As a devoted gamer, I’ve always been astounded by the incredible variety of games available on the original PlayStation. It seems like there’s something for everyone – whether you’re into high-speed simulation racing, brain-teasing battle puzzles, or classic boom-bang shooters, it’s all there!
During this experimental phase for the gaming industry, some games fell flat despite their efforts, but others surpassed all predictions and made a significant impact.
If you’re looking for unique games that surpass expectations, here are some exceptional ones that Sony’s unassuming gray box houses.
10. Pepsi Man
More Than A Meme Game
The Pepsi Man game might not be the top choice on this list, but it’s still a respectable title offering a straightforward gameplay experience that doesn’t become tiresome.
In simpler terms, “Pepsi Man” is similar to the game “Temple Run” before mobile gaming became popular. You control the character called “Pepsi Man,” on a mission to distribute sweet sodas to those in need. It’s essentially an auto-runner with multiple levels, each presenting unique obstacles and challenges.
The game has some irregularities and sudden jumps in complexity that might cause annoyance due to repeated failures. Furthermore, there’s no guidance on how to sprint, a crucial skill required for completing the game. Happily, here’s a hint: it involves moving forward while sliding (you’re welcome!).
Occasionally, there can be challenging instances, but they’re definitely worth persevering through, as the console offers some truly memorable, mind-blowing scenes.
9. Kensei: Sacred Fist
A Minnow Among Sharks
On the PlayStation 1, Tekken ruled supreme in the realm of 3D fighting games, leaving virtually no room for challengers.
Kensei: Sacred Fist represents a commendable effort in making its mark within the market, even though it didn’t receive a sequel, it serves as an excellent refreshment. The character roster is acceptable, but what sets Kensei apart is its innovative take on defensive strategies.
Characters in Kensei don’t just stop attacks; they dance around them with a flowing motion. The blocking technique here isn’t about stopping attacks directly, but rather adopting a stance that skillfully evades them. And to my surprise, the animations are remarkably fluid.
In numerous aspects, Kensei is a secret treasure, yet it’s also an exceptionally skilled and undervalued fighter. Gaming enthusiasts were blown away by the blocking technique showcased in the recent demo of the new Virtua Fighter game. Kensei, however, had mastered that skill over two decades ago.
8. Breakout
An Arcade Classic Gets A Makeover
Imagine if you discovered that the simple Pong paddle had an embedded, narrative-focused video game all its own!
In the game of Breakout, you take on the role of Buster, a character resembling the red paddle from Pong. Tragically, his girlfriend Daisy has been abducted by Batnix, a malevolent purple paddle. To save her, Buster embarks on a journey traversing through time itself.
As a gamer, I must admit, this game is surprisingly entertaining! It’s packed with such a diverse range of experiences that it leaves me bewildered. One second I’m toppling a pyramid in a way reminiscent of pong, and the next, I’m engaging in a sumo-like battle with a pack of feisty ducks!
Breakout makes the list because the stars somehow aligned to make this mish-mash of ideas work.
7. Pandemonium
And The Award For Ugliest Protagonists Goes To…
People often recall timeless platform games such as Crash Bandicoot and Rayman. These game titles are well-known in many homes, and their memorable main characters play a significant role in their popularity.
In a change of pace, Pandemonium opted to discard the final segment and let players assume the role of a forgettable jester named Fargus. Alternatively, you could choose Nikki, a character so bland that you’ll likely have forgotten her name by the time you reach the end of this list.
Looking beyond its lineup, Pandemonium delivers one of the most refined 2.5D gaming experiences on this platform. The difficulty level strikes a good balance, being both challenging and reasonable, while the peculiar settings will keep you alert right up till the closing credits.
Regardless of expectations, the game Pandemonium demonstrates that an extraordinary protagonist isn’t always required to deliver an engaging performance. We can’t get enough of platformers, and both Pandemonium 1 and 2 have earned their spots as essential play choices within this genre.
6. Bushido Blade
One Strike Is All It Takes
Innumerable fighting games are available, each unique in its form, and the PlayStation 1 collection is brimming with them! However, the concept of annihilating your foe with a single strike might seem thrilling on paper, but there’s an explanation behind why it hadn’t been attempted before.
Bushido Blade stands out as an exceptional combat game, where fists are replaced by blades and hammers. The distinctive feature of this series is that you can deliver a fatal blow with a skillfully timed attack. One might think it would feel cheap or unfair, but surprisingly, it feels strategically deep and instinctive instead.
