by Thomas May 19,2025
It's been over 30 years since the launch of the original PlayStation, and the impact it had on the gaming industry and pop culture is undeniable. From iconic characters like Crash Bandicoot and Spyro to groundbreaking gameplay, the PS1 has left an indelible mark. Here, we've compiled our list of the 25 best PS1 games of all time, featuring some exceptional PlayStation exclusives.
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PaRappa the Rapper pioneered the rhythm game genre before Rock Band, Guitar Hero, and Dance Dance Revolution. This charming game features a flat cartoon dog rapping his way through levels with catchy tunes and quirky charm. PaRappa's unique style set it apart from the more "extreme" or "hardcore" games of the PS1 era, earning it a spot among the top 10 dogs in video games.
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 a unique action/puzzle/platformer with a bizarre outer-space Soylent Green-like story. Known for its bonkers character design and deep lore, it spawned sequels like Munch’s Oddysee and Stranger’s Wrath. Its innovative features, such as communicating with Mudokons and possessing enemies, make it a memorable and beloved title.
The Crash Bandicoot trilogy is iconic to the PlayStation legacy, with Crash Bandicoot 3: Warped being particularly robust. Offering a variety of time-hopping levels, enemies, and challenges, Warped remains fun and cohesive. Its remastered version in the Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy 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 with swinging and wall-climbing, while offering numerous Marvel cameos and unlockable costumes. Stan Lee’s character descriptions add an authentic touch to this beloved title.
Mega Man Legends 2 elevated the series with its engaging story and charming characters. It offered a unique 3-D action/adventure experience, refining the formula established in the original game.
Image credit: SonyDeveloper: Sony Computer Entertainment | Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment | Release date: June 18, 1999 | Review: IGN's Ape Escape review
Ape Escape was instrumental in popularizing the DualShock controller. Players used various gadgets to capture mischievous primates, showcasing the controller's analog sticks in innovative ways. Its influence extended beyond gaming, as seen in real-life animal control scenarios.
Crash Team Racing challenged Mario Kart with its innovative drifting/boost system and unique tracks. Drawing from Crash lore, it offered a fun and skill-based racing experience that remains beloved.
Image credit: SonyDeveloper: Eidetic Games | Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment | Release date: January 31, 1999 | Review: IGN's Syphon Filter review
Syphon Filter combined elements from Metal Gear Solid and GoldenEye, offering a mix of stealth and action. Its memorable weaponry and engaging levels spawned several successful sequels.
Soul Reaver: Legacy of Kain delivered a gothic and macabre experience, shifting from its predecessor's top-down style to a 3D exploration of Nosgoth. Its story and characters, crafted by Amy Hennig, stand out among PS1 games.
Developer: Square | Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment | Release date: January 28, 1998 (NA) | Review: IGN's Final Fantasy Tactics review
Final Fantasy Tactics set the standard for turn-based strategy games on consoles. Its intricate plot and super-deformed characters made it a standout title, despite the lack of a direct sequel.
Image credit: EADeveloper: DreamWorks Interactive | Publisher: Electronic Arts | Release date: 24 October, 2000 | Review: IGN's Medal of Honor: Underground review
Medal of Honor: Underground brought WWII action to the PS1 with its engaging levels and memorable character, Manon Batiste. Its innovative features, like tricking Nazis into posing for photographs, added a unique touch.
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 to the series' fantasy roots with memorable characters like Zidane and Vivi. It closed out the single-digit entries beautifully, setting the stage for future installments.
See our guide to the Final Fantasy games in order.
Image credit: KonamiDeveloper: Team Silent | Publisher: Konami | Release date: February 23, 1999 | Review: IGN's Silent Hill review
Silent Hill ventured into psychological horror, diverging from typical survival horror games. Its foreboding atmosphere and unsettling creatures make it a defining title in the genre.
Spyro 2: Ripto's Rage expanded on the original with a balance of challenge and fun. Its seasonal hub areas and memorable mini-worlds make it a standout in the Insomniac trilogy.
Image credit: GT InteractiveDeveloper: Reflections Interactive | Publisher: GT Interactive | Release date: June 25, 1999 | Review: IGN's Driver review
Driver blended open-world mission design with arcade driving action. Its detailed collision modeling and innovative Director Mode allowed players to create their own Hollywood-style sequences.
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 is the beloved middle chapter of the trilogy, offering challenging yet achievable platforming levels that remain memorable.
Vagrant Story is an underrated masterpiece with a complex plot and innovative gameplay. Its action RPG elements and challenging bosses make it a standout on the PS1.
Developer: Namco | Publisher: Namco | Release date: Mar 1, 1997 | Review: IGN's Tekken 3 review
Tekken 3 is a universally acclaimed fighting game that added a third axis to its action, attracting even non-fighting game fans. Its eclectic characters and cinematics make it iconic.
All these years later, the series has now moved on to acclaimed Tekken 8, which released in 2024.
Resident Evil 2's original version remains a horror classic with its eerie police station setting and challenging puzzles. Its remake in 2018 further enhanced its legacy.
Developer: Core Design | Publisher: Eidos Interactive | Release date: November 14, 1996 | Review: IGN's Tomb Raider review
The original Tomb Raider introduced Lara Croft and offered a haunting solo adventure with intricate level design. Its impact on the gaming world is still felt today.
See our guide to the Tomb Raider games in order.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2 is considered one of the highest-rated video games of all time. Its cultural impact and addictive gameplay, combined with an iconic soundtrack, make it a timeless classic.
Gran Turismo 2 expanded on the original's success with nearly 650 cars and expansive content. It remains a landmark racing game on the PS1, known for its realism and scope.
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 refined 2D gameplay to perfection, with beautiful pixel art and an unforgettable soundtrack. It's considered one of the best games ever made.
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 revolutionized Japanese RPGs in the West with its dark sci-fi storyline and iconic characters. It remains a timeless classic, despite some dated elements.
Metal Gear Solid introduced a unique blend of stealth and action gameplay, coupled with a bizarre yet captivating story. Its influence on video game storytelling and gameplay is still felt today.
Choosing the best PlayStation games was challenging, and not all favorites could make the list. Here are some honorable mentions that are also noteworthy:
These are our picks for the best games on the original PlayStation. We know our rankings may differ from yours, so feel free to share your thoughts on which games are top-tier and which ones you think should be forgotten. Did any PS1 classics make your list that weren't on ours? Let us know what we missed in the comments.
The original PlayStation was released in North America on September 9, 1995 and has sold 102m units since. 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
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