PS1 Games That Hold Up Surprisingly Well

Summary

Tomb Raider’s original beauty still holds up, with memorable levels and riveting gameplay.
Silent Hill’s eerie atmosphere and top-notch 3D environment make it age like fine wine.
Metal Gear Solid remains engrossing, visually appealing, and less confusing than its sequels.

The original PlayStation was more than just the console that introduced 3D gaming to the masses; it established 3D gaming as mainstream. However, being a pioneer, it sometimes fell behind by being the first of its kind to appear outdated. Many games for the PlayStation 1 haven’t held up particularly well over time, especially when contrasted with the Nintendo 64’s game library.

Without further ado, there are numerous PS1 video games still relevant today for players of all ages. Let’s explore the best-aged PlayStation 1 games.

10. Tomb Raider

The First Great PlayStation Game

It’s not entirely janky, and it only feels janky for a short while.
It features some of the most memorable levels in gaming.

One significant factor propelling the success of PlayStation was the intricately designed game environments in its titles, and none showcased this better than the original Tomb Raider. Although the tank-style controls might initially seem clunky for modern gamers, they’ll soon grow fond of them after getting accustomed to their unique charm, much like an American learning to drive a manual transmission car.

The classic version of Tomb Raider remains captivating, entertaining, intriguing, and remarkably frightening in its later sections, much like a top-tier horror game. This game has always been packed with everything good, and it never runs out. The remasters are fantastic, but one of the best aspects is that they allow players to experience the game exactly as it was initially released, and it’s still phenomenal.

9. Silent Hill

Old Horror That Only Grows On Players

It’s possibly even scarier than it was back then.
The vibes remain pristine.

Today, the initial Silent Hill appears quite unusual compared to modern standards. Its character designs, monster concepts, and overall visual aesthetic of the town are more unsettling than ever before, which surprisingly enhances its appeal. Despite this, the game doesn’t appear visually unappealing in any way; rather, it gives off an odd vibe—like a vintage Polaroid photograph of someone holding a modern iPad.

The initial version of Silent Hill, remarkably, was one of the most visually striking games during its period. Nowadays, instead of appearing unattractive, it seems eerie in a manner that enhances its mood and engagement. Additionally, it boasts a fully three-dimensional environment, which means that its gameplay remains more contemporary than any other survival horror game from the same era.

8. Crash Bandicoot 3: Warped

Wildest Of The Bunch

The most varied Crash game to date.
Remains incredibly fun (and funny) to play.

Prior to delving deeper, let me point out that Crash Bandicoot 4 is a great game. What makes it stand out? It’s the sequel that most effectively recaptures the essence and gameplay style reminiscent of the initial three-game series.

The game titled “Crash Bandicoot 3: Warped” stands out due to its refinement of the excellent platforming elements from earlier games, and the inclusion of a variety of engaging game modes that are both innovative and meticulously designed. It’s unfortunate that the series has been largely inactive for such a long time, but it’s heartening to know that many developers and gamers still appreciate the enduring fun that “Crash Bandicoot: Warped” continues to offer.

7. Silent Bomber

Silent But Serious Contender

One of the best action titles on the PS1.
Likely the most underrated as well.

Amongst these listed titles, Silent Bomber might be the least recognized. This could be because of ineffective marketing, as it is not only an action game that still stands strong, but also one of the most remarkable titles when it initially came out.

The game “Bomberman” was nothing like this. Instead, it was called “Silent Bomber,” a title that emphasized its focus on fast-paced action. In this game, the protagonist sprinted and dashed through diverse settings, strategically planting bombs on mechanical adversaries to eventually explode them, leaving players in awe.

6. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3

900 No-Scope

Still as fun as it has always been.
Still has one of the best OSTs of all time.

It’s worth noting that skateboarding video games started to decline in popularity before the 2010s, primarily because the games on PlayStation 1 (PS1) were almost perfected. Granted, the PS2 version of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 is more impressive, but the earlier version on PS1 still holds its own against newer technology.

