"U R Not e."
The PlayStation's creation was a bumpy ride. It began as a CD drive for the SNES, but Nintendo noticed too late that the contract was too favorable to Sony, jumped ship, and went to bed with Philips (which ultimately led to the creation of the infamous CD-i). Publicly scorned and fuming with resentment, Sony decided to take what they had at that point and make their own console. Many expected it to be an also-ran, at most a distant third place. Yet the angry newcomer came out swinging and crushed the competition, leaving them asking: what the hell just happened?
Here's what: the PlayStation was their perfect storm. While everyone else fucked shit up, Sony got pretty much everything right. While Sega did a complex and expensive design that left even the best programmers scratching their heads, Sony did a simple but powerful machine that was much easier to code for; and while Nintendo tried to gouge third-parties with cartridge prices, Sony offered their CD manufacturing plants and distribution structure to publish their games at much lower costs.
Ultimately, it became the best selling console ever (later surpassed by the PlayStation 2), so you will find a vast game library. Quite a lot of garbage in the pile too, but that's what this wiki is here for, right?
Yeah you can play PS1 games on a PSP, a PS2 or a PS3*. If you have to get a PS1 get a Yaroze, it plays games regardless of region, unlike the regular PS1s or get a modchip.
Please note that "PS1-PSN" denotes games available on the PSone Classics service on Playstation Network (simplified for space issues).
* Protip: Contrary to popular belief, ALL PS3 units can play PS1 discs. PS2 games however are out of the question.
PlayStation Games - NTSC-U/PAL
Box Art | Title | Genre | Description | PS1-PSN (NA) |
PS1-PSN (EU) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Air Combat | Combat | Ace Combat's humble beginnings. It's a solid air combat game, but the sequels add so much stuff that only series fans would be interested in seeing where it all began. | N | N (GER) | |
Ace Combat 2 | Combat | AC2 adds a lot of series trademarks, like greater customization, tunnel missions, and the always-excellent soundtrack. AC3 is a great game, but the NA release is not; get the fan-translated JP version instead. | N | N (GER) | |
Akuji the Heartless | Platformer | Early PS1 platformer with a voodoo theme. Nothing special in terms of gameplay, but might be worth a try if you're a fan of this comic-booky nineties art style. | |||
Alundra | Adventure | Top-down, Zelda-style fantasy adventure with light RPG elements. You explore people's dream-worlds. Very nice sprite work, tons of secrets, but lots of hair-tearing puzzles. The sequel was not well-received; Dual Hearts (PS2) is a spiritual successor. | Y ($5.99) |
N (GER) | |
Ape Escape | Platformer | Genius 3D platformer that makes full use of the DualShock. Explore masterfully-crafted levels and use an assortment of creative gadgets to catch a bunch of cheeky monkeys. Awesome drum-n-bass soundtrack. Easily one of the best platformers on the PS1. AE2 is on PS2. | N | N (GER) | |
Apocalypse | Shooter | Pseudo-3D rail shooter starring Bruce Willis and developed by Neversoft. You basically run forward on-rails while aiming and moving left and right. Pretty basic, and best played with analog controls. Has some Bruce one-liners that sound like they were recorded in a public restroom. | N | N (GER) | |
Arc the Lad Collection | RPG | Fantasy JRPG trilogy localized by Working Designs. The first and third game have grid-based tactical combat, but are pretty average. The second is more traditional, but also the best. They are purchasable separately online, along with a monster arena side-game. Series continues on PS2. | Y $5.99 (I-III) $3.99 (Arena) $8.99 (II + Arena) |
N (GER)psn slowdown | |
Armored Core | Combat | First entry in the Fromsoft mech combat series. You are a mercenary mech pilot in a post-apocalyptic world. In-depth customization is this game's main appeal. Controls take some getting used to, and may be a dealbreaker. Sequel on PS2. | N | N (GER) | |
Armored Core: Project Phantasma | Combat | A sort of expansion to Armored Core, with new parts, new missions, and an Arena system. If you liked the original, try this. | N | N (GER) | |
Army Men: Air Attack | Action | Army Men.. yea you know shit's goin' down! Also available on the N64. Gameplay. | N | N (GER) | |
Azure Dreams | RPG | Turn-based roguelike where you climb a tower of randomly-generated floors, and defeat means getting thrown back to the bottom. Outside the tower you can raise and train companion monsters, and indulge in some limited life/dating sim stuff. The GB version has less sim stuff, more tower floors. | N | N (GER) | |
BattleTanx: Global Assault | Combat | Post-apocalyptic tank combat where espers launch nuclear warheads at each other. Silly single-player campaign. Multi-player is pretty fun. The N64 version has less content, but better performance. | |||
Blazing Dragons | Adventure | Based on a 90s Canadian cartoon that parodies Arthurian legend; the knights and princesses are dragons, while men are the monsters. Lots of British humor, fetch quests and puzzles. You can't die and it's mostly painless. Also on Saturn. No PC version, curiously. Gameplay. | N | N | |
Bloody Roar 2 | Fighting | Hudson and Eighting/Raizing knew that 3D arena fighters had a tight competition, even by 1997, so they decided to have their characters be able to transform into powerful "Beast Mode" versions, making it a whole 'nother critter. This sequel to the experimental former includes a surprisingly robust story mode, and is considered by several fans to be the best of the series. Gameplay. | Y ($5.99) |
N (GER) | |
Bomberman Party Edition | Puzzle | Classic Bomberman action, this version includes a remake of the original NES game, as well as a cool battle mode with various selectable characters. | |||
Bomberman Fantasy Race | Racing | Amazing Mario Kart rip-off with Bomberman characters, instead of cars they use the animal buddies from the series. | |||
Bomberman World | Puzzle | More Bomberman, this one features an isometric view. Only problem with this game is that the animal buddies are only available for fighting the bosses, but otherwise is the good old Bomberman formula. | |||
Brave Fencer Musashi | Adventure | Top-down, Zelda-esque action-adventure with 3D graphics and a comical tone, set in an ersatz medieval world. You can copy enemy abilities. As with most 90s Square games, this a gem, with lots of content. | N | N (GER) | |
Breath of Fire III | RPG | Turn-based fantasy JRPG by Capcom. Very long, even for the genre. Features beautiful sprite work, seamless battle transitions, and great character designs (as is typical for 90s Capcom). Also on PSP. | N | N (GER) | |
Breath of Fire IV | RPG | More of the same in terms of setting and gameplay, but with a new cast and story (none of the BOF games are directly related). Amazing, top-tier sprite work and a memorable cast, but much worse pacing. Also on PC. | Y ($5.99) |
N (GER) | |
Brigandine: The Legend of Forsena | Strategy | Turn-based tactics game where you choose one of six fantasy nations and command their armies to take over the continent. Fair bit of replay value. The JP-only Grand Edition adds new content (there is a fan-translation). Sequel on ninth-gen systems! | N | N | |
Bushido Blade | Combat | Looks like your typical 3D fighter, but is actually a semi-realistic sword-fighting sim where one well-placed blow can mean death. Very interesting concept, but hard to get used to. BB2 is better in some ways, worse in others. | N | N (GER) | |
Bust-A-Groove [EU: Bust-A-Move] | Rhythm | Input commands and time a final button press correctly to bust the titular groove. Includes a delightfully bizarre plot about a dance competition to find out who can out-dance a giant robot wrecking havoc in Tokyo. (Where else?) It's quite rare. | N | N (GER) | |
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night | Platformer | Non-linear "Metroidvania" platformer with a massive, interconnected game-world full of secrets. Has RPG-style level-ups and tons of content. Beautiful Gothic art style and soundtrack, but easy compared to previous games. Included as an unlockable in Dracula X Chronicles (PSP). The voice acting is famously terrible; there's this patch for that. | Y ($9.99) |
N (GER) | |
Castlevania Chronicles | Action | Remake of a Japan-only Castlevania for the Sharp 86K PC, which was itself a re-imagining of the original game. Very challenging, arcade-style gameplay with multiple NG+ cycles of ever-increasing difficulty. Features an Arrange Mode with new level designs and a goth look for Simon. Performance is scored. Visually meh. | Y ($5.99) |
N (GER) | |
Chocobo Racing | Racing | This game was a shameless advertisement for Chocobo's Dungeon 2, but it is surprisingly fun for a knock-off "kart" racer. Features nice control, fun characters, and upbeat music, including remixed tracks from other Final Fantasy games, even some that hadn't officially come out overseas yet. Gameplay. | N | N (GER) | |
Chocobo's Dungeon 2 | Roguelike | Fairly easy but surprisingly engrossing turn-based roguelike, with Final Fantasy cameos, music, and so on. Similar to the Mystery Dungeon games. The series continues on Wii and Switch, with a Japan-only DS entry as well. | N | N (GER) | |
Chrono Cross | RPG | Experimental JRPG with only tenuous connections to Chrono Trigger. Features dozens of obtainable party members, a grinding-free level-up system, and a melancholy story with some tough player choices. Very easy. Sublime ambient soundtrack and dreamlike art direction. Controversial and ambitious, but beautiful-looking at least. | Y ($9.99) |
N (GER) | |
Clock Tower | Adventure | Sequel to the Japan-only SNES original (which has a fan translation). These are point-'n-click adventure games inspired by '80s slashers and giallo horror. A widely-disliked spin-off was localized in America as Clock Tower II: Ghost Head. Ignore it and play this instead. | N | N (GER) | |
Colony Wars | Space Sim | Hop into the cockpit as you wage war against the savage Earth Empire and its Colonial Navy, and stop its regime of oppression as a pilot of the League of Free Worlds in this epic two-disc space shooter. With over 70 missions, multiple mission paths and endings, there are so many ways the war can turn: each mission can make a difference. Gameplay. | N | N (GER) | |
Colony Wars: Vengeance | Space Sim | Follow the story of Mertens, a pilot in the Colonial Navy, during his struggle against the League of Free Worlds, in this sequel to the first Colony Wars game. With craft upgrades and ground-based missions, Colony Wars: Vengeance adds more variety to the Colony Wars game series. Gameplay. | N | N (GER) | |
Crash Bandicoot | Platform | Brilliant platformer. If you haven't played this, go play it now. It even has passwords if you don't have a memory card for some reason or you want to skip ahead. Gameplay. Overshadowed by its sequels, but still pretty damn fun. | Y ($5.99) |
Y (GER) €4.99 | |
Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back | Platform | Better than the first. Tons of fun. Crash has new moves to platform with and in some stages, new rides, including a jet-waterboard, a spacy jet-pack, and a... Baby Polar Bear?! (Protip: said Bear pops up in a certain warp room. Though it's cruel, Belly Slam him multiple times and many extra lives will be yours!) Gameplay. | Y ($5.99) |
N (GER) | |
Crash Bandicoot 3: Warped! | Platform | Crash gets flung in time and must take out the baddies and get home. Crash gets even MORE moves to bust a Bandi-groove with. Now introduced are underwater and motorcycle segments. You really should play this. Arguably the last good/GREAT Crash platformer before Naughty Dog let other developers alter it. Gameplay. If you hanker for more Crash, try Twinsanity on PS2 and consider Crash's first 2 GBA games, especially 2GBA. The ones besides that suck. | Y ($5.99) |
Y (GER) €4.99 | |
Crash Team Racing | Racing | Y ($5.99) |
Y (GER) €4.99 | ||
Crash Bash | Mini-games | The first Crash game done by someone other than Naughty Dog. It's fun with friends just like Mario Party but with a couple of differences in gameplay. Not as good as the old ones, but it's a suitable party game. At least EUROCOM didn't rape the series. It's available on PSN in Japan but America has yet to see rerelease. Gameplay. | N | N (GER) | |
Croc: Legend of the Gobbos | Platform | Fully-3D, roaming platformer. Gameplay-wise, this is arguably as solid as Mario 64, as long as you use analog sticks. Otherwise, you'll likely run into some hard jumps. Be sure to save your fuzzy pals to get the true ending! Also available on Saturn and PC. Sequel has better controls, but changed quite a few things. Both have some really AWFUL GBC ports. Don't bother with them. Gameplay. | N | N (GER) | |
Croc 2 | Platform | Like the first game took influence from Mario 64, this takes a cue from Banjo-Kazooie. Hub world, characters that talk and collect-a-thons. Generally not as good as the one above but controls are a little better, though at times overly sensitive, and it's a passable closer to Croc's series. Also on PC (and unlike the former it's actually playable on something modern) and GBC, but the Game Boy version is utter shit. Gameplay. | N | N (GER) | |
D | Horror Puzzle |
A strange and obtuse game by the notoriously weird Kenji Eno, where you must make your way through a dungeon in two real-time hours to track down your murderous father and find out the truth about your family. Consists entirely of solving puzzles and finding items to unlock new scenes which shed more light on the story. Has multiple endings, and some Uncanny Valley 3D graphics and psychedelic effects to boot. A weird game for the curious. Has two pseudo sequels: Enemy Zero on the Saturn and PC, and the excellent, but very different D2 for Dreamcast. Trailer.
