6 Best PS1 Games You Can Play On PS5

As a seasoned gamer with decades of gaming experience under my belt, I can confidently say that the PS5’s emulation of classic PS1 games is like finding a treasure trove of long-lost friends. The ability to save whenever I feel like it or rewind time itself is truly magical!

The PlayStation 3 (PS3) was the pioneer in providing digital editions of timeless video games to gamers. Gamers had the opportunity to download titles such as “Crash Bandicoot” (platformer) and “Final Fantasy 7” (RPG). These digital versions didn’t undergo any improvements, but they were playable on the PS3, PlayStation Portable (PSP), and later, the PlayStation Vita.

Using the PlayStation 5 (PS5), Sony has recently introduced an initiative to replicate PS1 games with advanced features, acting as pseudo remasters. This allows players to save their progress at any time or even rewind gameplay. It’s a wonderful addition to the PS Plus library in the classic section. Many might not realize these emulated games are available on the PS5, so here’s a list of some outstanding PS1 games thus far.

6 Ape Escape

The Apes Are On The Loose

In the game Astro Bot, there’s now a stage inspired by the Ape Escape franchise, as it was recently acknowledged. The Ape Escape series originally emerged late in 1999 on the PS1. It revolved around a clever monkey named Specter who gained super intelligence after donning a prototype helmet. He orchestrated an escape from a research facility to free other monkeys, resulting in them wreaking havoc across time.

In this game, players take on the role of Spike, a young character whose hair matches Cloud’s from Final Fantasy 7 in its untamed glory. Each stage is compact and teeming with monkeys that must be re-captured. Players can catch them using a net or stun them with a baton, while various tools aid in the capture process as well. Despite the challenge of adjusting to the controls initially, Ape Escape remains an enjoyable action platformer. Additionally, there are more entries available on the PS5 for you to explore after finishing this one.

5 Hot Shots Golf 2

A Chill Sports Game That Ditched Complexity

Released: March 7, 2000 (NA)
Developer: Clap Hanz
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment

The Hot Shots Golf series boasts an intriguing background. Originating from Camelot Software Planning, who later became synonymous with Nintendo due to successful titles like Mario Golf and Golden Sun, the first game was their creation. Subsequently, a different developer, Clap Hanz, took over for Hot Shots Golf 2, and they have been associated with the series ever since.

If you’ve ever played a game of Mario Golf, then you’re already familiar with the concept. In this game, players can select from a range of quirky characters and compete on diverse courses. To get their ball in motion, players just need to swing twice, making it easier to play compared to other golf games during that time. Although more recent titles like Everybody’s Golf (2017) offer additional accessibility features, Hot Shots Golf 2 shines even brighter with the power of the PS5.

4 The Legend Of Dragoon

A Dragon-Themed Active Answer To Final Fantasy 9

The Legend of Dragoon was a late addition to the PlayStation 1, offering a unique twist on turn-based role-playing games. Much like the Mario RPG series, players could synchronize their button presses to deliver extra blows in combat. The game’s dragon theme and narrative differentiated it from Final Fantasy.

The game “The Legend of Dragoon,” originally developed by Sony, has been long-awaited by fans who are eager for its return, and the enhanced version for PS5 is quite enticing due to improved textures and reduced load times. Despite the occasional tedium of random battles, it’s heartening to know that Sony hasn’t abandoned the game completely. It’s also worth mentioning that a character named Dart, who appears in “The Legend of Dragoon,” is also featured as a VIP bot in the game “Astro Bot.

3 Syphon Filter 2

Stealth Gameplay At Its Finest

Nearly all games in the Syphon Filter series, including spin-offs, are available on the PS5. The exception is Syphon Filter: The Omega Strain, which was the first game for the PS2 to offer multiplayer and customization features. While you might find it strange, Syphon Filter 2 boasts an incredibly intense opening mission.

Characters find themselves stranded on a snow-covered mountain following an airplane accident, and their mission is to neutralize terrorists in this treacherous terrain. The action escalates with a sequence where players must pursue a dictator through a dance club while the classic ABBA tune “Dancing Queen” plays. Despite being less fantastical than Metal Gear Solid, Syphon Filter wasn’t shy about taking risks in its stealth-based gameplay.

2 Twisted Metal 2

A Bombastic Car Battler

As a gaming enthusiast, I’ve been eagerly waiting for the return of the thrilling chaos that is Twisted Metal. Despite the fact that no new game has been released in over a decade, its recent surge in popularity could potentially prompt Sony to invest again and kickstart a fresh installment. Until then, fellow fans and I can savor the excitement of the first two games on our brand-new PlayStation 5 consoles.

For beginners of the series, it would be best to begin with Twisted Metal 2, as it made numerous improvements. It introduced more characters and vehicles, the levels were expanded, the gameplay was smoother, and so forth. It’s an entertaining car combat game that still feels fresh today, and it’s even more enjoyable when played cooperatively with a friend.

1 Wild Arms 2

The Twos Have It

In the realm of PlayStation 1 (PS1) games, it’s evident that follow-ups often surpassed their predecessors, and this trend is clear with Wild Arms 2. Initially, the original game featured a fundamental turn-based system and a chibi art style that didn’t fully leverage the PS1’s graphics capabilities. However, the sequel improved upon these aspects by introducing more realistic characters, even though it wasn’t a complete overhaul or reboot of the franchise.

The fighting was intense, and certain characters needed to take time to reload, adding an extra layer of challenge that could be frustrating yet engaging. This aspect also increased strategic planning. Moreover, the dungeons were intricately designed puzzle-based challenges, which were far more complex than anything previously available on the system. If you’re a fan of this RPG, I recommend exploring Wild Arms 3 next, as it’s now playable on PS5 from its original release on PS2. It takes the Old West theme to its peak.

2024-09-24 02:33