The eminent legacy led by Sony's PlayStation 1 was frivolous, to say the least, brandished as a household name and prized by its vast capabilities. However, as time went on, many of their games have ultimately been forgotten despite the former glory and entertainment value they once withheld.
As the growing demand for new additions to the survival genre rose, developers were forced to adhere, creating some of the industry's most cherished, innovative, and respected titles gamers have ever seen. Though a plethora of franchises have managed to stand the test of time, this band of signature pieces was inevitably lost to time.
5 Shadow Man
Developer | Release Date |
Acclaim Studios Teesside | 1999 |
Proclaimed by many as a must-have in their survival rotation, Shadow Man's overall theme and storyline ultimately secured its position as a classic among PS1 holders, boasting an extraordinarily unique setting, vast array of exclusive characters, and grippingly intense plot. Prized by its essence of horror, Shadow Man's level of replayability has inevitably assisted its popularity over the years, however, enduring the longevity of the PS1's cycle was a risk the developers were forced to take.
Held as a protector of both Liveside and Deadside, players are able to utilize Micheal LeRoi, the iconic Shadow Man. Aided by his voodoo accomplice Nettie, fans of this horror-twisted title are thrust into a deathly journey, poised with preventing the callous Legion from unleashing a vicious army upon the living.
Intense, harsh, and downright unpredictable at times, fans of the Shadow Man game were granted ceaseless hours of gameplay, volatile enemies, and a highly cherishable movement system, yet to no avail did this achieve a memorable spot in the minds of gamers, as the survival masterpiece has been relinquished from the forefront of this beloved genre.
4 Tail Of The Sun
Developer | Release Date |
Artdink | 1996 |
Arguably an exemplar for the survival genre, Tail Of The Sun sets the foundations for future titles, brandishing a vastly explorable open-world extravaganza, capable of enthralling its players. Whether a fan of being encapsulated in a challenging climate or not, Tail Of The Sun approached the gaming scene from a very meticulous angle, appealing to the majority of PS1 owners regardless of their preferred game type.
Delving back to the very roots of mankind, fans are transported into a prehistoric setting as a caveman, tasked with gathering materials, hunting for food, and seeking refuge in uninhabitable locations. Being one of the earliest survival games of its kind, Artdink's decisive choice to thrust players into a harsh environment was that of a smart one, as this way, an immersive, real-life experience can be accomplished, cementing itself as a classic among the cherished genre.
Despite the lovable character interactions, colorful scenery, and immaculate survival concept, Tail Of The Sun has inevitably been buried in the minds of gamers worldwide, forgotten and left in the past.
3 Fear Effect
Developer | Release Date |
Kronos Digital Entertainment | 1999 |
Taking center stage in terms of action-packed survival games is Fear Effect, a dual-wielding shooter set in a futuristic Hong Kong. Riveting, puzzling, and downright violent are all aspects this gun-brawling title withholds, as the overriding theme, albeit a rather demanding one, is to survive no matter the cost.
Boasting a slight element of horror, Fear Effect places its players in the heart and soul of a ruthless, gang-dominated society, viewed through the eyes of mercenaries Hana, Deke, and Glas. Tasked with kidnapping a crime boss' daughter, fans of this survival game must shoot their way through coarse environments, however, human soldiers are not their only foes, as demonic creatures in the form of bloodthirsty zombies, innocent civilians, and ferocious hounds are also out to disrupt the player's progress.
Nonetheless, the mesmerizingly deep lore and engaging combat system were not enough to keep this title's reign going for long. However, additions to the series have seen a slight increase in popularity over the years, but nothing compared to its initial success.
2 Harvest Moon: Back To Nature
Developer | Release Date |
Victor Interactive Software | 1999 |
Synonymous with the farming genre is Harvest Moon: Back To Nature, a survival tale like no other. Having already established a cherished franchise, Harvest Moon: Back To Nature places a challenging twist on the beloved series, submerging fans in a pressuring environment, bound to hinder their agricultural success.
Only through the yielding of crops, harvesting of a plantation, and maintenance of cattle can players progress in this ambitious title, however, Harvest Moon: Back To Nature also tests their fans' survival capabilities, as this iteration of the franchise requires them to restore the farm to its former glory, with the threat of restricting them to continuing playing if failed.
Creating relationships with the townsfolk, gifting them presents, and hosting their events are also on the table, forming a rather tedious journey in this quirky survival game. Despite the lucrative launches the Harvest Moon series still wheels in, this installation's love was short-lived, as the memory of this once esteemed game has ultimately been forgotten.
1 SaGa Frontier 2
Developer | Release Date |
Square | 1999 |
Big on battles, storylines, and exploration is SaGa Frontier 2, an enthralling survival role-playing game. Adhering to a linear plot isn't a prominent aspect of this title, as players are granted total freedom to wander through the treacherous dungeons, mountains, and villages of Sandail, choosing the way in which they wish the game to progress.
With two deeply different narratives being offered up to fans of SaGa Frontier 2, the overpowering theme of surviving the bleak realm of Sandail is heavily prevalent, brandishing a distinguishably formidable roster of enemies to face, a challenging weapon upgrading system, and most notably, and wildly volatile combat system in which players are forced to act fast on their actions. However, asides from the newer installations of the beloved series, Square's eminent title has failed to stand the test of time and has conclusively been abandoned by the thoughts of gamers alike.