Also on the 3DO, PC, and Saturn. |
n/a | n/a | |
Darkstalkers The Night Warriors | 2D Fighting | Original game and 1st in the darkstalkers series. Even if you own the superior Darkstalkers 3, this version is still passable as well as enjoyable. Gameplay. | Y ($5.99) |
N(GER) | |
Darkstalkers 3: Jedah's Damnation | 2D Fighting | Final entry in the now-(un)dead Capcom 2D fighting series. Introduced a number of mechanics that would become standard in later fighting games. Fantastic roster of cartoony monsters, horny vampires, and deranged humans. Great sprite work and art direction. Arguably the toughest Darkstalkers to get good at, but also the only one with an extant competitive scene. Known as Vampire Savior in Japan. If you want to play this seriously, emulate the arcade version or get the Saturn/PS2 ports. There is also a cool PSP remix, and an HD PS3 port. | Y ($5.99) |
N (GER) | |
Dead or Alive | 3D Fighting | Tecmo's own 3D Arena fighter to counter Tekken and Virtua Fighter with some slightly different mechanics, a few good ideas, and a larger bustline. Saturn original is better but Japan only. Has sequels which improved the graphics and gameplay and some fanservice-heavy sport spin-offs (read: boobs, volleyball and boobs). Gameplay. | N | N (GER) | |
Digimon: Digital Card Battle | TCG Sim | Remember the Digimon card game? This is that game done right. Over 300 cards to collect, trade, fuse, and battle with. Cameos by all the main Digidestined from the first two seasons. An actual plot (!!) that both retells Season 2 and ties this game to the original Digimon World(!!!). Bad points include a somewhat inconsistent difficulty level and graphics that are a bit sub-par. Worth a try for any Digimon fan or TCG fan. Gameplay | N | N (GER) | |
Digimon World | RPG / Monster Sim | Essentially, this amounts to Tamagotchi with a lot of exploration. The "Digimon World" is a huge land with tons of secrets. The goal of the game is to recruit Digimon to revive File City. Although a bit unforgivingly difficult at first, once you start recruiting some Digimon, the game is extremely addicting. Has a direct sequel on the PSP.Gameplay. | N | N (GER) | |
Digimon World 2 | RPG / Dungeon Crawler | Digimon World 2 is a good sequel though very different. It's a dungeon crawling RPG where you can recruit different digimon to fight for you(up to three per battle). What's interesting is that there's a cap for each digimon and to raise that cap you have to start fusing them ending up with a different party all the time. Features "SD" graphics instead of the "realistic" (?) designs of 1 and 3. Gameplay. | N | N (GER) | |
Digimon World 3 (Digimon World 2003) | RPG | Digimon World 3 is a run-of-the-mill RPG. Not bad, but load times do hurt it. The EU version is better since you can keep playing after the ending. Features a rather limited cast of playable Digimon compared to the first two and borrow quite a few elements from the portable Pokemon games, like "Gym" battles.Gameplay. | N | N (GER) | |
Digimon Rumble Arena | 2D Fighting | You got some explaining to do for not having this. Probably has some of THE GREATEST SOUNDTRACK ON A PS1. Fun fighting. You get a lot of characters. Not as many as you would need if you're a fan but enough to satisfy you for a long while. Sequel on Xbox/GC/PS2 but I'm not sure if it's good or bad. Go try both if you like Smash Bros. rehashes done good. Gameplay. | N | N (GER) | |
Dino Crisis | survival horror; action | A survival horror game with fixed camera angles, tank controls, and limited resources. Mechanically similar to Resident Evil but a bit more action-oriented, and set on an island overrun by dinosaurs, Jurassic Park-style. The focus is on avoiding dinosaurs and progressing by solving inventory puzzles. Multiple endings. Also on PC and Dreamcast with slightly nicer graphics. Not as good as golden-age RE, but a worthy Capcom survival horror title for sure. | Y ($5.99) |
N (GER) | |
Dino Crisis 2 | Action | Largely abandons the survival-horror gameplay of the first game in favor of a "fixed-camera shooter" style reminiscent of Parasite Eve II. Much more action-packed, with a focus on racking up combos by shooting lots of dinosaurs. Characters from the first game return, but there's no need to know the story. Arguably the better, and more unique, game. Also on PC. Dino Crisis 3 was awful and we don't talk about it. There was a Gun Survivor gun-game spin-off that's worth a look on PS2. | Y ($5.99) |
N | |
Disruptor | FPS | Pretty fun; looks way better with texture smoothing on on the PS2. Probably one of the PS1's best FPS. The game doesn't give you a lot of ammo for each level so you must shoot carefully and use STRATEGERY. You also get a shotgun that shoots anti-matter, pretty cool. Gameplay. | N | N (GER) | |
Doom | FPS | It's motherfucking DOOM, it doesn't need to be explained. Also, by far There is a total conversion of this version for GZDoom if you want to play this on your computer with fancy graphics and stuff or if you just prefer the good 'n old keyboard. Gameplay. |
N | N (GER) | |
Dragon Seeds | RPG | In a world flooded by global warming, scientists discover dragon-like creatures long frozen in the now-thawed Antarctica, which are cloned and spliced, resulting in many races of beasts used in battles for profit and sport. A monster-raising sim with more customization than usual, and an engrossing time sink. Gameplay. | N | N (GER) | |
Dragon Warrior VII | RPG | Famously huge game at the time of release, even for its genre. Like all Dragon Quest entries, it's a traditional JRPG with turn-based combat and a lighthearted, save-the-world story. This game has an extremely slow start and a lot of padding/backtracking throughout, so be forewarned. It was completely remade on the 3DS, and a lot of the more annoying aspects were trimmed down, so that version is recommended. | N | N | |
Driver | Racing | Fantastic driving (duh) game, focuses more on dramatic inner city getaways/pursuits than simple racing. This game is probably the closest you'll get to recreating the awesomeness of that one chase scene from Bullitt. PROTIP: Get the PC version if you can, it looks much better. Sequels went downhill fast! Gameplay. | N | Y (GER) €4.99 | |
Ehrgeiz | 3D Fighting | A rather mediocre 3D fighting game but notable for having unlockable Final Fantasy VII characters. However, the best feature is Quest Mode, a suprisingly deep roguelike dungeon crawler using the fighting game engine. This means combat is 3D and real-time! Instead of right clicking thousands of times to slay enemies, you actually control your character as if in a fighting game, swinging axes and swords and doing fluid combos. There's even a hunger system and weapon enchanting! Amazingly fun and addictive if you even remotely enjoy dungeon crawlers. Gameplay. | N | N (GER) | |
Einhänder | Shoot 'em Up | Extremely stylish horizontal shoot-'em-up made by Square of all studios. Not much of a challenge for hardcore shmup fanatics, but a great-looking, accessible game for people who are not into the genre. Uniquely cinematic presentation and moody, cyberpunk ambiance. | N | N (GER) | |
Elemental Gearbolt | rail shooter; light gun | A co-op light gun game that tells a tragic story in a dreamlike, sci-fantasy world. Players can upgrade their weapons between stages using their score. Very hard! Compatible with the Namco Guncon, but can also be played (badly) with the DualShock controller. The story is very mildly connected to the Castle Shikigami series. Gameplay. | N | N (GER) | |
Eternal Eyes | SRPG | A very basic SRPG in the style of Final Fantasy Tactics where you fuse magical gems to an army of puppets to shape their skillset; you can also combine them to form stronger units, but this system is very unreliable and sometimes results in weaker ones. While the presentation is lacking and the story is boring (often with 5-6 battles between any story scenes), controls are tight and combat is solid at its core (with an overall low level of challenge), sure to satisfy anyone desperate for more of that rare FFT-style action on the console. Gameplay. | N | N (GER) | |
Evil Zone | 3D Fighting Game | An average-at-best 3D fighting game that while it lacks in complexity (a fighting game that only uses two-buttons?), it has a charmingly cheesy 90s-anime style presentation, a hilarously bad dub (Col.Campbell and Duke Nukem as hammy anime styled heroes!), some rather impressive visuals and an awesome soundtrack. Its developer would eventually be the creator of many wrestling games like most of the WWE games and the Rumble Roses series. Gameplay. | N | N | |
Final Fantasy VII | JRPG; turn-based | A turn-based JRPG with an innovative, fantasy steampunk setting and an emotional story. Its unique art direction, memorable character designs, and excellent soundtrack have made it a classic of the genre. Features limited character customization and lots of side-content, including two optional party members and several optional bosses. Also on PC and iOS. An action-RPG remake is in the works for PS4. | Y ($9.99) |
Y (GER) €9.99 | |
Final Fantasy VIII | RPG | SquareSoft was under a lot of pressure to follow up FFVII, (see here. ) and what resulted was a strange game with a grandiloquent central romance, crazy (and beautiful) sci-fantasy settings, and a Draw system that still has the fandom split. It seems like Square tried to one-up FFVII in every way and came up with a game that is very inconsistent, but interesting. Has its diehard fans and haters. Worth at least a try for series fans. Gameplay aside, the music is some of the best in the entire FF series. Uematsu delivers some amazing piano work , waltz and the always amazing boss battle theme that get's your heart pumpin' .
