Hidden PSX ONE Gems? [Archive] - Retrogaming Roundtable

Steven

02-08-2007, 11:13 PM

Yeah, 'Top Shop' is absolutely worthless in terms of monetary value, but is a blast to play.

DYK: Top Shop was also on Saturn, JP only called, damn, I can't remember. It had too much JP text for me to play, though, and ended up only frustrating me, so def. stick with the PS1 version.

I'm glad someone mentioned Shadow Madness. It was a title I was always curious in, but just never played.

It's not so hidden, but I'd nominate CLOCK TOWER. God did I love that game.

InsaneDavid

02-08-2007, 11:17 PM

RC de Go! is basically a 3D version of RC Pro-Am that uses the DualShock controller as a mock RC controller, left stick for speed regulation, right stick for steering. N2O Nitrous Oxide plays a lot like Tempest on an acid trip, a shame that it never became as popular as it should have been. Square's grand shooting opus Einh�nder is a blast, literally, and while shooter fans know all about it, it still seems obscure to most. Puzzle Star Sweep is a addictive little puzzler that came out during the $10 price point era for PS1 games. The Next Tetris is also the premier two player version of Tetris in my book but it was burried under the saturation of the borefest that is Tetris Plus. Klonoa - Door to Phantomile is the best platformer you've never played. I'll toss Grandia in there because it doesn't get the respect it deserves while the simplistic and cookie cutter Grandia II on the Dreamcast won rave reviews. Yeah, Grandia is my favorite RPG so I guess I'm a bit biased. Also Starblade Alpha is hands down the best home version of my favorite arcade game.

Xexyz

02-09-2007, 12:11 AM

Geki-oh: Shooting King is one of the late release budget titles from Natsume. The game was really known in Japan and in arcades as Shienryu, and is an excellent Toaplan/Seibu Kaihatsu inspired vertical scrolling shmup.

Nectaris: Military Madness is a 32-bit entry following Hudson's TG16 offering. I never even knew it existed until last weekend! Haven't played it yet, but if it's anything like its strategic predecessor, it's got to be good.

Punky Skunk is a very rare 2D platformer that many people have never even heard of. It's a 2D mascot platformer like the dime a dozen released in the 16-bit era, stuck in the 32-bit era. Nontheless, Jaleco's platformer is fun, if a bit on the short and easy side.

Buster Bros. Collection is a three title mini-collection of Mitchells action/puzzle series. They're pretty fun, especially for arcade game fanatics.

In The Hunt, another rather rare title, and an early longbox release, is a port of Irem's 1994 submarine based horizontal scrolling shmup. It's good stuff, but if you own a Saturn, that port happens to be more available.

Vanark, while having some flaws (like the quick Resident Evil influenced exploration inbetween stages), is a pretty solid rail-shooter. Not quite Panzer Dragoon or Star Fox 64 quality, but pretty close.

MrRoboto19XX

02-09-2007, 12:41 AM

I'm a firm believer in No One Can Stop Mr. Domino, a great game that to this day recieves next to no attention.

I'll also second Incredible Crisis, and nominate Power Shovel.

soundwave

02-09-2007, 01:16 AM

I had fun with Jackie Chan Stuntmaster. great beat em up game.

DigitalSpace

02-09-2007, 02:10 AM

Board Game Top Shop
Buster Bros. Collection
Cleopatra's Fortune
Destruction Derby
Gekioh: Shooting King
The Next Tetris
Porsche Challenge
Qix Neo
RC de GO!
Sheep
Shooter: Starfighter Sanvein
Sled Storm

zemmix

02-09-2007, 02:28 AM

R/C Stunt Copter is one game I still have fun with. Too bad I cant use my psp to play it!

djsquarewave

02-09-2007, 02:30 AM

DYK: Top Shop was also on Saturn, JP only called, damn, I can't remember. It had too much JP text for me to play, though, and ended up only frustrating me, so def. stick with the PS1 version.
Tenant Wars. The original Japanese versions of the game also featured real Japanese stores (you can run a Denny's!) as opposed to the generic ones in the American release. Of course, I like this game!

