Best PS1 Games That Used the PlayStation Mouse

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As someone who spent countless hours huddled around our family PC, playing point-and-click adventures during my youth, I can wholeheartedly say that the PS1 Mouse was a game-changer for these classic titles. The Discworld series and Broken Sword 1 & 2 were particularly delightful experiences with the peripheral, transporting me to fantastical worlds filled with humor, mystery, and adventure.

In the 1990s, the PlayStation’s popularity led to a variety of peripherals being released for different games. Some were just novelty items, such as the PlayStation Glove which was less useful than the NES Power Glove or even the Wiimote. However, others like the PlayStation Mouse proved to be quite practical.

While it’s commonly believed that not many PlayStation 1 (PS1) games required a mouse, the truth is that the PS1 had a rich library of Real-Time Strategy (RTS), shooter, and puzzle games which could have significantly improved player experience with mouse support. However, this feature was rarely implemented, even after the release of the PS1 Mouse. Fortunately, there were several titles on the PlayStation 1 that functioned superbly with the PS1 Mouse.

10. Premier Manager ‘99

Mastering the Premier Soccer Leagues in England and Italy With A Mouse

  • Developer: Dinamic Multimedia.
  • Release: August 1999.
  • Genre: Sports management sim.

As a film enthusiast who’s also passionate about digital entertainment, I can’t help but reminisce about the humble origins of sports management games on personal computers and microcomputers. However, it wasn’t until much later that these games found their way onto consoles, with only a select few daring to tread this path.

In simpler terms, “Premier Manager ’98” and “Premier Manager 2000” have their loyal fanbase, but “Premier Manager ’99” stood out by being the pioneer to incorporate 3D models for an in-game view (using models from “Actua Soccer”). The strategy setup for teams became more streamlined with the use of a mouse, and watching these strategies unfold during gameplay provided a gratifying experience.

9. Tokimeki Memorial: Forever with You

Getting the Girls With a Single Peripheral

  • Developer: Konami.
  • Release: May 1994 (original), October 1995 (PS1).
  • Genre: Dating sim.

In today’s world, dating simulation games are not common, with those that stand out often being humorous visual novels like “Hatoful Boyfriend”. Fewer still stick to the formula, as dating virtual characters can feel a bit unusual. However, “Tokimeki Memorial: Forever with You” was successful in Japan by offering a straightforward life and dating simulation experience. The fact that it was written by future “Castlevania” creator Koji Igarashi certainly didn’t hurt its popularity.

The game offered more than just selecting appropriate multiple-choice options to win over the female characters. Players had to devise strategies for enhancing their appearance, intelligence, and physical attributes throughout the day, while balancing romantic encounters with each girl. To ensure success, players needed to be considerate towards specific characters to win their affection in the game’s conclusion. Although it is a Japanese exclusive, you would need a translation patch to play it using a mouse.

8. Die Hard Trilogy

Turn Dulles Airport into a Warzone With a Few Clicks

Once upon a time, lightgun games were extremely popular on home consoles, featuring unique gun-like controllers such as the Zapper, Menacer, Justifier, or G-CON. However, due to compatibility issues with modern televisions, these games are now scarce. If you can’t find a working light gun model, like the Sinden light gun, an alternative could be using a mouse instead.

Adapting to it may require some time, but it proves more effective than employing a controller. A suitable game to experiment with is the Die Hard 2 segment in the Die Hard Trilogy. This over-the-top lightgun blaster encourages players to click all around to eliminate enemies, wreck scenery, detonate red barrels for massive explosions, and occasionally produce an ‘Oops!’ when they accidentally hit an innocent bystander.

7. Elemental Gearbolt

Head into a Fantasy World and Shoot the Hell Out of It

Due to the PS1 mouse not being considered perfect for lightgun games, only a few of these games were designed to work with it. For instance, games like Point Blank and Resident Evil Survivor didn’t function properly, while Time Crisis surprisingly did, albeit without displaying where the mouse is aimed. Thus, users who prefer the mouse may find the less common game Elemental Gearbolt more satisfying.

This game blends elements similar to Role-Playing Games (RPGs), featuring a captivating and extensive fantasy narrative, along with a progression system where players level up, gaining the ability to tackle larger adversaries as they advance. Unlike “Time Crisis,” it displays an aiming marker. However, users don’t have the option to customize the mouse sensitivity; instead, they must adapt to using its standard speed to defeat quicker enemies and hurdles.

6. Quake 2

Fraggin’ Click by Click

To create an unsettling gaming experience, consider using a controller and mouse setup for ‘Alien Resurrection’. This game, often criticized as the least favorite Alien movie adaptation, is notable for introducing the twin-stick control scheme that many first-person shooters later adopted. The mouse provides additional maneuverability, but it doesn’t make the game easier; in fact, it’s quite challenging, as ‘Alien Resurrection’ is known for its difficulty. In contrast, ‘Quake 2’ offered a more relaxed gaming session.

