The unique PlayStation was revolutionary when it was launched. As Sony’s first foray into the sport console enterprise, it pushed the boundaries of what was thought attainable with shopper electronics. Whereas not the primary 3D-capable dwelling console, the PS1 was actually essentially the most prolific—and to at the present time, a whole lot of unimaginable video games have been launched for the platform.
TABLE OF CONTENT
1. The Greatest PS1 Video games You Should Expertise YourselfFinal Fantasy VIIFinal Fantasy VI (Last Fantasy III within the US)Castlevania: Symphony of the NightTony Hawk’s Professional Skater 2Wipeout 3Spyro the DragonTomb RaiderFinal Fantasy TacticsOddworld: Abe’s OddyseeCrash BandicootPaRappa the RapperLegacy of Kain: Soul ReaverGran Turismo 2Tekken 3Metal Gear Strong
The Greatest PS1 Video games You Should Expertise Your self
Under, we’ve tried to catalog just some of those standout titles. From Last Fantasy to Tomb Raider, most of the biggest online game franchises of all time grew up on the PlayStation. Listed here are one of the best PS1 video games.
Picture Credit score: Sq. Enix
Last Fantasy VII
Maybe essentially the most iconic recreation on this checklist, Last Fantasy VII is an undisputed traditional—and one of many absolute best video games on the PS1. Whereas remasters and remakes can take away a few of the authentic appeal, nothing fairly beats enjoying FFVII on its authentic console.
Whereas the turn-based RPG style has advanced lots since its launch, FFVII continues to be gratifying to play, although the three-disc story pacing might really feel dated by fashionable requirements. However this recreation’s cultural affect can’t be denied, and it’s rightly thought to be the most effective Last Fantasy video games of all time.
Picture Credit score: Sq. Enix
Last Fantasy VI (Last Fantasy III within the US)
It could appear lazy to return to Last Fantasy for this subsequent entry, however Last Fantasy VI—initially launched as Last Fantasy III within the US—stays the most effective video games on the PS1. With its epic story, charming sprite work, and reactive battle system, FFVI was the rightful send-off for 2D Last Fantasy video games.
Lately, you’re spoiled for 100-hour RPGs with stunning sprite artwork and gripping storytelling, however on launch, Last Fantasy VI was the gold customary—and it nonetheless holds up in the present day.
Picture Credit score: Konami
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night time
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night time was launched on the Sega Saturn and PS1, but it surely turned one of many latter’s finest video games. With a haunting soundtrack, the conceptual beginning of the Metroidvania style, and a visible peak for sprite-based video games, SotN is usually mimicked however by no means improved.
At launch, the sport’s over-the-top voice performing was ridiculed, however in in the present day’s world of quippy dialogue, its earnestness is definitely charming. It’s a difficult recreation, however hardly ever unfair. Should you’re ready for one thing to play earlier than Silksong, contemplate SotN—the most effective PS1 video games ever made.
Picture Credit score: Activision
Tony Hawk’s Professional Skater 2
Tony Hawk’s Professional Skater was a revolutionary recreation that born the skateboarding subgenre. Launched throughout skateboarding’s mid-’90s peak, it was essential recreation for youngsters. The sequel, nevertheless, is the actual gem—sharpening the graphics and streamlining the already unimaginable gameplay.
Whereas later entries added open worlds and missions, Tony Hawk’s Professional Skater 2 is one of the best pure skating recreation within the collection. It additionally options one of many biggest online game soundtracks ever. A traditional PS1 recreation that should be performed.
Picture Credit score: Psygnosis
Wipeout 3
In some ways, racing video games have been the signature style for the PlayStation. For the primary time, simulated driving was accessible at dwelling, and builders pushed the boundaries of what was attainable. Wipeout remodeled that have into stylized sci-fi, with hyper-fast automobiles and a thumping techno soundtrack.
The third installment, Wipeout 3 (stylized as Wip3out), was the franchise’s excessive level on the PS1. Visually spectacular and fast-paced, it pushed the console to its limits. If you wish to see peak low-poly racing, Wip3out is the place to go.
