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 evolution of games and technology since then has been remarkable, but the PS1's legacy, with its iconic characters and franchises, continues to resonate. From the adventurous Crash Bandicoot to the charismatic Spyro, the PlayStation introduced us to unforgettable heroes and groundbreaking gameplay. But which PS1 games truly stand out as the best?
Narrowing it down was a challenge, but we've compiled a list of the 25 best PS1 games, featuring some standout PlayStation exclusives. Here's our selection of the top PS1 games that have left a lasting mark on gaming history.
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Before the rise of rhythm games like Rock Band and Guitar Hero, PaRappa the Rapper pioneered the genre on the PS1. This quirky game featured a flat cartoon dog rapping alongside his animal friends, captivating players with its catchy tunes and unique charm. PaRappa's distinctive style set it apart from the more 'extreme' and 'hardcore' games of its time, earning it a spot among the top 10 video game dogs. It's a testament to its enduring appeal that even today, PaRappa remains a beloved character.
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 game that defies easy categorization, blending action, puzzle, and platforming elements with a bizarre narrative reminiscent of Soylent Green set in outer space. Its quirky character designs and rich lore have spawned a series of intriguing sequels and spinoffs. What makes Abe's Oddysee particularly memorable are its innovative mechanics, such as telepathically possessing or manipulating enemies and collaborating with fellow Mudokons to navigate the game's challenges. This unique blend of gameplay and storytelling has cemented its place in gaming history.
The Crash Bandicoot trilogy is a cornerstone of the PlayStation legacy, and Crash Bandicoot 3: Warped stands out for its diverse and engaging gameplay. While it may not match the challenge of its predecessor, Crash Bandicoot 2, Warped offers a wide variety of levels, from platforming to vehicle-based challenges, all tied together by a time-hopping narrative. The remastered Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy, released in 2019, has only enhanced Warped's reputation, making it look as vibrant as ever.
Developed by Neversoft, the same studio behind the Tony Hawk series, the PS1's Spider-Man game set a high standard for superhero games. It was the first to truly capture the essence of Spider-Man's movement, allowing players to swing between skyscrapers, scale walls, and engage in acrobatic combat. Filled with Marvel cameos and unlockable costumes, including the Spider-Man 2099 and Captain Universe outfits, this game remains a beloved classic. Even Stan Lee contributed character descriptions, adding a personal touch to the experience.
Before Mega Man Legends, the series was not typically celebrated for its storytelling or character development. Mega Man Legends 2 changed that narrative, delivering a charming and unique 3-D action/adventure experience that built upon its predecessor's success. This sequel refined the formula, offering deeper engagement with its world and characters, solidifying its place among the PS1's best offerings.
Image credit: SonyDeveloper: Sony Computer Entertainment | Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment | Release date: June 18, 1999 | Review: IGN's Ape Escape review
When the DualShock controller was introduced, it initially seemed like a novelty. Ape Escape ingeniously leveraged this new technology by turning the capture of mischievous apes into a fun and engaging challenge. Players used the controller's right stick to operate gadgets like hula hoops and remote control cars, making the game a pioneer in utilizing analog controls. Ape Escape's innovative gameplay and humorous premise have left a lasting impact, even influencing real-world events, such as the successful capture of an escaped chimpanzee in Japan in 2016.
While many have tried to challenge Mario Kart's dominance, Crash Team Racing stands out as one of the closest competitors. The original game, before its modern remake, offered a thrilling mix of original tracks, inventive weapons drawn from the Crash universe, and a skill-based drifting/boost system. Crash Team Racing remains a cherished entry in the kart racing genre, celebrated for its innovation and fun.
Image credit: SonyDeveloper: Eidetic Games | Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment | Release date: January 31, 1999 | Review: IGN's Syphon Filter review
Drawing inspiration from classics like Metal Gear Solid and GoldenEye, Syphon Filter carved out its own niche in the action-stealth genre. Developed by Eidetic Games (now Sony Bend), it offered players a variety of weapons and tactical options across its espionage-filled levels. The game's memorable taser feature, allowing players to incapacitate enemies in a novel way, added to its charm and helped it stand out among its peers.
Soul Reaver: Legacy of Kain, often considered the second chapter in the Legacy of Kain series, brought a gothic and macabre atmosphere to the PS1. Its shift to a 3D environment and the ability to navigate between the living and spectral planes added depth to its puzzle-solving and exploration. Written and directed by Amy Hennig, the game's narrative and characters were well ahead of their time, making it a standout title in the PS1 library.
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 was released in 1998. Its intricate plot and super-deformed characters created a unique juxtaposition that captured players' imaginations. Despite the lack of a direct sequel, the game's impact on the genre is undeniable, and its legacy continues to influence strategy games today.
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 distinguished itself. This prequel/sequel to the original Medal of Honor brought World War II action to the PS1 with memorable levels and a strong narrative centered around protagonist Manon Batiste. Its unique features, such as tricking Nazis into posing for photos before eliminating them, added a layer of humor and creativity to the gameplay.
