It’s been over 30 years since the launch of the original PlayStation, and the impact of Sony's first console on the gaming industry and pop culture remains profound. From the iconic characters like Crash Bandicoot and Spyro to groundbreaking games, the PS1 set the stage for modern gaming. Here's our curated list of the top 25 PS1 games that have stood the test of 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 and catchy tunes, this game featuring a flat cartoon dog and his animal friends captured hearts, offering a refreshing break from the "extreme" and "hardcore" games of its time. Its quirky style and beloved character earned PaRappa a spot among the top 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 quirky blend of action, puzzles, and platforming set in a bizarre universe. With its unique story reminiscent of Soylent Green, the game is remembered for its eccentric character designs and deep lore, leading to numerous sequels and spinoffs. Its innovative mechanics, like telepathic control and teamwork with fellow Mudokons, set it apart as a memorable and influential title.
Crash Bandicoot 3: Warped
While Crash Bandicoot 2 might rank higher for some, the entire trilogy played a crucial role in shaping the PlayStation's legacy. Crash Bandicoot 3: Warped offers a diverse range of platforming and vehicle challenges, set against a time-hopping backdrop. Its remastered version, the Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy, ensures that its charm and challenge remain accessible to modern gamers.
Spider-Man
Developed by Neversoft, the same team behind the Tony Hawk series, this Spider-Man game set the standard for superhero games. It was the first to truly capture Spider-Man's unique traversal methods and included numerous Easter eggs, Marvel cameos, and unlockable costumes. Even featuring Stan Lee's voice, this game was a delightful romp through New York City.
Mega Man Legends 2
Mega Man Legends 2 redefined the series by focusing on story and character, offering a unique and charming 3D action-adventure experience. Building on the foundation laid by its predecessor, this sequel enhanced the formula, delivering 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 was instrumental in popularizing the DualShock controller's analog sticks. Tasked with capturing mischievous apes using unconventional gadgets, players were introduced to innovative gameplay mechanics that utilized the right stick. Its light-hearted approach and solid execution have left a lasting impact, even predicting real-world events with uncanny accuracy.
Crash Team Racing
Crash Team Racing came remarkably close to dethroning Mario Kart as the king of kart racing. With its original tracks, creative weapons drawn from Crash lore, and a skill-based drifting system, CTR earned its place among the best kart racers, eventually receiving a well-received modern 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
Drawing inspiration from Metal Gear Solid and GoldenEye, Syphon Filter combined stealth and action into a compelling espionage adventure. With a variety of weapons and flexible gameplay, it allowed players to approach challenges creatively. The game's memorable taser feature was ahead of its time and contributed to its enduring legacy.
Soul Reaver: Legacy of Kain
Soul Reaver: Legacy of Kain elevated the franchise with its gothic atmosphere and intricate storytelling, penned by Amy Hennig. Shifting between the living and spectral realms to solve puzzles and navigate Nosgoth, the game offered a unique and influential experience that transcended the PS1 era.
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 revolutionized turn-based strategy games on consoles with its intricate plot and engaging gameplay. Despite its lack of fancy 3D graphics, the game's depth and complexity made it a standout, even if it never received a direct sequel that matched its original vision.
Medal of Honor: Underground
Image credit: EADeveloper: DreamWorks Interactive | Publisher: Electronic Arts | Release date: 24 October, 2000 | Review: IGN's Medal of Honor: Underground review
Medal of Honor: Underground brought WWII action to life in a way that few games on the PS1 could match. With its memorable protagonist, Manon Batiste, and diverse levels, the game set a high bar for first-person shooters. Its innovative features, like tricking Nazis into posing for photos, added a unique twist to the genre.
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 to the series' fantasy roots, delivering a beloved narrative filled with knights, mages, and princesses. Its memorable characters, from the cunning Zidane to the naive Vivi, made it a fitting tribute to the franchise's early entries and a beautiful farewell to the PS1 era.
