The original PlayStation changed everything. When it launched in the mid-90s, it was seen as a bold new direction for gaming—less toy, more multimedia powerhouse. It was here that some of the best games of all time were born. The PS1 didn’t just host great games; it nurtured genres and franchises that are still thriving decades later.

Games like Metal Gear Solid, Resident Evil, and Final Fantasy VII weren’t just hits—they were revolutions. These PlayStation games blended storytelling and gameplay in ways that had rarely been seen before. Developers pianototo used the hardware’s CD-ROM capacity to deliver long narratives, full-motion video, and cinematic soundtracks. This marked a turning point where video games began to rival film and literature in emotional impact.

It wasn’t just about production values, either. Innovation was rampant, from Gran Turismo’s realistic driving physics to Castlevania: Symphony of the Night’s nonlinear world design. These titles laid the groundwork for future game mechanics and genre conventions. Even smaller cult hits like Parasite Eve or Vagrant Story pushed boundaries with their deep systems and mature themes.

Looking back, the best PS1 games didn’t just define a console—they defined an era. They’re still studied, remastered, and replayed because of how ahead of their time they were. In many ways, the golden age of PlayStation gaming began right here, setting a standard that all future generations would try to match.