It's been over three decades since the original PlayStation launched, revolutionizing gaming and pop culture. While games and technology have advanced significantly, the PS1's impact remains undeniable. From Crash Bandicoot to Spyro, it introduced iconic characters and franchises. But which PS1 games truly stand out? We've compiled a list of the 25 best, including PlayStation exclusives.
The Best PS1 Games Ever
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Best PlayStation Games of All TimeBest PS2 Games of All TimeBest PS3 Games of All TimeBest PS4 Games of All TimeBest PS5 Games25. PaRappa the Rapper
**Developer:** NanaOn-Sha | **Publisher:** Sony Computer Entertainment | **Release date:** December 6, 1996 | **Review:** IGN's PaRappa the Rapper reviewBefore Rock Band, Guitar Hero, and even Dance Dance Revolution, there was PaRappa the Rapper. This rapping game, featuring a cartoonish dog and his animal friends, charmed players with catchy tunes and quirky appeal, a refreshing change from the PS1's "extreme" or "hardcore" titles. Its unique visual style set it apart (until Um Jammer Lammy arrived!). This rapping canine is so beloved, he's even one of IGN's top 10 video game dogs! I gotta believe!
Oddworld: Abe’s Oddysee
Oddworld: Abe’s Oddysee is a quirky action-puzzle-platformer with a bizarre, Soylent Green-esque storyline. Remembered for its unique character design and rich lore, it spawned sequels and spin-offs like Munch’s Oddysee and Stranger’s Wrath. Its standout features include unique communication and teamwork mechanics with Mudokons, and the ability to possess and manipulate enemies. Don't think - drink!
Crash Bandicoot 3: Warped
While Crash Bandicoot 2 ranks higher, the entire Crash trilogy is crucial to PlayStation history, thanks to Naughty Dog's challenging and fun gameplay. Crash Bandicoot 3: Warped, while having less challenging base levels than Cortex Strikes Back, still offers enjoyable platforming and vehicle challenges. Its time-traveling theme provides diverse levels, enemies, and locations, creating a cohesive experience. The 2019 Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy remaster showcases Warped’s enduring appeal.
Spider-Man
Developed by Neversoft (creators of the Tony Hawk franchise), the PS1's Spider-Man set the standard for superhero games. It was the first game for many to truly capture Spider-Man's unique traversal, swinging, climbing, and acrobatic combat. Packed with Easter eggs, secrets, and unlockable costumes (including Spider-Man 2099 and the Amazing Bag-Man), even featuring voice work from Stan Lee himself!
Mega Man Legends 2
Before Mega Man Legends, the series wasn't known for its story or characters. Mega Man Legends 2 changed that, delivering a unique and charming 3D action-adventure that improved upon its predecessor.
Ape Escape
Before the ubiquity of analog sticks, the DualShock controller felt like a gimmick. Ape Escape cleverly used this new technology by tasking players with capturing mischievous apes using various gadgets controlled by the DualShock's right stick. This innovative mechanic, while considered "gimmicky" today, was groundbreaking in 1999. Interestingly, Ape Escape's premise proved surprisingly prescient.
Crash Team Racing
A strong contender for the Mario Kart throne, Crash Team Racing offered a unique mascot racer experience. Its original tracks, clever weapon system, and skill-based drifting/boosting made it a beloved kart racer, even before its modern remake, Crash Team Racing: Nitro-Fueled.
Syphon Filter
Blending elements of Metal Gear Solid and GoldenEye, Syphon Filter offered a unique blend of stealth and action. Its diverse weaponry allowed for varied approaches, and its memorable feature of tasking enemies pre-dated the "don't tase me bro" meme by almost a decade.
Soul Reaver: Legacy of Kain
Often called Legacy of Kain 2, Soul Reaver is a standout sequel in an underrated franchise. Its gothic atmosphere, shifting between the world of the living and the spectral plane, proved highly influential. Written and directed by Amy Hennig (of Uncharted fame), its characters and story are exceptional, despite a rushed ending.
Final Fantasy Tactics
Developer: Square | Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment | Release date: January 28, 1998 (NA) | Review: IGN's Final Fantasy Tactics review
Upon its release, Final Fantasy Tactics was considered the best turn-based strategy game on consoles. Even today, few games match its complexity. The juxtaposition of cute characters with a complicated plot is a highlight. It showcased that the PlayStation didn't need 3D graphics to excel.
