The home video game console, Sony PlayStation 1 (PS1), was released in Japan on 3rd December 1994, and the world of games was never the same again. It was mainly designed by Ken Kutaragi, and the rest of it was outsourced from the United Kingdom. To say the least, it began a revolution in the space of video gaming.
The PlayStation 1 introduced everyone to the wonders of 3D gaming with an unforgettable library of iconic games. Sony created this powerhouse library of games with the help of some impressive technology, ease of development, and a hefty marketing budget to support them.
7 Best PS1 Games
These are the games that made Sony’s first console a success, and these games laid the foundation for generations to come. Some of these games are still going strong today.
1. Gran Turismo
Developed by Sony Computer Entertainment, Gran Turismo is a racing game that was released for the PlayStation in 1997. It is the first game in the Gran Turismo series, with over 10 spin-offs and sequels that followed. It is one of the best-selling PlayStation games, with a total of 110.85 million copies sold worldwide, and the highest-rated racing video game. It was the ultimate racing simulator with realistic graphics and a wide variety of cars.
Players could modify vehicles and drive across beautiful locations. It is a great game for car enthusiasts, and players are free to choose the race tracks and vehicles that they wish to play in. You can unlock new cars with points that you earn each time you win.
2. Crash Bandicoot
Crash Bandicoot is a platform game that was developed by Naughty Dog in the year 1996. It has had such a major role in defining a generation that it even became the unofficial mascot for the PlayStation, just like Mario for Nintendo and Sony for Sega. This game brings back a lot of fun memories since it was one of the games I remember playing when I was young.
In this game, the player controls Crash, a bandicoot that moves through jungles dodging boulders that come rolling and spinning to defeat enemies. You are sure to fall in love with the energetic charm of Crash. The game is played from a third-person perspective, where you follow behind Crash as he runs through the jungle.
3. Tomb Raider
Developed by Core Design, Tomb Raider is an action-adventure video game that was the first entry of the Tomb Raider franchise. The protagonist of the game, Lara Croft, has become one of the most influential characters in the world of games. She is an archaeologist who explores ancient tombs to find an artifact called the Scion of Atlantis. Toby Gard is credited with creating the initial concept of Lara Croft.
The game had 3D graphics, great controls, and gameplay, which made it an instant success. It’s among the top-selling PlayStation titles. The game is played from a third-person perspective, where Lara is always in focus.
4. Resident Evil
Resident Evil is a survival horror video game that was the initial entry in the Resident Evil franchise. Developed by Capcom and released in 1996, Resident Evil marked the birth of the survival horror genre. The story is set in Spencer Mansion in the fictional Arklay Mountain region, where players take on the roles of Chris Redfield and Jill Valentine, who are members of the task force called S.T.A.R.S.
The task is to escape the mansion while fighting zombies and other monsters and uncover the dark secrets that lie hidden within the mansion. It made a mark in gaming, proving that fear could be a powerful tool in storytelling.
5. Metal Gear Solid
Developed by Konami, Metal Gear Solid is a stealth game that was released in 1998. The game was singlehandedly written, directed, and produced by Hideo Kojima for the PlayStation. In this game, players take on the role of Solid Snake, a soldier who is tasked with infiltrating enemy bases having nuclear weapons. Snake must free hostages and avoid a nuclear strike. Players should use cunning tactics, strategy, and patience to win.
The game had such great visual quality that it even felt like playing through a Hollywood action-thriller. The gameplay is very addictive and requires a lot of strategy and stealth, like crawling under objects and hiding inside boxes to avoid being detected by enemies.
6. Tekken 3
Tekken 3 is a beat-’em-up video game that was developed by Namco and released in 1997. It is the third entry in the Tekken series that started in 1994. According to the plot, the game takes place twenty years after the 1995 game Tekken 2. It was one of the most successful multiplayer games on the PlayStation 1 and a big hit for both arcades and consoles. In this game, players choose a character and take part in hand-to-hand combat with a rival.
There will be two rounds of fighting and a time limit. The game has smooth animations and a lineup of characters topped by addictive gameplay.
7. Final Fantasy VII
Developed by Square, Final Fantasy VII is a role-playing video game that was released in Japan in 1997. It was the first 3D entry in the franchise. The story follows Cloud Strife, a mercenary who joins a terrorist organization and is tasked with stopping a megacorporation from using the planet’s life essence in Midgar.
The game has three modes of play: the world map, the battle screen, and the field. Final Fantasy VII is praised for its cinematic storytelling and emotional plot that will leave you hooked to the game.
Honourable Mentions:
There are so many great games on the PlayStation that it doesn’t do well to not mention the below titles too. You can explore these in your own time:
- Spyro
- Syphon Filter
- Silent Hill
- Grand Theft Auto Series
- Dance Dance Revolution Series
- Twisted Metal Series
- Dino Crisis Series
- Soul Blade
- Rayman
- Colony Wars Series
Explore more: The Top 10 Google Doodle Games You Can’t Stop Playing!
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 1 laid the foundation for modern gaming. These 7 games topped the generation. It gained popularity because of its extensive game library, its popular franchises, and budget-friendly prices. It helped Sony rise to power in the video game industry. The PlayStation’s success then made way to a line of successors, beginning with the PlayStation 2 in the year 2000.
You can have a go at these games to relive the long-lost games and enjoy some nostalgia. Most of these games are still running today, so whether you’re an old PS1 gamer or experiencing it for the first time, these PS1 classics are sure to entertain you. After all, great games never age.
