PS1 Games That Will Always Be Enjoyable - Retro Bird

Often considered one of the greatest video game consoles ever made, in this video I'm going to take a look at 5 games that I feel are uniquely qualified to be designated as games that will always be fun.
PS1 Games That Will Always Be Enjoyable - Retro Bird / Sony PlayStation Games That Will Always Be Fun / PSX / Timeless PS1 Games
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#retrobird

[@RetroBirdGaming]

Games played: Metal Gear Solid (0:04), Mega Man X4 (0:19), Rayman (0:28), Resident Evil 2 (1:05), Final Fantasy VII (2:04), Ape Escape (5:29), Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (7:04), Raiden Project (7:20), Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, Omega Boost (10:30)

[@Gruntvc]

I'd recommend checking out the Syphon Filter Trilogy. Sony doesn't make games like those now. Ever play Covert Ops Nuclear Dawn? Think RE meets MGS1.

[@Shishkebarbarian]

whats the space shooter in the footage at the end of the video? that game looks siiiick

[@olegraybeard4206]

PS1 had the holy grail of race car games with Gran Turismo 2

[@jmac79ers]

Yessir, still play it on my softmodded psp

[@Mengenang777]

Nascar rumble ps1

[@ModeSOLOgaming]

Gran Turismo is always good, but don't sleep on Ridge Racer Type 4. Top shelf racing game right there.

[@leeartlee915]

I honestly can’t stand Grand Turismo. I’m not saying it’s a “bad game” but everyone was hyped on those early entries and I bought into. When I popped it into play, I had never been so bored in my entire life.

[@angrymobsters1599]

​@@leeartlee915Im kind of with you on that. I still respect it because it was special for it's time and went away from the trend of arcade racers and went with simulation which really changed racing games all together. This wasn't really a game for pick up and play games or for just a casual run. This thing was packed with content, on top of the graphics and the realism of the sounds it was a big deal. I have just never been a fan of realistic racers like this cause like you said its boring and it's a bit of an investment to become really good at these games. I liked the rally mode of the second game though cause rally games are fun.

[@PazuChill]

Your scripts are insanely good, Retro Bird. The stuff you find to joke about and the callbacks you make within videos are really impressive.

[@HippieMumboJumbo]

Agreed. This channel has really grown on me. He does a great job.

[@AgentXRifle]

Let’s be honest… the fact tables, computers, chairs and boxes all explode in goldeneye is amazing!

[@RetroBirdGaming]

That is true!

[@Throbingkcoc]

Parasite Eve, SoulBlade, RE2 and Tekken 3 are still some of my personal favorites.

[@holycrackdeals]

Yusssss, I barely ever hear about Parasite Eve anymore. At the time I didn't even own a PlayStation I borrowed my friends but bought the game to play it. The CGI at the time was 😘

[@DeusPsycho]

Is it worth playing now? I can deal with jank

[@kurtisschwartz9870]

​@@DeusPsychoyes

[@markstewart8171]

Tekken 2 for me. It was a stocking stuffer and is the only thing I remember from that year. Classics man.

[@DeusPsycho]

@@markstewart8171 but did you unlock Roger by getting a "great" on stage 4?

[@pizzagamecube2564]

The PS1 Spyro games (especially the third one) are my all time favorite games and they'll never not be enjoyable for me to play. They're pretty much timeless for me.

[@mattb6522]

Yeah, the Spyro trilogy are honestly some of the best 3D platformers on the PS1. Similar to Ape Escape, they are just charming and a lot of fun to play. They basically were Sony's answer to Mario 64.

[@RetroBirdGaming]

I didn't play the first Spyro for a long time and was surprised at how straightforward it was. I liked it.

