Top 51 Best PlayStation (PS1) Games

Nao Yoshida
21 min readOct 2, 2023

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PlayStation (PS/PS1) is a home video game console launched by Sony Computer Entertainment on December 3, 1994, selling 102.4 million units worldwide.

In total, there are more than 3,200 PlayStation game titles released in Japan. In this Story, I will introduce 51 recommended games from among them.

· My Best PlayStation Games
1. Final Fantasy IX
2. Final Fantasy VII
3. Resident Evil 2
4. Dragon Quest VII
5. Final Fantasy VIII
6. Dragon Quest IV
7. Final Fantasy Collection
8. Xenogears
9. Chrono Cross
10. Metal Gear Solid
11. Resident Evil 3: Nemesis
12. Final Fantasy Tactics
13. Resident Evil
14. Mega Man Legends 2
15. Parasite Eve
16. Silent Hill
17. R4: Ridge Racer Type 4
18. Star Ocean: The Second Story
19. Valkyrie Profile
20. Crash Bandicoot
21. Moon: Remix RPG Adventure
22. Suikoden II
23. SaGa Frontier
24. Arc the Lad II
25. Grandia
26. Ehrgeiz
27. Gran Turismo 2
28. Legend of Mana
29. Boku no Natsuyasumi
30. Chocobo’s Mysterious Dungeon
31. Vagrant Story
32. Tales of Eternia
33. Monster Rancher 2
34. PocketStation
35. PaRappa the Rapper
36. I.Q.: Intelligent Qube
37. Dance Dance Revolution
38. Tales of Destiny
39. Everybody’s Golf
40. Crash Bandicoot: Warped
41. Gran Turismo
42. Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
43. Crash Team Racing
44. Street Fighter Alpha 3
45. Persona 2
46. Mega Man Legends
47. Armored Core
48. Chocobo Racing
49. Tekken 3
50. Theme Park
51. Brave Fencer Musashi

My Best PS1 Games

I’d like to introduce 51 recommended game titles from the PlayStation softwares that I own.

  • The release dates are based on Japan.
  • The purchase price is the successful bid price at the Japanese net auction.
  • The exchange rate is 1 dollar = 147.89 yen.

Below is a list of the top 51 PS one games:

1. Final Fantasy IX

Final Fantasy IX (ファイナルファンタジーIX)

The ninth in the “Final Fantasy” series. Four-disc set.

The theme of this game is “return to the origin,” and the title logo depicts a “crystal”.

The characters’ heads returned to SD size (3rd scale), and the worldview was shifted to a fantasy one.

  • Publisher: Square
  • Release: July 7, 2000
  • Genre: Role-playing
  • Purchase Price: ¥500/$3.38

The hero of this game is the ape-like looking “Zidane Tribal,” and the heroine is the 16-year-old princess “Garnet til Alexandros XVII.

A total of eight characters can be controlled, and a party of up to four can be formed.

2. Final Fantasy VII

Final Fantasy VII (ファイナルファンタジーVII)

The seventh numbered title in the Final Fantasy series. Three discs.

The platform was changed to PlayStation, and this was the first “Final Fantasy” produced in 3DCG.

This game has an amusement park called “Gold Saucer”, where snowboarding games, chocobo races, basketball, and other games can be played.

  • Publisher: Square
  • Release: January 31, 1997
  • Genre: Role-playing
  • Purchase Price: ¥350/$2.37

A full remake, “Final Fantasy VII Remake,” was released on PS4 on April 10, 2020.

3. Resident Evil 2

Resident Evil 2 (バイオハザード2)

This is the second survival horror action game in the “Resident Evil” series.

The story takes place two months after the previous game, and the setting has changed from a mansion to Raccoon City.

  • Publisher: Capcom
  • Release: January 21, 1998 NA
  • Genre: Survival Horror
  • Purchase Price: ¥450/$3.04

There are two main characters in this game, Leon S. (Scott) Kennedy and Claire Redfield.

If you complete the game with one of them, you can play with the other one.

4. Dragon Quest VII

Dragon Quest VII (ドラゴンクエストVII エデンの戦士たち)

The seventh title in the “Dragon Quest” series. Two discs.