Battle Hunter, seconded. Sort of a simplified board-game version of a tactical RPG. Great fun with four players trying to steal each others' treasure.

No One Can Stop Mr. Domino, seconded. You're a domino, and you have to...use dominoes to trigger increasinly bizarre events. A complete trip to play, and fun as hell.

Tall: Infinity, seconded. One of the few puzzle games I can think of where the idea is to fill as much space as possible. There's a Japan-only sequel which adds a 2-player mode.

Starfighter Sanvein, seconded. An absolutely stylish shmuppish outing where you have to clear rooms out as fast as you can.

Roll Away (Kula World) is a trippy puzzle game that has you collecting objects in an omnidirectional 3D maze and getting to the exit before your time expires. It gets downright devious in the later stages.

Anthony1

02-09-2007, 02:34 AM

1. Assault Rigs - I really think this is one of the most underrated PS1 games. I mentioned that I was playing Assault Rigs on my PSP to two other DP members, and how amazing it was to be able to play this PS1 game on my PSP, and the two guys had never heard of Assault Rigs. I was totally amazed by that. This is kinda a tank/puzzle game. I know that's kinda a weird premise, but it's got great graphics, great music, and outstanding gameplay. Just a fun game all around, and one of the earlier PS1 games.

2. Loaded - I'm not sure Loaded is a "hidden gem" per se, but it's an outstanding game that I think is often overlooked. It was a game that came very early in the life of the PS1, and I just think it's one of those games that get's buried under the avalaunche of tons of releases, and people forget how good the original Loaded was.

3. NBA Live '96 - Ok, I know alot of people are going to think I'm crazy with this one, but NBA Live '96 was the only basketball game by EA relased on the Playstation that wasn't polygon based. It's basically NBA Live 95 from the Super Nintendo (which is an all-time classic btw) except with 3D arenas and courts and camera angles and improved sound. This game holds up way better over time compared to the polygon sports games that are painful to play today.

4. Triple Play '96 - Everything I said about NBA Live '96 basically applies here too. Only baseball game EA made on the PS1 that didn't use polygons for the players. Sprite based players on a 3D field, was some of the best sound in a sports game up to this point. I'm serious, if you get the slightest enjoyment from playing Baseball games, this is one to check out, cause you probably missed it the first time around.

5. Disruptor - This is a cool game to check out, especially if you own a Playstation 3 and Resistance: Fall of Man, or if you are interested in R:FOM. Disruptor was one of Insomniac's first games, if not their first game, and Resistance is very much a return to their roots. Most people forget that they started off with a FPS game. Not the greatest game in the world, but definitely decent.

02-09-2007, 05:04 AM

I think in a similar PS topic awhile back I mentioned Turnabout, kinda like that 70s-80s(?) wooden labyrinth box you had to maneuver the little metal ball through- but so much better. Great music too- nongamers have told me!

Juggernaut & Echo Night- 2 1st person MYST-type games that didnt get the recognition they deserve. EN: Beyond is the PS2 scifi sequel, fairly decent but a bit slow.

Dracula: Resurrection & Last Sanctuary- 2 more MYST-y games that seem subpar but are worth playing through.
Saltwater Sportfishing if you're into that kinda thing, dumbed-down vers. of Sega Marine Fishing, still worth a look.

Disruptor seconded- can anyone recommend Epidemic? It seems a lot like BRAHMA Force, which I liked...

Yurf

02-09-2007, 05:59 AM

Dragon Valor
Fighting Force (most people think this game is crap, but I love this game in multiplayer)
Hogs of War

Defconsoft

02-09-2007, 07:28 AM

Darklight Conflict
Civilization II
C-12 Final Resistance
Carnage Heart (even though it can be very boring to almost everyone)
VR Golf '97
Star Gladiator: Episode 1
Ray Tracers

Darklight Conflict, now theres a blast from the past. I remember trying to rewrite the PC level scripts to get it working on the PS1. Right nightmare that was.

