10 PS1 Games That Have Aged Best

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The PS1, or PlayStation 1, boasts an incredibly impressive collection of games that any enthusiast of retro gaming would find themselves eagerly exploring.

As a modern gamer accustomed to sleek interfaces and smooth gameplay, diving into retro console titles feels like stepping back in time. Some games may seem outdated visually, and the controls can feel clunky compared to what I’m used to on my PC or PS5.

Considering that, let’s examine some PS1 games that have stood the test of time and continue to be enjoyable to play even after twenty years.

10. Ridge Racer Type 4

A Namco Classic

The racing genre has significantly advanced over the past 20 years, making some of the old games feel outdated or even uncomfortable for modern pilots.

In a pleasant change of pace, Ridge Racer Type 4 stands out as it offers more than enough engaging content that remains enjoyable to play even in present times.

In this game, you get to live the thrill of being a top racer across various racing teams. If you’re not keen on the short narratives, there’s still a wide variety of race tracks and courses at your disposal.

Among its many strengths, these cars offer exceptional handling. The drifting experience is notably polished compared to the “Rage Racer”, and there’s an impressive feeling of speed. It’s widely considered that “RR4” is one of the top racers for the PS1, making it a must-try, even if you’re not typically into racing games.

9. Final Fantasy 9

A Turn-Based Masterpiece

Among the various Final Fantasy games for the PlayStation 1, any one could have been chosen for the list. However, we opted for Final Fantasy 9 due to its striking visuals, presenting an enchanting, high-fantasy environment that stands out among the rest in the series.

Final Fantasy IX stands out as an exceptional turn-based role-playing game, with a captivating narrative, charming characters, and cutscenes that remain compelling even today. The genre has enduring appeal, and FF9 is the epitome of refinement for this system.

Zidane stands out as an exceptional main character, while Vivi excels as the classic Black Mage figure. Much like previous installments, Final Fantasy IX arrives across three discs, ensuring a substantial investment of time if you aim to master it.

The game does possess some minor flaws, but that’s part of the reason why Final Fantasy XIV uses Triple Triad rather than Tetra Master. Despite these small issues, it continues to be a leading role-playing game, a status it is expected to hold for many years into the future.

8. Metal Gear Solid

Shadow Moses Still Holds Up

The leap from Metal Gear Solid to its PS2 sequels is noteworthy, but the original game continues to feel magical in play, and Kojima’s narrative style remains just as engrossing as before.

Recently, I revisited the game MGS1. Despite its relatively outdated graphics, it’s simple to follow the action.

As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but marvel at the abundance of uncharted creative ideas this game continues to harbor. It’s fascinating how even glimpses from the game box screenshot remain unexplored, and let me tell you, the title is simply teeming with Easter eggs!

The controls are quick and responsive, and it’s still astonishing how much dialogue you can swiftly navigate through on the Codec. Shadow Moses continues to serve as an excellent setting, and Liquid Snake makes for a fantastic adversary, although he seems to have collided with a wall or something similar.

7. Oddworld: Abe’s Exoddus

Better Than The Remake

2D games on the PlayStation 1, despite their age, remain excellent choices due to their classic, enduring style. This specific title remains a standout among the Oddworld series.

The sequel to Oddworld: Abe’s Oddysee, titled Oddworld: Abe’s Exoddus, significantly expands upon its predecessor in every aspect. It features a more complex narrative, an enhanced dialogue system, and is so expansive that it required two disks for storage.

The creativity of the puzzles and narrative sets it apart, as there’s no other product quite like it. The classic version received a loyal remake in the form of “Oddworld New n’ Tasty“.

Man, let me tell you something, I can’t quite figure out what they were thinking when they crafted Soulstorm. It feels like such a drastic change compared to the charm that made the original game so endearing.

6. Crash Bandicoot 2

A Pure Crash Experience

The PS1 “Crash Bandicoot” series is renowned for its timeless classics, boasting some of the finest levels in the genre. Notably, “Crash 2” builds upon the original game in all aspects, confidently securing its spot among the best.

In the sequel to Crash Bandicoot, titled “Crash Bandicoot 2: The Wrath of Cortex,” there’s been a noticeable improvement in the game’s visuals compared to its predecessor. Additionally, our bandicoot hero has acquired new moves that have since become essential parts of his skill set.