Still not enough? Watch this and decide for yourself. |
Y ($9.99) |
Y (GER) €9.99 | |
Final Fantasy IX | RPG | With the changing aesthetics and themes of FFVII and VIII, this game was a return to the lighthearted fantasy of the NES/SNES titles, with more cartoony characters and lots of callbacks to FFI-VI. A solid game with a shiny coat of nostalgia. Trailer. Gameplay. | Y ($9.99) |
Y (GER) €9.99 | |
Final Fantasy Anthology | RPG | A collection of Final Fantasy V and VI with some new features and cutscenes. Was the first time V released in the USA with an authentic translation. Has some sucky load times for battles. FF V Gameplay.FF VI Gameplay. | Y (FFV) $9.99 Y (FFVI) $9.99 |
N (GER) | |
Final Fantasy Chronicles | RPG | A collection of Final Fantasy IV and Chrono Trigger with new features and cutscenes. Get ready for shitty, 15-second battle loading-times in CT. The DS version of CT is this one with instant loading and some new features, so that's the recommended choice if you'll be playing CT. However, this is the purest release of FFIV, in that it most resembles the Japanese SFC original. The GBA and DS ports add new features, though. Trailer. | N (FFIV) Y (CT) $9.99 |
N (GER) | |
Final Fantasy Origins | RPG | Collects Final Fantasy and Final Fantasy II on the PlayStation, with improved graphics and some extra content. The GBA port was a more complete remake; same with the PSP, although those were sold separately. Still a decent collection. FF I Gameplay. FF II Gameplay. | Y ($9.99) |
N (GER) | |
Final Fantasy Tactics | SRPG | A grid-based SRPG set in Ivalice and penned by Yasumi Matsuno. The job system is addictive and fun, but somewhat nullified by the broken characters you recruit later on. The story revolves around political unrest and clashing ideologies, but later devolves into DEMONS! fare. It is still an engrossing SRPG. FFVII's Cloud is recruitable. The translation's quality is famously sketchy. Ported to PSP (FFT: War of the Lions) with a re-translated script and a couple new jobs and characters. Trailer. | Y ($9.99) |
N (GER) | |
Frogger | Platformer | Fun as hell but can be agonizingly difficult. The game is designed as a 3D successor to the arcade original. Probably the only good Frogger game since the arcade original. Unfortunately, there's lots of lag when you play it on console, so if you pick up the disc, using an emulator is highly recommended. | N | N (GER) | |
Front Mission 3 | SRPG | Square's Front Mission series usually stays in Japan on account of being about international politics and giant robots, but this game was very competently localized. Play through two different scenarios (each one over 30 hours long) witnessing a confict from different sides, where characters do the best they can in a morally ambiguous setting. Combat is grid-based and turn-based, where you use skills and strategy to destroy enemy robots' body parts, and can even eject your pilots to hijack your opponents' machines. Robot customization is a deep and essential part of progressing. If you can get past the ugly, muddled combat visuals and stiff animations, you'll find an engrossing game. The sequel is on PS2. Trailer. Warning: Emulating this (especially on ePSXe) carries the risk of encountering bugs that will prevent you from finishing the game. It's $5.99 on PSN. | Y ($5.99) |
N (GER) | |
Future Cop L.A.P.D. | TPS | Action-packed third-person shooter. Great two-player modes including co-op. An absolute must-play. Built from the corpse of the cancelled game Future Strike. Gameplay. | Y ($5.99) |
Y (GER) €4.99 | |
G-Darius | Shoot 'em Up | The absoulte pinnacle of the Darius series. The capture mechanic from Darius Gaiden is back and better than ever; rather than just picking off the orbs from midbosses, you now store them in reserve and can use them on just about every basic enemy. Once they start to wear out their welcome you can either detonate them like a traditional smart bomb or charge them up into a fuck huge laser beam that grows even BIGGER on contact with other laser beams!
(Taito Legends 2 port is the way to go with this, however that lacks boss rush, so this version is still a viable choice.) Gameplay. |
N | N | |
Galerians | Survival Horror | A cinematic sci-fi survival horror title with a bleak setting and anime-style character designs. You play as a psychic boy captured and experimented on by the genetically-engineered Galerians. You can fight enemies with powers, but depend on drugs to keep them in check and if they go haywire, you start exploding heads left and right. Unlike other games in the genre where you scour every corner for items and ammo, Galerians is more about strictly avoiding enemies (lest you quickly lose control), which can make parts of the game long-winded or frustrating. However, the story and setting are pretty much unique in this style. The sequel is on PS2. Gameplay. | N | N | |
Gekido | Action Beat 'em Up |
A beat 'em up with a lot of playable characters in the style of Power Stone, can be played by 2 to 4 players, it's a full 3D game and looks very nice despite being on the PS1, story mode on the game is also well done, you also have paths to choose that lead to new unlockable characters and so, great game to play with bro's. Has a GBA spin-off story that's more of a straightforward 2D beat 'em up. Gameplay. | N | N (GER) | |
Gex: Enter the Gecko | Platformer | The second Gex game, it goes full 3D but is still a cool platformer nonetheless. The camera may be annoying sometimes. | Y ($5.99) |
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Gex 3: Deep Cover Gecko | Platformer | Even more Gex for you! The platforming gets might insane on later levels so beware! | Y ($5.99) |
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Ghost in the Shell | Action | Third-person action game, you control a Fuchikoma Tank that can even walk on walls, the cutscenes don't fuck around with the gameplay (you can just skip them if they annoy you) and it varies from explore/kill to meeting requirements as kill X targets in X time, or rail shooting missions. Gameplay. | N | N (GER) | |
Gran Turismo | Racing | The start of one of the best racing series for Sony. Realistic drivan ahoy.
Important note: if you have any respect for your ears, be sure to get the Japanese version. It has a sweet ass jazz fusion original soundtrack, replaced with licensed alt-rock dreck in the west. I mean, compare this to this... what the fuck were they thinking?! |
N | N (GER) | |
Gran Turismo 2 | Racing | See Gran Turismo with some improvements and whatnot. You know, just doubling the amount of tracks (27 vs 11) and featuring over 4 times the amount of cars available (650 vs 140). The selection of Cars wouldn't be matched until GT4 came out.
The game was rushed to market to make the 1999 Christmas season, so the earlier copies have a bug that prevents you from getting a 100% completion,caused by the removal of a Drag Race mode, among other glitches (like your garage deleting randomly). Later pressings and the Greatest Hits copies doesn't have these issue. Again, get the Japanese version for the good soundtrack. |
N | N (GER) | |
Grandia | JRPG; active-time combat | Lighthearted JRPG adventure with lovable characters and a freewheeling story. Fantastic semi-active combat system. Quite easy, and the localization/voice acting leave much to be desired. The original Saturn version is graphically superior and has been fan-translated. There's also an HD remaster on the Switch/PC with Japanese audio options and smoothed-out graphics, which not everyone likes. Grandia II is also great, but unrelated to this game plot-wise. | Y ($5.99) |
N (GER) | |
The Granstream Saga | Action-RPG | The fourth game in the "[http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/quintet/ Heaven and Earth trilogy]" (Soul Blazer, Illusion of Gaia, and Terranigma, all for SNES), where you play as a very cookie-cutter hero off to save his floating world. A top-down action-RPG with 3D graphics and real-time combat, which can be very fun. Sadly the story is completely by-the-numbers, character models are faceless and ugly, puzzles are a slog, and there isn't nearly enough enemy variety to keep fights (which are always one-on-one) interesting. Recommended only if you're a huge fan of the preceeding games (though there are no direct plot connections) or want to give a unique and experimental, but lazy and barebones RPG a shake. | N | N | |
Guilty Gear | 2D Fighting | First installment of the series. Has an amazing soundtrack on par with the sequels, air dashes, overdrives and instant kills featured as well like in the successors. Gameplay. | N | Y (GER) €4.99 | |
Gundam Battle Assault 2 | 2D Fighting | If you're a Gundam fan (or a mecha fan in general,) I strongly recommend this. Other people however might find the gameplay really slow and clunky (you are fighting in 17+ meter tall mechs after all), it is also VERY unbalanced and there are only 6 stages. Graphics are surprisingly good.
PROTIPS: Real men play as Ball, Pick Dark (Devil) Gundam to auto-win every fight {C}Also: If you're curious about GBA1, it is laughably bad. But if you REALLY want to try it, just download it (it's only 15mb). Just stay the hell away from GBA 3 on the PS2, it's even worse. Gameplay. |
N | ||
Rapid Reload | run-n-gun | PAL/JP-only, and known as Gunner's Heaven in Japan. A 2D run-n-gun game with two playable characters, but no co-op mode. Very challenging, with a score-based power-up system that is quite unforgiving. It looks and plays extremely similar to Gunstar Heroes, but features a cool grappling hook mechanic. Has an appealing steampunk Wild West setting. Gameplay. | N | N (GER) | |
Heart of Darkness | platformer | Cinematic platformer with realistic physics and no HUD, directed by Eric Chahi of Another World fame. Play as a young boy exploring a hostile alien planet. Has a beautiful comic book-style aesthetic and surprisingly graphic, varied death animations. Short but very hard, and occasionally plain cheap. DEATHS!!! | N | N (GER) | |
Hercules | 2D Platformer | A fun platformer based on the Disney animated film. Features good looking 2D & 3D graphics that fit in well with the artstyle of the movie. Herc has access to a lot of special abilities, including a nifty Zeus-style channeled lightning attack. Also has Danny Devito, who talks to you!
Gameplay. Dat disturbing Hercules voice (grunts, grunts everywhere). |
Y ($5.99) | Y | |
Herc's Adventures | Run n' Gun/Beat 'Em Up | A humorous and irreverent LucasArts successor to Zombies Ate My Neighbors, with a similar overhead perspective and maze-like levels. Play as Herc, Jason or Atalanta, each with different strengths and weaknesses. You can find various weapons and upgrades for your characters as well. It's also kind of long for the genre. Gameplay. | Y ($5.99) |
N (GER) | |
Hogs of War | Strategy | Hogs of War is sort of like Worms, albeit in 3D. It is a pretty funny game. The pigs all have silly names and voices. You can play as pigs from an assortment of different nations. Over the course of the game, you can also customize how you would like to improve your squadron of swine. Sequel on Wii sometime... whenever it's done. Gameplay. | Y ($5.99) |
N (GER) | |
Hotwheels Turbo Racing | Racing/Stunts | Fun racan and stuntan. Gameplay.
Also on the N64. |
n/a | n/a | |
Intelligent Qube | Puzzle Action |
Capture the cubes advancing towards you without being crushed or falling off the stage. Makes you feel great (PEEEEEERFECT!) until you get to the real challenges and want to die. Also has a great soundtrack. Gameplay. | N | N (GER) | |
Jackie Chan Stuntmaster | Beat'em Up | It has Jackie Chan, what else would you want? You control Jackie and go beat some bad guys, you can even perform all of his stunts and maneuvers and grab stuff around to use as weapons! You can even unlock a secret Drunken Master level! It has some platforming segments, which are the weakest part of the game, but the game is still awesome! | |||
Jojo's Bizarre Adventure | 2D Fighting | Made by Capcom, quite possibly the best manga-based fightan of all time. Based on the Stardust Crusaders arc from the manga and features interesting fighting mechanics. Extremely combo heavy. A better version is available on Dreamcast. WRYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!! | N | N (GER) | |
Jersey Devil | Platform | Fuckwin 3D platformer made by some |
N | N (GER) | |
Jumping Flash | Platform | First-person platformer where you play a robotic rabbit jumping on shit. Crazy. Gameplay.
