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.
"Shin Megami Tensei II is the direct sequel to the first entry with an even more ambitious post-apocalyptic scenario. ALEPH in a dystopian Millennium, moral choice between Law and Chaos. Enriched demon combat and negotiation system. A mature PS1 JRPG masterpiece, even darker than its predecessor."
"ISS Pro Evolution is the direct precursor to PES, Konami's football simulation. Realistic ball physics and precise tactical gameplay. A foundational entry in the long FIFA rivalry, already carrying the DNA that would make the Pro Evolution Soccer series successful."
"Mizzurna Falls is a deeply atmospheric Japanese PS1 proto-open world. American mountain village with day-night cycle, characters with autonomous routines and murder mystery plot. Ambitious for its era, precursor to Deadly Premonition. A cult oddity for fans of experimental games."
"Time Crisis Project Titan is the Time Crisis sequel with a new espionage scenario. Namco's revolutionary cover system remains as effective for dodging bullets. Additional content and new mechanics. A solid light gun shooting entry for fans of the first Time Crisis on PS1."
"PoPoLoCrois Monogatari II enriches the adventure with an older Pietro facing more mature challenges. Deeper narrative, new areas to explore and improved combat system. A sequel matching the first entry, preserving the fairy-tale visual charm and narrative warmth that define the series."
"Hot Shots Golf 2 (Everybody's Golf 2 in Japan) is the finest series entry on PS1. Accessible and addictive arcade golf gameplay, endearing kawaii characters and satisfying progression. A perfect golf title for newcomers and genre connoisseurs alike on PS1."
"Pro Evolution Soccer 2 refines the formula with even more precise gameplay and updated teams. Konami's football simulation reaches an undeniable quality level. One of the finest football games of the PS1 generation, direct ancestor of the legendary PES series."
"Tomb Raider 2 considerably improves on its predecessor with more varied environments, new armed human enemies and increased detail. Lara Croft explores China, Venice and an underwater base. A franchise peak that surpasses the first entry in scope and quality."
"Driver 2 expands the formula with new cities, the ability to exit the vehicle and a more developed scenario. More ambitious than its predecessor despite some technical slowdowns. An excellent cinematic driving game that consolidates the franchise universe on PS1."
"Suikoden II is considered one of the greatest JRPGs ever created. Emotionally mature storytelling with a tragic friendship at the heart of the narrative, 108 recruitable characters, and Miki Higashino's splendid soundtrack. An absolute and timeless masterpiece, rare and highly sought after."
"Soul Edge (Soul Blade in the West) is the first entry in Namco's legendary weapon-based versus fighting series. Characters from around the world with distinct historical weapons, stance-based and weapon management gameplay. Founding an entire sub-genre, epic and technical. A foundational PS1 masterpiece."
"Monster Farm 2 considerably enriches its predecessor with more monster types, deeper tournament system and more content. CD generation remains brilliant. Considered the finest series entry by many, it's a niche title that well deserves its reputation."
"Street Fighter Collection gathers Super Street Fighter II Turbo and Street Fighter Alpha 2 Gold on PS1. Two excellent SF saga entries in one collection. Excellent value for versus fighting fans able to enjoy two Capcom classics in one box."
"Tactics Ogre Let Us Cling Together is one of the greatest tactical RPG masterpieces ever made. Mature political scenario of exceptional depth with heart-wrenching moral choices, perfect strategic turn-based combat system. Yasumi Matsuno's direction is masterful. An unmissable genre monument."
"Tail Concerto is a CyberConnect PS1 action-platformer featuring anthropomorphic dog and cat characters in a steampunk aerial world. Mecha-exploration gameplay with bubbles to capture enemies. Enchanting art direction and charming universe. An original and adorable overlooked niche title on PS1."
"G Darius is the majestic sequel in Taito's Darius series with 3D polygon bosses while preserving 2D horizontal gameplay. The enemy capture system to use as weapons is brilliant. A reference horizontal shmup on PS1, visually impressive for its era."
"Driver 2 expands the formula with new cities, the ability to exit the vehicle and a more developed scenario. More ambitious than its predecessor despite some technical slowdowns. An excellent cinematic driving game that consolidates the franchise universe on PS1."
"American version of the first Persona, with significant changes from the Japanese original (renamed characters, altered settings). Precursor to the SMT Persona series with its Persona fusion system and dark atmosphere in a contemporary high school. A foundational JRPG despite its localization imperfections."
"Alundra is one of the finest PS1 action-RPGs, deeply inspired by Zelda but with fiendishly difficult dream puzzles. The dark and mature story, likable characters and memorable soundtrack make it an unjustly overlooked masterpiece."
"Soul Edge (Soul Blade in the West) is the first entry in Namco's legendary weapon-based versus fighting series. Characters from around the world with distinct historical weapons, stance-based and weapon management gameplay. Founding an entire sub-genre, epic and technical. A foundational PS1 masterpiece."
