PlayStation Plus Premium’s Top PS1, PS2, and PSP Games (March 2023)

Sony will introduce a redesigned PlayStation Plus in June 2022, with a membership model similar to the defunct PS Now. Because the service is divided into three categories, users may choose whether they merely want online multiplayer and a few free games each month or hundreds of titles from PlayStation’s history. The most costly subscription is PS Plus Premium, which includes the Classics Catalog, a collection of PS3, PS2, PS1, and PSP titles. There are also several PS4 remasters of PS3 releases at this class.

Some of the best games of all time were created during the PlayStation 2 period, and a few of these masterpieces are now available on PS Plus. The service’s catalog isn’t extremely large, but it does provide a good variety of titles that are usually tough to find. The same could be said for the PS1 and PSP offerings, each of which had only a few representatives. What are the finest PS2 games on PS Plus? Which PS1 and PSP titles are the best on PS Plus Premium?

Top PS1 Games on PS Plus

The Legend Of Dragoon

In February 2023, it will be added to PS Plus Premium.

The Legend of Dragoon was one among the most coveted PS1 classics that fans hoped would be brought to the service. Japan Studio’s JRPG, released late in the console’s existence, was an ambitious endeavor that expanded on the genre’s ideals while delivering pretty spectacular visuals. The main turn-based combat system is fairly archetypal for the era, but the game adds a few twists to the concept that give it a distinct personality.

The Legend of Dragoon has been tough to find since its first release, particularly because the game was never converted to other platforms. As a result, the project’s PS Plus launch was significant since it made the JRPG easily available to both new and returning gamers. Hopefully, this turn of events indicates that Sony is willing to resurrect The Legend of Dragoon.

Tekken 2

Given Tekken’s history on PlayStation systems, the franchise’s absence from PS Plus is disheartening. The single game available on the service is Tekken 2, a very strong fighting game that is sometimes eclipsed by its greater successor. Having said that, Namco’s second game improved on its predecessor in a number significant areas, notably the addition of new modes that would become franchise standards.

Tekken 2’s aesthetics may be dated in this day and age, but it stands up quite well all things considered. While not the ultimate Tekken game, this PS1 game is nevertheless a classic.

Jumping Flash!

Jumping Flash! was released during the peak of platformer popularity, yet the game was unlike anything else on the market. The PS1 title, presented in first-person, places players in (relatively) huge environments and invites them to explore while collecting pods.

Jumping Flash! demonstrates how adaptable the mechanic “jumping” may be. The controls are flawless, and the levels are lovely in an old-school sense. Jumping Flash! is a lot of fun if you’re not expecting something like Super Mario 64 or Crash Bandicoot.

Syphon Filter

Sony has been drip-feeding Syphon Filter titles to PS Plus Premium customers since the service’s inception. All three PS1 entries in the series are now playable on PS4 and PS5 systems, and each has its own fan base. Even if one might argue that Syphon Filter 2 improves on the formula set by its predecessor, the former remains the greatest starting place for newbies to this genre.

In many respects, these games are showing their age, and they are not as timeless as previous PS1 stealth titles like Metal Gear Solid. Nonetheless, Syphon Filter helped to make the original PlayStation a must-have machine.

Resident Evil Director’s Cut

Resident Evil by Capcom not only transformed the survival horror genre forever, but it also made it mainstream. While the 2002 remake may be the ultimate way to experience this narrative, the 1996 original game stands up well as a tense third-person shooter with terrifying creatures, dramatic locations, and superb level design.

The Director’s Cut differs little from the vanilla version, although it does provide a few choices that improve the game’s replayability. If someone just has experience with the franchise’s post-Resident Evil 4 games, they are doing themselves a disservice by neglecting everything that came before it. After all, Resident Evil is one of the greatest PS1 titles available on PS Plus.

Oddworld: Abe’s Oddysee

Oddworld: Abe’s Oddysee and its sequel, Abe’s Exoddus, are both disturbing platformers with meticulous rather than fast-paced gameplay available on PlayStation Plus Premium. Abe must travel a terrifying environment packed with deadly animals in a succession of stages as he strives to rescue trapped Mudokons, the protagonist’s species.

