Summary
ThePlayStationis a formative video game console that introduced audiences to not only a number of new and exciting characters and franchises, but the console’s hardware also helped push video games to the next level. The capabilities of thePlayStationallowed for many things to be possible, but the advent of massive RPG titles is one of the things that the PlayStation did best.
Many of these RPGs, like theFinal FantasyandDragon Questseries, came out courtesyof the juggernaut developer Square, but they’re not the only ones who helped push the RPG genre forward. There are plenty of titles that haven’t gotten their proper due simply because they were overshadowed by Square’s efforts.
Updated July 29, 2025 by Mark Sammut:Square and Enix dominated thePS1’s RPGscene, developing most of the console’s strongest efforts in the genre. However, these companies were hardly the only ones striving to innovate and excel, and the console’s library is absolutely packed with known masterpieces and hidden gems. What are thebest PS1 RPGsthat were not developed by Square?
Compared to releases by Japanese studios, the PS1 did not have much in the way of Western RPGs. At the time, these types of games were synonymous with PC, with the ’90s producing some of the most beloved RPGs of all time. One of these iconic games even made its way to the PS1, albeit as an inferior version.
Diablo’s PS1 port is not quite as brilliant as its more famous PC sibling, but the action RPG is nevertheless an above-average console experience.
The PS1 release included co-op as a replacement for online support, and it was well implemented. In fact,Diablois one of the better co-op experiences on Sony’s debut platform.
14Koudelka
Another game overshadowed by its successors,Koudelkalaid the groundwork forShadow Hearts, which peaked with2004’sCovenant. Each game in the PS2 trilogy has aged more gracefully thanKoudelka, mostly because the latter’s gameplay is just not all that good.
Looking past the grid-based combat system,Koudelkahas a lot going for it. Backed by top-notch cutscenes and better-than-average voice work for its era,Koudelkamanages to weave an enjoyable narrative that makes stellar use of its Gothic-esque Wales setting.
Megami Tenseihas been around since the late ’80s, with thePersonaspin-off series debuting in 1996. Nowadays, the JRPG franchise is well-known for itssocial componentand stylish presentation, but the former wasn’t added untilPersona 3. Consequently, its predecessors tend to be seen as separate entities since they are so different from the later releases in the franchise.
Persona 2is closer to aShin Megami Tenseigame thanPersona 3/4/5, and that is not a bad thing. Although there are no social links,Persona 2still delivers a long and excellent story, one that takes place in a cursed city where rumors become true. The combat system is engaging and deep, the Persona-summoning mechanic works well, and the characters are unforgettable.
Tales of Destinyisthe second entry in Namco’s illustrious “Tales of” ongoing RPG series.Tales of Destinyreflects many of the fantastical staples that are seen as the norm in early RPG titles, like an ancient world that’s split by the advent of magic, which also sets some noble individuals on a quest to fix this corruption.
Tales of Destinystars Stahn, an optimistic, young hero who acquires a sentient sword named Dymlos that’s instrumental in righting the wrongs that have infected the world. Addictive combat and an intricate story makeTales of Destinya winner.
11Legend Of Legaia
Legend of Legaia, developed by Prokion, creates a compelling adventure that’s set ten years after a devastating event where a mysterious mist transforms humans into monsters. In addition to the unique story, Legaia’s battle system is much more intricate than the standard RPG title.
Rather than simply attacking, players have control over where they’re attacking and with what parts of their body, like their left or right arms. This adds a lot more strategy to the fast-paced action RPG title. The game made enough of an impact that aLegend of Legaia 2eventuallycame out for the PlayStation 2.
One of the most obscure games in the PS1’s catalog,Tear Ring Sagacame out after the PS2’s launch and was a Japan exclusive. While hardly the onlyPS1 JRPGto skip a Western launch,Tear Ring Sagahad more potential than most since it was designed by Shouzou Kaga, one of the masterminds behindFire Emblem. Unsurprisingly, the game takes a lot of inspiration from Nintendo’s decorated franchise, particularly in its tactical turn-based battle system.
Although rough around the edges in places,Tear Ring Sagais comfortably among this subgenre’s better projects on the PS1, although it is not quite on the same level asFinal Fantasy Tactics. Anyone interested in trying this game might be better served tracking down the improved PS2 version calledBerwick Saga.
Vandal Heartsis an encouraging tactical RPG title from Konami whosesuccess led to both a sequel and a prequel title.Vandal Hearts’story tackles typical ideas that are seen in RPGs, like a land that suffers from political corruption and a party of underdogs who are desperate to change the world.
Vandal Hearts’ linear narrative is where the title is at its most pedestrian, but it still connects. The game’s combat and environments are where Vandal Hearts really shines. The spell effects are incredible and there are seven diverse classes that can be utilized to flesh out Ash’s party.
Capcom’sBreath of Fire 3is a major step forward for the series due to its incorporation of 3D graphics and voice acting. The game continues Ryu’s quest to understand his people, who can turn into dragons. Combat excels, but the game is unique in the sense that there’s no major antagonist, with smaller threats and quests making up the majority of the game.
Admittedly, some believe thatBreath of Fire 4is the superior game, but the title largely restarts the franchise’s storyline, whereasBreath of Fire 3acts as a fitting conclusion to its predecessors.
The Legend of Dragoonwas one of the biggest endeavors that the original PlayStation took on. The game was in development for over three years, with a budget of $16 million and a team of over 100 people. This level of manpower resulted in a gorgeous combination of graphics and sound design.
The game mixes real-time attacks with turn-based combat, which creates exciting combat and even makes the game feel like alost PlayStation-eraFinal Fantasygame.Legend of Dragoon’sDart has become an iconic hero for the PlayStation, and he hopefully hasn’t gone on his last adventure just yet. While the original version tends to be expensive, the JRPG was ported to the PS4 and PS5 and can nowadays be played via PS Plus Premium.
Wild Armsis an influential PlayStation RPG that many people missed because it was released so close toFinal Fantasy 7, which easily overshadowed the smaller title.Wild Armsexamines a scrappy team of adventurers who wield powerful and ridiculous weapons in an epic story that leaves the fate of the world in jeopardy.
Wild Armsstands out for the fact that the majority of the game is presented in a conventional 2D design, yet the battle system shifts to a 3D environment that pushes the PlayStation’s capabilities.Wild Armsstruggled outside of Japan, but it’s celebrated many sequels.
