These Are the Top 25 PlayStation Games of All Time

This week marks the 25th anniversary of the original PlayStation’s North American launch. Since that time, the PlayStation brand has grown to become the most dominant in all of gaming. It is responsible for proliferating disc-based games, putting DVD and Blu-Ray players in millions of homes, and of course, having some of the finest gaming experiences out there. The gaming world as we know it exists because of PlayStation, and for that, we should be thankful.

To celebrate 25 years of PlayStation, we’ve put together a list of the top 25 games released for its systems.

Metal Gear Solid

Platform: PlayStation
Release date: September 3, 1998

It’s almost difficult to put into words just how monumental the first Metal Gear Solid was. It set the template for future stealth games and did so with cinematic flair. From epic boss battles, philosophical debates, and crazy Easter eggs, Metal Gear Solid has it all. While not as graphically impressive as its sequels, it remains a masterpiece.

Final Fantasy VII

Platform: PlayStation
Release date: January 31, 1997

What can you say about Final Fantasy VII that others haven’t said before? For many, this is the first JRPG they ever played. It contains all of the Final Fantasy hallmarks — namely an epic story, memorable characters, and a large world to explore. Final Fantasy VII is the epitome of a classic.

Resident Evil

Platform: PlayStation
Release date: March 22, 1996

The survival horror genre as we know it today wouldn’t exist without the first Resident Evil. Despite its corny voice acting, this was the most terrifying game of its time. Those still haunted by the scene of zombie dogs crashing through the window can attest to this. While one can make a good argument that Resident Evil 2 is the better game, they cannot deny the indelible impact left by the original.

Crash Bandicoot

Platform: PlayStation
Release date: September 9, 1996

You can’t talk about the early days of PlayStation without bringing up Crash Bandicoot. The crazed-looking character was the PlayStation’s de facto mascot throughout the generation. For all intents and purposes, Crash Bandicoot is a side scroller played from a top-down angle. While it functions similarly to other games in the genre, the 3D perspective made it feel fresh. To this day, many hold Crash Bandicoot in high regard.

Castlevania: Symphony of the Night

Platform: PlayStation
Release date: March 20, 1997

You know the “vania” in “Metroidvania”? That comes from none other than Castlevania: Symphony of the Night. Instead of being a straight-up hack-n-slasher like its predecessors, Symphony of the Night borrows Metroid‘s large, interconnected map. Like Metroid, players cannot access certain areas before acquiring specific items. Every Metroidvania title under the sun owes much to Symphony of the Night. It is still the gold standard of the genre.

Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater

Platform: PlayStation 2
Release date: November 17, 2004

Like Metal Gear Solid, Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater is one of the seminal entries in the series. In fact, many consider it the best. MGS3 opens up the stealth gameplay by placing players in a large jungle. They can use the environment to hide and set traps for enemies. Players can even eat wildlife to sustain themselves. Because of its gameplay, MGS3’s James Bond-inspired story, and excellent boss battles, MGS3 continues to resonate with players years later.

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

Platform: PlayStation 2
Release date: October 26, 2004

While Grand Theft Auto III and Grand Theft Auto: Vice City laid the groundwork, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas is where things went to the proverbial next level. Its sprawling open-world (containing analogs for cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Las Vegas) allows players to cause whatever sort of mayhem they want. No GTA game since has given players such freedom, nor have they had a storyline as completely bonkers. There’s a reason San Andreas has seen so many ports. It’s just a fun ride.

God of War

Platform: PlayStation 2
Release date: March 22, 2005

The first God of War introduces Kratos and the brutal mythological Greek world he inhabits. Though the following entries would reduce Kratos to a mad berserker, the first God of War masterfully gives Kratos’ legendary anger context. With huge bosses, stellar hack-n-slash gameplay, and stunning graphics, God of War grabs players by the jugular and never lets them go. It is the ultimate in escapist fantasy.

Shadow of the Colossus

Platform: PlayStation 2
Release date: October 18, 2005

Shadow of the Colossus was a unique game for its time and continues to hold that distinction today. Instead of fighting hordes of enemies, the primary goal is to take down 16 colossi. As one wanders through the desolate land, they begin to question if they are not, in fact, the real monster. Thanks to its minimalist narrative, soundtrack, and open-world, Shadow of the Colossus is as close to “art” as you can get.

Resident Evil 4

Platform: PlayStation 2
Release date: January 11, 2005

Though first released exclusively on GameCube, Resident Evil 4 found its true home on the PlayStation 2. It is the first “modern” action game thanks to its over-the-shoulder camera angle and high degree of weapon customization. Like many games on this list, Resident Evil 4 continues getting ported to different systems. That’s because its gameplay and story still hold up. Even today, it is difficult to imagine any future Resident Evil game topping it.

Lumines

Platform: PlayStation Portable
Release date: December 12, 2004

Handheld systems always need at least one definitive puzzler and Lumines fits that bill for the PlayStation Portable. It takes elements from titles like Tetris and Columns and combines them with mechanics from rhythm titles. The result is a highly addictive title that’s perfect to play on the road. Though there have been many sequels, the original Lumines stands as the best of the lot.

Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker

Platform: PlayStation Portable
Release date: April 29, 2010

It’s a shame how even many longtime fans missed out on Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker. A direct sequel to Metal Gear Solid 3, Peace Walker takes elements from Monster Hunter and combines them with Metal Gear Solid’s stealth mechanics. While it has a solid (pun intended) story, the main draw of this title is linking up with others to complete missions and grind for loot. This is the absolute portable Metal Gear Solid experience.

