Best PS1 Games of All-Time

The PlayStation 1, Sony’s pioneering foray into the world of gaming consoles, left an indelible mark on the industry and gamers worldwide. Its innovative design, coupled with groundbreaking titles, not only shaped the course of gaming but also defined a generation of gamers. This article aims to take you on a nostalgic journey back to those pixelated yet glorious gaming days, as we explore the best PS1 games of all time.

From the adrenaline-pumping action of ‘Metal Gear Solid’ to the captivating narratives of ‘Final Fantasy VII’, the PS1 offered a diverse range of games that catered to all tastes. It was a golden era where developers were pushing the boundaries of what was possible, creating immersive worlds and compelling stories that still resonate with gamers today.

So, whether you’re a veteran gamer looking to reminisce or a curious newcomer eager to explore gaming’s rich history, join us as we delve into the iconic titles that made the PS1 a legendary console. Let’s embark on this exciting journey through the annals of gaming history, revisiting the unforgettable adventures and epic battles that still echo in the hallowed halls of gaming folklore. Stay tuned as we countdown the best PS1 games of all time.

Bishi Bashi Special

Bishi Bashi (ビシバシ, Bishi Bashi) is a series of party games by Konami featuring competitive minigames for up to 8 players on PlayStation. Simple controls (3 buttons) and clear instructions make it easy to jump right in for a fun and lively multiplayer experience.

Developer: Konami

Released: 1998

Street Fighter Alpha 3

Street Fighter Alpha 3, the final entry in the Alpha sub-series (1998), brought new fighting styles (“isms”) and a massive roster to classic 2D fighting action. Playable on PlayStation, Dreamcast, and more, Alpha 3 offered depth for both casual and competitive players.

Developer: Capcom

Released: 1998

Tenchu: Stealth Assassins

Tenchu: Stealth Assassins (1998) for PlayStation lets you be a ninja! Choose Rikimaru (strong, slow) or Ayame (weaker, faster) to conquer 11 levels of stealthy action. Sequel: Tenchu 2: Birth of the Stealth Assassins (2000).

Developer: Acquire

Released: 1998

Spider-Man

One of the most famous movie franchises, Spider-Man was released in 2000 for PlayStation, Game Boy Color, and Nintendo 64. The subsequent year saw it release for Dreamcast and Microsoft Windows. A total of 3 sequels followed this game: the Game Boy Color-exclusive Spider-Man 2: The Sinister Six, the PlayStation-exclusive Spider-Man 2: Enter Electro, and the Game Boy Advance-exclusive Spider-Man: Mysterio’s Menace.

The story follows Spider Man attempting to clear his name after being framed by a doppelgänger and becoming a wanted criminal. Numerous villains from the famous comic such as Scorpion, Rhino, Venom, Mysterio, Carnage, and Doctor Octopus appear as bosses. The game features narration from Stan Lee. There are different levels in the game where players can swing, crawl, or zip between certain points to complete. Levels restart if Spider-Man runs out of health, falls off a building or fails to complete certain objectives such as rescuing a hostage.

Developer: Neversoft

Released: 2000

Einhander

Einhander, a classic scrolling shooter game by Square, debuted in Japan in 1997 and North America in 1998. Inspired by German swords, it features 2.5D graphics with occasional 3D elements. Players navigate in a 2D plane, facing different difficulty levels and bosses.

Developer: Square

Released: 1997

R4: Ridge Racer Type 4

R4: Ridge Racer Type 4, the final chapter in the Ridge Racer series, debuted in 1998 (Japan) and 1999 (North America, Europe). Recently re-released on PS Network (2011), PS4, and PS5 (2023). The game focuses on powersliding mechanics, offering two styles: Drift and Grip. Players choose between four teams, each with varying difficulties: R.C. Micro Mouse Mappy (France), Pac Racing Club (Japan), Racing Team Solvalou (Italy), and Dig Racing Team (United States). Qualifying higher rewards players with new cars or upgrades.”

Developer: Namco

Released: 1998

Final Fantasy Tactics

Final Fantasy Tactics, a tactical role-playing game developed by Square for PlayStation, is hailed as one of the greatest video games. Follow protagonist Ramza Beoulve in battles on 3D isometric fields and world map exploration. With over 2.4 million units sold worldwide, it remains a fan favorite in the Final Fantasy franchise. Don’t miss the enhanced version, Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions.

Developer: Square

Released: 1997

Twisted Metal 2: World Tour

Twisted Metal 2, a classic vehicular combat game, debuted in 1996 for PC and PS1. It offers multiplayer mode over modem or Internet, with destructible arenas and a variety of weapons pickups. Battle against other drivers in a demolition derby to be the last one standing. Enjoy cooperative mode for endless fun!. The game can also be played in cooperative mode and there is no ending if you complete the game in coop mode.

