The original PlayStation wasn’t just a gaming console—it was a revolution. Sony’s first gaming system completely changed the industry, bringing us some of the most iconic and genre-defining games ever made. Whether you were sneaking through Shadow Moses, grinding rails in Tony Hawk, or getting lost in the fog of Silent Hill, the PS1 era delivered unforgettable experiences. And if you’re looking to relive these classics, check out Punktid for great deals on digital games and more. Let’s take a look at the 15 best PS1 games of all time, ranked not just for their impact but also for how well they hold up today
1. Gran Turismo 2
Before Gran Turismo 2, racing games were mostly arcade experiences. But this game changed that. Released in 1999, it was a massive step forward for racing simulators, offering over 600 cars and realistic handling that made players feel like they were behind the wheel of an actual race car.
The game featured two modes: Arcade and Simulation. While Arcade Mode provided instant thrills, Simulation Mode was where Gran Turismo 2 truly shined. Players had to earn licenses, buy cars, fine-tune their performance, and compete in progressively harder races.
The car variety was unmatched at the time. From everyday sedans to high-performance supercars, the game made every vehicle feel unique. The attention to detail in how cars handled, from braking to acceleration, was groundbreaking for its time.
With its realistic driving mechanics, stunning graphics for the era, and an absurd amount of content, Gran Turismo 2 became the gold standard for racing games.
2. Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
Back in 1997, Castlevania: Symphony of the Night broke every rule of its predecessors and invented what we now call the Metroidvania genre. Gone were the linear levels—instead, players explored a massive, interconnected castle filled with secrets, monsters, and power-ups.
You played as Alucard, Dracula’s rebellious son, slicing through enemies with stylish swordplay and learning powerful spells along the way. The RPG elements, including leveling up, equipping different weapons, and discovering hidden abilities, gave the game incredible depth.
And the music? Absolutely legendary. Tracks like Dracula’s Castle and Lost Painting are still considered some of the best in gaming history.
One of the most mind-blowing moments in gaming came when you realized there was an entire second castle to explore—upside-down. It doubled the game’s length and cemented Symphony of the Night as a masterpiece.
3. Final Fantasy VII
No other RPG had quite the cultural impact that Final Fantasy VII did. Released in 1997, it brought the JRPG genre into the mainstream, thanks to stunning cinematics, an unforgettable story, and one of the most iconic protagonists in gaming—Cloud Strife.
The story follows Cloud and his allies in a battle against the megacorporation Shinra and the enigmatic villain Sephiroth. Along the way, players explored a massive, vibrant world filled with memorable locations like Midgar, the Gold Saucer, and Cosmo Canyon.
And let’s not forget that moment—when Aerith met her tragic fate. It shocked gamers worldwide and proved that video game storytelling could be just as emotional as film or literature.
With its deep Materia system, turn-based combat, and engaging side quests, Final Fantasy VII remains a benchmark for RPGs. It’s no wonder it was remade decades later—people still can’t get enough.
4. Resident Evil
Survival horror was still finding its footing when Resident Evil 2 launched in 1998, but this game perfected the formula. Expanding on the first Resident Evil, it introduced two protagonists—Leon S. Kennedy and Claire Redfield—each with their own campaign.
The game takes place in Raccoon City, now completely overrun with zombies, monstrous mutations, and the terrifying Tyrant (Mr. X). Limited ammo, creepy sound design, and claustrophobic environments made every encounter a life-or-death struggle.
It wasn’t just the scares that made Resident Evil 2 great. Its puzzles, branching storylines, and unforgettable moments (like the Licker smashing through the window) cemented it as one of the greatest horror games ever.
5. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2
No sports game defined the PS1 era quite like Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2. It took everything great about the first game and perfected the formula, adding new tricks, smoother controls, and an incredible roster of pro skaters.
The level design was flawless, featuring iconic skate spots like the Hangar, Venice Beach, and School II. The game introduced manuals, allowing players to chain together insane, high-scoring combos. And who could forget the legendary soundtrack? Tracks like Guerrilla Radio and Superman became anthems for a generation.
Even today, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2 is still one of the most addictive and satisfying sports games ever made.
