The originalPlayStationis one of the most revolutionary consoles out there. Releasing in North America in 1995, the PS1 helped to bridge the gap between 2D and 3D gaming while managing to put up classic offerings in both styles. To this day, there’s a debate as to whether the console’s 3D or 2D games are better.
Having people debate about which style of game on your console is never a bad thing, though that debate does extend to the best games on the system in general. So many classic juggernauts of gaming either started or in some people’s opinions, peaked on the PS1.
10Metal Gear Solid
A lot of love has to be given out to one of the most ambitious titles on the PS1, with that game beingMetal Gear Solid. While most games were simple and relatively arcadey, Metal Gear Solid set out to tella truly cinematic story, and it succeeded.
This 1998 stealth adventure sees you controlling Snake in order to put a stop to the evil of FOXHOUND. It’s shocking how solid the game still is by modern standards, making it a truly timeless piece of gaming art.
While most attention for theFinal Fantasyseries goes to the mainline games, Final Fantasy Tactics deserves the same level of love. Serving as the best tactical game on console, you need to think through every move throughout Ivalice.
There is just so much fun to be had with experimentation in gameplay. There’s a massive job system to play around with, and you might find yourselfplaying through the game multiple timesin order to try out the different strategies you’ll be coming up with as you play.
While theTony Hawk Pro Skaterseries has soured in the eyes of a lot of fans, Tony Hawk Pro Skater 2 came out at precisely the right time. It had simple yet thrilling gameplay, plenty of fun levels and challenges to overcome, and the ability to skate around with a friend.
With a killer soundtrack and the ability to have as many friends playing on your own as you could with a friend, the game is a classic. It may feel a bit simplistic these days, but that doesn’t mean it still can’t offer hours of simple fun, because sometimes that’s all anyone needs.
7Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back
While the originalCrash Bandicootcould be in this slot, many will agree that its sequel is the superior game. Taking everything the original did and expanding on it, Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back helped solidify that Crash was here to stay.
It’s not the most groundbreaking platforming game of all time, but it didn’t need to be. The game offers a ton of great levels to platform through, a fantastic soundtrack, and a lot of trial and error. As long as you are ready to try and try again, Crash Bandicoot 2 is always a great game to give a try.
There are a lot of people who completely skipped over theCastlevaniaseries outside of the NES and SNES, and if that’s you, then you missed out on the best game in the series. Symphony Of The Night is a massive game thathelped coin the term Metroidvania.
Exploring Dracula’s castle as Alucard, vanquishing monsters, and uncovering the truth of what’s going on is a treat. The game is so varied that it’s possible for some people to have only played through half of the game, not realizing there’s an entire inverted castle to play through as well.
Much like the Crash Bandicoot series,Spyro 2: Ripto’s Rageis often seen as the superior PS1 title when compared to the original. It was another big win for the console, taking yet another classic game and expanding on its winning gameplay style.
As long as you love a solid platformer and enjoy adventuring around, you’ll love Spyro 2. There are massive levels to explore, and the game never gets too difficult, making it a great introductory platformer for younger gamers or just those who simply don’t game often.
WhenSpider-Manhit 3D, everyone became a true believer. Rather than going for something overly complex, the game pits you against some of the best of Spider-Man’s impressive rogues gallery in some thrilling levels. Doctor Octopus, Venom, and even Carnage are all there to battle.
The game lets you web-sling like never before, and while it wasn’t a massive open world like many are accustomed to today, the levels are wide enough that you can still explore as you save the day. Like many other classic games, there are plenty of secrets and codes to find and attempt to add to the fun.
It’s practically impossible to talk about the PS1 and not bring upTomb Raider. This fantastic game mixes aspects of action,platforming, and puzzle-solvingto bring you the perfect archeologist experience.
The game can certainly be tricky to come to grips with when compared to modern games, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth adapting to. With a massive story filled with twists and turns, Tomb Raider will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to spectacular pyramid-exploding finish. Lara Croft’s first outing is one no one wanted to miss.
While the mainline entries to theResident Evilseries are generally regarded to be fantastic, Resident Evil 2 is often seen as the best of the classic era. Giving you two campaigns to play through in different ways, the game introduced the world to Leon Kennedy and Claire Redfield.
Having to survive a zombie-filled city was never as exciting as it was in Resident Evil 2, which might be why people still go back to the classic version of the game. Like others, this gem of survival horror is so beloved that it eventually received a modern remake.
While you’re able to play a shocking number of Final Fantasy games on the PS1, most tend to agree that Final Fantasy 7 is the cream of the crop. Telling a massive multi-disc story that sets Cloud Strife against the ridiculously long sword-wielding Sephiroth, the game is a classic of the series.
The game is so beloved by fans like you that calls for a remake have been occurring since the graphical jump to the PS2. It’s easy to pour hundreds of hours intothis massive JRPGthrough level grinding, Materia leveling, and finding every secret the game has to offer.
