#27
YoY: -3 My Rating: 9.2/10
Another one of the more obscure titles on my list, Grandia was a game I discovered somewhat randomly while browsing through the PS1 section of the PS Store well over a decade ago now. I was a bit starved for new JRPGs at the time, the genre being in a bit of a slump on home consoles at the time, and this one looked like it might be interesting, so I decided to give it a go. A few hours later I was hooked, and several dozen later it had become one of my favourite games of its kind in general.
One of the key reasons why I love the game so much, is because it manages to capture a very specific feeling in a way that few games can, and that's the feeling of adventure. Which is fitting considering adventure is the main character's primary motivation at the start of the game. Other reasons follow, but that's where the game starts, and it creates that sense of awe and discovery with every new location the player visits. In general, Grandia does a great job at characterization. Every one of the characters you play as has their own specific goals and dreams, and the game makes sure to make each one stand out in one way or another. Another aspect that deserves to be mentioned is the battle system, which is really well designed and should be adapted for use by other games as well. The great music, upbeat and often whimsical story, and especially the characters make this a game I will go back to again one day.
