Sony made a significant impact in the console industry with its entry into the market in 1995. The company's strong focus on software contributed to its remarkable success, evident in the extensive PS1 game library.
Some of these games not only provided great entertainment but also pushed players to their limits. Certain titles tested players' dexterity with a wide range of shoot 'em ups and FPS games, while others challenged their strategic thinking. These Sony-published PlayStation 1 games stood out as some of the toughest and most demanding titles on the platform, leaving a lasting legacy for the fifth generation of consoles.
6 MediEvil
GameFAQs Difficulty Rating: 3.12/5
Drawing inspiration from Ghosts 'N Goblins and Tim Burton's Nightmare Before Christmas, MediEvil puts players in control of Sir Daniel Fortesque, a knight of the King of Gallowmere who was defeated in battle. Revived by a malevolent sorcerer named Zarok, Dan is entrusted with the task of vanquishing the wizard and his seemingly endless army.
Spanning 21 levels, the game progressively intensifies the challenges and equips players with evolving weapons, presenting a captivating dark fantasy adventure. MediEvil emerges as one of the most difficult and compelling games on the PS1.
5 Bushido Blade
GameFAQs Difficulty Rating: 3.28/5
While the PS1 boasted exceptional fighting games like Tekken 3 and Street Fighter Alpha 3, none could rival the uniqueness and difficulty of Bushido Blade. With its sophisticated body targeting system, the game emphasizes realistic damage and injuries, where a single strike can determine the outcome of a fight, rewarding patience and skill. Each battle in Bushido Blade feels like a fight for survival rather than a mere brawl.
4 Twisted Metal 2
GameFAQs Difficulty Rating: 3.29/5
Vehicular combat games enjoyed popularity in the '90s, with standout titles like Twisted Metal and Vigilante 8. However, Twisted Metal 2 stands out as an exceptionally tough and truly challenging car combat game. Set in a chaotic Los Angeles, the game presents a relentless struggle for survival against a diverse array of well-designed vehicles.
3 Final Fantasy Tactics
GameFAQs Difficulty Rating: 3.45/5
Among the myriad spin-offs spawned by Final Fantasy, Final Fantasy Tactics shines as one of the most intricate and challenging turn-based tactical strategy games set in the world of Ivalice. With steep difficulty spikes and an air of apprehension surrounding every battle, the game urges players to save frequently. Regarded as one of the best turn-based strategy games, it also stands as one of the most demanding and gratifying PS1 titles.
2 Crash Bandicoot
GameFAQs Difficulty Rating: 3.50/5
Despite uncertainties about the future of this iconic platformer, the original Crash Bandicoot remains one of the most challenging PS1 games. Infamous for its unforgiving gameplay, the levels progressively escalate in difficulty, leading players from the narrow forests of N. Sanity Island to the incredibly vexing High Road. The Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy offers even more challenges, along with a much-needed visual overhaul. Fans of the original are in for a tough time, as Crash Bandicoot stands as one of the most arduous titles on the PS1.
1 Einhander
GameFAQs Difficulty Rating: 3.97/5
Amidst Sony's extensive PlayStation lineup, Einhander stands out as a forgotten gem. This impeccably crafted shoot 'em up, with its unique setting and captivating soundtrack, presents the most challenging and punishing experience on the PS1. The game's fast-paced, intense 2.5D side-scrolling battles, focusing on the Einhander pilots engaging colossal ships, set it apart from other shmups and contribute to its heightened intensity.