Best PS1 Games With Local Competitive Multiplayer

Summary

PS1 had its own great local multiplayer games like Mortal Kombat Trilogy and Syphon Filter 2.
These classics offer hours of competitive fun; bonds created over these games last.
Games like Worms: Armageddon and Crash Team Racing offer timeless entertainment for friends.

The Nintendo 64 is renowned for hosting some of the best-loved local multiplayer games, such as GoldenEye 007 and Super Smash Bros. However, it doesn’t mean that the PlayStation 1 was devoid of such offerings altogether. In fact, Sony’s initial gaming system boasted a variety of games capable of providing countless hours of friendly competition.

The following games encompass numerous styles. Despite differences in aesthetics and mechanics, they share a common trait: when friends team up to play, there can be only one winner. Over time, their visuals and gameplay may become outdated, but the friendships and shared memories from these games remain as vibrant as they were over two decades ago.

8. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2

Get The Highest Score Or Tag The Most Objects

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater isn’t just about mimicking skateboarding experience; it’s more about replicating the exhilaration of being on a skateboard – the liberation, without the actual injuries and pain that come with the sport. The game focuses on accumulating high scores, and the thrill of competing to earn the most points within two minutes is truly enjoyable.

In Horse, one player establishes a score that the other competitor needs to surpass, or else they earn a letter. On the other hand, Graffiti challenges players to tag as many items within a map as possible and achieve a higher score; if you outscore another player on an item, you take over their already-tagged object. Despite its straightforward design, it underscores the gameplay’s power and strength.

7. Mortal Kombat Trilogy

The Ultimate 2D Mortal Kombat Game

Among numerous combat games on PlayStation 1 suitable for this list, such as Tekken and Battle Arena Toshinden, Mortal Kombat Trilogy stands out due to its straightforward game mechanics. Moreover, it offers one of the most comprehensive collections of a fighting game during that era.

The collection encompasses every character, every level, and nearly all fatalities and finishers from the initial three Mortal Kombat games. The fighting system in Mortal Kombat Trilogy is user-friendly, making it simple for beginners to start throwing punches, kicks, and uppercuts right from their first match.

In other games, some moves don’t have animations because they hadn’t been created yet, like the bird’s-eye view fatality in the Pit 2 stage from Mortal Kombat 2.

6. Worms: Armageddon

Turn-Based Wacky Strategy Goodness

The game titled “Worms” is a side-scrolling, turn-based strategy title where you command a squad of worms. They squirm up to get within striking distance of opponents and unleash their most potent attacks. One of the appealing aspects of this game lies in the quirky weaponry players employ to annihilate one another.

In this game, it can sometimes be unclear how each weapon functions, so it’s suggested to experiment with them. Despite numerous Worms games being released since its 1995 debut, the gameplay remains engaging. Due to the turn-based structure, players take turns using a single controller.

5. Syphon Filter 2

Third-Person Shooter Deathmatch

Released: March 14, 2000
Developer: Eidetic
Platforms: PlayStation

Back when I first dived into the world of Syphon Filter 2, the original game was a solo adventure just for me. But this sequel? It’s a colossal leap forward! So massive, it required not one, but two discs to house all its glory. And here’s the cherry on top – they added a multiplayer mode where friends could go head-to-head in some intense competition.

In terms of action games, Syphon Filter offers particularly seamless gameplay among third-person shooters designed for the original PlayStation. Although the shooting primarily relied on an auto-aim feature, landing headshots resulted in immediate deaths with any weapon, leaving players to decide whether to spray bullets at their adversary or spend time aiming for a single lethal shot.

4. Bomberman Party Edition

A Timeless Classic

Some games manage to maintain their timeless appeal without requiring significant changes, and Bomberman is a prime example of this. By the time it graced the PlayStation 1, it was almost flawless. The single-player mode in Bomberman Party Edition, for instance, bears a striking resemblance to the original single-player experience introduced in 1985.

The blend of immediate problem-solving challenges combined with a competitive aspect where you eliminate opponents creates an entertaining game from beginning to end. This game supports local multiplayer, making it enjoyable for friends regardless of their gaming proficiency. The mechanics are designed in a way that new players can easily understand how to navigate the play area within a short period by experimenting and learning through trial and error.

Bomberman is still going strong, and there are versions of the game available for modern platforms.

3. Twisted Metal 2

Hectic Vehicle Combat

One of the earliest renowned PlayStation game series, Twisted Metal, is notable for featuring Sweet Tooth as an early, unofficial emblem. When executed skillfully, automobile combat offers a thrilling multiplayer chaos that’s simply delightful.

In “Twisted Metal 2,” the gameplay has been refined from its original version, with levels set across various global locations. The competitive mode now pits two players against each other directly, eliminating the ability to hide behind computer-controlled vehicles. The battles involve a mix of head-on collisions and strategic maneuvers on the road.

2. Bushido Blade 2

Intense One-On-One Combat

In contrast to numerous fighting games that focus on swift combos and instant reactions, Bushido Blade emphasizes patiently awaiting the optimal striking opportunity and mastering precise counters against an adversary’s assaults. Unlike other games, there is no health bar; a single blow could lead to defeat.

If a strike doesn’t conclude the round, it could still lead to a character losing one of their limbs. This high-stakes nature permeates the multiplayer experience, where players often circle each other cautiously for a minute, either waiting for an opportunity to attack or lowering their defenses.

1. Crash Team Racing

A Kart Racing Game With A Focus On Skillful Driving

Crash Team Racing bears a clear resemblance to Mario Kart, yet it sets itself apart by emphasizing precise driving over the pursuit of powerful items. In this game, managing the drifting technique is crucial for earning frequent short bursts of speed and outperforming opponents.

While this setup could potentially deter novice players due to its challenging nature, it undeniably amplifies the rivalry among seasoned competitors. In both races and standings, weapons serve as crucial factors that may provide the decisive edge for a player to take the lead.

2025-01-05 09:06