And to add to the discussion the follow are faves of mine

'Z'
Firo and Klawd

theshizzle3000

02-09-2007, 09:15 AM

Punky Skunk[/B] is a very rare 2D platformer that many people have never even heard of. It's a 2D mascot platformer like the dime a dozen released in the 16-bit era, stuck in the 32-bit era. Nontheless, Jaleco's platformer is fun, if a bit on the short and easy side.

I second Punky Skunk I absolutely love that game and I also am adding Triple Play 2000, because it had that crazy allstar team you could play with were all the players had mutant powers...good times.

Nebagram

02-09-2007, 09:22 AM

While not technically PS1 games, they are games that can only be played on the PS-

Blitter Boy- fantastic isometric run & gun, hilarious fun. :D

Total Soccer- as close as you're going to get to SWOS on a console. Addictive as hell.

Between the Eyes- the world's most psychedelic racer full stop. Really does hit you, well... yes.

Bouncer 2- Breakout with a brand new twist on it, and bloody amazing it is too.

Super Bub- a cross between Puzzle Bobble and Super Puzzle Fighter, a truly amazing gem of a game, in multiplayer, beats most commercially released PS1 games.

The catch? All of these are homebrews created using a Yaroze, and only ever saw the light of day in covermounted demos on the (as far as I know only the) UK Official Playstation Magazine. But still, very, VERY much worth a look.

Kroogah

02-09-2007, 10:54 AM

Consider Roll Away seconded. I'm a huge fan of logic puzzle games, and this is a damn fine one.

JoJo's Bizzare Adventure isn't as pretty as the Dreamcast version, but it has more to DO, including a board-game-type story mode with a bunch of minigames.

I don't hear Bushido Blade mentioned often enough these days.

Captain Wrong

02-09-2007, 10:55 AM

I'll second Silent Bomber and Rising Zan and add Apocalypse (fun fact, this game engine became Tony Hawk Pro Skater,) Power Shovel, Philosoma and One.

theshizzle3000

02-09-2007, 10:57 AM

I'll second Silent Bomber and Rising Zan and add Apocalypse (fun fact, this game engine became Tony Hawk Pro Skater,) Power Shovel, Philosoma and One.

Now that you say that Apocalypse and Tony Hawks Pro Skater do look very similar. Interesting

Captain Wrong

02-09-2007, 11:12 AM

Now that you say that Apocalypse and Tony Hawks Pro Skater do look very similar. Interesting

Another fun fact: in the mall level of THPS1, there's a hidden level where you skate by boxes of unsold copies of Apocalypse. LOL

theshizzle3000

02-09-2007, 11:15 AM

Another fun fact: in the mall level of THPS1, there's a hidden level where you skate by boxes of unsold copies of Apocalypse. LOL

See that I do remember and I thought it was hilarious. LOL

Ackman

02-09-2007, 01:09 PM

Fist of the Northstar Banpresto Beat em up,

sisko

02-09-2007, 01:24 PM

le geek

02-09-2007, 01:42 PM

Heart of Darkness - great game in the style of Out of the World...
http://www.abscape.org/legeek/screens/heartofdarkness4_lrg.jpg

has a 1980s childrens sci fi adventure feel to it...

Cheers,
Ben

kaedesdisciple

02-09-2007, 01:58 PM

I'll toss in another vote for N2O: Nitrous Oxide, very trippy but an awesome game. I also enjoyed the crap out of Blast Chamber. That game could really bring out the worst in people...

Aussie2B

02-09-2007, 03:04 PM

If you really get me started on PlayStation games that don't get enough attention, I'll never shut up. :P But since many of my choices have already been mentioned, I'll just go with my very favorite obscure PlayStation release, and also one of my very favorite PlayStation games and one of my favorite games ever:

Tail Concerto

I've played through it probably more times than any other PlayStation game (although the fact that I can beat it in 5-6 hours doesn't hurt). The game just oozes charm and always puts a smile on my face. Great platforming gameplay with some RPG elements thrown in, lovable characters, a captivating plot, bright colorful graphics, masterful art by the brilliant Nobuteru Yuuki, and pleasant soft music that perfectly compliments the adventure, it's got just about everything I could possibly want in a game. The only tradegy is that it seems to just attract furry fans who only care that the game stars cat and dog people rather than being able to see the merits of the game even if it didn't have furry characters, and normal gamers tend to stay away because it's so cute looking to the point that they feel emasculated or they assume it must be a game designed for little kids.