  • Publisher: Enix
  • Release: August 26, 2000
  • Genre: Role-playing
  • Purchase Price: ¥450/$3.04

There are a total of six characters that can be controlled, and party members change with the flow of the scenario. (The maximum number of party members is four.)

5. Final Fantasy VIII

Final Fantasy VIII (ファイナルファンタジーVIII)

The 8th title in the Final Fantasy series. Four discs.

Due to the influence of “Final Fantasy VII,” it recorded the highest sales of the series in Japan.

  • Publisher: Square
  • Release: February 11, 1999
  • Genre: Role-playing
  • Purchase Price: ¥300/$2.03

In this title, when the character’s level increases, the monster’s level also increases with it. The higher the level, the more difficult the game becomes.

6. Dragon Quest IV

Dragon Quest IV (ドラゴンクエストIV 導かれし者たち)

A remake of “Dragon Quest IV” released on the Family Computer (Famicom) in 1990.

Because it is based on “Dragon Quest VII: Warriors of Eden” released the previous year, the graphics, character controls, and battle system are almost identical to those of “VII.

  • Publisher: Enix
  • Release: November 22, 2001
  • Genre: Role-playing
  • Purchase Price: ¥1000/$6.76

This game has newly added “Introduction” and “Chapter 6,” which were not in the original work (Famicom version).

7. Final Fantasy Collection

Final Fantasy Collection (ファイナルファンタジーコレクション)

The PlayStation versions of “Final Fantasy IV,” “Final Fantasy V,” and “Final Fantasy VI” are included, and three discs are included.

Only the packaging and label differ, but the game content is the same as the stand-alone version.

  • Publisher: Square
  • Release: March 11, 1999
  • Genre: Role-playing
  • Purchase Price: ¥1200/$8.11

The game content is almost the same as the Super NES version, but new CG movies have been added.

There are no additional dungeons or items like in the Game Boy Advance version.

8. Xenogears

Xenogears (ゼノギアス)

The worldview is based on science fiction and features a battle system using humanoid weapons called “gears.

  • Publisher: Squaresoft
  • Release: February 11, 1998
  • Genre: Role-playing
  • Purchase Price: ¥900/$6.09

The flesh-and-blood characters are 2D, and the gear is a 3D configuration.

Each party character has its own gear, and there are two types of battles: one in which the characters fight by themselves, and one in which they ride on their gear.

9. Chrono Cross

Chrono Cross (クロノ・クロス)

A sequel (almost a spin-off) to Chrono Trigger, which was released in 1995 on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. Two discs.

The story is themed on parallel worlds, making it an RPG that explores two worlds.

  • Publisher: Square
  • Release: November 18, 1999
  • Genre: Role-playing
  • Purchase Price: ¥400/$2.70

A remastered version, Chrono Cross: Radical Dreamers Edition (PS4/One/Switch/Win), was released on April 7, 2022.

10. Metal Gear Solid

Metal Gear Solid (メタルギアソリッド)

This is the third game in the Metal Gear series and the first stealth action game in the series to be in 3D.

The game was described as “the best scenario of the 20th century” by the U.S. magazine Fortune.

The main character is Solid Snake, and popular characters from the series such as Col. Roy Campbell, Otacon, and Mei Ling also appear.

  • Publisher: Konami
  • Release: September 3, 1998
  • Genre: Action-adventure, Stealth
  • Purchase Price: ¥1500/$10.14

The game is included in “Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1 (PS5/XSX/Switch/Win)”, which will be released on October 24, 2023.

11. Resident Evil 3: Nemesis

Resident Evil 3: Nemesis (バイオハザード3 LAST ESCAPE)

It depicts the events that took place at almost the same time period as the previous title, “Resident Evil 2,” from the perspective of the main character, Jill Valentine.

Players control “Jill Valentine” and “Carlos Oliveira” and aim to escape from Raccoon City.

  • Publisher: Capcom
  • Release: September 22, 1999
  • Genre: Survival Horror
  • Purchase Price: ¥600/$4.06

The remake version of “Resident Evil 3(PS4/One/Win)” was released on April 3, 2020.

12. Final Fantasy Tactics

Final Fantasy Tactics (ファイナルファンタジータクティクス)

The first full-fledged simulation RPG in the “Final Fantasy” series.

