With a selection of over 4000 games, theSony Playstationhas an absolutely awe-inspiring game library spanning every genre imaginable. The combination of low production costs, new and exciting technology, and new audiences eager for new experiences resulted in one of the most terrific explosions in creativity the industry has ever experienced. While many games from this time are rightfully considered classics, a closer look reveals that these games only scratch the surface of the sheer breadth of the originalPlayStation’s library.
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One genre that often gets overlooked by modern gamers is simulation. Most would assume that due to these games' attempts to mimic real life they had long since been surpassed by works on newer and more powerful hardware, and that these earlier games existed as merely obsolete relics of a bygone age. While this was sometimes the case the truth is that developers often approached the genre with the same degree of joyful experimentalism that defined gaming as a whole at that time. The result is a number of exciting and uniquePS1 simsthat deserve to be remembered.
7Rescue Copter
One wouldn’t think that a game simply titledRescue Copterwould be anything more than a cheap budget title, however, this game has some real bite to it. As the name impliesRescue Copteris a flight simulator wherein players take command of a helicopter on a variety of missions.
These range from saving drowning people at sea to taking passengers on aerial tours of an area. Thegame’s physicsand controls are excellent and highly realistic. The fun and challenge of this game come from mastering how a helicopter moves and using what you have learned to perform a series of increasingly difficult missions.
6Aquanaut’s Holiday
A highly experimental title for its time,Aquanaut’s Holidayhas no time limit, or enemies and is impossible to lose. While there is a general objective to the game players are allowed to take their time and explore.Aquanaut’s Holidayhas players take control of a marine explorer in a small submarine. Players can communicate with the various marine life, find hidden treasures, and underwater structures.
This game is intended to be relaxing, the sort of experience that allows players tochill outwhile encountering the wonders of the ocean. It is a game that definitely won’t appeal to those looking for high-octane action, but for those who can enjoy a more laid-back experience, there are few games ever made like this one.
5Kaze No NOTAM - NOTAM of Wind
A Japanese exclusive,Kaze No NOTAM - NOTAM of the Windis a rare example of a flight simulator about controlling a hot air balloon. One would think that this would be incredibly boring, however, NOTAM of Wind manages to be charming, challenging, and highly engaging. The player must maneuver their Balloon by raising and lowering their elevation to catch wind currents. The game can be very relaxing, but at the same time, it offers quite a challenge.
4Ore No Ryouri
Another Japanese exclusive,Ore No Ryouriis a quirky cooking simulator that plays like a cross betweenCooking MamaandWario Ware. The game has players working at a series of restaurants. Food is prepared through a series of mini-games that make use of theDual Shock’sanalog sticks.
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Satisfying all the customers at a given restaurant forces players to multitask and switch back and forth between thesemini-games. To further complicate things players also occasionally have to deal with things like roach infestations, and customers skipping out on their bills. It makes for frantic gameplay that isn’t quite like anything else out there.
3Theme Park
A classic business management sim from Bullfrog,Theme Parkis better known on the Amiga and PC, however, the PlayStation port is still excellent. This game allows players to build thetheme parkof their dreams while also finding increasingly elaborate ways to fleece their customers.
The game is actually able to present a subtle critique of capitalism dressed up in a colorful and satirical disguise. While it may not be quite as robust asRollercoaster Tycoon,Theme Parkis still a great game that anyone can enjoy.
2R/C Stunt Copter
R/C Stunt Copteris as the name implies a flight simulator that has players taking control of a remote control helicopter. It is also one of the most notoriouslydifficult gameson the original Playstation. This is largely due to its highly realistic controls and physics which will no doubt have even the best gamers crashing countless times before they finally master how to maneuver.
On top of all this, the game also has an extremely strict scoring system and a steep difficulty curve. In spite of this, the game is still great, and it is a ton of fun to finally master each stage after repeated failures. The game is also notable for its snarky sense of humor.
1Power Shovel
Exactly what it says on the tin, this game has players taking control of a power shovel in a variety of missions. It doesn’t sound all that exciting but where this game excels is in its execution. Missions are varied and fun to play through with objectives ranging from destroying houses to carrying various loads through an obstacle course.
There is even a bit of that Japanese weirdness in some levels; like one where the player is tasked with using the power shovel to pour sauce on top of giant curry dishes.Power Shovelis an excellent example of a simple idea executed brilliantly.
