Xbox Game Pass is widely considered to be one of the best deals in gaming right now, and Sony isn't willing to just let that go uncontested. Announced a few months ago, PS Plus subscribers are able to upgrade their subscription, accessing a new tier called PS Plus Premium, which gives the player access to some of the best titles from PlayStation's back catalog. Well, PS Plus Premium has finally released in North America, and there are a plethora of great games on there, some of the best of which are old PlayStation classics.
Equipped with new user interfaces and new quality of life features, such as the ability to save anywhere and rewind the game, the selection of PlayStation 1 games on offer aren't just a standard, low-effort port. Some of these classic games even have Trophy support, giving even those who have put 100s of hours in over the years a reason to replay. Of the 13 PlayStation 1 games currently on PS Plus Premium, only one or two could be considered duds, as the rest are bonafide classics.
Ape Escape
Originally released in 1999, Ape Escape was the first PS1 game to require the use of the DualShock controller. The general gameplay loop of Ape Escape sees players traverse a multitude of colorful worlds, all while being tasked with hunting down and capturing all the lost apes. Players have a variety of gadgets at their disposal, most of which require the analog sticks to use. Though its control scheme obviously isn't as revolutionary now, Ape Escape is still a worthwhile trip down memory lane.
Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee
A tight puzzle-platformer with a delightfully sinister art style and world, Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee is the first in a long line of superb platformers. The PlayStation era is infamous for its awkward cutscenes, but Abe's Oddysee stands above the rest, with smooth cutscenes that perfectly set up the game's darker tone and world. It's not the easiest game, and its controls aren't the best, but Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee is certainly one of the best PlayStation 1 games ever created.
Resident Evil Director's Cut
A title that needs no introduction, Resident Evil Director's Cut takes the incredibly atmospheric first entry in the series and adds a few little bonuses. If gamers haven't played the first Resident Evil before, then this is the perfect opportunity, with some neat quality of life improvements that should go a long way in making the game more accessible to modern audiences. Despite being 26 years old, Resident Evil Director's Cut still offers some of the most intense zombie action of any video game.
Syphon Filter
Being one of the first 3D, third-person shooter/stealth games, Syphon Filter is a little rough around the edges nowadays, but is certainly worth a download for those interested in the history of the genre. Though it garnered somewhat unfair comparisons to Metal Gear Solid, Syphon Filter deserves to stand alone thanks to its own unique gameplay mechanics and an unparalleled level of detail. Taking a look back at the original, it's no wonder why fans are still asking for a Syphon Filter remake or modern day sequel.
Tekken 2
Widely considered to be one of, if not the, best fighting game on the original PlayStation, Tekken 2 received universal acclaim upon its 1996 launch. Tekken 2 managed to somehow increase the complexity of the series' mechanics, while also making it the most accessible fighting game on contemporary consoles, leading it to be one of the most successful PS1 games of all time. The large cast of colorful characters, the easy-to-learn, hard-to-master gameplay, and the great art direction all make Tekken 2 a joy to play, even in 2022.
Toy Story 2: Buzz Lightyear to the Rescue!
An underrated classic, Toy Story 2: Buzz Lightyear to the Rescue! is the greatest Pixar game of all time, and is one of the best licensed games ever created. Putting players in the boots of the titular Space Ranger, Toy Story 2 drops players into a variety of iconic locations from the movie, all scaled to toy size. The lovingly recreated environments, the ability to upgrade Buzz over the course of the game, and some of the tightest platforming mechanics on the system make Toy Story 2: Buzz Lightyear to the Rescue! a game worth playing today via PS Plus Premium.
