Over three decades since its release, the original PlayStation continues to cast a big shadow over the video game industry. The console introduced many major franchises that fans still enjoy today while also completely revamping established properties for a new generation. Gamers certainly noticed and responded in kind, with the PlayStation achieving what no other console could at the time by selling over 100 million units worldwide. To put it simply, the original PlayStation played a huge role in defining the 32-bit era of gaming as the medium took a big leap forward.
With this list, we’re looking at the PS1 games that we keep coming back to decades after the console’s lifespan came to an end. From epic RPGs to hard-hitting fighting games, the PS1 boasted some absolute gems that continue to impress, even with our rose-tinted nostalgia specs off. In some cases, several of these games have received full-on remakes, but the original experiences still retain their own distinct charm. Here are five classic PS1 games that still hold up today, ready to entertain modern and veteran gamers alike.
Final Fantasy 7 (1997)
There’s a reason why fans (and Square Enix) keep coming back to “Final Fantasy 7,” and it’s because the 1997 game set the bar for the RPG franchise. For the uninitiated, the game follows a soldier-turned-mercenary named Cloud Strife who is hired by ecoterrorists to attack the fiendish Shinra Electric Power Company that’s driving the world into ruin. This puts Cloud on a collision course with his former friend and comrade Sephiroth, who has his own plans after learning of his true heritage. The gameplay itself revolves around a classic turn-based combat system, with up to three party members able to join a battle at a time.
With such an epic and widely beloved tale, “Final Fantasy 7” has produced its own timeline that’s been continued by spin-offs and remakes. That sort of breadth and longevity only comes from a game that’s still as immersive and enjoyable to play now as it was back in 1997. Though the games in the remake trilogy that started in 2020 are among the best “Final Fantasy” games of all time, there is still an undeniable charm to the first polygonal title in the franchise. “Final Fantasy 7” is one of the most iconic RPGs ever made, no matter the console, and it maintains that distinction decades later.
Resident Evil 2 (1998)
While the original “Resident Evil” made a splash when it debuted in 1996, the people at Capcom completely outdid themselves with its 1998 sequel. Whereas the first game kept its survival horror thrills confined to a mansion with a secret underground laboratory, “Resident Evil 2” takes place in the Midwestern setting of Raccoon City. With the place teeming with zombies, rookie police officer Leon Kennedy and college student Claire Redfield try to find a way to escape in one piece. Players are encouraged to play through the game with both characters separately to get the story’s full scope and its true ending.
“Resident Evil 2” is one of the best retro horror games of all time, expanding the scope significantly from the first game and upping the stakes. Leon and Claire’s playthroughs feel more complementary than Jill Valentine and Chris Redfield’s had in the preceding game, encouraging replayability. Capcom also loaded the game with plenty of extra features to incentivize repeated playthroughs, including unlockable challenge modes. A major step in the stunning transformation of “Resident Evil,” the 1998 sequel is where the franchise truly found its voice.
Tekken 3
“Tekken 3” stands as one of the best arcade fighting games of all time and Namco’s PlayStation port added even more fun to the mix. Set 19 years after the events of the previous game, the 1997 title features a largely new roster of characters, with only seven fighters returning. This new generation of warriors enters a martial arts tournament as new protagonist Jin Kazama comes to terms with his complicated heritage. The PlayStation port adds even more fighters and modes, including a beat’em-up campaign called Tekken Force.
“Tekken 3” perfected the 3D fighting system that had been experimented with in prior titles. The ability to sidestep and outmaneuver opponents with this additional plane of movement was revolutionary at the time and set the template for all future “Tekken” games. This means that the 1997 game holds up significantly better than either of its predecessors, and it has a more familiar cast of characters for modern fans. “Tekken 3” offers fast-paced, intuitive combat gameplay that’s still addictive to this day.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2
Released in 2000, “Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2” became a defining game ’00s game, thanks not only to its addictive gameplay but also its killer soundtrack, which includes songs from the likes of “Rage Against the Machine” and “Bad Religion.” It came out just 12 months after the original game but the improvements were massive, with the sequel pushing the PlayStation’s hardware capabilities as far as they could go. The skateboarding handling feels more responsive, the character models look better, and there’s just an all-around smoother texture to the game.
All of this means that “Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2” holds up magnificently today. Though the single-player experience is still fun, the best way to play this particular game now is with a friend in one of the title’s multiplayer modes (Tag was added to returning multiplayer games Graffiti, Trick Attack, and Horse). Even with the 2020 remake available, there is a certain irreplaceable charm to the original version of the game. The best PS1 game according to Metacritic, “Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2” is still an all-around joy to play over 25 years later.
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
Most of Konami’s “Castlevania” games followed linear level progression prior to “Castlevania: Symphony of the Night,” which changed the direction of the franchise. Released in 1997 for the PlayStation and Sega Saturn, “Symphony of the Night” made players revisit areas they had already explored once they had unlocked new abilities in order to progress in the game. It was likened to the system used in most of the “Metroid” games, which led to the term Metroidvania being coined for this style of game.
“Symphony of the Night” sees Dracula’s dhampir son, Alucard, awaken in the late 18th century when his father’s castle reappears and vampire hunter Richter Belmont goes missing. Venturing inside the castle, Alucard finds a sinister conspiracy at work to resurrect his father and corrupt the Belmonts to prevent them from interfering. The inclusion of action RPG elements and nonlinear progression add to the game’s impressive scope.
“Symphony of the Night” didn’t sell well to begin with but it became a word-of-mouth hit and is now considered to be a ’90s video game that still holds up today. It features a primarily sprite-oriented art style rather than 3D, making it a more timeless experience that continues to endure. It’s been remastered over the years, most notably as part of 2018’s “Castlevania Requiem,” which wisely retains the overall presentation and gameplay of the original title.