The story takes place in Ivalice, and there are five chapters including a prologue.

There are a total of 20 jobs (character classes), and monsters also have their own jobs.

  • Publisher: Square
  • Release: June 20, 1997
  • Genre: Tactical Role-playing
  • Purchase Price: ¥500/$3.38

“Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions” was released for the PlayStation Portable in 2007, and new items and new jobs were added to the game.

13. Resident Evil

Resident Evil (バイオハザード)

This is the first title in the Resident Evil series, titled “Biohazard” in Japan.

It is the game that established the “survival horror” genre with its terrifying presentation, abundant puzzle solving, severe ammunition restrictions, etc.

  • Publisher: Capcom
  • Release: March 22, 1996
  • Genre: Survival Horror
  • Purchase Price: ¥900/$6.09

In this title, players select one of two main characters. Depending on the choice, the story, HP, number of items possessed, and available weapons differ.

The female protagonist is “Jill Valentine” and the difficulty level is EASY; the male protagonist is “Chris Redfield” and the difficulty level is HARD.

14. Mega Man Legends 2

Mega Man Legends 2 (ロックマンDASH2)

This is a sequel to “Mega Man Legends” released in 1997.

The number of characters has increased significantly, and the volume of scenarios has also increased.

While the previous game was set on only one island, this game allows players to explore various worlds, including snowy and desert areas.

  • Publisher: Capcom
  • Release: April 20, 2000
  • Genre: Action-adventure
  • Purchase Price: ¥1300/$8.79

The PlayStation Portable version was released in 2005.

15. Parasite Eve

Parasite Eve (パラサイト・イヴ)

Based on Hideaki Sena’s novel “Parasite Eve,” this action RPG combines horror and RPG.

While the original novel is set in Japan, the game is set several years later in Manhattan, USA.

  • Publisher: Square
  • Release: March 29, 1998
  • Genre: Role-playing
  • Purchase Price: ¥500/$3.38

The player controls the main character “Aya Brea” and attacks by selecting commands. Enemy attacks can be avoided by moving.

16. Silent Hill

Silent Hill (サイレントヒル)

A horror action adventure set in the fictional American tourist town of “Silent Hill”.

It was planned by Konami due to the huge success of “Resident Evil” released by Capcom.

  • Publisher: Konami
  • Release: February 23, 1999 NA
  • Genre: Survival Horror
  • Purchase Price: ¥2500/$16.90

Like “Resident Evil,” it has a finite number of bullets and recovery items, but its story and presentation are different from those of “Resident Evil.

There are four multiple endings in this title, but there is no “happy ending.

17. R4: Ridge Racer Type 4

R4: Ridge Racer Type 4 (R4 リッジレーサータイプ4)

This is the fourth home video game in Namco’s popular “Ridge Racer” racing game series.

The CG movie opening and background music are said to be among the best on PlayStation.

  • Publisher: Namco
  • Release: December 3, 1998
  • Genre: Racing
  • Purchase Price: ¥1000/$6.76

This title includes Grand Prix mode, Time Attack, and Battle mode, as well as an extra stage after clearing the Grand Prix.

There are a total of 45 cars available (4 manufacturers x 11 cars +1), and a total of 8 courses (16 courses in total if reverse courses are included).

18. Star Ocean: The Second Story

Star Ocean: The Second Story (スターオーシャン セカンドストーリー)

This is a sequel to “Star Ocean,” which was released on the Super Famicom in 1996.

The story takes place 20 years after the previous title, in the year 2452 A.D. (366 years of space history).

Battles occur on random encounters, and players can move freely and attack on the 3D field.

  • Publisher: Enix
  • Release: July 30, 1998
  • Genre: Action Role-playing
  • Purchase Price: ¥300/$2.03

A remake version, “STAR OCEAN THE SECOND STORY R,” will be released on November 2, 2023 on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch.

19. Valkyrie Profile

Valkyrie Profile (ヴァルキリープロファイル)

It is the first game in the Valkyrie Profile series, an action RPG based on Norse mythology.

There are 8 chapters in the story, and when all chapters are completed, the final battle, “Ragnarok,” begins.

  • Publisher: Enix
  • Release: December 22, 1999
  • Genre: Role-playing
  • Purchase Price: ¥600/$4.06

The battle is symbol-encountered, and if you attack with a sword at this time, you can start the battle in an advantageous situation.

