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 undeniable. The PS1 introduced us to iconic characters like the jorts-wearing Crash Bandicoot and the wise-cracking Spyro, solidifying their place in video game history. As we reflect on the legacy of the PS1, we've curated a list of the 25 best PS1 games of all time, celebrating both the classics and some great PlayStation exclusives.
The Best PS1 Games Ever
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PaRappa the Rapper
Before the likes of Rock Band, Guitar Hero, and Dance Dance Revolution, PaRappa the Rapper set the stage with its innovative rhythm-based gameplay. Starring a flat cartoon dog and his animal friends, PaRappa charmed players with catchy tunes and a quirky vibe, standing out amidst the "extreme" and "hardcore" titles on the PS1. Its uniqueness was further highlighted by the later release of Um Jammer Lammy. PaRappa's enduring appeal even earned him a spot among the top 10 dogs in video games. I gotta believe!
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 delightfully bizarre game, blending action, puzzle, and platforming elements with a dystopian Soylent Green-inspired story. Its quirky character designs and rich lore have inspired a series of unique sequels and spin-offs like Munch’s Oddysee and Stranger’s Wrath. What sets Abe's Oddysee apart are its innovative features, such as communication and teamwork with fellow Mudokons, and the ability to possess and manipulate enemies telepathically. Don't think - drink!
Crash Bandicoot 3: Warped
While Crash Bandicoot 2 may rank higher, the entire Crash trilogy is crucial to the PlayStation legacy, thanks to Naughty Dog's fun and challenging gameplay. Although Warped's base levels may not be as demanding as those in Cortex Strikes Back, it offers a variety of engaging platforming levels and exciting vehicle/riding challenges. With its time-hopping theme, Warped presents a diverse range of levels, enemies, and tricky locations, all while maintaining a cohesive and enjoyable experience. The 2019 remastered Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy revitalized Warped, making it look as good as ever.
Spider-Man
Developed by Neversoft, the creators of the Tony Hawk series, PS1’s Spider-Man set the standard for subsequent superhero games. It captured Spider-Man's unique method of movement, swinging between buildings, scaling walls, and acrobatically taking down foes. The game is packed with Easter eggs and secrets, including numerous Marvel cameos like the Human Torch and Daredevil, and unlockable costumes such as Spider-Man 2099, the Amazing Bag Man, and Captain Universe. Stan Lee himself even provided character descriptions!
Mega Man Legends 2
Before Mega Man Legends, the series wasn't known for its storytelling or character development. Mega Man Legends 2 changed that, delivering a unique and charming 3D action/adventure experience that surpassed its predecessor. The sequel refined and expanded on the original's formula, making it a standout 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
The introduction of the DualShock controller felt like a gimmick to some, but Ape Escape cleverly used it to showcase its potential. The game's premise involves capturing mischievous apes using various gadgets like hula hoops, remote control cars, and a spinning paddle for flight. Each gadget was controlled by the right stick, a novel concept in 1999. Ape Escape's innovative mechanics and solid implementation have stood the test of time, even humorously predicting real-life events like the 2016 escape of a chimpanzee named Chacha in Japan.
Crash Team Racing
While many have tried to dethrone Mario Kart, Crash Team Racing came remarkably close. The original CTR offered a delightful mascot racer with unique tracks, inventive weapons drawn from Crash lore, and an engaging drifting/boost system. Its modern-day remake, Crash Team Racing: Nitro-Fueled, further cements its legacy as one of the most beloved kart racers.
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, Eidetic Games (now Sony Bend) crafted a unique blend of stealth and action in Syphon Filter. The game's diverse weaponry and flexible mission approaches across 20 espionage-filled levels make it memorable. Notably, players could use a taser to take down enemies, foreshadowing real-world events by nearly a decade.
Soul Reaver: Legacy of Kain
Soul Reaver: Legacy of Kain, essentially "Legacy of Kain 2," is a remarkable chapter in one of gaming's most underrated series. With its gothic atmosphere and complex narrative crafted by Amy Hennig, the game feels like a dark twist on Ocarina of Time. Shifting between the living and spectral realms to solve puzzles and navigate Nosgoth's twisting corridors, Soul Reaver left a lasting influence beyond 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
When Final Fantasy Tactics launched in 1998, it set a new standard for turn-based strategy games on consoles. Its intricate plot and charming, super-deformed characters still stand out today. While it didn't rely on 3D graphics, its depth and complexity made it a standout title, despite the lack of a true sequel on the PS1.