Oddworld has always lived true to its name, and while following releases such as Stranger’s Wrath are fantastic, the original PlayStation 1 entries reflect the genre at its most terrifying. Oddworld: Soulstorm, which will be released in 2021, is also available to PS Plus Extra users.

Top PS2 Games On PS Plus

Dark Cloud 2

Dark Cloud is available on PS Plus Premium and is certainly worth a look, but the sequel is superior in every aspect. The hack and slash action is simple yet engaging, and the weapon system delivers a consistent sense of growth. The graphical design of Level-5’s JRPG has also aged nicely after nearly two decades.

A city-building feature that allows the globe to evolve as the game proceeds is an intriguing addition. While there is a lot to do and the plot is merely average, Dark Cloud 2 makes the player feel as if they have done a lot during their voyage.

Kinetica

Santa Monica Studio’s portfolio is almost entirely comprised on God of War, with one significant exception. Kinetica, a sci-fi arcade racer divided into three seasons, was the studio’s first release.

Kinetica produced amazing visuals, music, and reasonable handling, building on the basis of (now-dormant) classics like F-Zero, and delivering an entertaining, though slightly unspectacular, overall experience. The future atmosphere might be a little dull at times, but the gameplay is mostly great. Kinetica is a competent racer, but hardly a game changer.

Hot Shots Tennis

Taking a break from putts, the Everybody’s Golf series experimented with a different sport in 2006. Hot Shots Tennis, also known as Everybody’s Tennis, is meant to be accessible to everyone while still maintaining a sense of difficulty. The game achieves this balance so effectively that it can be recommended to both youngsters and adults searching for a fun sports game.

Hot Shots Tennis lacks content since the single-player campaign is simply a series of tasks. As a result, this is a game that is best played in short spurts.

Wild Arms 3

JRPGs were plentiful on Sony’s systems throughout the company’s first decade. Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest, and Suikoden were churning out gold on a bi-annual basis, with lesser titles like Wild Arms filling in the gaps as needed.

Wild Arms 3 is a turn-based JRPG with a western look with a fascinating tale that delivers a true feeling of discovery, owing to the global map not disclosing areas until the player finds them. The battle does become a little monotonous, but it is still a good concept.

Star Wars: Jedi Starfighter

PS Plus Premium may not offer many PS2 titles on the PS5, but Sony’s service does aim to appease Star Wars aficionados. There are three games available: Star Wars: Bounty Hunter, Star Wars: Racer Vengeance, and Star Wars: Jedi Starfighter, with the latter being the finest of the group.

This 2002 game, which connects to the prequel trilogy, allows players to take control of numerous starfighters as they complete objectives. Even if it is showing its age, Jedi Starfighter is still a joy to play after all these years, even if one is not particularly sentimental about the game.

Rogue Galaxy

Once again, a JRPG makes the cut, demonstrating the PS2’s tremendous catalog. Rogue Galaxy by Level-5 is a real-time action RPG that takes players on an epic journey across the cosmos, with various worlds to explore.

The fighting system is smooth and remarkably durable, and there is a good selection of side tasks that typically avoid being too useless. The advancement mechanism in Rogue Galaxy is also fairly unusual, with skills and stat bonuses unlocked by attaching particular objects to a flow chart.

Okage: Shadow King

Okage: Shadow King, another JRPG, has a lot going for it. Okage features a youngster named Ari who ends up offering his shadow to an evil king named Stan who aims to take over the world, with a Halloween-inspired backdrop and a hilarious tone. The tale is entertaining, albeit a little too long, and the visuals are adequate.

Okage: Shadow King is ultimately a middle-of-the-road JRPG that sticks out owing to a lack of options on PS Plus Premium. While it should delight genre fans, it is unlikely to create a long-lasting effect.

Red Faction

PS Plus Premium is an amazing gold mine for Red Faction fans, with four titles included. Leaving aside the inferiority of the following entries, Red Faction and its direct successor are regarded classics for a reason, but the former is superior.

Even in 2019, Red Faction’s GeoMod technology, which allows for the destruction of so much of the terrain, is as enjoyable as it was in the early 2000s. Since 2001, the FPS genre has evolved significantly, and Red Faction appears ancient in comparison to recent titles. While this is unavoidable, the PS2 shooter is nothing short of spectacular.