Damaramu

02-09-2007, 03:52 PM

I'll second Silent Bomber and Rising Zan and add Apocalypse (fun fact, this game engine became Tony Hawk Pro Skater,) Power Shovel, Philosoma and One.

I second One. Awesome game and quite difficult, IIRC.

I'd also like to add:

Ehrgeiz: God Bless The Ring

Mark III

02-09-2007, 07:03 PM

Sorceror's Maze is a surprisingly decent Arknoid clone worth checking out. Also while not "hidden" G Darius Does not get mentioned enough, one of the best shooters on the system in my opinion.

SaturnFan

02-09-2007, 07:17 PM

Tail of the Sun.

bangtango

02-09-2007, 09:33 PM

I guess I just disagree with the concept of 'hidden.'

IMHO, no NBA Live game, as good as they may be, will never be hidden.

I beg to differ for one reason. When was the last time the average gamer even thought of a PS1 sports game with the year 96' in the title, let alone considered purchasing it?

Say Anthony1, how do you think Madden 96 might have shaped up on the PS1 system? Something along the lines of the Super NES or Genesis games with some graphical enhancements?

Kid Ice

02-09-2007, 09:34 PM

Skeleton Warriors is a good early platformer with nice graphics and a sort of Castlevania feel. Sadly, they had to throw in some 3D gameplay, so there are atrocious flying sequences thrown in there.

Blast Radius is a nice space combat game by Psygnosis that suffered at the time of its release from comparisons to Colony Wars. Still better than Darklight Conflict IMO.

Crime Killer is like Rush 2049 with guns.

I wouldn't go as far as to call Jupiter Strike a "gem", but it's fun enough for an early 3D shooter.

Nate Nanjo

02-09-2007, 09:39 PM

I'm probably going to be the first and only to say, Kings Field I and II.

I enjoyed both of them.

And 90% of the people I talk to have never head of it.

Classicgamesdepot

02-09-2007, 09:47 PM

Gotta give a shout out for powerslave - its a first person shooter that takes place in Egypt..pretty uncommon on the playstation.. I've heard the saturn version blows..

If your into old school fps's with a twist, you will dig this game...if you can find it.

Captain Wrong

02-09-2007, 10:11 PM

]
Crime Killer is like Rush 2049 with guns.

Now that sounds interesting.

TurboGenesis

02-09-2007, 10:11 PM

I enjoyed:

Adventures of Lomax (From the folks who did Flink)
Motor Toon Grand Prix (From the folks who did Gran Turismo)
Poy Poy (great multiplayer fun)

Seconds for:
Qix Neo (Great for Qix - loading times ugh)
In the Hunt (a little slow but still good)

Aussie2B

02-09-2007, 10:15 PM

I'm probably going to be the first and only to say, Kings Field I and II.

I enjoyed both of them.

And 90% of the people I talk to have never head of it.

I'll back up your King's Field. :) It's a great series, but most people, out of the already small group of people who are actually aware of the existence of the series, just don't "get" the games, because they're expecting some sort of traditional RPG or a Zelda-style adventure game. King's Field is a whole 'nother kind of beast, so it takes a lot to adapt to the gameplay and learn to enjoy it. I own all four of the main series - the two US releases on PlayStation, King's Field 4 on PS2, and I even imported the original that never got a US release. I still have to get the PSP games eventually, though.

From Software's other King's Field style games are very good too. Shadow Tower is probably even less known than King's Field, and it's even less appreciated too.

