10 PS1 Games That Are 10/10 No Notes

The PlayStation 1 is considered one of the greatest gaming consoles ever made, and its incredible collection of games is a major reason why. It launched popular new series like Crash Bandicoot and Spyro the Dragon, breathed new life into established franchises such as Final Fantasy, Castlevania, and Metal Gear, and also offered many excellent, original games, including The Legend of Dragoon.

While many PlayStation 1 games deserve a perfect score, some truly stand out as the best. The PS1 had a diverse library, offering something for every type of gamer, and any imperfections in these top-tier titles are small and easily overlooked.

Final Fantasy IX Remains an All-Time Great JRPG

The original PlayStation is known for having four incredible Final Fantasy games. Final Fantasy VII is a perfect 10/10, and while Final Fantasy VIII has some flaws, it’s still a fantastic game. But Final Fantasy IX is truly exceptional – many consider it the best game in the Final Fantasy series and a peak achievement for Japanese role-playing games.

Final Fantasy IX isn’t just the most visually appealing Final Fantasy game on the original PlayStation – it also boasts an incredible soundtrack. But what truly sets it apart is its touching story about love, finding yourself, and the cycle of life and death. While the gameplay is a bit simple and slow-paced, that doesn’t detract from the game’s overall quality, and it’s comparable to other classic 3D Final Fantasy titles in that respect.

Castlevania: Symphony of the Night Popularized an Entire Genre

Okay, so Castlevania: Symphony of the Night is seriously a landmark game. The Castlevania series was already pretty well-known, but Symphony totally changed the formula and took it to another level. Honestly, it’s a huge reason why we even have all these “Metroidvania” style games today – it basically invented the genre!

It’s easy to see why Symphony of the Night has been so influential – it looks fantastic, offers a huge, engaging world to explore, and has a unique, memorable style. It even spawned countless imitators, and its hero, Alucard, became a beloved gaming figure. Plus, the English voice acting is famously over-the-top and charmingly cheesy!

Tekken 3 is One of the Best 3D Fighting Games Ever

The first Tekken game hasn’t aged very well, but Tekken 3 is still considered a classic. Even now, it’s often compared to Tekken 5 on the PlayStation 2 as the best installment in the series, and it’s easy to see why for anyone who enjoys 3D fighting games – just a few matches are enough to understand its appeal.

Tekken 3 perfected the fighting gameplay established in the first two games, boasting improved music and visuals. More than that, it shaped the future of the series by introducing Jin Kazama as the new main character and a fresh cast of characters. This set the stage for the epic Mishima family conflict that wouldn’t be fully concluded until Tekken 8.

Oddworld: Abe’s Oddysee is the PS1 at its Darkest and Weirdest

The Oddworld series feels like a product of the 1990s, reaching its creative peak during that era. These games are unique and often unsettling, boldly criticizing capitalism and consumerism. Everyone should really try the first game, Abe’s Oddysee, at some point.

Abe’s Oddysee is a game bursting with character, and it boasts the most memorable and beautifully animated cutscenes on the original PlayStation. While I didn’t grow up with a PlayStation myself – I played on my brother’s Xbox – even as a fan of Oddworld: Stranger’s Wrath, I now realize it doesn’t quite capture the same level of atmosphere, suspense, and overall feeling as Abe’s Oddysee.

Street Fighter Alpha 3 Made the Biggest Fighting Game Franchise Feel Alive

For competitive play on the PlayStation 1, Street Fighter Alpha 2 is considered the top Street Fighter game. But as someone who only seriously played Soul Calibur 2, I don’t really focus on competitive aspects. I happily consider Street Fighter Alpha 3 the best overall game in the Alpha series.

The Alpha series marked a turning point for Street Fighter, really developing its story and characters. Street Fighter Alpha 3 took this even further, boasting the biggest character selection of any game in the series. While some competitive players feel it lacks the strategic depth of Alpha 2, Alpha 3 remains a fun and lively game with much more expressive character animations.

The Legend of Dragoon Was Wrongfully Overshadowed by the Final Fantasy PS1 Trilogy

For RPG fans, the original PlayStation was the best console, and The Legend of Dragoon is a perfect example of why. While it was known for having the Final Fantasy games, the PlayStation also became a home for many imaginative and unique story-based games, including Xenogears, the Suikoden I & II series, Chrono Cross, and The Legend of Dragoon.

The Legend of Dragoon has become a beloved game despite a somewhat lukewarm reception when it first came out. Fans have been requesting a remake or sequel for years. While its story isn’t as complex as Xenogears’ or as unusual as Chrono Cross’s, a good, engaging fantasy tale will always have its audience.

Mega Man X4 is a Near-Perfect 2D Platformer

Mega Man X4 is considered the best game in the Mega Man X series, and even surpasses all of the original Mega Man games. It’s praised for its incredibly smooth and enjoyable gameplay, particularly when playing as Zero, as well as its excellent visuals and music. Importantly, Mega Man X4 began to focus more on telling a larger, more complex story within the franchise.

Although the story of Mega Man X4 isn’t particularly strong, the game does a fantastic job of establishing Zero as the central hero and making players care about his personal battles, which perfectly leads into the highly-rated Mega Man Zero series. Plus, it’s famous for having one of the worst—yet strangely enjoyable—English dubs ever made.

Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver Has the Perfect Balance of Story & Gameplay

The Legacy of Kain series is a unique and captivating collection of games. Originally launched between 1996 and 2003, this story-focused action RPG included five critically acclaimed titles. Though it appeared the series had run its course, Legacy of Kain: Ascendance is scheduled to revive the franchise in 2026.

Okay, so I’ve played through the Legacy of Kain games, and honestly, Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver is the standout title for me right now. The whole vibe is just super dark and immersive, and the combat feels really good – not too fast, not too slow. But what really surprised me was the writing! The dialogue is actually clever and memorable, and it makes you think about some pretty deep stuff, like whether we actually have control over our own lives or if everything’s already been decided.

Crash Bandicoot: Warped is an Endlessly Addicted 3D Platformer

The Spyro and Crash Bandicoot games are the most iconic titles from the original PlayStation, and Crash Bandicoot: Warped is arguably the best of them all. As the third game in the classic Crash trilogy, Warped perfectly capped off the series’ golden age by taking everything players loved about the excellent Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back and improving upon it.

Crash Bandicoot: Warped is a significant improvement over previous games in the series, boasting better gameplay, graphics, sound, and a more engaging sense of humor. It’s widely considered the best platforming game on the original PlayStation. With its challenging, fast-paced action and numerous time trials, it offers plenty of replay value for both newcomers and veteran players.

PaRappa the Rapper Was Never Surpassed by Guitar Hero or Rock Band

PaRappa the Rapper is a truly special game that everyone should play. It’s a fun and challenging rhythm game, full of creativity and silly humor. It’s a shame we haven’t seen a new game in the series for a long time.

PaRappa the Rapper is full of charm with its endearing characters, playful take on the core gameplay, funny writing, memorable music, and excellent animation. While I’ve enjoyed later games, it’s a shame their brief popularity led to the series being discontinued.

2026-02-27 05:10