Some incredible PS1 games are available for purchase on the PS3 and PS Vita. Most of the classics are there, from epic RPGs like Chrono Cross to legendary linear adventures like Metal Gear Solid. While we appreciate the access to all of these, it is not a complete collection. Several notable games are missing.
The ten games below would benefit from being digitally available. Usually, legal issues prevent these games from receiving an official re-release. In some cases, remakes have filled the void. However, some of us would love to have the originals for posterity’s sake.
10 Legend Of Legaia
This unique turn-based RPG came out in 1998 and was lost among the packed crowd of JRPGs for the original PlayStation. However, you should not skip it. The unique combat system alone is enough to make it worth tracking down. Instead of a simple attack command, each character’s turn involves a combination of attacks which can be used to string together combos. The battle system was only used once again for the PS2 sequel, which is similarly difficult to track down.
9 Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater
Thanks to Vicarious Visions’ magnificent work on the Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2, a re-release of the classic titles for the original PlayStation is less desired. It would still be nice to play the originals, outdated graphics and jank included. There is still a charm in going back and playing the debut entry and its sequel. The lack of reverts and other gameplay innovations later titles brought to the table also changes the way you play.
8 Spider-Man
There has never been a better time to be a gamer who loves superheroes than today. Insomniac’s Spider-Man from 2018 and the semi-sequel Miles Morales are two of the finest PlayStation exclusives. Long before the Sony first-party developer adapted the character, Neversoft had a crack at it for the original PlayStation. The studio did a great job. It is not open-world, but still retains the charm and personality of the character.
7 Gran Turismo
Gran Turismo is the go-to series for PlayStation owners who love racing sims. Every entry in the franchise is the most technically advanced racing game of its era in terms of both gameplay and visuals.
Because of this, new titles may render older entries obsolete. All the same, being able to play the older entries on the original PlayStation would be a great nostalgia trip for those who were into the Gran Turismo series since its inception.
6 Disruptor
Insomniac Games has an extremely long and illustrious history, and it all started with Disruptor on the PS1. This science-fiction first-person shooter not only lets you dispose of enemies with conventional weaponry; you also have an arsenal of special abilities. The creative tools at your disposal are familiar to fans of the developer since its future franchises like Ratchet and Clank and Resistance would also pride themselves on unique weapons.
5 Jet Moto 3
While most of the games on this list are not available digitally anywhere, Jet Moto 3 was actually temporarily available on the store before it was taken down for unknown reasons. Fortunately, the first two entries are readily available in the store. The vehicles you race in are hoverbikes, able to gain high speeds and do some serious jumps. There is also a solid variety of tracks. Unfortunately, the series never continued past the PS1.
4 Star Wars Episode One: The Phantom Menace
While the film is not beloved these days, this video game adaptation did a lot of interesting things ahead of its time. Instead of a linear action game, many levels take place in towns with unique NPCs, each with its own distinct dialogue.
It is just unfortunate the rest of the trilogy did not receive similar adaptations. Even more disappointing, the PS1 version of this game is not available on the PlayStation Store.
3 Brigandine: Legend Of Forsena
Atlus is no stranger to RPGs, being the developer and publisher of Shin Megami Tensei and Persona franchises. While not the developer of Brigandine, Atlus published this unique PS1 RPG in the west. Players control a fictional nation and are tasked with conquering the others through turn-based tactical battles. With many classic RPGs for the PS1 being re-released, why not bring this lesser-known gem to the PSN store as well?
2 Bust A Groove
The most popular rhythm game for the PS1 might be Parappa the Rapper, but the console had plenty of other great music-themed titles. Bust a Groove has players rhythmically inputting button combinations to pull off slick dance moves. The art design is notably 70s-themed, and the music is infectious. Despite great reviews, it has yet to be re-released. Fortunately, PaRappa the Rapper, Um Jammer Lammy, and Vib Ribbon are available on the online store.
1 Revelations: Persona
Even those who played through Persona 5 in its entirety might not realize the series is a spin-off of Shin Megami Tensei. The first Persona came out on the original PlayStation. While Persona 2 is available as a PS Classic, the first game is not. Perhaps this is due to its PSP port. Unexpectedly, it is on the PlayStation Classic. The PS1 version has several changes from the Japanese release to make the setting and characters appear more American.
