The fifth generation of gaming is when 3D graphics started becoming the norm, with the PlayStation's superior hardware allowing for many amazing games to be developed on this console. Players were wowed by the graphical superiority of some titles that ushered in this technological revolution.
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Genuinely Scary PlayStation 1 Games
While it may not have the realism of today's platforms, the PlayStation 1 had truly chilling and genuinely scary games.
Games started looking prettier than ever before, even if the vast majority of 3D video games on the PlayStation haven't aged all that well from a visual standpoint. However, it's no exaggeration that fans had their minds blown back when the PlayStation churned out its wealth of amazing 3D games, with some people wondering if it was even possible for these visuals to get better.
8 Final Fantasy 9
A Game Considered By Many To Be The Best In The Series
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Final Fantasy 9
JRPG
Systems
OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Rating:81/100 Critics Recommend:81%
Platform(s) PS4 , Xbox One , Switch , PS1 , Android , iOS , PC
Released July 7, 2000
Developer(s) Square Enix
OpenCritic Rating Strong
Final Fantasy 8 may be the prettiest game on the PlayStation in the series, but it's the sequel that managed to engage players with an amazing 3D art style along with gameplay that was more polished than its predecessor. It helped that the title paid homage to the classic era of Final Fantasy and felt even better to play through, as a result.
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Final Fantasy 9's charming visuals and memorable characters help it stand out in the eyes of many as one of the best PlayStation JRPGs ever made. Zidane and Co.'s adventures to stop Kuja in his tracks and save the world are as epic as they come and full to the brim with memorable moments.
7 Crash Bandicoot: Warped
The Best Game In The Crash Series That Fans Can't Get Enough Of
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Crash Bandicoot: Warped
Platformer
Systems
Platform(s) PS1
Released November 3, 1998
Developer(s) Naughty Dog
The third game in the Crash Bandicoot was working on the back of a great platforming formula that had been polished in the first two games. This allowed Crash Bandicoot: Warped to perfect these mechanics and spruce up the level design to ensure that players can have a great time checking out what is easily the best game in this PlayStation trilogy.
Crash is more responsive than ever before and the levels retain a sense of challenge without being too frustrating to deal with. The lovable marsupial manages to thwart Cortex's plans once again by collecting the crystals he has his eyes set on.
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6 Tekken 3
One Of The Best Fighting Games On The PS1
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Tekken 3
Fighting
Systems
Platform(s) Arcade , PC , PS1 , PS2
Released March 20, 1997
Developer(s) Namco
It's only a given that one of the best fighting game series of all time would make a huge splash on the PlayStation, and Tekken 3 doesn't disappoint. Players who want to check out a retro fighting game will love what this title brings to the table.
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If you were playing hack and slash games on the PS1, then these games were the cream of the crop.
Players will love stringing together combos and controlling a wealth of memorable characters as they try to beat down their opposition in style. The modern Tekken games may be more polished and feature-rich, but there's something about the retro trappings of Tekken 3 that keeps fans coming back for more.
5 Metal Gear Solid
A Legendary Stealth Game That Needs No Introduction
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Metal Gear Solid
Stealth
Systems
Platform(s) PS1 , PC
Released October 20, 1998
Developer(s) Konami Computer Entertainment Japan
One of the greatest stealth games ever made, it's easy to see why Metal Gear Solid is one of the best 3D games on the console by a country mile. Hideo Kojima became a household name after the rampant success of this espionage stealth-action game that was difficult to get used to but rewarding once players understand the best way to make the most of Snake's abilities.
The story is a rollercoaster that is convoluted without being too hard to follow. The boss fights are memorable and levels are immaculately crafted to ensure that fans will remember Metal Gear Solid long after the ending credits roll.
4 Gran Turismo
A Beautiful Racing Game That Kickstarted A Franchise
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Gran Turismo
Systems
Platform(s) PS1
Released December 23, 1997
Developer(s) Polyphony Digital
Gran Turismo is a franchise on the PlayStation that has wowed players with its graphical fidelity time and time again, and this was prevalent from the very first entry. The game's physics and visuals were groundbreaking at the time and showed players just how pretty a racing game could be.
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This game kickstarted a series that promised fun driving mechanics and incredible graphics. Gran Turismo may have seen better days in modern times, but fans who want to remember the good old days can always check out the first Gran Turismo to see why this racing game became a must-play on the PlayStation.
3 Legacy Of Kain: Soul Reaver
It Was Unbelievable How Good This 3D Game Looked On The PS1 Back In The Day
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Legacy Of Kain: Soul Reaver
Action-Adventure
Platformer
Fighting
Puzzle
Adventure
Systems
Platform(s) PS1 , Sega Dreamcast , PS3 , Microsoft Windows , PSP
Released August 16, 1999
Developer(s) Crystal Dynamics
To this day, it's hard to believe that Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver managed to process such striking and iconic visuals on the PlayStation. The game was a joy to look at, with its unique gameplay and open-ended exploration ensuring that players could enjoy a definitive gaming experience.
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The mysterious story and fun action gameplay kept players interested till the very end of an adventure with an oppressive gothic atmosphere. The remaster does a great job of improving the visuals, showing new fans why the visuals of this title were so groundbreaking at the time and have aged brilliantly.
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2 Spyro 2: Ripto's Rage!
The Spyro Series Peaked Here, With Players Loving The Charming 3D Platforming
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Spyro 2: Ripto's Rage!
Platformer
Systems
Platform(s) PS1
Released October 31, 1999
Developer(s) Insomniac Games
During the PlayStation, Sony didn't ignore a younger player base outright, which is why games like Crash and Spyro were so successful for them. The latter has three games on the PlayStation that fans remember fondly to this day, with the second game being hailed by many as the best game in the series.
Spyro 2: Ripto's Rage! is a focused platformer with a great level design that doesn't overstay its welcome. It knows precisely what it's doing and lets players enjoy a memorable title that keeps them engaged until the very end.
1 Twisted Metal
A Legendary Vehicular Combat Game Fans Can Get A Kick Out Of
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Twisted Metal
Vehicular Combat
Systems
Platform(s) PS1 , PC
Released November 5, 1995
Developer(s) Sony Interactive Studios America , SingleTrac
Twisted Metal is a vehicular action game that needs a modern release as soon as possible. The first game was a beautiful way for players to experience the carnage in this twisted racing game, where breaking apart other cars and being a violent racer was important for one to secure victory across numerous game modes.
While news of a new entry in the series may be sparse, players won't mind as long as they have access to the classics that helped Twisted Metal become a household name. Each of the twelve unique vehicles is a joy to control as players pick their favorites for each stage.
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5 Best PS1 RPGs That Never Came To America
Some of the PS1's best JRPGs have unfortunately never made it to America, leaving some of the console's most interesting experiences in Japan.