Best 2D PS1 games?

[djshok]

I'm looking to get some side-scroller/2d games for the PS1, however I'm not too familiar with that system's library. What are some good ones? I really like Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee and Iron-Man/X-O Manowar Heavy Metal, so anything like those games would be just fine.

Thanks!

[DigitalSpace]

Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, Rayman, and Metal Slug X are must-owns.

[Leo_A]

It's vertically scrolling, but the Raiden Project is a must have in my opinion.

[o.pwuaioc]

Besides what was already mentioned (especially Symphony of the Night!), there's also Tomba, Alundra, Gex, Mega Man 8, Mega Man X4, Mega Man X5, Mega Man X6, and just in case you only played the first one, Oddworld: Abe's Exoddus.

[davidbrit2]

If you want a shooter and don't mind importing, get Darius Gaiden. The Saturn version was released in the US, though, and also benefits from the Saturn's d-pad being much better.

[Zing]

If you want the absolute best platformer on the system, try Klonoa. The graphics are 3D of course, but the game plays like a 2D side scroller.

[Manhattan Sports Club]

-Adventures of Little Ralph (import, 2D action-platformer with RPG elements)
-Adventures of Lomax (2D platformer featuring Lemmings characters)
-Castlevania: Symphony of the Night (you already know this one)
-Earthworm Jim 2 (released during the longbox era)
-Gunner's Heaven a.k.a. Rapid Reload (import, 2D run-n-gun)
-Hermie Hopperhead (import, platformer)
-Klonoa: Door to Phantomile (platformer)
-Mega Man 8 and Mega Man X 4, 5 and 6 (also count the import-only ports of the NES titles)
-Norse By Norsewest (lost vikings sequel, 2D platformer/puzzler)
-Panzer Bandit (import, PSX's answer to Guardian Heroes)
-Silhouette Mirage (by Treasure, platforming run-n-gun)
-Skullmonkeys (platformer with Neverhood characters)
-Strider 2 (action/platformer)
-Tomba 1 and 2 (platformer)
-Viewpoint (another longbox title, isometric shooter)

[PapaStu]

there's also Tomba,

Tomba isn't 2D. It's 3D characters on a 2D line. A hybrid 2.5D if you will. Great games, but not quite a standard 2D game.


While on the not quite 2D games. Incredible Crisis. The game is 3D, but you really don't do much other than say, dodge left or right (while rolling down a street on a bike, or hospital gurney) or walk a flag pole.

Silent Bomber is a over the top (ala Gauntlet Legends) face paced game of awesome.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

Skullmonkeys is brilliant but LONG and pretty brutally difficult in later stages. Still, it holds up as a FANTASTIC Earthworm Jim style platforming experience.

Pandemonium 1 & 2 are also fun 2-D (pseudo 3D) platformers.

[Scissors]

If you like games like Oddworld, you should give Heart of Darkness a try.

Silhouette Mirage is great too. A lot of people weren't happy with the changes Working Designs made to the American version though, so you may want to track down the Japanese version instead.

[SEGA_Queen]

Tomba isn't 2D. It's 3D characters on a 2D line. A hybrid 2.5D if you will. Great games, but not quite a standard 2D game.

If you're talking about Tomba 2, then you're correct. However, the first Tomba game uses sprites, and plays mostly like a traditional 2D platformer. It's similar to Klonoa.

[FoxNtd]

Zanac X Zanac.

But its price...

[RulerStabInTheEye27]

/////

[djshok]

Wow man those are some awesome suggestions! Thanks guys. I'll definitely have to pick some of these up.

[kedawa]

Gunners Heaven

[Pr3tty F1y]

Top down 2D, but still some great games:

Herc's Adventures




Blood Omen: Legacy of Kain

[The 1 2 P]

It's been said but I'll say it again: Castlevania: SOTN and Castlevania Chronicles. Theres also Mortal Kombat Mythologies: Subzero but I'm not sure if I should really mention that one.

[Pr3tty F1y]

Theres also Mortal Kombat Mythologies: Subzero but I'm not sure if I should really mention that one.

Everyone's definition of "best" is different

...

I'm just not sure if it's that different

[The 1 2 P]

Well I liked the game and even I wouldn't call it the best of anything, except maybe the best "press a button to look in either the left or right direction" game. But it only wins because of such little competition.

[o.pwuaioc]

Well I liked the game and even I wouldn't call it the best of anything, except maybe the best "press a button to look in either the left or right direction" game. But it only wins because of such little competition.

That it was the best in its class.