Spiritual sequel to Japan-only Geograph Seal for the Sharp X68000. |
Y ($5.99) |
N (GER) | |
Jumping Flash 2 | Platform | Much like the first game. Crazier. Gameplay.
There was a Japan-only third game, Robbit Mon Dieu. |
Y ($5.99) |
N (GER) | |
Kartia: The Word of Fate | SRPG | An obscure SRPG with character designs by Final Fantasy's Yoshitaka Amano. Entirely linear, you play through two separate stories with different protagonists which eventually intertwine. Summoning and upgrading your troops all revolves around Kartia, magical cards. Very tense and melodramatic plot. Gameplay. | N | N | |
Kagero: Deception II | Puzzle RPG |
The unique Deception series revolves around setting up deadly traps in your castle to kill uninvited guests in the most points-racking way possible. This time traps can interact with each other for combos, and there are multiple endings. Gameplay. | N | N | |
King of Fighters 99, The | Fighting | 6th Installment of the series and released in US as well on PS1, KoF 99 has a darker mood/ambiance than 98 and has a full fledged story mode per team, the coloring is quite nice as it resembles somewhat in Garou MoTW on those tones, the gameplay remained a bit untouched with the exception of changed rolling system into a hop system or a mix of the old dodge move with the addition that it moves forward this time, has max modes that let you perform specials at any given time or armor mode that provides you a quasi-super armor like Hulk has in MSH-MSHvsSF-MvC,etc., Kyo(The original) and Iori are hidden from the start and must be unlocked though. | N | N | |
King's Field (Kings Field II) | Action / Dungeon Crawler | Actually King's Field II in Japan, the first game was never localized (but has been fan-translated). King's Field is the grandaddy of Demon's/Dark Souls, and has the same claustrophobic, dreadful atmosphere and sadistic difficulty. You are dropped on a cursed island with no backstory and have complete freedom to progress, which is made by finding keys, secret doors and new weaponry. The aged graphics and rudimentary, first-person interface haven't dampered its charms, but it's not for everyone. Gameplay. | |||
Klonoa: Door to Phantomile | platformer | Whimsical fantasy platformer with 2D, sprite-based gameplay on polygonal, 3D backgrounds. Not quite as easy as most cutesy platformers, with some challenging post-game content. Has a surprisingly touching story and a generally appealing aesthetic. Remade for Wii with new graphics and voice acting, which were generally disliked. Sequel on PS2, with various spin-offs on handheld systems. Gameplay. | Y ($5.99) |
N (GER) | |
Koudelka | RPG | Gothic "horror JRPG" with shockingly good writing, localization and voice acting for the time. Unique soundtrack as well. The combat system is wonky, but manageable. This game is a thematic and actual predecessor to the Shadow Hearts series on PS2, and it's recommended you play it before those. | N | N (GER) | |
Legacy of Kain: Blood Omen | Action/Adventure | Started the venerable series; here you play as the titular anti-hero, a snobbish noble turned into a vampire and charged with saving Nosgoth from total ruin. Snicker-worthy voice acting awaits you. A great and polished game with awful load times. Gameplay. | Y ($5.99) |
N (GER) | |
Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver | Action | The next chapter in the Legacy of Kain saga. This time you play as Raziel, one of Kain's followers who is betrayed by his master. It's also in full 3D now. As usual, great storyline and voice acting. Much more adventure than action-oriented compared to Blood Omen or Defiance (you can almost feel that battles in game are put just for have some fun with Reaver). Also on Dreamcast with better graphics and such. Gameplay. | Y ($5.99) |
N (GER) | |
Legend of Legaia | RPG | The world has been covered in evil mist, and it's up to you to go from town to town figuring out ways to push it back and ultimately, destroy the Mist Generators in each region. A beautiful 3D RPG with lots of great extras, and a wonderful fighter-like combat system, which allows each playable character to perform several special moves right from the moment you recruit them (Think Sabin from FF6, but without knowing the commands right off the bat). As you level up, the amount of moves you can perform per turn increases and more powerful\complex combos can be executed. Also features a "Magic" system that involves copying the abilities of regular critters and using them in your favor. Definitely give it a shot. Sequel on the PS2, but that one doesn't really live up to the original. Gameplay. | N | N (GER) | |
Legend of Mana | Action RPG | Atmosphere: the Game. Another way of describing it is Side Quests the game, almost all quests feel like side quests, but actually contribute to the main story while usually leading you to the ending, all without you knowing it. The harder modes are absolutely beyond brutal. Gameplay. | Y ($5.99) |
N (GER) | |
Lemmings | Strategy | It's fucking Lemmings, if I have to say more you need to get off your ass and play Lemmings. Not as good as the PC version(s) but still worth a play. Gameplay. | N | N (GER) | |
LEGO Racers | Racing | Build and race shit. PC version is better. Gameplay. | N | N (GER) | |
Lomax | Platformer | A spin-off of the Lemmings franchise, but in most ways a spiritual sequel to Flink. Some gorgeous pixel art, smooth animation, and you can free the Lemmings to take on their abilities to traverse the platform world. Also available on PC if you're handy with the DOS box. Gameplay. | N | N (GER) | |
LUNAR: The Silver Star Story Complete | RPG | Enhanced port of a SEGA CD game. Classic JRPG adventure with a lovable cast and vibrant setting. Excellent score and highly entertaining writing, well-localized for its time (though the team took some liberties). Developed by Game Arts, also behind the Grandia series, which has much of the same "kids on an adventure" vibe. Traditional, turn-based combat system with some limited tactics. Not a hardcore RPG, but one for fans of heartwarming stories. Received GBA and PSP ports, both inferior to this version. Gameplay. | N | N (GER) | |
LUNAR 2: Eternal Blue Complete | RPG | Enhanced port of a SEGA CD game. Distant sequel to LUNAR, with a new core cast but similar story beats and writing. Turn-based combat also returns without major changes, though the game as a whole is harder. The tone is also more serious, though with lots of room for humor. Make sure to play the Epilogue after the credits! The series ends here, though there was a mediocre, Japan-only Saturn spin-off (Mahou Gakuen) and a horrendous DS prequel (Dragon Song). Gameplay. | N | N (GER) | |
Martian Gothic: Unification | Survival Horror | A sci-fi horror story that plays very much like Resident Evil. You play as three different characters who must never run into each other, or "unification" occurs. Enemies cannot be permanently killed and puzzles can get tough. Won't run on emulators. The PC port is tougher. Gameplay. | N | N | |
Marvel vs. Capcom | 2D Fighting | The title is pretty self-explantory, but just in case: Choose two characters (from either side) then duke it out with others. |
N | N (GER) | |
Marvel Super Heroes | 2D Fighting | Port of the arcade version. Classic Capcom fightan. You know the deal, magic series combos, super jumps, and gem usage that boosts your characters attributes depending on each gem. Pretty fun with a buddy like always but there's always a better fighter out there. Gameplay. | N | N (GER) | |
Marvel Super Heroes vs. Street Fighter | 2D Fighting | Just like above but with new characters. A.K.A. - Street Fighter characters. On the Saturn in Japan, the only downside being that you can't tag partners in normal mode, but there's a special mode that lets you tag them in, the bad part, the opponent gets to pick one of your characters as well. Gameplay. | N | N (GER) | |
MDK | TPS | Made by the same people behind Earthworm Jim. Fun game with a quirky sense of humor. PC version is superior, but good luck getting that to run properly on Vista/Win 7 (it's available on Steam for $5 along with MDK2) Very common around flea markets if thats your thing. Gameplay. | N | N | |
MediEvil | Action | 3D action platformer where you play as a skeleton, it's really good, the art style is nice too. Perfect Halloween game. Check out the sequel too, both are awesome games. Gameplay. | Y ($5.99) |
Y (GER) €4.99 | |
MediEvil 2 | Action | Sequel to the first, picks up with Dan and a new female ally fighing evil and shit again. Don't question it. It's got MOTHERFUCKING SIR DAN. Gameplay. | N | Y (GER) 4.99 | |
Mega Man Legends | action-adventure / third-person shooter | A 3D action-adventure and re-imagining of the Mega Man series. Explore subterranean dungeons full of hostile robots, and interact with friendly NPCs in a small but charming open world, with neat, low-polygon graphics. The colorful, retro-futuristic setting is inspired by Studio Ghibli films and classic anime. Quite challenging, with some clunky controls. Ported to N64 with slightly better controls. Gameplay. | N | N (GER) | |
Mega Man Legends 2 | action-adventure / third-person shooter | A direct continuation of the first game, similar in art style and gameplay, but with refined combat and controls (it plays much better with a DualShock). Also has a larger, interconnected game world. Features a more complex, action-heavy story and greater variety in settings, but lacks the first game's sense of place. Ends on a cliffhanger; a planned third entry was cancelled. Be sure to play The Misadventures of Tron Bonne as well! Gameplay. | N | N (GER) | |
Mega Man 8 | Platformer | Classic series comes to 32-bit consoles, featuring fluid spritework, and highly whimsical art style full of bright colors and squishy movements galore. The game is pretty easy overall. Good idea to play it on Sega Saturn if you can, it has some neat additions not found in the PS1 version. There's also a free PC fan-demake to make it play and feel just like the NES games. | N | N | |
Mega Man X3 | Platformer | It's the SNES version, albeit with remastered CD quality music and an anime intro, plus anime clips for stage intros. PAL and JP only, but Mega Man X Collection on PS2/GC/Xbox's got you covered with this version in America for the first time ever.Gameplay. | N | N | |
Mega Man X4 | Platformer | One of the best games ever made, right up there with the first Mega Man X. Brings the X series to 32-bit, reimagined with a terrific art style and awesome looking sprites. For the first time you can play through the game as Zero, featuring amazing saber-based gameplay that would return in all future X games and would even go on to become the basis for the Mega Man Zero (and ZX) series. But X is still super fun to play as. He's voiced by Sailor Venus though which is kind of weird. (Though kind of fitting also.. maybe...) | Y ($5.99) |
N | |
Mega Man X5 | Platformer | A low-quality sequel released towards the end of the PS1's lifespan, with very choppy sprite animation for everything except X and Zero. (since they were recycled from X4) Offers a good challenge nonetheless, and introduces many new ideas that would be continued in later games, such as innocents scoured across the stages that you can rescue, and being able to choose between X or Zero on a stage by stage basis. Also introduces a navigator character, Alia, who interrupts gameplay literally every two seconds so she can tell you stuff. For the first time ever, you cannot use any armor pieces you find until you've assembled all four pieces, something which was absolutely HATED. | Y ($5.99) |
N | |
Mega Man X6 | Platformer | Set directly after X5, at which time the world is destroyed and Zero is either dead or missing. As one would expect, the game has a darker atmosphere. Features many of the same mechanics as X5, but also improves on it in some ways while jacking up the difficulty. Alia conversations are mostly optional this time, substantially improving the pace of gameplay. The game hates you, however- some stages and bosses are literally impossible with the wrong equipment, thereby forcing you to either kill yourself or exit. If you know what to expect, though, the game is not that bad. Best combat in the series. | N | N | |
Metal Gear Solid | Stealth/TACTICAL ESPIONAGE Action | Massively influential stealth-adventure game with quality voice acting and direction, as well as innovative gameplay sections. Convoluted spy-fiction story that is, if nothing else, entertaining and full of eccentric characters. Continuation of the two Metal Gear games on the MSX, but you can play this first (most did). All games in this series have fantastic attention to detail. Remixed as The Twin Snakes on Gamecube, and ported to PC as well as nearly every other Sony system. The series continues on PS2, with a worthwhile GBC spin-off. | Y ($9.99) |
Y (GER) €9.99 | |
Metal Gear Solid: VR Missions | Stealth Action |
Basically a Metal Gear training game with alot of missions that weren't in the first game. It's fun to play especially if you liked the whole VR Missions concept in the original and if you want more Metal Gear sneakan action. Contains 3 levels that let you play as the Gray Fox. | Y ($5.99) |
N (GER) | |
Metal Slug X | Platformer / Run'n Gun | Good arcade port, thankfully this one doesn't have as much loading times as the first game. Beating the game once unlocks a cool mission mode, which makes this version worth looking into, even if you can play the Anthology compilation. | Y ($5.99) |
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Monkey Magic | Action/Platformer | It is a sidescrolling action/platform game and has unique features include the ability to switch between the foreground, middle, and background layers in some sections, and includes four magic spells - Fire, Ice, Shrink, and Strength - which can be cast on either the player's character (to cancel out enemy spells, for instance) or on enemies as a projectile. | |||
Monster Rancher 2 | Monster Sim/RPG | A monster raising game with a fun battle system, Monster Rancher 2 improved upon every aspect of the original. You can create new monsters by inserting any CDs. If you play it on PS3, you can even use DVDs and Blu-Ray discs! Monster Rancher 4, on the PS2, is the definitive sequel to this, allowing you to raise multiple monsters at the same time, go in adventures with them and featuring some of the coolest designs in the series.
