It's been over two decades since the original PlayStation was released, but the console still has a special place in the hearts of gamers everywhere. The PS1 was the first console to bring gaming into the homes of millions of people, and it introduced us to some of the most iconic characters and franchises in gaming history. In this article, we'll be taking a look back at the best PS1 games of all time, and why they were so great.
So sit back, relax, and let's take a trip down memory lane to a time when polygons were king and loading screens were a fact of life.
Final Fantasy VII
When it comes to the best PS1 games of all time, it's hard not to start with Final Fantasy VII. This game was a landmark release, not just for the PS1, but for gaming as a whole. It was the first Final Fantasy game to use 3D graphics, and it told a story that was both epic in scale and deeply personal.
At its heart, Final Fantasy VII is a story about loss, grief, and redemption. The game follows Cloud Strife, a former member of an elite military unit called SOLDIER, as he joins a group of rebels trying to stop the evil Shinra Corporation from draining the planet's life force. Along the way, Cloud confronts his own past traumas and learns to let go of his guilt and anger.
But Final Fantasy VII isn't just a great story. It also has some of the most memorable characters, music, and set pieces in gaming history. Who could forget Aerith's death, Sephiroth's "One-Winged Angel" theme, or the epic motorcycle chase through Midgar?
The Battle System
One of the things that made Final Fantasy VII so great was its battle system. The game used the Active Time Battle (ATB) system, which allowed players to select commands for their characters in real-time. This made battles feel more dynamic and tactical than previous turn-based RPGs.
The Materia System
Another standout feature of Final Fantasy VII was the Materia system. This allowed players to customize their characters' abilities by equipping magic orbs called Materia. This system gave players a lot of freedom to experiment with different builds and playstyles, and it added a lot of replay value to the game.
Spyro the Dragon
While Final Fantasy VII was a serious and dramatic RPG, Spyro the Dragon was a lighthearted and colorful platformer. But that doesn't mean it wasn't just as great in its own way. Spyro the Dragon was a game that captured the hearts of gamers young and old, with its charming world, memorable characters, and addictive gameplay.
In Spyro the Dragon, players take on the role of the titular purple dragon as he sets out to rescue his fellow dragons from the evil Gnasty Gnorc. Along the way, Spyro must collect gems, defeat enemies, and use his fire-breathing and gliding abilities to navigate the game's levels.
The World
Spyro the Dragon's world was one of the things that made the game so special. The game's levels were full of vibrant colors, hidden secrets, and quirky characters. Players could spend hours exploring every nook and cranny of each level, discovering new gems and power-ups.
The Controls
Another standout feature of Spyro the Dragon was its controls. The game had tight, responsive controls that made it a joy to play. Players could glide through the air, charge into enemies, and unleash fireballs with ease. This made the game feel like a true platforming masterpiece.
Resident Evil 2
Resident Evil 2 was a game that was ahead of its time. It was a survival horror game that set the standard for the genre, with its tense atmosphere, terrifying enemies, and cinematic cutscenes.
In Resident Evil 2, players take on the roles of Leon S. Kennedy and Claire Redfield, as they try to survive a zombie outbreak in the fictional Raccoon City. Along the way, they must solve puzzles, fight off hordes of undead, and uncover the secrets of the Umbrella Corporation.
The Horror
One of the things that made Resident Evil 2 so great was its horror elements. The game was full of jump scares, creepy environments, and gruesome enemies. Players never knew what was lurking around the next corner, and the game's limited resources added to the tension.
The Story
Another standout feature of Resident Evil 2 was its story. The game's plot was engaging and well-written, with twists and turns that kept players engaged from start to finish. The game's multiple scenarios also added to the replay value, as players could experience the story from different perspectives.
Crash Bandicoot 3: Warped
Crash Bandicoot 3: Warped was the final game in the original Crash Bandicoot trilogy, and it was also the best. The game took everything that was great about the first two games and improved upon it, with tighter controls, more varied levels, and better graphics.
In Crash Bandicoot 3: Warped, players take on the role of Crash as he travels through time to stop the evil Dr. Neo Cortex from taking over the world. Along the way, Crash must defeat bosses, collect crystals, and use power-ups to overcome obstacles.
The Levels
One of the things that made Crash Bandicoot 3: Warped so great was its levels. The game had a wide variety of levels, from traditional platformers to racing levels to underwater levels. Each level had its own unique challenges and set pieces, and the game's time-traveling theme added to the variety.
The Power-Ups
Another standout feature of Crash Bandicoot 3: Warped was its power-ups. The game had a wide variety of power-ups that allowed players to double-jump, spin, and even ride a motorcycle. These power-ups added a lot of variety to the gameplay and made the game even more fun to play.
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night was a game that redefined the action-adventure genre. It was a game that combined the exploration of a Metroidvania game with the combat of a traditional action game, and it did so with style.
In Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, players take on the role of Alucard, the son of Dracula, as he explores the sprawling castle of his father. Along the way, Alucard must defeat bosses, collect items, and gain new abilities to navigate the castle's labyrinthine corridors.
The Exploration
One of the things that made Castlevania: Symphony of the Night so great was its exploration. The game's castle was full of secrets and hidden areas, and players could spend hours uncovering them all. The game's non-linear structure also added to the sense of exploration, as players could tackle the castle in any order they wanted.
The Combat
Another standout feature of Castlevania: Symphony of the Night was its combat. The game had a wide variety of weapons and spells that allowed players to customize their playstyle. The game's RPG elements also added depth to the combat, as players could level up their character and gain new abilities.
So there you have it. These are just a few of the best PS1 games of all time, but they're a great place to start if you're looking to relive some of the magic of the console. Whether you're a fan of RPGs, platformers, or action games, there's something on this list for everyone.
| Final Fantasy VII | Spyro the Dragon | Resident Evil 2 | Crash Bandicoot 3: Warped | Castlevania: Symphony of the Night |