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
In an era where first-person shooters were less common on consoles, Medal of Honor: Underground carved out a legacy. Arriving late in the PS1's lifespan, this prequel/sequel to the original Medal of Honor offered memorable characters, diverse levels, and a compelling behind-enemy-lines atmosphere. The ability to trick Nazis into posing for embarrassing photos before shooting them added a unique twist to the 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 marked a return to the series' fantasy roots, delivering knights, mages, princesses, and crystals. The game's beloved characters, including wily Zidane, naive Vivi, and loyal Steiner, helped make it a fitting conclusion to the single-digit Final Fantasy entries. It paid homage to its predecessors and set the stage for future games, serving as a moving swan song for the series on the PlayStation.
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 diverged from typical zombie survival horror, embracing psychological horror with its eerie atmosphere and unsettling creatures. The protagonist, Henry, is an everyman whose sanity is tested by the town's psychosexual horrors. Its memorable audio and psychological depth make Silent Hill unforgettable, and the fantastic Silent Hill 2 remake has reignited hope for a similar treatment of the original.
Spyro 2: Ripto’s Rage
Spyro 2: Ripto's Rage builds on the original's foundation, striking a perfect balance of challenge and fun. Set in seasonal hub areas, the game explores diverse mini-worlds, from beaches to monasteries. With a host of memorable side characters and collectibles, Ripto's Rage stands out in the Insomniac trilogy and is now playable on modern consoles thanks to 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 games to feature open-world driving without being a traditional racing game. Its blend of mission-based gameplay and arcade-style driving, complete with detailed collision modeling, made it a standout. The Director Mode allowed players to create their own Hollywood-style action sequences, cementing Driver's 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 the heart of Naughty Dog's mascot platformer trilogy. It strikes a balance between the original's platforming and Warped's expanded mechanics and secrets. The game's challenging levels and achievable challenges have kept it beloved by fans for years.
Vagrant Story
Vagrant Story, an often-overlooked gem, is a complex action RPG with deep systems and a dense plot. Players manage special attacks, customize weapons, build armor, solve puzzles, and face tough bosses using a rhythm-based combat system. Despite its complexity, Vagrant Story offers a truly exceptional experience that remains one of the best on the PS1.
Tekken 3
Developer: Namco | Publisher: Namco | Release date: Mar 1, 1997 | Review: IGN's Tekken 3 review
Tekken 3 is widely regarded as one of the best fighting games ever made, attracting even non-fighting game fans. Its introduction of a third axis for dodging and circling opponents revolutionized the genre. With its eclectic characters and intense action, Tekken 3 remains an iconic PS1 title and a reason why an entire generation knows capoeira, thanks to Eddy Gordo. The series has since progressed to the acclaimed Tekken 8, released in 2024.
Resident Evil 2
Despite its 2018 remake, the original Resident Evil 2 remains a horror classic. Set in a bizarre police station, it combines intricate puzzles with a variety of horrifying enemies, from zombies to giant moths and mutated poison ivy. The relentless pursuit by the tyrant and the dual perspectives of the protagonists add to its lasting impact.
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 showcases intricate level design and awe-inspiring environments. It introduced Lara Croft as a video game icon, mixing real-life beasts with dinosaurs and cat mummies. The game's iconic shotgun and challenging gameplay have left a lasting legacy.
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 one of the best games in its series; it's considered one of the greatest sports games and highest-rated video games of all time. Its arcade-style extreme sports action, iconic soundtrack, and addictive skate park editor made it a cultural phenomenon, despite attempts to review bomb it years later.
Gran Turismo 2
Gran Turismo 2 builds on the success of its predecessor, the best-selling PS1 game. With almost 650 cars and content spanning two CDs, GT2 was unparalleled at its release. It dwarfed competitors like Need for Speed: High Stakes, offering a comprehensive racing experience that even came with a 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 game on the PS1 seemed risky, but Castlevania: Symphony of the Night refined its gameplay to perfection. Its beautiful pixel art and incredible soundtrack have aged gracefully, making it a near-perfect video game that continues to influence modern titles.
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 put Japanese RPGs on the global map with its dark sci-fi storyline and unique character designs. It's the second best-selling PS1 game and has spawned numerous spin-offs and a stellar remake. Despite its flaws, it remains a timeless classic.
Metal Gear Solid
Metal Gear Solid revolutionized stealth/action gameplay with its unique blend of mechanics, bizarre characters, and challenging narrative. Its cinematic storytelling and fourth-wall breaks set new standards for video games, making it one of the best entries in the Metal Gear series to this day.
Honorable Mentions
Choosing the best PlayStation games was challenging, and not all favorites could make the list. Here are some honorable mentions:
- Einhander
- Dino Crisis
- Brian Lara/Shane Warne Cricket ‘99
- Need For Speed: High Stakes
- The Legend of Dragoon
These are our picks for the top 25 PS1 games. We know rankings can be subjective, so feel free to share your thoughts and any classics we might have missed in the comments.
### The 25 Best PS1 Games of All TimeThe 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
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