They missed out on the first game, so it's called 'Monster Rancher' in PAL regions. |
N | N (GER) | |
Mortal Kombat Mythologies: Sub-Zero | Action / Platformer | A spin-off/prequel to Mortal Kombat focused on the original Sub-Zero (Bi-Han), this one is actually a platformer. It uses the same control scheme of the fighting games and a turn button which takes some time getting used to, as well as a experience system which unlocks Subbie's moves. Also for Nintendo 64, but that version loses the cheesy FMVs from this verion. | |||
Mortal Kombat Trilogy | 2D Fighting | Follow up to Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3. Features EVERYONE from the previous MK games (including old school versions of Raiden, Jax, Kano and Kung Lao). AI can be cheap sometimes even on easier modes. Also released on N64 and PC though the N64 version is really gimped. Recommend version 1.1 (Greatest Hits) because it fixes some gameplay and loading issues. No matter the revision, however, the game has freezing issues when played on the PS2 during the continue and ending screens. These bugs are also present on the PS3. NOTE: Don't ever pick Shang Tsung unless you like load times | Y | ? | |
Mortal Kombat 4 | 3D Fighting | The sequel to MK3, now with 3D graphics. You'd probably be better off on PC, for this one, but this is acceptable because it has codes, if you're into that sort of thing. | N | N (GER) | |
Motor Toon Grand Prix 2 | Racing | Sequel to the Japanese only "Motor Toon Grand Prix", kids racing game. Another Mario Kart knock off complete with power ups and a cartoon style of racing. Designed by Kazunori Yamauchi before he moved on to Gran Turismo. | Y $5.99 |
? | |
NBA Jam: Tournament Edition | Sports | A great version of the game, second only to the Saturn version. One of the launch titles in North America and still holds up extremely well.
The series continued proper with NBA Hangtime and NBA Showtime: NBA on NBC. These were developed by the original team at Midway. Acclaim bought the rights to the NBA Jam name and made their own line of sequels. |
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N2O: Nitrous Oxide | Rail Shooter | Tempest on an acid trip. Plummet through psychedelic insect-infested tubes collecting "E" coins, shrooms and other drug-related things. Features a soundtrack composed by The Crystal Method. | Y ($5.99) |
? | |
Need For Speed III: Hot Pursuit | Racing | Third installment of the series, where you get to pick either being a Cop and chasing down racers or running out for sport in illegal races, pretty fun and graphics almost on par to the PC counterpart. Exceptionally addicting for its time. | N | N (GER) | |
Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee | Platformer Puzzle |
Set on an alien planet, you play as Abe, a slave, and your only power is to take control of your enemies. You can also interact with other slaves to lead them to safety (or to their death) using pre-set sentences like "follow me" and "stop" (and farting). Pretty hard game, but very well done and satisfying. Get ready to think. A lot. Also on PC. | Y ($9.99) |
Y (GER) €4.99 | |
Oddworld 2: Abe's Exoddus | Platformer Puzzle |
Like the first one, but longer and with a lot of new stuff. Must have if you liked the first one. Also on PC. | Y ($9.99) |
Y (GER) €4.99 | |
Ogre Battle: The March of the Black Queen - Limited Edition | SRPG | An enhanced port of the SNES tactical classic, this is actually easier to find than the "non-limited" edition. Part of a long, incomplete fantasy saga. Great combat and story. Made by Quest, which would later develop Tactics Ogre and FFT. Also, in case you weren't paying attention, this is NOT a Tactics Ogre game, and the gameplay here is a lot closer to the N64 game than the isometric style seen on Let Us Cling Together or Knight of Lodis. | N | N (GER) | |
Omega Boost | Shooting | You're a mecha, IN FUCKIN SPACE. Came out near the end of PS1's life, so the graphics are pretty good. No simmin or levelin here, just straight blastin. Controls may scream for a bit re-binding for some people. Also the only non-racing game ever developed by Polyphony Digital. | N | N (GER) | |
Pac-Man World: 20th Anniversary | Platformer | Pac-Man as a 3D platformer, and it works! You run and bounce around and can even find mazes for classic Pac-Man action! | Y ($5.99) |
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Pandemonium! | Platform | Dated but fun platformer. Play as one of two characters, a jester called Fargus, or a woman called Nikki. Ancient password system is used sadly instead of memory card saving. Games gets damn hard later on. Also available on a few other platforms including, Saturn, PC, Ngage, Iphone and PSN.
Has a cool soundtrack. Here's a link to download it! http://www.mediafire.com/?dak3fq25psq4ab6 |
Y ($5.99) |
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Pandemonium 2 | Platform | A wonderful game. Really good and intuitive gameplay, very dynamic, cool bonuses, and very addictive. A really good game. | N | N (GER) | |
Parappa the Rapper | Rhythm | One of the first rhythm games where you must press buttons with correct timing to succeed. A likeable cartoon aesthetic tells the story of a rapping pup trying to win over his crush. Only six stages, but timing becomes punishingly strict halfway through. Can still be beat in an afternoon. Very nineties. You can return to beaten stages and do some freestyling if you're good. Sequel on PS2; UmJammer Lammy (PS1) is a spin-off. | N | N (GER) | |
Parasite Eve | RPG; active-time; survival horror | An RPG with elements of Resident Evil-style survival horror. The combat system is similar to Vagrant Story in its combination of free movement with pausing for commands. Set in contemporary New York with a twisted, sci-fi story and grotesque monster designs. Short and entirely linear, but features a lengthy New Game+ dungeon. Excellent electronic soundtrack and art direction. | Y ($5.99) |
N (GER) | |
Parasite Eve 2 | Survival Horror Action-RPG |
More of a straightforward action-shooter, but retains the fixed camera angles of the first game. Underrated, and arguably one of Square's late-nineties/early-2000s peaks. Looks great and continues the story of the first game. Plenty of replay value. The 3rd Birthday (PSP) is the final Parasite Eve game, but it's controversial to say the least. The first two are classics. | Y ($5.99) |
N (GER) | |
Persona 2: Eternal Punishment | RPG | This one did come out in the US. It directly follows the story of Innocent Sin and plays almost exactly like it, spell cards and fusion spells included. However, it also introduces a full new cast. Play them in order, though! Also on the PSP with updated content. | Y ($9.99) |
N (GER) | |
Philosoma | Shoot'em Up | A unique shmup by Sony, where each substage is played on a different perspective, you have both horizontal and vertical segments as well as rail segments played both behind and on the front of your ship. You can change your weapons on the fly (sort of like Thunder Force) and powers them up independently. Creepy mindfuck plot. | |||
Pocket Fighter | 2D Fighting | Pretty fuckin neato game featuring large amounts of DAWWWWWWWWWWW. Solid like other Street Fighter games out there. Also on the Sega Saturn, but Nippon Onry. | Y ($5.99) |
N (GER) | |
Point Blank | Shooting | A great, and at the time the only, port of the crazy fun arcade shooting gallery from the 90s. Not only can you blast your way in arcade and vs mode - there's also an adventure mode that helps to flesh the game out a bit more than just being a quick gratutious arcade experience. Great fun. | N | N (GER) | |
Psychic Force | 3D Fighting | DBZ-esq fighting game developed by Taito. You and your opponent float around a 3D arena beating the shit out of each other with psychic energy blasts and physical attacks. Dirt cheap and totally worth it. | N | N | |
Quake II | FPS | One of the best FPS on the system. Graphics are a bit dated, but performance is great. Slimmed down from the PC original. Also one of the few PS1 FPS with 4 player local multiplayer. Apparently performs pretty damn good. A lot better performance than Goldeneye or Perfect Dark in multiplayer. Good version to have if you don't have a PC. | |||
R-Type Delta | Shoot 'em Up | R-Type in 3D! that sounds like it would be a pain in the ass to play, but Irem wisely sidestepped that issue by making terrain contact non-lethal. In addition to that, you now have Image Fight style speed control instead of having your movement being restricted to powerups. You can choose between 4 ships, (including the powerup carrier!) each including their own force devices and special abilities. One more important thing to note is the dose system, which allows force pods to absorb collisions with projectiles or enemies and turn them into bomb energy when you max out the gauge. | N | N | |
R-Types | Shoot 'em Up / Compilation | Compilation of arcade perfect ports of R-Type and R-Type II. Game saves levels that you’ve already beaten so you don't have to start from scratch every time. Reference library with info about R-Type series universe was added as a bonus feature. | |||
Rage Racer | Racing | This is actually the third Ridge Racer for the PS1 and contains the same drifting you would expect. But this time around, winning races earns money which you can use to upgrade your car or buy new ones. The game also has a very distinct style/tone, with a Europe styled setting as opposed to the usual tropical setting. The courses in this one are amazing. | N | N | |
Raiden Project | Shoot 'em Up / Compilation | Badass Grandaddy of Shmups was released with a warning not to turn your TV on its side to get the 3:4 aspect ratio of the arcade version. Raiden DX, above, is a remix of Raiden II found in this. | N | N (GER) | |
Rayman | Platform | Very nice 2D platformer, great art style. Port of the PC version. Has very unique worlds and excellent music. | Y ($5.99) |
Y (GER) €4.99 | |
Rayman 2: The Great Escape | Platform | One of the best 3D platformers of its era, with art that looks like a Pixar film. Also on N64, PC (with better graphics and framerate), Dreamcast (better graphics, solid 60fps and downloadable content! The DC version is being slightly remixed on 3DS as Rayman 3D) and PS2 under Rayman Revolution. | Y ($5.99) |
N (GER) | |