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, offering a haunting experience unlike any other. Its unsettling atmosphere and focus on evasion over confrontation made it a defining game in the genre. With its enduring audio and the anticipation of a remake, Silent Hill remains unforgettable.
Spyro 2: Ripto’s Rage
Spyro 2: Ripto's Rage built upon the original, offering a balanced mix of challenge and fun. Its seasonal hub areas and diverse mini-worlds, from beaches to monasteries, provided a rich and varied adventure. With the Spyro Reignited Trilogy, fans can revisit this classic on modern platforms.
Driver
Image credit: GT InteractiveDeveloper: Reflections Interactive | Publisher: GT Interactive | Release date: June 25, 1999 | Review: IGN's Driver review
Driver introduced a unique blend of open-world missions and arcade-style driving. Its detailed collision modeling and Director Mode allowed players to create their own action sequences, making it a standout title in the PS1 library and a precursor to modern driving games.
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 struck a perfect balance between the original's platforming and the expansive elements of its sequel. Its challenging yet achievable levels have cemented its place as a beloved entry in the franchise, showcasing Naughty Dog's mastery of the genre.
Vagrant Story
Vagrant Story is a hidden gem, offering a dense and engaging action RPG experience. With its complex systems, political intrigue, and challenging combat, it remains one of the most underrated yet exceptional games on the PS1, showcasing Square's innovative approach to storytelling and gameplay.
Tekken 3
Developer: Namco | Publisher: Namco | Release date: Mar 1, 1997 | Review: IGN's Tekken 3 review
Tekken 3 remains a benchmark for fighting games, known for its accessibility and depth. Its introduction of a third axis and eclectic cast of characters made it a beloved title on the PS1. The game's influence on the genre and its memorable characters, like Eddy Gordo, have left a lasting legacy.
All these years later, the series has now moved on to acclaimed Tekken 8, which released in 2024.
Resident Evil 2
Resident Evil 2 remains a classic, even after its 2018 remake. Set in a bizarre police station, it combined intricate puzzles with a variety of horrifying enemies. The relentless pursuit by the Tyrant and the ability to play from two perspectives made it an enduring horror masterpiece.
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 her daring adventures. Mixing real-world dangers with fantastical elements, the game's intricate level design and iconic shotgun have cemented its place in gaming history as a pioneering solo adventure.
See our guide to the Tomb Raider games in order.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2 is celebrated as one of the greatest sports games ever made. Its arcade-style action, iconic soundtrack, and innovative skate park editor have made it a cultural phenomenon. Despite attempts to tarnish its reputation, THPS2 remains a timeless classic.
Gran Turismo 2
Gran Turismo 2 expanded on the original's success, offering an unprecedented array of cars and tracks. Its sheer volume of content, requiring two CDs, and its competition with other racing games like Need for Speed: High Stakes made it a towering achievement in the genre.
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's decision to remain 2D allowed for refined gameplay and stunning pixel art that has aged gracefully. Its incredible soundtrack and perfect gameplay have made it a benchmark for action-adventure games, influencing countless titles that followed.
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 RPG genre, introducing Western audiences to the series' dark, sci-fi narrative and unique character designs. Its massive success and influence led to numerous spin-offs and a critically acclaimed remake, cementing its status as a timeless classic.
Metal Gear Solid
Metal Gear Solid redefined stealth-action games with its unique gameplay, bizarre characters, and boundary-pushing storytelling. Its innovative use of the cardboard box and fourth-wall breaks have made it a legendary entry in the series, still revered today.
Honorable Mentions
Choosing the absolute best PlayStation games was a challenging task. Here are some other excellent titles that deserve recognition:
- Einhander
- Dino Crisis
- Brian Lara/Shane Warne Cricket ‘99
- Need For Speed: High Stakes
- The Legend of Dragoon
And those are our picks for the best games on the original PlayStation. We understand that everyone's list might differ, so feel free to share your top picks and any classics we might have missed in the comments.
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 102m 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
