Best 25 PS1 Games of All Time You Must Play

It’s been 30 years since the first PlayStation came out. Games and tech have grown fast since Sony’s first console arrived, but the PS1 still left a big mark on gaming and pop culture. From Crash Bandicoot in his shorts to Solid Snake sneaking through danger, the PlayStation 1 gave us heroes and series that still matter today. So which PS1 games are the very best?

We made a list of 25 top picks filled with exclusives, classics, and games that changed the way we play. New players can enjoy them for the first time, and old fans can relive those late-night couch sessions with friends.

You will find platformers like Crash that make you smile, RPGs like Final Fantasy VII with huge stories, shooters like Metal Gear Solid that test your skills, and fighters like Tekken 3 for nonstop battles.

Each game comes with a quick look at why it is great, a moment you will not forget, and how you can play it today. So grab your controller and get ready for the 25 best PS1 games.

List of 25 Best PS1 Games

The PS1 had some of the best games ever, and every gamer should try these at least once. We have got the 25 best PS1 games with pictures, showing cover art and gameplay. The images bring back memories for old fans and give new players a real feel for why these classics still rock.

If you want to play these games on an emulator, it helps to know best PS1 BIOS so everything runs smoothly and feels just like the original console.

1. Crash Bandicoot

Crash Bandicoot is the game that made the PlayStation shine. It takes you through crazy levels packed with spinning crates, tight jumps, and weird enemies that keep you on your toes. Crash became Sony’s first real mascot, and this game showed why. The controls are easy to learn but the challenges make you keep coming back.

2. Spyro the Dragon

Spyro is pure PS1 joy. You glide through big maps, burn enemies with fire, and rescue frozen dragons scattered across magical lands. The controls feel smooth, the worlds are packed with secrets, and the mix of flying and fighting keeps you hooked. Each stage feels like a playground where you can mess around for hours without getting bored.

3. Metal Gear Solid

Play as Solid Snake on a mission to stop a nuclear threat. Sneak past guards, use gadgets, and plan your moves carefully to survive. The story is cinematic with epic boss fights and memorable villains. Every level challenges your strategy and timing, keeping you engaged throughout.

4. Resident Evil

Navigate a mansion filled with zombies and traps as you uncover a deadly virus plot. Manage your limited ammo and resources carefully while solving puzzles and surviving encounters. The tension is constant, with every corner hiding danger. The eerie sound design and scares make it a true horror experience.

5. Silent Hill

Silent Hill drops you into a foggy town filled with monsters and puzzles that mess with your head. Limited supplies make every fight tense, and the story unfolds with creepy twists. The sound and visuals keep the fear constant, making it one of the most unsettling PS1 Bios games.

6. Medal of Honor

Step into the shoes of an Allied soldier completing daring missions behind enemy lines. Shoot, sneak, and complete objectives using realistic weapons from the era. Each level offers a mix of action and strategy, keeping the tension high.

7. Gran Turismo

Race dozens of cars across realistic tracks, tuning and upgrading them to get the best performance. The controls feel tight, and each race is a test of skill and timing. Compete in cups and try to beat your best times for extra bragging rights.

8. Tekken 3

Pick a fighter and battle in fast-paced matches with combos and special moves. Each character has unique skills, and mastering them feels satisfying. The stages are vibrant and the fights keep your reflexes sharp. Pull off crazy combos and try new characters to keep every match fresh and fun.

9. Street Fighter Alpha 3

Fight with classic Street Fighter characters, each with unique moves and styles. Chain combos, use super moves, and test your timing against tough opponents. The different modes and teams add variety to every match. Practice new combos and characters to keep every fight exciting and challenging.

10. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2

Skate through awesome levels pulling off tricks, combos, and high scores. Each level is packed with ramps, rails, and secret areas to explore. The controls are tight, and chaining combos feels so satisfying when you land them perfectly. Pull off special moves and try to beat your best score for extra bragging rights.

11. Rayman

Rayman looks simple at first, but don’t get fooled. The game drops you into bright worlds with tricky enemies, fun puzzles, and stages that test your timing. Smooth controls, hidden secrets, and a catchy soundtrack make it worth playing. One moment you’re hopping around, the next you’re in a fight that needs real skill.

