The PlayStation 1 (PS1), Sony’s inaugural home console, marked a revolutionary step in gaming history. This system boasts a diverse and extensive library that caters to a wide range of players, regardless of taste.
Many beloved franchises started on the PS1, while others drew inspiration from its iconic titles. Surprisingly, some of these series reached their pinnacle on the PS1, with gameplay experiences that newer entries have struggled to replicate.
As gaming evolved, certain franchises struggled to transition to modern consoles, often failing to leverage the improved technology effectively. This highlights a vital lesson: newer doesn’t always equate to better. Below, we explore a selection of games that exemplify this sentiment, covering an array of genres from platformers to RPGs.
10 Crash Bandicoot
I’m Not Saying 4 Was Bad…
The PS1 era introduced the beloved Crash Bandicoot trilogy, a standout collection in platforming history, featuring unforgettable levels that remain a benchmark for the genre.
When the series made its way to the PS2, titles like Wrath of Cortex and Twinsanity, while enjoyable, failed to capture the magic of their predecessors. The original three PS1 games were so impactful that they became system sellers.
Although Crash Bandicoot 4 from 2020 reignited excitement in the series, I still lean towards the design philosophy of the PS1 games, with their less intrusive collectathon mechanics. The precise jumping physics in these titles stand out as some of the best in platforming.
9 Rayman
The One-Two Punch
The character Rayman has evolved over time, yet many fans believe that his adventures in Rayman 1 and 2 on the PS1 remain definitive examples of excellent platforming.
The original Rayman is heralded for its quick-paced gameplay and deceptively challenging mechanics, demanding mastery from players to conquer levels such as Candy Château.
Conversely, Rayman 2 successfully transitioned to 3D, creating a captivating and mysterious environment. It stands out as one of the few PS1 3D platformers to truly excel during this era.
8 Spyro the Dragon
The Little Dragon That Could
Spyro the Dragon was another iconic character on the PS1, offering a charming yet challenging 3D platforming experience that rivaled the likes of Crash Bandicoot.
Created by Insomniac Games, Spyro featured wonderful controls and whimsical worlds, complemented by an impressive soundtrack. However, subsequent releases on the PS2, like Enter the Dragonfly, did not meet the high standards set by the PS1 entries.
While newer titles have their merits, they often haven’t recaptured the original charm and quality, leading to a nostalgic affection for the early Spyro adventures, especially after their successful remastering in the Reignited Trilogy.
7 Final Fantasy VII
The Nostalgia Kool-Aid
While many consider titles like Final Fantasy X to be exceptional, Final Fantasy VII remains a high point in gaming history, boasting a three-disc epic that introduced RPGs to a broader Western audience.
With immersive characters and a gripping narrative, the original FFVII left a lasting legacy, even amidst a changing gaming landscape. As a fan of traditional turn-based combat, I find myself preferring the original narrative and gameplay, regardless of the visually stunning recent remakes.
6 Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
What Is A Man?
Contrast is a recurring theme with game sequels, and Castlevania: Symphony of the Night exemplifies this with its remarkable legacy. While earlier titles on the NES, SNES, and Genesis laid a solid foundation for the franchise, Symphony pushed the boundaries of the series further.
Utilizing the PS1’s enhanced capabilities, it emerged as one of the finest Metroidvania experiences thanks to its expansive castle and engaging upgrade mechanics. While several subsequent Castlevania games found success, none reached the artistic and gameplay heights of Symphony of the Night.
5 Road Rash
Helmets Are Mandatory
The transition of Road Rash from the Sega Genesis to the PS1 was a successful one. This motorcycle racing game added a unique twist by allowing players to engage in combat, enabling a mix of strategy and chaos.
Despite a quirky art style with some less-than-appealing character designs, Road Rash on the PS1 retained its fun, arcade-like charm while benefitting from improved graphics.
4 Micro Machines V3
I Don’t Understand This One
Micro Machines V3 stands out as an impressive racer with a vast selection of vehicles and courses, but it also presents a steep challenge.
The game successfully transitioned from 16-bit consoles, featuring an abundance of content, including a tutorial mode and unlockable cars. Competing against friends for high stakes added an exhilarating layer to the experience.
Despite its success, the franchise struggled to replicate the quality of V3 in future iterations, leaving many players bewildered at the disparity.
3 Ridge Racer: Type 4
The King of PS1 Racers
Ridge Racer and its sequels set a high standard for arcade-style racing games, with Ridge Racer: Type 4 arriving right before the launch of the PS2.
This game encapsulates everything Namco learned throughout the console generation, offering stunning graphics, fantastic car designs, and unforgettable music. While many racing enthusiasts may argue that Gran Turismo reigns supreme, Ridge Racer provides a more exhilarating experience for fans of arcade racing.
Although some later entries aimed for a polished look, they often lacked the charm and engaging story mode that made Type 4 such a fan favorite.
2 Wipeout
A Genre on the Brink
Wipeout emerges as a key player in the futuristic racing genre, introducing players to the antigravity racing experience cherished by so many. Its three high-quality installments on the PS1 were groundbreaking for their time.
While subsequent games like Fusion on the PS2 offered new mechanics, they lacked the excitement and iconic nature of the original titles, rendering them forgettable.
1 Oddworld: Abe’s Exoddus
The Slam Dunk That Never Happened
Among the Oddworld series, Oddworld: Abe’s Exoddus is particularly notable, often regarded as the pinnacle of the franchise.
Building on the foundation laid by Abe’s Oddysee, this sequel expanded its gameplay with more speech options and striking environments, solidifying its status as a classic.
Although the original received a successful remake, the recent title, Soulstorm, diverged from the charm of the PS1 classics, adding unneeded modern complexities.
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