10 PS1 Games You Need to Get Your Retro Collection Started

What the report says

The PlayStation, also called the PS1 or PSX, absolutely destroyed the N64 in terms of video game output. Over 4,000 titles came out for this fifth-generation system. Many of them, particularly the RPGS, were absolute gems. Others were not so great. With such a large number of games, it’s easy to get lost when you’re trying to start your collection. If you want to grab more than the bargain bin sports games, then take a look at our list of 10 PS1 games that will fit in well with your thriving collection. 1. Gran TurismoGran Turismo made a huge impact on the racing genre when it came out.

Sure, you could go right into Arcade Mode and race against your friends on well-designed levels that didn’t just let you hit the gas to win. The more involved type of gameplay was the Career Mode, where you started out earning licenses and slowly won races to earn money for better cars and parts. This game’s vehicle customization and physics made it a breath of fresh air for those who only grew up withMario Kart-style racers. Some sources have this listed as the best-selling game on the entire console, making it inexpensive and accessible for purchasing.

2. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2This game wasn’t in the top ten best-sellers on the PS1, but it was still a beloved game. The improved skating controls, better level designs, and soundtrack are just a few of the high points of this game. I would go so far as to say that this is one of the PS1 games that holds up the best, meaning you could still play it today. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2 felt like it was ahead of its time, especially when you consider the limitations of the system. More importantly, it diversified the sport genre at a time when skateboarding, BMX, and other so-called extreme sports were just starting to get mainstream attention.

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You can pick this game up without spending a whole lot, too. 3. Metal Gear SolidYou just had to be there for Metal Gear Solid.At the time it came out, very few games had implemented a stealth system that was so engaging and fun. That alone would have been a good draw for the title, but its combat, voice acting, deep story, and incredible boss fights created a game that was simply incredible. As of the writing of this article, the game runs about $30 on the low end and over $100 on the high end, but it’s worth it.

You’ll have a game that is undeniably cool and also an important piece of gaming history, as it kicked off the stealth genre and served as a stepping stone to other amazing titles in the series. 4. Resident Evil 2Resident Evil 2 takes you back to Racoon City, which had been overrun by zombies after the first game. It’s survival horror at its best, and you need to focus on managing your resources and solving puzzles to advance the story rather than trying to take the fight to the zombie hordes. In this installment, you can either play as Leon or Claire, who may just be the unluckiest people to ever step foot in the city.

Rather than wandering through a mansion like the first game, you explore the overrun police department building, the city sewers, and biolabs. To really get the complete story, you need to play through as both characters, making this game worth its moderate price tag. 5. Final Fantasy VIIHonestly, we could just fill half the list with games from the Final Fantasy series. The PSX was probably the best system for JRPGs ever, and Final Fantasy VII was one of the most beloved titles released on it. This game launched the series into the 3D realm with horribly blocky character graphics.

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Fortunately, the pre-rendered backgrounds and music made up for that shortcoming by creating an incredible atmosphere that supported one hell of a story. If you played the game, then you can probably hear the Mako Reactor music in your head right now, decades after its release. Final Fantasy VII was the second-highest-selling game on the PS1, a fact that is made even more incredible by not being an action or sports game. Also, it ensures the game is reasonably priced for your collection, even if you get the Greatest Hits edition. But you wouldn’t do that, right?6.

Tomb RaiderTomb Raider sold an incredible 7.1 million copies after its release in 1996. And while you can make the same tired joke about the main character’s physique contributing to those numbers, the simple fact is that it sold because it was a very fun game to play.