The original PlayStation revolutionized the gaming industry when it was released in 1995, offering a new dimension of gaming with its 3D capabilities. It not only hosted some of the best video games ever made but also introduced the innovative feature of playing music CDs, which was a novelty at the time. The success of the PS1 paved the way for its successors, the PS4 and PS5.
With a diverse lineup of games ranging from RPGs to racing to puzzle-solving, the PlayStation had a stellar library over its 11-year production span, rivaling even the best N64 games. Classics like Metal Gear Solid, Spyro the Dragon, Crash Bandicoot, Gran Turismo, and Final Fantasy VII were born on the PS1 and have continued to be popular series with new releases. It set the foundation for the PlayStation brand and remains a pivotal part of gaming history.
Thanks to PlayStation Plus, Sony’s subscription service akin to Xbox’s Game Pass, many classic PS1 games will be available on current-gen consoles, keeping the nostalgia alive.
While the PS1 library may not hold up as well today, its impact on the gaming industry cannot be denied. In this list, we’ll explore 50 of the best PS1 games that have stood the test of time.
Action
Fighting
Platformers
Puzzle
Racing
Rhythm
Role-playing
Shooters
Sports
Strategy
Survival horror