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 remains undeniable. The evolution of games and technology over these three decades has been remarkable, yet the PS1's legacy endures through its iconic characters and franchises. From the jorts-wearing Crash Bandicoot to the wise-cracking Spyro, the original PlayStation introduced us to some of the most memorable video game heroes. But which PS1 games truly stand out as the best of the best?
We've carefully curated a list of what we believe are the 25 best PS1 games of all time, including some fantastic PlayStation exclusives. These titles not only defined a generation but continue to be celebrated for their innovation, gameplay, and enduring appeal.
The Best PS1 Games Ever
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PaRappa the Rapper
Before the likes of Rock Band, Guitar Hero, and Dance Dance Revolution, there was PaRappa the Rapper. This pioneering rhythm game featured a cartoonishly flat dog and his animal friends, captivating players with catchy tunes and a unique charm that set it apart from the "extreme" and "hardcore" games of the PS1 era. Its distinctive style and lovable protagonist earned PaRappa a place among the top 10 dogs in video games, a testament to its enduring appeal.
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 stands out as a truly bizarre game, blending action, puzzle, and platforming elements with a surreal, Soylent Green-inspired story. Its quirky character designs and deep lore have spawned beloved sequels and spinoffs like Munch’s Oddysee and Stranger’s Wrath. The game's unique mechanics, such as communicating with fellow Mudokons and possessing enemies, offer a gameplay experience that is as memorable as it is innovative.
Crash Bandicoot 3: Warped
While Crash Bandicoot 2 may rank higher on some lists, the entire Crash trilogy played a pivotal role in the PlayStation legacy, thanks to Naughty Dog's fun and challenging design. Crash Bandicoot 3: Warped, while not as challenging as its predecessor, offers a robust mix of platforming levels and vehicle/riding challenges. Its time-hopping theme provides a diverse array of levels and enemies, making it a cohesive and enjoyable experience. The 2019 remastered compilation, Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy, has only enhanced its enduring appeal.
Spider-Man
Developed by Neversoft, the creators of the Tony Hawk series, the PS1's Spider-Man game set the standard for superhero games that followed. It was the first to truly capture Spider-Man's unique movement, allowing players to swing between buildings, climb walls, and take down enemies with acrobatic flair. Packed with Easter eggs, Marvel cameos, and unlockable costumes, including Spider-Man 2099 and the Amazing Bag Man, this game even featured character descriptions narrated by Stan Lee himself.
Mega Man Legends 2
Before Mega Man Legends, the series was not typically celebrated for its storytelling and characters. Mega Man Legends 2 changed that narrative, offering a charming and unique 3-D action/adventure experience that improved upon its predecessor's formula. Its engaging story and well-developed characters cemented its place as a standout title in the Mega Man series.
Ape Escape
Image credit: SonyDeveloper: Sony Computer Entertainment | Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment | Release date: June 18, 1999 | Review: IGN's Ape Escape review
In an era when the DualShock controller's analog sticks were considered a novelty, Ape Escape cleverly encouraged players to embrace this new technology. The game tasked players with capturing mischievous primates using gadgets like hula hoops and remote-controlled cars, all controlled via the right analog stick. This innovative gameplay mechanic was groundbreaking at the time and helped solidify Ape Escape's place in gaming history.
Crash Team Racing
Crash Team Racing came close to dethroning Mario Kart, offering a thrilling kart racing experience with a unique twist. With original tracks, wacky weapons drawn from Crash lore, and an innovative drifting/boost system, CTR remains one of the most beloved entries in the kart racing genre. Its modern-day remake, Crash Team Racing: Nitro-Fueled, further cements its legacy.
Syphon Filter
Image credit: SonyDeveloper: Eidetic Games | Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment | Release date: January 31, 1999 | Review: IGN's Syphon Filter review
Drawing inspiration from titles like Metal Gear Solid and GoldenEye, Syphon Filter combined stealth and action to create a gripping espionage adventure. With a variety of weaponry and diverse gameplay options across its 20 levels, the game offered players the freedom to approach challenges in different ways. Its memorable taser mechanic was ahead of its time, adding to its unique appeal.
Soul Reaver: Legacy of Kain
Soul Reaver: Legacy of Kain, often considered "Legacy of Kain 2," delivered a gothic and macabre sequel that surpassed its predecessor, Blood Omen. With its shift to 3D and innovative gameplay mechanics, such as switching between the living and spectral realms, the game left a lasting impact on the industry. Its compelling story, penned by Amy Hennig, and atmospheric world-building made it a standout title on the PS1.
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 set a new standard for turn-based strategy games on consoles when it launched in 1998. Its complex plot, juxtaposed with cute yet super-deformed characters, offered a unique and engaging experience. Despite the lack of a true sequel, its influence on the genre endures, and it remains a beloved title among fans.
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
In an era when first-person shooters were less common on consoles, Medal of Honor: Underground carved out a significant legacy. As a prequel/sequel to the original, it offered a thrilling WWII experience with memorable characters like Manon Batiste and a diverse array of levels. Its unique features, such as tricking Nazis into posing for photos, added a humorous touch 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 promised a return to the series' fantasy roots, and it delivered in spades. With knights, mages, princesses, and crystals, the game paid homage to its predecessors while introducing memorable characters like Zidane, Vivi, and Steiner. As a beautiful and moving swan song for Final Fantasy on the PlayStation, it set the stage for future entries and remains a fan favorite.
