PlayStation 1 Guide
The best PlayStation 1 games in 2026
The original PlayStation brought together one of the most important game catalogues of the 1990s, with RPGs, horror, platformers, racing, fighting games and new ways of telling stories.
We have selected seven games that particularly represent the variety and personality of Sony’s original console.
Quick selection
Best stealth game
Metal Gear Solid
Best RPG
Final Fantasy VII
Best horror game
Resident Evil 2
Best fighting game
Tekken 3
What makes the PlayStation 1 catalogue special?
PlayStation arrived at a time of enormous transformation in video games. The move to 3D made it possible to experiment with new forms of exploration, driving, combat and storytelling, while the CD format offered much more space for music, video and content.
Its catalogue also stood out for its enormous variety. RPGs such as Final Fantasy VII, horror games such as Resident Evil, racing games such as Gran Turismo, fighting games such as Tekken and completely different adventures such as Metal Gear Solid all coexisted on the same console.
Best stealth game
Metal Gear Solid
Metal Gear Solid turned stealth, cinematic storytelling and boss battles into one of the most recognizable experiences on the original PlayStation.
Why is it still worth playing?
Its combination of story, infiltration, characters and memorable situations still gives it a very distinctive identity.
Ideal for
Players looking for stealth, storytelling and an adventure with plenty of personality.
Highlights
- ✓ Highly memorable story
- ✓ Great boss battles
- ✓ Foundational stealth mechanics
- ✓ Particularly recognizable characters
Things to consider
- • The controls require some adjustment
- • It contains many conversations and narrative sequences
If you like this game: Resident Evil 2 if you prefer an experience more focused on exploration, tension and survival.
Best RPG
Final Fantasy VII
Final Fantasy VII took the series into a new era with three-dimensional environments, an enormously ambitious story and some of its best-known characters.
Why is it still worth playing?
It remains one of the most representative RPGs on PlayStation and an excellent entry point into classic JRPGs.
Ideal for
Anyone looking for a long adventure, character progression, exploration and turn-based combat.
Highlights
- ✓ Highly ambitious story
- ✓ Memorable characters
- ✓ Great progression system
- ✓ Huge amount of content
Things to consider
- • Its original visuals have aged
- • The combat system may feel slow for players who prefer direct action
If you like this game: Final Fantasy IX if you want another great PlayStation JRPG with a more traditional fantasy setting.
Best horror game
Resident Evil 2
Resident Evil 2 expanded the formula of the first game by moving the action to Raccoon City and offering two protagonists with interconnected scenarios.
Why is it still worth playing?
Its exploration, resource management and tension continue to make it one of the defining survival horror games of its generation.
Ideal for
Players who enjoy horror, exploration, puzzles and managing limited resources.
Highlights
- ✓ Excellent atmosphere
- ✓ Two protagonists
- ✓ Highly satisfying exploration
- ✓ One of the great classic survival horror games
Things to consider
- • The tank controls require some adjustment
- • The backgrounds and animations clearly show their age
If you like this game: Silent Hill if you want a more psychological and disturbing horror experience.
Best platformer
Crash Bandicoot 3: Warped
Crash Bandicoot 3 took the series’ platforming formula to one of its most complete forms with varied environments, vehicles and numerous abilities.
Why is it still worth playing?
It is accessible, highly varied and perfectly represents the platforming style associated with the original PlayStation.
Ideal for
Anyone looking for straightforward platforming, short levels and an experience that is easy to pick up.
Highlights
- ✓ Wide variety of levels
- ✓ Accessible controls
- ✓ Many secrets and collectibles
- ✓ Excellent pacing
Things to consider
- • Some vehicle levels may be less appealing
- • Its structure is fairly linear
If you like this game: Spyro the Dragon if you prefer more open environments focused on exploration.
Best exploration
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
Symphony of the Night transformed Castlevania by combining action, free exploration, RPG progression and an enormous interconnected castle.
Why is it still worth playing?
Its design remains a reference point for exploration and progression games that later became known as metroidvanias.
Ideal for
Players who enjoy discovering new areas, gaining new abilities and exploring interconnected maps.
Highlights
- ✓ Outstanding exploration
- ✓ Great progression system
- ✓ Excellent soundtrack
- ✓ Huge replay value
Things to consider
- • It can be easy to get lost
- • Some systems are not explained very clearly
If you like this game: Metal Gear Solid if you prefer a more linear adventure focused on storytelling.
Best fighting game
Tekken 3
Tekken 3 was one of the most important fighting games on PlayStation thanks to its large roster, speed and enormous amount of content.
Why is it still worth playing?
It is easy to start playing while offering enough depth to spend many hours mastering its characters.
Ideal for
Players who want quick matches, local competition and one of the great fighting games of the 1990s.
Highlights
- ✓ Large selection of characters
- ✓ Fast and accessible combat
- ✓ Excellent local multiplayer
- ✓ Many game modes
Things to consider
- • Mastering some characters requires considerable practice
- • Modern fighting games offer much broader systems
If you like this game: Soul Blade if you want another great PlayStation fighting game focused on weapons.
Best racing game
Gran Turismo 2
Gran Turismo 2 greatly expanded on the first game with hundreds of vehicles, numerous circuits and progression focused on acquiring and improving cars.
Why is it still worth playing?
Its huge amount of content and focus on cars make it one of the defining racing games on PlayStation.
Ideal for
Car enthusiasts and players who enjoy progression and racing with a more realistic approach.
Highlights
- ✓ Huge number of vehicles
- ✓ A vast number of events
- ✓ Great sense of progression
- ✓ One of the defining racing games on PS1
Things to consider
- • Progress requires a considerable time investment
- • The physics are simple compared with modern simulators
If you like this game: Ridge Racer Type 4 if you prefer more direct, arcade-style driving.
Quick comparison
| Game | Genre | Players | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metal Gear Solid | Action and stealth | 1 player | Best stealth game |
| Final Fantasy VII | JRPG | 1 player | Best RPG |
| Resident Evil 2 | Survival horror | 1 player | Best horror game |
| Crash Bandicoot 3: Warped | Platformer | 1 player | Best platformer |
| Castlevania: Symphony of the Night | Action and exploration | 1 player | Best exploration |
| Tekken 3 | Fighting | 1–2 players | Best fighting game |
| Gran Turismo 2 | Driving simulation | 1–2 players | Best racing game |
Which one should you try first?
If you want to quickly understand why PlayStation was so important, Metal Gear Solid and Final Fantasy VII are two excellent starting points thanks to their influence and distinctive personalities.
If you are looking for more immediate gameplay, Tekken 3 and Crash Bandicoot 3 remain very easy games to enjoy today.
For experiences more focused on exploration and atmosphere, Resident Evil 2 and Castlevania: Symphony of the Night represent two completely different but fundamental styles within the catalogue.
Keep exploring
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