It's been over 30 years since the launch of the original PlayStation, and the evolution of games and technology has been remarkable. However, the PS1's enduring impact on the gaming industry and pop culture remains undeniable. From the iconic jorts-wearing Crash Bandicoot to the witty Spyro, the original PlayStation introduced some of the most memorable characters and franchises in video game history. We've carefully selected what we believe to be the top 25 PS1 games, including standout PlayStation exclusives. Here's our list of the 25 best PS1 games of all time.
The Best PS1 Games Ever
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PaRappa the Rapper
PaRappa the Rapper pioneered the rhythm game genre before Rock Band, Guitar Hero, and even Dance Dance Revolution. This charming game features a 2D cartoon dog rapping his way through catchy songs and quirky challenges, standing out among the PS1's more "extreme" titles. Its unique style and lovable character made PaRappa a beloved icon, earning a spot among the top 10 dogs in video games.
Oddworld: Abe’s Oddysee
Image credit: Oddworld InhabitantsDeveloper: Oddworld Inhabitants | Publisher: GT Interactive | Release date: September 18, 1997 | Review: IGN's Oddworld: Abe’s Oddysee review
Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee is a unique blend of action, puzzle, and platforming with a bizarre Soylent Green-inspired storyline. Its quirky character design and deep lore have inspired numerous sequels and spinoffs. Players love the innovative features, such as communicating with fellow Mudokons and using telepathy to manipulate enemies, making it a standout in the PS1 library.
Crash Bandicoot 3: Warped
The Crash Bandicoot trilogy is iconic to the PlayStation legacy, and Crash Bandicoot 3: Warped is a testament to Naughty Dog's ability to create fun and challenging games. While it may not match the difficulty of its predecessor, Cortex Strikes Back, Warped offers diverse platforming levels and exciting vehicle challenges. Its time-travel theme provides a variety of unique levels and enemies, making it a comprehensive and enjoyable experience. The 2019 remastered Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy showcases Warped in a way that lives up to our nostalgic memories.
Spider-Man
Developed by Neversoft, the team behind the Tony Hawk series, PS1's Spider-Man set the standard for future superhero games. It captures Spider-Man's unique movement with web-slinging, wall-climbing, and acrobatic combat. The game is packed with Easter eggs, including Marvel cameos and unlockable costumes like Spider-Man 2099 and Captain Universe. Stan Lee's character descriptions add a personal touch to this beloved title.
Mega Man Legends 2
Mega Man Legends 2 transformed the series by focusing on storytelling and character development, offering a unique and charming 3D action/adventure experience. This sequel improved upon the original, solidifying its place as a memorable entry in the Mega Man franchise.
Ape Escape
Image credit: SonyDeveloper: Sony Computer Entertainment | Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment | Release date: June 18, 1999 | Review: IGN's Ape Escape review
Ape Escape was instrumental in popularizing the DualShock controller's analog sticks. The game challenges players to capture mischievous apes using inventive gadgets, controlled by the right stick. Its innovative gameplay and charming narrative proved timeless, as evidenced by a real-life incident in 2016 when a chimpanzee was safely recaptured, reminiscent of Ape Escape's scenarios.
Crash Team Racing
Crash Team Racing is one of the best kart racers, rivaling even Mario Kart. The original game introduced a fun set of tracks, creative weapons inspired by Crash lore, and an innovative drifting/boost system. Its enduring popularity led to the modern remake, Crash Team Racing: Nitro-Fueled.
Syphon Filter
Image credit: SonyDeveloper: Eidetic Games | Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment | Release date: January 31, 1999 | Review: IGN's Syphon Filter review
Inspired by games like Metal Gear Solid and GoldenEye, Syphon Filter combined stealth and action into a thrilling espionage adventure. With a variety of weapons and the ability to approach levels differently, it offered a unique experience. The memorable taser feature added a humorous yet effective element to gameplay.
Soul Reaver: Legacy of Kain
Soul Reaver: Legacy of Kain is an exceptional continuation of the underrated Legacy of Kain series. Its gothic atmosphere and narrative, crafted by Amy Hennig, elevated it above many PS1 games. The ability to shift between the living and spectral realms added depth to puzzles and exploration, leaving a lasting influence on gaming.
Final Fantasy Tactics
Developer: Square | Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment | Release date: January 28, 1998 (NA) | Review: IGN's Final Fantasy Tactics review
Final Fantasy Tactics redefined turn-based strategy games on consoles with its intricate plot and engaging gameplay. Despite lacking a true sequel, its impact on the genre and its well-crafted story remain significant.
Medal of Honor: Underground
Image credit: EADeveloper: DreamWorks Interactive | Publisher: Electronic Arts | Release date: 24 October, 2000 | Review: IGN's Medal of Honor: Underground review
Medal of Honor: Underground brought WWII action to the PS1 with memorable levels and a compelling protagonist, Manon Batiste. Its unique features, like tricking Nazis into posing for photos, added a humorous twist to the intense gameplay.
