The original PlayStation console amassed one of the largest libraries of any system up that point. During this era developers were more focused on bringing over their Japanese titles to North American audiences. Outside of many role playing games, and of course the stranger releases more and more smaller games were translated into English. With that said, there are still several fantastic titles that publishers didn’t care to take a chance on. The Sony PlayStation’s import scene isn’t as revered as that of, say, the Sega Saturn but it does have some worthwhile titles to check out. That’s why I decided today to make a list of the top 25 best PS1 import games. Before we begin let’s start with a few rules I’ve decided on for the list.
- I’m only including English-friendly import games. These are titles that can be played from start to finish with no Japanese knowledge. You may have to fumble slightly through these, but by and large they are completely playable if you don’t speak the language.
- Fan translations are not included here. Yes, some of these titles have them available, but again they aren’t required to play these import games.
- The games on this list are considered imports to the North American market. This means PAL titles are fair game as long as they weren’t released in the US.
With all the technicalities out of the way let’s jump in. These are the top 25 best PS1 import games!
#25. – Goiken Muyou II
The sheer number of fighters left in Japan for the console is crazy considering how popular the genre was. Goiken Muyou II is a fairly impressive fighting game with detailed character models and great stage animations. It is however, very basic. You have your standard punches, kicks, special moves and dodges. Unfortunately that’s about it. No special gimmicks, no unique themes, nothing. What we do get with Goiken Muyou II is a solid fighting engine. It’s proof that you can still release a cookie cutter fighting game and have it still be fun. The reason this game stands out is because the gameplay engine is consistent. It’s smooth, and there are no glaring flaws. I just wish the roster and themes were more memorable.
#24. – Battle Arena Nitoushinden
Remember Virtua Fighter Kids? Well this is basically the same idea but with the Battle Arena Toshinden series. Basically it’s a chibi big headed version of the fighting game. Aside from the character moving differently than they did in the main series (they’re now more floaty and slow) the basic mechanics have been altered. On top of the traditional side step characters can block which stuns the opponent for a brief time, and the number of attack buttons has been reduced. I had some difficulty navigating the menus here because the default option isn’t to battle, but it took me just a few moments to figure out what I was doing. It’s a cute novelty, and was almost released in North America. Alas, it was destined to be one of the best PS1 import games.
#23. – Pepsiman
From what I gather Pepsiman was the mascot for everyone’s favorite soft drink in Japan. I imagine because the reason this one was left in Japan was because of both licensing and the fact that no one here has ever heard of the guy. If you’ve played Temple Run then you have a good idea of how to tackle this one. As Pepsiman you run endlessly through 3D environments both jumping over and sliding underneath hazards to avoid them. All the while collecting cans of crisp and refreshing Pepsi cola. In some stages you actually run toward the camera while being chased by different hazards. These sections are somewhat reminiscent of the similar sections in Crash Bandicoot. Pepsiman is crazy, and weird, but it’s actually pretty fun to play.
#22. – Psychic Force 2
The original Psychic Force was a decent fighting game, and was released worldwide. It must have been a flop though because the sequel only came out in Japan and PAL regions. Psychic Force 2 is unique in that all the characters fly through the air. Combat takes place exclusively in the sky within 3D arenas. You can attack both with melee strikes as well as projectiles. To be honest my big complaint with this title is just how crazy things can get. Your characters naturally face each other which leads to them being upright in weird angles. It takes a lot of getting used to, but once you do the combat engine is a lot of fun to learn. Psychic Force 2 isn’t particularly deep, but it makes up for this in how unique it is.
#21. – Nekketsu Oyako
It was a real shame that with the move to more powerful hardware the beat ’em up genre was largely forgotten. Sure, we had a few 3D efforts but it’s the type of game that benefits mostly from the traditional viewpoint. Sony had some anti-2D practices in this era which is likely why Nekketsu Oyako never saw release. That, and the fact that the art style didn’t appeal to Western gamers at the time. Because there’s little text Nekketsu Oyako is one of the best PS1 import games for English speakers. I absolutely love how crazy this one is with screen filling explosions, enemies driving into the scene on vehicles, and fantastic animations for just about everything. What’s more is the fact that you can tackle the main story with a friend. Nekketsu Oyako deserved better than what it got.
