Thirty years after its release, Sony’s PlayStation 1 (PS1) continues to be celebrated as a milestone in video game history. In January 2026, its library of classics remains not just a nostalgic relic, but a fundamental pillar that defined genres and narratives. The list of the console’s 10 best games, compiled from expert reviews, brings together titles that made the transition from 2D to 3D and raised the bar for story complexity in the medium. These games are relevant because, even with outdated technology, their designs, mechanics, and plots continue to influence developers and delight new players through remasters and retro catalog services.
The console, originally launched in 1994, marked a massive shift in the industry, both technically and creatively. Meanwhile, titles like Final Fantasy VII and Metal Gear Solid proved that games could offer cinematic and emotionally deep experiences, winning over an adult audience. In this way, the PS1’s legacy is quantified not only in millions of units sold, but in the DNA of franchises that remain active and in the affection of a generation of Brazilian fans who grew up with these classics.
The Pillars of a Golden Age
The selection is led by Final Fantasy VII, a Square Enix title often cited as responsible for popularizing JRPGs in the West. Thanks to its epic narrative, memorable characters, and unforgettable soundtrack, the game set a new standard for productions of the genre. Soon after, Resident Evil 2 elevated survival horror to unprecedented levels, swapping the isolated mansion for a zombie-infested Raccoon City, with a dual campaign that innovated in structure.
In the field of action and adventure, Castlevania: Symphony of the Night practically coined the term “Metroidvania” with its non-linear exploration of Dracula’s castle, while Hideo Kojima’s Metal Gear Solid pioneered the fusion of cinema and stealth gameplay. The list also celebrates the diversity of the catalog, including the tactical combat of Final Fantasy Tactics, the psychological horror of Silent Hill, and the simulation precision of Gran Turismo, the console’s best-selling game.
Therefore, revisiting these titles in 2026 is more than an exercise in nostalgia; it’s a lesson in game design. Despite the evident graphical limitations today, the inventiveness to work around them – like the fog in Silent Hill to hide loading – and the strength of the ideas ensure their immortality. In this way, the PlayStation 1 proves that, in the players’ emotional memory and in the evolution of the medium, certain classics are, indeed, timeless.