6. Tekken 3
Few fighting games have aged as well as Tekken 3. Released in 1998, it perfected the 3D combat formula, introducing smoother animations, a deep roster, and an addictive mix of accessibility and depth. With 23 unique characters, including newcomers like Jin Kazama, Hwoarang, and Ling Xiaoyu, the game had a fighter for every playstyle.
One of the most impressive aspects of Tekken 3 was its fluid and responsive combat system. Moves felt satisfying and weighty, and combos flowed together in a way that few fighting games had managed before. The sidestep mechanic added a new layer of strategy, making movement just as important as attacking.
Beyond its stellar combat, Tekken 3 offered plenty of extra modes. The Tekken Force mode, a beat ‘em up-style minigame, was a fantastic change of pace. There was even the quirky Tekken Ball mode, which turned fighting into a bizarre but entertaining volleyball match.
Its stunning visuals, incredible music, and legendary status in the fighting game community make Tekken 3 a must-play for any fan of the genre.
7. Crash Bandicoot: Warped
Crash Bandicoot: Warped took everything great about the first two games and cranked it up to eleven. Released in 1998, it introduced time travel-themed levels, adding more variety and creativity than ever before.
Players traveled through ancient Egypt, medieval castles, futuristic cities, and even prehistoric landscapes, each filled with clever platforming challenges and secrets. The addition of new abilities, like the double jump, death tornado spin, and super belly flop, gave players more ways to tackle each level.
One of the biggest improvements was the vehicle-based gameplay. From motorcycles and jet skis to riding a baby T-Rex, these segments added even more variety. And let’s not forget the time trial mode, which introduced a whole new challenge for speedrunners.
With its tight controls, fun level design, and charming humor, Crash Bandicoot: Warped remains one of the best platformers of all time.
8. Metal Gear Solid
When Metal Gear Solid released in 1998, it wasn’t just a game—it was a cinematic masterpiece. Hideo Kojima crafted an experience that blurred the line between movies and video games, complete with complex storytelling, voice acting, and deep stealth mechanics. The voice of David Hayter as Solid Snake? Legendary.
The game introduced players to Shadow Moses Island, a cold, snow-covered military base filled with terrorists, nuclear threats, and some of the best boss fights in gaming history. Who could forget the mind-blowing battle against Psycho Mantis, where he seemingly read your memory card? Or the tragic duel with Sniper Wolf in the frozen tundra?
Beyond its incredible story, Metal Gear Solid set the standard for stealth gameplay. Instead of running and gunning, players had to sneak past guards, use cover, and think strategically. It was tense, innovative, and truly ahead of its time. Even today, its influence can be seen in modern stealth games.
9. Silent Hill
If Resident Evil made players afraid of zombies, Silent Hill made them afraid of the unknown. Released in 1999, this game introduced a more psychological approach to horror, focusing on atmosphere, sound design, and disturbing imagery.
Players controlled Harry Mason, a father searching for his missing daughter in the fog-covered town of Silent Hill. Instead of jump scares, Silent Hill used unnerving environments, eerie music, and a deep, unsettling story to create tension.
The fog wasn’t just for ambiance—it cleverly hid technical limitations, making the town feel oppressive and suffocating. The radio static mechanic, which warned players of nearby monsters, added an extra layer of fear.
With its cryptic storytelling, unsettling creature design, and masterful use of psychological horror, Silent Hill remains one of the scariest games ever made.
10. PaRappa The Rapper
Before Guitar Hero or Dance Dance Revolution, there was PaRappa The Rapper. Released in 1997, it was one of the first rhythm games ever made, and it was as quirky as it was influential.
Players followed PaRappa, a rapping dog, as he tried to impress his crush by learning from various mentors, including a karate instructor onion and a cooking moose. The game’s catchy call-and-response mechanics made each level feel like an interactive rap battle.
The art style was unique, with paper-thin 2D characters moving in a 3D world, giving it a storybook-like charm. Songs like Kick! Punch! It’s all in the mind! became instant classics.
It was short, but PaRappa The Rapper paved the way for an entire genre.
11. WipEout 2097
Few racing games had the style, speed, and adrenaline of WipEout 2097. Released in 1996, it defined the anti-gravity racing genre, blending high-speed action with electronic music and futuristic visuals. The sleek, neon-lit tracks gave players a sense of pure velocity, while the tight controls and challenging AI made every race an intense battle.
