It’s been over 30 years since the launch of the original PlayStation, and the impact it has had on gaming and pop culture is undeniable. The PS1 introduced us to some of the most iconic video game characters and franchises, from the jorts-wearing Crash Bandicoot to the wise-cracking Spyro. But which PS1 games truly stand out as the best of the best?
We’ve carefully curated a list of the 25 best PS1 games, including some standout PlayStation exclusives. Here’s our definitive ranking of the top PS1 games of all time.
The Best PS1 Games Ever
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- PaRappa the Rapper
Before Rock Band, Guitar Hero, and even Dance Dance Revolution, there was PaRappa the Rapper. This unique game featuring a cartoonishly flat dog and his animal friends captivated players with its catchy songs and quirky charm. Unlike other "extreme" or "hardcore" games on the PS1, PaRappa's distinctive style and lovable protagonist earned it a special place in gamers' hearts, even inspiring sequels like Um Jammer Lammy.
- Oddworld: Abe’s Oddysee
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 an eccentric game blending action, puzzle, and platforming elements with a bizarre outer-space Soylent Green-like narrative. Its unforgettable character designs and deep lore have spawned beloved sequels and spin-offs such as Munch's Oddysee and Stranger's Wrath. The game's unique features, including communication systems with fellow Mudokons and the ability to possess and manipulate others, make it a standout in the PS1 library.
- Crash Bandicoot 3: Warped
While Crash Bandicoot 2 may rank higher, the entire Crash trilogy significantly shaped the PlayStation legacy. Crash Bandicoot 3: Warped, though not as challenging as Cortex Strikes Back, offers engaging platforming levels and exciting vehicle challenges. Its time-hopping theme adds a diverse range of levels and enemies, creating a cohesive and enjoyable experience. The 2019 remastered Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy brought Warped back to life, maintaining its charm and excitement.
- Spider-Man
Developed by Neversoft, the creators of the Tony Hawk series, the PS1’s Spider-Man game set the standard for future superhero titles. It masterfully captured Spider-Man's unique traversal methods, including swinging between buildings and acrobatic combat. The game is packed with Easter eggs, Marvel cameos like the Human Torch and Daredevil, and unlockable costumes such as Spider-Man 2099 and the classic Captain Universe outfit. Even Stan Lee himself contributed character descriptions, adding to the game's authenticity.
- Mega Man Legends 2
Mega Man Legends 2 revolutionized the Mega Man series by emphasizing story and character, delivering a charming 3-D action/adventure experience. Building on the foundation laid by its predecessor, the sequel refined and enhanced the gameplay, cementing its place as one of the most unique entries in the franchise.
- Ape Escape
Image credit: SonyDeveloper: Sony Computer Entertainment | Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment | Release date: June 18, 1999 | Review: IGN's Ape Escape review
In the late '90s, the DualShock controller's analog sticks seemed like a novelty. Ape Escape changed that by using them innovatively to capture mischievous primates with gadgets like hula hoops and remote-controlled cars. The game's mechanics, which required players to master the right stick, were groundbreaking at the time. Its influence even extended to real-life scenarios, such as when a chimpanzee escaped a Japanese zoo in 2016, and police used tactics reminiscent of those in the game.
- Crash Team Racing
Crash Team Racing came remarkably close to dethroning Mario Kart. The original CTR offered a thrilling mascot racer with original tracks, wacky weapons drawn from Crash lore, and a skill-based drifting/boost system that was both innovative and fun. Even before its modern-day remake, Crash Team Racing: Nitro-Fueled, it earned its place as a beloved entry in the kart racing genre.
- Syphon Filter
Image credit: SonyDeveloper: Eidetic Games | Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment | Release date: January 31, 1999 | Review: IGN's Syphon Filter review
Drawing inspiration from Metal Gear Solid and GoldenEye, Eidetic Games (now Sony Bend) crafted a unique blend of stealth and action with Syphon Filter. The game's diverse weaponry and 20-odd levels of espionage action allowed players to approach challenges in various ways. A particularly memorable feature was the ability to tase enemies, foreshadowing real-life events by nearly a decade.
- Soul Reaver: Legacy of Kain
Soul Reaver: Legacy of Kain, often considered "Legacy of Kain 2," is an exceptional chapter in a highly underrated franchise. Its gothic, macabre atmosphere and the ability to shift between the living and spectral realms for puzzle-solving and exploration were deeply influential. With a narrative penned by Amy Hennig, the game's characters and story surpass most PlayStation titles of its time, despite a rushed ending.
- Final Fantasy Tactics
Developer: Square | Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment | Release date: January 28, 1998 (NA) | Review: IGN's Final Fantasy Tactics review
Final Fantasy Tactics revolutionized turn-based strategy games on consoles upon its 1998 release. Its intricate plot and charming, yet super-deformed characters set it apart, even without relying on 3D graphics. Despite the absence of a true sequel, its impact on the genre remains significant.
- Medal of Honor: Underground
Image credit: EADeveloper: DreamWorks Interactive | Publisher: Electronic Arts | Release date: October 24, 2000 | Review: IGN's Medal of Honor: Underground review
Medal of Honor: Underground stands out among the limited but impactful first-person shooters on the PS1. Arriving late in the console's lifespan, it delivered a compelling WWII action experience with memorable character Manon Batiste, fantastic levels, and a behind-enemy-lines atmosphere. The ability to trick Nazis into posing for embarrassing photos before shooting them added a unique twist to the genre.
