Since its release in 1994, PlayStation has evolved into one of the most innovative and exciting gaming consoles in the world. Part of its success over the years has been down to its ability to introduce new titles, while improving the playing experience with greater realism.
As it celebrates its thirtieth anniversary, PlayStation will never stand still, but many of its old titles are considered as classics. Among its many new releases, here are some retro titles that fans of the console still love to play.
Tekken
Many successful PlayStation releases carry an arcade-based theme, and Tekken2 is a perfect example. Originally produced in 1996, it was available for the PS4 and PS5 and was one of the first truly popular fighting games.
The Tekken series has evolved, and the latest release saw Tekken5 hit the markets, but for most gamers, the classic style and arcade nostalgia inspired by Tekken2 make it the best.
Tasty Slot Machine
Online casino play has been steadily increasing in popularity, and PlayStation has evolved alongside it. There are dozens of titles to choose from, but from a retro point of view, Tasty Slot Machine is the best choice.
Although there are plenty of online slots sites to choose from offering new online slots, you cannot beat the feel of a retro classic slot like Tasty Slot Machine. Familiar fruit symbols spin on the reels, and the aim is to line them up along the central line. Images of sweet donuts play in the background to give the title its ‘tasty’ feel.
One of the attractions of Tasty Slot Machine is that players purely spin for fun. They start with a certain number of virtual coins, and they can win to add to their notional balance. With no money at stake, it’s a slot game that everyone can enjoy.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2
Like the Tekken series, the Tony Hawk pro skater games have multiple releases, but in both cases, two is the magic number. Following on from the original release, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2 came along in 2000, and is old enough to be now considered as ‘retro.’
The second edition had a huge advantage over its predecessor as the tricks were a major upgrade on the original. Further releases have made smaller improvements, but the jump between the first and second titles produced a ‘wow’ factor that subsequent productions have failed to match.
The soundtrack is also remembered fondly, while the realism was another part of its success. For wannabee skaters, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2 is the video game by which all others are measured.
Crash Bandicoot: Warped
We go all the way back to the PS1 for the next retro release. For many, Crash Bandicoot is an unofficial mascot of the PlayStation brand, so it’s only fair that this crazy character takes his place on the list.
Warped was the third edition in the Crash Bandicoot series, and it followed on from some groundbreaking initial releases. Early use of 3D was exceptional, and it was enhanced with this title.
Crash Bandicoot: Warped sees our hero take on new adventures, while a consistent theme is the use of exciting transport, including jetskis and motorbikes.
Driver: You Are the Wheelman
It’s a shame that developers Reflections Interactive made the tutorial stage of the driver games so challenging. Many players gave up without passing the test, and that’s a shame, as some thrilling action was in store.
At the entry level, players could still trawl the streets of San Francisco or Miami, evading the cops or causing as much damage as they possibly could. Those that passed the tutorials could also head to Los Angeles and New York.
Released in 2000 for the PS1, Driver: You Are the Wheelman features relatively basic graphics when compared to modern-day alternatives, but the sheer fun and chaos of this game, has made it a firm favorite for over 20 years.
Tomb Raider
The original Tomb Raider, like Crash Bandicoot, made clever use of new 3D techniques. The graphics seem dated now, but this is another game where the retro feel makes it just as popular as its upgrades.
Lara Croft’s first venture into PlayStation gaming offers another key difference to later editions. This game relies more on mental challenges than action sequences, so it will be well-suited to those who like puzzle games.
Players enjoy retro games for many different reasons. Some have already experienced similar titles at arcades through the 1980s and 1990s, while others played them on early gaming consoles. That element of nostalgia means that players return to old favourites to keep them engaged.
Producers such as Sony are aware that they have more than one demographic to aim at. Generations of additional gamers will keep coming through to enjoy new, blockbuster titles, but there will always be a demand for retro themes, and the choice is plentiful.