Developer: SingleTrac

Released: 1996

Time Crisis

Time Crisis, launched in 1995, is a pioneering arcade light gun shooter series by Namco. Join agent Richard Miller in intense combat missions across various platforms. Encounter iconic boss ‘Wild Dog’ and race against time to save the president’s daughter. Experience thrilling gameplay with combat sections, cover mechanics, and challenging time limits. Explore additional stages in later ports for extended excitement.

Developer: Namco

Released: 1997

Driver: You Are the Wheelman

Driver: You Are the Wheelman, the first installment in the Driver series, was developed by Reflections Interactive and published by GT Interactive in 1999. Available on PlayStation, Windows, Game Boy Colour, Macintosh, iOS, and Palm Pre, it was re-released on PS Network in 2008. Explore four cities—Miami, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York—each semi-faithful to their real layouts. Unlock a bonus city, Newcastle, in the PC version. Though compared to Grand Theft Auto, Driver also draws thematic inspiration from The Driver (1978) film.”

Developer: Reflections Interactive

Released: 2000

Vagrant Story

Vagrant Story, a critically acclaimed action RPG, was developed and published by Square in 2000. Control Ashley Riot in real-time exploration of Lea Monde and its catacombs. Enjoy seamless navigation and dynamic combat with chaining attacks for increased damage. Originally released for PlayStation, it’s also available on PlayStation Network for PS3, PSP, and PS Vita.

Developer: Square

Released: 2000

Spyro the Dragon

Spyro the Dragon, developed by Insomniac Games, follows the adventures of Spyro, a young purple dragon, and his dragonfly friend, Sparx. Journey through the Dragon Kingdom to defeat Gnasty Gnorc. With captivating gameplay and vibrant worlds, Spyro became one of the best-selling PlayStation games, selling nearly 5 million copies worldwide. Guide Spyro across realms, rescue fellow dragons, and recover stolen treasure. Explore diverse levels, encounter challenging boss fights, and unlock hidden flight stages for added excitement

Developer: Insomniac Games

Released: 1998

Tomb Raider

Tomb Raider, developed by Core Design and published by Eidos Interactive in 1996, marks the debut of Lara Croft and the iconic franchise. Available on various platforms including Sega Saturn, MS-DOS, and PlayStation, the game follows Lara’s adventures as she explores ruins and tombs in search of the Scion of Atlantis treasure. Dive into thrilling gameplay across four zones: Peru, Greece, Egypt, and Atlantis, all presented in a third-person perspective with manual camera control for immersive exploration

Developer: Core Design

Released: 1996

Oddworld: Abe’s Oddysee

Oddworld: Abe’s Oddysee, developed by Oddworld Inhabitants and published by GT Interactive in 1997, is a beloved classic. Praised for its innovative gameplay, captivating art direction, and engaging cutscenes, it remains one of the best-selling PS video games of all time, with over 3.5 million copies sold by 2012. Players control Abe in this 2D platformer, solving puzzles, navigating obstacles, and avoiding enemies across separate screens. The game features checkpoint respawns, stealth mechanics, and throwable objects like meat, rocks, or grenades for strategic gameplay.

Developer: Oddworld Inhabitants

Released: 1997

WipEout 2097

Wipeout 2097, originally known as Wipeout XL, is the second entry in the series. Released in 1996 for PlayStation and later for Microsoft Windows and Sega Saturn, it offers thrilling futuristic racing action. Pilots compete against each other or AI opponents, utilizing new circuits and weapons while maintaining the core gameplay mechanics. The game introduces Formula 1-inspired mechanics for improved turning speed and strategic air braking. Players must navigate hazards, take damage from enemy fire, and strategically recharge their ship at pit stops to stay in the race.

Developer: Psygnosis

Released: 1996

PaRappa The Rapper

Developed by NanaOn-Sha and published by Sony Computer Entertainment for the PlayStation in Japan in 1996 and worldwide in 1997, PaRappa The Rapper was created by music producer Masaya Matsuura in collaboration with artist Rodney Greenblat. The game was also launched for PS 4 in 2017 as its 20th anniversary.

The gameplay consists of PaRappa the Rapper as the main character who has to make his way through game’s six stages by rapping. As the teacher raps, a bar will appear at the top of the screen showing symbols that match to the teacher’s lyrics. The players are challenged to make PaRappa rap in response to the teacher by pressing the buttons with correct timing to match the line.

