As I reminisce about my early gaming days, the memories of playing these iconic games on my trusty PlayStation One are as vivid as ever. Each title brought something unique and captivating to the table, shaping not only my understanding of video games but also influencing my perspective on storytelling, character development, and gameplay mechanics.
This year marks the 30th anniversary for the PlayStation, coincidentally we both celebrate the same age this year. Launched prior to the new millennium, 1994 found itself right smack in the heart of the ’90s and played a significant role in shaping gaming history.
In their prime, powerhouses such as Sony and Nintendo (alongside SEGA, may it rest in peace) were fiercely battling for supremacy in the booming gaming market. It’s fair to assume that during the gaming land rush of yesteryears, Sony and Nintendo stood out as the most influential players in the industry.
The official PlayStation website has the timeline of all PlayStation generations.
On December 3, 1994, Sony experienced a significant shift with the unveiling of their groundbreaking invention – the original PlayStation in Japan. This innovative console boasted the ability to handle both impressive 2D and 3D games exceptionally well. Subsequently, once these consoles were distributed beyond Japanese shores to North America and Europe, an astounding 102 million units found homes worldwide.
For numerous individuals, myself included, the PlayStation marked their initial venture into the world of video games, rather than the GameCube or the NES being their childhood gaming systems.
In this collection, we’ll delve into the PlayStation, its subsequent versions, and their influence on the gaming world. Additionally, we’ll discuss my top choices for standout games from each console era.
Starting with the five best original PlayStation games:
Resident Evil 2
Indeed, Resident Evil 2 wasn’t the first game I played on my PlayStation One, but it certainly made an indelible mark. CAPCOM’s sequel to their popular survival horror franchise didn’t immediately grab my attention, but once I entered the Police Station, I realized I was in for a chilling (and entertaining) experience.
Everywhere I looked, zombies were present. Constant fear gripped me, whether it was from grotesquely transformed dogs or a towering man in a bowler hat. Interestingly, I hadn’t experienced horror games prior to this. Resident Evil 2 marked my initiation into the genre, as it left me trembling with fear. The raw terror I felt while fleeing from Lickers and Mr. X is an experience I will never forget.
Crash Bandicoot: Warped
The initial occasion I donned Aku Aku’s mask, I experienced a surge of confidence that made me believe I could conquer the world. It was an exhilarating, untainted gaming experience where I could charge through everything unscathed. I was invulnerable. However, as the subsequent levels grew more challenging, I began to recognize my ineptitude at platform games. I wasn’t certain if I completed the game, but I had a fantastic time with it nonetheless.
I still remember the soundtrack playing and the dopamine rush of getting all the Wumpa Fruits. Warped was my first Crash game, so I had no idea who these characters were and why Dr. Neo Cortex was so dangerous. Looking back, I enjoyed how varied the gameplay mechanics were. One moment, I was running from a falling boulder; the next, I was swimming underwater. It was like a fever dream, to be honest.
Final Fantasy 7
Final Fantasy 7 was definitely a major highlight for my PlayStation days. It showed me that video games can tell a good story while retaining its video game elements. I wasn’t into turn-based combat back then, but FFVII’s unique spin on that mechanic grew on me.
Cloud’s internal struggles deeply affected me. It was my initial encounter with complex video game characters, and Cloud wasn’t a stereotypical hero, rather, his friends helped him transform into one.
Upon departing Midgar following my encounter with Shinra, I was astonished to find the game transformed into an expansive, globetrotting odyssey, filled with open-world exploration, all in pursuit of a mysterious silver-haired character. At that point, I hadn’t realized games were capable of such transitions.
Sure, the Remakes are fantastic, but none can capture the magic of the OG.
Metal Gear Solid
At that time, Metal Gear Solid wasn’t something I was deeply interested in, but my long-time friend sparked my interest. He graciously shared a copy with me, and we played it on our old, outdated TV. Our CRT television was far from top-notch, yet we were oblivious to the game’s intricacies. Nothing could have prepared us for Hideo Kojima’s initial display of genius in that game.
Shadow Moses served as a mischievous complex filled with labyrinthine corridors and advanced weaponry intended for military use. As we navigated our way through it, we sought clues to unravel the mysteries that lay within.
Subsequently, the alarms were triggered, followed by the resonant Metal Gear Theme tune. At this point, we recognized the necessity of utilizing the surroundings to our benefit. Later on, it became evident that being patient was crucial.
The game we played was one that kept us on tenterhooks, although there wasn’t any actual danger involved. It had the feel of watching a thrilling movie, except you were the one calling the shots. Instead of Psycho Mantis being the unforgettable character for many, it was Sniperwolf who stood out in my memory. Despite losing multiple times, I persevered and had a blast doing so. Good old days!
Tomb Raider
Speaking about the classic Tomb Raider series, Lara Croft’s distinctive polygonal features are something that stands out in my memory, alongside the challenging camera and gunplay mechanics.
The match was quite challenging for me. I found it tough to complete Crash Bandicoot since I’m not good at platform games, and Tomb Raider pushed my limits too. Traversing through the complex temples was a real headache, and the constant worry of being surprised by aggressive creatures wasn’t enjoyable at all.
What made Tomb Raider appealing, however, was that it was a game about adventure. It encourages you to scour every nook and cranny to find keys and items worth your time. It was the first game that taught me situational and environmental awareness. (My time with Tomb Raider taught me how to navigate Elden Ring’s Lands Between.)
Among the numerous PlayStation games that hold a special place in my heart from my childhood, these five were particularly groundbreaking as they exposed me to elements in video games I wouldn’t have otherwise imagined.
In the upcoming piece of this sequence, we’ll embark on another nostalgic journey, focusing this time on the sequel to Sony’s first console – delving into the powerful PlayStation 2.
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2024-12-03 16:43