PlayStation Classic lineup is a mixed bag

The PlayStation Classic lineup is finally available. No need to ponder potential releases like with a Nintendo64 Classic. Looking at the release list, I can see why there’s concern. Some massive franchises are missing. Crash and Spyro make sense, in light of their recent HD remasters, but Tomb Raider is a glaring hole in the lineup.

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With such a massive library of classic games, there was no chance of including them all in the release. I’m sure Sony is holding some back for a second release next year if this succeeds the way the NES and SNES Classics did.

Now, let’s look at the list of games Sony is providing. Are they classics? Why might they be on the list if they aren’t? Let’s dig in.

Battle Arena Toshinden

Released with the launch of the PlayStation, Toshinden was a graphical powerhouse when it came out. Characters roll toward and away from the screen, a revolutionary use of the 3^rd dimension. Developed as a first party title by Sony, this exclusive is likely a cheap and easy inclusion for the Classic.

Cool Boarders 2

Extreme snowboarding is very 90s. Cool Boarders was a successful series developed exclusively for the PlayStation. It sold well enough to become part of the Greatest Hits lineup. It also adds diversity to the genres represented on the Classic.

Destruction Derby

Released a month after the console came to North America, Destruction Derby features in a lot of early advertisements for the system. It’s not a Sony exclusive, but they treated it like it was one. Like Cool Boarders 2 it makes sense to include for genre inclusion.

Final Fantasy VII

I don’t need to address this one. If anybody doubts Final Fantasy VII belongs on this list they’re a fool. JRPGs exploded in the west thanks for this game. It showed off the power of the PlayStation more than any other game at the time.

Grand Theft Auto

GTA is current one of the largest game series running, and it began with this top-down perspective release. Brand recognition for GTA makes it a solid addition to the line-up. I suspect GTA 2 will appear on a follow up Classic console.

Intelligent Qube

This one is interesting. I had the game on a demo disc that came with my PlayStation. A great puzzle game that fully utilizes 3D space. I love this game, but it wasn’t a hit. Published by Sony, it feels like a low cost inclusion.

Jumping Flash

Sony really tried to turn Jumping Flash into a franchise. It’s an early attempt at 3D platforming from the days before Super Mario 64 showed the world how to do it. Jumping Flash does not hold up well. It’s here because it’s cheap and easy to include.

Metal Gear Solid

Like Final Fantasy VII, Metal Gear Solid is a game that needs no introduction. For many people this game is the PlayStation in their memories. Sony would have been fools to miss this one.

Mr Driller

I had to look this one up. Released by Namco, Mr Driller appeared on many different systems. There’s nothing special about the PlayStation release. Looking at reviews, it’s a fun little game, but not a classic. Filler.

Oddworld: Abe’s Oddysee

Oddworld is a fitting title. The whole series is strange, but the unique mix of puzzles and platforming was a massive success. Abe might be the ugliest mascot of all time, but he’s a great inclusion in the Classic lineup.

Rayman

Rayman had some amazing releases last generation. Origins and Legacy are awesome titles. The PlayStation version of the original makes sense to continue the moment of the relatively recent releases. I wouldn’t be surprised if Ubisoft has another Rayman game in the works.

Resident Evil Director’s Cut

Another title that makes too much sense. Resident Evil is one of the big franchises of the PlayStation. One could argue the sequel deserves the spot, but it’ll be there on the next Classic release.

Revelations: Persona

Persona 5 was a big hit in a small genre. Final Fantasy VII exploded the JRPG, but in recent years the genre has quieted to hardcore fans only. Persona seems to straddle that bridge, so it’s inclusion makes sense to appeal to those fans.

Ridge Racer Type 4

Racing is well represented on the PlayStation. Most people would have expected Gran Turismo to appear on the Classic, but Ridge Racer is the arcade style-racing equivalent. It lacks the brand connection to Sony, but this is a solid choice.

Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo

Fun puzzle game. Intelligent Qube is a 3D puzzle title, and here we have a 2D puzzle game. Fun game, but not a system seller. Another filler title.

Syphon Filter

Sony’s first party action game that capitalized on the success of Metal Gear Solid. Putting this on the Classic makes sense. Strong brand recognition for those nostalgic for the PlayStation era, while being affordable.

Tekken 3

Toshinden was the first major brawler on the console, but Tekken 3 is the biggest. While I’m not a fan of the series, it would be a shame not to have it included. The series continues to go strong today. This is smart marketing from Namco to hype the newest Tekken.

Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six

Tom Clancy’s name sold many games in the late 90s. Rainbow Six was unique for being a realistic approach to first person shooters, and the lone representative of its genre. Considering how poorly the genre holds up from this time, choosing any title to represent the genre would be tough.

Twisted Metal

Mario Kart’s older edgy 90s brother, Twisted Metal is a classic PlayStation series. Violent, over the top action with a heavy metal soundtrack, the series generated 4 games on the original console. The sequel is the best of the bunch…another future release I’m sure.

Wild Arms

Published by Sony in North America, Wild Arms was the appetizer before FFVII released later in 1997. For many JRPG fans Wild Arms is a classic, but it’s not widely known outside its genre niche. For a Sony published JRPG, Legend of Dragoon would have been a better choice, but this isn’t a bad inclusion.

Conclusion

The lineup has many classics (MGS and FFVII). There’s filler games too (Mr Driller and Intelligent Cube). Some would be better if they were sequels (GTA 2 and Twisted Metal 2). Overall, the lineup here is decent. It suggests a second version will be coming with other games.

Silent Hill, Tony Hawk, and Tomb Raider all feel like shoe ins for a second release in 2019.

Looking at these games make me eager to discover how well old PlayStation games hold up. Nostalgia is a powerful thing. Do the games from the late 90s still play well? Over the coming weeks, I’m going to look at my own personal top 10 and replay them.

Here’s my top 10 list in alphabetical order:

Some overlap with the PlayStation Classic, but plenty are my personal picks. Would a new gamer enjoy playing these titles? I’m going to replay each for a minimum of three hours and provide my thoughts. Do my favorite games hold up? I’ll release a review for each game over the coming weeks