Developer: NanaOn-Sha

Released: 1996

Silent Hill

Silent Hill, developed by Team Silent, is a groundbreaking survival horror game released exclusively for PlayStation in 1999. Players guide protagonist Harry Mason through a mysterious town in search of his lost daughter, Cheryl. The game features third-person exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving mechanics, enhanced by real-time rendering of 3D environments and strategic use of fog and darkness to heighten tension. With a DualShock controller, players experience heartbeat rhythms to indicate low health. Combat involves using melee weapons and firearms against menacing monsters, while sprinting drains character health, adding to the suspenseful gameplay.

Developer: Team Silent

Released: 1999

Gran Turismo 2

Experience Silent Hill, a groundbreaking survival horror game by Team Silent, released exclusively for PlayStation in 1999. Guide protagonist Harry Mason through a mysterious town in search of his lost daughter, Cheryl. Delve into third-person exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving, with real-time rendering of 3D environments and strategic use of fog and darkness for heightened tension. Feel the pulse of danger with heartbeat rhythms signaling low health through the DualShock controller. Engage in combat using melee weapons and firearms against menacing monsters, while managing character health during sprinting for suspenseful gameplay.

Developer: Polys Entertainment

Released: 1997

Crash Bandicoot: Warped

Crash Bandicoot: Warped, the third installment developed by Naughty Dog, follows Crash and Coco Bandicoot as they time travel to gather crystals before the evil trio of Dr. Neo Cortex, Uka Uka, and Dr. Nefarious Trophy. Explore the Time-Twisting Machine’s five chambers, each leading to different levels. Defeat bosses to unlock new chambers and ultimately secure victory by collecting all 25 crystals.

Developer: Naughty Dog

Released: 1998

Tekken 3

Tekken 3, the third installment in the series, debuted in arcades in 1997 and on PlayStation in 1998. With a new cast including iconic characters like Jin Kazama and Ling Xiaoyu, it sold 35,000 arcade units and 8.36 million PS copies worldwide, becoming the fifth best-selling PlayStation game. The game maintains its core fighting system while enhancing 3D movement, introducing sidestepping and reversals. Other improvements include quicker recoveries, more escapes, and newly created combo throws, solidifying its status as a hit for arcades and consoles alike.

Developer: Namco

Released: 1998

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2, developed by Neversoft and published by Activision, hit PlayStation in 2000 before expanding to Microsoft Windows, Game Boy Color, and Dreamcast. While retaining the same game engine, it boasts improved graphics and gameplay, introducing manuals and cash rewards. Set in a 3D environment, players control various skateboarders, performing tricks and completing objectives to unlock levels, enhance stats, and acquire better equipment. The game maintains a loose grip on physics, allowing for exaggerated jumps and maneuvers to create exhilarating gameplay experiences.

Developer: Neversoft

Released: 2000

Resident Evil 2

Resident Evil 2, developed and published by Capcom for PlayStation in 1998, follows rookie cop Leon S. Kennedy and college student Claire Redfield as they escape a zombie-infested Raccoon City. Played in third-person survival mode, it retains the basic gameplay of its predecessor. Set in Raccoon City, players choose between Leon and Claire, exploring various areas while solving puzzles and avoiding zombies. Limited ammo adds a tactical element to combat, heightening the survival horror experience.

Developer: Capcom

Released: 1998

Final Fantasy 7

Final Fantasy 7, developed by Square for PlayStation, is the seventh main installment in the iconic series. Follow Cloud Strife and his allies as they combat a megacorporation seeking to exploit the planet’s life essence. Gameplay includes exploration on a 3D world map, visiting towns, and engaging in battles. Shops offer items like weapons and armor, while inns provide rest and healing.

Developer: Square

Released: 1997

Castlevania: Symphony Of The Night

Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, an action role-playing game, was released in 1997 by Konami for PlayStation and Sega Saturn. It serves as a sequel to Castlevania: Rondo of Blood, featuring Dracula’s son, Alucard, who awakens to explore Dracula’s castle. Using 2D side-scrolling gameplay, players navigate the castle, defeat Shaft, and collect five pieces of Dracula to confront the newly awakened villain.

Developer: Konami

Released: 1997

Metal Gear Solid

Metal Gear Solid, an action-adventure stealth game, debuted on PlayStation in 1998, developed and published by Konami. Players assume the role of Solid Snake, infiltrating a nuclear weapons facility to thwart the terrorist threat from FOXHOUND. Through stealth gameplay, players navigate without detection, triggering an “alert mode” upon detection, and must evade until reaching “infiltration mode” to progress.

Developer: Konami

Released: 1998