adventure? Grandia just might be the RPG you're looking for. This game follows the aspiring adventurer Justin, a spry young resident of the small town of Parm. On his journey, Justin meets a colorful cast of allies that support him on his conquest of discovering the uncharted parts of his perceived world. Expertly utilizing 2-D animated sprites, Grandia opens players to a lighthearted but immersive take on the role-playing genre.

#8: “The Legend of Dragoon” (2000)

Dragons are cool, but the chosen warriors fated to command their power are even more epic. What begins as a long-winded war between two opposing countries leads into an internal struggle that has waged over the course of hundreds of years. Playing through the game as the steadfast protagonist Dart, players slowly uncover the history surrounding the legendary Dragoons, along with the imminent danger thats threatening their planet. Buckle up for this four disc long epic adventure, as it will be one you won't soon forget.

#7: “Chrono Cross” (2000)

RPG fans only come across original masterpieces like this one once or twice every generation. Chrono Cross presented players with its spin on what fans all enjoy with the RPG genre, with its riveting storyline, extensive cast of characters, and incredible music score. Uncovering the mystery surrounding his death in an alternate dimension, Serge teams up with the thief Kid, along with many others to oppose the nefarious Lynx. If it wasn't the multiple story arcs that kept this disc in your console, it was certainly the 40 plus characters available for recruiting.

#6: “Wild Arms” (1996)

Now here's a theme not commonly seen in your average RPG. Wild Arms employs a western-themed world that surprisingly works for the unorthodox game. Set in the wasteland world of Filgaia, players follow the travels of Rudy and his gang on their fabled quest to go from rags to riches. When the fate of their planet is soon threatened by an ancient demon, the team comes to its defense, however Rudy's ability to wield the Ancient Relic Machines called ARMs would render them formidable.

#5: “Final Fantasy Tactics” (1998)

RPGs have always commonly been about strategy rather than hack and slash, but this little gem essentially took the Tactics aspect to a whole new level – hey, it’s in the name! Borrowing a bit of inspiration of the X-Com games from across the pond, here, encounters took place on three-dimensional isometric fields and combat was slowed down into a turn-by-turn system. Although the slower pace may have turned off a few, this game offered charm, originality, and endless replay value with its class system. Screw catching all 150 pokemon, try collection one of every class, they’re way more badass.

#4: “Vagrant Story” (2000)

Longtime Square fans will recognize this game to be their last entry on the Playstation 1. Accumulating all they've learned from their previous RPG entries, Vagrant Story is a true hidden gem – mixing impressive amount of depth with elements of Western and Japanesse RPG influence. Basing their real time battle system on a new Risk element, the title stood out amongst what was commonly seen on the market.

#3: “Suikoden II” (2000)

Like RPGs with a wide array of playable characters? Try over one hundred. Sequel to a less acclaimed RPG title, Suikoden II takes place many years after the equally memorable original, and puts players in the shoes of a nameless protagonist that would soon command a rebel army against his oppressive home kingdom of Highland. The game builds on the player's aptitude to interact and recruit enough suitable combatants for his army, referred to as the 108 Stars of Destiny. The unforgettable story of two friends torn by war was powerful enough for this title to earn a spot in any gamer's collection.

#2: “Xenogears” (1998)

Science fiction is a staple for many classic RPGs, and this game should make the list for any hardcore fan of the genre. Xenogears introduces players to the story's protagonist Fei, a resident of the indigenous village of Lahan. With his past shrouded in mystery, players soon discover the larger anomalies outside the village's confines that reveals other planets, dimensions, and the giant mechanized robots called Gears. The game draws from a heavy theme of human versus machines and earns its notoriety from real world cultural and religious references.

Before we unveil our pick for Top Playstation 1 RPG, here are a few honorable mentions:
“Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together” (1995)
“Vandal Hearts” (1997)
“Lunar: Silver Star Story Complete” (1999)
“Arc The Lad Collection” (2002)
“Dragon Valor” (2000)

#1: “Final Fantasy VII” (1997)

This entry serves as no surprise, although for a while we were tempted to swap it for Final Fantasy IX. Taking our top spot for best RPG on the Playstation 1 is the infamous title singlehandedly responsible for bringing the genre to the mainstream. Final Fantasy VII influences current RPGs to this day and has consistently beaten out subsequent titles in the series in both popular opinion and worldwide sales. Say what you must about the heinously popular game, but you'd be hard-pressed to find another one half as influential.

Do you agree with our list? What Playstation 1 RPG did we miss? For more classic Top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.