Best PS1 Games With Child Protagonists

Summary

Some of the best PS1 games starred kids as protagonists in action, platformers, and RPGs.
Titles like South Park, 40 Winks, and Spyro the Dragon showcase diverse gameplay and compelling child characters.
These games offer memorable experiences, engaging storylines, and remain popular among fans today.

As someone who grew up in the golden age of gaming, I can confidently say that 1999 was a year to remember for PlayStation enthusiasts. The games released during that time were nothing short of revolutionary, and one of the standout titles from that period was Spyro the Dragon.

To attract a diverse range of gamers, Sony designed the PlayStation as a platform for various genres. From role-playing games (RPGs), action-adventure games in third-person perspective, to strategy titles, all found a suitable environment to flourish. In line with this diversity, the characters who headlined these games spanned across a broad spectrum, and some of the top PS1 games showcased child protagonists.

On the PlayStation 1, not all leading characters were tough, no-nonsense soldiers or grown-ups in search of excitement. In fact, some of the console’s most remarkable titles showcased kids as main characters, offering exceptional action games and captivating platformers. The PlayStation 1 was renowned for its extensive collection of outstanding games, and these child-led games are among the platform’s top-rated releases.

6. South Park

First-Person Shooter Captures The Humor Of TV Series

Back in 1999, I remember eagerly waiting for the debut of the first video game adaptation of the hilarious Comedy Central series set in a quaint Colorado mountain town – South Park. A full year after its initial release on N64, it finally graced the PS1. Starring Stan, Kyle, Cartman, and Kenny, this game was a first-person shooter that truly encapsulated the rebellious spirit of these kids. They embarked on an adventure to protect their town from invading aliens, rampaging turkeys, and other unsavory characters.

With the authentic voice cast and leveraging the powerful engine from Turok 2: Seeds of Evil, South Park offers a delight for fans, as the familiar town comes to life in stunning 3D for the first time. The eccentric performances and enjoyable sensation of pelting turkeys with snowballs and plungers complement each other well, as this peculiar rendition of the beloved TV series remains an entertaining choice to play with friends even today.

5. 40 Winks

Charming 3D Platformer Features Two Playable Characters

Release Date: November 14, 1999
Developer: Eurocom
Platform: PS1

To keep pace with Nintendo’s dominance, Sony was determined to develop compelling 3D platformers capable of rivalring classics like Mario and Banjo-Kazooie. Thus, the adorable platformer known as “40 Winks” was born. In this game, players guide Ruff and Tumble, a brother-sister duo, as they journey through diverse dreamscapes to thwart the HoodWinks and their horrifying minions.

40 Winks oozes charm with its endearing characters, Ruff and Tumble, who have captivating voices. The gameplay in the platforming is smooth, and there’s a vast array of worlds to delve into, from medieval realms to futuristic landscapes. Ruff dispatches adversaries using a candle, while Tumble employs a cuddly teddy bear. If you haven’t already, you should definitely check out 40 Winks on Steam today; it’s well worth a second look.

4. Heart Of Darkness

Cinematic Platform Is One Of The Genre’s Best

By the time “Heart of Darkness” was launched in 1998, the cinematic platformer genre was already quite specialized. However, it had built a dedicated fanbase through groundbreaking games such as “Prince of Persia” (1989) and “Another World” (1991). Unlike its predecessors which featured adult protagonists, “Heart of Darkness” felt like a living Saturday morning cartoon. The players assumed control of Andy, embarking on a mission to save his dog from mysterious shadow creatures.

As a devoted admirer, I can’t help but rave about Eric Chahi’s masterpiece, “Heart of Darkness.” This game, reminiscent of his legendary creation, “Another World,” boasts exceptional animation and meticulously designed backdrops that are simply captivating. The protagonist, Andy, is a breath of fresh air with his expressive actions and robust character, brought to life magnificently by the top-notch animation.

3. Breath Of Fire 3

Traditional Turn-Based JRPG Features Young Ryu As Lead

Release Date: May 18, 1998
Developer: Capcom Development Studio 3
Platform: PS1, PSP

Despite going quiet since a less-than-satisfactory mobile game in 2016, the Breath of Fire series remains one of Capcom’s cherished and adored franchises. And with Breath of Fire 3, Capcom advanced Ryu’s story as he delved deeper into his dragon transformation abilities, a traditional turn-based JRPG that still ranks among the console’s finest titles.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but reminisce about my journey with Ryu, a valiant young warrior on the brink of an epic destiny, in “Breath of Fire 3”. This game took me through diverse landscapes and dungeons, each more captivating than the last. Even among the sea of JRPGs on this console, “Breath of Fire 3” manages to shine brightly. Its tactile combat system and captivating storyline of heroism make for a perfect pairing, qualities that would be amplified in today’s world with an enhanced remake.

2. Chrono Cross

Sequel To SNES Classic Features Party Of Young Heroes

As a devoted fan, I must admit that Chrono Trigger, hailed as one of the finest JRPGs ever made, enjoys an undeniable popularity. Yet, when it came to crafting its sequel, Square chose to tread on uncharted territory instead of following a direct continuation of the SNES classic’s narrative. Instead, Chrono Cross unfolds within the same world, but leaps forward through time by centuries. To accomplish this, Square introduced an entirely new set of characters for this time-jumping adventure, with the captivating Serge leading the way.

Serge is still one of PS1’s best heroes, and he leads a party of equally charming characters. Alongside the spunky Kid and the delightful Harle, this robust cast of recruits makes up one of the best JRPG casts of all time. This surefire PS1 classic is still an absolute blast to play, and is currently available via a spectacular remaster on all modern platforms.

1. Spyro The Dragon

Excellent 3D Platformer Showcases Young Dragon In His Debut

Following the success of demonstrating their prowess in the cutthroat 3D platformer market with Crash Bandicoot in 1996, Sony decided to fully commit, recruiting Insomniac to develop Spyro the Dragon for their console. Released in 1999, shortly after the announcement of the PlayStation 2, Insomniac managed to extract impressive performance from the aging hardware and allowed players to command a charming little dragon named Spyro.

In the initial “Spyro” video game, this spirited young dragon faced a significant mission: traversing expansive, awe-inspiring 3D realms to free dragons ensnared within crystal prisons. Despite being for the PS1 console, the scale and ambition of these worlds were remarkable, and Stewart Copeland’s music was simply exceptional for the platform. This exceptional 3D platformer was updated for contemporary hardware in 2018, along with its two PS1 sequels, and remains a captivating adventure even today.

2024-12-18 08:04