The Sony PlayStation: Wherever, Whenever, Forever.
What is the Sony PlayStation?
The Sony PlayStation was the unknown newcomer in the 90’s Console Wars, but quickly made a name for itself when it became the main competition for the Nintendo 64, dethroning Sega and their Sega Saturn console in the process. While many may nowadays see Sony as Nintendo’s rival when it comes to video games, there was a time where Sony and Nintendo were working side by side!
The origins of Sony’s PlayStation began as early as 1988; Nintendo had the idea of creating an add-on to the Super Nintendo that would allow people to play CD-based games. During this time they approached Sony with their CD add-on idea, and a partnership was formed, with Sony giving the add-on the tentative title of the “Super Disc” or “Play Station.” Unfortunately in 1991, Nintendo cancelled development on the Super Disc and ended their partnership due to the contract allowing Sony to have full licensing and control over any Super Disc-based games. Nintendo would instead form a business alliance with Philips, which resulted in the creation of the now-infamous Philips CD-i game system.
Despite the fallout, Sony focused on using what they had to create their own game system; one that would be able to play games with 3D polygonal graphics and would use CD-ROMs as its game format. Due to the focus on creating 3D-based video games (with the technology still relatively new at the time), and since CD-ROMs were easier to mass-produce than game cartridges, third-party developers like Namco, Konami, and Electronic Arts were eager to work with Sony. The PlayStation would be released in Japan on December 3, 1994, and would sell more than 300,000 units within its first month. It would be brought over to America on September 9, 1995, where it would sell almost 2 million units a year later.
10 PlayStation Platformers That Aren't Crash Bandicoot (-)
While the PlayStation was not the first console to feature 3D platforming games, it was certainly the one that got the most mainstream attention. If jumping, collecting items, and smashing enemies is your idea of fun, the PlayStation is home to many of these kinds of games. Of course, there’s Crash Bandicoot and his wacky platforming antics, but these ten additional platformers showcase how fun and creative these games can be.
# 1
Embark on a quest to save the Dragon Kingdom from Gnasty Gnorc and free your imprisoned dragon friends in this open world 3D platformer that began the legacy of Crash’s rival.
# 2
Explore Dracula’s castle as his son Alucard and slay enemies with gameplay that combines Castlevania’s traditional combat with RPG elements.
# 3
Travel throughout time and prevent Specter and his army of apes from ruling the world. Capturing all the apes isn’t easy as it looks, so rely on stealth and your variety of gadgets!
# 4
A cinematic, beautifully creative platformer in which the titular Klonoa must save his homeworld, the dream-powered Phantomile, from turning into a (literal) nightmare.
# 5
Jump on, bite and throw as many of the evil Koma Pigs as you can to recover your grandfather’s bracelet. Fair warning: this crazy, colorful platformer comes with a bit of a price tag.
# 6
Save your 99 Mudokon buddies from getting turned into processed food using only communication and enemy possession. Oddworld’s steep difficulty and darkly humorous atmosphere make it stand out.
# 7
Notable for being one of the earliest 3D platformers on the PS1, you play as Robbit, a robotic rabbit on a quest to find jet pods and save the world.
# 8
Don’t let the colorful graphics, adorable creatures, and whimsical music fool you: this game’s difficulty curve is NOTORIOUS! Are you skilled enough to rescue all the Electoons and defeat Mr. Dark?
# 9
A charming 3D platformer / collect-a-thon where the only way to defeat Baron Dante and get the game’s true ending is to save all the Gobbos in every level.
# 10
Yes, this licensed platformer / collect-a-thon is actually a great game! Traverse through creatively-designed locations from the hit movie on your mission to rescue Woody.
10 PlayStation Games that are Too Weird for Words (+)
Whether you’re cooking curry with an excavator, baking a cake with a rapping chicken, or fighting off against the result of a nightmarish mashup of H.R. Geiger, Michaelangelo, and that weird part of Japan, these 10 PlayStation games are just as weird to talk about as they are to play.
# 1
This… interesting side scrolling shoot ‘em up has you take control of a Buddhist god and face off against buff, nearly naked men. And that’s one of the tamer enemies...
# 2
Getting home on time to celebrate Grandma’s birthday should be simple. Unfortunately for Taneo and his family, all sorts of obstacles (dancing co-workers, robberies, UFOs) get in their way.