As a seasoned movie critic, I must admit that, despite the passage of time, the control mechanism in Quake 2 still holds a certain charm. However, adding a mouse to the mix can make it feel less dated and more modern. It’s an unusual combination, using both controller and mouse simultaneously, but it functions surprisingly effectively, providing a smoother, quicker gaming experience.

5. Z

Help Redneck Robots Claim Planets Over Their Blue Rivals

  • Developer: Bitmap Brothers.
  • Release: August 1996 (original), December 1997 (PS1).
  • Genre: Real-time strategy game.

It’s not really suited for playing real-time strategy (RTS) games on a controller, so it’s no wonder that most of the PS1 Mouse’s compatible library is filled with RTS games, such as “Warhammer: Dark Omen” and “Warzone 2100”. One lesser-known game in this category is “Z”, where the characters Brad and Allan (who are both drunken red robots) assist Commander Zod in conquering five planets controlled by blue robots.

After that, you’ll need to employ the six distinct teams of red robots and harness the resources of the planets to eliminate all the opposing troops, capture their fortress, or demolish it completely. Each task may seem simple on paper, but they are far from easy due to the game’s challenging nature, even with its comical elements featuring inebriated protagonists. However, if players persevere, they’ll find enjoyment in conquering its obstacles.

4. X-Com: UFO Defense

Protecting the Planet One Click at a Time

X-Com: UFO Defense, often recognized by its 2012 reboot name X-Com: Enemy Unknown, stands among the greatest strategy games ever crafted. This accolade likely brought satisfaction to Mythos Games, considering its development was fraught with complications severe enough to warrant cancellation not once, but twice. Remarkably, even in the face of advancing time, its charm continues to resonate with new admirers, who praise it alongside more contemporary offerings.

Nevertheless, many fans find it more accessible to obtain the PC original of the game, including all DLC and enhancements, rather than its PS1 version. The PS1 memory card requires 5 blocks for saving Battlesphere games, so managing storage space is crucial as well. Yet, the soundtrack has been upgraded to high-quality CD audio, making it not only enjoyable to play with the PS1 Mouse but also pleasing to the ear. Without this game, defending Earth from UFOs seems less engaging.

3. Command & Conquer: Red Alert- Retaliation

The Cold War Gets Hot on the PlayStation

This list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Command & Conquer: Red Alert. The game practically established the series as an RTS mainstay, with its varied units, tongue-in-cheek Cold War story, and a rich offering of missions for players to test their strategies on. The PS1 port was equally praised despite some flaws (no mid-mission saving).

The game was successful enough to warrant a sequel titled “Command & Conquer: Red Alert – Retaliation.” This sequel compiled the PC game’s expansion packs, Counterstrike and The Aftermath, along with exclusive cutscenes and several user-friendly improvements, such as mid-mission saving. However, these enhancements are less impactful without the PS1 Mouse for seamless commanding and conquering, as it is more cumbersome to do so with a controller.

2. The Discworld Series

Why Pick One When All 3 Are Great?

  • Developers: Perfect Entertainment.
  • Releases: 1995 (Discworld), September 1997 (Discworld 2: Missing Presumed…!?), December 1999 (Discworld Noir).
  • Genre: Point & click adventure games.

Regardless, even though C&C: RA temporarily boosted interest in the PlayStation 1 Mouse, there weren’t many compelling reasons to acquire this peripheral. This scarcity was one reason why its stock levels were initially slow to increase. Additionally, point-and-click adventure games were struggling on their original platform, PCs, and it was even more challenging for them to thrive in the action-oriented console environment, contributing to the waning popularity of the mouse.

Nevertheless, some titles found their way onto the PlayStation 1 and were compatible with the PS1 mouse, such as the Discworld trilogy. The initial games embody the whimsical charm of Terry Pratchett’s novels, even incorporating his signature sarcasm. However, the third installment, Discworld Noir, distinguishes itself by blending fantasy elements with detective ones, thus offering a darker ambiance alongside clever jokes.

1. Broken Sword 1 & 2

Traveling the World on Death-Defying Adventures by Just Pointing & Clicking

Indeed, if a peak was to be chosen for 90s point-and-click games, it would probably be the Broken Sword series. The protagonist, George Stobbart, found himself in investigations that turned out to be far more complex than anticipated. He stumbled upon conspiracies linked to the Knights Templar (in the first game) and ancient Mayan mysteries (in the second game).

This game presents its tales more straightforwardly than the witty nudges of Discworld, yet Stillmore’s Banished Sentient (BS) includes elements of humor through George’s interchanges. While it involves puzzle-solving and unexpected plot developments, players can also engage in lighthearted activities by simply clicking around. For instance, they may discover George’s (often sarcastic) observations about the locations or interact with a guard’s unfriendly watchdog.

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2024-12-17 06:34