Growing up in the 90s and early 2000s in Indonesia was a unique experience, especially for those of us who spent countless hours with the PlayStation 1 console. Who can forget the excitement of rushing to the PS rental after school, waiting for our turn to play while hearing the cheers of other kids having a blast? The PS1 wasn't just a console; it was a symbol of childhood memories filled with friendship, rivalry, and endless fun.
Released by Sony in 1994, the PS1 revolutionized the way we played video games, bringing cutting-edge 3D graphics and immersive gameplay—something we had never imagined before. This article will take us back to those days, discussing the top 10 most played PlayStation 1 games at the PS rentals, as told from the perspective of rental kids. Let’s dive into this nostalgic journey!
PlayStation 1: The Console that Changed Everything
I still remember the first time I saw a PS1 at a rental shop, my eyes glued to the stunning graphics on the screen. The PS1 was more than just a console; it was a gateway to an endless new world. Before the PS1, most of the games we knew were 2D, but Sony amazed the world with sophisticated 3D graphics, providing a more realistic and immersive experience. I remember watching the opening scene of games like Final Fantasy VII, where the cutscenes looked like an animated movie—something extraordinary back then.
In Indonesia, the PS1's popularity exploded around the early 2000s. At that time, PS rentals spread across every corner of the streets, from big cities to rural areas. For many of us, every weekend was filled with hours of gaming at the rental, using pocket money we saved from our daily allowances. I can still vividly recall competing with friends for game time, all of us captivated by the digital worlds the PS1 offered. This console truly changed the way we enjoyed games and brought a revolution to the digital entertainment industry.
10. Tekken 3: Endless Fights That Stay in Memory
Among all the games on PS1, Tekken 3 was one of the most popular and often caused chaos at the rental. Released by Namco in 1997, Tekken 3 brought something entirely different to the fighting genre. I remember how every match was filled with cheers, and sometimes a little debate about who got to play as their favorite character.
Personally, I always chose Jin Kazama as my main character. There was something captivating about his combination of fast and deadly attacks. But Tekken 3 wasn't just about winning the matches; for me, it was about mastering characters and discovering the most effective strategies. Every time I faced a friend, I tried to understand their attack patterns, which made each fight so thrilling.
What keeps Tekken 3 relevant today is its depth of gameplay. Each character has a unique backstory and moveset, setting it apart from other fighting games of its time. For example, Heihachi Mishima’s conflict-filled backstory and Law’s Bruce Lee-inspired fighting style added layers of storytelling that kept players attached to these characters. No wonder Tekken 3 is still considered one of the best fighting games ever made.
9. Vigilante 8: Action-Packed Vehicle Battles
Vigilante 8 took vehicle combat to a whole new level with action and strategy. Released by Activision in 1998, this game offered truly unique gameplay for its time. I remember how my friends and I would debate which vehicle was the most powerful—whether it was the massive truck with high destructive power or the nimble sports car.
One experience I remember fondly while playing Vigilante 8 at the rental was when I managed to beat all my friends with a brilliant strategy—using Sheila and the Landmaster vehicle equipped with the Quake Disruptor. This weapon would launch shockwaves that could throw enemies into the air, and it was immensely satisfying to see my opponents flying through the air after being hit.
What made Vigilante 8 stand out was its blend of racing and combat, providing a completely different gaming experience from other titles of the era. Additionally, the retro-futuristic 1970s setting gave it a unique aesthetic that was easy to remember. For me, Vigilante 8 was the perfect example of a game that not only entertained but also taught us the importance of strategy and teamwork in multiplayer mode.
8. Winning Eleven 4: Hypnotic Football Action
For football fans, Winning Eleven 4 was a must-play. Released by Konami in 1999, this game became a favorite among players worldwide, including in Indonesia. I remember organizing mini-tournaments with my friends at the rental, using dream teams composed of football legends like Zinedine Zidane, Roberto Carlos, and David Beckham.
