by Nora Mar 19,2025
It's been over 30 years since the original PlayStation launched, ushering in a new era of gaming. While technology and games have drastically evolved since Sony's first console debuted, the PS1's impact on the industry and pop culture remains undeniable. From Crash Bandicoot's iconic jorts to Spyro's witty quips, the PS1 gave birth to some of gaming's most beloved characters and franchises. But which PS1 games truly reign supreme? We've compiled our list of the 25 best, including some PlayStation exclusives.
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Before Rock Band, Guitar Hero, and even Dance Dance Revolution, there was PaRappa the Rapper. This surprisingly addictive rhythm game, featuring a charmingly flat-looking dog and his animal friends, captivated players with its catchy tunes and quirky charm. Its unique style stood out amongst the PS1's more "extreme" or "hardcore" offerings. Parappa's enduring appeal is evident in his inclusion among the top 10 video game dogs—I gotta believe!
Oddworld: Abe’s Oddysee is a truly unique game—a blend of action, puzzle, and platforming elements wrapped in a bizarre, sci-fi story reminiscent of Soylent Green. The game's memorable character design and rich lore have spawned fun, quirky sequels and spin-offs like Munch’s Oddysee and Stranger’s Wrath. Its innovative features, particularly the ability to communicate and cooperate with fellow Mudokons and possess enemies, set it apart. Don't think - drink!
While Crash Bandicoot 2 ranks higher on this list, the entire Crash trilogy is undeniably crucial to the PlayStation legacy. Naughty Dog crafted three incredibly fun and challenging games. Crash Bandicoot 3: Warped, while perhaps not as consistently challenging as Cortex Strikes Back, still delivers exciting platforming levels and a variety of vehicle challenges. Its time-traveling theme provides diverse levels, enemies, and locations, creating a cohesive and enjoyable experience. The 2019 Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy remaster showcases Warped in all its glory.
Developed by Neversoft (creators of the Tony Hawk franchise), the PS1's Spider-Man set the standard for future superhero games. This title perfectly captured Spider-Man's unique traversal, allowing players to swing between buildings, climb walls, and acrobatically defeat enemies. Packed with Easter eggs, secrets, and unlockable costumes (including cameos from Marvel characters like the Human Torch and Daredevil), it even features Stan Lee providing character descriptions!
Before Mega Man Legends, the series wasn't known for its compelling story and characters. Mega Man Legends 2 changed that, delivering a unique and charming 3D action-adventure experience that improved upon its predecessor's formula.
In a time before analog sticks were commonplace, the DualShock controller felt like a novelty. Ape Escape cleverly used this new technology, tasking players with capturing mischievous apes using various gadgets controlled by the right analog stick. While now considered gimmicky, this innovative mechanic was groundbreaking in 1999. Interestingly, Ape Escape proved surprisingly prescient, foreshadowing a real-life chimpanzee escape in 2016.
Among the many kart racers vying for the Mario Kart crown, Crash Team Racing stands out. Long before its remake, Crash Team Racing: Nitro-Fueled, the original CTR impressed with its fun tracks, inventive weapons, and skill-based drifting/boosting system. It remains a beloved entry in the kart racing genre.
Drawing inspiration from Metal Gear Solid and GoldenEye, Syphon Filter blended stealth and action to create a unique experience. Its diverse weaponry allowed for varied approaches to gameplay, and the ability to taske enemies added a memorable touch.
More accurately described as Legacy of Kain 2, Soul Reaver is a remarkable sequel to a frequently overlooked franchise. Its gothic atmosphere, shifting between the world of the living and the spectral realm, and compelling story penned by Amy Hennig (of Uncharted fame) make it a standout title.
Developer: Square | Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment | Release date: January 28, 1998 (NA) | Review: IGN's Final Fantasy Tactics review
Upon its release, Final Fantasy Tactics was arguably the best turn-based strategy game on consoles. Even today, few games in the genre surpass it. The combination of charming character designs and a complex plot makes it a memorable experience.