#20. – Blade Arts: Tasogare no Miyako R’lyeh
I’m pushing the rules a little with this one. Blade Arts (as I’ll refer to it from now on) is pretty heavily based on it’s story, and is completely untranslated. Thankfully you don’t need to know what’s going on to enjoy this one. Blade Arts is a 3D action adventure game. Most PS1 games of this kind are clunky, but the developers behind this release got it right. The game makes use of a fantastic targeting system. This functions largely on it’s own and draws your focus to the closest enemy. The camera can present a few issues especially in narrow corridors when you’re facing multiple foes. Boss encounters are a big highlight with wide open arenas, and it is in these situations where the camera finally behaves itself. Blade Arts is a neat little game.
#19. – Goemon – Shin Sedai Shuumei
Goemon has long been one of my favorite franchises. It wasn’t until decades later that I learned the PS1 had multiple installments in the series, but alas they were left in Japan. Goemon – Shin Sedai Shuumei is a spin-off of sorts. It takes the basic design of previous iterations; it’s a side scrolling action platformer where you switch between various characters with in between phases in towns where you purchase items and interact with NPCs. The graphics and overall style have had a major change however. Konami decided to make everything much more ‘cute.’ It’s jarring to be honest especially because they made the fan favorite character Ebisumaru into a girl for who knows what reason. Shin Sedai Shuumei is still fun despite these changes, and very playable for the English-only crowd.
#18. – Umihara Kawase Shun
Umihara Kawase was a little known Japan-only platformer on the Super Famicom. It had a concept similar to Bionic Commando, in that you could grapple on to ledges to swing or pull yourself up. The tone is drastically different however. Instead of being a futuristic soldier with a mechanical arm instead you are a little girl armed with a fishing rod. Originally this PS1 edition was meant to be a remake but the developers decided to go for a full blown sequel. It’s quite a bit more difficult with an improved physics engine that you’ll have to adjust to quickly. The graphics are super cute and whimsical as you’ll primarily be facing off against landlocked fish. There are a lot of bottomless pits and spikes so mastering the swing from your rod will take some practice to get used to. It’s a fairly charming and fun adventure.
#17. – LSD: Dream Simulator
Have you ever played a game so crazy that you are left wondering ‘what were they on when they made this?’ Well, LSD Dream Simulator answers that very question right in the title. Well, I think it’s more a play on words actually. Either way the game itself was meant to play like you’re in a dream but I can tell you I’ve never experienced anything like that in my sleep. Your goal here is to experience as many of the dreams as possible. LSD is played from a first person perspective as you explore the crazy environments and unlock new sections. You can die in various ways which kicks you out of the dream entirely, but enemies and obstacles never feel particularly threatening. It’s not for everyone, but even so, I consider it one of the best PS1 import games.
#16. – Pop’n Tanks
I saw this one recommended a lot when I started researching the best PS1 import games. Almost everyone touted this one as a vehicular combat title, and I’ve always loved the genre so I was eager to dive right in. The assessment was off, because this is a one-on-one arena shooter much more akin to something like Virtual On, but I was not disappointed. You can select from several different tanks each of which has their own weapons and design. You’re even given several options for customization. From here you cruise around 3D environments duking it out against a single foe. The action is fast and frantic, and the graphic engine runs surprisingly smooth. I especially love the destructible environments here which allow you to surprise your foe. It’s not the game I was expecting it to be, but Pop’n Tanks is a great little arena based shooter.
#15. – Poy Poy 2
The original Poy Poy is a hidden gem on the PS1. Virtually no one has heard about it, and as such the sequel is even more rare. This a fighter turned party game with an emphasis on multiplayer. Some compare it to Power Stone, and that assessment is fair, but Poy Poy 2 is more basic. You run around 3D arenas with up to four other characters (this is one of the few four player PS1 titles) and pick up items to throw at each other. Each combatant has their hit points at the bottom of the screen, and when it dwindles to zero they’re eliminated. What makes the action even crazier is the fact that you can also pick up the other players and throw them into hazards. If you’re looking for one of the best PS1 import games with a focus on multiplayer this is your best bet.
#14. – Ghoul Panic
Namco was absolutely on fire in the light-gun genre. They had not only the Time Crisis franchise but also the Point Blank games. Both of these were highly revered and to this day have loyal fanbases. Then there’s Ghoul Panic. This was another title originating in the arcades, but on home console it was stuck on the PS1 in Japan and PAL regions. It’s similar to the Point Blank games in that it’s not a traditional light gun game. Instead of shooting enemies and moving to the next room you instead have objectives to complete. These range from protecting things from foes as well as eliminating specific monsters, etc. It’s not as fun as Point Blank, but still one of the best PS1 import games in its own right. I really like the cartoon horror theme that Ghoul Panic uses.
