The original PlayStation is returning in mini format. We’ve seen it with other consoles over the past few Christmases and now it’s time for something much more in my era. Yes, I had a SNES and it was my favourite thing for the longest time, but I was living in the past when me and my sister were on that. The PlayStation was my world from probably 1995 until the new one landed in 2001.
I simply do not have the time to play games right now, so I have no right to go around telling people what choices are good ones. However, once I do get back around to it, I’ll want to make sure that I’ve got all that I need. By now, we already know a handful of the games heading to the PlayStation Classic Mini console, but let’s scrap that. I had very few games but the ones I did have (and the demos for the ones I didn’t have) got played to death. It’s going to be heavily weighted based on my tastes, so apologies that I’m going to be extremely selfish with my selections.
I’ll start by mentioning games that I played loads when I was younger but know I’d hate now: Rayman and Croc. Ones that I was forced to play at other people’s houses that I still wouldn’t want to play now: Tomb Raider and Metal Gear Solid. Ones that I never played that others love: Final Fantasy and Spyro. Ones that I’d have no interest in at all, although other probably would: football games.
Here are the 20 games I hope the PlayStation Classic Mini is pre-loaded with:
1. Tekken 3
Possibly the first game I properly anticipated the launch of. I remember getting my PS1 for my birthday or Christmas with Tekken 2 and I never betrayed the series for another beat’em up since. It was that good. The stories, the characters and everything was just on point. Then they came back with a new vibe with Tekken 3.
Jin was running thangs, we had a bag of new fly people like Eddy Gordo, Hwoarang and my all-time favourite Bryan Fury in this one. The side-stepping made it feel like it was from the future. The fact that you could play beach volleyball, and that “CHICKEN” in Tekken Force mode just set it levels above anything I’d ever played before.
2. Driv3r
I was too young to appreciate this when it came out, so it makes sense to go back and see what the fuss was about.
3. Tombi
The demo was levels. I know it’s ridiculous expensive on the second-hand market now, but it really was a great game.
4. Grand Theft Auto 2
I swear I never played GTA until the third one. I know it was a completely different experience, but I may as well go back and see what this was saying.
5. Worms
How can you not love Worms. It’s just perfect in every way. They stayed in their lane and got the job done. I don’t think I ever played this on this console, but it was amazing on PC, so I trust they delivered here too.
6. Crash Bandicoot
I had to throw this classic in there. It’s a bait choice but who’s going to argue against it.
7. Ready 2 Rumble Boxing: Round 2
You could play as Michael Jackson. Why would I need to say anything else? I’ve just realised that there are still phrases I use to this day that came from the fighter intros on this game. I can’t quite remember whether or not I had the prequel. (I’m sure a gameplay video would job my memory), but this was a thoroughly enjoyable cartoony boxing game.
8. Hogs of War
Thinking back from memory alone, this one was like Worms but in 3D, and with pigs instead of worms. I played this one at my friend’s house a lot as I didn’t have it. I recall it being crazy violent but very child-friendly at the same time.
9. X-men vs Street Fighter
I played Street Fighter II Turbo to death in my early years, but didn’t know the X-Men at all at the time. This fusion was a great one and I think everyone will appreciate it.
10. Oddworld: Abe’s Odyssey
Weird as they come but I’d just want to give it another go.
11. Space Jam
Space Jam might be the greatest film ever made, and they managed to make a game that was just as satisfying to play. I have to big them up for doing such a great job of the commentary on this one. My brain hasn’t stopped saying ”The Monstars lead the Toons by five” since I started writing this.
Not only did you have the basketball; they also had you doing all sorts of minigames along the way too. They did a great job with this one and I wouldn’t hesitate to give it another go.
12. Bugs Bunny: Lost in Time
Off the back of Space Jam, I was into the Looney Toons. This was one of the games that entered my life and I’m not ashamed to say how much I enjoyed it.
13. Weakest Link
So check this: everyone from Nottingham born before 2002 should remember Donnington Market. I bought a rip-off version of this from the market, got home and played it. The next day I tried it and it did not work. I loved The Weakest Link and I feel a good trivia game would be right at home on here. (Plus I never really got a chance to play it the first time).
14. MediEval
What even was this. It freaked me out, but I’d love to go back.
15. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2
One of my friends had this and I recall it being black-and-white. I didn’t realise until much later that it was because he had a fake copy.
16. TOCA 2
For them ones when you’re bored and just need a quick race.
17. Crash Team Racing
I hate to double-up on series, but this was one of few racing games I would want to see again.
18. Bomberman World
I could play this for days and never get bored.
19. Klonoa: Door to Phantomile
I know so little about Klonoa other than the fact I loved the demo, so I’d probably enjoy this.
20. WWF SmackDown! 2: Know Your Role
I can’t explain how much of a difference THQ made to WWF games. WWF War Zone and WWF Attitude were horrible to play. It was ridiculous. I loved them for the fact my life revolved around wrestling at the time, but other than that, no. The first SmackDown gave us the first modern pick up and play wrestling game and the second one kept the levels up.
Even the advert for this one was great. I know I usually play as The Rock first any time I play a WWE game, but looking at the roster, I’d love to do a fatal fourway as Steve Blackman, vs Taka Michinoku, Perry Saturn and Essa Rios, just because I can.