[@nathanglynn7443]

I have two Spyro tattoos and Spyro always meant the most to me, while my mates all went on about ocarina of time, I had gateway to glimmer (riptos rage) even the remake is bland to me, the original just had so much heart, soul and ambience to it. The backgrounds were always gorgeous and that soundtrack was absolutely ace. I felt the original polygon graphics were honestly deeper than the remakes even. The original had more soul and meaning, it felt like I could go anywhere and do anything and in a time when the internet wasn’t that common in households it made exploring and enjoying the game even more exciting. In a game that I can complete in a matter of hours now took me a few years as a kid. It was also my first 3d gaming experience and that was wondrous and exciting as a child. It will forever hold that place in my heart and the only game that’s ever matched it in modern years for me is the ff7 remake and Skyrim (although I guess Skyrim is no longer modern) I don’t see many retro Spyro fans that much nowadays so your comment got me excited haha!

[@TheGunmanChannel]

That thumbnail 😂

[@yup8865]

Ape Escape is an incredible game. Has a amazing soundtrack as well. In my top fifteen favorite games.

[@bstoker9468]

Ape escape is top 10 for sure

[@RetroBirdGaming]

It's a blast every time!

[@dapperfan44]

I wish we would get a proper new game already. It doesn't have to be a big AAA experience, just give me Ape Escape 4 on PS4/PS5 and make it the same length as Ape Escape 3.

[@DeusPsycho]

Only ever played the demo but it hits the nostalgia button for me

[@wa27]

Ridge Racer 4 holds up very well. One of the most beautiful games ever.

[@ModeSOLOgaming]

Soooo good. Spent many hours playing this with my step dad after I introduced him to it.

[@malik87breaker]

I got it in 2016. I stil play it today

[@SK8ERTEEN98]

That Spice Girls joke was executed perfectly

[@jonathansacci2325]

Mega Man Legends might be my all time favorite PS1 game. I played it soooo much as a kid.

[@mattb6522]

Yeah, it is still a solid title. I honestly wish it got a remake or remaster, but the original is still quite fun! The Misadventures of Tron Bonne is actually really fun and charming, too!

[@jonathansacci2325]

@@mattb6522 Im hoping Capcom will do a collection like they did the Battle Network.

[@mattb6522]

@@jonathansacci2325 That would be excellent! All three games in one package!

[@Freeborger]

thank you for keeping up the consistent quality and upload schedule, its the perfect way to kick off the weekend

[@dbzfanatic278]

Been playing the ps1 since september of 1995 and still colllect for it regularly. Just picked up a sealed ps1 controller and opened it brand new here in 2023. Also rayman is amazing and needs a new game on ps5 or switch. That was one of the first games i ever played on the system and holds a special place in my heart.

[@LobsterPuncher]

Surprised you didnt mention Bread Clip Manager 98. To this day the most impressive bread clip simulator I've played.

[@xcrack6364]

Metal Gear Solid, Tekken 3, Ape Escape, Crash Bandicoot Trilogy, Soul Reaver, Twisted Metal 2, Point Blank are just a few of my all time favorites! Good video. Glad you brought back Ape Escape from the depths into the light.

[@altanic5855]

Nothing better than 12 hours of sleep and a new Retro Bird video!

[@AGoodVibe]

You are genuinely hilarious. I love your comedy, while keeping the focus on great games. Keep it up!

[@TwoEyesOpen]

I would say Ridge Racer Type 4 and Einhander. R4 has such a great vibe overall that is timeless to me, and the graphics really still hold up. I play it on my Vita to this day quite often. Einhander is also a classic shooter with so many unique gameplay elements that I think makes it still feel fresh.

[@getoutofmylab877]

Just want to appreciate the comedic aspect you bring in these videos. It is hilarious, keep up the good work.

[@RetroBirdGaming]

Thank you. I appreciate you saying that!

[@matthewsisk]

Anytime I see a new Retro Bird video, you know its gonna be a good day

[@OtterloopB]

WOOOOO!!! APE ESCAPE!!! Heck yes, R. Bird! God bless you for your terrific taste 🙌

[@ikee5687]

The ones i still really enjoy are : Symphony of the Night, Final Fantasy Tactics, Tekken 3, Tony Hawk Pro Skater, Einhander, and Suikoden

[@apexanomaly]

Resident Evil 3 is actually my favorite of the PS1 era titles in that series

[@Gamesta100]

Mine too. Shame they ruined the remake.

[@RetroBirdGaming]

I had a ton of fun with it too. Might be my favorite PS1 game in the series as well.