The gameplay stays smooth and enjoyable, featuring a diverse range of stunning levels, and its soundtrack continues to be as iconic as any game’s original soundtrack. An array of unique skaters and an abundance of extravagant tasks on each level made it one of the top sports games from that time period. There’s no surprise that the series is being revamped for the current era.

5. Legacy Of Kain: Soul Reaver

How To Tell A Story

One of the bleakest tales in gaming, masterfully written and told.
It will still send shivers down anyone’s spine.

If the initial version of Tomb Raider significantly contributed to making 3D exploration and puzzle-solving games popular, then Soul Reaver refined this genre to perfection. Although the tank controls in the early Tomb Raider games have a certain charm, Soul Reaver handles movement, as well as everything else, more effectively.

Soul Reaver was designed to improve over time due to its exceptional scriptwriting and voice acting, which were seldom found in games at that period. Remastered versions of the initial two games are impressive, yet exploring the original PlayStation 1 version is equally enjoyable and without any significant drawbacks.

4. Vagrant Story

The Best PS1 RPG?

It might be even better today than it was upon release.
SquareSoft’s secret crowning achievement.

Vagrant Story isn’t just an innovative game; it’s a groundbreaking one that executed each of its revolutionary features flawlessly. The unique combat system, which allows players to select any nearby body part of the enemy to attack, still feels fresh and relevant today – a fact evident in the latest installments of the Fallout series where similar mechanics can be observed.

Vagrant Story showcases some of the most outstanding graphics during the PlayStation era, combining technological prowess and artistic finesse. Regrettably, despite its exceptional quality, the game didn’t sell as well as those with “Final” or “Fantasy” in their titles, denying it a sequel that would have been fitting.

3. Castlevania: Symphony Of The Night

Eternal Night

2D games don’t get much better than this.
Nor do they sound much better than this.

Initially, it might come as a surprise that a 2D game could claim the top spot, but seasoned PlayStation 1 enthusiasts are no strangers to the exceptional qualities of Castlevania: Symphony Of The Night. This particular Castlevania game showcased the PlayStation 1’s potential to its fullest, delivering an unparalleled gaming experience in terms of graphics, animation, soundtrack, and smooth gameplay.

To this day, over three decades since its release, “Castlevania: Symphony Of The Night” continues to be hailed as the finest game in the series by numerous fans, and it’s still an enjoyable experience even in its original form. As a pioneer of the Metroidvania genre, it remains one of the genre’s best, which is particularly impressive when you consider the countless innovations it has directly influenced over the years.

2. Alien Resurrection

Unlike The Film

Scary and tense gameplay.
Even the controls hold up.

Initially upon its launch, notable critics voiced concerns about the “odd” control layout in Alien Resurrection, where players navigated using the left stick and aimed with the right one. Interestingly enough, this unconventional setup would later become a standard feature in console first-person shooter games, as is the case now.

Furthermore, “Alien Resurrection” stands out as an exceptional shooter, and one that offers a significantly tough challenge. Unlike the more modern “Alien: Isolation”, it prioritizes action over stealth, but players should not anticipate an effortless battle against the Xenomorphs. Typically, games derived from movies are lackluster, particularly those stemming from subpar films to begin with. However, “Alien Resurrection” astonishingly managed to transform into a fantastic game, despite being based on a poor movie.

1. Metal Gear Solid

Reinvented The Wheel That’s Still Rolling

As engrossing as ever.
Still looks great, and is less confusing than its sequels.

The question of whether Metal Gear Solid is the greatest PlayStation 1 game ever created is open to interpretation, however, there’s general consensus that it’s one of the best. It pioneered numerous gameplay aspects that are prevalent in many modern blockbuster games and continues to deliver an engaging experience today.

Since the debut of the first Metal Gear Solid, stealth gameplay has significantly advanced. However, the original 3D version remains entertaining, along with its formidable boss fights. The narrative and characters in this game are exceptional and arguably the strongest in the series. If you’re new to the MGS universe, it would be best to start here rather than with the GameCube remake known as “Twin Snakes”.

2025-07-04 06:54