The PlayStation tipped gaming into 3D and CD-ROM with a legendary library: Final Fantasy VII, Metal Gear Solid, Resident Evil, Gran Turismo, Crash Bandicoot. This Top 100 gathers the best of the PS1, re-tested and re-ranked by RomWize, each title with its re-evaluated score, its versions, their rarity and their collector value.
"Spyro Year of the Dragon is the perfect conclusion to Insomniac Games' PS1 trilogy. Exceptional content richness, varied mini-games, new playable characters and phenomenal playtime. Visually superb and gameplay at its finest. The finest Spyro trilogy entry on PS1."
"Gran Turismo 2 improves on the original with over 650 cars, additional circuits and a new rally mode. The automotive simulation is even more precise and content is phenomenal. One of the most complete games ever released on PS1, consolidating the legendary GT franchise."
"Crash Bandicoot 3 Warped is the ultimate Naughty Dog PS1 trilogy entry. The diversity of worlds and movement modes sets it apart from its predecessors. Perfectly calibrated gameplay, excellent bosses and flawless fun factor. A timeless platformer masterpiece."
"PaRappa the Rapper is the foundational rhythm game that created an entire genre. Absurd humor, offbeat cardboard characters and cult hip-hop soundtrack are unforgettable. Players must rap in rhythm to overcome PaRappa's daily life challenges. A joyful creative PS1 masterpiece."
"The original Resident Evil founded the modern survival horror genre. Exploring Spencer Mansion, zombies, scarce ammo and puzzles create inimitable tension. Pioneering cinematic staging and oppressive atmosphere. An absolute masterpiece that defined an entire genre on PS1."
"PaRappa the Rapper is the foundational rhythm game that created an entire genre. Absurd humor, offbeat cardboard characters and cult hip-hop soundtrack are unforgettable. Players must rap in rhythm to overcome PaRappa's daily life challenges. A joyful creative PS1 masterpiece."
"Resident Evil Director's Cut improves on the original with a harder Arrange mode, repositioned camera and additional rewards. The definitive version of the first Resident Evil on PS1, enriching the foundational survival horror experience with additional content for fans."
"Rayman 2 The Great Escape is a Ubisoft PS1 3D platformer with magnificent levels and a touching narrative. Rayman rescues his friends from Robo-Pirate pirates in varied environments. Polished gameplay, memorable soundtrack. One of the finest PS1 generation 3D platformers."
"Resident Evil Director's Cut Dual Shock Version is the most complete edition of the first Resident Evil on PS1, with Dual Shock support and an entirely new soundtrack. All Director's Cut modes plus vibration and haptic feedback. The absolute definitive version of the foundational survival horror."
"Gran Turismo revolutionized racing games by introducing an unprecedented automotive simulation precision on console. Exceptional driving physics, deep career with driving license tests, impressive car catalog. An absolute masterpiece that defined an entire genre on PS1."
"Saru Get You (Ape Escape) is foundational as the first PS1 game to require the DualShock. Hunting mischievous monkeys in varied levels uses both sticks creatively and indispensably. Innovative gameplay, colorful world and charming characters. A foundational classic of PS1 and video game history."
"Final Fantasy VI is a Squaresoft masterpiece with a cast of 14 memorable characters, operatic staging and a legendary soundtrack by Nobuo Uematsu. Kefka remains one of the greatest antagonists in JRPG history. An absolute genre pinnacle on PS1."
"ISS Pro Evolution 2 improves on its predecessor with even more refined gameplay and updated teams. Konami's football simulation reaches a quality level making it a credible FIFA alternative. One of the finest football games on PS1, direct ancestor of PES."
"The original Tomb Raider revolutionized 3D adventure games with the iconic and athletic archaeologist Lara Croft. Exploration of ancient temples, ingenious puzzles and oppressive atmosphere. A foundational 3D action-adventure and PS1 title whose cultural impact remains immense."
"Rayman is a Ubisoft 2D platformer masterpiece with splendid art direction and Rémi Gauvain's memorable soundtrack. Levels feature exceptional visual beauty and gameplay is demanding but fair. One of PS1's finest 2D platformers, often underrated against its 3D contemporaries."
"Street Fighter Alpha 2 improves on its predecessor with new characters, moves and custom combos. Richer and more balanced 2D versus fighting gameplay. One of the finest PS1 ports in the Alpha series, faithful to the arcade. A must for competitive 2D Street Fighter fans on PS1."
"Grandia is an unusually generous Game Arts JRPG with a revolutionary turn-based combat system exploiting character movement and positioning. Likable and optimistic storytelling, memorable characters. An overlooked PS1 JRPG masterpiece that deserves full attention."
"Final Fantasy VI is a Squaresoft masterpiece with a cast of 14 memorable characters, operatic staging and a legendary soundtrack by Nobuo Uematsu. Kefka remains one of the greatest antagonists in JRPG history. An absolute genre pinnacle on PS1."
"Tony Hawk's Pro Skater revolutionized skateboarding games with its chained tricks system and addictive 2-minute session gameplay. Iconic punk/rock soundtrack, iconic levels and exploration freedom. A foundational skateboarding masterpiece on PS1."
"Ape Escape is the first game to require DualShock. Catching monkeys with varied gadgets across colorful and inventive levels is pure joy. Creative, fun and well built, it's a foundational PS1 classic still delightful today."