[@SoulSecureOfficial]

Prerendered backgrounds were absolutely amazing I always thought they looked super realistic back then and I still very much enjoy a good prerendered background. A lot of adventure games on PC took advantage of them at the time too.

[@rotallyPumpered]

I've come around to really loving the look of the PS1's low-poly 3D games. I think it comes from being so familiar with the limitations. It's almost like a Lego sculpture. When you see it done really well with a unique style, it doesn't seem like a hindrance, but a benefit. A lot of Squaresoft and Namco's later games for the PS1 look particularly great. I'm glad more people have access to Klonoa 1 now, but I don't think the remake looks nearly as charming without the creative blend of simple 3D models and low resolution pre-rendered sprites.

[@3dmarth]

Same here! I've really become fond of the way these low-poly games look, for some reason- even though I had a pretty negative view of it in the '90s. I think part of it, at least for me, is the charm of the low-poly look itself. But even more than that, it is- as with pixel art- the style the artists were going for. Just as a couple of examples, compare the fine-grained textures of the Spyro trilogy to the smooth, Fortnite-esque look of the remakes. Or even the realistic, moody atmosphere of the DKC trilogy, compared to the more cartoonish look of Returns and Tropical Freeze.

[@brazilianmegaman258]

Great game choices pal. Absolutely love the channel and keep up the great work!

[@polymetalalloy]

The writing gets better and better. Love you BIRD!!!!

[@snookers5123]

MGS, Megaman X4, Rayman, RE2, Ape Escape, SOTN and Omega Boost are all games you can replay every year and never get bored of them. Throw in Doom, G-police and any point blank and you've got a good desert island playlist.

[@Xero36]

I still absolutely love your channel. Seen every video and still can't wait for the next one after all this time 😂. Thanks for all you do

[@RetroBirdGaming]

Thank you. Your viewership really means a lot!

[@ricrey431]

Love your humor and style of videos. Keep doing what you're doing.

[@TheRealRetroBeard]

Thank you for showing a fine sample of my favourite console of all time. That little screen just pops with colour. I still need to get one before they go extinct.

[@otakubullfrog1665]

There really is nothing quite like coming back to a game over and over again, getting a little further each time and finally beating it after years or even decades. So many of the really tough old-school platformers made us become retrogamers without even trying just because we couldn't get all the way through them when they first released.

[@HalfEatenMedia]

I will never get tired of Spyro the Dragon. I was always blown away by that game when I was a kid. Its a lot of fun to run around as the dragon saving his friends. The final fantasy game was decent. That’s the first PS1 game I tried at a blockbuster so that memory makes me a bit biased.

[@danielmclaughlin2190]

Always love your content!

[@ElricSowrd]

It's been a longtime. 4:09- LOL 😆

[@vettori8185]

Thanks RetroBird, I enjoy your videos and I appreciate your effort. Keep up the good work ^_^

[@codysegleski492]

Love these videos, you have a unique perspective, which I really enjoy...and super bonus..my daughter makes fun of me every time I say nanners instead of bananas now.

[@mattb6522]

Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver is also a pretty fun PS1 3D action/adventure game. Granted, the visuals are kind of rough for being early 3D, but the atmosphere more than makes up for it. It might take some getting used to if you're used to modern 3D titles, but it is one of those games you want to see through to the end. In the same vein, I would recommend MediEvil. It is a bit rough being an early 3D action title, but the atmosphere and humor definitely are worth some clunky controls and dated graphics. It also has an underappreciated soundtrack for a PS1 game. It feels almost like a Tim Burton film with Danny Elfman orchestration!

[@warfarewarfare]

Ape Escape, fun gameplay BANGER ost!