In addition, there’s an unspoken rule or code of honor that you need to follow if you aim to unlock the genuine ending of this campaign. Though it may sound complex, rest assured, you will succeed as long as you avoid striking your opponent from behind or while they are delivering explanations.
In Bushido Blade, the rhythm of combat requires a great deal of patience, yet it feels incredibly rewarding when success is yours. This unique approach to combat may not overtake traditional fighting games, but it demonstrates that it can certainly share the stage.
5. No One Can Stop Mr Domino
Off The Tabletop And Into The Real World
What I love most about the PlayStation 1 era is that developers weren’t hesitant to experiment and innovate. This is quite different from the trend of focusing on numbers we see today, and this game might just be one of the most unusual ideas ever featured on the console.
In an unusual twist, “Mr. Domino Cannot Be Halted” is a captivating mix of puzzle and adventure, in which you assume the role of a thinking domino tasked with activating circuits by setting off a domino-rally-like sequence.
These controls seem to cause bizarre occurrences, such as explosions in kitchens which make you wonder if you are indeed the protagonist in this tale! The most astonishing aspect is that the game functions properly and offers a captivating, skill-oriented gaming experience.
Mr. Domino’s skill cannot be surpassed by anyone else as he is unique in his kind, showcasing an exceptional blend of creative thoughts resulting in a truly remarkable and unforgettable final product.
4. G-Darius
Not Your Average Space Shooter
| Key Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Developer | Taito |
| Genre | Space Shooter |
| Release Date | April 1998 |
Space shooter games must strive for originality and exceed expectations to distinguish themselves. Luckily, G-Darius manages to do just that.
G-Darius is one of the games in Taito’s well-known Darius series, recognized for its thrilling underwater-themed boss encounters. This series adapts beautifully to the PlayStation, offering a total of 15 stages, each with various paths that slightly change the boss you’ll face at the end due to the altered routes you take.
Players are offered unique opportunities for tailoring their gaming experience, encompassing at least eight levels of challenge.
Moving on, this game offers five different conclusions and a unique ‘recruitment’ feature that allows you to draft adversarial units as allies. With such an extensive collection of content, this meticulously crafted title is highly recommended for fans of shoot ’em up games.
3. Rayman 2: The Great Escape
Embracing The Third Dimension
Rayman is a cherished 2D platformer known for its tough-as-nails gameplay, stunning visuals, and imaginative boss fights, which Ubisoft had perfected. However, when it was announced that Rayman 2 would transition to 3D, there was a sense of surprise among fans.
In the PlayStation 1 era, numerous games made an attempt to shift into 3D but ultimately fell short. This even included the powerful Mega Man. However, Rayman 2 successfully revives the charm of its original counterpart, and controlling Rayman in a 3D environment is an absolute pleasure.
The settings vary significantly, and conventional platforming is occasionally interrupted by activities such as wake surfing. In addition, the game Rayman 2 incorporates a bit of puzzle-solving, making full use of its 3D settings.
Instead of sticking with a cherished viewpoint, Rayman demonstrated courage by making a change and became a character renowned for his versatility, leaving an indelible mark on gaming history.
2. Tomba!
Don’t Let The Hairdo Fool You
Among the rich selection of platform games on PlayStation, you can find some real gems hidden amidst those that may not be worth your hard-earned cash.
Tomba, or Tombi as it’s sometimes called, offers an engaging experience as a cleverly complex 2.5D platformer. It provides ample opportunities for puzzle-solving and quest completion. Furthermore, it incorporates elements of metroidvania and role-playing games (RPGs) too.
In this game, I find myself embodying its titular character on an epic journey aimed at vanquishing a wicked gang of swine. The cutscenes are stunningly animated, and the art style is simply breathtaking.
The Tomba video games are often overlooked yet carry exorbitant costs for their physical copies. However, if you manage to obtain them, they are definitely worth investing your time in.
1. Die Hard Trilogy
A Movie Tie-In On A Grand Scale
As a die-hard movie enthusiast like me, I must admit that movie tie-in games can be quite the roller coaster ride in terms of quality. Frankly, the idea of one game encompassing three iconic action films seems downright far-fetched, or so it would appear at first glance.
The Die Hard Trilogy provides an exceptional collection of movies, each offering a distinct and individual gaming experience. Specifically, Die Hard is a 3D adventure, Die Harder is a lightgun game, while Die Hard with a Vengeance is designed for play from within a vehicle.
It’s remarkable because all these games are enjoyable! They may not be revolutionary, but Die Harder, especially, provides a solid reason to take out your G-Con 45 once more. The racing game works with a steering wheel, and it’s tough not to recognize the excellent value for the price.
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2025-01-20 17:40