The Playstation console was released in 1994 due to a botched business deal between Sony/Nintendo, and no one expected it to have the impact that it did. It took the world by storm as well as solidified Sonys entry into the gaming market.
Sonys approach with the PS1 heavily favored 3rd party developers, often providing specialist tools and even direct development support. This approach payed off, as the library for the PS1 is one of the largest and diverse for any console and features many unique games.
Indeed, many of the more popular video game series of today got their start on the Playstation (im looking at you, Resident Evil) and the console also has its fair share of sequels - especially from larger developers like Squaresoft, Konami, and Capcom.
Before SOTN, the Castlevanoa series was mostly an action platformer. All of that changed however, with Konamis first PS1 entry. In SOTN you play as Alucard, a vampire who joins the side of good to fight against dracula. Although there are still a lot of platforming elements, there are also many items to collect and a leveling system has also been implemented.
This game coined the term "Metroidvania" in the it borrows heavily from the Metroid formula that rewards exploration with items & abilities which allow grant you special abilities, spells, or weapons to aide you along the way. The shift in gameplay actually turned out to be a good one, as it adds to the depth and helped to complement SOTN's non linear focus.
This is a prime example of a solid 2D game (especially in regards to the in game graphics) in an era where most of larger companies were making the shift to 3D graphics/gameplay.
10. Metal Gear Solid
Hideo Kojimas Metal Gear Solid is one of the top Playstation games of all time and an amazing stealth game that also happens to have a gripping story as well.
Just like the lesser known MSX2 prequels, gameplay consists of navigating the games environments while remaining undetected. Snake has access to a variety of fun techniques, weaponry, & gadgets (such as the now famous cardboard box for instance) that enable him to accomplish his missions.
Although the graphics have not aged well, MGS was ahead of its time and played out like a big budget action movie. The game is heavy with cut scenes, and the voice acting is surprisingly good - especially when compared to other games of the era. its only major drawback is the games short length In this it has often been cited as more a work of art rather than a video game.
9. Megaman X4
The long running Megaman X series makes its debut on the PS1 and it offers an aesthetic improvement over the previous SNES titles. This being a Megaman, the game play doesn't disappoint. Just like other entries in the series, this is an action platformer that presents you with 8 stages which can be beaten in any order. At the end of every stage is a boss that with give you a power-up upon their defeat.
What sets it apart is that it allows you to play as Zero, who is more melee based and is a lot of fun to play as. Zero gains new special moves and sword attacks as he advances through the game, which make for a lot of variety in the gameplay.
Spyro is an excellent platform game following the adventures of a young dragon named Spyro. The 3-D graphics and movement systems make the game really fun to play. Overall, Spyro is a charming game with fun characters and interesting missions in a variety of "dragon themed" worlds. Collecting gems, opening chests and unlocking secrets keep the player engaged at all times. This game is fun for adults but easy enough that kids will also love playing this game.
7. Twisted Metal
The first Twisted Metal game is a fast-paced futuristic demolition derby style game complete with weapons. The metal soundtrack and explosions punctuate the violence of this game which is much more fun than a standard racing game. A few different level styles and weapons, as well as vehicle upgrades, make this game super fun to play. Crazy characters are fun to root for or against. Blowing up the competition before they destroy you is the only way to come out on top!
6. Tomb Raider 2
An arsenal of weapons, hidden secrets and cool settings make this game one of the top PS1 games. Follow the sexy and capable Lara Croft as she travels the world looking for clues and avoiding death to find the Dagger of Xian. Beautiful scenery and smooth in-game mechanics make this game easy to get into. There is a lot to do in this game with beautiful renderings of locations in China, Tibet, and Venice as well as intriguing indoor levels to explore. Hidden secrets and comical Easter eggs have all been documented on the internet by now making the tough gameplay much easier to navigate, at least when compared to when it originally came out. There is also an expansion of 5 more levels that were added later called Tomb Raider II: Golden Mask.
5. Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee
Help Abe, a lowly floor-waxer, rescue his fellow Mudokons from being turned into meat snacks by their overlords, the Mollucks, in a plot to revive their failing meat-packing business. In this alien world, Abe starts out with no weapons and must navigate through levels using stealth and solving puzzles to get to safety. A compelling story and great graphics make this game hard to put down. Originally released in 1997, this game has been re-released for download on various gaming sites.
4. Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver
Follow the ghostly winged vampire Kain through a variety of levels while switching back and forth between the spectral planes to solve puzzles and find objects. Fight both vampires and vampire hunters and unlock secret powers in this third-person open-world platformer. As the game progresses and the player becomes more and more immersed in the world of Nosgoth, the plot unfolds to reveal the political intrigue behind Kain’s exile. This game knocks it out of the park with great graphics, great story and great gameplay mechanics. TNot many games can satisfy the player on all levels like this one, which is why Legacy Of Kain is one of the top Playstation 1 games on many peoples lists.
3. Gran Turismo 2
Gran Turismo 2 is an incredibly in-depth racing game using over 500 real-world vehicles from muscle cars to European supercars. The game is an accurate driving simulation with over 20 different tracks plus off-road racing. Each car has custom mechanics and authentic feel. Win races and upgrade your vehicle to unlock more levels. A two-player competitive mode is available making this a great party game as well.
2. Suikoden 2
Suikoden 2 continues the story from the end of Suikoden 1 and expands on many of the things that made the previous entry great, such as allowing up to 6 fighters at one time while improving the magic and turn-based fighting system. Weapons are improved and mini-games are added, including an incredibly entertaining cooking game. The story is excellent and filled with political intrigue, rune magic, and controlling castles with the 108 Stars of Destiny. Characters and plots are well thought out, and like a good book, hard to put down.
A truly groundbreaking title for the PS1, Final Fantay 7 has often been cited as one of the best Playstation games of all time, and even one of the greatest games of all time. Between the epic story, gorgeous FMV sequences, and classic RPG gameplay, this game easily holds the #1 spot in many gamers hearts.
The gameplay is typical JRPG style, with exploration and story taking place in the field, and battles on a transitory screen. You can equip items & weapons along per the norm, and the game includes a unique magic system called Materia that allows for many different combinations of spells as well as visually impressive summoned monsters.
This was one of the first 3D entries in the Final Fantasy series, and the story and gameplay advance in a linear fashion. However, this does not detract from the overall experience.