Top 25 PS1 Games Ever Ranked
It’s been over 30 years since the launch of the original PlayStation, and the impact of Sony's first console on the games industry and pop culture is undeniable. The PS1 introduced us to iconic characters like the jorts-wearing Crash Bandicoot and the wise-cracking Spyro, cementing its place in gaming history. In this article, we celebrate the best PS1 games ever, including some fantastic PlayStation exclusives. Here are our picks for the top 25 PS1 games of all time.
The Best PS1 Games Ever
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PaRappa the Rapper
Before the era of Rock Band and Guitar Hero, PaRappa the Rapper set the stage for rhythm games with its unique charm. Starring a cartoonishly flat dog, PaRappa won over gamers with catchy songs and a quirky style that stood out on the PS1. Its influence is undeniable, making it a beloved title that even earned a spot in our list of 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 standout for its bizarre yet captivating blend of action, puzzle, and platforming elements. Set in a dystopian universe with a Soylent Green-like story, the game is renowned for its quirky character design and rich lore, leading to memorable sequels like Munch’s Oddysee and Stranger’s Wrath. Its innovative mechanics, including telepathic possession and teamwork with Mudokons, make it a unique gem.
Crash Bandicoot 3: Warped
While Crash Bandicoot 2 might rank higher for some, the entire Crash trilogy is a cornerstone of PlayStation’s legacy. Crash Bandicoot 3: Warped offers a robust mix of platforming and vehicle challenges, using time-hopping to create diverse levels. Its 2019 remaster, Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy, showcases how timeless the game's fun and challenge remain.
Spider-Man
Developed by Neversoft, the creators of the Tony Hawk series, this Spider-Man game set the standard for superhero games. It captured Spider-Man's iconic web-slinging and wall-crawling, filled with Easter eggs, Marvel cameos, and unlockable costumes. Stan Lee's character descriptions added a special touch, making it a beloved entry in the genre.
Mega Man Legends 2
Mega Man Legends 2 transformed the series by focusing on story and character, offering a unique and charming 3D action/adventure experience. Building on the original, it refined the formula to create one of the most engaging entries in the 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 cleverly introduced players to the DualShock controller's analog sticks by tasking them with capturing mischievous apes. Using gadgets like hula hoops and remote control cars, controlled via the right stick, the game was innovative and fun, proving to be both prescient and influential in its time.
Crash Team Racing
Crash Team Racing challenged Mario Kart and emerged as a beloved kart racer. With original tracks, unique weapons drawn from Crash lore, and an innovative drifting/boost system, it remains a fan favorite, especially after its modern-day 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 classics like Metal Gear Solid and GoldenEye, Syphon Filter blended stealth and action to create a memorable series. Its diverse weaponry and flexible gameplay allowed for creative problem-solving, while the iconic taser feature added a unique touch to its espionage action.
Soul Reaver: Legacy of Kain
Soul Reaver: Legacy of Kain, the second chapter in an underrated series, offered a gothic and macabre adventure. Its shift to a 3D perspective and ability to switch between the living and spectral realms set it apart. With compelling characters and a story by Amy Hennig, it remains a standout despite its rushed ending.
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 was a groundbreaking turn-based strategy game, known for its intricate plot and unique character design. Despite not relying on 3D graphics, it set a high standard for the genre, though its lack of a true sequel on the PlayStation remains a missed opportunity.
Medal of Honor: Underground
Image credit: EADeveloper: DreamWorks Interactive | Publisher: Electronic Arts | Release date: October 24, 2000 | Review: IGN's Medal of Honor: Underground review
Medal of Honor: Underground stood out among the few must-play first-person shooters on the PS1. With its memorable character, Manon Batiste, and innovative gameplay like tricking Nazis into posing for photos, it remains one of the best shooters of its era.
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 the series to its fantasy roots with knights, mages, and princesses. Its memorable characters, including Zidane and Vivi, made it a poignant swan song for the series on the PlayStation, paying homage to its predecessors while setting the stage for future entries.
