With the PlayStation being launched almost 29 years ago, games certainly do not look the way that they did when the console was in its glory days. However, the PS1 has still had an extremely profound impact on games, pioneering genres and creating characters that we still love and adore to this day.
The PlayStation 1ifeatures characters like Crash and Tomb Raider, with epic franchises stemming from it like Final Fantasy and Metal Gear Solid. Join us, as we go through the best PS1 games of all time.
Crash Bandicoot
Release: 1996
Developer: Naughty Dog
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
For a while at least, Crash Bandicoot titles were PlayStation exclusives. The first game started the series on a good note. A platformer with not that much innovation, but great graphics, presentation, and audio.
The titular character often battles the evil Doctor Neo Cortex, having to save someone from captivity. With a combination of “3D” running into the screen and classic side-scrolling, Crash is a game to replay.
Final Fantasy VII
Release: 1997
Developer: Square
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment/Square
Final Fantasy VII is one of the best FF games. Its sequels can be counted as some of the best PS1 RPGs (<- link to RPG article) though all three have their fans. The seventh title is a fan-favorite and as such got many prequels and spin-offs.
You play as Cloud Strife, a former self-proclaimed 1st class SOLDIER. The setting is a post-industrial planet with some advanced technology and a mega-corporation ruling over it. The goal, prevent a disaster from being caused by an evil individual.
Medal of Honor
Release: 1999
Developer: Dreamworks Interactive
Publisher: Electronic Arts
The origin story of Medal of Honor is interesting, to say the least. Steven Spielberg founded Dreamworks with Microsoft, recognizing the potential of video games. His interest in World War II led to the inclusion of Dale Dye, a marine veteran who advised during the filming of Saving Private Ryan.
The game had hurdles to overcome, but it was an instant hit with WWII fans, as well as those of first-person shooters.
Skullmonkeys
Release: 1998
Developer: The Neverhood, Inc.
Publisher: Electronic Arts
The Neverhood is a 1996 point-and-click adventure and this is its sequel. This, however, is a platformer, featuring the protagonist from the previous title, Klaymen. As with the previous title, all the characters were sculpted from clay.
It plays like a platformer, with Klaymen being able to pick up all sorts of upgrades, most of them with a one-time use. The plot revolves around Klaymen having to stop the evil Klogg from wreaking havoc on another world.
Metal Gear Solid
Release: 1998
Developer: Konami Computer Entertainment Japan
Publisher: Konami
Today, everyone who played PlayStation games knows who Hideo Kojima is, and even most PC gamers do. The franchise started in 1987 and this is Kojima’s third game, the first 3D title. Like the previous titles, it is primarily a stealth game.
Solid Snake has to stop FOXHOUND from using nuclear weapons on the world. As you would expect from a Kojima title, the story is never as straightforward as it appears to be. Metal Gear Solid is one of the best-sold PS1 games. (<– link to most sold PS1 games article)
Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver
Release: 1999
Developer: Crystal Dynamics
Publisher: Eidos Interactive
Soul Reaver is the second title in the Legacy of Kain series. It is an action-adventure game that features third-person combat, platforming, and lots of puzzles. We take control of Raziel, a wraith who Kain sentenced to death at the start of the game.
He is resurrected by the Elder God, and led through the game as a sort of a guide. The goal is to restore the land from decay, which means getting to Kain. There are tons of obstacles on the way and Raziel has “much to learn” before overcoming them.
Twisted Metal 2
Release: 1996
Developer: Sony Interactive Studios America/SingleTrac
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
Twisted Metal 2 is the second game in the series, following along its path of demolition derby racing destruction. It plays like Unreal Tournament but with cars. You drive around an arena, picking up weapons and power-ups.
The goal is to be the last driver standing. The second Twisted Metal tournament is held all over the world and the story mode has multiple levels and boss fights. You have a total of 14 vehicles to choose from in this rather fast-paced game.
Ace Combat 2
Release: 1997
Developer: Namco
Publisher: Namco/Sony Computer Entertainment
Ace Combat 2 is a plane flight and combat simulator/arcade game. It is the sequel to Air Combat and the second game in the series. While it is supposed to be a flight simulator, it plays like an arcade game. The game also intentionally made the plane less realistic.
The goal behind this was to simplify the experience. With 21 missions and 24 planes, you can take a different approach to each mission. The goal is usually to either destroy or protect something. You can even have a wingman (almost anytime).
