The year 1997 was a remarkable time for the PlayStation 1 (PS1) console, with a plethora of iconic games that still hold a special place in the hearts of many gamers. As we take a trip down memory lane, we'll explore the top 10 PS1 games of 1997 that left an indelible mark on the gaming industry.
In 1997, the PS1 was at the height of its popularity, with a vast library of games that catered to diverse tastes and preferences. From action-packed adventures to thought-provoking role-playing games, the PS1 had something for everyone. In this article, we'll delve into the top 10 PS1 games of 1997, highlighting their unique features, gameplay mechanics, and the impact they had on the gaming world.
10. Wild Arms
Wild Arms, developed by Media.Vision, is a classic Western-themed RPG that debuted in 1997. The game follows the story of Rudy Roughknight, a young protagonist with a unique ability to wield powerful ARMs (Ancient Relic Machines). With its engaging storyline, memorable characters, and turn-based combat, Wild Arms quickly gained a loyal following among RPG enthusiasts.
Gameplay Mechanics
Wild Arms introduced a unique blend of exploration, puzzle-solving, and turn-based combat. Players could explore a vast open world, interact with non-playable characters (NPCs), and engage in battles against fearsome enemies. The game's ARM mechanic allowed players to wield powerful abilities, adding a new layer of strategy to the combat system.
9. Tomb Raider
Tomb Raider, developed by Core Design, revolutionized the action-adventure genre with its release in 1997. The game follows the story of Lara Croft, a brave and intelligent explorer, as she navigates through ancient ruins and battles against rival treasure hunters. With its 3D graphics, puzzle-solving, and platforming elements, Tomb Raider became an instant classic.
Impact on the Gaming Industry
Tomb Raider's success can be attributed to its innovative gameplay mechanics, which combined exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat in a 3D environment. The game's protagonist, Lara Croft, became an iconic character in the gaming world, paving the way for future female protagonists in action-adventure games.
8. Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, developed by Konami, is a gothic action-adventure game that redefined the Castlevania series. Released in 1997, the game follows the story of Alucard, the son of Dracula, as he explores the castle and battles against his father's minions. With its non-linear gameplay, RPG elements, and haunting atmosphere, Castlevania: Symphony of the Night became a cult classic.
Gameplay Mechanics
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night introduced a unique blend of exploration, platforming, and RPG elements. Players could explore the castle, interact with NPCs, and engage in battles against fearsome enemies. The game's non-linear design allowed players to explore the castle in a non-linear fashion, adding to the game's replay value.
7. Metal Gear Solid
Metal Gear Solid, developed by Konami, is a stealth action game that debuted in 1997. The game follows the story of Solid Snake, a stealth operative, as he infiltrates a terrorist base and battles against a group of mercenaries. With its engaging storyline, memorable characters, and innovative stealth mechanics, Metal Gear Solid became a critical and commercial success.
Impact on the Gaming Industry
Metal Gear Solid's success can be attributed to its innovative stealth mechanics, which introduced a new way of playing action games. The game's storyline, which explored themes of loyalty, identity, and the ethics of war, added depth to the game's narrative, making it a standout title in the PS1 library.
6. Final Fantasy VII
Final Fantasy VII, developed by Square (now Square Enix), is a role-playing game that debuted in 1997. The game follows the story of Cloud Strife, a former member of an elite military unit, as he battles against a powerful corporation and uncovers a deeper conspiracy. With its engaging storyline, memorable characters, and turn-based combat, Final Fantasy VII became a critical and commercial success.
Gameplay Mechanics
Final Fantasy VII introduced a unique blend of exploration, puzzle-solving, and turn-based combat. Players could explore a vast open world, interact with NPCs, and engage in battles against fearsome enemies. The game's Materia system, which allowed players to customize their characters' abilities, added a new layer of strategy to the combat system.
