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.
"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."
"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."
"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."
"Jumping Flash is a unique PS1 FPS platformer experience where Robbit the robot-rabbit leaps between platforms in colorful and naive worlds. The verticality sensation and first-person view create unprecedented gameplay. A foundational and cult PS1 title."
"Oddworld Abe's Exoddus is the direct and more generous sequel to Oddysee. Longer, richer in content and refined mechanics, with SoulStorm Brew as a key new element. As brilliant as its predecessor with more memorable levels. A PS1 puzzle platformer masterpiece."
"Need for Speed Porsche 2000 is a unique series entry entirely dedicated to Porsche models across the decades. More simulation-oriented than other NFS with polished driving physics. A reference title for Porsche enthusiasts and automotive simulation fans on PS1."
"World Soccer Jikkyou Winning Eleven 4 is the fourth entry in the Japanese series that would become PES. Refined and deep football simulation gameplay, updated teams and players. One of PS1's finest football simulation games, directly competing with FIFA."
"Lunar 2 Eternal Blue is considered even better than the first. Hiro and Lucia in an epic and emotional adventure with a sublime soundtrack. Working Designs delivers an exemplary localization enriched with additional content. One of the PS1 JRPG pinnacles, deep and memorable."
"RayCrisis is the prequel to Taito's legendary RayForce. Vertical shmup with striking visuals and a layered lock-on system. Demanding and satisfying gameplay with a unique melancholic atmosphere. An unjustly overlooked niche vertical shmup masterpiece on PS1."
"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, a niche title that well deserves its reputation."
"Valkyrie Profile is a Tri-Ace PS1 masterpiece. Valkyrie Lenneth collects souls of fallen warriors to prepare them for Ragnarok in dark Norse mythology. Spectacular side-scrolling combat system and unique Einherjar integration system. Epic Motoi Sakuraba soundtrack. An unparalleled JRPG."
"The original Ridge Racer is a PS1 launch racing game that defined genre standards on the console. Accessible but technical drift gameplay, iconic track and memorable techno soundtrack. A foundational PS1 title already showing Namco's talent for arcade racing."
"Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 4 concludes the PS1 saga with even larger levels and enriched career mode. Missions given by NPCs in each level for a more open structure. An excellent final entry maintaining the very high quality level of the THPS franchise on PS1."
"R-Type Delta is an exclusive PS1 horizontal shmup considered one of the finest series entries. 3D levels with 2D gameplay, disgusting organic enemies and memorable titanic bosses. Ambient soundtrack and unique atmosphere. A horizontal shmup masterpiece on PS1."
"PS1 remake of Dragon Quest IV with an additional fifth narrative chapter and deeply likable characters. The independent chapter system is brilliant and Sugiyama's soundtrack unforgettable. A JRPG masterpiece and one of the finest versions of this foundational entry."
"Need for Speed Porsche Unleashed delivers the same experience as Porsche 2000, entirely dedicated to the Porsche brand. More demanding driving simulation than other NFS entries. Polished graphics and historical Porsche models well represented. A must for fans of the Stuttgart brand."
"PS1 port of id Software's legendary Doom. Despite technical limitations compared to the PC version, the core frenzied gameplay and oppressive atmosphere are preserved. A foundational historical FPS title, essential even in this imperfect console version."
"Grand Theft Auto 2 modernizes the concept with a futuristic city split into three districts, a gang reputation system and more elaborate missions. Deeper than its predecessor, it refines the criminal sandbox formula while keeping the series' iconic isometric view."
"Syphon Filter is a 989 Studios PS1 espionage action game. Gabe Logan dismantles a global biological terrorist plot. TPS gameplay with varied gadgets and polished enemy AI. An excellent PS1 espionage action game, direct competitor to Metal Gear Solid in a more arcade style."
