The original PlayStation console, released in 1994, ushered in a new era of gaming. With boundary-pushing 3D graphics and CD-quality sound, the PS1 introduced players to immersive, cinematic experiences the likes of which they’d never seen before.
Over its storied lifespan, the PlayStation hosted some of the most creative, innovative, and just plain fun games ever made. While more modern consoles offer flashier visuals and more processing power, these PS1 classics still hold up remarkably well even today. Their engrossing stories, unique mechanics, and general high quality allow them to stand the test of time.
Let’s revisit 15 PlayStation 1 games that remain just as enjoyable to play now as they were 20+ years ago.
Final Fantasy VII
When it launched in 1997, Final Fantasy VII wowed players with its expansive 3D world, complex storyline, and action-packed cinematic sequences. The sci-fi/fantasy epic tells the story of Cloud Strife, an ex-SOLDIER operative fighting against the sinister Shinra corporation.
Backed by a memorable soundtrack, Final Fantasy VII features turn-based battles, magic spells, summon beasts, and all of thehallmarks of the iconic JRPG series. An ever-expanding roster of playable characters, intense boss fights, challenging side quests, and impactful narrative twists add to the game’s ambition and scope.
Regarded by many fans as the pinnacle Final Fantasy game, FF7 set new benchmarks for presentation, gameplay variety, and storytelling on the PS1. Its legacy continues today with spinoff titles, animated adaptations, and a upcoming major remake.
Metal Gear Solid
Metal Gear Solid refined cinematic action gaming with its 1998 release. Players control special forces operative Solid Snake as he infiltrates a remote Alaskan base in search of a deadly walking tank known as Metal Gear REX.
Blending tight stealth mechanics, eccentric boss battles, and a twisting spy thriller storyline, MGS pulled players into a world of political intrigue and military conspiracy. Cutting-edge graphics brought its detailed environments and expressive polygonal characters to life. Inspired gadgetry like Snake’s iconic cardboard box offered endless possibilities for creative problem-solving and lateral thinking.
As one of Hideo Kojima’s best-realized visions, MGS set new standards for interactivity, worldbuilding, and visual flair in gaming. Its self-referential humor also added layers of postmodern commentary to video game tropes. Follow-up prequels and sequels built on its foundations, cementing MGS as a PS1 must-play.
Resident Evil 2
Resident Evil 2 took the survival horror genre to new heights when it lurched onto PS1 in 1998. Set in the aftermath of a zombie virus outbreak, players experienced panic and dread while navigating the decrepit streets of Racoon City and uncovering its terrible secrets.
With limited ammo and save opportunities raising the tension, RE2 immersed gamers in B-movie scares from fixed, cinematic camera angles. Working together, protagonists Leon and Claire overcame increasingly bizarre and grotesque creatures in their fight for survival. Later titles expanded the RE storyline, but RE2 remains the series‘ high point.
Tekken 3
Already a huge arcade success, Tekken 3‘s 1998 PS1 port brought its revolutionary 3D fighting action into gamers’ homes. With faster combat, revamped visuals, and new gameplay mechanics, Tekken 3 became a technical showcase for Sony’s console.
A stacked roster of eclectic fighters, each with their own unique movesets and fighting styles, made mastering Tekken 3’s competitive combos an engrossing challenge. Regular franchise favorites like ninja Yoshimitsu crossed paths with strange newcomers like Kuma the fighting bear. Destructible terrain, multiple game modes, and unlockable characters/costumes encouraged repeated plays.
Thanks to its tight controls, wealth of content, and kinetic visual flair, Tekken 3 stands tall as one of the greatest 3D fighters ever made.
Silent Hill
Konami took a unique approach to survival horror with 1999‘s Silent Hill. An eerie atmosphere, disturbing creatures, and an intricate plot combined to form an unsettling, psychologically-driven gaming experience.
As Henry Townshend, players explored the mysteriously abandoned streets of Silent Hill, solving puzzles and uncovering the dark secrets of its past. Iconic series elements like the hellish Otherworld transitioned normal environments into nightmarish realms. Multiple endings incentivized repeated playthroughs to view the story from new perspectives.