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 a rich narrative filled with knights, mages, and princesses. The game's memorable characters, such as Zidane, Vivi, and Steiner, added depth to the story, making it a fitting conclusion to the single-digit entries in the series. It paid homage to earlier Final Fantasy games while setting the stage for future installments, earning its place as a beloved classic.
See our guide to the Final Fantasy games in order.
Image credit: KonamiDeveloper: Team Silent | Publisher: Konami | Release date: February 23, 1999 | Review: IGN's Silent Hill review
Silent Hill broke away from traditional survival horror by delving into psychological terror. Set in the eerie town of Silent Hill, the game's narrative and atmosphere were inspired by films like Jacob's Ladder, creating a haunting experience that has left a lasting impact on the genre. Its audio design, still chilling today, and the protagonist's everyman persona added to the game's unsettling atmosphere. With the success of the Silent Hill 2 remake, fans hope the original will receive similar treatment.
Spyro 2: Ripto's Rage built upon the success of the original game, offering a perfect balance of challenge and enjoyment. Its seasonal hub areas and diverse mini-worlds, from beaches to mountaintop monasteries, provided a rich and varied experience. The game's focus on Spyro and its memorable side characters, along with the Spyro Reignited Trilogy's modern release, have kept this classic relevant and beloved.
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 offer an open-world driving experience on the PS1. Its blend of mission-based gameplay and arcade-style driving was groundbreaking, offering players the thrill of high-speed chases and detailed collision modeling. The game's Director Mode, allowing players to create their own action sequences, added a creative layer to the experience, securing Driver's place in the PS1 hall of fame.
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 often considered the best in the trilogy, striking a perfect balance between the original's platforming and the third game's expansive features. Its challenging yet achievable levels have kept players engaged for decades, cementing its status as a timeless classic.
Vagrant Story is an often-overlooked gem in the PS1 library, offering a complex action RPG experience with deep political intrigue and innovative gameplay mechanics. Its quasi-rhythm-based battle system and customizable weapons added layers of strategy and engagement, making it a standout title despite its lesser-known status.
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, and its ability to attract non-fighting game fans helped cement its iconic status on the PS1. The addition of a third axis and the ability to dodge left and right transformed the gameplay, making it more dynamic and engaging. With its eclectic characters and cinematic flair, Tekken 3 remains a benchmark for the genre.
All these years later, the series has now moved on to acclaimed Tekken 8, which released in 2024.
Though it received a stellar remake in 2018, the original Resident Evil 2 remains a horror classic. Set in a bizarre police station, the game combined intricate puzzles with a variety of terrifying enemies, from zombies to mutated creatures. The relentless pursuit by the tyrant and the ability to play from two perspectives added depth to the experience, making it an enduring favorite.
Developer: Core Design | Publisher: Eidos Interactive | Release date: November 14, 1996 | Review: IGN's Tomb Raider review
The original Tomb Raider introduced players to the iconic Lara Croft and her solo adventures through dangerous and awe-inspiring environments. Mixing real-world animals with fantastical creatures, the game's level design and atmosphere were groundbreaking. Its impact on the gaming world, along with its memorable shotgun, has ensured its place in gaming history.
See our guide to the Tomb Raider games in order.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2 is not only one of the highest-rated games in its series but also one of the greatest sports games of all time. Its arcade-style skateboarding action, combined with an iconic soundtrack, made it a cultural phenomenon. The addition of new moves, a skate park editor, and more memorable songs refined the formula to perfection, securing its place among the PS1's best.
Gran Turismo 2 built upon the success of its predecessor, offering an expansive racing simulation with nearly 650 cars across two CDs. Its scope and attention to detail were unmatched at the time, making it a standout in the racing genre. The inclusion of a scratch 'n' sniff disc added a playful touch to the experience, enhancing its appeal.
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 was a bold move, but Castlevania: Symphony of the Night's refined gameplay and stunning pixel art have aged beautifully. Its incredible soundtrack and near-perfect gameplay have made it a timeless classic, influencing countless games that followed.
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 JRPG genre, introducing a dark, sci-fi narrative and unique character designs to a global audience. Its massive sales and cultural impact have made it a defining game of the PS1 era, spawning numerous spin-offs and a highly acclaimed remake. Despite some flaws, its influence on gaming remains undeniable.
Metal Gear Solid transformed the stealth/action genre with its innovative gameplay and complex narrative. Hideo Kojima's vision, coupled with memorable characters and fourth-wall-breaking moments, created a gaming experience that still resonates today. Its impact on the industry and its enduring popularity make it the top PS1 game of all time.
Choosing the best PlayStation games was a tough task, and with varied tastes among fans, not every favorite could make the list. Here are some honorable mentions that are also highly regarded:
EinhanderDino CrisisBrian Lara/Shane Warne Cricket ‘99Need For Speed: High StakesThe Legend of DragoonThese 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 rank your favorites and share any classics we might have missed in the comments.
### The 25 Best PS1 Games of All TimeThe 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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