12. MediEvil

MediEvil puts you in the bones of Sir Daniel Fortesque, a clumsy knight who gets a second shot at glory. You slash through creepy graveyards, castles, and dungeons while fighting zombies, demons, and all sorts of weird monsters. The game mixes action with puzzles, giving you both combat and brain work. Its dark but cartoonish style makes it spooky and funny at the same time, so it never feels too heavy.

13. Oddworld: Abe’s Oddysee

You play as Abe, a worker trying to save his people from becoming food. The game mixes platforming with puzzles where timing and smart moves matter. Sneak past guards, chant to control enemies, and lead your friends to safety. It’s tough but feels great when you win.

14. Croc: Legend of the Gobbos

Croc is a small green crocodile on a mission to save his Gobbo friends. Jump through colorful levels, find hidden paths, and dodge tricky enemies along the way. The controls are simple, and the mix of platforming and exploring keeps the game fun. It’s lighthearted, but some stages still challenge your skills and timing.

15. Final Fantasy VII

Follow Zidane, a thief caught in a mission to save the kingdom from a dangerous threat. Explore vibrant towns, fight enemies, and level up your team. The story is full of twists and emotional moments, and side quests give extra challenges. Every battle and adventure keeps you hooked from start to finish.

16. Final Fantasy IX

A story about Zidane, a thief who gets caught up in a fight to save the kingdom. The game has colorful worlds, turn-based battles, and lots of side quests that keep the adventure fresh. Every character feels unique, and the story is full of emotion and surprises. The graphics and music give a nostalgic PS1 feel that fans still love.

17. Chrono Cross

The story follows Serge as he jumps between two parallel worlds to uncover secrets about his past. Explore vibrant islands, battle unique enemies, and recruit a large cast of characters. The turn-based combat is deep but easy to understand, and the music and visuals make every area memorable. Side quests and hidden items add hours of extra fun.

18. Suikoden II

A young hero must stop a war that threatens his kingdom. Recruit allies, explore towns and dungeons, and fight enemies in turn-based battles. The story has twists, big moments, and side quests that make every hour feel rewarding. Choices you make can change how the story plays out, adding even more replay value.

19. Vagrant Story

Step into the shoes of Ashley Riot, an elite agent on a dangerous mission in a cursed city. Combat is precise and tactical, with weapons and skills you can upgrade. The dark story, tricky puzzles, and unique battle system keep every fight tense and rewarding. Exploring the castle and uncovering secrets makes the game feel gripping from start to finish.

20. Castlevania: Symphony of the Night

Play as Alucard and explore Dracula’s castle filled with enemies, hidden rooms, and loot. The mix of platforming, combat, and character upgrades makes every level exciting. The game rewards exploration, and secrets keep you coming back for more.

21. Wipeout XL

Race at insane speeds on futuristic tracks with anti-gravity ships. Tight turns, boosts, and weapons make each race exciting. The electronic soundtrack keeps the adrenaline up, and mastering tracks feels super rewarding. Compete against friends or your own best times to see who rules the tracks.

22. Ridge Racer Type 4

Drift through detailed tracks with responsive cars and tight controls. Compete in championships or multiplayer races for extra fun. The visuals and soundtrack make racing feel intense and immersive. Mastering each track and perfecting your drifts keeps every race exciting.

23. Twisted Metal 2

Drive armored vehicles in chaotic arenas while using weapons to destroy opponents. Each character’s vehicle has unique attacks, and the battles are full of chaos and laughs. The variety of arenas keeps every match fresh. Try out all the vehicles and weapons to see which combos cause the most mayhem.

24. Ape Escape

Catch mischievous apes using cool gadgets like nets and stun devices. Levels are full of challenges, secrets, and tricky ape movements. The game feels playful, and experimenting with gadgets is satisfying. Use different gadgets and explore every corner to catch all the apes and unlock extra fun.

25. Parasite Eve

Follow Aya Brea as she battles mutated creatures in a tense city setting. Mix shooting and RPG elements to plan attacks and survive. The dark story and creepy atmosphere keep you on edge. Experiment with abilities and strategies to survive tougher enemies and uncover hidden secrets.

Conclusion

The PS1 gave us some of the most fun and memorable games ever. From platformers that make you smile and explore, to RPGs with huge stories, to racing, fighting, and horror games that test your skills, these 25 titles show why the console still matters. Each game brings something unique, like tricky jumps, epic battles, or tense survival moments. Grab your controller, fire up your console or emulator, and jump into these games to see what made the PS1 so legendary.

FAQs