5. Resident Evil
Resident Evil, developed by Capcom, is a survival horror game that debuted in 1997. The game follows the story of Chris Redfield and Jill Valentine, two members of an elite law enforcement agency, as they battle against hordes of zombies and other monstrous creatures. With its terrifying atmosphere, puzzle-solving, and tank controls, Resident Evil became a classic in the survival horror genre.
Impact on the Gaming Industry
Resident Evil's success can be attributed to its terrifying atmosphere, which was achieved through the use of pre-rendered backgrounds, tank controls, and a haunting soundtrack. The game's influence can be seen in many survival horror games that followed, including the Silent Hill series and the later Resident Evil games.
4. Silent Hill
Silent Hill, developed by Konami, is a survival horror game that debuted in 1997. The game follows the story of Harry Mason, a father searching for his adopted daughter in the haunted town of Silent Hill. With its terrifying atmosphere, puzzle-solving, and psychological horror elements, Silent Hill became a cult classic.
Gameplay Mechanics
Silent Hill introduced a unique blend of exploration, puzzle-solving, and survival horror elements. Players could explore the haunted town, interact with NPCs, and engage in battles against monstrous creatures. The game's use of psychological horror elements, including the protagonist's sanity system, added a new layer of tension to the gameplay.
3. Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back
Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back, developed by Naughty Dog, is a platformer that debuted in 1997. The game follows the story of Crash Bandicoot, a marsupial, as he battles against the evil scientist Doctor Neo Cortex and his minions. With its colorful graphics, engaging gameplay, and humorous characters, Crash Bandicoot 2 became a critical and commercial success.
Gameplay Mechanics
Crash Bandicoot 2 introduced a unique blend of platforming, exploration, and combat. Players could explore a vast open world, interact with NPCs, and engage in battles against enemies. The game's use of colorful graphics and humorous characters added a new layer of charm to the gameplay.
2. Tony Hawk's Pro Skater
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater, developed by Neversoft, is an extreme sports game that debuted in 1997. The game follows the story of Tony Hawk, a professional skateboarder, as he competes in various skateboarding competitions. With its addictive gameplay, colorful graphics, and iconic soundtrack, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater became a critical and commercial success.
Gameplay Mechanics
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater introduced a unique blend of skateboarding, trick-based gameplay, and competition. Players could explore a vast open world, interact with NPCs, and engage in competitions against rival skateboarders. The game's use of addictive gameplay mechanics, including the combo system, added a new layer of replay value to the game.
1. Gran Turismo
Gran Turismo, developed by Polyphony Digital, is a racing simulation game that debuted in 1997. The game follows the story of a rookie driver as he competes in various racing competitions. With its realistic graphics, engaging gameplay, and authentic racing experience, Gran Turismo became a critical and commercial success.
Impact on the Gaming Industry
Gran Turismo's success can be attributed to its realistic graphics, engaging gameplay, and authentic racing experience. The game's influence can be seen in many racing simulation games that followed, including the Forza series and the later Gran Turismo games.
As we conclude our journey through the top 10 PS1 games of 1997, it's clear that this year was a remarkable time for the gaming industry. From action-packed adventures to thought-provoking RPGs, the PS1 had something for everyone. These iconic games not only defined the PS1 library but also left a lasting impact on the gaming industry as a whole.
We'd love to hear from you! Share your favorite PS1 games from 1997 in the comments below. Do you have a favorite game that didn't make the list? Let us know!
What was the best-selling PS1 game of 1997?
+Final Fantasy VII was the best-selling PS1 game of 1997, with over 11 million copies sold worldwide.
What was the most influential PS1 game of 1997?
+Gran Turismo was the most influential PS1 game of 1997, as it revolutionized the racing simulation genre and set a new standard for realistic graphics and gameplay.
What was the most iconic PS1 game of 1997?
+Tomb Raider was the most iconic PS1 game of 1997, as it introduced the world to Lara Croft, a female protagonist who became a gaming icon.