5. Tombi!
You may have seen Tombi on many a PS1 ‘top ten’ list, sadly usually referring to its elusiveness as opposed to its quality gameplay. Tombi is like nothing else, revolving around a pepped up savage as he leaps onto everything in his path. Tombi is also a site for the eyes, featuring a unique art style that is filled with bright colours, which makes it a treat to play. Although it hasn’t held up quite as well as other games on the list, playing this oddity is a must for anyone who loves the genre. Finding a copy is difficult, but PS1 connoisseurs will enjoy owning Tombi.
~ Joe Hetherington
4. Rayman 2
In all my years of gaming, I have never seen a PS1 collection that does not include the original Rayman. A fun yet rather flawed game (especially later levels), many of us were introduced to the limbless lad many years back. Rayman 2 managed to top everything its predecessor set, making a seamless jump to the third dimension. Fun level design, variation and satisfying gameplay really differentiated Rayman 2 from other platformers and offered a better 3D platforming experience than nearly anything else on the PS1 at the time. Picking up a copy of this gem is fairly easy these days and is available on nearly every console, which is just a testament to how great this game is.
~ Joe Hetherington
3. Klonoa: Door to Phantomile
It’s rare that Klonoa ever pops up in lists of this ilk, typically lost in the obscurities of the Playstation 1. A great shame, as Klonoa is easily one of the best games on the system, bolstering some unique platforming gameplay that has aged surprisingly well. Klonoa is a 2.5D platformer featuring a plucky protagonist with the ability to pick stuff up with his ears. This gimmick makes for some rather interesting moments in the game and manages to remain unique to this day. The price tag and dated graphics may be off putting, but it is a game worth playing for platforming fans.
~ Joe Hetherington
2. Spyro 2: Ripto’s Rage!
When discussing PS1 games in general, it’s difficult not to bring up Spyro and the legendary trilogy that hit the console. Although the plot and general narrative are nothing to write home about (like any platformer really), it is the spot on level design that makes Spyro 2 such an enjoyable romp. Despite being a 1999 release, Spyro 2 holds up rather well, with the tight controls and addictive gameplay still giving it life even amongst its contemporaries. Hopefully Spyro can return to form soon enough and shake off the Skylanders stigma attached to the little purple dragon.