“The PlayStation Classic is on its way, so what about the games?”

Almost 25 years ago, the original PlayStation was introduced to the world. Developed by Sony Computer Entertainment, it was the first home console in video game history to ship 100 million units worldwide, offering consumers a chance to play games with real-time 3D rendered graphics in their homes for the first time.

The inevitable has happened!

Considering the NES Classic outsold the PS4, Xbox One, and the Nintendo Switch this past June, it was only a matter of time before we saw the really big names take notice. Nintendo, despite the whole fiasco between themselves and online ROMs, has always been about repackaging and reselling many of the games from their extensive 30-year history. Should they be expected to re-release every game they’ve ever published? In my opinion, no, as that would be entirely unprecedented in the industry and the licensing issues would be enormous, but it remains that they’ve done plenty to keep the retro magic alive: virtual console in the previous two generations, including NES games as a perk with their infamous online service, putting out plenty of ports and remasters and collections, and of course the classic editions. If any company thrives on nostalgia, it’s Ninty. How long until we get an N64 in miniature?

Leading from behind, Nintendo stood at the forefront of the growing retro-re-release craze with Sega putting out their made-in-China editions and Atari talking about their own foray back into hardware. Now, Sony too has laid their cards on the table, although, as I say, not every single PS1 game could ever make an appearance.

Introducing the PlayStation Classic, a $100 HDMI plug-and-play miniature console with 20 pre-loaded games and 2 classic PS1 controllers! No memory card, yay but no dual sticks…!

The PlayStation is one of the most influential systems in history and it had an insanely huge library. Seeing this is like a dream come true, and you can be sure I’ll pick it up, though it remains to be seen whether Sony will supply enough units to overcome the problems Nintendo created with demand and scalpers. Sure, the PlayStation Classic has an identical name but it’s an opportunity for Sony to learn from Nintendo’s victories and mistakes by coming on the scene later, repeating history in that sense. Maybe there will be connectivity with PSN to purchase more games for the system? Too much to ask?

So in true Sony fashion, the mini console is more expensive than its direct competitors, and it has fewer games, but what games it has! Thus far, we know about Final Fantasy VII, Jumping Flash, Ridge Racer Type 4, Tekken 3, and Wild Arms. As with the NES/SNES Classics, there may be licensing issues and other boring reasons why some all-time greats don’t make it to the system, but in a perfect world, these would be my picks for the 20 games to make an appearance on this mini library, minus the five revealed titles, of course.
Be sure to share your 20 picks for the PlayStation Classic with us! Leave us a comment!

#15. Final Fantasy VIII

Besides Final Fantasy VII, Jumping Flash, Ridge Racer Type 4, Tekken 3, and Wild Arms, I think it’s an absolute necessity to include the PS1 Final Fantasy trilogy on this system. That alone would make it a must buy, especially if it included the oft-shunned Final Fantasy VIII, which most recently didn’t make the cut to the Nintendo Switch. Why not show this classic some love, Sony?

#14. Final Fantasy IX

This is my pick for the best of the PS1 FF trilogy and it’s got to make an appearance, especially since it’s a send-off to the early Final Fantasy era.

#13. Crash Bandicoot

When Sony first entered the hardware scene, Nintendo was still on top, despite some erosion by Sega’s strongest and most aggressive attempts at market dominance. To counter the Big N, Sony unleashed an idealized mascot upon the world: their brown Sonic the Hedgehog. Crash might have been mostly left by the wayside as Sony evolved but his place as one of the PlayStation’s few iconic mascots should or will likely cement him a place in the library, for better or worse.

#12. Metal Gear Solid

Now for a game of which I have only positive things to say, the original Metal Gear Solid would be a godsend for this miniature console. It’s a wonderful game and while it wouldn’t have the polish put into Twin Snakes, the original is still a very engaging game to play. SNAAAAAAAKE.

#11. Castlevania: Symphony of the Night

The greatest Castlevania game ever resides firmly in the PlayStation One library so please… please don’t forget this title, Sony! I have only played this game once but what an experience it was. Maybe recast the voice actors for the re-release? Hahahah! This title alone would prevent this classic edition from being a miserable little pile of secrets.

#10. Chrono Cross

The Super Nintendo Classic Edition’s biggest stumble was not including Chrono Trigger, but it was a remarkable experience to find Chrono Trigger trending in conversations online recently. Sony can remedy that error in their own way by at least including the okayish sequel. I would have said just include the anthology release with Chrono Trigger and FFVI but that game has loading times slower than things that are known for being incredibly slow.

#9. Breath of Fire III

One of the highest quality JRPGs on a system full of them, Breath of Fire III (over IV) would be the perfect entry to represent the traditional role-playing experience! Not too many people have had the chance to play it compared to the Final Fantasies so it would be great to see it again.

#8. Xenogears

Lots of RPGs on this list, huh? Well it’s my list! Make your own! Plus, this is the PS1 we’re talking about. I only played a bit of Xenogears but man, would I love to sink my teeth into it once more on a reliable platform.

#7. Spyro the Dragon

One of the big PS1 IPs, I remember Spyro from demos. He’s seeing the light of day again with a remaster but why not take us all the way back to his fire-breathin’ roots? Gotta get some of that 3D platforming in here. This is the 90s!

#6. Vagrant Story

A unique gaming experience that never quite got its due, Vagrant Story was one of the most technical, complex, and mystifying video games of its time. I wonder if any of us would even be able to beat this game these days?! I certainly couldn’t back then. This would probably be the hardest game on this system, if it appeared.

#5. PaRappa the Rapper

And now for something completely different! Rhythm games have largely come and gone but who could forget PaRappa? Heck, I still see the commercials… every night in my dreams.

#4. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2

Ai caramba and holy guacamole, this game is wicked sick, dawgs. Pro Skater 2 is like my entire high school social life. I already played it to death, but given the opportunity, I’d do it again in a heartbeat. Do a barrel roll… as Spider-Man!

#3. Resident Evil

The first or second game could occupy this spot here, but the first would at least give us the foundation of what became a monumental horror series. We all know that PlayStation initially provided a mature gaming experience for older gamers, and they still hold onto that perception. There are a variety of horror games that could make an appearance but this has to be one of the most famous.

#2. Twisted Metal 2

Something with a real sense of speed and carnage, the second game is widely considered the better or best. This was another game I played the heck out of with friends back in the day, plus it could give some great variety to this mini library which could otherwise be entirely stuffed full of JRPGs. Something for everyone! I think that’s important with these mini consoles.

#1. Final Fantasy Tactics

This list isn’t exactly ordered from best to worst or anything but I put the best here at #1, anyway. Final Fantasy Tactics is one of the all-time best Final Fantasy games with its incredible story, deliciously strategic gameplay, and wonderful graphics that still look great. Don’t believe me, check out “The Zodiac Killer” podcast episode!

There’s never been a better time to be a retro-gamer! That’s my 20 games! What are yours?

Red formerly ran The Well-Red Mage and now serves The Pixels as founder, writer, editor, and podcaster. He has undertaken a seemingly endless crusade to talk about the games themselves in the midst of a culture obsessed with the latest controversy, scandal, and news cycle about harassment, toxicity, and negativity. Pick out his feathered cap on Twitter @thewellredmage, Mage Cast, or Story Mode.