The ground breaking Playstation One celebrates its 30th anniversary today! It launched on this date in Japan in 1994 with Europe and USA launching later.
I, along with millions of other gamers have such an appreciation for this console. For many of us, it was our first console and just looking at it brings a wave of nostalgia.
The console had a mountain or epic games and birthed so many iconic franchises that are still around today. I enjoyed games but thanks to this console, I really became a gamer.
Lets name some of my favourite franchises on the PS One.
1. Tekken
Still a favourite of mine to play to this day. I actually believe this is the franchise I have been playing the longest in my life. Tekken 2 was my introduction and I have been playing ever since. Everything about these games appealed to me. From the amazing CGI openings, to the music, the fluid gameplay and of course the epic character design. King being a character I have been playing to perfection my entire life. Even as I write this my 2 foot tall King statue is sat directly behind me.
2.Spyro
Every single time I hear the music of this game. I am instantly dragged into a portal back to my childhood. This game had it all! An amazing soundtrack, fun gameplay and fantastical level design that brought amazement to all! I was overjoyed when ‘Toys For Bob’ brought out a remake for the trilogy. I still hope that we get a sequel of some sort. This fiery little dragon holds a special place in many gamers hearts.
3. Crash Bandicoot
It holds a special place in the hearts of many gamers. It stirred a wave of nostalgia for its vibrant, action-packed platforming adventures. Players controlled Crash, a lovable and cheeky marsupial. He navigated treacherous environments filled with perilous traps. There were also enemies and a score of explosive challenges. The game stood out in the era of early PlayStation games. This was due to its innovative 3D gameplay, colorful visuals, and catchy soundtrack. The game’s whimsical humor left a lasting impression. Its challenging levels made Crash Bandicoot a timeless classic of the 90s gaming world. It is still loved even today. I find it super strange that this iconic Playstation mascot is now under the Xbox umbrella.
4. Medievil
Medievil remains a beloved classic, cherished for its quirky blend of action, humor, and Gothic charm. Players took on the role of Sir Daniel Fortesque. He is a bumbling, undead knight on a mission to reclaim his honor. This mission follows his accidental resurrection. The game’s atmosphere was eerie and whimsical, filled with memorable characters. Its creative level design set it apart from other platformers of its time. Taking massive amounts of inspiration from Tim Burton. With its mix of swordplay, puzzles, and exploration, MediEvil captivated players with its unique take on the fantasy genre. It left a lasting nostalgic mark on the PlayStation One era. We were blessed with a remake of the first game. While it was utter eye candy, the gameplay received very little tweaking. I am still hopeful for a remake of the second game.
5. Time crisis
Time crisis was a groundbreaking experience that brought the excitement of arcade light gun shooters into the comfort of home. For many players, it was nothing short of revolutionary. They had an arcade-quality shooting game at home. It was complete with fast-paced action and intense, cinematic storytelling right in their living rooms. The GunCon light gun controller added to the immersive gameplay. Players could physically aim and shoot, making it feel like an actual arcade experience. The thrill of ducking behind cover and blasting enemies in Time Crisis changed the home gaming experience. It created lasting memories of a unique and nostalgic gaming moment.
Having this technology in your own home felt like I was living in the future. I was obsessed with these games. I sorely miss having a light gun on modern consoles. While I understand VR has become prevalent for these games, many of us still get incredible motion sickness.
6. Resident Evil
Resident Evil became a cornerstone of survival horror and terrified a generation of gamers. Its claustrophobic, atmospheric settings and fixed camera angles created a tense environment. The nerve-wracking sound design heightened the suspense. The game plunged players into a world of suspense and dread. They fought to survive the horrors of the undead. The slow, tense pace and scarce resources created a constant feeling of vulnerability. Puzzles and the ever-present threat of monstrous creatures kept players on edge. Resident Evil‘s impact on the horror genre was colossal. It left a legacy of fear and fascination. This legacy defined an era of PlayStation gaming and shaped the future of survival horror.
My own brother terrified and scarred me for years with Resident Evil 1. Handing me the controller just before the zombified dogs leapt through the window in the Spencer Mansion. I ran screaming! It remains one of my all time favourite franchises to this day. I have such a soft spot for the campy humour and god awful live action openings.