[@lassejohanhenden8238]

great vibe dude! i just got the ps1, i picked up rayman, ridge racer and tekken 2:) back to the 90s baby

[@Sneakyturtleegg]

MegaMan X4, Final Fantasy Tactics, Alundra, Castlevania Chronicles, Intelligent Qube, Klonoa, NBA Showtime, NFL Blitz, Policenauts, Robotron X, Sexy Parodius, Nuclear Strike, Strider 2, Tempest X3, Tiny Tank, Jumping Flash, Jackie Chan Stuntmaster, Gunners Heaven, FMV games - Road Blaster, Chopper Command, Time Gal, and Revenge of the Ninja

[@GeneralKrangsArmy]

I’m glad to see The Raiden Project get some love. I played the heck out of Raider 2 at my summer job growing up that had that arcade, and it is a blast to play.

[@luliby2309]

I'm very glad to see Symphony Of The Night here. Soooooo fun. I love that you're doing Richter mode.

[@Fygee]

The Ministry of Silly Walks approves of this video.

[@TenOfZero1]

Can't wait to see what you recommend, it's not a system I have played much.

[@_BELMONT_]

Another great video Bird!

[@matthewbain21]

Twisted Metal 2 is still pretty fun.

[@Nightowl1981]

TM1 is awesome as well. Loved the Rooftop stage when battling with a friend.

[@vasilas432]

Great video!

[@killingtimeonline]

The Metroidvania debate is an interesting one, the maker of Castlevania tried to coin Ludovania I think? Which is even weirder. But the maker of Metroid coined the term "Search Action", which as lame as it sounds, is also the only one that seems to actually describe it perfectly

[@phairground]

Not sure how I missed being able to go through Dracula's Castle as Richter Belmont in SOTN, but now I'll have to find another copy just for that! Thanks, Nanner Man!

[@RetroBirdGaming]

Yup! Once you beat the game (for the PS1 version), you can play as him!

[@TwoBlackMarks]

Nice to see The Raiden Project, one of my favorite games. I remember buying SOTN at a discount, ( I remember it well, because it was a special case that day, I asked for a discount actually) it had been on the store shelf a "long" time without anyone buying it. It had just been shuffled around it seems, I bought it partly because I knew that the old Castlevanias was pretty good games, it was a good buy, it is one of my most favorite games ever, a pleasant surprise, and I did not know about the reverse castle until I had completed it several times, it suddenly was a whole new game, that really got me addicted to find everything in the game. Times before the internet.. (For me atleast) And it looked really good later on the PS2 with enhanced graphics on. I also like Crusader No Remorse, The Street Fighter Games, Future Cop and several other, I played Need for Speed Road Challenge a lot, it is still fun, but witout a bigger CRT it is kind of hard to see where you go... On a modern screen the picture can get relatively blocky. Maybe I was just used to it back then? I did play it a couple years ago, some of them are probably nostalgia, but back then I could not afford all the games, so I could try more games now, than back then. WarCraft 2 plays pretty good on the PSX also, good game. Many good games, the PSX was a great console.

[@FrawgTheDawg]

dude just checked out the entire video. You're hilarious. it was entertained the entire way keep goin

[@taylorhead9842]

Silent Hill (Fantastic atmosphere and clever puzzles. If you love Resident Evil give this one a try) Crash Team Racing (Excellent designed tracks and boost mechanics) Rapid Reload (If you love run 'n gun games check this one out)

[@Nightowl1981]

CTR was so fun! I agree, the game had great mechanics too! Played it for countless hours with my brothers and friends during the 90s!

[@fitz303]

CTR was the nutz, Naughty Dog did a great job. I just downloaded Duckstation and downloaded a CTR file too so will play it tomorrow again can't wait!

[@goatbone]

9:38 I was genuinely thinking that.

[@brianhatcher2799]

Lol. I kind of was too. 😂

[@youknuckle]

Saw the confident walk, subbed.

[@alchemusxgaming]

You have a GREAT selection of games on this video! The PS1 is full of bangers, but in addition to those games, I would add Tomba!, Soulblade, Tomb Raider 2, Bushido Blade and Tekken 3.

[@GameBoyGuru]

Great choices! Even though I'm not great at the Raiden games, I've always liked The Raiden Project, and feel it's a great conversion for its time. Ape Escape is awesome, and one I had a ton of fun with as well, and of course Symphony of the Night is an absolute classic. That game just might have my favorite video game soundtrack of all time. It's definitely top 3. A PS1 game I always find fun is Syphon Filter, and by extension, Syphon Filter 2. I replayed those a couple years back, and still had a blast. Also, cool to see Omega Boost there at the end - another great one!