Lauded for its graphic violence, transgressive themes, and melancholy score, Silent Hill cemented its niche as the thinking gamer‘s horror series on PS1.
Tomb Raider
Lara Croft became a gaming icon overnight with Tomb Raider‘s 1996 debut. Blending 3D platforming, environmental puzzles, and ranged/melee combat, Tomb Raider evoked the cliffhanger spirit of Indiana Jones’ big screen romps.
As the athletic and wry British adventurer Lara, players explored hazardous tombs and recovered historical artifacts ranging from Excalibur to the Scion of Atlantis. Tricky jumps and traps required mastery of PS1’s newfangled 3D spaces. High-flying motorcycle chases and shootouts with animalistic mutants balanced action withCode: analysis. Multiple sequels followed on PS1 as Lara solidified her reputation as the leading lady of gaming.
More than just a graphical showpiece, Tomb Raider legitimized 3D games as serious artistic works fit for mainstream audiences.
Tony Hawk‘s Pro Skater 2
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2 kickflipped onto PS1 in 2000 to cement itself as the greatest skateboarding game ever made. Building on its smash hit predecessor, THPS2 added create-a-skater options, local multiplayer mayhem, and larger levels bursting with secrets.
Adrenaline-fueled combos chained vert tricks together for million point scores as players embodied Hawk and other pro boarders. THPS2 opened up expressionistic possibilities with its parks and tools while keeping skating’s rebellious, youthful spirit intact. Constant rewards in the form of new gear, characters, and video footage ensured long term commitment.
As a definitive snapshot of skating culture, THPS2 set benchmarks for physics systems and replayability in extreme sports titles. Its GotY-worthy polish and style made it an instant classic.
Crash Bandicoot
Naughty Dog’s take on the classic 3D platformer remains one of Sony’s most iconic first-party franchises. Launching alongside the PS1 itself in 1996, Crash Bandicoot’s lush jungle environments and colorful characters made great use of new 32-bit hardware.
Players guided genetically-enhanced marsupial Crash through dangerous ruins, riding wild animals and collecting gems along the way. Creative vehicle sequences and memorable boss battles broke up standard room-to-room stages. With expressive character animations,rewards for completionists, and multiple difficulty modes, Crash kept players entertained for countless hours.
Later sequels added kart racing and party game elements to the formula. But the original Crash Bandicoot outings rank among the PS1’s most polished platformers.
Gran Turismo 2
The ultimate wish fulfillment simulator for gearheads, Gran Turismo 2 arrived on PS1 in 1999. Expanding on the comprehensive vehicle customization and lighting-fast simulation driving of GT1, this ambitious sequel let players fine-tune over 600 cars to their hearts’ content.
GT2 remained laser-focused on nailing the feel of operating real automobiles on famous racetracks around the globe. Tuning parts impacted handling in tangible ways for those seeking ultimate performance. An improved career mode and arcade-friendly stages ensured widespread appeal.
As a technical showcase and petrolhead’s dream garage made real, GT2 has gone down among the all-time greatest racing games. Later entries improved visuals, physics systems, online integration and more, but GT2 set the gold standard.
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
Castlevania successfully translated its Gothic monster-slaying action to PS1 with 1997‘s Symphony of the Night. Introducing RPG mechanics into its boss rush focused structure for the first time, SotN gave birth to the now-popular “metroidvania” subgenre.
Beautifully animated 2D sprites brought SotN’s nocturnal bestiary to unlife, from zombies to mages to the Grim Reaper himself. An eclectic mix of magical weapons and abilities kept monster hunting fresh across multiple playthroughs. Secret areas and branching level paths made revisiting completed portions key to unlocking the full scope of fearsome Dracula’s demonic castle.
SotN showcased the newfound depth and cinematic spectacle 2D games could reach on fifth-generation consoles like PS1. Its legend continues today in spiritual successors like indie hits Hollow Knight and Ori.
Driver
Driver put you behind the wheel of muscle cars, exotics, and getaway vehicles across 4 American cities with its 1999 release. Weaving through traffic at high speeds while outpacing the cops made it one of PS1‘s earliest open world driving experiences.
