The original PlayStation launched in 1995 and quickly became a firm household favorite. With the release of its fifth-generation console (the PlayStation 5) soon to be launching later this year, it's easy to forget some of the amazing and enjoyable games that released for the very first PlayStation console.
Games are often getting remastered or remade, such as the recent Final Fantasy 7 Remake, allowing fans to take a trip down memory lane while enjoying the benefits of upgraded graphics and gameplay. However, there are still plenty of PlayStation 1 games deserving of some remaster love, perhaps they'll make an appearance on the PlayStation 5.
10 Point Blank
Point Blank was originally a light gun arcade game that was then ported onto the PlayStation in 1998, with the port adding various new game modes and options. It was compatible with the GunCon controller for an even more realistic arcade-feel even when at home. The game was very successful and had more than one sequel as well as a Nintendo DS port.
This retro arcade port has the potential to be a great remaster if done right, especially if it was considered as a PlayStation VR title that utilized the aim controller peripheral.
9 Gex Enter The Gecko
A platformer that always seems to get outshined by the likes of Spyro the Dragon or Crash Bandicoot is Gex. Though this little gecko's first title launched on the PlayStation in 1995, it is actually the sequel, Gex: Enter the Gecko, which is widely considered to be the best of the franchise. These games were full of pop culture references (especially TV references) and as such appealed to all ages as there were some more subtle adult jokes.
Platformers are certainly seeing a resurgence in popularity, with Spyro and Crash already making a remastered return to the current generation. Hopefully, Gex will be the next character to make the jump.
8 Discworld
Point-and-click games were massive in the 90s and have been steadily making a comeback with titles such as Thimbleweed Park, as well as the more interactive narratives of Telltale Games' projects. A classic point-and-click game that released for the PlayStation was Discworld in 1995, which was followed by a sequel with Discworld 2: Mortality Bytes! in 1997.
These two games are considered to be some of the hardest point-and-click games out there. Both titles are based on the fantasy novels of Terry Pratchett and utilize his protagonist, the wizard Rincewind.
7 The Legend of Dragoon
Though it came later in the PlayStation's lifetime (releasing in the same year as the console's successor, the PlayStation 2), The Legend of Dragoon has still landed itself a place as one of the best PlayStation games out there. The game sold over a million copies worldwide and received positive reviews.
Like other RPG games of the time, The Legend of Dragoon utilized a turn-based combat system but also added in something similar to quick-time events, called "additions," allowing players to do more damage. A sequel was once planned for the game but was ultimately canceled.
6 Pandemonium!
The 90s seemed to be full of platformer games and while some were a bit hit and miss, gamers received some of the best platformers ever during this era. A great platformer that is often forgotten is Pandemonium!, which released for the PlayStation in 1996 with a sequel being released shortly afterward in 1997.
The game features two characters, Fargus the joker and Nikki the sorceress, who have accidentally destroyed the local town with a wayward spell. The game follows them as they seek to reach the Wishing Engine to restore the town once again. In each level the player can choose which character to play as, with each one having their own special move; a double jump for Nikki and a spinning attack for Fargus.
5 Heart of Darkness
Though it suffered from delays in development, when Heart of Darkness released for the PlayStation in 1998 it still managed to captivate players with its cinematic platformer gameplay. The game followed Andy as he goes in search of his dog Whisky, who has been kidnapped by shadow-like monsters.
As well as navigating throughout the levels, players had to solve puzzles while keeping Andy alive. Additionally, Andy had special moves such as the plasma cannon, which could not only be used to destroy the shadow monsters but could also be used to grow and destroy trees. Heart of Darkness utilized cinematic sequences, pre-rendered backgrounds, 2D animated frames, and even featured an original score by Bruce Broughton.
4 Monster Rancher 2
Monster Rancher 2 released in 1999 for the PlayStation and although it wasn't the franchise's first game to hit the console, it is widely considered to be the better of the two main titles for the PlayStation 1. This game series revolves around the player raising, training, and battling their monsters and it became so popular that it went on to give rise to an anime series.
The Monster Rancher games were creative with their particularly unique gameplay feature that allowed players to obtain new monsters by changing the game disc with a CD of their choice. The game would read the data on the disc and generate a monster from it, with set CDs being the only way to obtain certain rare monsters, such as the monster Swimmer from Nirvana's Nevermind album.
3 Syphon Filter
Syphon Filter is a third-person shooter game that released in 1999 and follows Gabriel "Gabe" Logan and Lian Xing, two special agents who have been asked by the government to stop a terrorist attack. The idea was to create a "super spy" game and as such, Syphon Filter utilizes stealth-action as well as puzzles for the player to solve.
The game was so popular that it went on to have five sequels, though none of them received the same positivity as the first title. Despite its large number of sequels, the series never progressed past the PlayStation 2 generation.
2 Parasite Eve
Parasite Eve was an action-survival horror game that released for the PlayStation in 1998. The plot follows Aya Brea, a New York City policewoman, as she attempts to stop a woman named Eve, who is trying to do away with the entirety of the human race utilizing spontaneous combustion.
It was SquareSoft's first game to be rated as having mature content and was well-received, with it being praised for its more adult content, interesting storyline, and cinematic sequences. Two sequels followed, with Parasite Eve II launching for PlayStation in 2000 and The 3rd Birthday for PlayStation Portable in 2011.
1 Vagrant Story
Another game to release for the PlayStation in 2000 was Vagrant Story, which was met with critical acclaim and became a firm fan-favorite due to its rich storyline and unique gameplay. Unlike other RPGs of the time, the game features no shops and there is no interaction between characters. Instead, the gameplay emphasizes the weapon creation and modification functions, as well as weaving in puzzle-solving and strategy elements.
Vagrant Story has cemented itself as one of the best RPGs to date, with other RPGs such as Final Fantasy 12 and Final Fantasy 14 paying homage to it with various in-game references.