Grandia is an unusually generous Game Arts JRPG with a revolutionary turn-based combat system exploiting character movement and positioning. Likable and optimistic storytelling, memorable characters. An overlooked PS1 JRPG masterpiece that deserves full attention.
Your verdict
Category
RPG1 player12+
Description
PlayStation port of Game Arts' cult JRPG, where young adventurer Justin follows in his missing father's footsteps to uncover the secrets of the Angelou civilization. Created by Game Arts, published by Sony Computer Entertainment in the United States and by Ubi Soft in Europe, released in 1999 in Japan and the United States and in 2000 in Europe. ATB combat system with movement, over eighty hours of gameplay, voice acting and Noriyuki Iwadare's score. European multilingual editions.
Grandia review
4/5
Art direction
★★★★★
"Striking"
4/5
Music
★★★★★
"Excellent"
MAX
Story
★★★★★
"Masterful"
Dreaming of adventure like the explorers of old, a young boy sets off beyond the last known frontier and grows up over a journey vaster than he imagined. The tale celebrates wonder, friendship and coming of age with infectious freshness. This optimistic epic remains one of the most endearing RPGs of its time.
A Game Arts RPG whose dynamic battle system and momentum-filled adventure marked genre fans, to the point of becoming a sought classic. Its late, measured Western release, across several discs, makes it markedly less common than the big rival JRPGs. The connoisseurs' lasting demand, paired with a narrow supply, supports a high value across all regions.
Is Grandia still worth playing in 2026?
Grandia is a Game Arts JRPG of rare generosity, with a revolutionary turn-based combat system exploiting character movement and position on the field. Endearing optimistic narration, young and likeable cast led by Justin and Feena, Noriyuki Iwadare's sublime soundtrack and emotional coming-of-age progression make it one of the loveliest PS1 JRPGs. An absolute peak today.