First-person shooters were less common on consoles in the PS1 era. Medal of Honor: Underground stands out for its memorable protagonist, Manon Batiste, diverse levels, and compelling behind-enemy-lines setting. The ability to trick Nazis into posing for photos before shooting them adds a unique and darkly humorous touch.
Final Fantasy IX successfully returned to the series' fantasy roots, featuring classic elements like knights, mages, and crystals. However, its most enduring appeal lies in its memorable cast of characters, making it a beautiful and moving conclusion to the single-digit entries in the series.
See our guide to the Final Fantasy games in order.
Silent Hill departed from typical zombie survival horror, venturing into a more psychological and unsettling realm. The town of Silent Hill, filled with disturbing creatures and a foreboding atmosphere, creates a truly unforgettable horror experience.
Building upon the success of the original, Spyro 2: Ripto's Rage (known as Spyro 2: Gateway to Glimmer in some regions) offers a well-balanced blend of challenge and fun. Its seasonal hub areas and diverse mini-worlds, along with a host of side characters and collectibles, make it a standout in the Insomniac trilogy.
Driver was one of the first games to offer compelling car-based gameplay beyond traditional racing. Its blend of open-world missions and arcade-style driving action, along with its detailed collision modeling and innovative Director Mode, made it a unique and memorable experience.
This middle entry in the Crash trilogy strikes a perfect balance between the original's platforming and Warped's expansive features. It offers some of the franchise's most challenging yet rewarding levels.
Often overlooked, Vagrant Story is a masterful action RPG with a complex plot and deep gameplay systems. Its unique blend of combat, customization, and puzzle-solving makes it a hidden gem.
Developer: Namco | Publisher: Namco | Release date: Mar 1, 1997 | Review: IGN's Tekken 3 review
Tekken 3 remains one of the most highly regarded fighting games ever made. Its innovative three-axis movement system, combined with its memorable characters and cinematic presentation, made it a standout title.
Even with its acclaimed 2018 remake, the original Resident Evil 2 remains a classic. Its intricate puzzles, diverse enemies, and relentless Tyrant create a truly terrifying experience.
Developer: Core Design | Publisher: Eidos Interactive | Release date: November 14, 1996 | Review: IGN's Tomb Raider review
The original Tomb Raider is a captivating adventure, blending real-world and fantastical creatures within awe-inspiring environments. It cemented Lara Croft's status as a gaming icon.
See our guide to the Tomb Raider games in order.
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2 is not only considered one of the greatest games in the series and a top sports game, but also one of the best video games of all time. Its addictive gameplay, memorable soundtrack, and innovative level editor cemented its place in gaming history.
Expanding upon the original Gran Turismo, Gran Turismo 2 boasts an unprecedented amount of content, featuring nearly 650 cars. Its massive scale and realistic simulation made it a landmark racing game.
While seemingly a throwback with its 2D graphics, Castlevania: Symphony of the Night perfected the gameplay formula. Its beautiful pixel art and memorable soundtrack make it a timeless classic.
Final Fantasy VII is largely responsible for introducing Japanese RPGs to a global audience. Its dark sci-fi story and memorable characters made it a cultural phenomenon.
Metal Gear Solid revolutionized stealth-action games with its innovative gameplay, memorable characters, and groundbreaking storytelling. Its unique blend of action and cinematic presentation remains unparalleled.
Many excellent PS1 games couldn't make the main list. We want to acknowledge:
EinhanderDino CrisisBrian Lara/Shane Warne Cricket ‘99Need For Speed: High StakesThe Legend of Dragoon
These are our picks for the best PS1 games. Let us know your favorites in the comments!
### The 25 Best PS1 Games of All TimeThe original PlayStation launched in North America on September 9, 1995, selling over 102 million units. Here's an interactive playlist of our 2020 PS1 ranking. Which ones have you played?See All
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