6 PlayStation 1 Platformers That Still Hold Up Today

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When the first PlayStation came out, it opened the door for platforming games to move into 3D. While Nintendo and Super Mario 64 perfected the formula, the PlayStation still had a lot of excellent platformers. Interestingly, not all of them were 3D—some developers continued to create fantastic 2D platformers during that time. Many of these games are still enjoyable today and offer a glimpse into how the genre changed throughout the 1990s.

Here are six original PlayStation platformers that are still worth playing today.

6) Klonoa: Door to Phantomile

Klonoa: Door to Phantomile is a visually stunning platformer that blends 2D gameplay with 3D environments. While you play through levels like a classic 2D platformer, some boss battles take place in 3D arenas to add variety. Although it’s fairly straightforward compared to today’s games, that simplicity is actually quite enjoyable.

The original game led to several sequels, though none were as popular. Door to Phantomile was updated for the Wii in 2008, and the first two games are now available in a remastered version released in 2022. This remaster of Door to Phantomile is based on the Wii version, but it also includes content from the very first PlayStation game, combining the best of both releases.

5) Rayman

The original Rayman is a beloved 2D platformer. It features classic side-scrolling action similar to games on the Super Nintendo, but with much improved graphics. The game also lets you collect fun power-ups that add variety to the gameplay.

The original Rayman game on PlayStation 1 is famous for having a particularly tough level. The ‘Space Mama’s Crater’ stage and its boss are well-known among players for being incredibly challenging. While this doesn’t detract from the game’s quality, be ready for a real test of your skills! Fortunately, Ubisoft is working with Digital Eclipse on a 30th Anniversary collection due in 2026, making it easier than ever to revisit this classic.

4) Ape Escape

Many PlayStation fans consider Ape Escape to be a classic. While Sony has struggled to create a mascot that rivals Mario or Sonic, Ape Escape was a strong contender. Released in 1999, the game uniquely combined 3D platforming with action-adventure gameplay, making it one of the most creative titles on the original PlayStation.

Ape Escape was the first game released that needed the DualShock controller, and it quickly showed players why that controller became so popular. The game offered a fantastic early look at how fun 3D games could be. Plus, Ape Escape is a lighthearted and silly adventure that’s easy to pick up and play.

3) Oddworld: Abe’s Oddysee

Lorne Lanning is a well-known and beloved game creator, especially among fans of the Oddworld series. He’s famous for Abe’s Oddysee, the first game in the series, which introduced players to the popular character Abe. In the game, players take control of Abe as he attempts to rescue as many of his people, the Mudokons, as he can.

Playing Oddysee isn’t a walk in the park – the developers at Oddworld Inhabitants cleverly packed each level with tricky traps. Luckily, the game looks fantastic thanks to designer Lorne Lanning’s unique style. It perfectly blends platforming action with clever puzzles, which is why it was an immediate success with both players and critics. Since then, Lanning and his team have continued to build the Oddworld universe with games spanning various genres. A remake of Abe’s Oddysee came out in 2014, making it fairly easy to experience the game even if you can’t find the original version.

2) Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back

The original Crash game on PlayStation was good, but many fans consider Cortex Strikes Back to be the high point of the series. While the N. Sane Trilogy remake and It’s About Time might be better games overall, Cortex Strikes Back was incredibly popular when it came out in 1997, and remains a favorite for many players.

Even though it was released just a year after the original, Cortex Strikes Back is a huge improvement. It introduces new abilities like sliding and climbing, which create fresh ways to defeat enemies and navigate levels. The addition of jetpack and surfboard sections also adds welcome variety to the gameplay. Overall, it’s a fantastic sequel that clearly listened to what fans loved about the first game. And now, you can easily find a remastered version with even more polish.

1) Spyro: Year of the Dragon

Similar to what the creators of Crash Bandicoot did, the team behind Spyro: Year of the Dragon significantly improved upon their already successful first game. I think the third game in the series is the best, and many fans agree. Insomniac Games did an amazing job, refining everything that made the previous games great and making it shine.

While it doesn’t introduce groundbreaking new ideas, this Spyro game represents the series at its peak. Insomniac Games went out with a strong finale, creating a platformer that’s easy to pick up and play. It features difficulty that adjusts to your skill, a better camera angle, and new characters to keep the gameplay interesting. Today, the Spyro Reignited Trilogy from 2018 is probably a better value, but this game is still essential for any PlayStation platforming fan.

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2026-05-12 00:13