Sony, following in Nintendo’s footsteps, has released their PlayStation Classic system. Does it live up to the hype surrounding it, or are these old games better off left forgotten? We’ll tell you in today’s PlayStation Classic review. Let’s travel back to the 90’s!
PlayStation Classic Review
Sony
The Emulation
Firstly, the emulation on display here is excellent. The games on the system are all emulated perfectly as they existed back in the mid-to-late-90’s. That’s certainly an achievement in and of itself, but it does raise a few questions. If this is exactly the ways these games should look, aren’t they all a bit ugly?
The transition to 3D was rough for a lot of games. Ugly polygonal models and blurry backgrounds were the rule of the day. Many of these games have aged like milk, both graphically and in terms of gameplay. After twenty years or more, many of these are almost unplayable by modern standards.
The Games
The game selection is incredibly hit-and-miss. There are some notable (and amazing) inclusions, like Metal Gear Solid, Final Fantasy VII and Resident Evil. There are also glaring omissions, like Castelvania: Symphony of the Night and Twisted Metal II.
Unusual inclusions like Jumping Flash, Wild Arms and Intelligent Qube make the lack of Tomb Raider and Crash Bandicoot downright puzzling. The PlayStation had an incredible roster of exclusive games, so not having them available on this love letter to the 90’s is nearly criminal.
For every Oddworld and Tekken on the system there is another frustrating exclusion. No Silent Hill or Tony Hawk on a PlayStation throwback system? It’s hard to justify the $100 price tag with this selection of games.
The Console
The console itself is a perfect mini replica of the PlayStation. Likewise, the controller is exactly as you remember it. Sadly, it’s not a DualShock controller, which makes 3D games like Metal Gear Solid a pain to navigate. There are thankfully two controllers for local multiplayer, what little is available in this game selection.
Bottom Line
Overall, this is really a system only for diehard collectors. If you really want to play Final Fantasy VII and Metal Gear Solid again (without analog sticks) then knock yourself out. However, there are plenty of ways to do that without spending $100.
Sony recently unveiled plans to release a PlayStation Classic mini console. This is a clear follow-up to Nintendo’s highly successful mini consoles, the NES and SNES Classic. Much like those systems, the PlayStation classic is a plug-and-play console that is pre-loaded with games. While five games have already been announced (Final Fantasy VII, Jumping Flash, Ridge Racer Type 4, Tekken 3, and Wild Arms) there are set to be twenty. Today, to keep the excitement going, we’re counting down the top ten games we want to see join the lineup!
Back in the 90’s, hardcore lovers of all things racing had Gran Turismo. This one is remembered as one of the first games that looked realistic in its depiction of vehicles. Driving mechanics are smooth, responsive and realistic. When it came to driving sims, Gran Turismo 2 was the best. This one needs to be included just due to how influential it was. It largely sold people on the idea of the PlayStation as a serious system, not just a toy.
Another excellent second instalment, Tony Hawk Pro Skater 2 is one of the finest skating games ever. Really, when you can manual anywhere, nosegrind rails and nail kickflips, what’s not to love? This game also featured a surprisingly robust park editor. Many an hour was wiled away just tearing up the skate park in this game. Video games and skateboarding go together like chocolate and peanut butter.
After Final Fantasy VII and VIII explored more futuristic worlds, fans were eager for a return to fantasy. Square delivered with the excellent Final Fantasy IX, a high-fantasy adventure set in the land of Gaia. The large cast of characters, deep mechanics and throwback theme make the game highly memorable. In a lot of ways, IX is the definitive medieval Final Fantasy.
7. Oddworld: Abe’s Exodus
Photo Credit: The Cheap Ferret
Engaging, touching and darkly beautiful, Oddworld lives up to its name. This 2D platformer is superficially ugly, with gross amphibian monsters populating its world. Its themes of freedom, love and liberation, however, elevate it beyond its nasty visuals. In fact, the counterpoint between appearances and soul form the backbone of the plot. This one needs an inclusion, as it was a huge moment in video game storytelling.
6. Wipeout XL
Photo Credit: Moby Games
Wipeout is (rightly) considered “Sony’s F-Zero,” and it is a blast. Blisteringly-fast futuristic cars race along gorgeous, futuristic tracks in this trippy game. Sleek, sexy and everything a racing game should be, Wipeout was a huge shift for racing games. Showcasing just how fast you could make a game, Wipeout earned ample attention upon release. As a moment in history, it deserves a spot on the PlayStation Classic.
Really any of the Spyro games would make a great addition to the PlayStation Classic. We do wonder if the imminent release of the remastered trilogy could put a damper on its inclusion, though. However, if only one can be included, the second one largely hit the sweet spot. This fun 3D platformer sees you controlling a cute purple dragon. Spyro can’t really fly, but he can headbutt people and breath fire! This one deserves an inclusion due to how influential he was as a PlayStation mascot.
4. Resident Evil 2
Photo Credit: US Gamer
The PlayStation had a very large number of awesome sequels. Gran Turismo 2, Spyro 2, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2, the list goes on and on. None quite match up to how huge a jump Resident Evil 2 was from its predecessor. In this game, you control Leon Kennedy during his first day as a STARS agent in Racoon City. The ill-fated day culminates in a full-scale zombie outbreak. Leon has to fight for his very life as the city goes to hell around him. Tense, gripping and revolutionary for the horror genre, Resident Evil 2 brought the goods.
