10 Best Games Inspired by PSX

The late ‘90s weren’t just about blocky graphics and awkwardly animated cutscenes; they were a golden age of innovation and experimentation. The PSX revolutionized the gaming world from spine-chilling survival horror to high-speed racing sims and fighting games. Even today, countless modern games take inspiration from the raw creativity of this era. Some pay homage through nostalgic graphics and old-school mechanics, while others refine those classic formulas into something fresh. Here are the 10 best games inspired by PSX.

10. Tomb Raider

Let’s kick things off with one of the most iconic games from the PSX era that laid the foundation for 3D action-adventure games: Tomb Raider. The game introduced us to the unforgettable Lara Croft, a character who quickly became a fan favourite in the gaming world. With its puzzle-solving, exploration, and challenging platforming, Tomb Raider practically redefined what a 3D action-adventure game could be. Even though the visuals might look a bit blocky by today’s standards, the game inspired countless other titles.

9. Crash Bandicoot

If there’s one platformer that shined in the ‘90s, it was Crash Bandicoot. Created by Naughty Dog, the same folks behind The Last of Us, Crash Bandicoot became Sony’s masterpiece after the console’s launch. The game was all about fast-paced platforming. It also allowed players to take control of Crash as he ran and jumped through levels filled with traps, obstacles, and enemies. And let’s not forget the infamous “Wumpa fruit” that players would collect along the way. It wasn’t the first 3D platformer, but it certainly refined the genre.

8. Silent Hill

After  Resident Evil started the survival horror vibes, Silent Hill kicked things up a notch. Silent Hill was darker, more psychological, and more disturbing than anything that came before it. Set in a foggy, desolate town full of horrifying monsters and twisted imagery, Silent Hill focused more on the fear of the unknown than on just killing zombies. However, the game isn’t as fast-paced as some other survival horror games. 

7. Gran Turismo

Gran Turismo wasn’t just a racing game but a driving simulator. And at the time of its release, it completely blew away the competition. With its jaw-dropping graphics and a massive roster of cars, Gran Turismo set the bar for racing sims. Sure, you had your typical arcade racers, but this was the game if you wanted to feel like you were actually driving a car. Players could tweak and modify their cars, race on real-world tracks, and even earn licenses to prove they were legit. It was one of the first games to make car enthusiasts feel like they were really behind the wheel. To date, the game still stands out in the racing games genre. 

6.Games Inspired by PSX-Final Fantasy VII

Final Fantasy VII: This game was the reason so many people bought a PSX. Of course, other RPGs were on the console, but FFVII offered unmatched RPG experience.  Final Fantasy VII is a masterpiece in gaming history with its stunning CGI cutscenes, incredible storytelling, and unforgettable characters. The game combined turn-based combat with a sprawling, open world that encouraged exploration. Even if you’re not a fan of RPGs, FFVII is one of those RPGs that remain a masterpiece to this day.

5. Metal Gear Solid

Metal Gear Solid took the stealth genre to new heights. With its gripping storyline, cinematic cutscenes, and cutting-edge gameplay, MGS was unlike anything players had experienced before. But it wasn’t just the narrative that made Metal Gear Solid so special; it was the innovative mechanics. The game encouraged players to think their way through each mission, often relying on stealth and strategy rather than brute force. It was also one of the first games to feature a fully realized 3D world. If you haven’t played this one yet, it’s an absolute must for any gamer.

4. Games Inspired by PSX- Spyro the Dragon

Spyro the Dragon was another platforming masterpiece that brought the PSX era to life. Developed by Insomniac Games, Spyro follows a little purple dragon named Spyro on his adventures to save his fellow dragons from an evil wizard. The game had a unique, colourful art style that made it stand out from the more realistic-looking games of the time. It was charming and had tight platforming mechanics, making it fun for all ages. 

3. Resident Evil 2

Though the first Resident Evil helped establish survival horror, it was Resident Evil 2 that took the genre to new heights. The story was better; the atmosphere was even more terrifying. Similarly, the puzzles were more complex. In this entry, players control two characters, Leon Kennedy and Claire Redfield, as they try to survive a zombie apocalypse in Raccoon City. 

The game featured a more complex narrative with multiple perspectives and branching paths, making it replayable even after the first run. The eerie tension, combined with the constant fear of limited ammo and terrifying creatures, made Resident Evil 2 one of the finest survival horror games ever.

2. Games Inspired by PSX-Tekken 3

If you were a fan of fighting games in the late ’90s, then Tekken 3 was a game you absolutely needed to play.  Inspired by PSX, the game perfectly blends fast-paced combat and stunning graphics. The game featured a roster of diverse characters, each with their unique fighting styles. What set Tekken 3 apart from other fighting games was its incredible controls. Additionally, the game’s story mode was just enough to keep things interesting. If you were all about one-on-one combat, Tekken 3 was the gold standard.

1. Castlevania: Symphony of the Night

Castlevania: Symphony of the Night is often hailed as one of the greatest of all time, and for good reason. Symphony of the Night reinvented the Castlevania series by introducing the Metroidvania style of gameplay, where exploration, backtracking, and discovering hidden secrets were just as important as combat.

The game’s atmospheric design, incredible soundtrack, and captivating story come together to create an unforgettable experience, cementing its status as one of the most beloved titles of the PSX era. The meticulously crafted environments draw players into a world filled with rich details, while the masterful soundtrack enhances every moment, from epic battles to heartfelt scenes.