10 PS1 Cozy Games You Need to Play

The PlayStation 1 boasts an abundant collection of great games, yet for modern gamers, there lies a significant challenge. Most PlayStation 1 games can be excessively difficult, preferring to stress you out rather than provide relaxation.

Luckily, there are some relaxing games on the console, despite the fact that the audience’s preferences varied significantly back then. If you’re seeking a way to relax, here are some soothing PlayStation 1 games that you should definitely explore.

10. Reel Fishing 2

Relax In The Great Outdoors

Key Information Details
Developer Natsume
Genre Simulator
Release Date July 2000

Reel Fishing 2 offers an enjoyable fishing experience, boasting a distinctive technique that enhances the visual appeal of its settings beyond their actual quality.

It’s fascinating to see that every locale appears as if it were a real photograph, yet they’ve managed to incorporate enough dynamic elements to give the impression of a movie scene.

I really enjoy mini-games related to fishing, and the process of angling in “Reel Fishing” might seem simple at first, but it has a surprising amount of depth that requires some experimentation to land the largest fish.

Reel Fishing 2 is surprisingly hard to put down since it offers nearly 20 distinctive spots for fishing, some featuring special techniques such as smelt fishing. I personally find it a soothing experience, but keep in mind that it may not appeal to those who dislike fishing games.

9. Kula World

Life As A Beach Ball

Kula World can be described as a captivatingly mysterious game, in which you assume the role of a beach ball. Despite its peculiar narrative, the game mechanics are quite straightforward.

On each level, there’s a target you need to accomplish before the time runs out. The game creatively exploits the concept of defying gravity, which is reminiscent of a beach ball floating in mid-air. Although the levels can be intricate mazes filled with geometric shapes, the fundamental mechanics of the game are simple and easy to grasp, making it less likely for players to become annoyed.

Additionally, there are various types of fruit scattered throughout each level, inviting players to venture out and try different approaches.

The time limit may be a bugbear for some players, but it’s a relaxing experience overall.

8. Spyro the Dragon

Deceptively Difficult

I wrestled with whether to include Spyro the Dragon on the list, given its challenging 3D platform style. Yet, I can’t help but appreciate the stunning landscapes and relish interacting with the vibrant ensemble of dragons that the wicked Gnasty Gnorc has captured.

Without a doubt, Spyro is a well-known figure! He’s a charming purple dragon who serves as the emblem for an extremely popular series. This spirited dragon can soar through the skies and unleash flames, and honing each of these skills is vital if you want to conquer the game.

In the realm of Spyro the Dragon, every world boasts a captivating design with an engaging quest to gather gems, making exploration incredibly satisfying. The challenge level is balanced, offering a fair yet engaging experience.

In essence, although Spyro the Dragon can be quite difficult, its delightful atmosphere and characters keep it comfortably within the realm of being endearing. This cherished title is included in the Reignited Trilogy for your entertainment.

7. Everybody’s Golf

A Fresh Take On Sports

Among the numerous golf games available on the PlayStation 1, there’s a unique title that deviates from the norm. Unlike most sports games emphasizing realism, this specific game prioritizes enjoyment and ease of play.

Everybody’s Golf brings a refreshing twist to the golfing genre by combining realistic gameplay with charming chibi characters and vivid, colorful courses. The game’s golf mechanics are well-crafted, ensuring that enthusiasts of actual golf don’t feel left out.

The game titled “Everybody’s Golf” offers a comfortable gaming experience with a total of six complete golf courses, providing plenty of content to explore. Its sequel is also worth checking out, and for those interested in a more contemporary version, there’s even a game named similarly on the PS4.

6. Broken Sword 2: The Smoking Mirror

A Classic Point & Click Adventure

Today, Point-and-Click Adventure games are less common, which is unfortunate since their gameplay has a comforting feel to it.

Broken Sword 2” stands out as an exceptional game within its genre, boasting stunning visuals, an engaging ensemble of characters, and a narrative brought to life by professional voice-acting. In this adventure, you assume the role of George Stobbart, embarking on a mission to rescue his girlfriend, Nicole Collard, who has been abducted.

George prefers to find solutions through creativity rather than physical confrontation, and overcoming obstacles in this way can be incredibly rewarding, especially when you successfully solve complex puzzles. Solving these puzzles is often well worth the effort.

As the game progresses, situations get intricate; however, it offers a warm, captivating gaming experience.

