A few of these games were released for the original Playstation. For those who have those wee portable PS1’s, I’ve specified which games were released before PS2.
Final Fantasy VII – PS1
Release Date – 9/31/1997
Ebay $20-30
This game has recently increased in price due to the release of Advent Children, but if you’re willing to shell out the dough, this game is well worth it. FFVII broke my pre-pubescent heart several times, as did many other Final Fantasy games. Something about love triangles, a girly bad dude, and girly dudes in general attracts me to play this game over and over again. Now I’m not really into girly dudes, (shut up Alan) but the adventure keeps drawing me back. One of the last of the truly explorative FF games, FFVII lets you decide your own path. Also, hidden characters, chocobos, and materia demand attention after the initial twenty hours of gameplay. Don’t miss this cult classic, because Advent Children is great and the release of FFVII: Dirge of Cerberus promises to answer many of the questions that went unanswered in the game.
Final Fantasy X
Release Date – 12/17/2001
New $19.99
Ebay $7-10
Have you ever felt backstabbed by a video game? If not, FFX will grant you your first opportunity. As engaging as FFVII but with way better graphics, FFX ranks alongside VII as one of the greatest Final Fantasy games of all time. Introducing an interesting turn-based system that allows you to switch between characters during battle, FFX calls for more strategy and planning than previous games. Also, FFX is the first in the series to be almost completely linear. Unfortunately, this takes a lot of the exploration factor out of the game. But do not despair; FFX packs a punch with its graphics and character development. That’s right, you actually care about the characters this time. With the addition of Rammstein to the soundtrack (great German shouting!!!), FFX claims to have one of the most recognizable soundtracks in gaming history. Warning: don’t waste your time or money on FF X-2, sadly it does not offer an answer to X’s ending cliffhanger.
Kingdom Hearts I
Release Date – 10/20/2002
New 19.99
Ebay $15
No, dammit, you don’t have to love Disney to play this game. And it’s not for 7th graders either. Although Kingdom Hearts implements the genius idea of putting Final Fantasy and Disney characters together, it doesn’t dumb the plot down enough to make adults feel like little kids again. Kingdom Hearts also boasts impressive graphics and a compelling story. This game is worth the money even if you just buy it so you know the story behind Kingdom Hearts II. Luckily, all of the problems in 1 have been fixed in II, including the stubborn camera. Kingdom Hearts II is an equally great game, but at a price of fifty dollars, it isn’t cheap enough to be included on this list.
Dragon Quest VIII
Release Date – 11/15/2005
New $29.99
Ebay $22-25
Dragon Quest may not be as popular in the United States as the Final Fantasy series, but it is quickly catching up. In many ways, the two series are similar. If you are a fan of one, you will be a fan of the other. However, the CG scenes in DQ are not as eye-catching as FF. DQ VIII has the same kind of graphics as Zelda: The Windwaker: cell-shaded, which make for some pretty impressive overworld gameplay. Now that this game has finally become more affordable, it is a must-have to your game library. (If you don’t believe me, read the review!)
Well there you have it, the greatest games for the least amount of moola that I could possibly think of. Now save your quarters and go buy a damn game!