The stage designs were impressive, marking the debut of the familiar warp room system that we all adore.

The title of the list surpasses Crash 3 because some of the vehicle stages in Warped seem a bit clunky and extraneous by today’s standards. Notably, Jet Pack levels are an exception, but Crash 2 doesn’t share this problem. Instead, it boasts beautifully polished 3D platforming that remains impressive to this day.

5. Worms World Party

The Best Console Worms Game

Even dedicated Worms gamers would agree that the series reached its zenith with “Armageddon.” Despite the passage of time, it remains accessible on the PlayStation 1. So, you might wonder why I’m suggesting “Worms World Party” instead? The answer lies in the expanded gameplay options and multiplayer features that “World Party” offers, making it a fresh and enjoyable experience for both newcomers and seasoned players alike.

In modern times, it’s quite plausible that Worms World Party would be an expansion pack or downloadable content for Armageddon, given its similarities. The game retains all the charm of Armageddon, including a vast arsenal of weapons that are truly extraordinary.

The game offers some incredible customization options to enhance your gaming experience. These range from tweaking the power of certain weapons to altering the physics like gravity. Unfortunately, consoles don’t support mods. However, these customizations serve as a clever workaround for this restriction.

4. Castlevania: Symphony of the Night

What Is A Man?

The Castlevania games are iconic, with most revered as classics on their respective platforms.

Symphony of the Night” doesn’t vary much from other games, as it provided challenging Metroidvania-style gameplay even before this type of game was officially named.

The controls remain impressively snug, and the advancement feels superb as you grow stronger and strive for fresh skills. The map abounds with hidden treasures, and SOTN is so skillfully constructed that it would garner much acclaim if launched today.

Some of the voice acting is so cheesy it’ll make your room smell, but that’s part of the charm.

Thankfully, you can easily find Symphony of the Night on various online marketplaces since the original physical version for PS1 has turned into a highly sought-after collectible by enthusiasts.

3. Rayman

A False Sense Of Security

Rayman is a captivating and lively 2D platform game, boasting a classic art design that stands the test of time. Notably challenging as well.

Beware of the attractive graphics, as the original Rayman game is incredibly challenging. Thankfully, the gameplay controls smoothly and intuitively.

As soon as you set foot in the Pink Wooden Forest, your jumping abilities will be put to the test. If you’re agile enough, you might discover a secret spot filled with tasty treats and candies tucked away.

I really enjoy playing “Rayman 2“, however, I find that the 3D controls in this version are somewhat tricky to handle compared to the original game. Over time, the simplicity and charm of the original game have only improved, much like a fine vintage wine.

2. Street Fighter Alpha 3

Triumph Or Die!

The “Street Fighter” game franchise experimented with 3D graphics on the PlayStation 1 through the “Ex Plus Alpha” titles. I still appreciate these games, yet I find that the characters appear somewhat pixelated or box-like in today’s visual standards.

If that’s an issue, how about we switch to playing Street Fighter Alpha 3 instead? Unlike its 3D counterparts, Alpha 3 opts for vivid 2D pixel art, making it visually appealing right from the start.

The roster boasts a variety of your preferred characters, and it also introduces some newcomers, such as Cody from the popular game, “Final Fight”.

As a gamer, I’ve come to expect a challenge, and this game certainly delivers. It’s not just tough; it’s a richly layered combat experience that keeps me on my toes with every move. This is undeniably a deep fighting game, and when the fists start flying in 2D, it packs quite a punch.

1. Tombi / Tomba

An Underrated Fusion Of Genres

Tomba, or Tombi as it’s also called, provides players with an appealing blend of puzzle-platforming, role-playing game (RPG) conventions, and Metroidvania mechanics, well before the genre had been officially defined.

In this game, you take on the role of Tomba, who is embarking on a mission to recover his grandfather’s bracelet from a group of mischievous pigs. Our hero, with his distinctive pink hair, has an unusual assortment of tools at his disposal. You’ll need both your wit and strength to overcome tough opponents and solve intricate puzzles.

Most of the gameplay is in 2D, with a few 2.5D elements sprinkled on top.

In the game Tomba, there’s a lot of moving back and forth between different areas as you can’t access them all until you complete certain tasks later on. The cutscenes are beautifully presented in an anime style, and interestingly enough, it has a sequel too, which is more straightforward but still maintains its charm.

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2025-04-02 16:40