# 3
Train to fight at a dojo, get a driver’s license, learn to bake a cake, and sell objects at a flea market, all while rapping to the beat!
# 4
Armed with a revolver and a katana, Johnny must take on a gang of outlaws to save his hometown. Your score is determined by your combo chain, earning you titles like “Super Ultra Sexy Hero.”
# 5
If you’re a fan of the Wario Ware series, you’ll love the antics of Dr. Dan and Dr. Don. Shoot criminals, match up stuffed animals, play William Tell, and more!
# 6
Despite a steep difficulty curve, setting up dominoes to hit “Trick Tiles” results in hilarious (and weirdly satisfying) events in this rail-shooter / puzzle hybrid.
# 7
Create your own burger restaurant down to every single detail (your restaurant's menu, each burger specialty, what toppings they have, etc.)!
# 8
Destroy cars, demolish buildings, dig holes, and cook curry using nothing but your excavator. For added weirdness (or immersion), there was also this controller made for the game.
# 9
Based off a Japanese game show, but was watered down and seen as a mediocre and odd puzzle game since its show was never localised in America.
# 10
Pick a dodgeball team and go head to head for the tournament championship using throwing techniques right out of an anime.
10 PlayStation Games to Avoid at All Costs (+)
Although the PlayStation had plenty of iconic games, it also had titles that plagued the console during its lifespan. Between horrible licensed games, games that had ambitions but sadly fell short, and one infamously abysmal mascot platformer, don’t give any of these ten PlayStation games your time!
# 1
Instead of asking, ‘What did Bubsy 3D do wrong?’ a better question to ask would be, ‘What did Bubsy 3D do RIGHT?’ Outdated graphics, sluggish controls, and the bad guys win in both the Good and Bad Ending.
# 2
Clunky controls, horrible graphics, and an A.I. that frustratingly spams special moves (looking at you, Bumblebee Man) makes this game more of a mess than Homer’s barbecue pit.
# 3
Sub Zero may have been bad, but this game was so awful that it caused a large number of staff - including Mortal Kombat co-creator John Tobias - to leave Midway Games.
# 4
You’d have a better experience at an actual Hooters getting all the beer and chicken wings you can eat than playing this clunky, lifeless husk of a late-gen PS1 driving game.
# 5
The only offensive aspects about this first-person shooter game are its controls, draw distance, and repetitive levels that lack the extreme gross-out humor or witty satire from the show.
# 6
It tried to combine fighting games with Star Wars, but to quote Yoda: “Do or do not. There is no try.”
# 7
Dreary graphics, poor hit detection, and an inconsistent camera make this game a disaster beyond saving.
# 8
The only two good things about this stinker of a platform game are its graphics, and that Jim Henson’s Creature Shop did the character designs.
# 9
A godawful port of an already terrible game that was brought over to America in 2003… when it was originally released in Japan in 1995.
# 10
While this game has an interesting concept, it suffers from monotonous level design. If you want a good survival-horror RPG, stick with Parasite Eve.
10 PlayStation Games for Playing with Friends (+)
The PlayStation had plenty of games that you could play solo, but of course it had a great selection of games that you could play with your pals! Whether you’re working together or trying to knock the other one out, these PlayStation games still hold up for go-to multiplayer action.
# 1
Pick your favorite King of the Iron First Tournament fighter and go 1v1 in VS. Mode, or test your speed, skills, and fighting moves in the most intense minigame ever: Tekken Ball!
# 2
Nintendo 64 had Mario Kart, so it only made sense for Crash to get his own racing game. Put the pedal to the metal in Versus Mode, or set up a free-for-all / team battle royale!
# 3
Hilariously insane turn-based strategy action with in-depth customization ensures that no two battles will be the same.
# 4
Vehicular mayhem goes global with bigger vehicles, and badder weapons. Team up and annihilate everyone in your path in Co-Op Mode or see who’s the last man standing with Duel Mode.
# 5
The first Bomberman game on the PS1 delivers explosive fun for up to five players with options for team battles or simply have a free-for-all!
# 6
With a variety of multiplayer modes to choose from and compete against your friends in, you can’t go wrong. See who can chain the most skateboard tricks, or graffiti tag the most area!
# 7
This game boasts two-player options for both its Story Mode and Battle Mode. Work together to fight criminals in Crime War, or try to overtake your friend’s base in Precinct Assault.