- Final Fantasy 9
Image credit: Square EnixDeveloper: Square | Publisher: Square Electronic Arts | Release date: July 7, 2000 | Review: IGN's Final Fantasy 9 review
Final Fantasy 9 returned the series to its fantasy roots, delivering knights, mages, princesses, and crystals. Its memorable characters, including wily Zidane and naive Vivi, made it a poignant conclusion to the single-digit entries in the series. It paid homage to its predecessors while setting the stage for future iterations, marking a beautiful swan song for Final Fantasy on the PlayStation.
See our guide to the Final Fantasy games in order.
- Silent Hill
Image credit: KonamiDeveloper: Team Silent | Publisher: Konami | Release date: February 23, 1999 | Review: IGN's Silent Hill review
Silent Hill deviated from typical zombie survival horror into a realm of psychological terror. The town's eerie, psychosexual creatures and the protagonist Henry's 'everyman' persona created a haunting experience. Its atmosphere and audio left a lasting impact, making it a defining psychological horror game. The success of the Silent Hill 2 remake has renewed hope for a similar treatment of the original.
- Spyro 2: Ripto’s Rage
Spyro 2: Ripto's Rage built upon the original game, offering a perfect balance of challenge and fun. Its seasonal hub areas and diverse mini-worlds, from beaches to monasteries, provided a rich and engaging experience. The Spyro Reignited Trilogy allowed modern gamers to relive this standout title from the Insomniac trilogy.
- Driver
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 games to offer an open-world experience from a car's perspective without being a traditional racing game. Its blend of mission design and arcade-style driving action, along with the innovative Director Mode, allowed players to create their own Hollywood-style car chase sequences. The game's detailed collision modeling and overall impact earned it a spot in the PS1 hall of fame.
- Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back
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 remains a beloved entry in Naughty Dog's mascot platformer trilogy. It struck a perfect balance between the original's platforming and Warped's expansive features, offering some of the franchise's best and most challenging levels. Its enduring appeal lies in its achievable yet demanding gameplay.
- Vagrant Story
Vagrant Story is an underrated gem in the PS1 library, combining action RPG elements with dense political intrigue and dark magic. Its numerous systems, from special attacks to weapon customization, and its challenging bosses, offer a truly exceptional experience. Despite being overlooked, it remains one of the best games on the console.
- Tekken 3
Developer: Namco | Publisher: Namco | Release date: March 1, 1997 | Review: IGN's Tekken 3 review
Tekken 3 is universally acclaimed as one of the best fighting games ever made. Its addition of a third axis, allowing players to dodge and circle opponents, revolutionized the genre. With eclectic characters, wacky cinematics, and intense battles, it became an iconic PS1 title and introduced gamers to capoeira through Eddy Gordo. The series has since evolved to the acclaimed Tekken 8, released in 2024.
- Resident Evil 2
Even after its 2018 remake, the original Resident Evil 2 remains a horror classic. Set in an elaborate police station, it combined ornate puzzles with a variety of terrifying creatures, from zombies to giant moths. The relentless pursuit by a seemingly invulnerable tyrant and the ability to play from two perspectives added to its enduring appeal.
- Tomb Raider
Developer: Core Design | Publisher: Eidos Interactive | Release date: November 14, 1996 | Review: IGN's Tomb Raider review
The original Tomb Raider is a haunting solo adventure that introduced Lara Croft as a video game icon. Its intricate level design and awe-inspiring environments, combined with real-life and fantastical creatures, cemented its place in gaming history. The game's iconic shotgun and overall experience have left a lasting impact.
See our guide to the Tomb Raider games in order.
- Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2 is not only a monumental entry in the series but also one of the highest-rated video games of all time. Its blend of arcade-style extreme sports action, an iconic soundtrack, and an addictive skate park editor made it a cultural phenomenon. Despite attempts to review bomb it years later, its impact and excellence remain undeniable.
- Gran Turismo 2
Gran Turismo 2 expanded on the original's success, becoming an even more comprehensive racing simulator. With nearly 650 cars and two CDs of content, it dwarfed other racing games of its time, including Need for Speed: High Stakes. Its impact on the genre and the inclusion of a scratch 'n' sniff disc made it a standout title.
- Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
Image credit: KonamiDeveloper: Konami | Publisher: Konami | Release date: March 20, 1997 | Review: IGN's Castlevania: Symphony of the Night review
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night defied expectations by staying 2D on the PS1, allowing Konami to refine its gameplay to near perfection. Its beautiful pixel art and unforgettable soundtrack have aged better than most contemporaries. The game's influence continues to be felt in modern titles, making it a timeless classic.
- Final Fantasy 7
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 introduced Japanese RPGs to a global audience and remains one of the best-selling PlayStation games. Its dark sci-fi storyline and unique character designs brought the franchise to new heights, spawning numerous spin-offs and a stellar remake. Despite some flaws, its impact and enduring popularity are undeniable.
- Metal Gear Solid
Metal Gear Solid transformed the stealth/action genre with its unique gameplay and bizarre yet delightful characters. Its story challenged traditional video game narratives and pushed cinematic storytelling boundaries. The game's fourth-wall breaks and overall experience make it one of the best in the series, still holding up today.
Honorable Mentions
Selecting the top PS1 games was a challenging task, and not every fan favorite could make the list. Here are some additional excellent games worth mentioning:
- Einhander
- Dino Crisis
- Brian Lara/Shane Warne Cricket ‘99
- Need For Speed: High Stakes
- The Legend of Dragoon
These are our picks for the 25 best PS1 games. We recognize that everyone's preferences may differ, so feel free to share your thoughts on which games are S-tier and which should be forgotten. Did we miss any classics that you believe should be on this list? Let us know in the comments.
The 25 Best PS1 Games of All Time
The original PlayStation, released in North America on September 9, 1995, has sold over 102 million units. 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
