In today’s lineup of the best PS1 games, we’re going to take a look at classic games that are sure to deliver a blast from the past. With the next-gen console from Sony soon to hit stores in the holiday season, we’re taking a walk down memory lane to relive the exciting times. Compared to the graphics and depth of details derivable on modern setups, the first generation console from Sony has nothing to compare. But we can all agree on one thing – Games back then were as enjoyable (some were even more) as the titles we currently have. Head on below for 10 of the most popular names to hit the PlayStation.
1. Gran Turismo 2:
Gran Turismo 2 which is popularly known as GT2 made its debut back in 1999 and it’s the sequel to GT1. This racing title essentially offers two modes, namely Arcade and Simulation.
The former allows you to play any level you desire and with any car, while the latter is essentially a campaign where you’ll have to work your way to the top by winning races, earning cash and buying better vehicles as well as upgrades. There are over 500 cars and more than 20 tracks available, some offering off-road and drag racing.
2. Tekken 3:
Tekken 3 is considered as one of the finest titles to ever land on Sony’s first-generation console. Complete with arcade-style gameplay and fast-paced one-on-one combat, Tekken 3 features pretty good 3D graphics for a game of its time.
There are few mini games onboard as well, including the side-scrolling Tekken Force and Tekken ball which is essentially volleyball.
3. Street Fighter Alpha 3:
This is the third installment in the Alpha series and is also known as Street Fighter Zero 3 across Asia. Like Tekken 3, Alpha 3 is also an arcade-style fighting title with fast-paced combat. The game features famous classic characters including Ryu, E. Honda, Blanka, Vega and a lot more.
There are different modes as well, like A-ism that’s based on the Alpha series, X-ism which has similar fighting style seen in Super Street Fighter II Turbo, and V-ism that lets you perform custom combos.
4. Metal Gear Solid:
MGS was released back in 1998 and it is the sequel to Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake. Developed by Konami, the title falls in the action-stealth genre which involves crossing levels by slipping through places undeleted and avoiding cameras.
Visuals are mostly in the third-person camera view and radar is provided to help navigate the environment. The protagonist Snake has various items at his disposal and also the ability to disguise himself. The game even features cinematic cut scenes.
5. Crash Bandicoot: Warped:
We’ve got to hand it to Naughty Dog for creating a fabulous title through Crash Bandicoot: Warped. This 3D platformer is a continuation to Cortex Strikes Back which is the second addition to the series.
The story is spread across various time periods including medieval, ancient China, prehistoric, Egyptian and futuristic amongst others, and players will be treated to the same moves Crash learned in the previous edition.
6. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2:
Neversoft’s Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2 is certainly one of the most enjoyable titles we’ve seen on the PlayStation console. This addition is no different from its predecessor, but it has various new places to skate and things to do.
Each level has 10 objectives that have to be completed by performing trick combos, scoring big and also locating hidden items. You’ll even be able to design your own park with ramps, rails, pipes and obstacles.
7. Resident Evil 2:
Two months after the events of Resident Evil which took place on the outskirts of Raccoon City, the second installment takes players within the city where residents have been transformed into zombies by the T-virus.
The title follows Leon S. Kennedy and Claire Redfield as they make their escape from the city. Throughout the game, you’ll have to solve puzzle, explore environments and also fight the undead.
8. Tomb Raider II:
The Tomb Raider series has come a long way since Tomb Raider II’s debut in 1997. Being the second title in the series, it revolves around the Dagger of Xian which has the power to transform its holder into a dragon.
The protagonist Lara Croft sets on a journey to locate the artifact, but isn’t alone as Marco Bartoli (a Venetian Mafia leader) is after it too. The gameplay involves solving puzzles to complete levels, finding hidden items and making difficult jumps.
9: Worms Armageddon:
Back in the day, Worms Armageddon was one of the most addictive titles to have been released for the PlayStation. Its turn-based gameplay and destructive nature was what made it fun and the time limit for each move added to the competitiveness.
Equipped with crazy weapons like grenades, nukes, a flame thrower and other weirdly named contraptions, the objective is simple – Blow the opposition off the face of the map.
10. Wipeout XL:
Wipeout XL is also known as Wipeout 2097 which is set in the future, the year 2097. This racing title puts you behind the wheel of hovering crafts in a race to the finish.
The vehicles move at high speeds across well detailed 3D levels and there are weapons at your disposal to temporary slowdown opponents. Also, speed boosts are available along the way for an advantage over AI opponents.
Conclusion:
You can relive all of these best PS1 games even today. There are emulators that let you run them on a PC and Android-powered devices, while the PSP and Vita handhelds support them too. Just as a reminder, the PlayStation console was released on December 3, 1994, which means it’ll turn 20 next year.