I prefer to watch the games rather than play them myself, though. First-person games tend to make me feel a bit disoriented and sick. :(

goemon

02-09-2007, 10:20 PM

I'll back up your King's Field. :) It's a great series, but most people, out of the already small group of people who are actually aware of the existence of the series, just don't "get" the games, because they're expecting some sort of traditional RPG or a Zelda-style adventure game. King's Field is a whole 'nother kind of beast, so it takes a lot to adapt to the gameplay and learn to enjoy it. I own all four of the main series - the two US releases on PlayStation, King's Field 4 on PS2, and I even imported the original that never got a US release. I still have to get the PSP games eventually, though.

From Software's other King's Field style games are very good too. Shadow Tower is probably even less known than King's Field, and it's even less appreciated too.

I prefer to watch the games rather than play them myself, though. First-person games tend to make me feel a bit disoriented and sick. :(

Another vote for the King's Field series and Shadow Tower! I always felt bad whenever I saw Shadow Tower in a "Worst PSX Games" list -- obviously the people didn't play the game right. "I tried to kill everything in sight, my sword broke, and I dies. It can't be my fault, so this game sux!"

Emuaust

02-10-2007, 05:01 AM

jajaja

02-10-2007, 05:14 AM

Hot Blooded Family. Only came in Japan afaik. A great 2d beat em' up! :)

Chadt74

02-10-2007, 10:23 AM

Kings Field I, I didn't like that game, but I just think that it wasn't my cup of tea. It is different than most PS games and I could see how someone could get into it.

Anthony1

02-10-2007, 03:48 PM

I guess I just disagree with the concept of 'hidden.'

IMHO, no NBA Live game, as good as they may be, will never be hidden.

At the same time: Fighting Force, Triple Play, Civ 2, Tetris, Wild Arms 1&2,
Mega Man Legends 1&2, N20, etc etc....

Most people know about all of these games, and are far from hidden ;)

I'll second Mr. Domino though, great game.

NBA Live '96 is a hidden gem, because although the NBA Live name is very well known, and the game was well known at the time of release, very few people know that NBA Live '96 for Playstation was the final sprite based basketball game from EA Sports. If you mention NBA Live '96 to the average person, they would have zero interest whatsoever in it, because they would assume that it's an early polygon sports game that would be absolutely horrible if revisited today. But instead, it's the final sprite based basketball game from EA Sports, and more importantly, it's basically NBA Live 95 from the Super Nintendo, except it has 3D courts and arenas and better sound. Most gamers who have tried NBA Live 95 for the Super Nintendo recognize that it's a classic older sports game, just because of the feel that the game had. But very few gamers have any idea whatsoever that the first Playstation version of NBA Live '96 had the same type of feel, just with some 3D arenas and multiple camera angles, etc, etc. In the same way that FIFA Soccer was transformed when put on the 3DO system, even though it still used sprites, that's basically the same thing that happened with NBA Live with it's first incarnation on the Playstation. The polygon games that followed obviously shouldn't be mentioned whatsoever, but I will stand by my assertion that NBA Live '96 was a hidden gem.

Same thing with Triple Play '97 for all the same reasons. Sprites can stand the test of time, but early polygonal based sports games are just painful to revisit today. I'm sure many of you think "ANY" sports not named Super Tecmo Bowl is painful to revisit today, but if any of you try NBA Live '96 or Triple Play '97, you may be pleasantly suprised. Also, you should be able to find either game for a couple of bucks.

j_factor

02-10-2007, 08:16 PM

I second Heart of Darkness. That game was awesome, and really showed the Playstation's supposed lack of 2D ability to be a common misconception.

I'd like to throw out Nanotek Warrior. I've heard that the Japanese Saturn version is superior, but I've never seen it.

Daltone

02-10-2007, 08:56 PM

I don't hear Bushido Blade mentioned often enough these days.

Couldn't agree more. It's a shame the series seemed to go downhill after the first one though.

Now that you say that Apocalypse and Tony Hawks Pro Skater do look very similar. Interesting

Wow, I never knew that. I love random bits of triva like this. I wonder if I can find a cheap copy of Apocalypse somewhere.

