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.
"Tekken 3 is an absolute masterpiece that defined 3D versus fighting. Exceptional 23-character roster, fluid and technical gameplay, generous game modes including Tekken Force and Tekken Ball. Technically revolutionary for PS1. Often cited as the greatest PS1 game of all time."
"Final Fantasy IX is a melancholic and beautiful tribute to the series' roots. A return to basics with medieval fantasy style, deep characters including Zidane and Vivi, and one of Nobuo Uematsu's finest soundtracks. An emotional end-of-cycle PS1 masterpiece."
"Wipeout XL is the American version of Wipeout 2097, often cited as the finest series entry by purists. Technical circuits, iconic Auricom team, legendary Chemical Brothers/Prodigy soundtrack. Speed and adrenaline at their peak on PS1. An absolute masterpiece of futuristic racing."
"The original Japanese version of Castlevania Symphony of the Night, an absolute masterpiece and one of the greatest games ever made. Labyrinthine exploration, deep RPG elements, sublime art direction and legendary soundtrack. The definitive Metroidvania, still unsurpassed today."
"Metal Gear Solid Integral is Kojima's masterpiece's enriched Japanese version, including Very Hard Mode, Special Missions and additional dialogue. Even more than the standard version, it's the absolute definitive version of the game on PS1. Essential for any stealth game enthusiast."
"Metal Gear Solid is one of the greatest masterpieces in video game history. Hideo Kojima revolutionizes stealth games with exceptional cinematic staging, a dense and complex scenario, memorable bosses. Solid Snake at Shadow Moses remains an unsurpassed experience."
"Tekken 2 considerably improves on its predecessor with more characters, enriched moves and deeper game system. Namco's series definitively establishes itself as the 3D versus fighting reference on PS1. A major progression consolidating the franchise toward its peak with Tekken 3."
"Final Fantasy VII is one of the most important video games ever created. Revolutionary 3D transition, epic scenario with Cloud and Sephiroth, legendary Nobuo Uematsu soundtrack and stunning FMV sequences. An absolute masterpiece that defined an entire generation and remains unsurpassed."
"Vagrant Story is an absolute Square and Yasumi Matsuno masterpiece. Ashley Riot in the catacombs of Leá Monde in an action dungeon RPG adventure with an extraordinarily deep weapon customization system. Masterful political narrative, breathtaking PS1 visuals. An unsurpassable creative pinnacle of video gaming."
"Final Fantasy VII International is the enriched Japanese version incorporating bonus scenes from the western release and additional materias. The same absolute masterpiece experience in JRPG history with added content. The most complete version of FFVII on PS1."
"Wipeout 2097 (XL in America) is the franchise's second entry and often cited as the finest by purists. More technical circuits, new Auricom team, legendary Chemical Brothers/Prodigy soundtrack. Maximum speed and adrenaline. An absolute masterpiece of futuristic racing on PS1."
"Chrono Cross is a JRPG masterpiece with a unique element-based combat system and dozens of recruitable characters. The multi-dimensional world is fascinating, Yasunori Mitsuda's soundtrack is legendary. An artistic pinnacle of the PS1."
"Colin McRae Rally 2.0 improves on its predecessor with more rallies, cars and refined driving physics. One of the best rally games on PS1, with an exhilarating speed sensation and memorable stages. A genre classic on the Sony console."
"Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2 is an absolute masterpiece perfecting the foundational formula of the first entry. New mechanics like manuals and reverts, even more creative levels, legendary soundtrack. One of the greatest games of all time on PS1, unsurpassed in its genre."
"PS1 port of the legendary Chrono Trigger, considered the greatest JRPG ever made. Innovative ATB combat system, brilliantly constructed time travel, iconic characters and immortal soundtrack. Some loading times added alongside the bonus animations, but still absolutely essential."
"Micro Machines V3 is one of the finest miniature racing games ever made. Circuits on tables, kitchens and bathrooms with tiny vehicles, multiplayer up to 8 players with a single controller. Inventive, addictive and hilarious. An absolute must for multiplayer sessions on PS1."
"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."
"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."
