10 PS1 Games You Need to Get Your Retro Collection Started

The PlayStation, also called the PS1 or PSX, absolutely destroyed the N64 in terms of video game output. Over 4,000 titles came out for this fifth-generation system. Many of them, particularly the RPGS, were absolute gems. Others were not so great. 

With such a large number of games, it’s easy to get lost when you’re trying to start your collection. If you want to grab more than the bargain bin sports games, then take a look at our list of 10 PS1 games that will fit in well with your thriving collection. 

1. Gran Turismo

Gran Turismo made a huge impact on the racing genre when it came out. Sure, you could go right into Arcade Mode and race against your friends on well-designed levels that didn’t just let you hit the gas to win. The more involved type of gameplay was the Career Mode, where you started out earning licenses and slowly won races to earn money for better cars and parts. 

This game’s vehicle customization and physics made it a breath of fresh air for those who only grew up with Mario Kart-style racers. Some sources have this listed as the best-selling game on the entire console, making it inexpensive and accessible for purchasing. 

2. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2

This game wasn’t in the top ten best-sellers on the PS1, but it was still a beloved game. The improved skating controls, better level designs, and soundtrack are just a few of the high points of this game. I would go so far as to say that this is one of the PS1 games that holds up the best, meaning you could still play it today. 

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2 felt like it was ahead of its time, especially when you consider the limitations of the system. More importantly, it diversified the sport genre at a time when skateboarding, BMX, and other so-called extreme sports were just starting to get mainstream attention. You can pick this game up without spending a whole lot, too. 

3. Metal Gear Solid

You just had to be there for Metal Gear Solid. At the time it came out, very few games had implemented a stealth system that was so engaging and fun. That alone would have been a good draw for the title, but its combat, voice acting, deep story, and incredible boss fights created a game that was simply incredible. 

As of the writing of this article, the game runs about $30 on the low end and over $100 on the high end, but it’s worth it. You’ll have a game that is undeniably cool and also an important piece of gaming history, as it kicked off the stealth genre and served as a stepping stone to other amazing titles in the series. 

4. Resident Evil 2

Resident Evil 2 takes you back to Racoon City, which had been overrun by zombies after the first game. It’s survival horror at its best, and you need to focus on managing your resources and solving puzzles to advance the story rather than trying to take the fight to the zombie hordes. 

In this installment, you can either play as Leon or Claire, who may just be the unluckiest people to ever step foot in the city. Rather than wandering through a mansion like the first game, you explore the overrun police department building, the city sewers, and biolabs. To really get the complete story, you need to play through as both characters, making this game worth its moderate price tag. 

5. Final Fantasy VII

Honestly, we could just fill half the list with games from the Final Fantasy series. The PSX was probably the best system for JRPGs ever, and Final Fantasy VII was one of the most beloved titles released on it. 

This game launched the series into the 3D realm with horribly blocky character graphics. Fortunately, the pre-rendered backgrounds and music made up for that shortcoming by creating an incredible atmosphere that supported one hell of a story. If you played the game, then you can probably hear the Mako Reactor music in your head right now, decades after its release. 

Final Fantasy VII was the second-highest-selling game on the PS1, a fact that is made even more incredible by not being an action or sports game. Also, it ensures the game is reasonably priced for your collection, even if you get the Greatest Hits edition. But you wouldn’t do that, right?

6. Tomb Raider

Tomb Raider sold an incredible 7.1 million copies after its release in 1996. And while you can make the same tired joke about the main character’s physique contributing to those numbers, the simple fact is that it sold because it was a very fun game to play. 

This action-adventure title puts you in the role of Lara Croft, an archaeologist, adventurer, and dual-wielding gunslinger. You explore various locations in South America, Greece, and Africa during your journeys, solving puzzles, shooting enemies, and exploring the levels with Lara’s incredible acrobatics. This widely celebrated game is also pretty cheap right now, so it’s worth tossing this one into your basket. 

7. Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back

Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back built on the success of the first title to make it one of the best sellers on the system. The movement in the platformer was improved, backtracking was made a bit less painful by the Warp Room, and the level designs got some more complexity. The game also had tons of secret areas to discover, increasing the game’s replayability. 

While this title has aged quite a bit, it still makes a good PS1 game for your collection. Fortunately, even the rarer versions of this game are not terribly expensive, meaning you can buy it and put it on display with ease. 

8. Spyro the Dragon

Okay, I’ll be the first to admit that when I was told this game was about playing as a fire-breathing dragon, I had something much different in mind. Like, more Drogon tearing through Kings Landing than Toothless in How to Train Your Dragon. That being said, the game won me over with its fun design, combat, and the ability to explore the world, even if the voice acting was stunningly bad. 

With so much to do and collect, the game was a completionist’s dream. Almost 5 million copies of this game sold throughout its run, so it’s fairly common these days. You’ll be able to get your hands on a copy without spending very much. 

9. Tekken 3

Tekken 3 did that rare thing where a game developer learns from its previous iterations and gives the buyer things they wanted and even a few things they didn’t know they needed. The 3D fighting environment and large cast of fighters got this game off on the right foot. Added to that are the amazing soundtrack and unique game modes that will keep you playing long after your brother rage-quits and leaves you solo. 

Bolstered by the popularity of the previous entry, this game sold a total of 8.3 million copies. Best of all, this is one of the PS1 games you can buy for under 20 dollars. 

10. Final Fantasy VIII

Final Fantasy VIII sold 8.6 million copies on its release, so it’s easy to collect and you won’t pay an arm and a leg for it. Like other sequels on this list, its sales were helped along by the success of the previous title, even though they’re unrelated. 

This JRPG was a radical departure from the ultra-successful FF7, introducing a high-school-aged cast, an absolutely bonkers story that includes time travel and sorcery, and a somewhat convoluted power-up system. Those features, along with the love triangle, made the game a bit controversial. I went into more depth about why this isn’t considered a top PS1 RPG before. Love it or hate it, it was successful and tried new things, which is one of the best ways to stop a series from stagnating. At the very least, if you play it, you may like the music and the card game. 

You’ve made it to the end. What other games would you want to see on this list, and why is it not the Harry Potter game? Let me know in the comments!