Role-playing games (RPGs) have been incredibly popular for years, and continue to be a major force in the video game world. Many of today’s top titles – like Cyberpunk 2077, Elden Ring, Baldur’s Gate 3, and the upcoming The Witcher 4 – fall into this genre. A big reason players enjoy RPGs is the ability to customize their characters and make meaningful choices, offering a level of freedom not often found in other game types.
Role-playing games have been enjoyed by players for many years. While some great RPGs are recent releases, a lot of the most beloved ones are quite old. Here, we’re highlighting four RPGs originally released on the PlayStation – games that are still considered masterpieces today. All of these titles came out before the year 2000, meaning they’re almost three decades old.
Chrono Cross Is a Spiritual Successor to Chrono Trigger
Released in 1999, Chrono Cross shares a universe with the 1995 SNES game, Chrono Trigger. It’s technically a sequel, taking place 20 years later, but the developers designed it to be enjoyed as a separate story. While it connects to Chrono Trigger and resolves some earlier plot points, many players consider Chrono Cross a unique game in its own right.
Okay, let’s be real – Chrono Cross wasn’t quite as mind-blowing as Chrono Trigger. But honestly, very few games are! What I really appreciate about Chrono Cross is that it felt like a true follow-up to Trigger, building on that world in a way that still made it feel special and unique. It’s almost perfect, if I’m being honest… but it’s tough because it always gets measured against something truly legendary. It deserves to be appreciated for what it is!
When it was released, Chrono Cross featured stunning graphics, an engaging battle system with lots of options, and a huge world to discover. The game is full of characters you can meet, talk to, and add to your party. Although it didn’t quite reach the same heights as its predecessor, Chrono Cross remains one of the best RPGs on the original PlayStation.
Star Ocean: The Second Story Is a Full-Fledged Sci-Fi RPG
Released in 1998, Star Ocean: The Second Story stands out from many other role-playing games because it’s almost entirely focused on science fiction. While most RPGs include fantasy elements or are set in fantastical worlds, Star Ocean: The Second Story takes a different approach. Players can choose to experience the story through either Claude C. Kenny or Rena Lanford – and they aren’t simply gender-swapped versions of each other; both have their own distinct backgrounds and stories.
In Star Ocean: The Second Story, space travel is normal, and the story follows Claude, an Earth officer who becomes stranded on Rena – a planet similar to medieval Earth. When Claude and Rena meet, they’re drawn into a massive plot that threatens the entire universe.
Man, this RPG gets so much love for its story – it really blew me away and honestly felt like the biggest strength of the whole game. That’s saying something though, because Star Ocean: The Second Story already had a ton going for it! I mean, the music is legendary, it still looks great, and the combat was seriously ahead of its time with that fast-paced, real-time action. Seriously, The Second Story is hands down the best Star Ocean game, period.
Suikoden II Improves Every Part of the Original Game
Released in 1998, Suikoden II is a standout sequel that’s considered even better than the already excellent original Suikoden (1995). While it received mixed reactions and didn’t sell well initially, Suikoden II has since become a highly regarded and iconic role-playing game from the PlayStation era.
Suikoden II continues the story three years after the first game. You play as a silent character, which helps you feel more connected to the world – similar to how Link’s silence in The Legend of Zelda lets you step into his shoes. Throughout your adventure, you’ll complete quests and meet over 100 different characters that you can recruit to join your cause.
What makes Suikoden II stand out isn’t its gameplay or visuals – those weren’t particularly impressive even when the game first came out. Instead, it’s remembered for its compelling story, which centers on political conflict and the dangers of war. The game’s surprisingly mature and sometimes heartbreaking narrative is the main reason it’s so highly regarded today, demonstrating that video games can deliver truly masterful storytelling.
Final Fantasy VII Is Easily One of the Most Iconic RPGs Ever Made
Released in 1997, Final Fantasy VII is arguably the most iconic game in the entire Final Fantasy series. While many Final Fantasy games on PlayStation could have been chosen, this one stands out as a true classic and is often considered the best of all time. Its enduring popularity led to a full remake beginning in 2020, which isn’t just a retelling of the original story but also expands upon it with a planned trilogy of games.
When it was released, Final Fantasy VII was one of the most visually impressive RPGs of the 1990s, and that quality still stands out today. It’s remarkable that the game came out in 1997, and it’s more than just the graphics and gameplay that make it special. Final Fantasy VII features a captivating story with some of the most memorable characters in the series, including Cloud, Tifa, and Sephiroth.
Final Fantasy VII was a groundbreaking game as the first in its series to use 3D graphics, and it continues to be popular with gamers today. For many people, it sparked their interest in video games altogether. It played a key role in introducing Japanese role-playing games to a wider international audience. Plus, its success on Sony’s PlayStation helped shift the gaming landscape away from Nintendo consoles – and may have even been crucial to establishing Sony as a major player in the industry.
While some people argue that Final Fantasy VII doesn’t live up to the hype, it remains a fantastic game that has had a huge impact on the industry, spawning sequels and remakes. Its influence is undeniable – even people who don’t play video games, or aren’t familiar with the Final Fantasy series, have likely heard of Final Fantasy VII.
2026-07-28 07:10