One of the most memorable moments was when I managed to win the Master League with a team I built from scratch. Winning Eleven 4 had an incredibly addictive Master League mode, where you could buy and sell players and build your perfect team. There was a special satisfaction in seeing a team you started from zero rise to victory, and I’m sure many of you felt the same.
But it wasn't just the gameplay that made Winning Eleven 4 so special. For me, this game was also a way to learn more about football. I started to understand the game’s strategies, player positions, and the importance of teamwork on the field. Back then, playing Winning Eleven 4 wasn’t just about winning or losing; it was about learning and sharpening tactical thinking skills. It was a game that was not only fun but also educational for football fans.
7. Crash Bandicoot: An Unforgettable Adventure
Crash Bandicoot wasn’t just a platformer game; for me, it was the definition of pure fun. Developed by Naughty Dog and released by Sony Computer Entertainment in 1996, Crash Bandicoot took us into a colorful world filled with exciting challenges. I still vividly remember the thrill of jumping over deep pits and dodging enemies that appeared out of nowhere.
One of the most heart-pounding moments for me was when I had to escape from the huge rolling boulder behind Crash. The adrenaline rush and the quickening heartbeat kept me glued to the screen. Combined with the iconic soundtrack and stunning graphics, Crash Bandicoot created an unforgettable gaming experience.
What made Crash Bandicoot so special was the combination of challenging gameplay and lovable characters. Crash, the energetic bandicoot with his funny walk and signature moves, became an icon for many of us who grew up with the game. For me, every level in Crash Bandicoot was not only a challenge to overcome but also an adventure filled with joy and surprises.
6. Pepsi Man: A Unique Superhero
Pepsi Man was a quirky and somewhat bizarre game, but that’s what made it so captivating. Released by KID in 1999, this game cast us as the Pepsi mascot, tasked with delivering Pepsi to thirsty people. I remember feeling a little confused at first—was this really just a walking advertisement? But over time, I began to understand the appeal of this fast-paced, action-packed gameplay.
One thing I remember about Pepsi Man was how difficult it was. Each level was filled with obstacles, from speeding cars to falling wooden planks. I often had to replay levels multiple times just to complete them, and the sense of accomplishment when I finally reached the finish line without hitting anything was incredibly satisfying.
Aside from its addictive gameplay, Pepsi Man was known for its hilarious and over-the-top cutscenes. In one scene, I still recall Pepsi Man skating through obstacles on a skateboard, and that scene became a favorite topic of conversation among my friends at the rental.
5. Crash Team Racing: The Ultimate Kart Racer
Crash Team Racing (CTR) was another game that always had a place in my heart. Released in 1999 by Naughty Dog, it brought a unique twist to the kart racing genre by combining the fun of racing with characters from the Crash Bandicoot universe. From the very first race, I knew this game was special, and it quickly became a favorite among my friends.
The game's fun factor was enhanced by its colorful graphics, wacky characters, and smooth controls. I remember how competitive we would get during multiplayer sessions, trying to be the first to cross the finish line while avoiding traps, collecting power-ups, and using weapons to sabotage each other. The variety of characters, like Crash, Dr. Neo Cortex, and Tiny Tiger, gave us a lot of options for racing style, each with their own strengths and weaknesses.
But what really set CTR apart was its challenging tracks. There was always a new course that would test your reflexes and ability to handle tight corners. I remember spending hours trying to perfect my speed on each track and beating my friends at their own game. The game’s adventure mode, where you had to unlock new tracks and characters, also added another layer of excitement and replayability.
CTR wasn’t just about speed—it was about mastering the mechanics, perfecting your timing, and outsmarting your opponents. It was the ultimate kart racer on the PS1, and for many of us, it still holds a special place in our gaming memories.