Picture Credit score: Insomniac Video games
Spyro the Dragon
With Nintendo and Sega having immediately recognizable mascots, there was a way within the late ’90s that PlayStation wanted its personal. Many characters tried, however Spyro the Dragon turned one of the profitable.
This replayable platformer laid the muse for quite a few sequels and spin-offs whereas delivering crisp, clear gameplay. It nonetheless holds up in the present day—and it’s simple to sink dozens of hours into this charming title.
Picture Credit score: Core Design
Tomb Raider
Lara Croft was as soon as PlayStation’s unofficial mascot—and that started with Tomb Raider. The action-adventure recreation laid the muse for the style, with expansive ranges and 3D exploration.
The PS1 had 5 Tomb Raider titles, and anyone might make this checklist. However the authentic stays essentially the most iconic. Regardless of some janky puzzles and a now-dated motion system, its appeal is plain.
Picture Credit score: Sq. Enix
Last Fantasy Techniques
With the just lately introduced remake, we don’t really feel unhealthy together with a 3rd Last Fantasy recreation on this checklist. Last Fantasy Techniques helped popularize—and controversial good—the technique RPG subgenre.
A compelling story, stunning sprite work, and the introduction of the Ivalice setting (utilized in later Last Fantasy video games and spin-offs) make this a particular title. Considered one of our favorites—and the most effective on the PS1.
Picture Credit score: Oddworld Inhabitants
Oddworld: Abe’s Oddysee
Oddworld: Abe’s Oddysee is a puzzle-platformer with a weird aesthetic in contrast to anything. You play as Abe, making an attempt to rescue fellow Mudokons from a meat processing plant.
We’ll be sincere: This recreation gave us nightmares as youngsters. The visuals, the darkish tone, the truth that you may unintentionally ship the characters you’re making an attempt to avoid wasting to their deaths—it’s all memorable. Although remastered in 2014, the PS1 authentic continues to be price experiencing.
Picture Credit score: Naughty Canine
Crash Bandicoot
Crash Bandicoot is one other iconic PS1-era character. Slightly than providing totally 3D exploration, Crash centered on pseudo-2D platforming and vertical dash ranges that delivered pressure and problem.
The sport’s visuals are immediately recognizable, and whereas Crash by no means reached the heights of Mario or Sonic, he stays a beloved PlayStation icon.
Picture Credit score: Sony Laptop Leisure
PaRappa the Rapper
A rhythm recreation trailblazer, PaRappa the Rapper featured fashionable visuals, catchy songs, and unforgettable characters. It’s a disgrace the franchise has pale into obscurity, however this PS1 title is a real standout.
Picture Credit score: Crystal Dynamics
Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver
The Soul Reaver/Legacy of Kain collection has fallen into obscurity, however throughout the PS1 period, it was one of the compelling journey recreation franchises.
It’s exhausting to think about collection like God of Conflict or Murderer’s Creed current with out it. You’ll be able to nonetheless see its affect in fashionable video games.
Picture Credit score: Polyphony Digital Inc.
Gran Turismo 2
Gran Turismo is without doubt one of the best-selling and most critically acclaimed PlayStation franchises. The collection started on the PS1, however Gran Turismo 2 was the true pinnacle on the console.
On the time, it supplied essentially the most real looking driving expertise out there at dwelling—second solely to arcades. If yow will discover an previous steering wheel peripheral, it’s the right solution to expertise peak ’90s driving recreation vibes.
Picture Credit score: Namco
Tekken 3
Tekken debuted on PlayStation and shortly turned Sony’s flagship preventing recreation. Tekken 3 was the franchise’s excessive level on the PS1—arguably essentially the most superior 3D fighter of its time.
It launched key parts that also outline the collection: sidestepping, distinctive character move, and refined mechanics. A blueprint for all future 3D fighters.
Picture Credit score: Konami
Metallic Gear Strong
Revolutionizing stealth gameplay, Metallic Gear Strong was each visually and technically iconic. Many fashionable stealth mechanics started with this title.
Whereas the collection peaked on the PS2, MGS stays the most effective PS1 video games—and it’s nonetheless infinitely replayable.