One of WipEout 2097’s most groundbreaking features was its licensed electronic soundtrack, featuring artists like The Prodigy, Underworld, and The Chemical Brothers. This wasn’t just a great racing game—it felt like a slice of ’90s club culture in video game form.
The game introduced weapon-based combat, letting players fire rockets, drop mines, and activate shields to gain an advantage. Mastering the air brakes and track layouts was key to winning, making it both a skill-based racer and a high-stakes combat experience.
With its incredible visuals, fast-paced gameplay, and unforgettable music, WipEout 2097 remains one of the best futuristic racers ever made.
12. Oddworld: Abe’s Oddysee
Oddworld: Abe’s Oddysee was not your typical platformer. Released in 1997, it introduced players to Abe, a Mudokon slave trying to escape RuptureFarms, a brutal meat-processing factory. Instead of relying on action and combat, the game was all about solving puzzles, avoiding danger, and leading other Mudokons to safety.
The dark yet humorous tone set it apart from other games. Abe was vulnerable, meaning every step had to be carefully planned. One wrong move, and he’d be eaten by Slogs, shot by Sligs, or crushed by deadly traps.
One of the game’s most innovative features was GameSpeak, allowing players to communicate with NPCs using different phrases. This added a unique puzzle-solving element, as Abe had to give precise commands to help his fellow Mudokons escape.
With its challenging gameplay, quirky world-building, and deep storytelling, Oddworld: Abe’s Oddysee remains a cult classic.
13. Tomb Raider
When Tomb Raider hit the PS1 in 1996, it introduced the world to Lara Croft, one of gaming’s most recognizable protagonists. The game combined exploration, puzzle-solving, and action-packed combat, setting the stage for one of the most successful franchises in gaming history.
The level design was groundbreaking, featuring massive environments, deadly traps, and hidden secrets. Exploring ancient tombs, solving puzzles, and battling dangerous creatures gave players a sense of adventure that few games could match.
Combat played a major role, too. Lara’s signature dual pistols made her a force to be reckoned with, whether facing off against wild animals, mercenaries, or even dinosaurs. The controls were clunky by today’s standards, but back then, they felt revolutionary.
With its challenging gameplay, iconic protagonist, and sense of adventure, Tomb Raider remains one of the most influential action-adventure games ever made.
14. Spyro the Dragon
Spyro the Dragon brought colorful worlds, fun gameplay, and a lovable protagonist to the PlayStation. Released in 1998, it was a standout 3D platformer in an era dominated by Super Mario 64 and Banjo-Kazooie.
Spyro’s fluid movement and tight controls made exploring the vibrant worlds a joy. Each level was filled with hidden gems, enemies, and fun platforming challenges. Unlike some other platformers of the time, Spyro had open environments that encouraged exploration rather than strict linear progression.
The charge attack and fire breath mechanics gave Spyro a unique feel compared to other platforming mascots. The game also featured a fantastic soundtrack, composed by Stewart Copeland of The Police, which perfectly matched the whimsical tone.
With its memorable characters, colorful worlds, and smooth platforming, Spyro the Dragon remains one of the best platformers on the PS1.
15. Vagrant Story
Vagrant Story is a hidden gem among PS1 RPGs. Released in 2000, it featured deep mechanics, stunning visuals, and a complex, mature story that set it apart from traditional JRPGs.
Unlike most RPGs of the era, Vagrant Story focused on a single character—Ashley Riot, a riskbreaker investigating a conspiracy in the city of Lea Monde. The combat system was unique, blending real-time action with strategic targeting of enemy body parts.
The weapon crafting system was incredibly deep, allowing players to create customized blades, axes, and spears, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. The game rewarded careful planning and tactical combat, making every battle feel intense.
With its stunning art direction, intricate gameplay, and gripping narrative, Vagrant Story is an RPG that deserves far more recognition than it gets.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 1 was more than just a gaming console—it was a cultural phenomenon that shaped the industry in ways we still see today. The games on this list aren’t just some of the best on the PS1; they’re some of the best games ever made, period. Whether you prefer action-packed adventures, deep RPGs, fast-paced racers, or mind-bending horror, the PS1 had something for everyone.