#13. – Mad Panic Coaster
Now here’s a novel concept. The word ‘coaster’ in the title refers to a rollercoaster, and that’s precisely what this game is all about. It sounds strange on paper but it comes together in a cohesive package that’s a lot of fun. In Mad Panic Coaster you play as a girl and boy who are riding a rollercoaster. Problem is it doesn’t have rails, and you can move it left or right. Your goal is to stay on the track until the end of the course, and you have a life bar that depletes every time you fall off. Things get more complicated because enemies are scattered throughout each stage and knocking into them will blast you off the track. Your only offensive move are small bombs you can throw but these have limited range. The punk rock soundtrack is absolutely fitting, and the graphics are great.
#12. – Deep Freeze
It makes absolutely no sense that Deep Freeze wasn’t released in the West. It’s a third person action game where you play as a squad of three characters whose goal is to stop a terrorist threat. Deep Freeze uses the same pre-rendered graphic style as Resident Evil with shifting perspectives as you reach the edge of each screen. You can select who you would like to be in your squad of characters, but you only control one at a time. The AI controlled teammates provide support fire and you can even give them simple commands. Deep Freeze is a fantastic game that would have had an audience outside of Japan. At least we can still play the overseas version, and you should, because it’s one of the best PS1 imports of all time.
#11. – Panzer Bandit
I understand why Panzer Bandit was left in Japan. Sony had some anti-2D policies in place for Western releases, and they probably scoffed away this one immediately. Panzer Bandit is a 2D side scrolling beat ’em up game. In some ways it reminds me of Guardian Heroes, but it doesn’t quite reach the same heights. You select from one of four characters (with eight unlockable) and typically you move from left to right in each stage defeating foes before you’re allowed to move on. Each character plays differently with changes in power and speed, but one in particular lets you ride aboard a mech that can be temporarily destroyed. That’s a really neat feature that makes this one stand out. Furthermore you can jump into the foreground and background which really helps in dodging enemy attacks. My only complaint is that there’s no multiplayer.
#10. – Chaos Break
I see this one written off as a Resident Evil clone. Like that’s a bad thing? The world needs more survival horror, and it’s a shame this one was released in PAL and Japan only. While the premise, fighting through hordes of deformed monsters with little ammunition, is not unique there are a few things here that are. First of all the main character (who looks remarkably like Jill Valentine) is much more agile than her STARS counterpart. For one thing she can kick opponents, and even roll in all directions. This makes her significantly more adept at hand to hand combat allowing you to conserve bullets. Secondly the environments are rendered entirely in 3D. This allows for much more freedom, and also cuts down on the load times which are largely non-existent. Resident Evil clone, sure, but it’s a good one.
#9. – Slap Happy Rhythm Busters
Slap Happy Rhythm Busters, as far as I know, is the only game on the PS1 with cel-shaded graphics. It’s highly stylized and features an aesthetic unlike anything else on the platform. Thankfully that’s not it’s only gimmick. Slap Happy Rhythm Busters is a 2D fighter with polygonal graphics. It’s pretty typical of the genre; each character has light/heavy punches and kicks, and special moves that require sweeps on the directional pad. Each combatant also has a super move which requires you to suddenly make inputs on the controller to the beat of the music. It’s sort of like Beatmania in this sense, and it’s a hilarious addition that fits the music theme well. Slap Happy Rhythm Busters is clearly one of the best PS1 import games.
#8. – Ganbare Goemon – Uchuu Kaizoku Akogingu
This is another Goemon (or Mystical Ninja if you live in the West) title that never made it out of Japan. Konami must not have had much faith in the franchise selling on Sony hardware, eh? This title is modeled after the gameplay style of Ganbare Goemon 3 on the Super Famicom. This means that it is by and large played like an action adventure title. You have town areas and other environments that are displayed in an overhead perspective ala Zelda. When you reach the real action sequences these are all side scrolling platformer segments. Because it’s more open ended than your typical game in the series you might find yourself fumbling a bit over where to go next. It takes a little figuring out, but if I was able to do it I imagine most can as well.