Final Fantasy 9
Image credit: Square EnixDeveloper: Square | Publisher: Square Electronic Arts | Release date: July 7, 2000 | Review: IGN's Final Fantasy 9 review
Final Fantasy 9 returned to the series' fantasy roots, delivering a nostalgic experience with knights, mages, and princesses. Its memorable characters, like Zidane and Vivi, and its tribute to earlier entries made it a fitting conclusion to the single-digit Final Fantasy games.
Silent Hill
Image credit: KonamiDeveloper: Team Silent | Publisher: Konami | Release date: February 23, 1999 | Review: IGN's Silent Hill review
Silent Hill broke away from traditional zombie survival horror, offering a psychological experience filled with unsettling creatures and a haunting atmosphere. Its protagonist, Henry, and the game's eerie audio continue to resonate with players, making it a landmark in the genre.
Spyro 2: Ripto’s Rage
Spyro 2: Ripto's Rage builds on the original's success with a balance of challenge and fun. Its seasonal hub areas and diverse mini-worlds, along with a host of collectibles, made it a standout in the Spyro trilogy. The Spyro Reignited Trilogy allows modern players to experience this classic on current consoles.
Driver
Image credit: GT InteractiveDeveloper: Reflections Interactive | Publisher: GT Interactive | Release date: June 25, 1999 | Review: IGN's Driver review
Driver introduced a unique blend of open-world missions and arcade-style driving. Its detailed collision modeling and innovative Director Mode allowed players to create their own action sequences, making it a memorable entry in the PS1 library.
Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back
Image credit: SonyDeveloper: Naughty Dog | Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment | Release date: November 5, 1997 | Review: IGN's Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back review
Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back is the beloved middle entry in Naughty Dog's trilogy. It offers challenging yet achievable platforming levels, cementing its place as a fan favorite.
Vagrant Story
Vagrant Story is an underrated masterpiece with a complex plot and intricate gameplay systems. Its action RPG elements and challenging bosses offer a deeply engaging experience, making it one of the best games on the PS1.
Tekken 3
Developer: Namco | Publisher: Namco | Release date: Mar 1, 1997 | Review: IGN's Tekken 3 review
Tekken 3 is a universally acclaimed fighting game that attracted even non-fans with its innovative 3D movement and eclectic characters. Its impact on the genre and its lasting popularity solidify its place among the best PS1 games.
Resident Evil 2
Resident Evil 2 remains a horror classic, even after its 2018 remake. Set in a bizarre police station, it combines puzzles with a variety of terrifying enemies and a relentless tyrant, offering a gripping experience from two perspectives.
Tomb Raider
Developer: Core Design | Publisher: Eidos Interactive | Release date: November 14, 1996 | Review: IGN's Tomb Raider review
The original Tomb Raider introduced Lara Croft as a gaming icon. Its intricate level design and awe-inspiring environments, along with its iconic shotgun, cemented its place in gaming history.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2 is widely regarded as one of the greatest sports games ever made. Its addictive gameplay, iconic soundtrack, and skate park editor made it a cultural phenomenon and a high-rated classic.
Gran Turismo 2
Gran Turismo 2 expanded on the original's success with nearly 650 cars and two CDs of content. Its unprecedented scope and detailed racing simulation made it a standout in the PS1's racing genre.
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
Image credit: KonamiDeveloper: Konami | Publisher: Konami | Release date: March 20, 1997 | Review: IGN's Castlevania: Symphony of the Night review
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night refined 2D gameplay to perfection, offering a timeless experience with beautiful pixel art and an unforgettable soundtrack. Its influence continues to be felt in modern games.
Final Fantasy 7
Image credit: Sony/Square EnixDeveloper: Square | Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment | Release date: January 31, 1997| Review: IGN's Final Fantasy 7 review
Final Fantasy 7 revolutionized JRPGs in the West with its dark, sci-fi storyline and iconic character design. Its impact on the gaming world and its enduring popularity make it a timeless classic.
Metal Gear Solid
Metal Gear Solid introduced a unique blend of stealth and action, coupled with a bizarre yet delightful cast and a groundbreaking story. Its innovative gameplay and fourth-wall breaks have made it a landmark in video game history.
Honorable Mentions
Selecting the best PlayStation games was challenging, and not all favorites could make the list. Here are some additional excellent titles:
- Einhander
- Dino Crisis
- Brian Lara/Shane Warne Cricket ‘99
- Need For Speed: High Stakes
- The Legend of Dragoon
These are our picks for the best games on the original PlayStation. We understand that rankings can vary, so feel free to share your thoughts on which games should be S-tier and which ones might be overlooked. Did any PS1 classics make your list that we missed? Let us know in the comments.
The 25 Best PS1 Games of All Time
The 25 Best PS1 Games of All Time
Top 25 Best PlayStation Games
The original PlayStation was released in North America on September 9, 1995, and has sold 102 million units since. Here's an interactive Playlist of our 2020 PS1 ranking. Which ones have you played? See All!
1Metal Gear SolidKonami
2Final Fantasy VIISquare
3Castlevania: Symphony of the NightKCET
4Gran Turismo 2Polyphony Digital
5Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2LTI Gray Matter
6Tomb Raider -- Featuring Lara CroftCORE Design Limited
7Resident Evil 2 [1998]Capcom
8Tekken 3Namco
9Vagrant StorySquare
10Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes BackNaughty Dog
