When the original PlayStation launched in the mid-1990s, it changed the landscape of gaming forever. It introduced a shift from cartridges to CDs, allowing for larger games with better audio and full-motion video. More importantly, it bizop gave rise to some of the best games in gaming history, many of which laid the groundwork for modern franchises still thriving on current PlayStation consoles.

One of the first breakout titles was Resident Evil, which popularized the survival horror genre. Its fixed camera angles, atmospheric tension, and inventory management introduced players to a new kind of thrill. Today, its legacy lives on through remakes and sequels, with PlayStation games continuing to honor its influence through modern horror experiences like Until Dawn and Resident Evil Village.

The era also saw the rise of Final Fantasy VII, which became a landmark title not just for RPG fans but for gaming as a whole. With a memorable story, diverse characters, and groundbreaking visuals for the time, it marked a high point for the PlayStation brand. Its influence was so strong that it remains a centerpiece of the PlayStation identity, culminating in a multi-part remake series on the PS4 and PS5.

Other early classics like Crash Bandicoot and Spyro the Dragon helped define what a PlayStation platformer could look like. Their success led to the development of mascot-driven franchises that persisted through the PS2 and PSP eras, and even today they remain part of the PlayStation ecosystem via remasters and cross-platform reboots. These best games from the early years set the standard for fun, engaging, and replayable content.

The original PlayStation laid the foundation for everything that followed. Its best games didn’t just push hardware—they pushed creativity, design, and what players could expect from home console experiences. Without the bold innovations of the early PlayStation games, it’s hard to imagine the PSP or any modern PlayStation generation reaching the heights they have today.