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 doable with client 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.
TABLE OF CONTENT
1. The Greatest PS1 Video games You Should Expertise YourselfFinal Fantasy VIIFinal Fantasy VI (Ultimate Fantasy III within the US)Castlevania: Symphony of the NightTony Hawk’s Professional Skater 2Wipeout 3Spyro the DragonTomb RaiderFinal Fantasy TacticsOddworld: Abe’s OddyseeCrash BandicootPaRappa the RapperLegacy of Kain: Soul ReaverGran Turismo 2Tekken 3Metal Gear Strong
The Greatest PS1 Video games You Should Expertise Your self
Under, we’ve tried to catalog only a few of those standout titles. From Ultimate Fantasy to Tomb Raider, most of the biggest online game franchises of all time grew up on the PlayStation. Listed here are the most effective PS1 video games.
Picture Credit score: Sq. Enix
Ultimate Fantasy VII
Maybe essentially the most iconic recreation on this listing, Ultimate Fantasy VII is an undisputed traditional—and one of many best possible video games on the PS1. Whereas remasters and remakes can take away a number of the unique allure, nothing fairly beats enjoying FFVII on its unique console.
Whereas the turn-based RPG style has developed lots since its launch, FFVII continues to be fulfilling to play, although the three-disc story pacing could really feel dated by fashionable requirements. However this recreation’s cultural affect can’t be denied, and it’s rightly considered the most effective Ultimate Fantasy video games of all time.

Picture Credit score: Sq. Enix
Ultimate Fantasy VI (Ultimate Fantasy III within the US)
It could appear lazy to return to Ultimate Fantasy for this subsequent entry, however Ultimate Fantasy VI—initially launched as Ultimate 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 Ultimate Fantasy video games.
Nowadays, you’re spoiled for 100-hour RPGs with lovely sprite artwork and gripping storytelling, however on launch, Ultimate Fantasy VI was the gold normal—and it nonetheless holds up immediately.

Picture Credit score: Konami
Castlevania: Symphony of the Evening
Castlevania: Symphony of the Evening was launched on the Sega Saturn and PS1, nevertheless it grew to become one of many latter’s greatest video games. With a haunting soundtrack, the conceptual delivery of the Metroidvania style, and a visible peak for sprite-based video games, SotN is usually mimicked however by no means improved.
At launch, the sport’s over-the-top voice performing was ridiculed, however in immediately’s world of quippy dialogue, its earnestness is definitely charming. It’s a difficult recreation, however hardly ever unfair. In case you’re ready for one thing to play earlier than Silksong, take into account 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 recreation that born the skateboarding subgenre. Launched throughout skateboarding’s mid-’90s peak, it was vital recreation for youngsters. The sequel, nonetheless, is the true gem—sprucing the graphics and streamlining the already unbelievable gameplay.
Whereas later entries added open worlds and missions, Tony Hawk’s Professional Skater 2 is the most effective pure skating recreation within the collection. It additionally options one of many biggest online game soundtracks ever. A traditional PS1 recreation that should 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 boundaries of what was doable. 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 grew to become one of the vital profitable.
This replayable platformer laid the inspiration for quite a few sequels and spin-offs whereas delivering crisp, clear gameplay. It nonetheless holds up immediately—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 recreation laid the inspiration for the style, with expansive ranges and 3D exploration.
The PS1 had 5 Tomb Raider titles, and anybody might make this listing. However the unique 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
Ultimate Fantasy Techniques
With the not too long ago introduced remake, we don’t really feel dangerous together with a 3rd Ultimate Fantasy recreation on this listing. Ultimate Fantasy Techniques helped popularize—and controversial good—the technique RPG subgenre.
A compelling story, lovely sprite work, and the introduction of the Ivalice setting (utilized in later Ultimate Fantasy video games and spin-offs) make this a particular title. One in all 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 not like anything. You play as Abe, attempting to rescue fellow Mudokons from a meat processing plant.
We’ll be sincere: This recreation gave us nightmares as children. The visuals, the darkish tone, the truth that you may by chance ship the characters you’re attempting to avoid wasting to their deaths—it’s all memorable. Although remastered in 2014, the PS1 unique continues to be value experiencing.

Picture Credit score: Naughty Canine
Crash Bandicoot
Crash Bandicoot is one other iconic PS1-era character. Fairly than providing totally 3D exploration, Crash targeted on pseudo-2D platforming and vertical dash ranges that delivered rigidity 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 recreation trailblazer, PaRappa the Rapper featured fashionable 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 vital compelling journey recreation franchises.
It’s laborious to think about collection like God of Struggle or Murderer’s Creed present with out it. You possibly can nonetheless see its affect in fashionable video games.

Picture Credit score: Polyphony Digital Inc.
Gran Turismo 2
Gran Turismo is among 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 sensible driving expertise obtainable at house—second solely to arcades. If you will discover an outdated steering wheel peripheral, it’s the proper solution to expertise peak ’90s driving recreation vibes.

Picture Credit score: Namco
Tekken 3
Tekken debuted on PlayStation and rapidly grew to become Sony’s flagship preventing recreation. Tekken 3 was the franchise’s excessive level on the PS1—arguably essentially the most superior 3D fighter of its time.
It launched key components that also outline the collection: sidestepping, distinctive character move, 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 fashionable 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.