The original PlayStation ushered in a new era of 3D gaming, both for single-player and multiplayer games. The former gave players some of the greatest games of all time, as well as some of the greatest franchises.
Some of these games are RPGs, others are platformers, and others still created their own genres and set precedents for the future of gaming. These standout single-player PS1 games prove that gamers don’t need to play with others in order to have the most fun.
Syphon Filter Snuck Up on Everyone
One of the earliest examples of successful stealth action games on the PS1 was Syphon Filter. It followed two special agents working to capture a terrorist and stop them from releasing a bioweapon.
The game successfully balanced action-heavy gunplay with stealth and puzzle-solving sections, all while telling a sophisticated story. Syphon Filter is one of the most underrated single-player PS1 games out there.
Tomb Raider Was a Hidden Treasure
Lara Croft is an icon, and it all started with the first Tomb Raider. Not only was Lara Croft one of the most compelling protagonists in gaming, but the game itself also boasted some revolutionary systems.
The 3D platforming, puzzle solving, and tank controls combined to make for an incredibly immersive adventure, one that is still being remade and imitated today. Tomb Radier was the original blockbuster adventure game.
Final Fantasy IX Was One of the Greats
Final Fantasy IX may not get as much attention as the much more famous seventh installment, but it still deserves its place as one of the best in the series. The game returned to the high fantasy setting of earlier installments, focusing on a group of friends caught up in a war between two nations.
Exploring a large world and battling monsters are still key components to the Final Fantasy formula. New additions like the Mogent postal service and Active Time Event system help keep the world feeling alive, and help the game stand out from its predecessors.
Vagrant Story Redefined its Own Conventions
Vagrant Story has a little bit of everything when it comes to an action RPG. It features platforming and exploration, a real-time combat system, and a unique crafting mechanic that substitutes a traditional level-up system.
The game also features the fantasy world of Invalice, used in several Final Fantasy games, and a strong narrative about a rogue agent taking on a cult. It may not be a big franchise, but Vagrant Story is one of the best Square Enix RPGs for the PlayStation.
Chrono Cross Was Two Worlds in One
Chrono Trigger was one of the best games on the SNES, and the standalone sequel, Chrono Cross, was just as great. But instead of time travel, the game revolves around traveling between two alternate dimensions to uncover the mysterious past of its main protagonist.
The game’s elemental grid system and stamina-focused combat helped make Chrono Cross stand out from other RPGs, along with its unique setting and over 40 recruitable characters. Alongside the PS1 classic, the modern remaster features better visuals and more refined battle mechanics.
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night is a Metroidvania Marvel
Symphony of the Night is still one of the greatest Castlevania games ever made, and one of the defining games of the metroidvania genre. Players got to play as Alucard exploring Dracula’s castle to stop his rise back to power.
The game received massive acclaim for its non-linear exploration, RPG elements, and Alucard’s unique weapons. And since the game has been ported and re-released several times, Symphony of the Night is one of the most easily accessible classic games.
Crash Bandicoot Became the Face of PlayStation
Crash Bandicoot was not only a fun platformer, it also created a massive franchise that originally became one of the crown jewels of Sony’s first console. The platforming was simple but addictive, thanks in part to how challenging the game was.
Bottomless pits and one-hit kill enemies are rampant in each level, making the precise platforming sections a massive hurdle to get over. But a catchy soundtrack and constant hunt for collectibles make Crash Bandicoot more than worth it, and one of the reasons why so many gamers still enjoy this game today.
Resident Evil 2 Was a Real Horror Show
Resident Evil 2 was the bigger, better, and scarier horror sequel that once again gave players two heroes to take control of during a zombie apocalypse. Claire Redfield and Leon Kennedy are gaming icons, and their adventures within the zombie-infested RCPD are the stuff of legend.
Intense resource management, intricate puzzle design, and multiple zombie enemy types all add to the dark atmosphere and tough challenge of Resident Evil 2. It is one of the gaming’s greatest achievements, and one that has also been re-released and remade countless times.
Final Fantasy VII Defined the Franchise
Gaming wouldn’t be the same without Final Fantasy VII, a landmark achievement in storytelling and game design at the time. It featured an iconic sci-fi setting, one of the best protagonist/antagonist duos in gaming, and an incredible cinematic feel to it.
There was also a strong combat system, satisfying character moments, and a plethora of collectibles and mini-games. When all put together, Final Fantasy VII was one of the most fully realized games on the PlayStation, one that has not only left a lasting legacy, but is also being reborn for a new audience.
A lot of the cinematic single-player games that have become popular on modern PlayStation consoles wouldn’t be a thing without the success of Metal Gear Solid. In addition to having a complex story with real-time cutscenes, the game also featured some strong stealth and action gameplay.
Avoiding enemies and taking them down was thrilling, and unlocking new areas to explore to help deepen the narrative made both the story and the gameplay even more compelling. Rarely are games as unapologetically ambitious as Metal Gear Solid, and it’s likely there will never be another stealth game as refined as this one either.
