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The Ultimate Best PS1 Games List for 2025
Discover the ultimate list of the best PS1 games in 2025! Revisit timeless PlayStation 1 classics that defined a generation and find out which retro gems still reign supreme.
PlayStation 1 is a special memory for many people. This game console came out in 1994 and started a whole new era for video games. It brought 3D games into people’s homes and gave us many classic titles that are still loved today. For a whole generation, the PS1 was their first experience with cinematic storytelling, voice acting, and immersive gameplay that went beyond simple arcade-style fun.
Even though 30 years have passed, PS1 games are still fun. Today, many people use emulators or mini consoles to play them again. It’s not just about feeling nostalgic — many of these games still feel fresh even now. Some have touching stories, some have deep battle systems, and some levels are very smartly designed. Game developers back then had limited hardware but used their creativity to push the boundaries, and that innovation still shines through. Whether it's the emotional impact of Final Fantasy VII, the tight mechanics of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater, or the eerie atmosphere of Silent Hill, these titles continue to inspire modern games.
So, we want to make a list of the best PS1 games in 2025. These games are not just the top sellers, but are great in gameplay, influence, and replay value. If you want to know which old games are still worth playing today, this article is a great place to start. Whether you're a longtime fan revisiting childhood favorites or a newcomer curious about gaming history, this list offers a window into why the PS1 still matters decades later. And if these classics inspire you to share your own favorites online, there are tools today that make it super easy, like a no-code website builder, where you can create your own tribute page without needing to write a single line of code.
Why PS1 Games Still Matter in 2025
In 2025, playing PS1 games is not just about nostalgia. Retro style is very popular now in music, movies, and games. Many people are looking back and finding that old games have a special charm. The pixelated graphics, simple controls, and original soundtracks give these games a unique personality that stands out in today’s highly polished gaming world.
Today, it’s also much easier to play these classic games. There are many emulators and official mini consoles that let you play just by plugging them in. Some PS1 games are even brought to new platforms, with better graphics and smoother gameplay. Services like PlayStation Plus, Steam, and mobile ports have also made some of these classics more accessible than ever, allowing a new generation to enjoy them without needing the original hardware.
More importantly, these old games had a big influence on today’s games. Things like RPG dialogue systems, the feeling in horror games, and level design in action games — many of them started in the PS1 era. Some ideas are still used today. Developers still study these games for inspiration, and many game design schools use PS1-era titles to teach core concepts in narrative, pacing, and game mechanics. If you're curious about foundational creative processes, this guide offers a similar step-by-step approach, much like how classic games are dissected for design insights.
If you want to learn about how games grew, or just want to play some fun and simple old games to relax, the best PS1 games to play list is a great choice. These games are not out of date — they are classics. They represent an important chapter in gaming history, and many of them are just as enjoyable now as they were 30 years ago.
Criteria for Choosing the Best PS1 Games
How did we choose the best PS1 games?
There’s no one perfect rule, but we looked at a few important things. Our goal was not just to list the most famous titles, but to highlight games that truly represent what made the PlayStation 1 special.
First is reviews and player feedback. Many of these games got high scores when they came out, and people still talk about them today. If a game is still loved after 20 or 30 years, it must have something special. These are the kinds of games that appear in "top lists" again and again, and are often recommended to new players exploring retro titles for the first time.
Second is sales and impact. Some games sold very well and changed how later games were made. A few even started big series that helped shape the whole game industry. Titles like Resident Evil and Gran Turismo not only succeeded commercially but also introduced new standards in game design, realism, and storytelling. Just like how some websites set new design standards and inspire others, this look at website inspiration mirrors how influential design can ripple across an industry.
Last is a variety of game types. We didn’t only pick RPGs or action games. We also included racing, horror, platformers, and more. This way, everyone can find something they like. The PS1 had a wide and diverse library, and we wanted our list to reflect that richness — from big-budget blockbusters to unique cult classics.
So this best PS1 games list is not just a ranking. It’s a group of classics chosen from different angles. Whether you are new to PS1 games or just want to relive the past, these games are all worth trying. Each one offers something different — whether it’s emotional storytelling, clever mechanics, or just pure fun — and together, they show why the PS1 still matters in 2025.
The Ultimate List: Best PS1 Games in 2025
Here is our ultimate list just for you! These are the PS1 classic games that are still worth playing in 2025:
- Final Fantasy VII A classic RPG with a touching story and amazing graphics for its time. After the remake, the original version became even more popular.
- Metal Gear Solid A master of stealth gameplay with movie-like storytelling. It had a huge influence on later games.
- Castlevania: Symphony of the Night A perfect mix of action and exploration. A true classic of the Metroidvania style.
