The best PS1 RPGs not released in the US

Key Takeaways

• PS1 RPGs like Growlanser and Tear Ring Saga have never been released outside of Japan and feature unique tactical gameplay.
• Shinsedai Robot Scenic: Brave Saga brings together Gundam and FF elements in tactical combat unseen in the West.
• London Seirei Tantei-Dan's attractive 2D graphics and turn-based gameplay have never received a Western or fan translation.

Among its incredible roster of RPGs, the PS1 featured the following iconic titles: final fantasy 7 and parasite eveAs well as countless other wonderful experiences. But for all the amazing RPGs made in Japan, a significant number of great RPGs have never been released in the West. The PS1 import scene was rather active at the time, as proper US releases never came to fruition for some of the console's most interesting RPGs.

Was it a turn-based RPG similar to an animation character? final fantasyWhether a compelling tactical JRPG or a kind of unique and different experience, RPGs that have never been released in Japan are still worth checking out today. Featuring fascinating worlds, unique systems, and a distinctive style, these Japanese-exclusive PS1 RPGs were just some of the great games that had yet to make it to the West.

5 growl

One of the most engaging tactical RPGs on PS1

• platform: PS1
• developer: career soft
• Release date: November 25, 1999

Published by Atlus and developed by Career Soft growl A fascinating tactical RPG set in the fantasy kingdom of Rolandia. Set against the backdrop of a war between old and new magic, growl It's the story of a young warrior named Carmaine who becomes embroiled in conflict once she reaches the appropriate age.

Grolancer's The excellent combat system asks players to form a party and then uses a grid-based system to align them for action. The thumping, energetic music and addictive nature of the combat are truly impressive. growl together. It also features great animated cutscenes and a charming cast of characters. growl It would later be ported to the PSP, but that too was sadly limited to Japan.

4 Shinsedai Robot Senki: Brave Saga

Anime-influenced strategy RPG features great mech combat.

• platform: PS1
• developer: pandora box creative office
• Release date: December 17, 1998

mix elements together Gundam and final fantasy, Shinsedai Robot Scenic: Brave Saga is a tactical RPG based on the toy line. transformer. It feels like late 80s Japanese animation comes to life with appropriately corny music and voice acting. Brave Saga's Sharp combat and tactical gameplay.

Featuring a fast-paced turn-based combat system, Brave Saga The focus is on combat between machines and the interpersonal relationships that unite the cast between them. It's an enjoyable experience, and it makes it all the more unfortunate that it wasn't released outside of Japan, as it would fit perfectly into a remaster on modern consoles.

3 kings field

The pioneer of the Soulsborne series is one of the console's best RPGs.

The sequel to FromSoftware's challenging dungeon crawler was released in the United States, where it dropped 2 and released simply as: kings field. However, the first game never left Japan, and it remains an interesting part of FromSoft's interesting history, as it was the origin of what would become the Soulslike genre.

kings field is a first-person dungeon crawler RPG featuring trademark FromSoft design, with an emphasis on obtuse puzzle design, challenging combat, and a dark, sinister world. It's still a compelling game in many ways, as its game design and dedication to supernatural fantasy will influence countless games to come.

2 tearing saga

Fire Emblem's spiritual successor on PS1 has been knocked out.

• platform: PS1
• developer: Tirnanog
• Release date: May 24, 2001

tearing saga This product was developed by a team of former Intelligent Systems developers. fire emblem series. likewise fire emblem, tearing saga is a tactical RPG set in a sprawling fantasy kingdom, with a focus on addictive turn-based combat and an expertly crafted story of war and betrayal.

Taking advantage of the high speeds provided by the PS1, moving units around the map feels crisp and clear. The combat is great throughout and the music is absolutely fantastic. Due to ongoing legal issues with Nintendo and its similarities to Nintendo. fire emblem, tearing saga Since its release in 2001, it has not been translated into English and remains only in Japan.

1 London Seirei Tanteidan

A charming RPG set set in Victorian London

• platform: PS1
• developer: bandai
• Release date: May 20, 1999

Utilizing incredibly attractive 2D graphics, a fantastic soundtrack, and traditional turn-based gameplay. London Seirei Tanteidan It seemed like a perfect fit for an American audience. Unfortunately, this gem was left without both an official Western release and a fan translation, leaving its fate somewhat ambiguous.

Developed by Bandai, London Seirei Tanteidan Casts the player as an orphan in 19th century London during the Steam Age. It's really a thing to look at, with beautiful 2D sprite art and a combat system that feels right at home on console. Requests to Bandai to translate it into English have gone unanswered since 1999, and considering the company has moved on to bigger and better things, it's likely that will remain the case in the future.