The PS1 will forever be loved by gamers, as it is the console that started it all for Sony. It was a recipe for success from the very beginning, as it had an array of great video games, while also introducing some of the best gaming series out there today. As a result of this, it is a console that many people still like to use, especially when seeing how it simultaneously brings upon a great deal of nostalgia.
Highlights of the console are found in the Greatest Hits Collection, which is full of some of the most popular games. For example, some big names that hold this distinction are Crash Bandicoot, Grand Theft Auto, and Spyro the Dragon. These are only the tip of the iceberg, as there are just so many beloved titles in it. However, with that being stated, there are also some intriguing choices that most would never expect or remember from the collection.
Casper
The 1995 movie, Casper actually has its own video game on the PS1, too. In it, the player controls the titular character on an action-packed adventure that includes a plethora of puzzles to complete.
Although it certainly is an interesting and at times, difficult game, it is a bit surprising that it is among PS1's Greatest Hits. Games about movies aren't often successful and one might not expect Casper to be one.
Madden NFL 98
At this said time, the Madden NFL series is still very popular, even if its latest installment has a bunch of problems. Alas, this success carries over to its past years, too, as Madden NFL 98 is also among PS1's Greatest Hits.
It is actually kind of interesting, as the game itself is pretty similar to other football releases around its time period like NFL Gameday. Nonetheless, football fans who are looking for a bit of nostalgia can give this throwback one a chance.
Monopoly
It is interesting when popular board games transition over to video games. A lot of the time. they will flop, but when it comes to Monopoly on the PS1, it worked wonders.
They managed to find a clever way to make the board game aspects come across well on screen and utilized the graphics capabilities of the system.
NASCAR '99
It has been a handful of years since EA Sports has released a NASCAR game. This is due to the fact that the sport just has not been able to bring in a lot of attention from gamers, especially in recent years.
However, NASCAR '99 is one of the top games from the series, even if some people wouldn't expect it to be. In fact, going back to this entry might be enough to jumpstart someone's excitement into the series and bring it back to prominence.
Rocket Power: Team Rocket Rescue
When looking back at Nicktoons from the early 2000s, Rocket Power is one that comes with mixed reviews. It is great with its action and references to sports, but it struggles to keep up with the other shows from the era at times.
That is what honestly makes Rocket Power: Team Rocket Rescue a massively surprising part of PS1's Greatest Hits Collection. The game itself offers a unique story mode that is full of exciting challenges. In the process, the primary goal is to keep Ray's board business running. It was a hit, specially among younger audiences.
Ten Pin Alley
When it comes to bowling games today, they often are common to find at app stores on smartphones. Yet, when looking at Ten Pin Alley, it is kind of exciting and nostalgic to see such a traditional bowling game on a console.
It also offers characters who have different set abilities, so it adds some excitement and a real challenge. Even with interesting modes like a tournament option, classic bowling games aren't usually big sellers so this was a surprise.
Cool Boarders 2
Snowboarding games just are not as common to find on consoles at this point in time. However, during the PS1 era, they were quite the commodity, as they offered a lot of fun through both racing and tricks.
A game that often is forgotten by players today is Cool Boarders 2. It is a bit overshadowed by the classic N64 game, 1080° Snowboarding or PS2 entries like SSX. However, Cool Boarders 2 offers its own degree of excitement and fun, too, so it does deserve this classification.
Croc: Legend of the Gobbos
Over the entire history of gaming, there have been some iconic platforming characters. Just think about Crash Bandicoot or Spyro the Dragon. However, one who never was given much of a chance is Croc.
Croc: Legend of the Gobbos is a game that is among PS1's Greatest Hits Collection, but it is easy to forget about this hero. Although a sequel did come out, the series was short-lived. Even with this being the case, this specific game still offers a lot of fun with its story mode, as Croc must save the Gobbos from the antagonist, Baron Dante.
Frogger
Frogger is mainly remembered as being an immensely popular arcade game from the '80s. Yet, it also is important to note that this game would actually find its way on the PS1, and in fact, it is in the Greatest Hits Collection.
Perhaps its outside popularity is the primary reason for this, but nonetheless, it is still fun to play on the PS1. The graphics are understandably a bit cleaner than the original arcade version's, while also offering more challenges, too.
NHL FaceOff
EA Sports is known for their NHL series, as they have been the sole provider of these games for almost a decade now. They were even at the top during the PS1's days, too. Thus, it is easy to forget about the short-lived NHL FaceOff series.
It is an important piece in gaming history though, as it is among the first that offered 3D gaming, which enhances its graphics. Also, with it being a Sony original, that likely helped its case to obtain this fantastic distinction, too.