by Victoria Apr 27,2025
It's been over 30 years since the launch of the original PlayStation, a console that revolutionized the gaming industry and left an indelible mark on pop culture. The PS1 introduced us to iconic characters like Crash Bandicoot and Spyro, cementing its place in gaming history. As we reflect on its legacy, we've compiled a list of the 25 best PS1 games of all time, celebrating some of the greatest PlayStation exclusives.
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PaRappa the Rapper pioneered the rhythm game genre before titles like Rock Band and Guitar Hero emerged. Featuring a flat cartoon dog and his animal friends, PaRappa stood out with its catchy tunes and quirky charm, a stark contrast to the "extreme" and "hardcore" games of its time. Its unique style and beloved character earned PaRappa a spot among the top 10 dogs in video games.
Oddworld: Abe’s Oddysee is a bizarre action/puzzle/platformer set in a dystopian world reminiscent of Soylent Green. Known for its unique character design and deep lore, it introduced systems for communicating with fellow Mudokons and possessing enemies, setting the stage for subsequent sequels and spinoffs.
While Crash Bandicoot 2 may rank higher, the entire Crash trilogy is pivotal to the PlayStation legacy. Crash Bandicoot 3: Warped offers a mix of challenging platforming and vehicle-based levels, utilizing time-hopping themes to create a diverse and cohesive experience. The 2019 Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy remaster brings its charm to modern audiences.
Developed by Neversoft, the PS1's Spider-Man set the standard for superhero games. It captured Spider-Man's unique traversal methods and was filled with Easter eggs, Marvel cameos, and unlockable costumes, making it a beloved classic.
Mega Man Legends 2 elevated the series with its strong narrative and character development, offering a unique and charming 3D action/adventure experience that built on its predecessor.
Ape Escape popularized the use of analog sticks on the DualShock controller by tasking players with capturing mischievous primates using various gadgets. Its innovative gameplay and prescient themes made it a standout title.
Crash Team Racing is one of the best kart racers, rivaling Mario Kart with its original tracks, Crash-themed weapons, and a skill-based drifting/boost system that has kept it beloved among fans.
Syphon Filter drew inspiration from Metal Gear Solid and GoldenEye, blending stealth and action with a variety of weaponry and memorable features, like tasering enemies, which set it apart in the espionage genre.
Soul Reaver: Legacy of Kain is a gothic masterpiece that expanded on its predecessor's action RPG elements with a shift to 3D and a deep, dark narrative, directed by Amy Hennig, known for her work on Uncharted.
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 with its intricate plot and charming characters, proving that the PlayStation could excel beyond 3D graphics.
Medal of Honor: Underground was a standout first-person shooter on the PS1, bringing WWII action to life with memorable characters, diverse levels, and innovative gameplay mechanics.
Final Fantasy 9 returned to the series' fantasy roots with beloved characters like Zidane and Vivi, offering a fitting conclusion to the single-digit entries and setting the stage for future installments.
See our guide to the Final Fantasy games in order.
Silent Hill redefined psychological horror with its unsettling atmosphere and narrative, focusing on survival through evasion rather than confrontation, leaving a lasting impact on the genre.
Spyro 2: Ripto's Rage built on the original's success with a balance of challenge and fun, introducing seasonal hub areas and diverse mini-worlds, making it a standout in the Spyro trilogy.
Driver introduced a unique blend of open-world missions and arcade driving action, featuring detailed collision modeling and a Director Mode that allowed players to create their own action sequences.
Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back is the middle chapter of the beloved trilogy, offering a perfect balance of platforming challenges and rewarding gameplay that has kept it cherished by fans.
Vagrant Story is an underrated gem with its complex systems, deep narrative, and challenging gameplay, offering a unique action RPG experience on the PS1.
Developer: Namco | Publisher: Namco | Release date: Mar 1, 1997 | Review: IGN's Tekken 3 review
Tekken 3 remains a pinnacle of fighting games, introducing a third axis to the gameplay and captivating even non-fighting game fans with its eclectic characters and cinematic flair.
All these years later, the series has now moved on to acclaimed Tekken 8, which released in 2024.
The original Resident Evil 2 is a horror classic, combining intricate puzzles with terrifying enemies in a bizarre police station setting, enhanced by dual perspectives and relentless pursuit by a tyrant.
Developer: Core Design | Publisher: Eidos Interactive | Release date: November 14, 1996 | Review: IGN's Tomb Raider review
The original Tomb Raider introduced Lara Croft to the world with its haunting solo adventure, intricate level design, and awe-inspiring environments, cementing its place in gaming history.
See our guide to the Tomb Raider games in order.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2 is widely regarded as one of the greatest sports games ever made, with its arcade action, iconic soundtrack, and addictive skate park editor, making it a cultural phenomenon.
Gran Turismo 2 expanded on the original's success with nearly 650 cars, two CDs of content, and a scratch 'n' sniff disc, solidifying its place as the ultimate racing sim on the PS1.
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night perfected the 2D platforming genre with its refined gameplay, beautiful pixel art, and iconic soundtrack, setting a standard that still influences games today.
Final Fantasy 7 transformed the JRPG genre with its dark, sci-fi storyline and unique character designs, becoming a cultural phenomenon and spawning numerous spin-offs and a stellar remake.
Metal Gear Solid revolutionized gaming with its blend of stealth and action, compelling narrative, and innovative storytelling, establishing itself as a timeless classic within the Metal Gear series.
Choosing the absolute best PlayStation games was challenging, and not all favorites could make the list. Here are some other excellent titles:
These are our picks for the best games on the original PlayStation. We know our ranking may differ from yours, so feel free to share your thoughts and let us know which PS1 classics you think we missed.
The original PlayStation was released in North America on September 9, 1995, and has sold 102 million units since. Here's an interactive Playlist of our 2020 PS1 ranking. Which ones have you played?
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