5. Theme Park World

Seriously, Who Just Vomits On The Pavement?

Key Information Details
Developer Bullfrog
Genre Simulator
Release Date November 1999

On PlayStation 1, you’ll find a wealth of fantastic management simulation games, such as the renowned “Theme Hospital.” While these games can sometimes be demanding due to their fast-paced nature, there are always exceptions that stand out.

Theme Park World offers a comfortable, engaging simulation experience that’s easy to grasp yet hard to put down. The game is rooted in fantasy with the freedom from real-life limitations, making it a unique alternative to games like Roller Coaster Tycoon. Unlike those games, you won’t have to concern yourself with your coasters not connecting properly in this magical world.

You’ll find the gameplay rewarding since you get to unveil fresh parks once you accomplish tasks. Although it may not have the complexity found in other management simulation games, it’s still a remarkable title for the PlayStation 1, and it was also remastered on the PlayStation 2.

4. Breakout

Who Plays Pong For The Story?!

Key Information Details
Developer Atari
Genre Puzzle/Action
Release Date September 2000

Since the PlayStation 1 library is incredibly varied, if you’re looking for a game that pushes boundaries a bit, why don’t you consider giving Breakout a try?

Breakout can be described as “Pong with a narrative twist“, and it’s one of those games that surpasses expectations.

In various settings such as ancient pyramids, farms, and even atop a space rocket, you’ll engage in the classic game of Pong. While some stages resemble traditional gameplay, others offer unique challenges that reward precise play.

A standout aspect of Breakout is its adaptable challenge level. As you progress and win, the game becomes increasingly difficult. Conversely, when you lose, it gets easier.

At certain points, the Pong paddle functions as a playable character, which might seem unusual, but it shows that Atari was committed to making it functional.

3. Bust a Move / Puzzle Bobble

Bubble Bursting At Its Finest

Key Information Details
Developer Taito
Genre Puzzle
Release Date June 1994

Bust a Move, or Puzzle Bobble, as it’s also known, is an addictive puzzler by Taito.

To be honest, several puzzle games from the PlayStation 1 could potentially make this list, but what sets _Bust a Move_ apart is that it doesn’t require you to engage with an opponent directly. Instead, in _Bust a Move_, you aim and shoot colored bubbles upward into a field above you. When you align three of the same color, they vanish from the playfield.

Just as with top-tier puzzle games, there’s a place for both finesse and planning, yet the concept is easy to grasp. The game progression offers increasingly intricate layouts to conquer, but since it lacks an adversary, the pressure is absent. This series was so adored on the PS1 that they produced no less than four installments!

2. Harvest Moon: Back to Nature

Pumpkins Are The Way To Go

It can be challenging to follow all the games in the Harvest Moon series, but one of the top-tier entries is found on the PlayStation 1.

In the tale of “Back to Nature,” you find yourself in a familiar scenario: inheriting a run-down farm from your deceased grandparent, with the challenge of bringing it back to its once resplendent state.

Given the age of the PlayStation 1, all aspects typically found in a Harvest Moon game are present, encompassing everything from cultivating social connections to a comprehensive farming system boasting many varieties of crops.

In the span of three years, both short-term tasks and long-term objectives need to be accomplished, with the ultimate goal being achieved during this period. The villagers of Mineral Town have determined that you can only legally inherit your grandfather’s farm if you manage to bring it back to a satisfactory condition within this timeframe.

Time limits aren’t cozy, but three years is long enough that you have plenty of time.

1. Klonoa: Door to Phantomile

A Beginner-Friendly Platformer

I don’t typically associate platformers with cozy gameplay, but Klonoa is a welcome exception.

The game “Klonoa: Door to Phantomile” stands out as an exceptional 2.5D platformer, and it happens to be my preferred title among all games on that system. In contrast to numerous other PlayStation 1 platformers, “Klonoa” is generally less challenging, offering only a modest level of difficulty until the latter stages.

Klonoa showcases a distinctive skill that empowers him to seize opponents (moos) and employ them in diverse manners. He can hurl moos as missiles or fling them beneath his feet while airborne to perform a double jump. Each Vision (region) is distinctively designed, and the imaginative boss battles fully exploit the 2.5D viewpoint.

The original game “Klonoa: Door to Phantomile” can be quite pricey if you’re looking for the physical disk, but the remastered “Phantasy Reverie Series” is an excellent alternative to experience this title with updated visuals.

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2025-01-10 17:09