Games

The Best PS1 Isometric RPGs

Published

7 days ago

December 16, 2024

Christoph Rediske

Summary

Isometric RPGs like
Final Fantasy, Diablo,
and
Legend of Mana
contribute to the top 10 preferred genres in the US.
Diablo
offers diverse gameplay experiences with unique characters and strategies, despite pixelated graphics.
Final Fantasy Tactics’
interactive storyline and strategic choices make it one of the best RPGs set in the war kingdom of Ivalice.

When discussing isometric role-playing games for the PlayStation, the late 90s and early 2000s come to mind. It was the golden era for this genre. These RPGs didn’t have the best graphics, nor were they pixel-perfect, but they delivered great storylines and immersive experiences.

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According to Statista, role-playing games are in the top ten of preferred genres in the United States as of 2024. Isometric games from this era can make any RPG fan feel nostalgic, including classics like Diablo, Final Fantasy, and Legend of Mana, contribute immensely to this ranking.

8 Diablo

A Classic Hero Vs Evil Game Experience

Systems

Released: November 30, 1996

Diablo must be mentioned when talking about isometric role-playing games. This Blizzard classic allows players to choose between three characters: Warrior, Rogue, and Sorcerer. Every character has a unique skill set and strategies, leading to diverse gameplay experiences. Players must upgrade their character to defeat the Lord of Terror, Diablo.

In addition, Diablo on the PlayStation offers a split-screen co-op mode, allowing players to team up with someone. Reviews mention that the graphics are too pixelated, but the game is still worth playing since the original Diablo was created for the PlayStation. It’s a classic hero vs. evil type of story where players focus on customizing their character and enjoy the immersive experience, which has great voice acting, making it even more compelling.

7 Darkstone

A Hidden Gem Similar To Diablo

Systems

Released: July 31, 1999
Developer(s): Delphine Software International

In Darkstone, players get to explore an immersive fantasy world and pick from eight different characters and over 30 diverse weapons and magic spells to prevent evil from taking over the world. The gameplay is often compared to Diablo, which attracts RPG fans. The game is also very replayable, offering four different difficulty levels.

As players progress into the game, new skills and spells are unlocked, resulting in character growth and development. As always, some players have had some negative things to mention about Darkstone, including the poor graphics and very unusual music, which divided opinions on the internet. Regardless of the bad reviews, some players still find it a great role-playing game to consider.

6 Final Fantasy Tactics

A Tactical Game Known For Its Interactive Storyline

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Final Fantasy Tactics

Systems

Released: June 20, 1997
Developer(s): Square

Final Fantasy Tactics (FFT) is a role-playing game set in the warring kingdom of Ivalice. In the game, players must make strategic choices that will impact the outcome of the story, which many players consider to be one of the best storylines in video games. FFT is well known for being a hard game, which excites its fans and scares off beginners who are trying to get into the game.

In addition, as the game progresses, players get to customize and develop their characters across diverse job classes, including knights and wizards.

5 Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together

A Decision-Making Strategy Game

Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together

Systems

Released: February 15, 2011

Tactics Ogre is a strategic game set in the Land of Valeria, where players are forced to make a variety of decisions at the beginning of the game that will shape their destiny. This isometric RPG was created by the talented Yasumi Matsuno and supports both single and multiplayer modes.

Many think this game resembles Final Fantasy Tactics, but players usually find Tactics Ogre slightly better due to the strategic experience and character design. On the other hand, some players mention that the translation of this Japanese game on PS1 is not perfect, but still acceptable.

4 Persona 2: Innocent Sin

Where Rumors Become Reality

Persona 2: Innocent Sin

Systems

Persona 2: Innocent Sin follows high school kid Tatsuya Suou and other students who are facing the Joker—a devil responsible for gossip spread in the fictional Sumaru city, where rumors become reality.

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This isometric game for the PlayStation focuses on strategic battles against demons where players summon Personas to unleash attacks. Reviews praised the game’s storyline, with some considering it one of the best of the Megami Tensei franchise.

3 Suikoden 2

A More Polished Version Of Suidoken 1

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Suikoden 2

Systems

Released: September 29, 1999

Suikoden 2 is a Japanese game created by Konami and considered by many players to be one of the best RPGs of all time. In the game, players take the role of mercenaries in war, building an army. There are over 100 characters to pick from and many combat styles, from regular battles to duets.

Suikoden 2 is a standalone, so there’s no need to play the first game to understand the storyline of the sequel. Another aspect of this role-playing game that stands out from the previous is the improvement in the character animations and storyline. Is this the best PlayStation RPG ever? Some players do think so.

2 Legend Of Mana

An RPG From The Mana Series

Legend of Mana

Released: July 15, 1999
OpenCritic Rating: Fair

Legend of Mana is set in the magic world of Fa’Diel, where the Mana Tree no longer exists and needs to be recovered. The game is filled with colorful characters and an engaging storyline. At the start, players get to choose from different characters and weapons to construct the map and select different play areas, making it a very interactive RPG to play.

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In this isometric game for PlayStation, players get to build their map area, each one featuring different storylines, making it a very replayable RPG. Some players find Legend of Mana a hidden gem. In addition, back in 2021, a remaster was released with improved graphics and soundtrack, which left fans of the Mana series pleased.

1 Final Fantasy 7

The Award Winner For Best Console Role-Playing Game

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Final Fantasy 7

Released: January 31, 1997
OpenCritic Rating: Strong

Final Fantasy 7 conquered RPG fans as soon as it released back in 1997. In the game, players play as Cloud, a blonde mercenary with a mission to save a world named “Planet” from Sephiroth, the game’s villain. The game has great graphics when compared to other RPGs of its time, and the storyline and characters are compelling.

Final Fantasy 7 innovated the gameplay of the genre successfully. As a result, it was awarded The Console RPG of the Year in 1998 and nominated for Outstanding Achievement in Art/Graphics in the same year.