The original PlayStation wasn’t just another console. It was a machine enclosed within a grey plastic box that quietly revolutionised entertainment. Within 12 years, the PS1 released more than 4,000 games, many of which were great. But only a few would make the sales numbers that these 10 well-known games did. Here’s a roundup of the best-selling PS1 games that shaped future gaming history!
Image Credit: PlayStation Store
Few games have had as much influence on game design and storytelling as Metal Gear Solid. In this game, you play as Solid Snake, a retired special agent who’s called back into action. Your job is to sneak into a base that’s been taken over by a group of terrorists. The catch is that these bad guys used to be part of your old team, Fox Hound.
This isn’t a game where you run around shooting everything. If you try that, you won’t last long. Instead, it’s all about sneaking. You’ll crawl along walls, hide behind boxes and avoid cameras.
One thing that makes Metal Gear Solid stand out is how well it tells its story. Most games at the time weren’t as good at storytelling as this one. It pulls you into its world and keeps you hooked with its characters and twists, which made it one of the best-selling PS1 games.
Image Credit: PlayStation Store
Tomb Raider introduced the world of Lara Croft, one of gaming’s most enduring characters. When the gaming industry was moving away from 2D graphics to the 3D world, Tomb Raider on the original PlayStation played a key role in the transition.
The story of Tomb Raider was relatively barebones. It involved a simple setup where Lara, a wealthy archaeologist, explores ancient ruins hunting for powerful artefacts while fighting wild animals, mythological monsters and villains. There wasn’t much narrative depth, but the game didn’t need it.
Graphically, Tomb Raider is dated by today’s standards, with blocky models and basic textures. But looking back, the art style still conveys a strong sense of mystery and adventure in lush jungles and tombs. It’s definitely a great showcase for what was possible in the early days of 3D action-adventure games.
Image Credit: Naughty Dog
Crash Bandicoot: Warped, the third instalment in the Crash Bandicoot series developed by Naughty Dog and released in late 1998, is widely regarded as one of the best-selling and most beloved PlayStation games.
Despite having played the first two games extensively, many fans, including reviewers, discovered that they had never fully explored Warped until much later. The game picks up right after the events of Crash Bandicoot 2, with Dr. Neo Cortex’s space station crashing back to Earth and uncovering the evil twin and Cortex’s true master.
A significant part of Warped’s lasting appeal is its replay value. After completing the main storyline by collecting all crystals, players are encouraged to find all the gems scattered throughout the levels which is a much tougher challenge.
The game’s success further cemented Crash as a PlayStation icon and showcased Naughty Dog’s growing mastery of 3D platforming.
Image Credit: Naughty Dog
Naughty Dog’s Crash Bandicoot 2 built on the success of the original with enhanced graphics, better controls and more diverse levels. While the original Crash Bandicoot showcased what the PlayStation was capable of and offered an entertaining experience, it was this sequel that really made the franchise take off. Essentially, Cortex Strikes Back builds on the foundation laid by the first game but improves on every aspect, making it a standout among the best-selling PS1 games.
Gameplay in Crash Bandicoot 2 follows a similar pattern to the first game, with levels designed as narrow 3D rails. You will be running either toward or away from the camera, but unlike open-world 3D platformers like Mario 64, these levels are more linear and focused.
Overall, the game was a massive hit and became one of the defining mascots for the PlayStation brand during the late 1990s.
Image Credit: Argonaut Games
One of the later entries on the PS1, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone was released after the success of the first film.
It is a game that brings the magic of the beloved book series into an early 3D adventure. Released when the Harry Potter craze was just beginning, this game sparked plenty of nostalgia for fans like me who grew up with the Harry Potter books and movies.
While it carries the name of the first book and movie, it doesn’t follow their story closely, which actually works in its favour. Instead, the game crafts its own story that captures the spirit of the wizarding world without being tied down to the original.
