The PS1, also known as the PlayStation, made its debut on December 3, 1994, as a fifth-generation gaming console. It faced fierce competition from the Nintendo 64 and Sega Saturn, but it quickly became a beloved device among gamers.
Throughout its 11-year existence, the console saw an impressive library of nearly 8,000 games. Furthermore, it achieved a remarkable milestone by being the first console to surpass 100 million unit sales.
It is difficult to envision a time before the introduction of PlayStation, but it did exist, albeit with a less enjoyable and vibrant gaming landscape. Designed to facilitate effortless game development, the console attracted numerous third-party developers who contributed to its extensive library.
Let’s take a look at the initial games that were released on this groundbreaking gaming platform.
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PlayStation First Games Released
1. A.IV Evolution – December 3, 1994
These games, also referred to as the A-Train series, are train simulators that offer gameplay focused on management. Among the first games released for the PlayStation, A-Train IV Evolution was a suitable choice as it was already a popular installment in the series.
However, the PS1 version received mixed reviews, with certain critics feeling that it fell short in comparison to Maxis simulators. Nevertheless, the game garnered enough popularity to be re-released on both the PSP and PS3 platforms.
2. Crime Crackers – December 3, 1994
Sony’s PlayStation has recently launched its new console, and one of the first games to be released is Crime Crackers. This game is an FPS genre where players assume the role of a space-faring bounty hunting team called Pink Dolphin.
While incorporating some RPG elements, Crime Crackers is considered more suitable for younger players rather than older ones. The team is comprised of three distinct characters, each possessing their own distinct personalities and weaponry.
The controls of the games were not very smooth, as players had to enter a firing mode that limited their movement significantly. However, the game’s setting was intriguing enough that a modern remake could be successful. If you’re looking for some classic first-person shooter action, take a look at these overlooked games.
3. Gokujou Parodius Deluxe Pack – December 3, 1994
Gokujou is an amusing side-scrolling shooter game that offers a unique and satirical experience. It features a variety of eccentric characters, such as a rocket-riding playboy bunny, a hat-wearing octopus, a starship, and even a serious angel pig.
This game was originally an arcade port and was specifically released alongside the PS1 console. It includes both Paradius titles and pays homage to various popular games of that era. If you’re a fan of arcade games, Gokujou is definitely worth checking out.
4. Mahjong Gokuu Tenjiku And Mahjong Station Mazin – December 3, 1994
The initial games released for the PlayStation 1, Gokuu Tenjiku, were also made available for the competing Sega Saturn console. This strategic move ensured that the games reached a wider audience and maintained their popularity.
Both games include virtual Mahjong boards, allowing players to enjoy the traditional tile-based board game. Originating in China during the Qing dynasty, Mahjong has stood the test of time and offers a rich gaming experience.
While explaining all the rules would require an extensive article, it is definitely worth trying out this ancient game, whether in virtual or physical form.
5. Nekketsu Oyako – December 3, 1994
The initial release from PlayStation First Games is a game called “Burning Blood Parent & Children,” which is an exciting beat-’em-up experience. In the game, players take on the roles of a professional wrestler father, his daughter, and the mother’s assistant as they work together to rescue her from a wicked CEO.
It’s worth noting that the father character has the ability to consume alcoholic beverages, while the children are presented with an ‘adults only’ notification if they attempt to do the same. With its humorous tone, this game is highly recommended for fans of the beat-’em-up genre.
6. Ridge Racer – December 3, 1994
PlayStation’s first games released included Ridge Racer, a beloved arcade racing game that was brought to the PS1 as a launch title. In this game, players must win races to advance, and it introduces the concept of drifting, which was popular among Japanese street racers who wanted to maintain high speeds on mountainous roads.
The game received high praise for its drifting mechanics, graphics, and audio, but it faced criticism for its AI and lack of multiplayer features. Many players chose to stick with the arcade version of Ridge Racer, but its sequels would later improve upon the formula and achieve greater success on the PlayStation platform.
7. Tama: Adventurous Ball In Giddy Labyrinth – December 3, 1994
The first games released by PlayStation include a charming title called Tama: Adventurous Ball In Giddy Labyrinth. This game follows the journey of an adventurous ball named Tama, as players navigate it through a maze by manipulating the terrain.
Tama: Adventurous Ball In Giddy Labyrinth offers multiple worlds to explore and adds a challenging element with a timer, making each level both exciting and nerve-wracking. This game concept is absolutely delightful, reminiscent of Super Monkey Ball but with a more humorous name.