# 8
Street Fighter and Darkstalkers characters go head-to-head in this intense puzzle game! Match and stack gems to unleash devastating combos!
# 9
General Morden is back, and this time it seems he’s not alone… team up with a friend and battle soldiers, mummies, massive mecha, and aliens in SNK’s run-and-gun classic!
# 10
You and your buddies have one simple goal: destroy everything - tanks, buildings, people, and anything associated with Scumlabs - in your path!
10 PlayStation Survival Horror Games that aren’t Resident Evil (+)
While Resident Evil is the most well-known survival horror series on PlayStation, there were plenty of other titles that either tried to cash in on Resident Evil’s success to varying results, or put their own spin on what a survival horror video game should be. These ten PlayStation survival horror games are sure to make you scared to play them with the lights off.
# 1
Still one of the most memorable survival horror games to this day with its eerie score and morbid story. The weirdly stilted dialogue and technical limitations add to the unsettling atmosphere.
# 2
This game combines survival horror with RPG elements, creating a unique battle system where NYPD rookie Aya Brea takes on creatures out of a biologist’s worst nightmare.
# 3
In contrast to slow-moving zombies, Regina must survive against violently fast and tenacious dinosaurs by using weapons and force fields throughout the abandoned complex.
# 4
This reboot of the 1992 classic franchise allows you two different playing styles: playing as Edward Carnby is more combat-focused, while playing as Aline is centered around puzzles.
# 5
This sequel to the original Clock Tower has Jennifer trying to recover from the trauma of the Barrows Mansion while a series of murders are occurring, and are oddly similar to the Scissorman...
# 6
Protagonist Rion’s psychokinetic powers are what you need to utilize and conserve as you help Rion remember his past and take on the mysterious beings known as Galerians.
# 7
Uncover the dark history of the Nementon Monastery using a turn-based RPG battle system. If you’re a fan of Shadow Hearts, Koudelka is a must-play since it was that series’ precursor.
# 8
This strange cinematic FMV-based game gives you only two hours in real time without pausing or saving to solve the mystery of Laura Harris’ father.
# 9
Released near the end of the PlayStation’s lifespan, you switch between three playable characters as you explore a derelict space station.
# 10
Although Juggernaut is not the most solid game on this list, its odd storyline and Myst-like gameplay style is worth checking out.
10 PlayStation Games Only Available in Japan (+)
While there were 1,300 PlayStation games released in America, some games only stayed in the Land of the Rising Sun. If you’re looking to expand your PlayStation’s Japanese library, these import-only games are ones that should be part of your collection!
# 1
This remaster of Hideo Kojima’s point-and-click futuristic buddy cop visual novel never received any official US release. If you love sci-fi, cyberpunk, and Kojima’s Hollywood fanservice, this game is a must-have.
# 2
LSD Dream Emulator
One of, if not THE weirdest game on the PS1, as you simply walk around surreal environments. Has become a recent cult classic due to its unpredictable and occasionally nightmarish atmosphere.
# 3
This weirdly charming “cute ‘em up” side-scrolling shooter has you battle amusement park-based enemies using “weapons” such as ice cream, french fries, pies, and jelly beans!
# 4
Save your girlfriend and return to your original adult body in this adventure game that combines old-school side scrolling action with Street Fighter II-like gameplay during boss fights!
# 5
While America got the first Tobal No. 1, its sequel was never localized due to low sales. Which is a shame, since this game boasts the biggest character roster (200 characters!!!) and an expanded Quest Mode!
# 6
Bishi Bashi Special
If Point Blank was too normal for you, this party game delivers more competitive minigame mayhem for you and your friends!
# 7
A fun, colorful, side-scrolling beat ‘em up where you and a buddy can choose between four different characters to stop the evil Professor Fuarado and his organization Arc.
# 8
Stop terrorists with an A.I. partner and an arsenal of weapons a la Die Hard. Despite never coming to America, the voice acting for this game is all done in English.
# 9
Twilight Syndrome: Tansaku-hen
Three Japanese schoolgirls investigate paranormal rumors in their school with gameplay similar to Clock Tower. Goichi Suda (“Suda51”) directed both this game and its sequel.
# 10
Pepsiman
Help Pepsiman dodge obstacles as he runs through various stages to bring Pepsi to thirsty people. Also features weird live action footage of an American guy drinking Pepsi and commentating on the game in between levels.
