10 Essential PS1 RPGs (That Aren't Final Fantasy)

Another fine example of grand adventure, criticised for its reliance on "older" graphics.

Initially released on the Sega Saturn in 1997 in Japan, Grandia was ported to PlayStation and saw it's European release in the same year as Suikoden II. Ditching the solemn colour pallet of its Squaresoft contemporaries, Grandia favoured bright, colour characters and locations split across both 2D and 3D art styles.

Taking on the role of a young boy named Justin, who aspires to be an adventurer, it's not long until his path crosses with larger forces. Embroiled in a conflict with the military, who seek to awaken an ancient power (which always ends well, as we know), Justin and the various companions he meets along the way find themselves trying to stop them.

Whilst not revolutionary in its story, coupled with some pretty cheesy dialogue, Grandia nonetheless received high scores on its PlayStation release. Set across two discs and featuring an impressive 40+ hour long story, aided by an upbeat combat and magic system, it's a refreshing take on the turn-based adventure.

If this peaks your interest, Grandia 1 & 2 are being remastered for the Nintendo Switch and PC, due in 2018. Not PS4 though, which is a shame.