8. TwinBee Taisen Puzzle Drama – December 9, 1994
Taisen Puzzle Drama is a unique game that combines elements from Tetris and Bejeweled. Unlike the other games in the first batch of PS1 games, it is not part of that collection. The gameplay is fast-paced and competitive, with two players racing to fill each other’s screens until they can no longer make matches.
By matching three balls of the same color vertically or horizontally, players can clear them from the screen. Some balls are locked in boxes, requiring players to make a match next to them in order to unlock them.
This can create a chain reaction of combos that keeps the game exciting. However, finding this game may be a challenge as it is not readily available in traditional import shops.
9. Kikuni Masahiko: Warau Fukei-san Pachi-Slot Hunter – December 9, 1994
PlayStation’s initial game release includes Kikuni Masahiko: Warau Fukei-san Pachi-Slot Hunter. This game offers a gambling experience with five distinct slot machines. The term “Pachi” refers to Pachinko, a vertical pinball-like machine. Interestingly, this game also incorporates comic-style visuals showcasing women in short dresses and a male character driving a Mercedes.
10. Motor Toon Grand Prix – December 16, 1994
PlayStation’s first games released include Motor Toon, a unique racing game that combines psychedelic elements with fast-paced action. The cars in this game have a distinct visual effect, wiggling and shifting as they navigate through corners, adding a unique and viscous quality to the gameplay.
With its vibrant neon skies and fully 3D tracks featuring rolling hills and sharp corners, Motor Toon offers a nostalgic and captivating racing experience. While it may not have received the same level of acclaim as Ridge Racer, it remains a great choice for gamers looking for a retro racing game.
It is worth noting that the development team behind Motor Toon later went on to create the popular Gran Turismo series, indicating that there is certainly a solid racing game hidden beneath the game’s quirky cars and colorful visuals.
11. King’s Field – December 16, 1994
King’s Field holds a significant place in the gaming industry as it marks the debut game from FromSoftware, the renowned developer of the Souls game series. This game perfectly exemplifies FromSoftware’s unique design approach.
King’s Field is notable for being one of the earliest fully 3D RPGs with a first-person perspective. Players will experience a stamina bar that gradually decreases as they engage in combat and use spells. The game takes players on a thrilling journey through a complex maze as they unravel the origins of a menacing monster invasion.
12. Kakinoki Shogi – December 22, 1994
Shogi, commonly referred to as Japanese Chess, is an intriguing tile game. With the advent of technology, a virtual version of this game has been created. Unfortunately, there is a scarcity of information available online about this particular game.
However, there is a YouTube video showcasing the gameplay, accompanied by soothing music that instills a sense of tranquility. The video does not provide any details regarding the players’ progress or outcome.
Nevertheless, Shogi is undeniably an impressive game that offers a challenging learning curve, yet an enjoyable experience for those who delve into it.
13. Battle Arena Toshinden – January 1, 1995
Moving from 1994 to 1995, the release of PlayStation’s first games made a big splash. Among them was Battle Arena Toshinden, a pioneering fighting game that introduced polygonal characters in a 3D setting.
However, Virtua Fighter beat it by a year in terms of this technological advancement. Although Battle Arena Toshinden 2 added a basic combo system, the series couldn’t gain enough popularity to rival the rising dominance of games like Tekken and Street Fighter.
14. Kileak: The DNA Imperative – January 27, 1995
Released in North America on September 9, 1995, Kileak was one of the original games for the PlayStation console. This mecha-based first-person shooter (FPS) follows the story of the International Peacekeeping Force’s White Lightning as they try to stop an unethical scientist from conducting genetic research.
Unexpectedly, the game also reveals the involvement of aliens who played a role in the origin of life on Earth. However, Kileak did not receive a positive response upon its release, and neither did its slightly improved sequel, Epidemic.
In late 1996, a third game with a similar gameplay format, BRAHMA Force: The Assault On Beltlogger 9, was released by the same developer and received a somewhat better reception.
15. The Raiden Project – January 27, 1995
The Raiden Project is one of the original PlayStation games that was released in North America. It is a port of the popular arcade games Raiden and Raiden II. These games involve vertically scrolling ‘bullet-hell’ gameplay, where players control a spaceship to protect the Earth from alien invaders known as the Crystals.
The game follows the classic old-school bullet-hell style, with powerups appearing as players destroy enemies. It is remarkable how the bullet hell genre has endured over the years, even though we may not see a high-budget AAA game in this style. However, a dedicated community has ensured that games similar to Raiden continue to be released.
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