Silent Hill
Image credit: KonamiDeveloper: Team Silent | Publisher: Konami | Release date: February 23, 1999 | Review: IGN's Silent Hill review
Silent Hill diverged from typical survival horror, offering a psychological horror experience set in a haunting town. Its foreboding atmosphere and focus on evasion rather than confrontation made it a defining game in the genre, with an unforgettable audio experience that lingers to this day.
Spyro 2: Ripto’s Rage
Spyro 2: Ripto’s Rage built on the success of the original with a balance of challenge and fun. Its seasonal hub areas and diverse mini-worlds, along with a host of collectibles and side characters, made it a standout in the Insomniac trilogy. The Spyro Reignited Trilogy brought this classic to modern consoles.
Driver
Image credit: GT InteractiveDeveloper: Reflections Interactive | Publisher: GT Interactive | Release date: June 25, 1999 | Review: IGN's Driver review
Driver offered a unique blend of open-world missions and arcade-style driving. Its detailed collision modeling and innovative Director Mode allowed players to create Hollywood-style action sequences, cementing its place in the PS1 hall of fame.
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 a beloved middle chapter in Naughty Dog's trilogy, offering a perfect blend of platforming and exploration. Its challenging levels and sense of achievement have kept it in gamers' hearts long after its release.
Vagrant Story
Vagrant Story is an underrated masterpiece, blending action RPG elements with a dense plot and intricate systems. Its challenging gameplay and unique battle mechanics make it a hidden gem that deserves recognition among the best PS1 games.
Tekken 3
Developer: Namco | Publisher: Namco | Release date: March 1, 1997 | Review: IGN's Tekken 3 review
Tekken 3 is a universally acclaimed fighting game that attracted a wide audience with its innovative mechanics, including a third axis for dodging. Its eclectic characters and cinematic flair made it an iconic title on the PS1, introducing many to the art of capoeira.
Resident Evil 2
Resident Evil 2 remains a horror classic, even after its 2018 remake. Its intricate puzzles and diverse enemies, set in a bizarre police station, create a tense atmosphere. The dual perspective gameplay and relentless Tyrant pursuit add to its enduring legacy.
Tomb Raider
Developer: Core Design | Publisher: Eidos Interactive | Release date: November 14, 1996 | Review: IGN's Tomb Raider review
The original Tomb Raider introduced gamers to Lara Croft and offered a haunting solo adventure through diverse environments. Its intricate level design and iconic shotgun made it a standout title, cementing Lara's place in gaming history.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2 is one of the highest-rated games of all time, combining arcade-style skateboarding with a legendary soundtrack. Its addictive skate park editor and refined gameplay made it a cultural phenomenon that still resonates today.
Gran Turismo 2
Gran Turismo 2 expanded on its predecessor with nearly 650 cars and a vast array of content. Its detailed racing simulation and broad scope made it the definitive racing game on the PS1, even coming with a scratch 'n' sniff disc for an immersive experience.
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 the 2D platforming genre to perfection, with beautiful pixel art and an unforgettable soundtrack. Its influence on modern games is evident, making it a timeless classic that has aged remarkably well.
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 the JRPG genre in the West with its dark, sci-fi storyline and iconic character design. Its impact on gaming culture is immense, spawning numerous spin-offs and a stellar remake, despite some of its shortcomings.
Metal Gear Solid
Metal Gear Solid introduced a unique blend of stealth and action gameplay, coupled with a bizarre yet captivating cast and a story that challenged traditional video game narratives. Its cinematic storytelling and fourth-wall breaks make it a landmark title that still holds up today.
Honorable Mentions
Choosing the best PlayStation games was challenging, and not everyone's favorites could make the list. Here are some honorable mentions that are also excellent:
- 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 know our rankings may differ from yours, so feel free to share your thoughts on which games deserve top spots and which classics we might have missed.
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
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