Let's Reminisce: Sony Playstation

**Yoshi** · 05 Apr 2012, 03:56 PM

Similar to the 16-bit thread, I think it's worth posting the Racketboy links for Defining Games and Hidden Gems.

**No One** · 05 Apr 2012, 04:17 PM

Originally Posted by jyoung

How are the Alundra PS1 games?

The local shop has Alundra 1 and 2 available. I remember reading the first one was way better than the sequel?

The first one is really good, and Working Designs didn't go overboard with their usual translation silliness. A lot of the same folks worked on Landstalker. Very puzzle-heavy. I'd avoid the second game, though.

Despite being fairly ugly, I thought Shadow Madness was a great RPG with a fantastic soundtrack. I was really into the King's Field games, too. Most of my favorite Square games during that period were actually the lower profile ones, like Threads of Fate and Brave Fencer Musashi. I loved Einhander so much I bought it twice (import and domestic). Some of Atlus' stuff like Trap Gunner and Kartia was pretty good; I even recall them using Amano's artwork on the cover of the latter after people called them out on the rather generic proposed box art. There were a few excellent light gun shooters, too...I ended up with two GunCons after buying Time Crisis and Point Blank. Elemental Gearbolt was the absolute jam.

Ah, memories.

Edit: Thought of a few more. I still have the entire Tecmo's Deception series. Tobal and Bushido Blade both ate up a lot of my time. Clock Tower!

**kingoffighters** · 05 Apr 2012, 04:32 PM

PS1 is probably my favorite Sony console. Wipeout and Destruction Derby blew me away, and part 2 were even better. Warhawk's framerate made it almost unplayable (especially in the later levels).

So many jaw-dropping moments ... like Tomb Raider's sense of isolation, then dinosaur chasing you, Metal Gear Solid's opening, Resident Evil, Soul Blade's intro (yah, i love that intro/song), etc.

There are too many games to list, but here are some of my favorites:

Resident Evil 1/2
Wipeout
Destruction Derby
One
Metal Gear Solid
Elemental Gearbolt
Bishi Bashi Special
Final Fantasy Tactics
Ridge Racer R4
Tomb Raider
Silent Hill
Gran Turismo (wasn't too boring the first time through)
Beatmania
Persona 1/2
Einhander
R-Type Delta
Xenogears
Vanguard Bandits
Driver (except the last level, fuck that level forever)
Vandal Hearts
Alundra
Tecmo's Deception (mommy......)

**Some Stupid Japanese Name** · 05 Apr 2012, 04:37 PM

Shadow Madness? Really? I bought that for $10 new, knowing how badly the press had trounced the thing; but I had thought It Can't Be That Bad.
It was.
Jade Cocoon was a much better Crave offering. I never beat it, but I remember sitting here at the store and playing it for hours on end one lonely summer.

Also: I'd really hate for this thread to turn into list after list of games (ahem, yoshi and kof). If you can, just throw down a sentence or two of why a particular game or two is special to you.

**kingoffighters** · 05 Apr 2012, 04:38 PM

Originally Posted by jyoung

How are the Alundra PS1 games?

The local shop has Alundra 1 and 2 available. I remember reading the first one was way better than the sequel?

First one is great, 2nd one I have no clue.

**No One** · 05 Apr 2012, 04:45 PM

Originally Posted by Some Stupid Japanese Name

Shadow Madness? Really? I bought that for $10 new, knowing how badly the press had trounced the thing; but I had thought It Can't Be That Bad.
It was.
Jade Cocoon was a much better Crave offering. I never beat it, but I remember sitting here at the store and playing it for hours on end one lonely summer.

Yeah, I dunno. It didn't do anything particularly well, but I found the story and characters weirdly endearing. Because it had been such a blatant cash-in on FFVII's formula and developed by an American team (back when console gamers considered that an affront to RPGs, apparently unaware these things called PCs existed), I don't think it was ever really given a fair shake. It's a seriously strange game.

Totally agree on Jade Cocoon, btw. That one was worth playing for the brilliant art and setting alone.

**sedition** · 05 Apr 2012, 04:47 PM

Twisted Metal 2 was pretty damn good.

**No One** · 05 Apr 2012, 04:52 PM

Kinda surprised I forgot that one, actually. I remember a lot of late nights playing split screen vs. mode with a friend and laughing our asses off. The first two Tony Hawk games got a ton of play when we'd hang out, too.