Siren

Siren is a survival horror series that has mostly gone unnoticed over the years. It created three titles, two of which are now accessible on PlayStation Plus Premium. The better of the two games is 2008’s Siren: Blood Curse, although 2003’s Siren is still a decent debut in the genre. Siren, set in a scary Japanese town that follows a ritual, puts players in the shoes of a variety of characters who are only attempting to escape the location alive. These characters (together with the player) progressively unravel the mysteries surrounding this settlement.

Siren shines in ambience and ambiance, despite its lackluster gameplay (save for a fascinating concept that allows players to observe from the perspective of a shibito, the game’s monsters). This game is usually scary.

Ape Escape 2

The previous main Ape Escape game was released in 2006, thus the globe has been waiting for a new installment in the genre for quite some time. Ape Escape 2 is the only game accessible on PS Plus Premium, which is unfortunate because Ape Escape 3 is also a PS2 classic, but beggars can’t be choosers.

Ape Escape 2 is a crazy collect-a-thon that makes the basic process of gathering monkeys a lot of fun. Ape Escape 2 is not just one of the finest PS2 games on PS Plus Premium, but also one of the best games period. It is endlessly amusing and fairly gorgeous for its era.

War Of The Monsters

Kaiju-themed games are few, and few of them are worth playing beyond a single battle. Despite the absence of well-known characters such as Godzilla and King Kong, War of the Monsters is often recognized as one of the best examples of this type of endeavor. The PS2 classic pays tribute to old-school monster flicks, particularly those with a lovable goofy edge.

Players are thrown into reasonably large towns as one of ten monsters and battled against other gigantic behemoths. The kaiju engage in huge brawls, using the structures surrounding them as weapons, while periodically restoring their health with a rapid pick-up. War of the Monsters becomes boring after a while because the fights aren’t all that different from one another, but it’s an entertaining ride for a few of hours.

Jak Trilogy

Naughty Dog’s PS2 period is sometimes eclipsed by their Crash Bandicoot and Uncharted titles, but the Jak trilogy is great and would be the crowning accomplishment of most firms. This series combines several genres, including platformers, third-person shooters, and even pseudo-open environments. It’s a surprising combination, and while certain entries are stronger than others, the trilogy never falls below “very decent.”

• The Precursor Legacy – Jak and Daxter This game, released in 2001, finds Naughty Dog gently expanding on its Crash Bandicoot roots. The Precursor Legacy is more of an open-ended collect-a-thon, with platforming taking precedence over battle. Even if one might argue that this is the least ambitious episode in the trilogy, one could equally argue that The Precursor Legacy is the greatest.
• Jak 2 – In this sequel, Naughty Dog was able to branch beyond of its comfort zone. Jak 2 emphasizes combat and story, the latter of which would come to characterize the studio’s future releases. Almost every aspect of this bundle is amazing; the gameplay is addicting, the characters are memorable, and the landscape is exquisitely created.
• Jak 3 – The trilogy concludes with its weakest installment, albeit this is a testimony to the prior games’ outstanding quality rather than Jak 3’s lack of it. Jak 3’s basic gameplay is an amazing delight, despite the fact that the protagonist’s huge array of weaponry mutes most of the campaign’s challenge. While the tale occasionally feels hurried or undercooked, it does have a few great parts.

The Mark Of Kri

The Mark of Kri may not appear to be a particularly great action-adventure game in 2022, but it had some interesting ideas when it was released in the early 2000s. The game has a novel lock-on technique, allowing its fighting system to be more fluid than that of most of its competitors. This title comes alive in stunning form whenever the fighting system is the emphasis, more than justifying its inclusion on PS Plus Premium.

The Mark of Kri does fall short in a few key aspects, most notably its plot and stealth mechanics. Yet, the game’s virtues transcend its flaws.

The Greatest PS2 HD Remasters and Remakes

The PS2 titles listed above have been ported to the PS4 (or PS5). PS Plus Premium hardly scratches the surface of the PS2’s wonderful catalog, but its small selection is enhanced by a handful of HD remasters or remakes. The PS3 titles can only be streamed on PS Plus Premium, which isn’t ideal, but they do provide access to several PS2 classics.

