In the NES era, there wasn’t much competition for Mario. In the 16-bit era, Sonic the Hedgehog dashed in to give Mario a run for his money. Things got even more complicated when Sony entered the scene with their first console, the PS1. The system didn’t launch with it, but eventually, Crash Bandicoot became the console’s platformer mascot.
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The games weren’t fully 3D unlike Super Mario 64, but they still took place in a 3D space. 3D was the big gimmick of this generation and yet some developers stuck to the dimensions they knew on PS1 i.e. 2D. From straight platformers to platformers with a twist, these 2D games are some of the console’s best and most obscure.
8 The Adventure Of Little Ralph
The Adventure of Little Ralph is a game most probably missed during the PS1 era because of two factors. One, it was released in 1999 toward the end of the console’s life cycle. Two, it was only released in Japan and it is still a Japanese exclusive.
There isn’t much text to get in the way of gameplay though, so it’s an easy import. Players are the titular Ralph who used to be a warrior before he got turned into a kid. Players will go through set levels, jumping and slashing away at enemies with the chance of becoming the adult Ralph for short spurts.
7 Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee
Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee is the beginning of this franchise that would branch off into many territories. It’s not so much a hardcore platforming game as it is a puzzle game with platforming in it. The titular Abe is not as spry as Mario, in other words, but not every platformer has to be exhilarating.
This is like the thinking man’s platformer with death traps waiting to kill Abe around every corner. For a real challenge, check this game out along with the sequel, Oddworld: Abe's Exoddus, also on PS1.
6 Rapid Reload
Rapid Reload is the European name for the game but it is called Gunners Heaven in Japan. It was never released in North America despite it getting an English translation which is weird but not unheard of. This run-and-gun shooter/platformer will have Wild Arms fans intrigued.
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The developer behind that series, Media.Vision also worked on Rapid Reload and it certainly feels like an action spinoff. It’s hard to track down officially now, but savvy internet users should know how to find old PS1 games like this.
5 Klonoa: Door To Phantomile
Klonoa: Door to Phantomile is the first game in the series that burned bright in the late 90s and early 2000s. The game starred a rabbit/cat-looking mascot named Klonoa who had a special ring. This ring allowed players to grab enemies that they could hurl back at others or these captured enemies could boost jumps.
It would later get a remake for the Wii which was recently remastered alongside the second game in a collection called Klonoa Phantasy Reverie Series. It’s easier now than ever before to experience this lost PS1 gem.
4 Strider 2
Strider 2 was a long-awaited sequel that debuted first in arcades in 1999. It wouldn’t be long until it hit consoles after that in 2000. The game is short which makes sense since it was made with arcades in mind. That doesn’t stop it from being a rush of a ninja game and one of the finest in the genre.
The hero, Hiryu, runs like the wind, making the platforming sections easy to control. Here’s an interesting bit of trivia for PS3 fans. If players jump in and love this experience then they should also track down the 2014 game, simply titled Strider, which is like a Metroidvania.
3 Tomba
Tomba is a weird game conceptually but it plays like many platformers of this era. The titular character is a caveman with pink hair whose peaceful home is interrupted when an army of pigs starts to invade. Players can whip these pig enemies with a ball and chain, or they can bite them before tossing the pigs aside.
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The game could be considered a Metroidvania as players will uncover items and abilities to progress further. These elements are light though so don’t go in hoping this is on the level of modern Metroidvanias like Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night or Guacamelee.
2 Mega Man X4
Mega Man X4 was the first game in this sub-series to make the big leap from the SNES to the PS1. This is true for Mega Man 8 as well and honestly, both are worth recommending for various reasons. It’s almost a tie, but the combination of action and platforming is more solid in Mega Man X4.
Players could decide to be either X or Zero in two alternative campaigns. They got different weapons from bosses and their armor upgrades were altered too. The added anime cutscenes are still striking decades later although the voice acting can be hilariously bad especially the part when Zero screams over a dead comrade.
1 Castlevania: Symphony Of The Night
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night is a PS1 classic that changed everything. It was a departure from the simplified level-to-level gameplay of the series. It added an interconnected map and RPG elements such as equipment and leveling up. These mechanics helped birth the Metroidvania genre alongside Super Metroid which preceded this game.
Most Castlevania entries from here on out became Metroidvanias and even though the series has been dormant for years, the genre lives on thanks to indie developers. Saying Castlevania: Symphony of the Night changed everything is an understatement.