RayStorm | Shoot 'em up | Vertical shump with 3D graphics but played in typical 2D. Has a neat feature where you can lock onto background enemies and destroy them with lasers. Plays well and looks nice, but the screen can get cluttered with the explosion effects. Also available on the Saturn as Layer Section II in Japan. Has a prequel on the PS1 called RayCrisis that is also good but criminally short. | N | ? | |
Resident Evil | Survival Horror | Codified the survival horror genre with its fixed camera angles, horror movie aesthetic, tank controls, and limited resources. Features non-linear inventory puzzles and tense, tight gameplay, though the style is not for everyone. The Director's Cut re-release includes extra content, while the Greatest Hits version adds analog controls yet botches the soundtrack altogether. Seriously, just listen to this! If you insist on playing the Greatest Hits version, use the Ultimate Director's Cut Dual Shock Mod if you have to (quite a mouthful I know). Ported to Windows 95 with uncensored FMVs, and the Sega Saturn with nicer graphics and extra game modes. There is also a fantastic Gamecube remake and a weird NDS re-imagining. |
Y (DirCut DSVer.) $9.99 |
Y £7.99 (UK) | |
Resident Evil 2 | Survival Horror | Mostly follows the formula of the original, but now you must make your way through Racoon City as Leon or Claire; your actions in one scenario will affect the other. Again, look for the DualShock Ver., with has an easy mode and other extras. Arguably the best RE, with tons of replay value. Ported to just about everything. Best version regarding visuals, sound and extra content is the DC one, or the Sourcenext PC port with the Classic REbirth mod. The 2019 remake is very different, also good. | Y (DSVer.) $5.99 |
N (GER) | |
Resident Evil 3: Nemesis | Survival Horror | Takes place at the same time as the previous game; this time you just play as Jill, who is stalked throughout the game by the impacable Nemesis. Shorter and more action-heavy. Introduces several series mainstay elements and the first incarnation of the Mercenaries arena mode, as well as branching paths based on real-time decisions. Ported to various systems with minor improvements and additions; DC version is best overall. The 2020 remake is very different, and inferior. | Y ($5.99) |
N (GER) | |
Rhapsody: A Musical Adventure | strategy RPG | Cute fantasy RPG with an anime-inspired fairy tale setting and a comical, non-serious story. Features turn-based combat on a grid, where multiple units can be moved and commanded. An extremely easy game with virtually no optional content and somewhat boring gameplay, but fun dialogue and entertaining musical numbers. Ported to NDS with streamlined combat and some minor bugs. Loosely related to La Pucelle on PS2. | N | N (GER) | |
Ridge Racer Type 4 | Racing | Features inhumanly awesome funky music, and strangely enough, a storyline. Choose from one of four racing teams and get to the top. Drifting takes a little time to master, but once you get it down, you'll be unstoppable. Shitloads of cars with almost laughably idiotic (but fun as fuck) designs waiting to get in story mode. Arguably the best PS1 racing game, with top-notch quality across the board. | Y ($5.99) |
N (GER) | |
Rising Zan: The Samurai Gunman | Action | Fight demonic ninjas, robots, and other weird Japanese-made shit in a Wild West setting as a gun-shootin' cowboy-swordmaster in this fun action game. KATANA FIGHTAN, GUNSLINGAN, and BLOWAN SHIT UP. Also, cowboy hostages in undies, sexy meter, and one catchy intro | N | N (GER) | |
Rival Schools: United by Fate | Fighting | Largely-forgotten Capcom tag-team fighter. The characters are high school students and faculty members with fighting styles based on various sports and after-school activities. The setting, music, and character designs are great, despite some wonky 3D models. Fighting feels like Street Fighter Lite, with a lot more air combos. There was an Evolution re-release with new content, including a full-fledged "school life" sim and character creator that was sadly excluded from international versions. Project Justice (DC) is an excellent sequel. | N | N (GER) | |
Romance of the Three Kingdoms VI | Strategy | Romance of the Three Kingdoms 6 is a strategy game by Koei. You control a warlord. Your goal is to conquer China during the Three Kingdoms era. There is a lot of strategy at play here. You will have to manage diplomacy, warfare, personnel recruitment, and many other things in your bid for supremacy. | N | N (GER) | |
SaGa Frontier | RPG | Like all SaGa games, this is an unorthodox JRPG with cryptic progression systems, non-linear storytelling, and a bunch of design choices that run counter to your typical Final Fantasy. It's very rewarding for those that stick with it, but beware of difficulty spikes. It also has gorgeous sprite work and art direction. An HD remaster was released for modern systems, including a new protagonist and additional story content, making that the definitive version. | N | N (GER) | |
SaGa Frontier 2 | RPG | This one is a bit different from the other SaGa games, as it uses a scenario system, where each scenario advances the story a bit. Aside from that it is still classic SaGa. You have two main characters, with their stories running in parallel and eventually crossing over, spanning over various decades.
Some scenarios merely advance the story, while others feature a barebones duel battle which mixes regular battles with some strategy elements. You will HATE Battle of South Moundtop! |
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Saiyuki | Strategy | Based on the nineties anime Saiyuki, which is in turn based on the classic Chinese epic Journey to the West. You play as the human priest/ess (you can pick) Sanzo, who travels along with his/her motley crew of were-buddies. Similar to FFT in presentation and combat, though the learning curve is very uneven. The Auto-battle is awesome though, and makes any grinding you need to do (if any) a breeze. Give it a try and you might be surprised. | Y ($5.99) |
N (GER) | |
Sentinel Returns | Puzzle | If you understand what the fuck is going on, then all power to you. This thing is simple, yet incredibly fun, and there are over six hundred levels. You enter an alien landscape, and from the eyes of a stationary robot "host", you absorb trees [the local form of energy] and build a linear tower of boulders until you can see eye-to-eye with the titular Sentinel. This succeeds the Atari game "The Sentinel", and features a vast improvement in graphics. Perhaps the most outstanding point in this game is its incredible, thick-as-molasses atmosphere, to which the score, composed by none other than famed director John Carpenter, contributes in no small way. An excellent way to pass long hours when you're too jittery to read Lovecraft but you want something with the same vibe. | N | N (GER) | |
Silent Bomber | Action | Run around and blow shit up. A REALLY fun game with plenty of explosions, enemys, bosses and a pretty entertaining storyline. Works like shit on emulators, though. | N | N (GER) | |
Silhouette Mirage | Run 'n Gun | The Edo Computer has gone berserk, and it's up to you to set things right. Clever polarity-platformin' game made by Treasure that got a fucked-up difficulty curve when localized by Working Designs. Expect hours of money grinding unless you play the Japanese version. Port of the Sega Saturn version with a few less detailed backgrounds and longer loading times, but still plays fine. When you're done, throw it in your CD player (you do know what that is, right?) and listen to that CD Audio soundtrack. | N | N (GER) | |
Silent Hill | survival horror | Survival horror similar to Resident Evil, with fixed camera angles, tank controls, and resource management. The incredible art direction and soundtrack focus on creating a sense of dread and melancholy, unlike RE's schlocky B-movie horror. Has an enigmatic story with multiple endings, and incredible atmosphere (despite the stilted voice acting) set in an abandoned small town. Features some New Game+ content as well. Silent Hill 2 and 3 are on PS2. SH1 was re-imagined as Shattered Memories. The other SH games are hit-or-miss (mostly miss). | Y ($5.99) |
N (GER) | |
Skullmonkeys | Platform | Loose sequel to PC cult-classic The Neverhood, a point-'n-click Claymation adventure full of eccentric characters. This is a 2D platformer that uses the same visual style and has a similarly kooky, unforgettable soundtrack. One of the most visually unique PS1 games. Tough, though, and not always in a good way. | N | N (GER) | |
Soul Blade | 3D Fighting | Predecessor to Soul Calibur, using many rougher, but similar elements and fighting. Not as good as the sequel, but damn fine nonetheless. | N | N (GER) | |
Speed Freaks | Racing | Another go-karter similar to CTR but with original characters and stages. Art style is a strange mix of Rayman and human, and the character's are quite entertaining to watch. Sports pretty wide, sleek stages with aeroplanes, ferris wheels and all sorts of shit and some loose but very fun gameplay. Called 'Speed Punks' outside Europe. | N | N (GER) | |
Spider - The Video Game | Platform | You play as a motherfucking mecha spider with a knife for a leg. What more is there to say? Collect augmentations in many non-linear levels, such as a boomerang shot, a flamethrower leg and a homing missile leg attachment (!) along with many others as you do what a mecha spider does—kicking some miniature ass. A largely unknown 2.5D platformer that offers good, challenging gameplay. | N | N (GER) | |
Spider-Man | Action | Great Spidey game based on the comic-books. Fun spidey gameplay with web-slinging, climbing, and brawling. Everyone is written in character and the game has great Voice-Acting. Also, Stan Lee's the narrator. How cool is that? Pick up the sequel as well. Tons of hidden unlockables and collectables to find. EXCELSIOR! | N | N (GER) | |
Spyro the Dragon | Platform | Go up against the evil Gnasty Gnorc. Awesome platformer by Insomniac. Lots of stuff to collect. | Y ($5.99) |
N (GER) | |
Spyro 2: Ripto's Rage! | Platform | A pretty chill soundtrack to go along with some fun and quirky puzzles and challenges. Sadly, there are some "RAEGRAEGRAEG"-inducing characters like the Egg Bandit and that fucking greedy ass bear. | Y ($5.99) |
N (GER) | |
Spyro 3: Year of the Dragon | Platform | Awesome minigames and a cool bonus stage. Last good one, sequels appeared on all consoles and sucked. It's a shame really.
