The PS3 was the first console to offer players digital versions of classic games. Players could download platformers likeCrash Bandicootor RPGs likeFinal Fantasy 7. These versions were not enhanced in any way, but they could be played on the PS3, the PSP, or eventually the PS Vita.
With the PS5, Sony has recently launched an initiative to emulate PS1 games with enhanced features as pseudo remasters. They can save whenever they feel like it or rewind time. It’s a great feature as part of the PS Plus catalog in the classics section. Some may not even know these emulated games exist on PS5, so here are some of thebest PS1 gamesso far.
Ape Escapewas recently celebrated inAstro Botas there is a Hero stagebased on the franchise. Ape Escape began as a late debut on the PS1 in 1999. It featured a monkey, Specter, who acquired super intelligence after putting on a prototype helmet. He leads an escape at a facility to free the other monkeys which leads to all of them causing chaos throughout time.
Players got to play as Spike, a young hero with hair just as wild as Cloud’s fromFinal Fantasy 7. Each level was short and filled with monkeys that they needed to recapture. They could nab them with a net, stun them with a baton, and other gadgets helped with the process too. While it may be hard to get used to the controls now,Ape Escapeis still a fun action platformer and there are other entries to play on the PS5 too after this.
5Hot Shots Golf 2
A Chill Sports Game That Ditched Complexity
TheHot Shots Golfseries has an interesting history behind it. It was started by Camelot Software Planning who went on to be a studio closely tied to Nintendo following the first game with such hits asMario GolfandGolden Sun.Hot Shots Golf 2was then made by a new developer, Clap Hanz, and they have been with the series ever since.
Anyone who has playedaMario Golfgameshould know how this works. Players can pick one of several wacky characters and participate in a variety of courses. Players need to hit two meters to make their ball fly off, simplifying the gameplay from other golf games of this era. While newer entries likeEverybody’s Golf(2017)are more accessible with features,Hot Shots Golf 2is a classic made better with the power of the PS5.
The Legend of Dragoonwas another late addition to the PS1. It was a turn-based RPG with a bit of a twist. Similar to theMario RPGgames, players could time their button prompts to get extra hits during battle. This inclusion on top of the dragon angle of the story helped it stand out fromFinal Fantasy.
The Legend of Dragoon was a one-off produced Sony game that many fans have been clamoring to see return in some fashion. This enhanced PS5 game is quite appealing thanks to the texture smoothing and load times. While the random battles can get to be a bit too much, it’s great Sony hasn’t forgotten it completely. To note, Dart is another character that is inAstro Botas a VIP bot.
Almost the entireSyphon Filterseries, including spinoffs, are on the PS5. The only one missing isSyphon Filter: The Omega Strainwhich was the first PS2 entry that incorporated multiplayer and customization into the experience.Syphon Filter 2then may sound like a weird one to start with, but it easily has the most bombastic opening mission.
Players will land on a snowy mountain after a plane crash and then they have to take out terrorists on this mountain. It only gets wilder from there including a scene wherein players have to chase a dictator in a dance club set to the ABBA song “Dancing Queen.” The series overall is more grounded thanMetal Gear Solidas a stealth series, butSyphon Filterclearly wasn’t afraid to take chances either.
Twisted Metalkind of has a big resurgence right now even though there hasn’t been a game in over a decade.The TV adaptation’spopularity may get Sony to open up that pocketbook again to jumpstart a new game. While fans wait for a new game, they can enjoy the first two entries on the PS5.
Those new to the series should start withTwisted Metal 2as it fixed a whole lot. There were more characters and vehicles, the stages were bigger, the gameplay handled better, and so on. It’s a good car combat game that holds up surprisingly well and it’s especially fun with a friend in co-op mode.
Hot Shots Golf 2,Syphon Filter 2, andTwisted Metal 2should explain one thing from the PS1 era. Sequels were just better and that’s the case withWild Arms 2. First, the original game had a basic turn-based system and a chibi art style that wasn’t utilizing the PS1’s graphics well. While the sequel wasn’t a gritty reboot, the characters were more realistic.
Combat was also more active with some characters having to worry about reloading. That element could be annoying but it also helped with engagement and strategy. Finally, the puzzle-based dungeons were more involved than anything else on the system to that point. If players do enjoy this RPG, they should check out Wild Arms 3 next which is emulated on the PS5 from the PS2. It cranks up theOld West motifsto the max.
