The Best PS1 Games Ever Made – Low Poly, But Never Low Quality

The unique PlayStation was revolutionary when it was launched. As Sony’s first foray into the sport console enterprise, it pushed the boundaries of what was thought potential with shopper electronics. Whereas not the primary 3D-capable house console, the PS1 was definitely essentially the most prolific—and to this present day, a whole bunch of unbelievable video games have been launched for the platform.

The Greatest PS1 Video games You Should Expertise Your self

Beneath, we’ve tried to catalog only a few of those standout titles. From Closing Fantasy to Tomb Raider, lots of the best online game franchises of all time grew up on the PlayStation. Listed below are the perfect PS1 video games.

Closing Fantasy VII

Maybe essentially the most iconic sport on this listing, Closing Fantasy VII is an undisputed basic—and one of many easiest video games on the PS1. Whereas remasters and remakes can take away a number of the authentic allure, nothing fairly beats taking part in FFVII on its authentic console.

Whereas the turn-based RPG style has developed rather a lot since its launch, FFVII remains to be gratifying to play, although the three-disc story pacing might really feel dated by trendy requirements. However this sport’s cultural affect can’t be denied, and it’s rightly thought to be the most effective Closing Fantasy video games of all time.

Picture Credit score: Sq. Enix

Closing Fantasy VI (Closing Fantasy III within the US)

It could appear lazy to return to Closing Fantasy for this subsequent entry, however Closing Fantasy VI—initially launched as Closing Fantasy III within the US—stays the most effective video games on the PS1. With its epic story, charming sprite work, and reactive battle system, FFVI was the rightful send-off for 2D Closing Fantasy video games.

Lately, you’re spoiled for 100-hour RPGs with stunning sprite artwork and gripping storytelling, however on launch, Closing Fantasy VI was the gold commonplace—and it nonetheless holds up as we speak.

Picture Credit score: Konami

Castlevania: Symphony of the Night time

Castlevania: Symphony of the Night time was launched on the Sega Saturn and PS1, however it turned one of many latter’s greatest video games. With a haunting soundtrack, the conceptual start of the Metroidvania style, and a visible peak for sprite-based video games, SotN is commonly mimicked however by no means improved.

At launch, the sport’s over-the-top voice performing was ridiculed, however in as we speak’s world of quippy dialogue, its earnestness is definitely charming. It’s a difficult sport, however not often unfair. For those who’re ready for one thing to play earlier than Silksong, contemplate SotN—the most effective PS1 video games ever made.

Picture Credit score: Activision

Tony Hawk’s Professional Skater 2

Tony Hawk’s Professional Skater was a revolutionary sport that born the skateboarding subgenre. Launched throughout skateboarding’s mid-’90s peak, it was vital sport for youngsters. The sequel, nevertheless, is the actual gem—sharpening the graphics and streamlining the already unbelievable gameplay.

Whereas later entries added open worlds and missions, Tony Hawk’s Professional Skater 2 is the perfect pure skating sport within the collection. It additionally options one of many best online game soundtracks ever. A basic PS1 sport that have to be performed.

Picture Credit score: Psygnosis

Wipeout 3

In some ways, racing video games have been the signature style for the PlayStation. For the primary time, simulated driving was accessible at house, and builders pushed the bounds of what was potential. Wipeout remodeled that have into stylized sci-fi, with hyper-fast autos and a thumping techno soundtrack.

The third installment, Wipeout 3 (stylized as Wip3out), was the franchise’s excessive level on the PS1. Visually spectacular and fast-paced, it pushed the console to its limits. If you wish to see peak low-poly racing, Wip3out is the place to go.

Picture Credit score: Insomniac Video games

Spyro the Dragon

With Nintendo and Sega having immediately recognizable mascots, there was a way within the late ’90s that PlayStation wanted its personal. Many characters tried, however Spyro the Dragon turned one of the crucial profitable.

This replayable platformer laid the muse for quite a few sequels and spin-offs whereas delivering crisp, clear gameplay. It nonetheless holds up as we speak—and it’s straightforward to sink dozens of hours into this charming title.

Picture Credit score: Core Design

Tomb Raider

Lara Croft was as soon as PlayStation’s unofficial mascot—and that started with Tomb Raider. The action-adventure sport laid the muse for the style, with expansive ranges and 3D exploration.

The PS1 had 5 Tomb Raider titles, and anyone may make this listing. However the authentic stays essentially the most iconic. Regardless of some janky puzzles and a now-dated motion system, its allure is plain.

Picture Credit score: Sq. Enix

Closing Fantasy Ways

With the not too long ago introduced remake, we don’t really feel dangerous together with a 3rd Closing Fantasy sport on this listing. Closing Fantasy Ways helped popularize—and controversial good—the technique RPG subgenre.

A compelling story, stunning sprite work, and the introduction of the Ivalice setting (utilized in later Closing Fantasy video games and spin-offs) make this a particular title. Considered one of our favorites—and the most effective on the PS1.

Picture Credit score: Oddworld Inhabitants

Oddworld: Abe’s Oddysee

Oddworld: Abe’s Oddysee is a puzzle-platformer with a weird aesthetic in contrast to anything. You play as Abe, attempting to rescue fellow Mudokons from a meat processing plant.

We’ll be trustworthy: This sport gave us nightmares as youngsters. The visuals, the darkish tone, the truth that you may unintentionally ship the characters you’re attempting to avoid wasting to their deaths—it’s all memorable. Although remastered in 2014, the PS1 authentic remains to be price experiencing.

Picture Credit score: Naughty Canine

Crash Bandicoot

Crash Bandicoot is one other iconic PS1-era character. Somewhat than providing totally 3D exploration, Crash centered on pseudo-2D platforming and vertical dash ranges that delivered stress and problem.

The sport’s visuals are immediately recognizable, and whereas Crash by no means reached the heights of Mario or Sonic, he stays a beloved PlayStation icon.

Picture Credit score: Sony Laptop Leisure

PaRappa the Rapper

A rhythm sport trailblazer, PaRappa the Rapper featured trendy visuals, catchy songs, and unforgettable characters. It’s a disgrace the franchise has pale into obscurity, however this PS1 title is a real standout.

Picture Credit score: Crystal Dynamics

Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver

The Soul Reaver/Legacy of Kain collection has fallen into obscurity, however through the PS1 period, it was one of the crucial compelling journey sport franchises.

It’s laborious to think about collection like God of Struggle or Murderer’s Creed current with out it. You possibly can nonetheless see its affect in trendy video games.

Picture Credit score: Polyphony Digital Inc.

Gran Turismo 2

Gran Turismo is likely one of the best-selling and most critically acclaimed PlayStation franchises. The collection started on the PS1, however Gran Turismo 2 was the true pinnacle on the console.

On the time, it provided essentially the most real looking driving expertise out there at house—second solely to arcades. If you’ll find an outdated steering wheel peripheral, it’s the right technique to expertise peak ’90s driving sport vibes.

Picture Credit score: Namco

Tekken 3

Tekken debuted on PlayStation and shortly turned Sony’s flagship preventing sport. Tekken 3 was the franchise’s excessive level on the PS1—arguably essentially the most superior 3D fighter of its time.

It launched key parts that also outline the collection: sidestepping, distinctive character stream, and refined mechanics. A blueprint for all future 3D fighters.

Picture Credit score: Konami

Steel Gear Strong

Revolutionizing stealth gameplay, Steel Gear Strong was each visually and technically iconic. Many trendy stealth mechanics started with this title.

Whereas the collection peaked on the PS2, MGS stays the most effective PS1 video games—and it’s nonetheless infinitely replayable.

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