10 Classic PS1 Games That Are Unplayable Today

The PS1 was a truly groundbreaking console that profoundly shaped the gaming landscape. It introduced many players to Japanese role-playing games with hits like Final Fantasy 7, and demonstrated the power of immersive storytelling in games like Metal Gear Solid. Even now, decades later, PlayStation remains a leading force in the gaming world.

The PlayStation 1 was a hugely popular console, but some of its games haven’t aged well. While titles like Gran Turismo were once beloved, they’re now difficult to enjoy, and other popular games from that era haven’t held up much better.

Final Fantasy 8 Is Only Partially Playable Today

Final Fantasy 8 has often been a point of debate among fans, but criticisms of the game aren’t usually about its unique junction system or storyline. When it first launched in Japan, it was designed to work closely with a device called the PocketStation. This allowed players to enjoy a mini-game called Chocobo World and earn valuable items that could be used in the main game.

Unfortunately, players outside of Japan have historically had trouble accessing this content, and it’s become even more difficult now. Luckily, the Triple Triad card game from Final Fantasy VIII remains fun and accessible.

R/C Stunt Copter’s Controls Are A Mess

Released in 1999, four years after the PlayStation launched in Japan, R/C Stunt Copter was a flight simulator with a strange design choice. Instead of using the standard DualShock controller, it was made for the older Dual Analog Controller, leading to significant control problems.

Sadly, these issues have become more pronounced over time. Similar to many PlayStation 1 games that depend on analog controls, the handling feels rigid and inaccurate, which is particularly frustrating in a flight simulator. While it’s not a great game, R/C Stunt Copter is one that’s best forgotten.

Gran Turismo Was Too Ahead of Its Time

The original Gran Turismo started a hugely popular racing series that continues to thrive. When it first came out, it was a remarkably advanced game, but being so far ahead of its time might have actually limited its initial success.

Gran Turismo has a huge number of cars to collect, and eventually, players will hit the limits of their PlayStation’s memory. Save files can become so big that they exceed the capacity of a PS1 memory card, preventing players from continuing to play.

Resident Evil’s Director’s Cut Is a Nightmare to play

The original Resident Evil is a beloved survival horror game. While it doesn’t look as good today as some other games from the PlayStation 1 era, it’s still enjoyable. Unfortunately, the Director’s Cut: Dual Shock Version hasn’t held up as well.

Although you can still play this version of Resident Evil 1, it includes a lot of changes that don’t improve the game – things like altered camera views and enemy locations. But the biggest issue is the soundtrack, which really detracts from the spooky feeling that makes the Resident Evil series so well-known.

Dance Dance Revolution’s PS1 Version Can’t Compete With Arcades

Dance Dance Revolution started as a hugely popular arcade game before becoming available on consoles like the PlayStation. The game is all about hitting directional arrows in time with the music – it’s like dancing! It can be easy to pick up, but some songs and speeds are incredibly challenging.

The original arcade version of Dance Dance Revolution remains fun to play, but the PlayStation version is a different experience. You can play with either the standard controller or a special DancePad, but without the DancePad, the game feels significantly simplified and loses much of its appeal. As the DancePad is now difficult to find, it’s tough to recommend revisiting this port.

Vib-Ribbon’s Best Feature Can Only Be Experienced On PS1 Consoles

Vib-Ribbon is a music-based game made by the creators of PaRappa the Rapper. In the game, you control a simple, wireframe rabbit named Vibri as she navigates challenges that sync with the beat of the music. It’s played by pressing buttons at the right time, just like other rhythm games.

What really set Vib-Ribbon apart on the original PlayStation was its ability to play music from any CD. The game would then create levels specifically tailored to the rhythm of whatever song was playing, making it endlessly replayable. Sadly, modern digital versions don’t have this feature, and players can only use the included soundtrack.

Cyber Sled’s Steep Learning Curve Makes It Less Fun to Play

Cyber Sled is a fast-paced action game where players control vehicles and battle each other. It first appeared in arcades before being released on the PlayStation 1. While popular in arcades, the PS1 version didn’t achieve the same success, and it hasn’t aged particularly well.

Released early on the original PlayStation, Cyber Sled didn’t support analog sticks, making the controls feel clunky and difficult to use with the D-pad. Looking back, the game likely would have been more successful if it had come out later in the console’s lifespan, when analog sticks were the standard. Unfortunately, it doesn’t compare favorably to other games in the same genre.

Time Crisis Has Clunky Controls That Don’t Hold Up

Released in 1997 for the PlayStation 1, Time Crisis is a fast-paced, on-rails shooting game that used the GunCon light gun accessory. Players take on the role of agent Richard Miller, tasked with preventing a foreign operative from taking over a made-up country. The game’s story, set in 1995, captures the feel of action and political thrillers popular at the time.

Although you can use a regular controller with the PlayStation version of Time Crisis, it was really made for a light gun. Using a controller just doesn’t feel right – the aiming is slow and the buttons are hard to use, making the game feel clumsy and annoying. Plus, because most new TVs aren’t compatible with the old light screen technology, Time Crisis unfortunately doesn’t play well anymore.

Densha de Go! Has Been Derailed With Time

Densha de Go! is a train simulator where you operate Japan’s railway system as it was in the 1990s. You’re responsible for transporting both passengers and cargo, and you need to carefully manage speed, braking, schedules, and other important indicators to succeed.

Although Densha de Go! is very popular in Japan, it’s hard for people in Western countries to play. This is partly because of the language, but also because the game was made to be used with a special train controller. Without that controller, players have to use a regular gamepad, which doesn’t work well with the game’s controls.

i Modo Mo Issho Is Literally Unplayable

Doko Demo Issyo is a game where you raise a virtual pet that looks like a cat. Players get to interact with and care for their pet in many different ways. It became very popular in Japan and led to the creation of additional games and expansions.

One expansion, i Modo Mo Issho, let players connect online using Japan’s i-mode mobile service. However, because the game is over twenty years old and depends on a discontinued online service, it can’t be played anymore. This makes i Modo Mo Issho the most difficult PS1 game to play today.

2026-02-14 02:09