Whilst I'm not sure exactly how hidden it is, I really liked Parasite Eve 2 (http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages2/198266.asp).

Keir

02-10-2007, 09:25 PM

I'm a firm believer in No One Can Stop Mr. Domino, a great game that to this day recieves next to no attentionHell yes.

Roll Away (Kula World) is a trippy puzzle game that has you collecting objects in an omnidirectional 3D maze and getting to the exit before your time expires. It gets downright devious in the later stages.Ah, sweet Roll Away. ClubNinja got me hooked on that one!

Should the fact that so many people mentioned Tall: Infinity mean it's not really "hidden"? Definitely a gem though. And I'll add one more:

One Piece Mansion: You run an apartment and have to arrange your tenants so they don't piss each other off! Lots of fun, and it can be quite challenging too.

RadiantSvgun

02-10-2007, 09:40 PM

I really enjoyed Panzer Bandit. Unfortunaly it wasn't released state-side and it costs too much now. Reminds me of Guardian Heroes.

I enjoyed Project: Horned Owl way back in the day.

XianXi

02-11-2007, 05:12 PM

Racing Lagoon, best racing RPG ever. Maybe the only one?

theshizzle3000

02-11-2007, 05:48 PM

I second Heart of Darkness. That game was awesome, and really showed the Playstation's supposed lack of 2D ability to be a common misconception.

I will third Heart of Darkness especially with the 3-D goggles on.

j_factor

02-11-2007, 08:10 PM

Racing Lagoon, best racing RPG ever. Maybe the only one?

Final Lap Twin.

Aussie2B

02-11-2007, 08:51 PM

I will third Heart of Darkness especially with the 3-D goggles on.

I thought they were only for the game's ending?

Heart of Darkness gets big brownie points from me for having Bruce Broughton as the composer, the same guy who composed the music in the movie Tombstone.

I still haven't taken the time to play through it, though. :/

goemon

02-12-2007, 12:09 AM

Racing Lagoon, best racing RPG ever. Maybe the only one?

I can recall another one for the Playstation: Choro Q Wonderful. I haven't played Racing Lagoon, but I doubt CQW is any better, since the fuel gage is really, really annoying and makes me lose all the time.

sirhansirhan

02-12-2007, 12:11 AM

I'd go with Boombots, Incredible Crisis, No One Can Stop Mr. Domino, and Rising Zan.

Haoie

02-12-2007, 12:21 AM

Panzer Front, the only realistic tank simulation for PS.

theshizzle3000

02-12-2007, 10:34 AM

I thought they were only for the game's ending?

Heart of Darkness gets big brownie points from me for having Bruce Broughton as the composer, the same guy who composed the music in the movie Tombstone.

I still haven't taken the time to play through it, though. :/

They may have been for the ending but I wore them regardless....Ridiculous maybe, Cool definitely.

Captain Wrong

02-12-2007, 01:09 PM

I enjoyed Project: Horned Owl way back in the day.

I remember Vic Ireland telling me way back in the day of the WD message boards that game was poo, when I actually found a copy, I was pleasantly surprised.

I'm a sucker for light gun games anyway.

Oobgarm

02-12-2007, 02:15 PM

I'm sure I'm going to repeat other posts in this thread, but I shall list my favorite PSX games that aren't widely recognized titles:

Devil Dice
Point Blank (1, 2, 3)
The Next Tetris
Apocalypse
Builder's Block
Turnabout
Roll Away
RC de GO!
Destraga
Misadventures of Tron Bonne
Gekioh: Shooting King
Tall: Infinity
Tecmo Stackers
Rising Zan: Samurai Gunman
Team Buddies
Motor Toon Grand Prix
Rollcage (I & II)

Also, Racing Lagoon(J) is pretty fun, even if it doesn't hold up well graphically.

Snapple

02-12-2007, 02:40 PM

Racing Lagoon, best racing RPG ever. Maybe the only one?

Check out Car Battler Joe for the GBA. It's also a driving-RPG hybrid game.