PROTIP: Get the Greatest Hits version. The normal version has some game-breaking bugs and lacks some music. |
Y ($5.99) |
N (GER) | |
Star Ocean: The Second Story | Action RPG | Sci-fantasy JRPG with semi-active combat. The setting is fairly unique and the story is quite character-centric, with different characters becoming recruitable based on which paths you take. Charming, and fairly replayable. Terrible voice acting. An enhanced port was released for PSP. The first Star Ocean was a Japan-only SNES game (now fan-translated), which was later remade for modern systems. The contentious third game is on PS2. | N | N (GER) | |
Star Gladiator | 3D Fighting | Capcom's less-than-successful foray into SoulCalibur-esque 3D fighting, with a setting that's basically anime Star Wars. As is typical for 90s Capcom, the art and character designs are great, but everything else is mediocre. Best-remembered for protagonist Hayato, who appears in Marvel vs Capcom 2. Plasma Sword (DC) is a more competent sequel. | N | N (GER) | |
Star Trek Invasion | Shooter | Pretty great shooter (with the emphasis on the pretty part) which plays like Colony Wars. You don't have to like Star Trek to enjoy it but if you do you'll like the references and cameo voice work. If you like flying close enough to the hull of a borg cube (and inside it!) to scrap the paint off or fighting near black holes then you'll like this game. | N | N (GER) | |
Street Fighter Alpha Warriors Dreams | 2D Fighting | Pretty good start into street fighter's origins. Not as many characters as alpha 3, but still a good game otherwise. | Y ($5.99) |
? | |
Street Fighter Alpha 2 | 2D Fighting | Awesome entry in the Street Fighter series. Even if you have Alpha 3, this one is still worth a play because of it's style and gameplay. Gold edition has more features and such. | Y ($5.99) |
? | |
Street Fighter Alpha 3 | 2D Fighting | One of many people's all time favorite fighting games. Great battle systems, as well as a varied roster make this another great entry in the Street Fighter resume. Someone of your breeding could never defeat Karin Kanzuki. Has extra characters compared to the Arcade version like Guile and a lot of extra modes. Ported to GBA with surprisingly good results and PSP for more visibility and a new fighter, Ingrid from cap fighting evolution + copy-paste Yun, Eagle and Maki from Capcom Vs SNK2. | Y ($5.99) |
N (GER) | |
Street Fighter Collection | 2D Fighting | Collection of some fucking great fighting games. Composed of 2 discs, disc one has Super Street Fighter 2 and Super Street Fighter 2 Turbo, disc 2 contains Street Fighter Alpha 2 Gold, which is a rebalanced version or definite version of Alpha 2, the only bothersome thing is the loading between matches that could be done with in the SSF2 and SSF2T versions, but they're great ports though. | N | N (GER) | |
Street Fighter EX Plus Alpha | 3D Fighting | Before SFIV, there was this. Considered the black sheep of street fighter due to it having a different team under its belt, Arika. Along with the not welcome at the time 3d gameplay. All in all, a good game like most Street Fighters, has extra characters compared to the arcade counterpart like Sakura. Suprisingly has one of the greatest game soundtracks of all time that nobody listened too. No I am serious go fucking youtube it. | |||
Strider 2 | Action | 2D action side-scroller featuring Capcom's badass cyber-ninja. Compared to the first Strider this is a visual marvel, with amazing designs, and very nice sprites-on-polygons presentation. The difficulty is unfortunately quite wonky, and rather easy overall. This game came packaged with the first Strider. There was a Strider reboot on seventh-gen systems, which wasn't super well-received. Consider playing Osman aka Cannon Dancer (ARC), a similar game by the same director. | Y ($5.99) |
N (GER) | |
Suikoden | JRPG; turn-based | Turn-based fantasy JRPG with 108 obtainable characters (not all can be used in battle). Improve your headquarters by adding new features and functions, participate in large-scale field battles and one-on-one duels. Though low on visual appeal or innovation (it could easily be a SNES game), it's a brisk and fun JRPG with virtually no grinding and a consistent challenge level. Be sure to recruit every single character if you want to get the true ending, and you will. | Y ($5.99) |
N (GER) | |
Suikoden II | JRPG | Not a direct sequel to the first game, but many characters reappear. Gameplay and presentation are largely the same, but improved in a few minor areas. Has a fantastic story, with an especially memorable antagonist and a hair-raising climax. One of the best "traditional" JRPGs. Once again there are 108 characters to recruit. There's also exclusive content you can only access by having save data of the first game. (This is auto-unlocked in most digital editions.) Suikoden III is on PS2. | Y ($9.99) |
N (GER) | |
Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo | 2D PAZURU FAITING | Basically the cast of Street Fighter ditches the Fightan element for colorful puzzles and shit. Ported to PS3/360 as an HD Remix. | N | N (GER) | |
Syphon Filter | Action / Stealth | Often called a Metal Gear Solid wannabe for a number of plot similarities (including a knock-off of the FOXDIE retrovirus), Syphon Filter as a series is a lot more straightforward and action-oriented than the stealthy MGS, despite billing itself as stealthy. The plot is not nearly as melodramatic or well written as MGS, and instead is more in the vein of your usual spy thriller. All three games are very similar and continue where the last one left off in terms of plot, so what goes for this one goes for the other two as well. They are a worthwhile action-shooting trilogy and they're all up on PSN. Also had some games on PSP you may like (in fact, series bloomed on PSP, each of them is considered to be some of the best PSP games out there).
You get a taser that, if you zap someone long enough with it, they burst into flames. It never gets old (and has infinite charges!) |
Y ($5.99) |
Y (GER) €4.99 | |
Syphon Filter 2 | Action / Stealth | Same as the above. | Y ($5.99) |
N (GER) | |
Tactics Ogre | SRPG | This is actually a sequel to Ogre Battle 64 and the later GBA prequel, Knight of Lodis. Plays like Final Fantasy Tactics (which is unsurprising since they were made by many of the same people), but more challenging with balanced strategy (Although there are some exploits that might make the game too easy later on, and they aren't exactly hard to notice). Release date confusion had this called an FFT ripoff, which is ironically not the case. Do not overlook this game if you are a fan of the Ogre series or SRPGs in general. PSP remix adds pretty graphics made by the original team, and is a little more fleshed out in battles, along with a different translation. Hell, some say that version is so good it might as well be a remake. Features multiple endings\routes and a hidden level that is actually harder than the plot battles like the "Deep Dungeon" on FFT. | N | ? | |
Tail Concerto | action-adventure; platformer | Play as a mech-riding dog-policeman in a world of floating islands populated by furries. A cute and lighthearted platformer, visually very similar to the Mega Man Legends series. Though cute, it's pretty short and average from a gameplay standpoint, with some frustrating final stages due to the lack of D-stick controller support. Its spiritual successor is Solatorobo: Red the Hunter on NDS. | N | ? | |
Tail of the Sun | Open world / Action / Exploration | Open world game in which you play prehistoric man. Your only goals are to keep your village fed, keep your lineage going, and kill enough mammoths to build a tower of their tusks that reaches the "tail of the sun". Leveling up different parts of your body by eating stuff will provide different endings depending on what you leveled up. Level up by exploring and advancing your culture.
It's like Minecraft in that you make your own fun, and a lack of an imagination is a surefire way to make this no fun. |
N | ||
Tales of Destiny | Action-RPG | The first Tales game to be localized. The Tales series is known for fairly generic anime fantasy games, but with a memorable cast of characters, and a fully active battle system. Tales of Destiny has an especially likable main cast, which helps carry the story. But the combat, which is fully active and takes place on a 2D plane, can feel very clunky and slow. The graphics also look rather basic. The game allows local co-op multi-player, but it only works in battle. Overall, you should play this if you're more into RPGs for the characters than anything. Has a Japan-only PS2 remake which was generally well-received. | N | ? | |
Tales of Destiny II (Tales of Eternia) | Action-RPG | Most Tales games take place in their own self-contained universe, and this game has no continuity with Tales of Destiny; it's called Tales of Eternia in Japan. (Ironically, an actual Tales of Destiny 2 was released later for the PS2.) In comparison to Destiny this game has a rather boring cast of flat anime stereotypes, and the story certainly hasn't improved. However, the combat system is a lot faster, more fluid, and fun overall, plus the graphics have significantly improved (especially in-battle). Unlike the previous game, you should get this if you're into RPGs for the gameplay. Has a Japan and Europe-only PSP port with minor bug fixes. | N | ? | |
Team Buddies | TPS-Strategy | A top-down TPS starring the "Buddies": pill-shaped soon-to-be-psychopaths who are just chilling in Buddieland, until one day when crates full of guns start falling out of the goddamn sky. Cue wars between the color-based teams. Has a lengthy, challenging campaign and 4-player splitscreen with a variety of modes, character skins, and weapon sets.
The strategic element of the game comes from commanding your squad of 4 (including you) and aquiring crates to use on your stacking pad to build weapons and vehicles. |
N | N | |
Tekken 3 | 3D Fighting | The game that really put Tekken on the map and is still remembered as a high-water mark for the series. Nowadays it may seem a bit quaint, but it's essential for series fans, and has a few silly unlockable characters that were never seen again, as well as typically humorous character endings and great music. It also introduced the Tekken Force beat-'em-up mode. One of the best PS1 fighting games. | N | ? | |
Tempest X3 | Shooter | A good (albeit imperfect) port of Tempest 2000, also known as "the only reason to get an Atari Jaguar". It's not clear if the updated visuals are a good thing - the new effects are so flashy that it gets hard to see shit. Nonetheless, one of the trippiest and most intense rail shooters ever, and the soundtrack kicks ass.
Alternatively, try Typhoon 2001, a Tempest 2000 freeware fan remake for Windows. |
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Tenchu: Stealth Assassins | Action Stealth |
Stealthy ninjas. Had some sequels which improved on the gameplay and concepts, but this one's not bad to get your feet wet. | N | ? | |
Tenchu 2: Birth of the Stealth Assassins | Action Stealth |
More stealthy ninjas. Also, spy on your neighbors through blinds. | N | ? | |
The Legend of Dragoon | RPG | Billed as the competition of Final Fantasy VII upon release due to its long story and state-of-the-art graphics, Legend of Dragoon is really a fairly conventional fantasy RPG. The story has a bit of an eighties cartoon vibe (the characters wear dragon-themed power suits), and the graphics still hold up today, with some neat art direction and cool settings. However, the story is very long and dragged-out, and the battle system, which uses timed hits similar to Paper Mario, can get really tedious. It has a cult following, still hoping for a sequel. Try it out for yourself, it goes for pretty cheap these days. | Y ($5.99) |
? | |
The Misadventures of Tron Bonne | Action Puzzle |
A spin-off of the Mega Man Legends series featuring the affably evil Bonne family of sky pirates. There are action, combat and puzzle-based missions; the main draw involves raising your 40 Servbots to assist you in your tasks. There was 41th Servbot available only through a Japanese contest but you can gameshark your way in. | N | ? | |
Thousand Arms | RPG | A parodic, referential RPG where you date girls to power up your sword. Subtle. The combat and graphics are somewhat barebones, but the humor and ecchi elements manage to carry the game for the most part. One of the few RPGs where flirting with chicks serves some significantly pragmatic purposes (take a guess which is the publisher?). | N | ? | |
Thunder Force V: Perfect System | Shoot 'em Up | If you've played either of the Genesis Thunder Force games you know what to expect: upgradable weapons you can switch on the fly, lush and colorful stages, and wonderful soundtracks filled with that Technosoft flair. Feels easier than the older games, but not by much. A Saturn version that was only released in Japan. It looks nicer than the PS1 version, but the PS1 version has less slowdown and a few bonus features. | N | ? | |
Threads of Fate (JP: Dewprism) | Action-RPG | A one-off SquareSoft game where you play as either a boy or girl protagonist. Though both have minor story and gameplay differences (the boy can shape-shift while the girl uses magic), progression is basically the same, and playing as the girl is recommended because her dialogue is hilarious, while the boy has a cardboard-cutout personality. Structured kind of like a Zelda title, with an interconnected overworld and underground dungeons full of puzzles. Though it has some frustrating platform segments and somewhat tedious combat, the neat, crisp graphics and entertaining story (if you picked the girl) make it worth a try for sure. Though it never had an official sequel, a fan-made successor called Duo Princess was released. | Y ($5.99) |
? | |
Time Crisis | Rail Shooter | SHOOT ALL THE CROOKS AND SHIT WITH A LIGHTGUN! PEW! PEW! PEW! (That being said, get a CRT if you want the lightgun to work at all) | N | ? | |
Tomb Raider | Action TPS |
The one that started it all. Explore weird tombs, shoot stuff, jump around and solve puzzles. Great gameplay, level design, and atmosphere. An absolute classic for the PS1. | Y ($5.99) |
Y | |
Tomb Raider II | Action TPS |
Improved on virtually everything the first one already did really well, and Lara has a braid now. You can now fully explore Lara's home and lock up the butler in the freezer, and that alone makes this game fantastic. | Y ($5.99) |
Y | |
Tomb Raider III: Adventures of Lara Croft | Action TPS |
Third and possibly the best. This one is noticeably harder than the previous ones, it's unforgiving and it pretty much hates you. The levels are way more open-ended and you feel more on your own, which gives it a great feeling of exploration, but it's also more challenging. But if you're up for it and enjoyed the first two games it's a blast. Lara's home is even better too. | Y ($5.99) |
Y | |
Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation | Action TPS |
Fourth game in the classic Tomb Raider series. Underrated as hell. This time, instead of exploring places all around the world, the whole game takes place in Egypt, but still manages to be varied, going from ancient tombs inside pyramids to modern cities like Alexandria. The game is gorgeous, and the story feels more grounded and mature, while still dealing with ancient forces and spooky monsters, and it even explores Lara's past, which is neat. No tutorial in Lara's home this time though, which sucks.