20. Crash Bandicoot

Crash Bandicoot (クラッシュ・バンディクー)

A 3D action game developed by the American “Naughty Dog.

It is the first in the Crash Bandicoot series and takes place on three islands in the southeast of Australia.

  • Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
  • Release: September 9, 1996 NA
  • Genre: Platform
  • Purchase Price: ¥600/$4.06

On August 3, 2017, “Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy”, which includes remastered versions of “1”, “2”, and “3”, was released on PS4.

21. Moon: Remix RPG Adventure

Moon: Remix RPG Adventure (ムーン)

The theme of this game is “anti-RPG” and the game genre is similar to adventure.

It is an RPG that does not fight enemies, and players level up by collecting “love”.

  • Publisher: ASCII Entertainment
  • Release: October 16, 1997
  • Genre: Role-playing
  • Purchase Price: ¥1000/$6.76

The game was released as a downloadable title for Nintendo Switch on October 10, 2019.

22. Suikoden II

Suikoden II (幻想水滸伝II)

It is the second title in the Suikoden series, and the story takes place two years after the previous title.

Data from the previous title can be transferred over, and various benefits can be obtained depending on the character’s level and weapon level from the previous title.

  • Publisher: Konami
  • Release: December 17, 1998
  • Genre: Role-playing
  • Purchase Price: ¥600/$4.06

The remastered version of “Suikoden I&II” will be released on PS4/One/Switch/Win.

23. SaGa Frontier

SaGa Frontier (サガ フロンティア)

This is the seventh title in the Saga series and the first to be released in the PS series.

The system allows players to choose one of the seven main characters, and each character has a different scenario and a different final boss. In addition, the characters that can join the team in each scenario are also different.

  • Publisher: Square
  • Release: July 11, 1997
  • Genre: Role-playing
  • Purchase Price: ¥350/$2.37

A remastered version was released on PS4/Switch/Steam/iOS/Android in April 2021. A new scenario has been added, and an eighth protagonist can be selected for this title.

24. Arc the Lad II

Arc the Lad II (アークザラッドII)

This is a sequel to “Ark the Lad” released in 1995.

Despite the fact that this title is on a single CD-ROM, the main scenario and sub-events require nearly 100 hours of play time.

  • Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
  • Release: November 1, 1996
  • Genre: Tactical Role-playing
  • Purchase Price: ¥400/$2.70

Although it is a continuation of the story of the previous work, the story begins with a new main character, “Elk. As the story progresses, “Ark,” the protagonist of the previous work, can also become a companion.

Monsters can also become friends in this title, but the number of people who can participate in battle is limited to five.

25. Grandia

Grandia (グランディア)

It was released on the Sega Saturn on December 18, 1997, and ported to the PlayStation in 1999.

It tells the story of Justin, a boy who dreams of a great adventure to a world he has yet to see.

The “Ultimate Action Battle System” combines strategy and action with an epic story and background music.

  • Publisher: Game Arts
  • Release: June 24, 1999
  • Genre: Role-playing
  • Purchase Price: ¥700/$4.73

An HD remastered version of the game was released for Nintendo Switch on August 16, 2019.

26. Ehrgeiz

Ehrgeiz (エアガイツ)

An arcade game version appeared on February 26, 1998, from Namco, followed by a PlayStation game from Square on December 17, 1998.

It is known that staff from the popular 3D fighting game series “Virtua Fighter” and “Tekken” participated in its development.

  • Publisher: Square
  • Release: December 17, 1998
  • Genre: Fighting
  • Purchase Price: ¥450/$3.04

There are three main modes in this title: Arcade Mode, Quest Mode, and Mini-Game.

The six Final Fantasy 7 characters that can be controlled are “Cloud Strife,” “Tifa Lockhart,” “Sephiroth,” “Yuffie,” “Vincent,” and “Zax.

27. Gran Turismo 2

Gran Turismo 2 (グランツーリスモ2)

This sequel was released approximately two years after the release of the previous Gran Turismo. Two-disc set.

Disk 1 contains “Arcade Mode” and Disk 2 contains “Gran Turismo Mode”.

  • Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
  • Release: December 11, 1999
  • Genre: Racing
  • Purchase Price: ¥450/$3.04

While the previous title featured 100 car models, this title features five times that number, with 500 models and 600 grades of cars.

There are a total of 30 courses, including road and dirt courses.

28. Legend of Mana

Legend of Mana (聖剣伝説 LEGEND OF MANA)

This is a spin-off of the action RPG “Mana” series.

At the time of its release, 3D graphics using polygons were the mainstream, but this title uses 2D graphics with dots.

  • Publisher: Square
  • Release: July 15, 1999
  • Genre: Action Role-playing
  • Purchase Price: ¥400/$2.70

An HD remastered version of “Legend of Mana” was released on PS4 and Nintendo Switch on June 24, 2021.

29. Boku no Natsuyasumi

Boku no Natsuyasumi (ぼくのなつやすみ)

The time period is set in 1975, and the story takes place in rural Japan.

Players control a 9-year-old boy in this adventure game that involves collecting insects, fishing, and exploring caves.

  • Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
  • Release: June 22, 2000
  • Genre: Adventure, Simulation
  • Purchase Price: ¥1200/$8.11

A remake of the game, with additional characters and events, was released on the PlayStation Portable in 2006.

30. Chocobo’s Mysterious Dungeon

Chocobo’s Mysterious Dungeon (チョコボの不思議なダンジョン)

A roguelike game starring Square’s mascot character “Chocobo.

The game follows the worldview of the FF series, and the monsters that appear in the game are familiar from the Final Fantasy series.

  • Publisher: Square
  • Release: December 23, 1997
  • Genre: Roguelike
  • Purchase Price: ¥400/$2.70

There are three dungeons in total: the first dungeon has 30 floors, the second has 60 floors, and the third has 9999 floors.

The dungeons contain not only enemies, but also various traps, treasure chests, and magic circles.

31. Vagrant Story

Vagrant Story (ベイグラントストーリー)

This is an original work produced by the staff of “Final Fantasy Tactics.

  • Publisher: Square
  • Release: February 10, 2000
  • Genre: Action Role-playing
  • Purchase Price: ¥600/$4.06

Players control the main character “Ashley Riot” and explore “Leá Monde” while defeating monsters.

Movement and combat are seamless, and there is no concept of levels (experience) or money.

32. Tales of Eternia

Tales of Eternia (テイルズ オブ エターニア)

The third main title in the Tales of series. Three discs.

It was the first in the series to feature a time-lapse system. As you walk through the field, time passes from daytime to evening to nighttime, and the number and types of enemies change.

  • Publisher: Namco
  • Release: November 30, 2000
  • Genre: Action Role-playing
  • Purchase Price: ¥500/$3.38

On March 3, 2005, the game was ported to the PlayStation Portable version. Overall, the game can be played comfortably with little loading.

33. Monster Rancher 2

Monster Rancher 2 (モンスターファーム2)

The player becomes a “breeder” who trains monsters to fight, and aims to win four competitions.

A total of 408 monster types appear in this title, the most in the Monster Rancher series.

  • Publisher: Tecmo
  • Release: February 25, 1999
  • Genre: Life Simulation
  • Purchase Price: ¥400/$2.70

Monsters are created by loading commercially available game software, music CDs, and memory cards.

Of course, the monsters and ability values are different for each CD.

34. PocketStation

PocketStation (ポケットステーション)

This portable game console works in conjunction with the PlayStation, and 4.9 million units have been sold in Japan.

It comes in two body colors, white and skeleton, and has a clock built into the body. (with alarm function).

  • Publisher: Sony Corporation
  • Release: January 23, 1999
  • Purchase Price: ¥1500/$10.14

It is used to play mini-games that accompany the main PlayStation games and can also be used as a memory card.

There are more than 180 game software titles compatible with the Pocket Station, with “Final Fantasy VIII” being a particularly well-known title.

35. PaRappa the Rapper

PaRappa the Rapper (パラッパラッパー)

In Japan, it was released on the same day as “Crash Bandicoot,” and both have become iconic PlayStation characters.

  • Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
  • Release: December 6, 1996
  • Genre: Rhythm
  • Purchase Price: ¥500/$3.38

Players control a dog named “Parappa” and press buttons to “rap” according to the instructions displayed on the screen.