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
Release: 1997
Developer: Konami Computer Entertainment Tokyo
Publisher: Konami
Castlevania titles are known for their 2D side-scrolling gameplay. Symphony of the Night expands on that foundation but remains within its boundaries. RPG elements are added to spice things up.
Alucard can use the traditional Castlevania whip, but also other weapons, as well as magic. Shapeshifting is one of the major components of the game, enabling you to reach otherwise inaccessible locations.
Tenchu: Stealth Assassins
Release: 1998
Developer: Acquire
Publisher: Sony Music Entertainment Japan/Activision
The game focuses on stealth action and at the time, it took an unusual fully 3D approach. Given that it focuses on stealth rather than action, it was probably easier to implement in a truly 3D environment.
There are two playable characters, Ayame and Rikimaru. The former is weaker but faster, while the opposite is true of the latter. Sandbox-style levels provide challenges that the player can overcome with a variety of weapons and utility tools.
Spyro the Dragon
Release: 1998
Developer: Insomniac Games
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
Platformers were common during the PS1 days, but Spyro the Dragon brought open-ended maps to the genre. It is a 3D platformer, featuring the titular character, a young purple dragon. The game’s music was composed by the former Police drummer, Stewart Copeland.
Spyro, with his dragonfly friend, Sparx, must defeat Gnasty Gnorc. Gnorc crystalized all the dragons and took their treasure. Spyro and Sparx survived, so they must run around, get collectibles, and defeat various creeps and bosses.
Oddworld Abe’s Oddysee
Release: 1997
Developer: Oddworld Inhabitants/Digital Dialect/Saffire
Publisher: GT Interactive
Mudokons are a meek species that are enslaved by the Glukkons. Abe works at RuptureFarms, a meat processing facility that makes new and tasty products. One of those products is made from processed Mudokons.
When Abe finds that out, he seeks out all other enslaved Mudokons and if the player is persistent enough, rescues them. This is one of the best action/stealth platformers of all time, with challenging situations and puzzles.
2002 FIFA World Cup
Release: 2002
Developer: EA Canada Creations/Intelligent Games/Tose Software
Publisher: EA Sports/Electronic Arts Square
There are many football titles that could qualify as the best one for a specific console, but this one stands out. Already released at the time when PS2 was out, it pushes the limit of the first PlayStation.
It has a learning curve with power bars being added to passes and shots. Other interesting game elements include star players being faster, or adding a fireball/comet-like effect to their curving shots.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2
Release: 2000
Developer: Neversoft
Publisher: Activision
THPS titles were popular across multiple platforms but for most people, the second game stands out. There are multiple interesting levels with various challenges that change depending on the preferred style of your skater.
Popular skaters are also in the game, with their likeness matched to their real-world counterparts. The eponymous Tony Hawk is there, alongside other prominent figures of the time, as well as other characters from the world of comic books/TV.
Toy Story 2: Buzz Lightyear to the Rescue
Release: 1999
Developer: Traveller’s Tales
Publisher: Disney Interactive/Activision
Toy Story 2 is one of the more interesting 3D platformers of the time. Following the story of the movie, the game plays out much like the movie does, but with more action for the player. You assume the role of Buzz Lightyear.
The goal of the game is to rescue Woody from Al McWhiggin, a greedy toy collector. There are many obstacles along the way, mostly in the shape of other toys. There are interesting challenges to overcome, what you would expect from a great platformer.
Resident Evil Series
Release: 1996/1998/1999
Developer: Capcom
Publisher: Capcom
Take any Resident Evil game for the first PlayStation and you have some of the best horror titles (link to PS1 horror article). All three should be played, in my opinion, preferably with headphones, in the dark.
Chris Redfield, Jill Valentine, Leon S. Kennedy, and Claire Redfield are the playable characters in the first three titles, and each has their pros and cons.
Tomb Raider
Release: 1996
Developer: Core Design
Publisher: Eidos Interactive
Tomb Raider is a much-loved video game, mostly because it started a great franchise. Multiple Tomb Raider games are available for the PlayStation but the first one is the most important. Introducing Lara Croft, an adventurer/artifact hunter.
The goal of the game is to navigate dangerous ruins and find artifacts, dodging traps and killing all sorts of dangerous animals and monsters. It is an action-adventure game that focuses on puzzle-solving and immersion rather than combat.
