The Best PS1 Games Ever Made – Low Poly, But Never Low Quality

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 attainable with client electronics. Whereas not the primary 3D-capable house console, the PS1 was definitely probably the most prolific—and to today, a whole lot of unimaginable video games have been launched for the platform.

The Greatest PS1 Video games You Should Expertise Your self

Beneath, we’ve tried to catalog only a few of those standout titles. From Closing Fantasy to Tomb Raider, lots of the best online game franchises of all time grew up on the PlayStation. Listed below are one of the best PS1 video games.

Closing Fantasy VII

Maybe probably the most iconic sport on this checklist, Closing Fantasy VII is an undisputed traditional—and one of many best video games on the PS1. Whereas remasters and remakes can take away a few of the authentic attraction, nothing fairly beats taking part in FFVII on its authentic console.

Whereas the turn-based RPG style has advanced rather a lot since its launch, FFVII continues to be pleasant to play, although the three-disc story pacing might really feel dated by fashionable requirements. However this sport’s cultural affect can’t be denied, and it’s rightly considered the most effective Closing Fantasy video games of all time.

Closing Fantasy VI (Closing Fantasy III within the US)

It could appear lazy to return to Closing Fantasy for this subsequent entry, however Closing Fantasy VI—initially launched as Closing 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 Closing Fantasy video games.

Lately, you’re spoiled for 100-hour RPGs with lovely sprite artwork and gripping storytelling, however on launch, Closing Fantasy VI was the gold normal—and it nonetheless holds up immediately.

Castlevania: Symphony of the Night time

Castlevania: Symphony of the Night time was launched on the Sega Saturn and PS1, but it surely turned one of many latter’s greatest video games. With a haunting soundtrack, the conceptual start of the Metroidvania style, and a visible peak for sprite-based video games, SotN is commonly 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 sport, however hardly ever unfair. In the event you’re ready for one thing to play earlier than Silksong, contemplate SotN—the most effective PS1 video games ever made.

Tony Hawk’s Professional Skater 2

Tony Hawk’s Professional Skater was a revolutionary sport that born the skateboarding subgenre. Launched throughout skateboarding’s mid-’90s peak, it was essential sport for youngsters. The sequel, nonetheless, is the true gem—sharpening the graphics and streamlining the already unimaginable gameplay.

Whereas later entries added open worlds and missions, Tony Hawk’s Professional Skater 2 is one of the best pure skating sport within the sequence. It additionally options one of many best online game soundtracks ever. A traditional PS1 sport that have to be performed.

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 attainable. Wipeout remodeled that have into stylized sci-fi, with hyper-fast automobiles 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.

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 turned 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 simple to sink dozens of hours into this charming title.

Tomb Raider

Lara Croft was as soon as PlayStation’s unofficial mascot—and that started with Tomb Raider. The action-adventure sport laid the inspiration for the style, with expansive ranges and 3D exploration.

The PS1 had 5 Tomb Raider titles, and anyone might make this checklist. However the authentic stays probably the most iconic. Regardless of some janky puzzles and a now-dated motion system, its attraction is plain.

Closing Fantasy Techniques

With the just lately introduced remake, we don’t really feel dangerous together with a 3rd Closing Fantasy sport on this checklist. Closing Fantasy Techniques helped popularize—and controversial excellent—the technique RPG subgenre.

A compelling story, lovely sprite work, and the introduction of the Ivalice setting (utilized in later Closing Fantasy video games and spin-offs) make this a particular title. Considered one of our favorites—and the most effective on the PS1.

Oddworld: Abe’s Oddysee

Oddworld: Abe’s Oddysee is a puzzle-platformer with a weird aesthetic not like the rest. You play as Abe, attempting to rescue fellow Mudokons from a meat processing plant.

We’ll be sincere: This sport gave us nightmares as children. The visuals, the darkish tone, the truth that you possibly can by accident ship the characters you’re attempting to save lots of to their deaths—it’s all memorable. Although remastered in 2014, the PS1 authentic continues to be value experiencing.

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 pressure 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.

PaRappa the Rapper

A rhythm sport trailblazer, PaRappa the Rapper featured trendy visuals, catchy songs, and unforgettable characters. It’s a disgrace the franchise has pale into obscurity, however this PS1 title is a real standout.

Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver

The Soul Reaver/Legacy of Kain sequence has fallen into obscurity, however through the PS1 period, it was one of the vital compelling journey sport franchises.

It’s arduous to think about sequence like God of Warfare or Murderer’s Creed current with out it. You possibly can nonetheless see its affect in fashionable video games.

Gran Turismo 2

Gran Turismo is likely one of the best-selling and most critically acclaimed PlayStation franchises. The sequence started on the PS1, however Gran Turismo 2 was the true pinnacle on the console.

On the time, it supplied probably the most sensible driving expertise accessible at house—second solely to arcades. If you will discover an outdated steering wheel peripheral, it’s the right strategy to expertise peak ’90s driving sport vibes.

Tekken 3

Tekken debuted on PlayStation and rapidly turned Sony’s flagship combating sport. Tekken 3 was the franchise’s excessive level on the PS1—arguably probably the most superior 3D fighter of its time.

It launched key parts that also outline the sequence: sidestepping, distinctive character circulate, and refined mechanics. A blueprint for all future 3D fighters.

Metallic Gear Stable

Revolutionizing stealth gameplay, Metallic Gear Stable was each visually and technically iconic. Many fashionable stealth mechanics started with this title.

Whereas the sequence peaked on the PS2, MGS stays the most effective PS1 video games—and it’s nonetheless infinitely replayable.

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