Games We Love (10/19/22) - Playstation
Games We Love
October 19th, 2022 - Staff writer Lauren Sisselman discusses a handful of graded games that tell a compelling story or conjure feelings of nostalgia. This week covers our favorite graded Playstation Games:
In 1994 Sony released its very first solo entry into the video game world, the PlayStation. While Sony had been working with Nintendo in the past – at one point almost co-releasing a Super Nintendo CD-ROM System – Nintendo cut ties with the company and moved on. Sony went full speed ahead on their own and released the PlayStation in Japan in December of 1994, and then in North America in September 1995. The console took America by storm, and by the time Christmas of 1995 rolled around, players had more than a dozen compelling PS1 titles to choose from.
The PlayStation became a staple console overnight, outlasting many of its competitors. To this day new PlayStation releases garner worldwide attention, and currently, the PlayStation 5 is still one of the hardest consoles to get your hands on a full two years after its release. To celebrate over 20 years of the PlayStation, here are a few of my favorite games from the first-generation PS1 console.
Crash Bandicoot is one of my favorite PlayStation games of all time. My sister and I spent a lot of time trying to defeat Doctor Neo Cortex. This single-player platform game is an engrossing game from start to finish, with fun graphics and an easy-to-follow storyline. Crash Bandicoot sold over a million copies worldwide in 1996, resulting in the game being one of the top five best-selling games that year. Subsequent sequels followed, and in 2020 Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time was released across multiple consoles, including the PS5. While we don’t know if there will be another installment, fans can still go back and enjoy all four titles currently available.
This first entry in the franchise is a fine collector's piece. Graded 7.5 A by WATA, this sealed game is a beautiful example of a late 90s staple. I prefer mid-grade examples such as this as they tend to be easier to obtain. This game would be perfect for PlayStation collectors, collectors of the franchise, or anyone who enjoys taking a trip down memory lane!
Marvel Super Heroes vs. Street Fighter
I love crossover fighting games. When I first played Marvel Super Heroes vs. Street Fighter in the arcade, I was hooked on the title! Thankfully for my dad’s wallet, the game was ported to home consoles in 1999, and I still have my PS copy in my old bedroom. This game is a follow-up to the X-Men vs. Street Fighter game, both developed by Capcom. Just like its predecessor, this game features bright and colorful graphics and an easy-to-follow storyline. The character selection is diverse and allows players to pick from 17 unique characters.
The cover for Marvel Super Heroes vs. Street Fighter is a no-thrills cover, and I like it. The title pops off of the cover thanks to the juxtaposition of the title on top of the background really works in this game's favor. With a WATA grade of 7.5 A+, this sealed game would present beautifully in a multitude of collections: Street Fighter, Marvel Comics, fighting games, crossover games, and even specific character collections!
PaRappa the Rapper is one of the most unique titles on the PS1, as well as one of the most important games in the rhythm game genre. Considered to be an influential rhythm game, PaRappa introduced American gamers to a whole new genre of gaming. This game took over my younger sister's summer when we got it, and she even cosplayed as PaRapper at a local anime con! The game's unique look, catchy soundtrack, and fun gameplay made it an overnight hit. PaRappa spawned a sequel and spin-off, Um Jammer Lammy, and PaRappa even had its own anime. Gamers are still playing this game to this day, keeping its legacy and importance alive.
This WATA-graded 8.5 A sealed copy is clean and stunning. The cover for PaRappa the Rapper is as eye-catching as ever, with popping colors and clean lines. His simple yet effective character design is on full display, beckoning you to come to join him and jam. This game is great for collectors who like influential video games, and rhythm games, or for someone looking to start (or add on to) their PaRapper collection.
Action role-playing games have been a staple for gamers since The Legend of Zelda gave the genre a much-needed blueprint. Developed by Square – the brains behind the legendary Final Fantasy series – Threads of Fate follows two protagonists on a quest for an ancient relic that can grant any wish. This fully 3D game featured no pre-rendered cutscenes and gives players a chance to play as both protagonists. While the gameplay for each character differs, they both end at their antagonist's fortress for the final battle.
While there hasn’t been a sequel yet, the characters helped game writer Daisuke Watanabe become comfortable with writing female protagonists, which ultimately helped develop Final Fantasy’s Yuna and Lightning. It may not be an FF game, but its creation helped many of the developers at Square do more with future FF installments. Players of the mobile game Rampage Land Rankers can also find costumes from Threads of Fate in this mobile game.
The watercolor-like cover is reminiscent of many anime titles. With our two heroes on the front at opposing ends, this game caught my eye immediately. With a WATA grade of 9.2 A++, this sealed, higher-grade, affordable copy is a prime example of this popular game. This would be perfect for RPG collectors, female protagonist collectors, and even Final Fantasy fans.
Looking For More General Information on Graded Games?
· If any of the terminology used in this guide was confusing or new to you, please refer to our convenient glossary of terms here.
· Need more information about graded games in general? Check out this intro to the different types of certified video games here.