The Last of Us

Platform: PlayStation 3
Release date: July 29, 2014

The Last of Us caught many PlayStation 3 owners off guard when it originally came out. Instead of being a fun adventure like Uncharted, it is a gut-wrenching tale of survival. From its harrowing beginning to its somber end, The Last of Us refuses to give players a moment’s respite. To a lot of folks, this is the best PlayStation game period.

Uncharted 2: Among Thieves

Platform: PlayStation 3
Release date: October 13, 2009

The first Uncharted was a fun romp inspired by Tomb Raider and Indiana Jones. The sequel takes everything great about the first and amps things up considerably. What makes Uncharted 2 so mind-blowing is its unrelenting pace and lavish set pieces. It is a Hollywood blockbuster in video game form. We saw many games ape Uncharted 2’s formula, including the revamped Tomb Raider. Even subsequent Uncharted games could not attain the heights reached by the second installment. It was and is the premiere action-adventure game of recent times.

God of War III

Platform: PlayStation 3
Release date: March 16, 2010

God of War 3 ends the original series in the grandest fashion possible. Sporting superior graphics and refined gameplay, it was the definitive God of War experience before 2018’s reboot came and set a new precedent. God of War 3 earns all the praise heaped upon it.

Demon’s Souls

Platform: PlayStation 3
Release date: October 6, 2009

Dark Souls has ascended into meme status but it all started with PlayStation 3’s Demon’s Souls. Like its now-infamous offshoots, Demon’s Souls takes place in a horrifying medieval world beset by horrific monsters. It was and is one of the most challenging games out there. While that scares some away, it is the reason the game has since passed into legendary status. It would be wise for Sony to re-release/remaster Demon’s Souls so folks can see where it all started.

Journey

Platform: PlayStation 3
Release date: March 13, 2012

Easily the most low-key entry on this list, Thatgamecompany’s Journey is one of the quintessential PS3 titles. Instead of flooring gamers with high-end graphics and non-stop action, Journey is a laid back, contemplative affair that encourages gamers to ponder their own mortality. Or they can just play it and enjoy the rich yet simplistic art style. Every gamer takes something different away from Journey, which is part of its magic.

Killzone Mercenary

Platform: PlayStation Vita
Release date: September 10, 2013

Along with Persona 4 Golden, Killzone Mercenary is widely considered one of the must-own PlayStation Vita games. Unlike Call of Duty Black Ops: Declassified and Resistance: Burning Skies, Killzone Mercenary successfully replicates the console FPS experience on a handheld. It even looks like a console title thanks to its superb graphics. If there was ever a PS Vita game that needs a console port, this is the one.

Persona 4 Golden

Platform: PlayStation Vita
Release date: November 20th, 2013

Many see Persona 4 Golden as the definitive PS Vita game. And with good reason. It features deep JRPG gameplay, a killer soundtrack, unforgettable characters, and a suspenseful murder mystery tale. Being a grind-heavy experience, it is perfect for a portable system. Like Killzone: Mercenary, Persona 4 Golden needs a console port.

Astro Bot Rescue Mission

Platform: PlayStation VR
Release date: October 2, 2018

The PlayStation VR has a lot of great titles but the one most often cited as the best is Astro Bot Rescue Mission. While a platformer at its core, the VR environments literally give it a fresh perspective. It also helps that the actual game is a joy to play because of its whimsical world and intuitive, easy-to-understand controls. Astro Bot Rescue Mission is a VR title that deftly demonstrates the platform’s viability.

God of War (2018)

Platform: PlayStation 4
Release date: April 20, 2018

Instead of sticking with the tried and true formula, Santa Monica Studio took the God of War series in a new and decidedly more mature direction with 2018’s eponymous title. Eschewing the familiar Ancient Greek myths, God of War is set in the world of Norse mythology. Like previous games, it features larger-than-life set pieces and bosses. It also has some of the best combat mechanics out there. To many, it’s a modern-day classic.

Spider-Man

Platform: PlayStation 4
Release date: September 7, 2018

Missing puddles didn’t stop Spider-Man from being one of 2018’s best titles. What makes this so spectacular is that it is a wholly original Spider-Man story that feels true to the source material. Players get to experience the life of both Peter Parker and his web-slinging alter ego. Though not accurate, the game’s depiction of New York is authentic, while its combat and traversal mechanics make one feel like Spider-Man. The game continues to sell for a reason. It’s amazing.

Persona 5

Platform: PlayStation 4
Release date: April 04, 2017

Persona 5 is without a doubt one of the most stylish JRPGs released in recent memory. Like other entries in the series, the game focuses on a group of high schoolers who must use their supernatural powers to solve a murder mystery. This is also one of those titles that makes you want to visit Japan thanks to its faithful representation of Tokyo. Persona 5 demonstrates that traditional turn-based JRPGs still have a place in the modern gaming world.

Bloodborne

Platform: PlayStation 4
Release date: March 24, 2015

Though Bloodborne shares many similarities to the Souls games — namely challenging combat, nightmarish bosses, and a dark, twisted game world — it is a very different experience. Bloodborne rewards players who throw caution to the wind and attack aggressively. In many ways, it is the 3D Castlevania we’ve always wanted (sorry, Lords of Shadow). Its circular, interlocked level design is a testament to this. There’s a reason folks continue playing Bloodborne. It’s that good.

Death Stranding

Platform: PlayStation 4
Release date: November 8, 2019

The newest game on this list is also the most contentious. Death Stranding is a “slow burn” and takes a while to get going. When it does, it delivers an insane ride that only Hideo Kojima could provide. Behind the delivery-focused gameplay is a story centered around the need to connect and reconnect with others stranded in an increasingly isolated world. The theme is pertinent to the modern age and permeates the entirety of the game. We’ll have to see how history treats Death Stranding, but for now, it’s one of the must-play games on PS4.



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