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.
"Medal of Honor Underground features French Resistance missions in occupied France. More varied and ambitious than the first, with more inventive levels. The infiltration mechanics are refined and the WWII atmosphere remains compelling. An excellent PS1 FPS."
"Medal of Honor revolutionized war FPS games with its cinematic staging and immersion in Normandy during World War II. Steven Spielberg as executive producer. Authentic atmosphere and polished narrative. A foundational title of the historical FPS genre on PS1."
"The original Tekken is a revolutionary 3D fighting game that launched Namco's franchise on PS1. Technical versus fighting gameplay with 3D sidesteps and deep combos. Ten iconic characters with distinct styles. The founder of one of the most important versus fighting franchises in history."
"Crash Bandicoot 2 refines the original formula with better levels, varied power-ups and balanced difficulty. Technically superior to the first, it retains the series' charm. An excellent 3D platformer and one of the most accomplished games on PS1."
"Wip3out is the third Psygnosis anti-gravity franchise entry, with a refined and futuristic aesthetic. New teams, circuits and weapons in more precise gameplay. Exemplary electronic soundtrack. A Wipeout series pinnacle on PS1 before the Special Edition."
"R4 Ridge Racer Type 4 is an absolute PS1 racing masterpiece. Technical and satisfying drift gameplay, magnificent nocturnal aesthetics, legendary electronic soundtrack and unique RPG progression. The perfect combination of style, technique and soul. One of the greatest racing games ever made."
"Resident Evil 2 is an absolute survival horror masterpiece surpassing its predecessor. Leon and Claire in a zombie-overrun Raccoon City, two interlinked campaigns, Mr X pursuing the player. Permanent tension, brilliant level design and effective narrative. A genre pinnacle on PS1."
"Klonoa Door to Phantomile is an absolute 2.5D platformer masterpiece. Surprisingly emotional storytelling, ingenious enemy rotation gameplay and sublime art direction. The ending is one of the most memorable in video game history. An overlooked PS1 treasure that transcends its era."
"Mega Man X4 is one of the finest X saga entries with two distinct campaigns playing as X and Zero differently. Action-platformer gameplay at its peak, excellent level design and memorable soundtrack. A Mega Man X series masterpiece, native to PS1 and Saturn."
"King of Fighters '98 Dream Match Never Ends is considered the finest classic series entry. Fantastic roster with the best characters from previous editions, perfectly balanced gameplay. An absolute 2D versus fighting masterpiece, often cited as one of the greatest fighting games ever made."
"Japanese release of Crash Bandicoot 2, one of the finest 3D platformers on PS1. More varied levels than the first, well-designed power-ups and refined gameplay. Naughty Dog's technical mastery reaches a new level. An essential console title in its Japanese version."
"Resident Evil 2 Dual Shock Version is the enriched version with Dual Shock support and a slightly modified soundtrack. The survival horror masterpiece with Leon and Claire in Raccoon City, Dual Shock providing vibration feedback for enhanced immersion. The definitive RE2 version on PS1."
"R4 Ridge Racer Type 4 is an absolute PS1 racing masterpiece. Technical and satisfying drift gameplay, magnificent nocturnal aesthetics, legendary electronic soundtrack and unique RPG progression. The perfect combination of style, technique and soul. One of the greatest racing games ever made."
"The Misadventures of Tron Bonne is a Mega Man Legends spin-off starring the adorable pirate Tron Bonne. Strategy and action gameplay managing Servbots as a small army. Full of humor and charm, short but intense. One of PS1's most original and endearing spin-offs."
"Dual Shock version of Biohazard 2, adding vibration support and optional analog controls. Same masterpiece experience with improved hardware compatibility. The definitive version of one of the greatest games ever made on PS1."
"Crash Team Racing is the finest kart racer on PS1 and one of the greatest ever made. Excellent tracks, deep drift system, generous adventure mode and devastating multiplayer. Naughty Dog created a masterpiece that still holds up with flair today."
"Resident Evil 3 Nemesis is the PS1 trilogy's culmination with Jill Valentine constantly pursued by the Nemesis, a terrifying and indestructible being. Nemesis' constant pressure and timed choices create unique tension. Raccoon City before its destruction. A survival horror masterpiece."
"Lunar Silver Star Story is a Game Arts JRPG beautifully remastered for PS1 by Working Designs. Touching narrative with Alex and Luna, memorable soundtrack and polished FMV cinematics. One of the most complete and beloved JRPGs on PS1, enriched with additional content."
"Tenchu is the first 3D stealth ninja game in history. Free mission exploration with the option to silently eliminate enemies. Dark and immersive feudal Japan atmosphere. A niche masterpiece founding an entire sub-genre, technically impressive on PS1."
"Wipeout 3 is the third Psygnosis anti-gravity racing franchise entry with refined aesthetics and more creative circuits. Exemplary electronic soundtrack by FSOL and Orbital. An excellent entry preparing the ground for the legendary Special Edition. Essential for series fans."