There are a total of six stages in the game, which can be completed in less than an hour if the game proceeds smoothly.

36. I.Q.: Intelligent Qube

I.Q.: Intelligent Qube (アイキュー)

The objective of the game is to clear the problem by erasing the cubes in as few moves as possible.

There are a total of 9 stages in the game, and the ending is reached when the ninth stage, “Final,” is cleared.

  • Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
  • Release: January 31, 1997
  • Genre: Puzzle
  • Purchase Price: ¥300/$2.03

Currently, the PS4/PS5 version with higher image quality is available on Playstation Store.

37. Dance Dance Revolution

Dance Dance Revolution (ダンスダンスレボリューション)

In this game, players step on the foot panels corresponding to the up, down, left, and right arrows on the screen in time with the music.

The arcade game was launched in 1998, and a PlayStation version was released in 1999.

  • Publisher: Konami
  • Release: April 10, 1999
  • Genre: Music, Exercise
  • Purchase Price: ¥300/$2.03

The game can be played with a PlayStation controller, but a special mat-type controller was also released.

38. Tales of Destiny

Tales of Destiny (テイルズ オブ デスティニー)

This is the second game in the Tales of series and the first Tales of series for PlayStation hardware.

  • Publisher: Namco
  • Release: December 23, 1997
  • Genre: Action Role-playing
  • Purchase Price: ¥500/$3.38

A remake of the game was released on the PlayStation 2 on November 30, 2006, and “Tales of Destiny Director’s Cut” was released on January 31, 2008.

39. Everybody’s Golf

Everybody’s Golf (みんなのゴルフ)

The first in a series of popular golf games, it sold more than 2 million units in Japan.

  • Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
  • Release: July 17, 1997
  • Genre: Sports
  • Purchase Price: ¥300/$2.03

The number of characters that can be used is initially two, but winning in VS mode will eventually increase the number of characters to ten.

There are a total of six golf courses and one putt-putt golf course.

40. Crash Bandicoot: Warped

Crash Bandicoot: Warped (クラッシュ・バンディクー3 ブッとび!世界一周)

This is the third title in the “Crash Bandicoot” series and was released one year after the previous title.

  • Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
  • Release: November 3, 1998 NA
  • Genre: Platform
  • Purchase Price: ¥400/$2.70

There is a stage where you control “Coco,” the younger sister of the main character Crash, and there are more vehicle stages than in the previous game.

New actions can be learned by defeating bosses, such as the “Super Body Press” and “Double Jump.

41. Gran Turismo

Gran Turismo (グランツーリスモ)

The first in the “Gran Turismo” series of driving simulation games.

The cars in the package are the Toyota Supra (A80) and the Nissan Skyline GT-R (R33).

  • Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
  • Release: December 23, 1997
  • Genre: Racing
  • Purchase Price: ¥300/$2.03

There are 100 car models and 146 grades in the collection, and the majority of the cars are made by Japanese manufacturers.

The difficulty level of the license test is the top difficulty in the series.

42. Castlevania: Symphony of the Night

Castlevania: Symphony of the Night (悪魔城ドラキュラX 月下の夜想曲)

A sequel to “Castlevania: Rondo of Blood” released on the PC Engine, the story is set five years later.

The game introduces RPG-like experience values, and as the main character levels up, his HP and other stats increase.

  • Publisher: Konami
  • Release: March 20, 1997
  • Genre: Platform
  • Purchase Price: ¥3500/$23.67

The main character in this title does not use a whip, but can equip various weapons such as swords, staffs, and knuckles.

There are more than 140 types of enemies, including several huge bosses that do not fit on a single screen.

43. Crash Team Racing

Crash Team Racing (クラッシュ・バンディクー レーシング)

The racing game is based on the action game “Crash Bandicoot” and was developed by Naughty Dog.

There are eight characters to control, plus eight hidden characters. There are 16 characters in total.

There are a total of 18 different courses that can be run, and a total of 7 battle courses.

  • Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
  • Release: October 19, 1999 NA
  • Genre: Kart Racing
  • Purchase Price: ¥500/$3.38

On June 21, 2019, the remake “Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled” was released on PS4/Nintendo Switch/Xbox One.

