30. Spyro the Dragon (PS1)

While not Insomniac Games' first PS1 title, Spyro the Dragon really put the studio on the map. This colourful 3D platformer has lots of wide open levels to explore at your leisure as you look for dragons to rescue and treasure to collect. Spyro's simple move set allowed for some fun, imaginative platforming design, and some novel special stages added some variety to the mix. Still a good time today, Spyro is up there with Crash Bandicoot as a top tier mascot platformer for Sony's first console.

29. Crash Bandicoot 3: Warped (PS1)

Some would argue that the classic Crash Bandicoot formula had pretty much run its course with the second game, but Crash Bandicoot 3: Warped actually brought a lot of new ideas to the series. In terms of gameplay variety, it's easily the most ambitious instalment in the original trilogy, providing Crash with a bunch of new platforming mechanics and pushing loads of crazy concepts in terms of level design. An incredibly slick, big budget sequel that still holds up.

28. Tomb Raider II (PS1)

Lara Croft was at the peak of her powers when Tomb Raider 2 released in 1997, and PlayStation knew it. The platform holder negotiated console exclusivity for the sequel with publisher Eidos, resulting in the cancellation of a SEGA Saturn version. While production was completed in under eight months, the game went on to become one of the PS1’s greatest, taking Lara to Tibet, Venice, and the Great Wall of China. It sold almost seven million copies, and remains one of the most revered entries in the long-running series today.

27. Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back (PS1)

Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back is a sequel that really solidified the property's tone and identity, instilling the cheeky protagonist with a certain kind of 90s attitude. Platforming mechanics were both expanded and refined, while the level design became more intricate and rewarding. There's a clear confidence to Crash Bandicoot 2, which would allow the title to stand out in what was a crowded PS1 genre.

26. Spyro 2: Ripto's Rage! (PS1)

Spyro 2: Ripto's Rage! builds on the success of the original with a bigger emphasis on storytelling, an expanded cast, and new abilities for the diminutive dragon. It all added up to a more appealing sequel, taking the core strengths of the first game and adding much more to sink your teeth into. Adding fan favourites like Elora the Faun and Hunter the Cheetah (as well as the diabolical Moneybags), this is an important spot in the series.

25. Tony Hawk's Pro Skater (PS1)

Another game synonymous with PS1 is Tony Hawk's Pro Skater — a smash hit that really raised the bar for arcadey sports titles. It featured short run times through diverse levels, each filled with collectibles, objectives, and secrets. And you replay these stages over and over, not just to complete everything, but because the core gameplay is excellent. Chasing high scores by pulling off the best combos you could manage never got old, and the top tier soundtrack certainly didn't hurt either. Its sequels outshine it, but the first game retains legendary status.

24. Ridge Racer Type 4 (PS1)

The Ridge Racer series is pretty consistent in quality, but many would argue the pinnacle is Ridge Racer Type 4. This incredibly stylish arcade racer remains a beloved classic today, thanks to its satisfying drifting, engaging career mode, and gorgeous presentation. It has obviously been surpassed technically speaking, but R4 remains an icon among racing games.

23. Final Fantasy VI (PS1)

A true, unmistakable classic, Final Fantasy VI set the bar for the series going forward. It was, of course, followed by the staggering success of Final Fantasy VII, but even today, VI remains an example of Final Fantasy at its absolute best. Its characters are still brilliant, its storytelling is still masterful, and from a gameplay perspective, there's so much to admire. While VI isn't as strongly associated with PlayStation as its successors, it'll always demand respect.

22. WipEout 3 (PS1)

While WipEout 2097 nailed down much of how the series would continue, WipEout 3 made further refinements to the formula, making for one of PS1's slickest racing games. Featuring new analog control, varied tracks, and gorgeous presentation, it ticks all the boxes — even if it didn't innovate quite like the previous two titles. Fans go back and forth on whether this or its predecessor is best, though some give WipEout 3 the edge thanks to its enhanced gameplay and content. A true classic.

21. Gran Turismo (PS1)

Back in 1997, it was hard to imagine a more realistic-looking racing game than Gran Turismo. Up until that point, racing simulators never got much of a spotlight with how popular more arcade-style games were, yet with the first GT even those without a penchant for cars found a lot to like with its responsive controls and mind-blowing graphics. As a result, it became one of the highest-rated and commercially successful PS1 games. The Simulation Mode, where you had to earn driver’s licences to unlock events and championships, added dozens of hours of satisfying gameplay. Throw in 140 cars to unlock, and if Gran Turismo was the only game you had for PS1, you were set. The sequel is equally amazing, but the first game had the most impact, in our opinion.