Need for Speed: Porsche Unleashed
Release: 2000
Developer: Eden Studios/EA Canada
Publisher: Electronic Arts
There are multiple Need for Speed titles for the PlayStation, but Porsche Unleashed is one of the better ones. It could very well qualify as one of the best PS1 racing games. (link to racing game article) There is a caveat with this game, which you might infer from the title.
There are only Porsche cars in the game. This isn’t a bad thing unless you dislike Porsche. The cars are detailed and similar to the vehicles they are based on. Race all over the world with the dream Porsche of your choice.
Syphon Filter
Release: 1999
Developer: Eidetic
Publisher: 989 Studios
Syphon Filter is a combination of a shooter and stealth game, depending on the mission. It is primarily in third-person, though some weapons switch to first-person, to help with the shooting. The camera can be moved freely, a rarity at the time.
You play as Gabriel Logan, a spy/soldier who can solve puzzles as well as shoot people. Your task is to find the people responsible for a possible viral outbreak and outright stop them. The story is not linear, however, as you would expect from a spy thriller.
Chrono Cross
Release: 1999
Developer: Square
Publisher: Square/Square Electronic Arts/Square Enix
Chrono Cross is the successor to Chrono Trigger, a very successful SNES RPG. Cross, however, takes things to the next level and it can be considered one of the best PS1 JRPGs. We move to isometric 3D and a new story (with some cameos).[links to PS1 JRPG article and maybe SNES games for the former]
It plays like a typical JRPG of the time, with exploration and random encounters. You have to find your way through the huge map, controlling Serge and his party of allies. Exploration is a large part of this amazing title, so enjoy it with a glorious soundtrack.
Disruptor
Release: 1996
Developer: Insomniac Games
Publisher: Universal Interactive Studios/Interplay Productions
First-person shooters can be fun, especially if they change the genre a bit. Weapons are interesting, but once you add powers to the mix, the game becomes better. Psionic powers, in this case, are what you can use as the protagonist.
As for the story, Jack Curtis gets his psionic implant and goes on a series of missions that develop the plot and subvert expectations. The gameplay is interesting and the plot unfolds satisfyingly.
Mega Man X4
Release: 1997
Developer: Capcom
Publisher: Capcom/Virgin Interactive Entertainment
The Mega Man series has lots of great titles and several of them are on the PlayStation. Take your pick of the lot, though X4 is a stand-out game. It is somewhat of an action-platformer, like most Mega Man titles.
The titular character X, alongside Zero, is back, for another adventure. The game tasks you with capturing rogue intelligent robots called Mavericks. You can play the levels in any order, with either Zero or X. They have pros and cons and are challenged adequately.
Tekken 3
Release: 1997
Developer: Namco
Publisher: Namco
Arguably one of the best PS1 fighting games (link to fighting game article), Tekken 3 is a masterpiece of combat. Whether you go through the story mode or play one of the game’s many additional modes, fun is guaranteed.
Play as Jin Kazama, the space ninja Yoshimitsu, or the acrobatic Eddy Gordo. Fighting includes various combos through a 3D ring. You can even enter a beat ’em up mode and relive some of the glory days of the arcade.
Legend of Legaia
Release: 1998
Developer: Prokion/Contrail
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
Turn-based RPGs were common at the time, but it took effort for a game to stand out. The combat system is unique with various combos that require planning and opportunism. The Arts combos can be linked to deal more damage.
We follow Vihn, the protagonist, as he merges with Meta, an intelligent magical being Ra-Seru. The goal is to stop a mysterious Mist from turning all the other regular Seru creatures mad. Vihn and his companions are immune, as well as the Ra-Seru.
MediEvil
Release: 1998
Developer: SCE Studio Cambridge
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
MediEvil is a hack-and-slash adventure game, featuring Sir Daniel Fortesque. The game is heavily inspired by The Nightmare Before Christmas so the main character is a skeletal knight. Dan is never without a weapon!
Even when he has nothing equipped out of a various arsenal, he can rip his arm off and use it as a club. Interacting with Gargoyles provides Sir Daniel with either information or upgrades for the price of in-game collectibles.
Some PS1 games are available as remasters, while others can be played on the original or with a PS1 emulator. We highly recommend trying all options out, for the original and updated experience.