It sold exceptionally well thanks to the popularity of the franchise and a loyal fanbase eager for more Wizarding World content.
Image Credit: Namco
Tekken 3 is widely regarded as one of the best fighting games ever made. It was a major highlight in the PlayStation’s golden era, helping cement the console’s success in the late nineties. Sony’s partnerships with third-party developers brought a rich variety of standout games and Namco was key among them.
Known for exceptional arcade ports, Namco had already impressed with Ridge Racer and Ace Combat. Their 3D fighting series Tekken raised the bar with its first two entries, but Tekken 3 took everything even further.
Released in arcades in 1997 on Namco’s System 12 hardware, it later arrived on the PlayStation with some compromises but still stood as one of the best-looking and smoothest fighters on the system.
Its success helped the Tekken franchise become one of the most iconic in fighting game history. The PlayStation port was especially well-received and is still praised for its quality.
Image Credit: Square
Following the monumental success of Final Fantasy VII, Final Fantasy VIII had big shoes to fill. After FFVII shattered barriers for Japanese RPG localisation and became a global phenomenon, Square began developing its successor in 1997 with the goal of a closer worldwide release.
Upon launch, FFVIII became the fastest-selling entry in the series and earned praise from critics and many players alike. However, its reception has remained divisive over the years. Some hail it as the best Final Fantasy ever made, while others criticise it harshly, often comparing it unfavorably to its colossal predecessors.
While opinions on the game remain divided, its commercial performance speaks for itself. It sold 8.6 million copies, solidifying the Final Fantasy brand on PlayStation.
Image Credit: Polyphony Digital
The success of the original Gran Turismo guaranteed a sequel and Gran Turismo 2 delivered in every possible way. When the first Gran Turismo launched in Japan in late 1997 and reached Western audiences in 1998, it defied expectations by rejecting the casual arcade style common in racing games at the time.
Instead, it emphasised a driving experience rooted in realistic physics and handling, coupled with a selection of over 100 licensed cars that were surprisingly detailed for the PlayStation’s modest hardware.
One of Gran Turismo 2’s most impressive features was its massive roster of cars which dwarfed competitors who often featured fewer than 20 vehicles. The game introduced players to unique and lesser-known manufacturers steeped in exclusivity and rarity that many players had never encountered before.
As a result, Gran Turismo 2 remains one of the most content-rich racing games of its era and a favourite among fans of the genre. Not to mention it being one of the best-selling PS1 games of all time.
Image Credit: Square
After close to three decades, it can be hard to articulate how important Final Fantasy VII was.
It was the first global release for the series and notably the first mainline entry to see a European release. It was also a gigantic hit, both helping the PlayStation become the dominant fifth-generation console and making JRPGs popular worldwide.
Final Fantasy VII is also a content-rich game, though not as overwhelming as some in the genre. The main quest lasts around 40 hours but numerous moments where you can change the approach (such as your entry into Shinra Tower on Disc 1) encourage return visits.
Due to these characteristics, Final Fantasy VII remains a gold standard for the genre which only a special few manage to match.
Image Credit: Polyphony Digital
Prior to the release of Gran Turismo, the majority of driving games followed the structure of having arcade-physics cars with short races and a small amount of content. Gran Turismo took things to the next level with a roster of 140 cars and 11 tracks.
While the cars came from real-world manufacturers like Nissan and Toyota, the tracks were purely fictitious but it was so amazing that they’re still being used in recent entries in the series.
Unlike most arcade racers, Gran Turismo was a huge time investment. The game starts you off with just 10,000 credits, enough to buy a low-powered used vehicle. But as you slowly win races, you earn more money to buy faster cars and upgrade your existing vehicles. That feeling of accomplishment as you climb to the top of the ladder is what makes the Gran Turismo formula so addictive, and explains how it managed to become the best-selling PS1 game in history.
Read Also: Best Action Games for PS5 in 2025: Rich Stories, Thrilling Gameplay, and Constant Adrenaline
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