The PS3 was the first console to offer players digital versions of classic games. Players can download platform games such as Crash Bandicoot or role-playing as Final Fantasy 7. These versions were not improved in any way, but they were playable on PS3, PSP, or eventually PS Vita.
With the PS5, Sony has recently launched an initiative to emulate PS1 games with enhanced features such as pseudo-remasters. They can save when they feel like it or rewind time. It's a great feature as part of the PS Plus catalog in the classics section. Some might not even know these emulated games exist on PS5, so here are some of the best PS1 games to date.
6 Ape Escape
The monkeys are on the loose
Ape Escape was recently celebrated in Astro Bot because there is a hero scene based on the franchise. Ape Escape began as a late debut on the PS1 in 1999. It featured an ape, Spectre, who acquired super intelligence after donning a prototype helmet. He leads an escape at a facility to free the other apes, causing everyone to wreak havoc throughout time.
Players got to play as Spike, a young hero with hair as wild as Cloud's from Final Fantasy 7. Each level was short and filled with monkeys that they needed to recapture. They could catch them with a net, stun them with a baton, and other gadgets helped the process. Although the controls may be difficult to get used to now, Ape Escape is still a fun action platformer and there are other entries to play on PS5 after this as well.
5 Hot Shots Golf 2
A chill sports game that made the complexity go away
- Released: March 7, 2000 (NA)
- Developer: Clap Hanz
- Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
The Hot Shots Golf the series has an interesting history behind it. It was started by Camelot Software Planning which continued to be a studio closely tied to Nintendo after the first game with hits like Mario Golf and Golden sun. Hot Shots Golf 2 was then made by a new developer, Clap Hanz, and they've been in the series ever since.
Anyone who has played one Mario Golf the game should know how this works. Players can choose one of several crazy characters and participate in a variety of courses. Players must hit two yards to make their ball fly away, simplifying gameplay from other golf games from this era. While newer entries like Everyone's golf (2017) are more accessible with features, Hot Shots Golf 2 is a classic made better with the power of PS5.
4 The Legend of the Dragon
An active dragon themed answer to Final Fantasy 9
The Legend of the Dragon was another late addition to the PS1. It was a turn-based RPG with a bit of a twist. Similar Mario RPG game, players can time their button calls to get extra hits during combat. This inclusion on top of the dragon angle in the story helped it stand out Final Fantasy.
The Legend of Dragoon was a one-off Sony game that many fans have been clamoring to see return in some form. This enhanced PS5 game is quite appealing thanks to the texture smoothing and loading times. While the random battles can be a little too much, it's good that Sony hasn't completely forgotten about it. Of note, Dart is another character featured Astro Bot as a VIP bot.
3 Siphon filter 2
Stealth gaming at its best
Almost the whole Siphon filter series, including spinoffs, are on PS5. The only thing missing is Siphon filter: The Omega strain which was the first PS2 entry to incorporate multiplayer and customization into the experience. Siphon filter 2 then it might sound like a weird one to begin with, but it easily has the most bombastic opening mission.
Players will land on a snowy mountain after a plane crash and then they have to take out terrorists on this mountain. It only gets wilder from there, including a scene where players must hunt down a dictator in a dance club to the ABBA song “Dancing Queen.” The series overall is more grounded than Metal Gear Solid like a stealth series, but Siphon filter clearly wasn't afraid to take a chance either.
A bombastic car fighter
Twisted Metal is kind of making a big comeback right now even though there hasn't been a game in over a decade. The popularity of the TV adaptation could prompt Sony to open up the wallet again to launch a new game. While fans wait for a new game, they can enjoy the first two entries on PS5.
Family
10 PS1 games with the best stories
Video games were still not considered narrative media during the PS1 era, but these 10 titles proved that the medium could handle it.
Those new to the series should start with Twisted Metal 2 because it fixed a lot. There were more characters and vehicles, the stages were bigger, the gameplay was handled better, and so on. It's a good car combat game that holds up surprisingly well and is especially fun with a friend in co-op mode.
1 Wild Arms 2
The twos have it
Hot Shots Golf 2, Siphon filter 2and Twisted Metal 2 should explain one thing from the PS1 era. Sequels were only better and so is the case with Wild Arms 2. First, the original game had a basic turn-based system and a chibi art style that didn't make good use of the PS1's graphics. While the sequel wasn't a gritty reboot, the characters were more realistic.
Combat was also more active with some characters needing to worry about reloading. That element could be annoying but it also helped with engagement and strategy. Finally, the puzzle-based dungeons were more involved than anything else in the system up to that point. If gamers like this RPG, they should check out Wild Arms 3 next which is emulated on PS5 from PS2. It cranks up the old western motifs to the max.