Devil May Cry HD Collection (PS3)

Capcom’s Devil May Cry cut and slashed its way into the PlayStation 2 and into players’ hearts in 2001, quickly establishing Dante as an outstanding gaming protagonist. After a small hiccup, Devil May Cry 3 burst onto the scene and transformed the action genre, introducing a fighting system with few peers to this day. Despite being an erratic ride, the PS3’s HD collection is still a terrific way to enjoy this legendary trilogy, especially if you haven’t tried out this franchise yet.

Although it may be tempting to start with the third game, especially as it is a prequel, it is preferable to start with the original Devil May Cry. This Gothic classic has plenty of atmosphere, tight level design, and a fantastic music; but, the gameplay isn’t up to pace with its successors, so its limited and bare-bones nature might be difficult to stomach after the third game. But, if boredom sets in, feel free to skip Devil May Cry 2 because the game does not better with time.

The Sly Collection

While the SNES, Nintendo 64, and PS1 may have eclipsed it, the PS2 features one of the greatest collections of platformers in gaming history. While classics like Crash Bandicoot and Spyro faded, IPs like Ratchet & Clank and Jak emerged from the ashes to carry the genre on their strong shoulders. Second-tier franchises such as Kao the Kangaroo, Tak, Maximo, Ty the Tasmanian Tiger, and the Pac-Man World sequels ensured that aficionados of the genre never ran out of options. Then there were the non-franchise releases that were rough yet amusing, such as Vexx, Whiplash, Scaler, and I-Ninja.

PS Plus Premium hardly scratches the surface of the PS2’s platformer repertoire, although there are a few major hitters. The Sly Collection includes remasters of Sucker Punch’s PS2 trilogy, a trio of titles that rank alongside Jak and Ratchet & Clank as the pinnacle of 3D platformers on the PlayStation. The series works effectively as a whole because the characters and stories evolve gradually from one installment to the next. Each title, however, stands out as a distinct bundle, with the gameplay growing beautifully as the trilogy proceeds.

• Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus – The first game in the trilogy is, predictably, the simplest. Sly 1 plays in many ways like a conventional, linear platformer, although one with mild stealth components. Although it does not provide many new concepts to the genre, this 2002 edition performs admirably in most areas.
• Band of Thieves – Sly 2 Sly 2 is a big change from its predecessor in that it introduces a hub world and a turn toward open-ended level design that stresses stealth and action as much as basic platforming. Two companions with distinct play styles join the eponymous raccoon on this assignment.
• Honor Among Thieves – Sly 3 Sly 3 concludes the trilogy on a positive note, believing that “more is more.” More playable characters, mission types, and minigames are available. This sequel, unlike the previous installments, is less focused with collectibles, which can be a benefit or a punishment depending on the player.

Final Fantasy 10/10-2 HD Remaster (PS4)

Final Fantasy helped establish Sony’s PS1 as a must-have platform, and Final Fantasy 10 demonstrated that this would be the same with the hardware’s sequel. Tidus is transferred to Spira, a world in the grip of a disaster caused by “Sin.” As a result, Tidus joins a squad committed to Yuna’s safety as she embarks on a mission to destroy Sin.

Final Fantasy 10 is an approachable, ambitious, and epic JRPG, and the HD remaster brings a slew of quality-of-life upgrades that make the game even more enjoyable to return after all these years. Final Fantasy 10-2 features an excellent battle system, but its narrative and tone are more divisive. These JRPGs should keep someone occupied for a few months.

Ico & Shadow Of The Colossus Collection (PS3)

Team Ico does not release games on a regular basis, but they are usually worth the wait. For the PlayStation 2, the company created Ico in 2001 and Shadow of the Colossus in 2005, both of which stand as great instances of gaming’s ability to offer works of art. These games are mood pieces set in mostly dismal environments that give a perfect combination of gameplay and story, with the latter deciding the former’s place and purpose. Nobody of them wastes a single second.

Shadow of the Colossus tends to eclipse Ico, yet it should not be overlooked in favor of its larger sister. Its riddles, characters, locations, and sound design are all excellent.

