Summary
The PlayStation represented a major advancement compared to the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis and Super Nintendo, especially in terms of graphics, thanks to its 3D capabilities and CD-quality sound. Many fans from that era will recall seeing titles likeTekkenandWipeoutshowcased on display TVs in gaming and electronics stores during the mid to late 1990s. Despite having half the power of the Nintendo 64,the PS1continued to impress with many games pushing the boundaries of what fans thought was capable on the little grey box. This list outlines the most impressive games that showcased what the PS1 was capable of.
Fear Effectharnessed the capabilities of the PlayStation and used cel shading effect, which provided some of the most timeless visuals and character models of a generation. It featured one of the most cinematic experiences, with character models seamlessly transitioning between cutscenes and real-time gameplay.Fear Effectfeatured numerous cutscenes due to its large four-disc set for the PS1, utilizing pre-rendered backgrounds alongside fully animated, stylish, and atmospheric FMV effects. It helped bring the 2050scyberpunk-styleHong Kong to life with its flickering candle lights, neon signs, steam blowing out of dodgy piping, running water, and more.
The gun effects and animations were impressive for their time. AlthoughFear Effecthas tank-like controls similar to theResident Evilseries, the protagonist Hana has smooth animations for rolling and taking down enemies with a machine gun.
Hideo Kojima, thedirector of theMetal Gearseries, is clearly a fan of film, and his cinematic influences are evident in his work, from theMetal Geargames toDeath Stranding.His skill in cinematic camera work and music is apparent right from the opening ofMetal Gear Solidon the PS1. Inspired byJames Bond,Rambo,and Escape from New York,Kojima has created a military science fiction universe that, at times, can be difficult to follow but remains highly immersive.
Metal Gear Solidstrikes an ideal balance between cutscenes and gameplay. Its smooth and atmospheric 3D environments, outstanding lighting, character animations, and voice acting make it one of the most ambitious and influential titles on the PS1. This set a standard that games likeSyphon Filterwould later follow.
Tekken 3represents a significant leap in visuals, character models, and animation, making it look a generational step up from the first twoTekkengames. It is a fast, smooth, and still feels comparable to the more modern entries intheTekkenseries, and is certainly comparable to the PS2 launch title,Tekken Tag Tournament. However, there were some cutbacks that had to be made with the backgrounds.
It uses a pre-rendered 2D carousel-like design instead of real-time 3D backgrounds, enabling it to maintain a smooth 60 frames per second, which significantly enhances the responsiveness and fluidity of the combat.Tekken 3features 23 unique characters, from Eddie Gordo to Jin Kazama, each looking and playing impressively on the aging hardware.
The originalGran Turismowas an impressive demonstration of the PS1’s capabilities, utilizing 75 percent of the console’s power.Gran Turismo 2built upon this success by featuring even more cars and tracks, as well as enhanced lighting and reflection effects that seemed unimaginable at the time.
The game features more than 600 cars, advanced racing tracks, and a licensed soundtrack, creating a technical showcase for PlayStation owners by offering the most impressive racing sim available on console, even after the powerful Sega Dreamcast hit the market. It was one of the few games where the replay feature was never annoying, as players could watch their race with impressive lighting effects and speed from start to finish.
Soul Bladeis the first game in the long-running weapons-based fighting series,Soulcalibur. Known asSoul Edgein arcades, it introducediconic characterssuch as Siegfried, Sophitia, Cervantes, Taki, Mitsurugi, and Voldo. At half the framerate, it wasn’t as fast-paced asTekken 3; it was more visually impressive, featuring 3D backgrounds, Gouraud shading, and lighting effects on both characters and environments.
The game also included particle effects during weapon clashes and high resolution for its time. The vibrant characters and flashy animations, especially from unique characters like Voldo, made it stand out. Additionally, the cutscenes and character endings from the game continue to impress today, while the opening cutscene and music remain as iconic as they were in 1996.
Vagrant Storyis a masterclass in character design and cinematic storytelling that appeared to push the PS1 beyond what many players thought it was capable of. It’s often compared toMetal Gear Solidwith a fantasy setting, thanks to its seamless transition from cinematic cutscenes and character interactions to the action/exploration sequences.
The 3D atmosphere and lighting effects are excellent, and the character design is stunning, featuring impressive texture work and shading that give the characters a more detailed appearance compared to many other JRPGs of the time, despite having a lower polygon count.
Final Fantasy 7set a high standard with its stunning transition between FMVs, pre-rendered backgrounds, and gameplay. However, afterthe release of Final Fantasy 8,the character models appeared outdated. In contrast,Final Fantasy 9adopts a stylized aesthetic reminiscent of classic 8-bit and 16-bit games, yet its character models are the best on the system. They boast improved animation, feature more moving parts, and look fantastic in both battle and non-battle sequences.
The backgrounds look incredibly detailed, with animated FMVs woven into the background to help bring the world to life. The cities are a joy to explore, whether the party is outside or inside castles, the city streets, or theLovecraftian dungeonsthat appear later in the game. The beautiful art design and impressive graphics still hold up on modern consoles.