There is a fifth game, Tomb Raider Chronicles, but it's not really good at all, so avoid this one unless you're absolutely craving for more classic Tomb Raider (but be ready to be disappointed) |
Y ($5.99) |
Y | |
Tomba! | Metroidvania | Non-linear 2D platformer where you can interact with the background of stages to uncover secrets and explore alternate routes. Though not perfect, its reputation has only improved with time. The colorful visuals and humorous presentation are also charming. Opinion is split on whether the sequel is better or worse, but in any case it's more linear. | Y ($9.99) |
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Tomba! 2 | Metroidvania | See above, only now with polygons and hair-tearingly difficult minigames (MINECART). You can also retrieve a savegame from Tomba! to unlock a secret quest. Both it and the prequel are horrifically difficult to find, so expect to shill out around 100 dollars for each. Unless you're a filthy pirate. Known as Tombi! 2 in Europe. | N | ? | |
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater | Sports | SO HERE I AM, DOING EVERYTHING I CAN, HOLDING ON TO WHAT I AM, PRETENDING I'M A SUPER MAN | N | ? | |
Tony Hawks Pro Skater 2 | Sports | One of the best and most popular PS1 games, which is all about doing tricks and nailing mission objectives. Easy to play, but hard to master. Enjoyable even today. Ported to several other systems, and recently remade for modern platforms. The series continues to be good up until the controversial Underground games. | N | ? | |
Tony Hawks Pro Skater 3 | Sports | See above. Warning: the PS2/Xbox/GC version is MUCH better, play this version if you love polygon men and pixels. | N | ? | |
Toy Story 2: Buzz Lightyear to the Rescue | Platform | A really good movie tie-in where you play as Buzz through a bunch of levels and collect Pizza Planet tokens. It's short and easy (it's for kids after all) but it's really fun and well made. The soundtrack is fantastic | ? | ? | |
Trap Gunner / Trap Runner | Action/Fighting | Isometric top-down arena fighter with a number of archetypal characters with separate storylines. Gameplay mostly consists of using, disarming and setting up combos of various traps instead of direct combat. It's a blast splitscreen with traps set to random. | N | ? | |
Twisted Metal | Car Combat | The original vehicular combat game. Still holds up well today. | Y ($5.99) |
? | |
Twisted Metal 2 | Car Combat | Added more depth to the game, such as fighting game style inputs for special moves like a freeze ray. Last PS1 Twisted Metal to be made by Single Trac, 3 and 4 were made by 989 Studios and aren't nearly as good. Twisted Metal: Head On for PSP/PS2 is considered the next "real" game in the series. | Y ($5.99) |
? | |
Um Jammer Lammy | Rhythm | Spiritual sequel to (i.e. exact same gameplay as) Parappa the Rapper. You play as Lammy the Lamb, rock guitarist extrordanaire for MilkCan, trying to make it to the gig you're late for. Tons of cameos and references to Parappa. Includes unlockable co-op, vs, and Parappa (who you play in a remix of each stage) modes. The original Guitar Hero, at least in spirit. | Y ($5.99) |
? | |
Vagrant Story | Action-RPG | One of the crown jewels of 90s Square, a dungeon-crawling RPG with a fascinating story and moody, Gothic presentation. Looks and sounds gorgeous, and localization isn't half-bad. Combat is semi-active, with timing-based attacks. There's an extremely deep weapon-customization system that you'll need to get somewhat-acquainted with if you want to finish the game. One of the PS1's best RPGs. No sequel, sadly, though the director was also behind Final Fantasy Tactics and (part of) XII. | Y ($5.99) |
? | |
Valkyrie Profile | RPG | Brilliant, unorthodox RPG inspired by Norse mythology. You play as a valkyrie recruiting recently-dead warriors into your party as you prepare for a final confrontation with the gods. The story's good, and individual character arcs can be quite touching. The semi-active combat is unique: each party member is assigned to one face button, which allows for set-ups and combos. Beware that the true ending is very hard to get without a guide. Received an enhanced PSP port and a PS2 sequel. | N | ? | |
Vanark | Rail Shooter | Blatant Star Fox 64 ripoff, but it's a very good ripoff, entertaining and polished graphics, nicely done controls and camera, story is meh. | N | ? | |
Vandal Hearts | SRPG | Turn-based tactical RPG similar to Final Fantasy Tactics. The story's solid, even if the characters are a bit nondescript. Has a bit of a dark fantasy style going, with surprisingly graphic violence and a relatively down-to-earth plot. Mission objectives are varied and challenging, while characters can be promoted into various different classes. One of the better RPGs on the console, even if the presentation and localization leave something to be desired. | N | ? | |
Vandal Hearts 2 | SRPG | A high quality strategy game. Isn't real-time, but after selecting your actions, they are executed at the same time as the enemies'. This can lead to a lot of chasin' bitches around the map for no reason. Characters are incredibly bland, especially in comparison to the first game. | N | ? | |
Vanguard Bandits | SRPG | A fantasy medieval SRPG, except everyone climbs into giant robots to fight! Includes a big, mostly likeable cast and story varying from a total trainwreck to rock-solid depending on which route you're playing. Combat is fun, as individual duels between mechs get very tense. It's not very polished, but what's there is quite entertaining. Also, for a game with barely any voice acting, it has an exceptional American dub (compare the US intro to the original version) | Y ($5.99) |
N | |
Vib Ribbon | Rhythm | Another title from musical animal connoisseurs Nana-on-sha, this time featuring a stick figure bunny that strolls along a line avoiding obstacles depending on whether or not you press the right button. Comes with some catchy tunes and also allows you to play your own stages from a music CD. (Use PSX if you want to emulate this properly) | Y ($5.99) |
N | |
Vigilante 8 | Car Combat | Vehicle Combat with awesome level and weapon design. Spinoff of the PC game "Interstate '76". Also on N64 and Dreamcast. | N | N | |
Vigilante 8: Second Offense | Car Combat | Sequel to the above, more of the same awesomeness, ports also on same consoles. | N | N | |
Warhawk | Flight Combat Arcade |
This was made by the same people behind Twisted Metal. | Y $5.99 |
N | |
Wild 9 | Platformer | An interesting platformer by Shiny, the guys who made Earthworm Jim, where you do not usually directly attack enemies, but instead have a Gravity Gun ("The Rig") which you can use to manipulate enemies and objects. Killing enemies is done by throwing them into their own traps, spike pits, lasers, grinders, etc. Very fun, very violent, and fairly hard. Also can be found easily if you look around places. Also contains one of the best troll endings ever. | N | N | |
Wild Arms | RPG | Turn-based JRPG with a fairly unique steampunk-fantasy/Wild West setting. Only three playable characters, but they get fleshed out quite a bit, and the story has some genuinely surprising twists. Overworld is spirte-based, while combat uses (very primitive) 3D. Overall the game looks decent, especially for an early PS1 release. A thoroughly solid JRPG. Was remade as Alter Code F on PS2, which has lots of extra content, but weirdly spoils the story's biggest twist. | Y ($5.99) |
N | |
Wild Arms 2 | RPG | A non-linear sequel to Wild Arms with a notably darker tone and the same excellent style of music. You play as a dude with a bigass bayonet who later fuses with some seemingly evil guy. As a result, he can transform for major asskicking. The translation isn't great, but it's acceptable. | Y ($5.99) |
N | |
Wip3out | Racing | Anti-gravity racing game with a neat soundtrack. Protip: get special edition with 1 and 2's tracks (UK only). Wipeout and Wipeout 2097 (or whaterver it was called, the 2nd one) are also on Sega Saturn. Wip3out is only on PSX. | N | ? | |
Worms | Strategy | Decent port of the PC classic. PSX has all worms from the 1st to armageddon, all are pretty fine ports, though none have online features. If you really wanna play Worms, get Armageddon on PC. If you can't then the PSX version is ok, just not great. | N | N | |
X2: No Relief | Shoot'em Up | Hard as balls shmup from the same creators of Worms. It is a sequel to the Amiga game Project X, but it ditches the Gradius-style powerbar for a more traditional style. | |||
Xenogears | JRPG; turn-based | Hugely ambitious Square JRPG with turn-based combat, that ran out of time and money towards the end. Mind-boggling story that delves into Gnosticism, Ancient Aliens, and more. You can fight with your characters as well as in mechs, which are also a major story element. It's a fascinating story, but a long and plodding game, with some downright tedious sections and an extremely text-heavy second disc. A cult classic. Here's a patch to change the English audio to Japanese:[1] | Y ($9.99) |
N | |
Xevious 3D G+ | Shoot'em Up | It's Xevious, now in full 3D! It also features the classic game for extra nostalgia. | Y ($5.99) |
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X-Men: Childrem Of Atom | 2D Fighting | Port of the arcade smash hit by Acclaim. Also done by Capcom. This game is also on the saturn in america. But I guess finding this would be easier considering how ps1 games are easier to find. | N | N (GER) | |
X-Men V.S. Street Fighter | 2D Fighting | You take the X-Men and you take the Street Fighter Characters and BAM! A fun fighter for all. Also on saturn which is the better version. That version, however is japan only. | N | N (GER) | |
Yoyo's Puzzle Park / Gussun Paradise | Puzzle / Action | You have to use bombs to kill all the enemies on the stage and collect cool power-ups along the way. The whole game is set out like you are on a stage in a theatre and the audience throw graffiti at you and cheer after you complete a stage. The whole game also allows co-op for added fun | |||
Yu Gi Oh! Forbidden Memories | TCG | This game is |
N | N |
Recommendation Copypasta
Fifth Generation | ||
Consoles | 3DO - Commodore Amiga CD32 - Capcom CPS Changer - Atari Jaguar - Casio Loopy - SNK Neo Geo CD - Nintendo 64 - NEC PC-FX - Apple Pippin - Bandai Playdia - Sony PlayStation - Sega Saturn | |
Handhelds | Nintendo Game Boy Color - Tiger game.com - SNK Neo Geo Pocket - Tiger R-Zone - Nintendo Virtual Boy |