The Best JRPGs With Pre-Rendered Backgrounds

Pre-rendered backdrops were widely used during the fifth and sixth generations of gaming. This method involved developers rendering high-quality backgrounds on an external program and using them as a static environment for many JRPGs, giving them a complete 3D look and feel that aligns with the artist's vision.

They were instrumental in bringing many PlayStation and PS2-era games to life, and still hold up on modern systems. The fixed camera angles and perspectives helped immerse players in carefully crafted worlds that contained far more detail than was possible using the 3D technology available at the time. This list showcases some of the finest JRPGs that feature pre-rendered backdrops.

5 Parasite Eve

A Modern JRPG With Captivating Visuals

Parasite Eve is a horror RPG set in New York City and was built using the same engine as Final Fantasy 7. The game features exploration reminiscent of the PS1-era Resident Evil games and incorporates turn-based combat using modern weaponry such as pistols, machine guns, and police batons. Unlike Final Fantasy 7, the battles don't switch to another screen, they take place in the same pre-rendered space, and the protagonist, Aya, can freely move around her enemies, avoiding their attacks until she's ready to attack, heal, or use an item.

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The pre-rendered backdrops rank among the most atmospheric, eerie, and beautiful examples seen on the PlayStation. They wonderfully capture the essence of a wintry New York on Christmas Eve, offering a welcome departure from the typical fantasy-based settings. The attention to detail in the indoor settings, such as the police station and the History Museum, is clear and is a joy to explore. The careful and detailed design of these modern New York environments makes Parasite Eve one of the most authentic JRPGs available on any system.

4 Final Fantasy 8

A Stunning Setting That Seamlessly Merges With FMV Events

Final Fantasy 8 is one of the most visually stunning games on the PS1, featuring incredibly creative and immersive pre-rendered backgrounds that bring its world to life. The world feels more expansive than its predecessor thanks to the clever use of cinematic camera angles and the seamless integration of FMV sequences with the background scenery.

The remastered version of Final Fantasy 8 showcases its timeless art design. With the updated character models, this fantasy sci-fi adventure has become one of the more accessible entries for contemporary JRPG fans. The eighth installment of the long-running series features some of its most creative settings, including Balamb Garden, Deling City, and Trabia Garden, all of which boast unforgettable landscapes.

3 The Legend Of Dragoon

A Picturesque Fantasy World Brought To Life

The Legend of Dragoon is a beautiful JRPG from Sony, and it could easily be mistaken for one of Squaresoft's Final Fantasy titles on the PS1. It features some of the PlayStation's best-pre-rendered backdrops, which outshine some early PS2 JRPGs that used a similar pre-rendering technique. There was a lot of love, time, and attention put into the world of Endiness, giving a feeling of scope, wonder, and a lived-in history steeped in lore.

The water and the sun ray effect used was mesmerizing and looked like a fantasy painting come to life. The Legend of Dragoon featured incredibly diverse landscapes with fantasy-esque towns like Donau, The Flower City, Rouge, and the Aglis, the magical city under the city, which almost looks sci-fi-inspired in its appearance. The Legend of Dragoon is a visually stunning game, one that not only deserves a second look, but a continuation of one of Sony's best JRPGs.

2 Chrono Cross

A Vibrant And Beautiful World

Chrono Cross divided fans because it was dubbed as a follow-up to the legendary Chrono Trigger, but despite having a tough act to follow, it is an incredible JRPG in its own right. Chrono Cross is a beautiful game with an imaginatively crafted world that stands on its own as one of the best-looking JRPGs of the PS1 era.

The world was crafted by art director Yasuyuki Honne, who also served in the same capacity during the development of Xenogears, Xenosaga, and the Baten Kaitos series. There is a lot of activity happening in the background, including NPCs, waterfalls, beaches, wildlife, and more. Chrono Cross is a joy to explore, whether it's experienced on the PS1 or the remastered Chrono Cross: Radical Dreamers Edition.

1 Final Fantasy 7

A Timeless Classic With An Incredible Atmosphere

For many JRPG fans from the PS1 era, Final Fantasy 7 was their first video game. Moreover, it helped popularize the use of pre-rendered backdrops next to the Resident Evil series. The game captured an unparalleled sense of scale within its genre at the time. The unforgettable opening scene in Midgar, where the FMV footage blends almost seamlessly with the moment Cloud and his companions leap from the train, remains iconic in one of gaming's best worlds.

Midgar is beautifully designed and feels as if it were a character in its own right. The setting portrays a cyberpunk atmosphere where the inhabitants of the slums struggle, while the wealthy reside above. There's so much detail inside and around Midgar, whether it's the cozy but well-worn little cafés and stores, or the neon lights of the Honey Bee Inn. Final Fantasy 7's memorable backdrops and scenes aren't limited to Midgar, but the beautiful towns like the sunny Costa Del Sol, the picturesque Nibelheim, and the Icicle Inn, which looks like a Christmas card. The game is packed with larger memorable locations and places, like the Gold Saucer and the Shinra-controlled harbor town of Junon.

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