The PlayStation 1 (PS1) was home to an incredible lineup of platformer games that defined a generation of gamers. From iconic mascots to creative, boundary-pushing titles, the PS1 era produced some of the most memorable and entertaining platforming experiences in video game history. Whether you were jumping through colorful worlds, dodging obstacles, or solving puzzles, platformers offered endless hours of fun. If you’re looking to revisit some of the most influential and enjoyable titles from the past, these are the best platformers you can still play PS1 games that have stood the test of time.
1. Crash Bandicoot: A Groundbreaking Adventure
Crash Bandicoot is widely considered one of the PS1’s most iconic platformers. Developed by Naughty Dog, the game introduced players to the lovable yet mischievous bandicoot, Crash, as he embarked on a journey to thwart the evil Dr. Neo Cortex. The game set the standard for 3D platformers, offering tight controls, inventive level design, and memorable visuals. Players guide Crash through various environments, from lush jungles to treacherous caves, avoiding traps and collecting Wumpa fruits. Crash Bandicoot became a defining mascot for the PlayStation brand and remains a beloved classic for fans of platforming.
2. Spyro the Dragon: A Colorful and Whimsical World
Spyro the Dragon takes players on an enchanting journey through a variety of vibrant worlds. The game follows Spyro, a small purple dragon, as he attempts to rescue his fellow dragons and defeat the evil Gnasty Gnorc. Known for its expansive open-world levels, Spyro features platforming gameplay combined with exploration, puzzle-solving, and the ability to fly (in later games). The colorful graphics, catchy soundtrack, and smooth controls made Spyro the Dragon a standout platformer on the PS1. Its whimsical charm and charming protagonist have earned it a dedicated fanbase, and the game remains a nostalgic favorite for many.
3. Rayman: A Challenging and Beautiful Adventure
Released in 1995, Rayman was a visually stunning and difficult platformer that stood out for its unique art style and challenging gameplay. The game introduces players to Rayman, a limbless hero, who must navigate through beautiful but dangerous worlds to save his friends. The hand-drawn visuals and vibrant colors make Rayman one of the most visually distinctive platformers of the PS1 era. The game’s difficulty level is high, requiring precise jumps, quick reflexes, and puzzle-solving to progress. Rayman‘s distinct art direction, combined with its inventive level designs and catchy music, set it apart from other platformers of the time.
4. Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy: A 3D Platforming Masterpiece
Although Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy was released later in the PS2’s life cycle, it still stands as one of the greatest platformers from that generation, taking the concepts laid out by earlier PS1 platformers and expanding on them. The game follows Jak, a young hero with the ability to transform into various forms, and his loyal companion Daxter, as they explore colorful worlds and battle enemies. The game’s lush environments, smooth controls, and expansive world-building made it a standout platformer of its time. Jak and Daxter is often praised for its seamless blend of 3D platforming and exploration, offering players a freedom of movement that was ahead of its time.
5. Crash Team Racing: Racing and Platforming Combined
While Crash Team Racing is technically a racing game, its platformer-like mechanics and ability to traverse tracks in multiple ways make it one of the best hybrid games on the PS1. Developed by Naughty Dog, this game brings the characters from Crash Bandicoot into the racing genre, offering a fast-paced, fun, and challenging experience. Players can race as Crash Bandicoot, Dr. Neo Cortex, or other iconic characters from the series, using power-ups and weapons to outmaneuver opponents. The inclusion of multiple environments and secrets to uncover ensures that Crash Team Racing feels just as much like a platformer as it does a racing game.
6. Tomba!: An Eccentric and Quirky Journey
Tomba! is one of the PS1’s most eccentric platformers, offering players a unique blend of platforming, exploration, and puzzle-solving in a colorful, bizarre world. Players control Tomba, a pink-haired boy with a wild personality, as he attempts to defeat the evil Evil Pigs and restore balance to the world. The game features a vibrant art style, humorous dialogue, and a vast world filled with strange characters and quirky challenges. Tomba! stands out for its charm and creativity, offering a unique platforming experience that still holds up as a cult classic today.
7. MediEvil: A Darkly Comedic Adventure
MediEvil offers a blend of action-platforming with dark humor, making it a standout title on the PS1. Players control Sir Daniel Fortesque, a skeletal knight who has been resurrected to stop the evil sorcerer Zarok. With its gothic atmosphere and cartoonish visuals, MediEvil was a platformer that mixed creepy themes with lighthearted humor. The game’s unique setting, quirky characters, and combat mechanics made it a hit for those looking for something different in the platforming genre. The game also features collectible items, hidden secrets, and fun combat mechanics, making it a memorable experience for fans of platforming.
8. Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back: A Perfect Sequel
Following the success of the first Crash Bandicoot, the sequel Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back refined the formula and became a fan favorite. In this entry, Crash must thwart Dr. Neo Cortex’s evil plans once again, but this time, the game features improved controls, new moves, and more dynamic levels. The inclusion of more complex environments and the introduction of power-ups, such as the ability to slide and climb, made the game feel fresh and more engaging. Crash Bandicoot 2 improved upon the original in every way, making it one of the best platformers on the PS1.
9. Bomberman World: A Classic Bomberman Experience with a Platforming Twist
Bomberman World is another standout platformer that combines classic Bomberman mechanics with a more traditional platforming structure. The game features the iconic Bomberman characters as they navigate different stages, plant bombs, and solve puzzles. It blends fast-paced action with strategic thinking, and the colorful worlds provide a fun backdrop for the gameplay. The challenging level designs and cooperative multiplayer mode make Bomberman World a fun experience to play PS1 games with friends.
10. The Adventures of Lomax: A Hidden Gem
The Adventures of Lomax is one of the lesser-known platformers of the PS1 era, but it offers a charming and unique experience. Players control Lomax, a brave but small animal hero, who must rescue his friends from the evil wizard. The game’s colorful graphics, varied levels, and creative environments make it a fun and underrated platformer. The Adventures of Lomax is a hidden gem for those looking for a lesser-known but enjoyable PS1 platforming experience.
Conclusion
The PS1 era offered a diverse and exciting range of platformers, each with its own unique charm and mechanics. From the action-packed adventures of Crash Bandicoot and Spyro the Dragon to the quirky and eccentric Tomba! and MediEvil, there’s something for everyone in the world of PS1 platformers. Whether you’re revisiting these classics for nostalgia or discovering them for the first time, these games remain timeless examples of platforming excellence. If you’re ready to relive the glory of 90s gaming, grab your controller and play PS1 games that have left an indelible mark on the world of platformers.