[@wuebboltc]

I swore I wouldn't buy any more PS1 games until I completed my collection of all the Crash Bandicoot and Spyro titles. I finally reached that goal about a month ago, and finally bought a PS1 game that isn't Crash or Spyro -- Warhammer Shadow of the Horned Rat. Fun fact: the PS1 hosts a library of 7918 titles. That is insane (the PS2 has a relatively paltry 4218).

[@DionMendesRamosTube]

This is very good, you have a nice sense of humour.

[@RetroBirdGaming]

I appreciate you saying that!

[@josephbradshaw6985]

I set up the ps1 emulator specifically for Symphony. I didn't have the PS1 as a kid, so going back and playing the games has been mostly misses. Then I played this one. Holy moly!

[@aaronclark3848]

Some of the best retro gaming content on KZbin.

[@mayx8840]

I would add Xenogears, Symphony of the Night is my all time favorite game.

[@lukedavis3953]

I recently picked up the Playstation Classic and I am blown away by the game catalog.

[@realguitarthur]

I really enjoy playing R-Type Delta. Glad I still have it! :)

[@willwidrick8039]

So many great memories from amazing games

[@JD.78]

One of my favourite lesser known hidden gems on the PS1 is Silent Bomber, i love this game, and would advise anyone with even a passing interest in PS1 games to check it out...they may even have a little fun along the way.

[@ModeSOLOgaming]

I've played it through emulation and it's definitely a solid game. Too bad it's so expensive now otherwise I'd add it to my collection for sure.

[@cjeelde]

Let's take a moment and appreciate the thumbnail for this video! ⭐️

[@Circus_Diabolique]

Those are some fine games but compare nothing to the sheer creepiness of the original Tecmo's Deception. That game still haunts me.

[@jmac79ers]

Doom, Gran turismo, spyro, syphon filter, front mission 3, air/ace combat, dino crisis, descent, Soviet & nuclear strike. I gotta go play some ps1 now

[@tconnolly1tc]

There are 10,000 shades of banana color alone.

[@creativeprismstudio1003]

This thumbnail is a banger.

[@tidq]

One of my all-time favorite consoles! Especially For RPGs. Suikoden 1 & 2, Legend of Mana, Chrono Cross, all the 32-bit Final Fantasy games, Azure Dreams, PaRappa the Rapper, Breath of Fire 3 & 4, Brave Fencer Musashi, SaGa Frontier 1 & 2, and the Bubsy 3D RPG that I invented in my head.

[@Yumbek]

Mr Driller - a game whose rules, mechanics and beautiful graphics are so original that so far there have been many reissues on other consoles, the title is still a lot of fun - even on PS4, Xbox One and Switch

[@JanTheMangaMan]

Ape Escape and Symphony of the Night are still some of my favorite playstation games ever so I agree with you. Some of my picks would be Pac-Man World, MegaMan Legends/X4, SpongeBob Super sponge, and resident evil games

[@JosephLamb1989]

I love ps1 and its graphics. The first system I got on Christmas in 97 I think

[@jrmorales86]

*mentions ape escape* ah, I see you are a man of culture

[@robertdanker6193]

Props for using the Sega Saturn controller!! My favorite console and controller!!👍👍

[@GhabulousGhoti]

My PS1 collection consists almost entirely of licensed children's games of varying quality. I really need to get some of the classics for it, I feel like I missed out. Definitely gonna be looking into Ape Escape, the little snippet of gameplay you showed off spoke to my nostalgia even though I've never played the game, I love those low quality 3D cartoon worlds.

[@burtonvigil3481]

I bought on original play station last year and still haven't got 1 game for it. Good CD player. And this video is helpful.

