The best PS1 RPGs never released in the US

Key takeaways

• PS1 RPGs like Growlanser and Tear Ring Saga were never released outside of Japan, offering unique strategic gameplay.
• Shin Sedai Robot Saiyan: Brave Saga brought Gundam and FF elements into tactical combat that hadn't been seen in the West.
• London Seirei Tantei-Dan's attractive 2D graphics and turn-based gameplay never received a Western or fan translation.

In its roster of amazing RPGs, the PS1 included iconic titles Final Fantasy 7 and Parasitic evePlus a host of other phenomenal experiences. But for the many amazing RPGs that made it out of Japan, a large number of great RPGs never appeared to be released in the West. The PS1 import scene was rather active back in the day, as proper US releases never materialized for the console's most interesting RPGs.

Even if it was a turn-based RPG similar to anime characters final fantasyWhether an engaging strategy JRPG, or some sort of unique, off-beat experience, RPGs that never made it out of Japan are still worth checking out today. Featuring captivating worlds, unique systems, and a style that set them apart, these Japan-exclusive PS1 RPGs were just some of the best games that never made it to the West.

5 Growlancer

One of the PS1's most engaging tactical RPGs

• Platform: PS1
• Developer: Carrier Soft
• Release Date: November 25, 1999

Published by Atlas and developed by Carrier Soft, Growlancer is a fascinating strategic RPG set in the fantasy kingdom of Rolandia. Set during a war between old magic and new magic, Growlancer Tells the story of a young warrior named Carmaine, who finds himself drawn into the struggle when he reaches the right age.

of Growlanser The excellent combat system calls for players to form their party, then use a grid-based system to align themselves for tasks. Bumping, highly energetic music, and battle addiction is what nature really brings Growlancer together with It also features some cool anime cutscenes and an attractive cast of characters. Growlancer It would later get a port on the PSP, but that too was limited to Japan.

4 Shin Sedai Robot Senki: Brave Saga

The anime-influenced strategy RPG features excellent mech combat

• Platform: PS1
• Developer: Pandora Box Creative Office
• Release Date: December 17, 1998

By mixing the elements together Gundam and final fantasy, Shin Sedai Robot Soldier: Brave Saga is a strategic RPG based on the toy line transformer. It feels like late 80s Japanese anime sprung to life, with appropriately corny music and voice acting, complimenting of Bahadur Saga Razor-sharp combat and tactical gameplay.

Featuring a fast-paced turn-based battle system, Brave Saga Focuses on the battles between the mechs and the interpersonal relationships that bind the cast together. It's a fun experience, which makes it all the more unfortunate that it never launched outside of Japan, as it would be perfect for a remaster on modern consoles.

3 The king's territory

The Precursor To Soulsborne Series is one of the best RPGs on the console

The sequel to FromSoftware's challenging dungeon crawler debuted in the US, where it outsold 2 and was released as an ordinary. The king's territory. But the first game never left Japan, leaving it as a curious part of FromSoft's interesting history, as it was the origin of the Soulslike genre.

The king's territory is a first-person dungeon crawler RPG that focuses on trademark Fromsoft design, obscure puzzle design, challenging combat, and a dark, desolate world. It's still a fascinating game in many ways, as its game design and other universal fantasy commitments would influence many games going forward.

2 Tear Ring Saga

The spiritual successor to Fire Emblem Stuns on PS1

• Platform: PS1
• Developer: Ternanog
• Release Date: May 24, 2001

Tear Ring Saga The former was developed by a team of intelligent system developers, the makers of symbol of fire series. Likewise symbol of fire, Tear Ring Saga is a strategic RPG set in a sprawling fantasy kingdom, focused on addictive turn-based combat and a masterfully crafted story of war and betrayal.

Units moving around the map feel crisp and sharp, taking advantage of the fast speeds the PS1 has to offer. The combat feels absolutely fantastic, and the music is absolutely fantastic. Due to ongoing legal issues with Nintendo and its likes symbol of fire, Tear Ring Saga It was not translated into English and has remained in Japan since its release in 2001.

1 London Seirei Tantei-Dan

Fascinating RPG set in Victorian London

• Platform: PS1
• Developer: becoming
• Release Date: 20 May 1999

Using outrageously attractive 2D graphics, a brilliant soundtrack, and traditional turn-based gameplay, London Seirei Tantei-dan Seemed like a perfect fit for the US audience. Unfortunately, this gem has been left without an official western release and fan translation, leaving its fate rather dubious.

Developed by Bandai, London Seirei Tantei-dan Casts players as orphans in 19th century London during the Steam Age. It's great to look at, with beautiful 2D sprite art and a combat system that feels right at home on console. Requests for Bandai to translate into English have gone unanswered since 1999, and considering the company has moved on to bigger and better things, it's likely to stay that way.