Who doesn’t love retro games? They are fun, sometimes underrated, and the reason many of the current technology and game concepts exist. PS1 was Sony’s first step in the console market, and it is home to so many generational pieces. There are titles that started franchises, defined genres, and introduced mechanics that became the blueprint for modern games.

Among them, some stand out more than others and are so timeless that you can play them today and they would be just as enjoyable. We have made this list of the 10 best PS1 games of all time, and while we do feel bad for including only ten, we would love to know what your favourites are and why, so others can check them out!

This list includes one entry per series, discussing how each iteration builds on the others. Games at the time were really good at keeping what made their predecessors so good while introducing unique aspects, something we wish more games did nowadays.

10. Ape Escape

You might know this already, but Ape Escape was the first game to require a DualShock controller. It was a ‘gimmick’ at the time, but it honestly laid the groundwork for modern controllers.

Ape Escape is funky and a game that changed how you played PS1 games with the new controller. Those reasons alone make it deserving of this spot, but the title itself is a lot of fun and something you should definitely try. It holds itself pretty well to this day because the controls back then were ahead of their time.

9. Tenchu 1 & 2

Tenchu was one of the early stealth titles alongside Metal Gear Solid, and it is criminal that the IP has gone dormant for so long. Tenchu 1 had a mature tone with stealth elements that remain among the best on PS1, while Tenchu 2 featured a level editor that drew many gamers in for countless hours.

If you want to build a collection of PS1 classics and you don’t have Tenchu 1 and 2 already, you still have some work to do. Tenchu 1 also has an iconic soundtrack that goes perfectly with its dark, gritty world.

8. Suikoden 1 & 2

We are not about to argue that the original PS1 Suikoden games are better than the HD remasters. Everyone has their preference, and the remasters have done a great job of adapting the classics. However, there is no doubt that Suikoden 1 & 2 on PS1 remain among the best gaming experiences.

The titles follow a theme of power, corruption, and politics, and are loosely based on the classical Chinese novel Water Margin. As such, you can expect a well-crafted story with RPG elements that are aged really well.

7. Tekken Trilogy

The games that started one of the best fighting series ever. The spot for the best is generally reserved for Tekken 2 or 3 for many players, but we can’t leave the one that laid the foundation.

Tekken 2 has one of the best soundtracks in the series, while Tekken 3 polishes the mechanics, introduces fun modes, and features a massive roster of characters that still remain fan-favorites. Tekken 3 also set the standard for all future fighting games with its groundbreaking 3D mechanics and fast-paced combat.

6. Final Fantasy 7

Final Fantasy 7 is a game you should play at least once in your life. Even though its graphics don’t hold up that well, there are many things to love about this game. It is a landmark in the franchise, and the PS1 version is what started it all.

There have been ports over the decades and different versions, with many players having their own preference. And even though we are talking about the seventh instalment, Final Fantasy 9 is honestly just as good. Start with the prior title, and if you enjoy it (which you most definitely will), go for Final Fantasy 9.

5. Crash Bandicoot Trilogy

The Crash Bandicoot trilogy on PS1 is simply a monument in 3D platforming. It still holds pretty well, and while the first title has a few dated elements, the quality is still better than most PS1 games. The visuals are charming, though the level designs may feel a bit janky, but which PS1 game doesn’t?

Players generally prefer the second and third titles over the first, mostly because the mechanics feel more polished as you go. However, Crash Bandicoot 1 has its own strengths, with the soundtrack definitely being the top. Each game is simply better than the other in some way. 

4. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 & 2

There is a reason why Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 & 2 are considered one of the greatest games ever made. They are such an iconic experience that they were remade together for the modern consoles. The punk background music and the controls still remain timeless. 

The games feature multiple modes, including a career mode with a progression system. You complete objectives and evolve your attributes to get better. There is also a free-play mode that allows you to roam around freely and perform tricks in whatever way you want. If you seek a game free of story, then Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater will truly hit all the right spots.

3. Resident Evil Trilogy

The original Resident Evil trilogy marked the beginning of a franchise that has become synonymous with the survival-horror genre. Even though these games have been remade on newer consoles, the originals offer an experience like no other.

The trilogy focuses on the Raccoon City saga and features mechanics like fixed camera angles, tank controls, and puzzles that are some of the best among the PS1 games. We can’t pick one to be better than the others, so if you enjoy playing the first, there is no reason why you shouldn’t try the rest. 

2. Castlevania: Symphony of the Night

One of the classics of Metroidvania, and the title that vastly popularized the genre during its time, Symphony of the Night is a game that has aged incredibly well. It has some of the most memorable dialogues, and the inverted castle reveal simply made the experience that much better.

Castlevania: Symphony of the Night features Alucard as the protagonist, who explores Dracula’s (his father’s) castle to prevent him from regaining his full power. The reason we consider this to be one of the best PS1 games of all time is that it has inspired generations of titles. It is a game that, even if you play several times, you wouldn’t feel bored going back for the next playthrough.

1. Metal Gear Solid

Metal Gear Solid is regarded as the first popular 3D stealth game. It pioneered the ‘hiding-behind-cover’ mechanic and features some of the best cinematic techniques that studios still use to this day.

It’s a game where you start with nothing and slowly make your way up. Metal Gear Solid and its sequel were so groundbreaking that they have defined many of the modern video games. Their influence extends to movies, with filmmaker Jordan Peele naming it one of his inspirations. For these reasons, Metal Gear Solid is unarguably the best PS1 game of all time.

Honorable Mentions

• Spyro
• Tomb Raider
• Twisted Metal
• The Legend of Dragoon
• Gran Turismo
• Silent Hill

There you have it! These are our 10 best PS1 games of all time, and of course, the list is subjective since the platform has a lot of gems.

If you want to go for something more modern, here is our list of the best roguelikes that you might love more than you think.