Happy birthday to the PlayStation 1! the original PlayStation console that put the most iconic video game characters on the map such as Spyro, Crash Bandicoot, and Cloud Strife.
Since it is the 25th anniversary of the console, we thought it would be great time to list the best PS1 games that you can play right now on the PS4 and considering that most of the PS1 classics aren’t playable on PS4, we have included some of the remasters/remakes that have come out as of late as well.
Check out the best PS1 games that you can play on PS4 down below:
Final Fantasy VII
Cloud and Sephiroth are almost household names at this point and it’s all thanks to the big JRPG that came to the PS1, the RPG that ushered in a big crowd of people into the world of Final Fantasy.
At the time of release, it was praised for its graphics, compelling narrative, and it was just really easy for anyone to jump into and try out.
The remastered PC edition is on PS4 as a digital download and although the PS1 title is sort of hard to get into in 2019, it can serve as a good starting point while you wait patiently for the anticipated remake in 2020.
PaRappa The Rapper Remastered
As soon as you boot up Parappa the Rapper, you will understand why it was such an underrated gem back on the PS1. It’s a super wacky rhythm game that lets you play as a rapping dog while acting out some really fun moments that are completely random and crazy.
There’s a scene about Parappa attempting to get his driver’s license, there’s another one about baking a birthday cake and one about learning Kung-fu from a smelly onion instructor.
It’s incredibly addictive and can be somewhat frustrating at times but its charm is oh so enjoyable.
You can buy the remastered version on PS4 for only about $5 now.
Spyro Reignited Trilogy
Spyro is up there with Crash Bandicoot when it comes to iconic PlayStation mascots that dominated the 3D platforming space on the classic PS1 console. The three Spyro games on PlayStation were recently remastered from the ground-up for PS4 and they are still very good.
The Reignited Trilogy includes: Spyro the Dragon, Spyro 2: Ripto’s Rage! and Spyro: Year of the Dragon.
If you want a simple game that has tons of collectibles to hunt down, a diverse variety of enemies to burn to a crisp, and highly-detailed environments, then these Spyro games will give you a sense of pure childlike fun.
Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy
Crash Bandicoot is how developer Naughty Dog got its footing in the video game industry and to this day, Crash remains as one of, if not, the most memorable PlayStation characters.
Crash Bandicoot was in competition with other 3D platformers of its time such as Super Mario 64 and Banjo-Kazooie but instead of being open, Crash was more of a linear platformer with time-based challenges and such.
It was also known to be pretty difficult, even in the recently released remastered collection that came to consoles just last year. The re-released fixed some issues and gave the game a much-needed graphical boost and smoothed out the controls so that when Crash would fall into a pit, it was definitely your fault and not the game.
The originals aren’t playable on the PS4 but you can snag the N. Sane Trilogy right now for $39.99.
Castlevania Requiem: Symphony of the Night and Rondo of Blood
If you’ve heard the term “Metroidvania” before, then you can thank this game for the second part of that phrase. It describes games that take elements from Symphony of the Night and 2D Metroid games like backtracking and unlockable powers that allow you through previously closed areas.
Symphony of the Night is one of the greatest side-scrolling action games of all time and features an iconic soundtrack and gorgeous sprite-based visuals.
It was rare to see pixel-art on the PS1 so Symphony of the Night really holds up to today’s standards simply because it was able to use the full power of the console.
It’s available on the PS4 as part of a Castlevania collection that also comes with Rondo of Blood, another pretty good Castlevania game.
Resident Evil 2 Remake
The original Resident Evil 2 blew the first one out of the water and introduced horror fans to a handsome Leon Kennedy and a brave motorcyclist named Claire Redfield.
The PS1 classic isn’t playable on PS4 but Capcom’s remake came out this year and it’s the best choice if you wanted to jump into this terrifying romp through the Racoon Police Department.
Resident Evil 2 brings the scares and terrors as well as tricky puzzle-solving and a compelling narrative with great voice work and facial animations.
It’s going to be on a lot of Game of the Year lists for tons of folks and it definitely deserves to be talked about for years to come.
Do you guys have any favorite PS1 games that you wish would come to the PS4? Either as a remake, remaster, or just a straight-up port? Let us know in the comments section below and make sure to wish that little ol’ console a very happy birthday.
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