Genres of games have expanded and altered over the years to fit new subgenres of themes that have made games entertaining to those that have had the chance to experience them. However, some games and franchises are known for how they have iconically defined the boundaries of what it means to be in that genre.
These memorable PlayStation games and franchises changed the perception of what to expect in other games from various genres, either through their innovative gameplay mechanics, creative design changes, or sheer quality.
7 The Last Of Us
The Last of Us has established what new action-adventure titles should play as, especially with how it has been enjoyed by players who are hoping for a third. Ellie and Joel's story throughout both the first and second game highlighted character-driven stories which later influenced titles such as God of War (2018).
The Last of Us successfully combined the elements of action and adventure through its intense and incredible story that has the player exploring a post-apocalyptic America. The game features just the right amount of action as the player encounters not only zombies but also other survivors that aren't friendly.
6 Gran Turismo
Even simulated racing games have defined their genre through specific titles; this can be seen on the PlayStation through the success and enjoyment of players that have sat in the driving seat of Gran Turismo. While being not only an immersive experience, Gran Turismo has been titled the racing sim for the causal gamer - early titles in the series were far more approachable than other racing sims, which influenced the simulation genre to be more beginner-friendly.
With seven successful titles under its belt, Gran Turismo has remained the genre's finest on PlayStation, bringing forth a confidence that many other racing sims have attempted to follow with their creation. It has continued to spread itself across each and every PlayStation platform, making it one of the best-selling games of the brand.
5 Resident Evil
Horror tends to lose its charm the longer a theme is followed; however, this is not always the case, especially when discussing Resident Evil. Originating on the PlayStation, Resident Evil has been praised by many players for its originality when it comes to survival horror, which many games have taken influence from. Although the original trilogy's fixed perspectives are outdated today, they were hugely influential in the '90s.
Besides inspiring other survival horrors, Resident Evil has continued to be a successful franchise, proving to its audience that it continues to be one of the best-made horror titles available as it follows its own horror code well. Even in recent titles such as Resident Evil 7: Biohazard, the game has changed to a first-person view, marking a major gameplay shift from previous entries.
4 Spyro The Dragon
An unforgettable purple dragon like Spyro has defined the platformer genre for years, with it going as far as having not only other games made on different platforms but also a reboot of the original game series.
Nostalgic doesn't begin to cover how Spyro makes players feel, as this game is the inspiration for many other platformer titles since the creation of Spyro. Its bright and colorful environments, combined with the variety in levels, are what many players expect when looking for a new platformer. The game nailed the collectathon genre with its smartly designed levels in a way that set a new benchmark of expected quality.
3 Metal Gear Solid
Stealth games are another prominent genre seen on PlayStation, with many players spending countless hours exploring this genre. It should come as no surprise to see that the franchise that truly defined what it means to be a stealth game, Metal Gear Solid, earns a spot on this list.
Metal Gear Solid is the first franchise many people think of when they hear the word "stealth" in relation to gaming. A classic in its genre, besides the funny moments of crouching around in a cardboard box that many other titles have taken a nod to, they have also been inspired by the way players in Metal Gear Solid must use the environment to their advantage in hopes of staying undetected.
2 Crash Bandicoot
Returning to platform titles, Crash Bandicoot is another great franchise that originated on the PlayStation and successfully defined what the platform genre meant to players. It matches a similar vibrancy to Spyro while being played in a slightly different way due to the positioning of the camera and the more linear level design. The original trilogy showed how to do a lot with a little as the stages predominantly take place in tight, linear corridors - especially compared to other games from the time, such as Super Mario 64. Despite their size and linearity, the stages never feel claustrophobic thanks to the excellent level design from Naughty Dog that made breaking every box and finding secrets a joy. The game's small stages packed things to find would go on to inspire numerous indie platform games.
Crash Bandicoot went on to make numerous spin-off titles, such as racing and party games. However, its biggest success will always be how it established the platformer genre on the console and has continued to be this success with recent remakes and newer titles.
1 Silent Hill
Another survival horror game that has entertained players is Silent Hill. Those that enjoyed the original franchise have pleaded for new titles to be released and follow the themes of the story; however, since its release, other survival horrors have been influenced by the elements used in this game.
The intense scare factor of Silent Hill and how it keeps the player on edge has inspired similar horror titles that have since been released after the creation of Silent Hill. One of the most obvious games influenced by this classic horror is Deadly Premonition which directly holds a similarity to the idea of another world that is overly gory. Silent Hill also influenced storytelling in the survival horror genre, as the second game, in particular, stood out with how it told much of its narrative through symbolism and metaphors.