#7. – Harmful Park
Immediately I was drawn to this one’s off-beat name, and the fact that it has a dinner plate on the boxart. It’s not obvious, but this is a side scrolling shmup. It’s a very cute game with colorful graphics and a bouncy soundtrack. As I’ve said before I’m not the biggest fan of the term ‘cute em up’ but it’s unavoidable here because it’s so fitting the motif. I mean, one of the weapons you use is a giant ice cream cone for crying out loud. Harmful Park uses a great power-up system where you can cycle through your weapons, and allows you to power them up as you choose. The game also includes a great multiplayer mode with an increase in difficulty to match your additional firepower. It’s a crazy game, but in my opinion is one of the best PS1 import games.
#6. – Snowboard Kids Plus
The original Snowboard Kids is heralded as a hidden gem on the Nintendo 64. It’s basically Mario Kart, but on the slopes. It’s a little known fact that an enhanced port was released for the Sony PlayStation, but it remains a Japanese exclusive. Snowboard Kids Plus is pretty much the same game as the original but with a few changes. Some good, some bad. For one thing you have four new characters to choose from, and the soundtrack has been greatly enhanced. On the downside the graphics and framerate have taken a hit due to the less powerful hardware. The multiplayer has also been downgraded due to the number of controller ports on the system. Snowboard Kids was a great title on the Nintendo 64, and the ‘Plus’ edition is one of the best PS1 import games of all time.
#5. – Chippoke Ralph no Daibouken
One of the ongoing themes of this list is 2D games. There are a lot that never made their way out of Japan, and Adventures of Little Ralph (as it’s often referred to as by English speakers) is one of them. This is a side scrolling action platformer that from screenshots looks like something that could have been pulled off on the SNES. Once you see it in motion however it’s clear this is a definite step above anything on that console. Adventures of Little Ralph has you running, jumping, and climbing your way through several stages slashing at enemies with your sword. It features some really neat stage designs with thoughtful hazards and fun monsters. I especially like the fact that when you reach a boss encounter Ralph grows to full adult size and gameplay becomes more like a traditional fighting game. This one is surprisingly fun.
#4. – Rapid Reload
Gamers often compare Rapid Reload (or Gunner’s Heaven as it’s known in Japan) to Gunstar Heroes, and with good reason. This is a side scrolling run and gun game where you select from one of two different characters tasked with destroying enemies in some of the most hectic stages in any video game ever. Both characters have four weapons unique to them and can switch between them at will. The fact that they have entirely different arsenals is the game’s best feature. The boss encounters are absolutely bonkers. Sometimes they’re absolutely huge and their attack patterns can fill the screen with shots. My only real complaint with Rapid Reload is that there’s no multiplayer option. You can only go this one alone, but even with that caveat it’s still one of the best PS1 import games around. Eat your heart out Treasure.
#3. – Gradius Gaiden
What we have here is the best Gradius game of all time. I’m a big fan of the series, and I don’t say that lightly. It was also the first installment to be developed specifically for home consoles. It’s far and away one of the best PS1 import games. Despite the ‘Gaiden’ moniker gameplay is still much the same as it is in the other titles. It’s a side scrolling shmup with one hit kills, crazy set pieces, and graphics that were incredible at the time of release. There were however some changes made to the formula, but in my opinion they were all for the better. For starters you can select from one of four different ships to play as and each has their own power-ups. Secondly, this is the first title in the franchise to offer co-op multiplayer. Gradius Gaiden is absolutely incredible.
#2. – Rakugaki Showtime
Up to this point in the list I’ve compared many titles to Treasure releases. Finally we get to the real McCoy. Rakugaki Showtime is one of their first fighting games, but in typical fashion it’s far from being traditional. In some ways it plays more like a crazy game of dodgeball to be honest. Up to four opponents face off against each other in 3D arenas, but the characters are all paper cut outs drawn with crayon. The distinct art style looks absolutely incredible and unlike any video game I’ve ever played. What’s more is that this game supports multiplayer with up to four human players which makes the absolutely crazy gameplay even more hectic. You can always count on Treasure to come up with something insane and great, and that’s precisely what they’ve done here.
#1. – Tobal 2
Forget Tekken 3. This is low key the best fighting game for the original PlayStation. It’s also a bit of a heartbreaker. We got the original Tobal in the West (it was even packaged in with a demo disc for FF7) but for some unfathomable reason they left this one in Japan. Tobal 2 is a combination fighting game and RPG. Two modes separate the two, but I like to focus on the former because the role playing mode is kind of bad. You face off against opponents in 3D arenas using a variety of realistic fighting styles performed by over the top characters. The animation is absolutely incredible, and I’ve yet to find any fighting game that is as smooth as this one. This comes at the cost of textures in the polygons, but the plain colors give it a unique look. It also has two hundred playable characters.