Nintendo and Sega fought bitterly for a decade over who had the better mascot, Mario or Sonic. Then, Sony chimed in with Crash Bandicoot. The goofy, fun-loving marsupial starred in a ton of games on the PlayStation in the late 90’s. Really, any of his platforming adventures would be fun to have on the PlayStation classic. However, much like Spyro, Crash has a remastered trilogy on store shelves, so he might not get as much attention as more obscure PS1 titles.
This is it: the game that introduced the world to Hideo Kojima’s weird and wonderful storytelling. Metal Gear Solid is equal parts Escape from New York and James Bond, with a healthy dash of anime-style villains. This sneaky, actiony romp was a massive hit for Sony, and kicked off a huge franchise. If this one doesn’t come with the PlayStation Classic, we’ll eat our shoes.
The very finest PlayStation game, and a serious contender for best game ever, is Castlevania: Symphony of the Night. In this amazing reinvention of the Castlevania series, you control Alucard, Dracula’s angsty kid. Alucard wants to stop his dad’s evil deeds, so he sets off into Drac’s castle. The branching, intersecting castle map and ample power-ups led to this game being referred to as “Metroid-vania.” That’s not too far from the truth, and the entire Castlevania series follow suit in years to come.
Put simply, this is the game that has to be included with the PlayStation Classic. Not including this would be like leaving Secret of Mana out of the SNES Classic! Wait, they did that? They seriously didn’t have SoM in the SNES Classic? Well, looks like Alucard’s not coming to the PS1 Classic after all, gang.
In an interesting example of history repeating itself, Sony is once again following in Nintendo’s footsteps. After the mega-successful NES Classic Mini and SNES Classic Mini, Sony is releasing their own PlayStation classic. This move makes a ton of sense, actually: the PlayStation has a deep, awesome library of games. Sony announced the console yesterday, as well as release details. Read on to find out more!
Sony
PlayStation Classic Release Info
The console, which was just announced, will be released on December 3rd. When it comes out, it’ll be retailing for $100. That might sound a bit steep, but depending on the games included, it may well be worth it. For one, the system comes with two controllers! Oddly, the controllers are original PlayStation controllers, instead of DualShock. We suppose Sony is really banking on the nostalgia factor, here!
The system will have a similar “limited release” window, much like the Nintendo Classic Systems before it. That is to say: if you have any interest in grabbing one of these, you might want to preorder it. When the first wave of NES Classics sold out, it was quite difficult to find them for a decent price.
Announced Games
They’ve already announced five of the games that will be included with the system. Final Fantasy VII, Jumping Flash, Ridge Racer Type 4, Tekken 3 and Wild Arms will be available on the system. We’d be surprised it games like Spyro, Crash Bandicoot and Castlevania: Symphony of the Night don’t make the cut, too.
Given that the 25th anniversary of the PS1’s release is coming next year, this is a great time to commemorate its place in gaming history. The console was a smash hit when it launched in 1994, bringing with it a wave of great-looking, 3D games. As Sony’s entry into the gaming industry, the system has had huge impact on the face of gaming.
For Now…
While the system won’t launch until the end of the year, we’re pretty excited to see what other games will be included. Sony has stated that the lineup will be revealed as we get closer to the launch. In the meantime, check back with us for updates! We’ll also be running an article on which classic PlayStation games we’d like to see included with the system. Stay posted!
It appears Sony is looking to cash in on the retro gaming craze. In an announcement earlier, Sony revealed the brand-new PlayStation Classic. Exactly like Nintendo’s retro consoles, the PS Classic is miniature version of the original This will hit stores and online retailers December 3 for $100. Is it too soon? It has been 23 years and 4 iterations since the original system was released.
PlayStation Classic Details
My first thought and reactions were as follows. One, is the disc tray functional? No it is not. That answers questions number two, can I play my original PlayStation cds? No I cannot. Well now I need to know what games are included with this retro mini PlayStation. It will includes games like Final Fantasy VII, Jumping Flash, Ridge Racer Type 4, Tekken 3, and Wild Arms. There’ll be 20 bundled titles in total, but those five are the only ones announced at the moment.
So apparently we won’t be able to download additional games online. Which would have been a huge selling point. Additionally the memory card slots are just for show. Games will save with “virtual” memory cards and you’ll be able to suspend, or freeze, your progress with the system’s Reset button. The Open button will switch games.
he PlayStation Classic costs $99, has 20 games, 2 controllers, and includes an HDMI cable and USB cable, as well as an instruction manual that’s almost a work of art in its industrial simplicity. three major retailers have opened preorders for the PlayStation Classic. You can put your hard-earned dollars down right now and reserve yourself one for when it finally comes out at Walmart, Best Buy and Gamestop. Sorry Amazon…
The Final Thought
Is this too soon or am I just getting old? Im just not getting excited about nostalgia for a next gen system. To me, a classic nintendo guy, the Playstation was the next gen. I don’t like the idea that it is only 20 game and that I have no say in those 20. I do kinda want to play Twisted Metal 1 again but everything else is still available in a best more advanced formatt. Also, and correct me if i’m mistaking, cant my PlayStation 4 play the original Playstation Disc? Why would I need a PlayStation Classic?
PlayStation Classic Details
So apparently we won’t be able to download additional games online. Which would have been a huge selling point. Additionally the memory card slots are just for show. Games will save with “virtual” memory cards and you’ll be able to suspend, or freeze, your progress with the system’s Reset button. The Open button will switch games.