4. Twisted Metal: Vehicle Combat with a Touch of Madness
Twisted Metal is a game that brings vehicle combat to the next level, with a much darker and more intense approach than similar games. Released by SingleTrac in 1995, Twisted Metal introduced us to a world where vehicles were not just modes of transportation, but deadly weapons.
One of the most memorable experiences for me was playing in multiplayer mode, using Sweet Tooth, the ice cream truck equipped with firearms. There’s a certain satisfaction in blowing up enemy vehicles with a well-aimed shot, while they remained oblivious to the impending danger. The dark graphics and eerie atmosphere added to the intensity of the game, making every match feel like a life-and-death battle.
Twisted Metal is also known for its complex storylines, where each character has a deep, sometimes terrifying backstory. For example, the story of Mr. Grimm—a motorcycle racer who sacrificed his soul for revenge—adds a darker layer to the game. For me, Twisted Metal was a game that not only challenged your gameplay skills but also offered an emotional and gripping narrative experience.
3. Bloody Roar: Fighting with a Touch of Beast
Bloody Roar was a fighting game that offered something unique to the genre. Developed by Hudson Soft and released in 1997, Bloody Roar featured a combat mechanic where characters could transform into animal hybrids. I remember how thrilling it was to transform into Yugo the wolf or Alice the rabbit, unleashing deadly attacks only possible in beast form.
One fight I’ll never forget was when I battled a friend who was using Bakuryu, a character who could turn into a mole, while I played as Long the tiger. The battle was intense, with both of us exchanging blows and transforming multiple times. In the end, I managed to defeat him with a combination of moves I had perfected after hours of practice, and that moment became one of my proudest achievements at the rental.
What made Bloody Roar so impressive was each character’s ability to transform into a beast, which not only changed their appearance but also gave them powerful new attacks. This added a strategic layer to the game, where players had to know when to change forms and use their beastly powers. Bloody Roar is one of the fighting games that challenged not only players’ skills but also their creativity and timing.
2. Nascar Rumble: A Racing Game that Brings the Tension
Nascar Rumble was a racing game that was all about speed and chaos. Released by EA in 2000, Nascar Rumble offered something different from regular racing games by adding combat elements and using items to attack opponents. I still remember how my friends and I would often use cheats to unlock all the vehicles, and we would laugh out loud as the races turned into chaotic brawls.
One of my favorite moments was when I used the Earthquake item at just the right time, shaking the track and flipping all the enemy cars. It felt so satisfying watching them lose control while I sped across the finish line without any obstacles. Nascar Rumble wasn’t just about who was the fastest, but also about who was the most clever in using the available items.
This game was also known for its wide range of vehicles, from stock cars to trucks and even eccentric vehicles like ambulances. This variety added to the excitement of the races, as each vehicle had its own strengths and weaknesses. For me, Nascar Rumble took the racing experience to a whole new level by adding surprises and strategic elements that made each race feel fresh and unpredictable.
1. Harvest Moon: Back to Nature – A Calming Life on the Farm
Among all the games I played on PS1, Harvest Moon: Back to Nature was the most heartfelt. Released by Victor Interactive Software in 1999, this game offered something completely different from the other games at the PS rental. Instead of combat or racing, Harvest Moon took us into the peaceful life of a village, where our main task was to tend to the farm and livestock left to us by our grandfather.
One of the most memorable moments was when I harvested my first big crop. After weeks of planting and caring for the crops, seeing the bountiful harvest was incredibly satisfying. Additionally, interacting with the villagers and building relationships with them added depth to the game. I still remember how excited I was when I finally married Popuri, the cheerful and lively village girl, after going through the long process of giving gifts and having conversations with her.
Harvest Moon wasn’t just about farming; it also taught us about the importance of hard work, perseverance, and building good relationships with others. Every decision we made, from choosing which crops to plant to whom we interacted with, influenced the outcome of the game. For me, Harvest Moon: Back to Nature was the game that offered the most immersive and personal experience of all the PS1 games. It was not just a game that entertained, but one that taught valuable life lessons.
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