- Resident Evil 2 A scary and exciting horror game. The strong atmosphere keeps you playing non-stop.
- Tekken 3 One of the most loved fighting games. Easy to start, deep enough for pros.
- Gran Turismo A super realistic racing game. It was a big tech surprise back then.
- Crash Bandicoot 3: Warped Fun level design with cute graphics. Great for all ages.
- Silent Hill A strong example of psychological horror, even scarier than zombies.
- Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2 The top of skateboarding games. Great rhythm and amazing music.
- Suikoden II A story full of heart, with over 100 characters to collect. Many fans call it a masterpiece.
These games are more than just nostalgia — they are truly the best PS1 games to play!
Honorable Mentions
Besides the 10 classic games we listed earlier, here are a few more that are also great and worth your time. They didn’t make the main list, but they’re just as fun:
- Spyro the Dragon The adventure of a small purple dragon. Perfect for players who enjoy light and fun platform games. Colorful graphics and smooth controls make it a favorite childhood memory for many.
- Dino Crisis Made by the same team as Resident Evil, but this time, you’re facing dinosaurs! It’s full of tension and action — great for fans of horror + adventure.
- Vagrant Story A very unique game with deep battle mechanics and a special art style. The story is serious and dark, but definitely worth taking your time to enjoy.
- Ape Escape The first PS1 game that needed two sticks to play! Fun and fast-paced, catching monkeys is both silly and clever. A great mix of new ideas and simple joy.
These games also play very well on PSP. The graphics still look good, the controls feel smooth, and they’re perfect for gaming anytime, anywhere.
If you’re looking for the best PS1 games to play on PSP, these are great picks to start with!
How to Play PS1 Games in 2025
By 2025, playing PS1 games will be easier than ever. You don’t need an old console — there are many simple ways to enjoy these classics.
The easiest way is to use an emulator. Tools like ePSXe or DuckStation are easy to install and work well with most games. If you want a handheld experience, the PSP is still a great choice. Many players enjoy PS1 games on PSP — it feels good in the hands, the graphics are decent, and it’s a great way to enjoy the best PS1 games to play on PSP.
There are also official options, like the PlayStation Classic. It doesn’t have every game, but it’s very easy to use. Some PS1 games are also back on Steam or the PlayStation Store, and a few have been updated with HD graphics for a better experience.
Always remember to get your games legally. You can buy them from official stores or make backups of your own game discs. Don’t download pirated ROMs — it’s illegal and can be risky for your device.
Saving your progress is also very easy now. Most emulators support save states, so you can stop and continue anytime. It makes playing PS1 games more comfortable than ever before.
Build Your Own PS1 Tribute Page With Wegic
If you’ve played these classic PS1 games, you might feel like doing something to honor them — maybe share your thoughts, write about your favorite characters, or make your own “Top 10” list. The good news is: doing that is much easier now.
There are tools online that let you make a simple web page just by chatting — no need to code, and no need to hire a designer.
One good example is a platform called Wegic. You just tell it what kind of style and content you want, and it builds the page for you. You can use it to show off your PS1 game collection, post reviews, or even add a comment section so friends can interact. It only takes a few minutes, and it’s great for people like us who just want to share our love for these games.
So if you’ve ever wanted to give these best PS1 games their own special place, why not try this kind of tool? Just like these games gave us great memories, making your own page is a nice way to say thanks and to keep the love going. Here is a comprehensive beginner's guide and Wegic web examples for your reference.
Conclusion
PS1 games may be old, but their charm never goes out of style. Whether it's the story, gameplay, music, or art style, they all have a special feeling. These games mark an important time in game history and brought lots of new ideas and creativity. Many of today’s game trends — like cinematic cutscenes, branching dialogue, and atmospheric sound design — were shaped during this era, making the PS1 a true pioneer of modern gaming.
Now is a great time to enjoy these classics again. You don’t need an old TV or disc console — just a PSP, an emulator, or an official mini console is enough to start playing. Some of these games are even available on current platforms with enhanced features, making them even more accessible and enjoyable. There are also active online communities sharing tips, mods, and fan translations, helping keep these games alive for both new players and longtime fans.
Whether you’re a long-time fan or trying these games for the first time, you’ll likely find something you enjoy. The mix of creativity, challenge, and nostalgia makes PS1 games stand out in a way that still feels fresh today.
The games we listed are our personal picks for the “best” right now, but of course, everyone has their own favorites. That’s part of the fun — exploring the PS1 library is like discovering a treasure chest of gaming history, where every player can find something that speaks to them.
Written by
Kimmy
Published on
Jul 8, 2025
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