As legendary as Sony’s original PlayStation is, it is certainly not remembered fondly for having a bevy of classic first-person shooters. The limited tech and the lack of analog sticks definitely made it a less-than-ideal place for the genre. However, some highlights still exist on the platform that adapted well to the controller and graphical capabilities.
The games below are split between exclusives built for the PS1 and ports that did a good job at bringing a PC title to the console. While the N64 had juggernauts like GoldenEye, Turok, and Perfect Dark, Sony fans were not entirely left in the dust and could always enjoy these classic titles.
The PS1 did receive a dual-shock controller in the middle of its lifespan with two analog sticks and a vibration function. Not every FPS took advantage of these features, particularly the ones that came out before this controller was introduced.
8Medal Of Honor
This classic PS1 World War 2 game feels a lot different than what you would expect from the genre. In Medal of Honor, you are behind enemy lines on covert missions instead of in the middle of a battlefield surrounded by hundreds of soldiers. This helps make the game stand out even today.
Enemy behavior and the animation were impressive on the PS1, with drawn-out death animations, guards who would react to every shot they received, and even kick grenades back at you. This platform owners were lucky enough to receive a sequel on the same console that followed the story of a French resistance fighter
7Disruptor
Insomniac started its journey long before hitting it big with Ratchet and Clank and Spider-Man with a little-known science fiction FPS called Disruptor. Launched early in the console’s life and before their hit Spyro the Dragon, Disruptor gives you special powers to use against enemies in addition to traditional weaponry.
The game unfortunately did not sell well, which explains the developer’s next project being a3D platformer. Insomniac would only return to the genre on the PS3 with Resistance: Fall of Man. A trend in the mid-90s, Disruptor also features gleefully cheesy FMV cutscenes to tell its story.
6Rainbow Six
First-person shooters of the 90s were often trips through maze-like levels that didn’t resemble real-world locations. Rainbow Six switched this up with a focus on tactics, planning, and high stakes. Just one enemy was dangerous and could kill your whole squad if you did one bad move.
The PS1 version was a pretty solid conversion of the original PC launch, only removing some elements of the planning stages for missions. The lack of free aiming is accounted for with a decent lock-on mechanic. The slow, methodical gameplay is fully in contact, giving you a solid Rainbow Six experience on the PS1.
5Doom
If you really wanted to, you could probably play Doom on a doorbell by now. Back in the 90s, it was already in the process of being ported to everything in sight, including the PS1. This port contains both Doom and Doom II, making for a fairly comprehensive Doom package at the time.
The only drawback is the lack ofsplit-screen multiplayer,instead forcing players to use a link cable to join up with friends. A significant difference here is the soundtrack, which is spookier and more ambient than the revved-up metal riffs we all associate with the franchise.
4Men In Black: The Series - Crashdown
Licensed games on the PS1 did not have a great reputation. One could come around every so often and surprise us, though, as is the case with Men In Black: The Series - Crashdown. This FPS takes more from the animated series than the game. Launched in 2001, it certainly looks better than a lot of games on this list.
While those who were already on the PS2 could play better games like TimeSplitters, a kid who loves Men in Black could find worse ways to spend their time than playing Men In Black: The Series - Crashdow.
3PowerSlave
This game takes the labyrinthine levels of 90s first-person shooters a step further into the Metroidvania territory. Instead of simply finding your way to the exit, the map is designed to let you access new areas of places you already passed through once you find new equipment and items.
Combine that with a name ripped from an Iron Maiden album and an ancient Egyptian aesthetic and you have a recipe for a classic first-person shooter. A recent remaster means there is a definitive version for modern consoles everyone can play.
2Quake 2
Quake 2 is a faithful recreation of the PC classic. At the time, it was one of the most celebrated shooters ever made, which says a lot considering how crowded the genre was on PCs.
The PS1 version of course does not have the same control over aiming and isn’t as graphically impressive as the original, but the fact it exists in as smooth a state as it does is a feat all on its own. There are more load times too, but it avoids using too much fog in its open areas like a lot of games on the console.
1Alien Resurrection
Alien Trilogy is a solid game in its own right, but Alien Resurrection gets a special place on this list because of its use of dual-analog controls and its tense atmosphere.
Reviews that criticized the control scheme are funny to look back on now. The other game’s main victory is the fact that it’s genuinely scary. The levels are dark and grimy, just what you’d expect from the series. It was not universally beloved upon launch but is looked at more fondly in hindsight.