Medal of Honor: Underground
First-person shooters were less common on consoles in the PS1 era. Medal of Honor: Underground stands out, offering memorable characters, diverse levels, and a compelling behind-enemy-lines setting. Its ability to let players trick Nazis into posing for photos before shooting them is a unique touch.
Final Fantasy 9
Final Fantasy IX returned to the series' fantasy roots, featuring knights, mages, princesses, and crystals. However, its memorable characters—Zidane, Vivi, Steiner—are what truly make it stand out. A beautiful swan song for single-digit Final Fantasy entries on PlayStation.
See our guide to the Final Fantasy games in order.
Silent Hill
Silent Hill deviated from typical zombie survival horror, creating a unique psychological horror experience. The unsettling town of Silent Hill, filled with bizarre creatures, challenges the protagonist's sanity. Its foreboding atmosphere and emphasis on running over fighting are hallmarks of the game.
Spyro 2: Ripto’s Rage
Building upon the original, Spyro 2: Ripto's Rage (known as Spyro 2: Gateway to Glimmer in some regions) offers a balanced challenge and fun, expanding on the series' strengths. Its seasonal hub areas and diverse mini-worlds, along with its memorable characters and collectibles, make it a standout in the Insomniac trilogy.
Driver
A blend of open-world missions and arcade driving, Driver offered a unique experience for its time. Its satisfying collision physics and the innovative Director Mode, allowing players to create their own action sequences, cemented its place in PS1 history.
Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back
A standout in the Crash trilogy, Cortex Strikes Back provides a well-balanced challenge with its platforming levels. Naughty Dog's refined gameplay mechanics offer a rewarding experience.
Vagrant Story
An underrated action RPG, Vagrant Story masterfully combines multiple systems with a complex plot. Its unique weapon customization, armor building, puzzle-solving, and challenging boss battles make it a hidden gem.
Tekken 3
Developer: Namco | Publisher: Namco | Release date: Mar 1, 1997 | Review: IGN's Tekken 3 review
Tekken 3 is a highly-regarded fighting game, appealing even to non-fighting game fans. Its innovative three-axis movement system and combination of cinematic presentation, diverse characters, and intense combat made it iconic.
Resident Evil 2
Even with its 2018 remake, the original Resident Evil 2 remains a classic. Its unique setting, challenging puzzles, memorable monsters, and relentless Tyrant make it an all-time horror classic.
Tomb Raider
Developer: Core Design | Publisher: Eidos Interactive | Release date: November 14, 1996 | Review: IGN's Tomb Raider review
The original Tomb Raider is a haunting solo adventure, featuring a blend of real-world and fantastical creatures. Its intricate level design and awe-inspiring environments, along with its iconic protagonist Lara Croft, cemented its legacy.
See our guide to the Tomb Raider games in order.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2 is considered one of the greatest sports games ever made, and among the highest-rated games of all time. Its blend of arcade-style extreme sports action and iconic soundtrack made it a cultural phenomenon.
Gran Turismo 2
Expanding upon the original Gran Turismo, Gran Turismo 2 offered an unprecedented amount of content, featuring nearly 650 cars. Its massive scope dwarfed its competitors and made it a landmark racing game.
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
While opting for 2D graphics in a 3D era, Castlevania: Symphony of the Night refined gameplay to perfection. Its beautiful pixel art and unforgettable soundtrack make it a near-perfect game.
Final Fantasy 7
Final Fantasy VII is largely responsible for introducing Japanese RPGs to a Western audience. Its dark sci-fi story and character designs captivated players worldwide, spawning numerous spin-offs and a remake.
Metal Gear Solid
Metal Gear Solid redefined cinematic storytelling in video games. Its unique blend of stealth-action gameplay, memorable characters, and boundary-pushing narrative still holds up today.
Honorable Mentions
Many excellent PS1 games couldn't make the list. We want to acknowledge:
EinhanderDino CrisisBrian Lara/Shane Warne Cricket ‘99Need For Speed: High StakesThe Legend of Dragoon
These are our picks for the best PS1 games. Let us know your favorites!
### The 25 Best PS1 Games of All TimeThe 25 Best PS1 Games of All Time
Top 25 Best PlayStation Games
The original PlayStation launched in North America on September 9, 1995, selling over 102 million units. Here's an interactive playlist of our 2020 PS1 ranking. Which ones have you played?See All
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