Meet the 20 best games for PlayStation 1 (PS1)
The PlayStation 1 is one of the most memorable consoles of all time, and it recently celebrated its 25th anniversary. He was Sony's star in the gaming industry, as he gave us a mountain of essential great games. From Metal Gear Solid to Tomb Raider and Gran Turismo 2, there are numerous titles that could enter any TOP.
In this article, we have made an effort to group the 20 best PS1 games that marked a before and after. Join us on this trip to the past and remember with us the great titles that the console gave us, and that are still in our hearts today.
The games do not follow an order of preference.
1. Tomb Raider II
Of those that came out on PlayStation 1, any game in the Tomb Raider franchise could be on this list. We chose the second installment because it represented a great evolution in relation to the previous one. It added new weapons, as well as encouraged us to search for secrets, some of which were difficult like the valley of the dinosaurs.
But it doesn't end there! Lara Croft became a more adventurous archaeologist, traveling to the Great Wall of China or the canals of Venice. Tomb Raider II took us on a journey around the planet, with excellent graphics for the console and much more fluid movements than in the first part. Will you accompany Lara Croft?
2. Resident Evil 2
Many fans of the franchise consider Resident Evil 2 the best. The position was further cemented with the arrival of the 2019 remake, which received many awards. This game was revolutionary, allowing us to control two different characters: Claire and Leon.
The presence of two different points of view added to the greater freedom of exploration in Raccoon City, making this title a true masterpiece. The zombies are more dangerous than in the first part, offering a continuous challenge to all players.
3. Final Fantasy VII
The legendary story of Cloud and Sephiroth could not miss their appointment of the best PS1 games. It is one of the best-rated games in the history of video games and set a precedent in the saga. I manage to give more life to the battles, give us a good skill system and introduce more cinematic scenes.
The game received good reviews for the narrative and for featuring charismatic characters. In fact, to this day Final Fantasy VII remains one of the games with the best main group. It is not unexpected that many people patiently await the return of this game with the Final Fantasy VII Remake.
4. Tekken 3
Tekken 3 was the game that took the first step in improving many aspects of the saga. All subsequent installments are due to the success that Tekken 3 was. In terms of physics, gameplay, and mechanics, it was the best fighting game on PS1. Many classic characters returned, like Yoshimitsu or Heihachi, and introduced new characters like Eddy Gordo or Jin Kazama.
Who played the previous Tekken, immediately realized all the news. It also included different varied game modes, such as Tekken Ball, but the best thing was to enjoy one of the most complete rosters of fighters on the console. Tekken 3 was fun on every level!
5. Grand Touring 2
If you are looking for the best racing game for PlayStation 1, you will find it in Gran Turismo 2. The series has not managed to stay on top, but back in 1999, it was booming. It is only necessary to share one piece of information as a reason: this second part contained no more and no less than 650 available cars. Incredible amount!
In addition to the cars, we could compete in circuits that were as famous as they were challenging. Deep Forest, Laguna Seca, or Seattle Circuit are just some of the tracks we can race on. To advance and complete the game, it was necessary to pass different levels of the driver's license. All in all, Gran Turismo 2 turned out to be one of the longest and best-made games in the driving genre.
6. Spyro The Dragon
Spyro is a game that many gamers hold dearly in their hearts. With hints of exploration and platforming, the task of this game is to guide a little dragon through various kingdoms. Spyro must defeat enemies and solve some curious puzzles to progress through the game.
We can jump, glide and lunge, as well as spit a bit of fire. With those moves, Spyro must save all of his fellow dragons that have been frozen. This is the beginning of a memorable trilogy, which was remastered with the Spyro Reignited Trilogy.
7. Metal Gear Solid
Metal Gear Solid was to blame for launching the Solid Snake character to fame. Even those who have never played the franchise can recognize it, or have at least heard of it. Created by Hideo Kojima and published in 1998, this game was a benchmark in the action and stealth genre. The plot is impressive, with scenes worthy of a movie.
We can't forget to talk about Psycho Mantis, the main villain of Metal Gear Solid. Imagine this: he was able to read your Memory Card to talk to you. The current titles of the saga are also excellent in many aspects, but this game deserves to be among the best for what it meant at the time.
8. Medal of Honor
Medal of Honor is truly a game and a legendary saga. The first architect of the idea was Steven Spielberg, and it places the player in the shoes of Lieutenant Jimmy Patterson. The context of the Medal of Honor is the end of World War II, with a setting that caught many players. The game really is complicated, difficult, and complex from the narrative point of view.
Released in 1999, the game was revolutionary at the time in terms of gameplay. Today we see elements taken from this same game, even in war games from 2010 onwards. After all, the Medal of Honor is considered the great precursor to Battlefield and Call of Duty. Who would have thought that the game would create a rivalry!
9. Dino Crisis
Dino Crisis is a classic that many fondly remember. It is not surprising, because his proposal is quite original, like a mix between Jurassic Park and Resident Evil. The game is about how Regina, the protagonist, tries to get out of an island alive. Soon she would find out that there are many dangerous dinosaurs!
The plot is interesting and the gameplay is quite similar to the aforementioned Resident Evil. There are a few times to save the game, the inventory is low and we do not have abundant ammunition. That makes every challenge Regina faces feel like one. In other words, the dinosaurs are not the only threat, but also the lack of resources.
10. Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver
Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver is an action-adventure game that deserves a remake. At first glance, it may seem like an action game and not much more, but it is not. It is a deep game, with a complex and well-constructed narrative. Legacy of Kain took advantage of the full potential of the console, being a graphic reference for that time.
The plot and the scenarios are very interesting, with a gothic setting and gameplay that is not easy at all. The story by itself is not complete, as it is part of a series of related games. In any case, Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver is well worth it, as it is without a doubt one of the best PS1 games.
11. Spider-Man
For nearly two decades, PlayStation 1's Spider-Man stood as the best Spider-Man game. It is true that the graphics were not the best, even for its time, but its gameplay is incredible. It was a title by fans for fans, where we could wear classic costumes from the comics.
The number of characters in the Peter Parker stories is enormous. In addition to having many villains, such as Venom, Mysterio, or Doctor Octopus, there are also other heroes such as Black Cat or Punisher. In short, Spider-Man is a rewarding game that will give you hours of fun.
12. Digimon World
Digimon World is quite the nostalgia trip. Anyone who has played this title will remember that no other game in this franchise managed to beat it. In this game, you will be a young man who goes to File City to save the world from Digimon. You will have to create, train and digivolve creatures to overcome increasingly difficult battles.
The game is super fun because it invites the player to form the city of Digimon. Each of these Digimon takes on a role, and it's fascinating to watch File City take shape. In addition, there are various secrets to discover and challenges to complete as you explore the entire world of Digimon World.
13. Crash Bandicoot: Warped
Crash Bandicoot: Warped is the culmination of a very successful trilogy. There is no way to leave this game off the list, as Crash was practically Sony's mascot! This particular game is everything good that the previous two games had, with a few added. What's more, it was in Warped that we could control Coco, Crash's sister.
The game allows us to access different phases divided into themes. There's Ancient Egypt, the prehistoric United States, and even Atlantis, among other incredible settings. It is a challenging game that will invite you to get all the gems in all the levels until you get 100% of the game.
14. Castlevania: Symphony of The Night
This game marked a before and after in the saga, introducing a series of changes in the saga. Castlevania: Symphony of the Night is a game with strong RPG elements where you will progress from stage to stage. You will complete tasks, you will face many enemies and, to defeat them, it will be necessary to obtain important items and powers.
The intro of the game is cool and unforgettable, with well-thought-out dialogues to catch you. You will control Alucard, the son of Dracula, and you will explore a huge castle with the aim of improving the character to the maximum. It is a game full of challenges and obstacles, one of the most difficult titles on PS1.
15. Silent Hill
The first Silent Hill came to PS1 in 1999 and was immediately considered one of the best horror games. The saga's characteristic fog was created as an excuse for the graphical limitations of the PlayStation. Who would have thought that it would become one of the biggest claims in the saga!
The narrative is very interesting, with a very human protagonist without any special abilities. The constant scares made this game one of the tensest on the console. It was truly an experience that left a deep mark on those who saw the franchise born. Still, it's not too late to play Silent Hill for the first time!
16. Final Fantasy IX
FFIX is one of the most polished games in the entire Final Fantasy series. Although it may not have had as much recognition as FFVII or FFVIII, both also on PS1, the ninth installment is an almost perfect JRPG. With brilliant art and one of Nobuo Uematsu's best soundtracks, the fun and complex story can't help but grab you from start to finish.
Final Fantasy IX is a deep and quite philosophical RPG at the same time. All the characters are masterfully developed, blending all of their personal arcs into one well-knit plot. As a finishing touch, the invocations of this game are the improvements of the entire saga.
17. Twisted Metal 3
Who thinks that Rocket League is a crazy car game, it is because they never played Twisted Metal 3. This game is simply one of the craziest that you can find on PlayStation 1. The objective is clear: you must destroy all the other cars. To do this, you will have to crash and use weapons with your car.
You can choose between 12 different vehicles, none of them normal. The most memorable is Sweet Tooth, an ice cream van that has a fire-breathing clown head on top of it. Not for nothing does it appear in a special way in Rocket League! In addition to having destruction everywhere, the entire game is accompanied by a simply perfect soundtrack.
18. The Resident Evil 3: Nemesis
Resident Evil 3 is another game that is in dispute as to which is the best installment in the saga. To be honest, his departure surprised many players for good, fans or not. The return of Jill Valentine to the series and the inclusion of Nemesis, the fearsome villain of this installment, did not go unnoticed.
The game gave us more freedom to explore Raccoon City, which was welcomed with open arms. The gameplay formula featured in the previous two games has been further improved, so it's no surprise that many are expecting a remake of this game.
19. Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2
This is another game that is known for challenging gameplay and gifting our ears with an excellent music selection. Not only that but Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2 gives us dozens of rewards for our efforts, all while meeting renowned skaters. The game helped popularize the sport in the late 1990s.
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2 invites us to break increasingly difficult scoring records. To do this, we must combine movements, turns, jumps, and maintain balance perfectly. The road to success can be frustrating at times, but once you do, the sigh is legendary! Plus, the game has juicy extras like being able to skate with Spider-Man.
19. Driver
The driver was a game that hooked many gamers on PS1. You assumed control of a policeman infiltrated into the world of crime. Your mission was to destroy all the mafias and criminal organizations in the city. John Tanner, the protagonist, is known for his driving skills and as such has to perform very difficult missions.
The game is set in 4 different cities: Miami, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York. In each location, the main car changes, but there are other extras that you can drive for specific missions. There are even secret cars to unlock!