Hollywood-inspired chase sequences and film grain visuals reinforced Driver’s ‘70s car chase movie vibe. Punchy vehicle impact audio, smooth drifting handling, and real automotive models created an unparalleled sense of speed for its day. Hired to drive mob hits and other illegal jobs, the unnamed Driver followed his own moral compass while steering clear of the law.
Later Driver titles expanded the formula, but this initial street racer/action hybrid got the series off to an exhilarating start. Destructible scenery and multiplayer added to its replayability.
Spider-Man
Everyone’s favorite web slinger brought his unique brand of aerial action to PS1 in 2000. Spider-Man let comic book diehards take Pete’s alter ego across familiar Manhattan rooftops for the first time. Cribbing notes from Tony Hawk’s urban traversal, Spidey utilized his signature twin web shooters and spider strength to swing rapidly between skyscrapers.
As Venom and other members of his expansive rogues’ gallery plotted chaos from below, Spider-Man cleansed the city of verminous thugs and terrifying mutants. Unlockable costumes and Stan Lee narration added fan authenticity. While later movie tie-ins expanded scope, this PS1 original remains the best Spidey game thanks to its restraint and heart.
Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver
Soul Reaver continued the dark vampire legacy fiction pioneered in Blood Omen: Legacy of Kain. As the vampire-turned-wraith Raziel, players sought vengeance on former vampire lord Kain in this 1999 action/platforming hybrid.
With Wing Commander creator Chris Roberts onboard, Soul Reaver reveled in gothic decay, weaving themes of predestination versus free will into its time streaming mechanics. Raziel weaponized his torn, ectoplasmic body to devour lost souls across spectral and material realms alike. Riveting orchestral music accentuated puzzles and 3D exploration through the fallen vampiric empire.
Later Soul Reaver sequels built on its combat and puzzle foundations. But this initial PS1 outing remains a high watermark in artistic, serious-minded genre fiction gaming due to its mythic scope.
Street Fighter Alpha 3
Arcade perfect ports were few and far between on PlayStation 1. But Capcom delivered one of its finest with the 1999 home conversion of Street Fighter Alpha 3. Boasting anime-styled 2D visuals and a rocking industrial/techno soundtrack, Alpha 3 saw series pioneers Ryu and Ken return alongside Street Fighter III’s next generation world warriors.
A choice of playstyles (Normal, V-Ism, A-Ism, X-Ism) kept combat nuanced across characters. Hard hitting combos, chain cancels, air juggles, and brutal super moves rewarded dedication to your fighter of choice. World Tour and Survival modes supplemented standard arcade brawling and competitive Versus.
Street Fighter Alpha 3 makes a strong case for 2D sprite fidelity reached new, awe-inspiring heights on PS1. Capcom has kept its aging mechanics relevant via later re-releases too.
Mega Man Legends 2
Mega Man swapped robot extermination for 3D treasure hunting on PS1 in 2000 with the zany action RPG Mega Man Legends 2. Retaining the Blue Bomber’s plasma buster arm cannon and signature boss fight structure, this story-focused sequel took Mega Man to new frontiers.
Joined by adorable monkey companion Data and kindly old inventor Barrell Caskett, players unearthed the Mother Lode treasure across mysterious islands. Quirky characters, anime-inspired humor, and varied tropical locales gave MML2 heaps of flavor. Robust customization options let players outfit Mega Man with new armor and weapon parts too.
Mega Man Legends 2 earns distinction for taking the stalwart NES hero into strange new territory while retaining his trademark charm. It showed the character’s flexibility in the 3D era despite the risk of fan backlash.
The original PlayStation cemented videogaming’s potential as a serious artistic medium thanks to these and many other creative, mold-breaking interactive adventures. Their engrossing stories, innovative mechanics and grand presentation philosophies raised expectations for the caliber of blockbuster gaming experiences. They remain just as enjoyable now as a history lesson in Sony’s first foray conquering the console market.
While today’s photorealistic masterpieces offer unparalleled scope and detail, these PS1 pioneers propelled gaming into bold new territory. Their core sensibilities continue inspiring game makers and players now into a new generation of PlayStation portfolio greatness. Revisit the classics that started it all to gain fuller appreciation for how far we’ve come.
