Key Takeaways
- Sony’s PlayStation revolutionized the console market and allowed JRPGs to push boundaries with 3D graphics and epic storylines.
- Chrono Cross and Xenogears are standout PS1 JRPGs with complex narratives that captivate fans of the genre.
- Titles like Parasite Eve and Final Fantasy 7 showcase the PS1’s rich storytelling in JRPGs and are definitive must-plays.
Sony’s debut on the console market came with the PlayStation, one of the greatest consoles ever made that blew its competition out of the water. After the company failed to combine its efforts with Nintendo and Sega to develop a console, Sony decided to jump into the market on their own feet and came out swinging. CD-ROM technology may seem rather mundane now, but the simple addition of a disc drive to this console did wonders for developers who wanted to cram as much stuff as possible into their games.
With every genre trying to push the boundaries of what is possible in their games on this new hardware, JRPGs weren’t far behind. 3D graphics, experimental battle systems, and epic storylines were just a few of the many ways in which this genre improved, with the latter being especially notable. The PS1 was a hub for some of the greatest JRPGs ever made, and a lot of these titles made it a point to feature some of the most epic stories that gamers could enjoy.
5 Chrono Cross
The Mind-Bending Story Makes The Most Of Its Time-Travel Shenanigans
The last thing gamers expected from a sequel to Chrono Trigger was a game that Suikoden-ed its cast and introduced so many party members that it felt somewhat overwhelming. This, coupled with gameplay and a storyline that felt notably different from its predecessor, led to a cold and unwelcoming fan reception for Chrono Cross. However, trying to live up to the legacy of the greatest JRPG ever made was a tall order, and Chrono Cross holds up as an excellent JRPG once these comparisons are done away with.
The plot is complex and deals with parallel worlds and divergence, with the protagonist, Serge, trying to figure out an event that led to his death in a different world. It’s an excellent story bolstered by engaging characters who manage to stand out despite having to share their presence with numerous other figures. The narrative of Chrono Cross is one of its biggest strengths and a huge reason why gamers can’t get enough of this excellent title.
4 Xenogears
The First Disc Harbors One Of The Greatest JRPG Stories Ever Told
Many people consider Xenogears to be a tale of unfulfilled potential, with Tetsuya Takahashi’s dreams unable to become a reality as the game exhausted its budget. The title is rife with heavy religious symbolism and thought-provoking societal commentary, augmenting these deep themes with engaging mecha action. Numerous aspects of this game deserve praise, but the narrative is what stands out in the first disc for its incredible storytelling.
Introducing several intriguing plot threads, captivating characters, and incredible set-pieces, the first disc of Xenogears itself can stake its claim as the greatest JRPG ever made. Unfortunately, the second disc doesn’t take too long to turn into a dump of text and lore that resorts to narrating the events that transpire, only letting players engage in a few bosses and dungeon crawls during this elaborate slideshow. If this game had struck its landing, then the narrative alone could’ve potentially helped Xenogears unseat Chrono Trigger from its JRPG throne.
3 Parasite Eve
A Short Yet Engaging JRPG Story Set In Modern-Day New York
Most people assume that JRPGs are lengthy romps that can last for hundreds of hours, so it’s sobering to see that one of SquareSoft’s greatest games in the genre can be completed in under ten hours without missing out on any major content. This, coupled with the setting of 1997 New York and a unique hybrid combat system, helps Parasite Eve stand out as a must-play PS1 JRPG that deserves more love. Aya Brea is an excellent protagonist, and players will never get bored of controlling this character in a genre known for boasting a swath of party members.
The main goal of this game is to stop a malignant presence named Eve from evolving people’s mitochondria and causing them to self-combust. The narrative serves as a sequel to the novel of the same name, making it clear why this title boasted a story-heavy focus and cut out all the filler to let players focus on the main narrative and nothing else. This short and sweet ride is one of the PS1’s greatest games that more people need to check out.
2 Vagrant Story
The Narrative Is Rich In Lore And Presented Beautifully
It’s a shame that Vagrant Story failed to push a ton of units since it was released at the tail-end of the PS1’s lifespan. This ill-timed release led to many JRPG fans overlooking one of the greatest titles in the genre. The game featured stellar presentation, in-depth equipment customization, an engaging battle system, and an incredible narrative that ties it all with a neat little bow. The world of Ivalice is fascinating, and Vagrant Story is one of the many games that capitalize on this setting.
The in medias res opening frames the main character for the murder of a duke before flashing back to the events preceding this accusation, instantly generating intrigue about the plot from the get-go. Vagrant Story knows how to maintain the goodwill generated by this strong first impression, slowly immersing players into the world and letting the story unfold at a natural pace. It’s an excellent tale that gamers should check out if they want to enjoy a story-driven JRPG with a medieval fantasy setting.
1 Final Fantasy 7
Everything From The World-Building To The Storytelling Is Pure Class
The golden age of JRPGs on the PS1 would never have commenced had it not been for the runaway success of Final Fantasy 7. SquareSoft’s efforts to localize previous games in the series had been sporadic at best, but they decided to go all out for a project that was shaping up to be their biggest release by far. No one at the company could’ve expected the sheer impact that Final Fantasy 7 had at launch, quickly becoming one of the most popular games on the console and launching the Final Fantasy series into the mainstream.
Many factors helped this title achieve its unprecedented levels of success, with the game’s narrative playing a huge role. Cloud and Co. are some of the best party members in a JRPG, with Midgar serving as a perfect introduction to the sci-fi fantasy setting of the story. Sephiroth is a compelling antagonist who adds to the story’s allure, with a bombshell revelation turning the game’s premise over its head and painting Cloud in a new light. It would take forever to highlight this game’s narrative highlights, and players who have yet to check out the glory of Final Fantasy 7 for themselves should waste no time, even if the game is currently being re-adapted as a trilogy.
