PS1 is an old console, very old. Its release date is 1994 for Japan and 1995 for North America. Throughout time, many new game technologies emerge. Inevitably PS1 become an outdated console. But that doesn’t mean its trash. There are many PS1 games that are still playable in 2023. Especially the cult classics.
I’ve listed 10 amazing PS1 games worth revisiting. If you don’t have PS1 or can’t find the disks for the games below, you can always try PS1 emulator on PC. Emulators are easy to find online. However, it wouldn’t be as authentic as the original PlayStation classic.
10 best PS1 games to play in 2023:
1. Metal Slug X
Metal Slug is one of those games that everyone can play regardless of age and gender. I haven’t met anyone who doesn’t like Metal Slug games.
It’s so much fun and not aged a bit. Therefore, Metal Slug X is the best PS1 game to play in 2023. Especially if you play co-op with your loved ones.
A brief description for those who never heard of Metal Slug, it’s a 2D run & gun action shooting game with pixel graphics. First released for Arcade machines and became highly popular. Eventually, ported to many platforms throughout years.
2. Fighting Force
For me, best fighting game of PS1 is Fighting Force without a doubt. You want real deal 3D street fight and non-stop action? If so, don’t miss Fighting Force.
It’s one of those ps1 game still worth playing. They don’t make games like Fighting Force anymore, which is quite sad.
Just like Metal Slug X, Fighting Force have co-op as well.
3. Tekken 3
Let’s continue with another arcade legend. Tekken is a cult classic fighting game that is released for almost all platforms throughout years.
Iconic characters like Eddy, Yoshimitsu, and King makes Tekken so much fun. Even those who don’t enjoy arcade fighting games like Tekken 3.
All in all, Tekken is a PS1 game that will never be outdated.
4. Diablo
Diablo is a cult classic franchise almost everyone played or heard. The legend started with PS1 game Diablo 1. An action hack & slash game with some RPG elements.
The game is set in the fictional Kingdom of Khanduras in the mortal realm, player controls a hero battling to rid the world of Diablo. Of course, there are many other bosses you have to fight before facing the ultimate devil.
Diablo is scary as hell in PS1 too. Check out why PS1 games have an eerie atmosphere? In short, it’s because of the graphical limitations.
It’s the roots of great saga and must be played, co-op if possible.
5. Tenchu
Before Assassin’s Creed, there was Tenchu: Stealth Assassins. It’s probably the best stealth focused game to play on PlayStation Classic.
In Tenchu, you can choose between two ninjas, Rikimaru and Ayame. Both have different skill set. Also, you can choose your own custom ninja tools before starting each mission. Such as shuriken, smoke bomb, grappling hook, poison rice, grenade, shadow decoy, caltrops, mine, and more.
It’s literally a live-action thrill ride and you want to be on it!
6. Resident Evil
Many great game franchises started on PS1 and Resident Evil is one of them.
The thing is, PS1 Resident Evil is actually scarier than next-gen games. Because of the eerie atmosphere of PS1 graphics.
So, if you are fan of Resident Evil series, Resident Evil 1 is definitely worth going back. Resident Evil was praised for its graphics, gameplay, sound, and atmosphere back then after all.
7. Final Fantasy
To be honest, I’ve never got into Final Fantasy series. However, it is known that the Final Fantasy Franchise is huge and PS1 version loved by almost everyone.
JRPG fans shouldn’t miss these gems.
PlayStation Classic Final Fantasy games:
- Final Fantasy Tactics
- Final Fantasy Origins
- Final Fantasy I
- Final Fantasy II
- Final Fantasy IV
- Final Fantasy V
- Final Fantasy VI
- Final Fantasy VII
- Final Fantasy VIII
- Final Fantasy IX
8. Spider-Man
Even though it’s a PlayStation game, its mechanics are pretty similar to next-gen Spider-Man games. You can swing from one building to other, climb buildings, fight with multiple combinations. Besides you can do all of these in an open-world map.
I have to admit, graphics are eye bleeding in this game. But it’s still enjoyable, especially the boss fights.
9. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater
Tony Hawk, AKA Birdman is an American professional skateboarder. Now this is the game made on his name.
Basically, it’s a skating simulation with missions. You’ll take control of various famous skateboarders to complete missions by performing amazing tricks.
Family friendly action skate game Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater is fun and definitely worth re-visiting. It has co-op mode too with split screen feature.
10. Mike Tyson Boxing
Did you know Mike Tyson has his own PS1 video game? His game is called Mike Tyson Boxing. Are you a Mike Tyson fan? Then you can and will play this game regardless of time, day, and age!
No matter what people say, Mike Tyson is still a legend. No one can bust the myths of Iron Mike Tyson.
List of PS1 games that still hold up ends here. Thank you for reading this article.
Do let me know your favorite PS1 games you still play even to this day. I would like to discuss with you in the comment section below. Take care!