PlayStation Review: The Console That Changed Gaming Forever
8.5/10 — Sony PlayStation (PS1)
Pros
- Landmark games like Final Fantasy VII and Metal Gear Solid
- Made gaming mainstream and grown-up
- CD format made games cheaper and bigger
- Plentiful and affordable second-hand
Cons
- Early 3D graphics look very dated
- Launch controller has no analogue sticks
- Laser units wear out on many consoles
- Needs upscaling to look good on modern TVs
The original PlayStation, launched in Europe in September 1995, turned Sony from a newcomer into the biggest name in gaming. It popularised CD-based games and 3D graphics, aimed squarely at older players, and went on to sell more than 100 million units. Many of the series it launched are still going today.
Design
The PlayStation is a compact grey console with a top-loading CD drive. The first controller had no analogue sticks, but the DualShock, which added twin sticks and rumble, arrived in 1997 and became the template for every PlayStation controller since. In 2000, Sony launched the PS one, a smaller, rounder redesign.
CDs and 3D
The PlayStation’s use of CDs was a big advantage over the Nintendo 64’s cartridges. CDs were cheaper to make and held far more data, so games could include full-motion video, CD-quality music and huge worlds. Its 3D graphics look primitive today, with wobbly textures and low-polygon models, but at the time they were revolutionary.
Games
The PlayStation’s library is legendary. Final Fantasy VII, Metal Gear Solid, Gran Turismo, Resident Evil, Tekken 3, Crash Bandicoot, Spyro the Dragon, Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, Tomb Raider, WipEout and Silent Hill are just a few. Many of these have been remade or remastered, but the originals still have a charm all of their own.
Buying one today
PS1 consoles are widely available second-hand. The most common fault is a worn laser, which causes discs to skip or fail to load, so check the console reads games reliably before buying. Like other consoles of the era, it looks best on a CRT TV or with a good upscaler. And remember most PS1 games also play on a PS2, which may be the easier option.
Verdict
The original PlayStation is one of the most important consoles ever made. It brought 3D gaming and grown-up games to the mainstream and launched series that still define gaming today. Its graphics have aged, but its best games are still well worth playing, and a PS1 or PS one is a great addition to any retro collection.