RadiantSvgun

02-12-2007, 05:49 PM

I remember Vic Ireland telling me way back in the day of the WD message boards that game was poo, when I actually found a copy, I was pleasantly surprised.

I'm a sucker for light gun games anyway.

It's hard to go wrong with Alfa System games.

I hope someone mentioned Einhander. It doesn't get the respect it deserves because Squaresoft made it, and its not a colorful RPG.

Captain Wrong

02-12-2007, 05:56 PM

I'm sure Einhander has been mentioned. If not, let me state Einhander is the only Square game other than Rad Racer worth playing. :P

VACRMH

02-12-2007, 09:13 PM

I'm sure Einhander has been mentioned. If not, let me state Einhander is the only Square game other than Rad Racer worth playing. :P

Says you :-P

My suggestion may sound odd, but it's actually a cool puzzle game.

Hello Kitty's Cube Frenzy.

klausien

02-12-2007, 11:00 PM

My number one game for the PSX that has fallen into obscurity is Elemental Gearbolt. All the talk of Project: Horned Owl made me think of it instantly. Strange anime trappings married to light gun shooting excellence. 2D sprites superimposed on 3D backdrops, much like the previously mentioned Horned Owl, though there are also some polygonal enemies as well. The US version requires near perfection due to Working Designs' penchant for upping the difficulty on their localizations, but it is still fair enough and very addictive. I especially love the melancholy soundtrack. Looks spectacular on the PS2 with the smoothing turned on. Worth checking out.

I have also always been partial to Omega Boost. Not particularly hard to find, but a nice rail shooter with the player piloting a mech. Excellent particle effects. Ridiculous low-budget FMV cinemas complete the package. Polyphony Digital developed.

It has already been mentioned, but RayTracers is an excellent blend of Ridge Racer and Chase HQ. I would love to see a sequel to this someday.

I need to also give a shout out to Doom: Special Playstation Edition. My favorite version to this day, sporting colored lighting and an excellent ambient soundtrack that is truly creepy. Much better than the midi shredding of the original to my ears. Another on that looks great on the PS2 with the smoothing turned on.

Ghost in the Shell, as most of you know, is a great 3D action shooter akin to a grown up Jumping Flash, only with a tank that can walk up walls instead of 3 story jumping. Actually, it is by the same developer. A bit on the short side, but full of excellent 3D shooting and anime cinemas. Yet again, I need to mention the music. Excellent deep trance that just makes you feel badass.

Gekido: Urban Fighters is my final pick. It is the closest thing to a 3D Streets of Rage out there. Puts Fighting Force to shame.

Neil Koch

02-12-2007, 11:41 PM

Felony 11-79 (US version of Roundabout) - a fun drive and smash game with some free roaming elements to it. It's pretty short (only 3 levels) but there are lots of vehicles to unlock - I wasted a quarter in college playing this incessantly. The digital control doesn't hold up, but the graphics are still pretty decent and the soundtrack (surf music) is very cool.

The Italian Job - this is a game Rockstar did based on the 60's version with Michael Caine, not the new one with Marky Mark. It came out pretty late in the PS1's life so a lot of people missed out on this, which is a shame. It's basically Driver but with a better difficulty curve and a nice sense of humor. The graphics are some of the best IMO on the PS1 and it's a fun game to play still.

gepeto

02-13-2007, 08:43 AM

I thought Alien trilogy was a under appreciated gem. It had it all level design ,story,sound ,graphics and great gameplay. One of my all time favorites to this day.

RadiantSvgun

02-13-2007, 01:46 PM

My number one game for the PSX that has fallen into obscurity is Elemental Gearbolt. All the talk of Project: Horned Owl made me think of it instantly.

I thought Elemental Gearbolt was more well-known. It took me about a year to track down a copy. It too is another Alfa System game. Very difficult, I have yet to beat the first stage.

I would like to add Alundra 1 to the list. Its like a super hard version of Zelda, but very challenging. Vanguard Bandits is a great title too, but a bit pricey.