Top 25 PS1 Games Ever Ranked

It’s been over 30 years since the original PlayStation hit shelves, and while gaming technology has advanced dramatically since then, the impact of the PS1 on the industry—and pop culture—remains undeniable. The console introduced a generation to groundbreaking gameplay, immersive storytelling, and unforgettable characters.

From Crash Bandicoot to Spyro, the PS1 was home to some of the most iconic video game franchises ever created. But which titles truly stand the test of time? We’ve compiled a list of what we believe are the 25 best PS1 games of all time, including legendary exclusives and timeless classics that helped define an era.

The Best PS1 Games Ever

26 ImagesYou Might Also Like:

Best PlayStation Games of All Time
Best PS2 Games of All Time
Best PS3 Games of All Time
Best PS4 Games of All Time
Best PS5 Games

25. PaRappa the Rapper

Before rhythm games like Guitar Hero or Dance Dance Revolution took off, PaRappa the Rapper blazed the trail with its unique blend of music and gameplay. Starring a flat, rapping dog named PaRappa, this quirky title stood out from the “extreme” aesthetic of many other PS1 games. With catchy tunes and a charming art style, it became a cult classic—so beloved that it earned a spot among the top 10 dogs in gaming history.

24. Oddworld: Abe’s Oddysee

Image credit: Oddworld Inhabitants
Developer: Oddworld Inhabitants | Publisher: GT Interactive | Release Date: September 18, 1997

A bizarre yet brilliant mix of action, puzzle-solving, and platforming, Oddworld: Abe’s Oddysee offered a surreal storyline reminiscent of dystopian sci-fi. Players control Abe, a Mudokon trying to escape enslavement by his alien overlords. The game's quirky character design, deep lore, and innovative mechanics made it a standout experience. Its legacy lives on through sequels like Munch’s Oddysee and Stranger’s Wrath.

23. Crash Bandicoot 3: Warped

The third entry in Naughty Dog’s beloved trilogy expanded the series with time-traveling adventures and more diverse level design. While not as challenging as Cortex Strikes Back, Warped still delivered fun platforming challenges and memorable vehicle segments. It was later revitalized in the Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy, letting modern audiences rediscover its charm.

22. Spider-Man

Neversoft’s Spider-Man set the standard for superhero games. It captured Spidey’s fluid movement—swinging between buildings, wall-climbing, and acrobatic combat—with surprising accuracy. Packed with Marvel Easter eggs and unlockable costumes (including Spider-Man 2099), it remains one of the most influential superhero titles of all time.

21. Mega Man Legends 2

Mega Man Legends 2 elevated the franchise with deeper storytelling and refined 3D action-adventure gameplay. It built upon the foundation of the first game, delivering a more polished and immersive experience. For many fans, it remains one of the most underrated entries in the Mega Man series.

20. Ape Escape

Image credit: Sony
Developer: Sony Computer Entertainment | Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment | Release Date: June 18, 1999

Ape Escape was instrumental in popularizing the DualShock controller. Tasked with capturing mischievous monkeys using gadgets like hula hoops and remote-controlled cars, players were encouraged to interact with the analog stick in creative ways. The game also had an unexpected real-life connection when a chimp escaped from a Japanese zoo in 2016—mirroring the game’s premise.

19. Crash Team Racing

Long before Mario Kart, Crash Team Racing carved its own niche in the kart racing genre. Featuring a robust roster of characters, clever weapons, and a skill-based drifting system, CTR became a fan favorite. Its 2019 remake, Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled, reintroduced the game to a new audience.

18. Syphon Filter

Image credit: Sony
Developer: Eidetic Games | Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment | Release Date: January 31, 1999

Inspired by Metal Gear Solid and GoldenEye, Syphon Filter blended stealth and action into a compelling espionage thriller. Players could tackle missions in multiple ways, thanks to a variety of weapons and takedown options. Its influence can be seen in countless tactical shooters that followed.

17. Soul Reaver: Legacy of Kain

A gothic tale of betrayal and vengeance, Soul Reaver: Legacy of Kain redefined narrative-driven action-adventure games. With its rich world-building, dual-realm traversal mechanics, and gripping story penned by Amy Hennig, it became a cult classic. Despite a rushed ending, it remains one of the most atmospheric titles of the PS1 era.

16. Final Fantasy Tactics

Developer: Square | **Publisher