44. Street Fighter Alpha 3

Street Fighter Alpha 3 (ストリートファイターZERO3)

This is the third title in the “Street Fighter Alpha” series.

There are a total of 28 characters that can be controlled, and three different styles of “ISM” can be selected.

  • Publisher: Capcom
  • Release: December 23, 1998
  • Genre: Fighting
  • Purchase Price: ¥600/$4.06

There are three hidden modes: “Survival Mode (round-robin battle),” “Dramatic Battle (2-on-1 CPU battle),” and “Final Battle (fight the final boss).

45. Persona 2

Persona 2 (ペルソナ2)

This is the second installment of Atlus’ popular RPG series.

The story takes place in “Sumaru City” where the sea is located, three years after the previous game.

The main characters and storyline have been almost completely redesigned, although characters from the previous game also appear.

  • Publisher: Atlus
  • Release: June 24, 1999
  • Genre: Role-playing
  • Purchase Price: ¥1200/$8.11

A remake version was released on April 14, 2011 on the PlayStation Portable.

46. Mega Man Legends

Mega Man Legends (ロックマンDASH 鋼の冒険心)

The first 3D action game in the Mega Man series, it was also released on the Nintendo 64 and PlayStation Portable.

While previous games in the Mega Man series were stage-clearing action games, this game is an action RPG in which the player explores the field to advance the story.

  • Publisher: Capcom
  • Release: December 18, 1997
  • Genre: Action-adventure
  • Purchase Price: ¥1600/$10.82

The player attacks with a buster in his left arm, but cannot fire a charge shot.

There are a total of 12 special weapons, and the player can ask Roll (Roll) to enhance their weapons.

47. Armored Core

Armored Core (アーマード・コア)

This is the first title in the customized robot action game “Armored Core.

The player becomes “Raven,” a mercenary who controls the giant weapon “Armored Core (AC),” and solves requests from corporations. There are 47 missions in total.

  • Publisher: FromSoftware
  • Release: July 10, 1997
  • Genre: Robot Action
  • Purchase Price: ¥2600/$17.58

Currently, more than 10 sequels to Armored Core have been released, with “Armored Core VI” being released in August 2023.

48. Chocobo Racing

Chocobo Racing (チョコボレーシング 〜幻界へのロード〜)

This racing game features Chocobo, the mascot character from the “Final Fantasy” series.

Racers can initially choose from eight, and after completing the story mode or entering hidden commands, the number of characters increases to a maximum of 18.

  • Publisher: Square
  • Release: March 18, 1999
  • Genre: Racing
  • Purchase Price: ¥450/$3.04

Chocobo Grand Prix was released on Nintendo Switch on March 10, 2022.

49. Tekken 3

Tekken 3 (鉄拳3)

It is the third title in the 3D fighting game Tekken series, and the story is set 19 years after the previous title.

There are a total of 21 characters that can be controlled, 11 of which are hidden characters.

  • Publisher: Namco
  • Release: 26 March 1998
  • Genre: Fighting
  • Purchase Price: ¥350/$2.37

The PlayStation Classic, released on December 3, 2018, includes this title.

50. Theme Park

Theme Park (テーマパーク)

The player becomes the owner of an amusement park and manages theme parks around the world.

  • Publisher: Electronic Arts
  • Release: 30 October 1995 EU
  • Genre: Simulation
  • Purchase Price: ¥500/$3.38

The game has two modes: standard and scenario.

In standard mode, players choose one country and manage an amusement park. (No expiration date).

In Scenario mode, players clear the conditions in various countries, and the ending is reached when all 10 countries have been cleared.

51. Brave Fencer Musashi

Brave Fencer Musashi (ブレイヴフェンサー 武蔵伝)

The samurai Musashi is the main character in this 3D action RPG, using two swords to defeat enemies.

This game was accompanied by demo versions of “Final Fantasy VIII” and “Ehrgeiz”.

  • Publisher: Square
  • Release: July 16, 1998
  • Genre: Action Role-playing
  • Purchase Price: ¥450/$3.04

A sequel, “Musashi Den II: Blade Master,” was released on the PlayStation 2 on July 7, 2005.

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Nao Yoshida
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I am a Japanese retro game collector, born in 1986. My stories will show my favourite video games.