The first PlayStation console changed the way the world viewed Video Games, it ushered in a 3D era and brought video games to the masses. No longer were we restricted to slow and unreliable cartridges; CD-ROMS had arrived, allowing games to be bigger, better, and more accessible than ever.
So let’s dive back into the past and take a look at five of the greatest games the PlayStation 1 had to offer.
Metal Gear Solid:
Box-hiding, gun-wielding, walkie-talkie enthusiast Solid Snake set the standard for covert action games. This classic saw the first incarnation of many of the common mechanics we take for granted in today’s games: cinematic cutscenes, guard awareness mechanics, and a focus on voice acting and character depth that had just not been seen in video games up until this point. Metal Gear Solid launched a franchise and brought real-world problems into the bedrooms and minds of a new generation of gamers.
Tekken 3:
Before the days of DLC and gameplay you can only unlock with a bank account, there was Tekken 3. I could talk for hours about this game, from the revolutionary graphics of the time, the easy-to-understand controls or the banger after banger soundtrack. For me, this is when Tekken peaked. With 21 new characters, 18 being brand new to the series, and two extra game modes, Tekken 3 could entertain you for weeks without you getting bored. Fun in both single-player and against a friend, Tekken 3 could bridge the generation gap in any household.
Spyro the Dragon:
With stunning visuals and incredibly simple mechanics, Spyro the Dragon was easily one of the best 3D open-world games on the PlayStation. While not the most challenging of games on this list, its likeable characters and friendly vibes make it impossible not to enjoy. Often overshadowed by its sequels, the first in the series combines simple storytelling with immersive gameplay, allowing people of all ages to enjoy it.
Tony Hawks, Pro Skater:
A pioneer in the sports game franchise, Tony Hawks Pro Skater set the blueprint for what an extreme sports game should be, often being re-released, but never beaten. Pro Skater didn’t just change a gaming genre; it changed how the world viewed the sport. Was it realistic? No, not at all, but it was better for it.
From customisation to open world gameplay, this allowed every person to live out their skateboarding dreams. The soundtrack was phenomenal, and the visuals were captivating, and for its time, it had a very in-depth 2-player mode. The first level in the warehouse will be forever etched into our brains and bring back a childhood happiness that few games could compete with.
Honourable Mentions
While not an extensive list of PlayStation titles, I would be remiss if I didn’t at least mention these next few great titles. Oddworld: Abe’s Odyssey, Tomb Raider, Wipeout 2097 and Silent Hill each have their place in PlayStation history and continue to be popular series to this day. They’ve had sequels and reboots and continue to gain fans long after their conception.
Crash Bandicoot:
And finally, Crash Bandicoot. No other game represents the PS1 like Crash Bandicoot did. If Sega had Sonic, Nintendo had Mario, then the PlayStation had Crash Bandicoot.
Honestly, all three of the original trilogies could be put on this list, but that felt unfair to the others. Boasting colourful landscapes, unique boss battles, and just enough skill challenge to keep you coming back each time you die. It’s a shame the mascot hasn’t survived the test of time, but the gameplay holds firm. Reboots aside, the games still hold their original lure and charm.
Conclusion
Fortunately, due to the appeal of nostalgia, almost all these games are available in either a remastered format or, in the case of Tekken and Metal Gear Solid, many sequels have been made and released for new consoles. For me, the PS1 will always have a special place in my childhood. Some of my greatest memories are of the games I played and the friends I made playing them.
Which PlayStation 1 games were your favourites? Who else do you think should be added to this list? Let us know in the comments.