[@brichan1851]

You have a great list. But let us not forget the PS1 was a haven for RPGs. So many great titles that still stand the test of time. Final Fantasy VII Final Fantasy VIII Final Fantasy IX Final Fantasy Tactics Chrono Cross Alundra Jade Cocoon Dragon Quest/Warrior VII Vagrant Story Thousand Arms Rhapsody Lunar Silver Star Story Complete Lunar II Eternal Blue Complete Legend of Dragoon Wild Arms Arc the Lad Collection Brave Fencer Musashi Threads of Fate Legend of Mana Saga Frontier Saga Frontier II Suikoden Suikoden II Vandal Hearts Vandal Hearts II Persona Persona 2 Eternal Punishment Persona 2 Innocent Sin (patched) … just to name a few.

[@HippieMumboJumbo]

7:21 that sega/playstation controller is crazy

[@RetroBirdGaming]

Yeah, It's an oddity for sure. At first you think your eyes are playing tricks on you.

[@GentielioGaming]

Medievil 2 is the first that springs to mind.

[@brianhatcher2799]

Spice Girls had a lot of great songs that I loved back then and still love to listen to, but back in ‘97 when I was in high school, I wouldn’t dare go around telling people that.😂

[@sting7789]

Vagrant story, Metal Gear Solid, Crash Bandicoot, Duke Nukem a time to kill, Syphon Filter, Dino Crisis 2, Mega Man Legends 2, Resident Evil 1-3 are some of my Ps1 favorites.

[@JesusIsTheWay59]

Brother, I really enjoy these videos.

[@RetroBirdGaming]

Appreciate it!

[@wettuga2762]

People who say the PS1 has bad graphics probably didn't grow up with the console. Sure some graphics look "wobbly" due to the early 3D engine limitations, but that only happens with some 3D games, most games look perfectly fine and aged very well. Silent Hill, Tekken 3, Driver, Point Blank and Time Crisis are at the top of my favorite PS1 games.

[@elodvezer1790]

raiden 3 for ps2 was amazing and does the same thing on my 80" tv !!! AWESOME

[@corey2232]

Glad to hear other people also stop games right before the final stage, just because they don't want it to end! It gets to the point where I say things like "yeah, I beat Persona 5 three times!" when in reality, I got to the final boss 3 times & stopped 😅

[@matthewcortazzo2739]

Megaman legends 1 and 2 are some classics in my book. You've convinced me to try ape escape

[@kisttoe]

DUDE YOU ARE SO FUNNY. I WAS SO DEPRESSED AND YOU MADE MY DAYYY

[@RetroBirdGaming]

Awww I'm glad to hear that. I hope things turn around for ya!

[@8justintracy8]

FF7 and FF Tactics -- didn't own one, but I would play at my friend's.

[@zanychelly]

Ridge Racer Type 4, Wipeout 3, GT2 , RE2 and RE3, Parasite Eve, Crash bandicoot games… amazing console.

[@zombee38]

I'm old and grey ! Where is the love ! 💕

[@sachatherpg-booksguy8269]

my pick would be the legend of dragoon, ff ix, the suikoden games, wild arms, grandia and the lunar games.those are some of my favorite jrpg on the machine. Sure, some of them have graphic which haven't aged well, but they make up in other aspect.

[@craigbondtube]

My favourite Ps1 game is Oddworld. Such a great game.

[@charleshollis7141]

I can’t believe I’m only the 2nd person to mention Strider 2. I used to only own a PS1 to play Symphony of the Night then I bought Strider 2. Now I own a PS1 to play 2 games.

[@shattereddnb3268]

The three PS1 games I go back to are the first Tekken game, which was the reason I got the PS1, the first Ridge Racer, and Loaded. Loaded was one of the games on the demo CD that was included with the console, and I played that demo until my thumbs were bleeding!

[@ronaldderosa]

The part at 4:14 was equal parts hysterical and nightmare fuel.

[@dapperfan44]

I too also love my lenticular Crash 2 case. Apparently, there also exists one for 3 as well. Also, yo RB! Guess who bought the Raystorm X Raycrisis game on PS4 after you told him it was coming about a year ago! 😎

[@albert09]

Castlevania Sotn, Metal Gear Solid, RE2, RE3, Final Fantasy VIII, Final Fantasy IX, & Silent Hill. are some of My top favorites games that will keep playing until the end of times.