See our guide to the Final Fantasy games in order.
Silent Hill
Image credit: KonamiDeveloper: Team Silent | Publisher: Konami | Release date: February 23, 1999 | Review: IGN's Silent Hill review
Silent Hill ventured into psychological horror territory, diverging from the typical zombie survival horror genre. The game's eerie atmosphere and unsettling creatures challenged the protagonist, Henry, in ways that were both terrifying and thought-provoking. Its haunting audio and unforgettable experience solidified its place as a defining psychological horror game, with hopes for a future remake akin to the acclaimed Silent Hill 2.
Spyro 2: Ripto’s Rage
Spyro 2: Ripto's Rage built upon the foundation of the original game, offering a perfect balance of challenge and fun. Its seasonal hub areas and diverse mini-worlds, from beaches to mountaintop monasteries, provided a rich and immersive experience. With a host of side characters and collectibles, Spyro's second adventure remains a standout in the Insomniac trilogy, now accessible on modern consoles through the Spyro Reignited Trilogy.
Driver
Image credit: GT InteractiveDeveloper: Reflections Interactive | Publisher: GT Interactive | Release date: June 25, 1999 | Review: IGN's Driver review
Driver was one of the first non-racing games to feature extensive car-based gameplay. Its blend of open-world mission design and arcade-style driving action was revolutionary, offering players a thrilling car chase experience. With detailed collision modeling and a creative Director Mode, Driver earned 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 remains a fan favorite in the beloved trilogy. It strikes a perfect balance between the original's platforming and the expansive elements introduced in Warped. With challenging yet achievable levels, it offers some of the franchise's best moments, solidifying its place in gaming history.
Vagrant Story
Vagrant Story is one of the PS1's most underrated gems, offering a complex action RPG experience. With its intricate systems, political intrigue, and challenging bosses, the game is a testament to Square's prowess in RPG development. Its unique battle system and deep customization options make it a standout title that deserves more recognition.
Tekken 3
Developer: Namco | Publisher: Namco | Release date: March 1, 1997 | Review: IGN's Tekken 3 review
Tekken 3 is widely regarded as one of the best fighting games ever made, thanks to its ability to appeal to both fans and newcomers. Its introduction of a third axis and innovative dodging mechanics revolutionized the genre. With its eclectic characters and wacky cinematics, Tekken 3 remains an iconic PS1 title and a benchmark for fighting games.
All these years later, the series has now moved on to acclaimed Tekken 8, which released in 2024.
Resident Evil 2
Though it received a stellar remake in 2018, the original Resident Evil 2 remains a classic in the horror genre. Set in a bizarre police station, the game combines intricate puzzles with a variety of terrifying creatures, including zombies and a relentless tyrant. Its dual-perspective gameplay and haunting atmosphere make it an all-time horror classic.
Tomb Raider
Developer: Core Design | Publisher: Eidos Interactive | Release date: November 14, 1996 | Review: IGN's Tomb Raider review
The original Tomb Raider is a haunting solo adventure that cemented Lara Croft as a video game icon. With its intricate level design and awe-inspiring environments, the game offered players a thrilling experience. From battling real-life beasts to encountering dinosaurs and cat mummies, Tomb Raider's genius and iconic shotgun continue to resonate with players.
See our guide to the Tomb Raider games in order.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2 is not just a monumental entry in its series; it's considered one of the greatest sports games ever made. Its cultural impact, arcade-style extreme sports action, and iconic soundtrack have cemented its place in gaming history. With added moves, a skate park editor, and a host of new songs, this sequel refined the formula to perfection.
Gran Turismo 2
Gran Turismo 2 built upon the success of the original, offering an expansive racing experience that shipped on two CDs. With nearly 650 cars from over 30 manufacturers, its scope was unparalleled at the time. As the biggest and broadest racing game on the PS1, GT2 remains a beloved title in the genre, complete with a unique scratch 'n' sniff disc.
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
Releasing a 2D Castlevania on the PS1 was a bold move, but it allowed Konami to refine the gameplay to perfection. With its beautiful pixel art and incredible soundtrack, Castlevania: Symphony of the Night remains a near-perfect game that has inspired countless modern titles. Its enduring appeal and influence on the genre are undeniable.
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 is almost single-handedly responsible for popularizing Japanese RPGs in the Western world. Its dark, sci-fi storyline and iconic character design brought the franchise to a global audience in an unprecedented way. Despite some shortcomings, its timeless classic status and the success of its remake have solidified its place in gaming history.
Metal Gear Solid
Metal Gear Solid revolutionized the stealth/action genre with its unique gameplay and bizarre yet delightful cast of characters. Its intricate story challenged traditional video game narratives and pushed the boundaries of cinematic storytelling. With unforgettable fourth-wall breaks and exceptional gameplay, Metal Gear Solid remains one of the best games in the series to this day.
Honorable Mentions
Choosing the best PlayStation games was a challenging task, given the diverse tastes of fans. Here are some additional titles that are equally worthy of recognition:
- 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 everyone's list might differ, so feel free to use the Tier List below to share which games you consider S-tier and which should be forgotten. Let us know in the comments if any PS1 classics made your list that we 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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