Shadow of the Colossus is an ambitious undertaking that tested the PS2’s capabilities, and the HD version keeps and even improves on its brilliance. Wander is instructed to slaughter gigantic and mostly gentle colossi in order to save a girl.

Resident Evil – Code: Veronica X (PS3)

Capcom’s early Resident Evil games are survival horror classics, but novices who want to play these essential titles should hunt for remakes if they exist. Veronica has yet to undergo such therapy, and the game desperately needs it. First launched on the Sega Dreamcast before finding its way to the PlayStation 2, this spin-off was great at the time of its release, with cutting-edge graphics and lots of horrors.

Code: Veronica’s popularity has dwindled over time, mainly due to its antiquated gameplay and once-lauded visuals, which are now too tacky to provide anything in the way of true frights. Having said that, Code: Veronica is still one of the finest PS2 games of all time, regardless of how well it has aged. The game’s greatness might come through if someone walks in with low expectations.

Ratchet & Clank Collection

A compelling case could be made that Insomniac’s Ratchet & Clank trilogy was the greatest platformers on the PS2, and all three titles are now accessible on PS Plus Premium. Sony launched a slew of Ratchet & Clank titles to the service in November 2022 to commemorate the franchise’s anniversary. As a result, users will get access to ten space-faring adventures starring the beloved PlayStation characters.

Because The Ratchet & Clank Collection is a remake of the PS2 trilogy for the PS3, Premium members will need to stream the games. Although not ideal, they do provide a way to rediscover classic titles without needing the original system.

• Ratchet & Clank – This classic, which debuted in 2002, introduced the world to Insomniac’s property. Unlike several of its sequels, Ratchet & Clank favors platforming over gunplay, but the latter is still present. Contemporary gamers may be aware with the 2016 remake, which was the lone PS4 entry in the franchise. While that version has stronger gameplay, the 2002 original performs a considerably better job of telling the tale and demonstrating why Ratchet, Clank, and Captain Qwark became such popular characters.
• Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando – This game is widely recognized as the finest in the franchise, despite heavy competition from its immediate sequel and the PS5’s Rift Apart. Going Commando outperforms its predecessor in almost every way. Along with fine-tuning the core principles, the battle features a weapon upgrading system based on usage, which rapidly became a series hallmark. The plot of the sequel develops perfectly on that of the original game, allowing Ratchet and Clank’s friendship to bloom magnificently.
• Ratchet & Clank: Boost Your Arsenal – The final mainstream PS2 entry in the series doesn’t stray far from Going Commando’s template, but more of the same isn’t always a bad thing when the basics are so excellent. The gunplay in Raise Your Arsenal is flawless and enjoyable, rated as the finest in the trilogy. Narratively, the game concludes the narrative on a high note. While Insomniac would go on to create several additional games in the series, the PS2 Ratchet & Clank trilogy is widely regarded as the franchise’s pinnacle.

God Of War 2 HD (PS3)

God of War is perhaps the most well-known Sony franchise to have debuted on the PS2, and PS Plus Premium includes Kratos’ home console adventure. The first and second games’ HD remasters kicked off the PS3’s Classics HD run, and this bundle simply needed to take the timeless greatness of the originals and make them playable on contemporary platforms to be a resounding success. That was a huge success.

God of War’s bloody, massive, visceral, and emotional action, dynamic boss fights, and puzzle parts give a welcome respite from the hack and slash mayhem. God of War 2 is a significant improvement over its predecessor and a candidate for the finest PS2 game of all time.

Top PSP Games On PS Plus

Ridge Racer 2

Prior to the PS3, Sony would usually introduce a system with Ridge Racer in some form or another. The arcade racing series frequently served as a hardware showcase while also providing engaging and addicting gameplay. The PSP was no exception, since it debuted with Ridge Racer, one of the console’s most popular titles.

The sequel from 2006 gives more of the same, to the point that the game plays and looks nearly identical to its predecessor. Ridge Racer 2, on the other hand, adds a slew of additional tracks, making it the franchise’s definitive option on the portable device.

Echochrome

Echochrome is an unusual puzzle game in which players must guide a stick figure through three-dimensional areas packed with obstacles or holes. Instead of controlling the characters, gamers must modify the landscape by rotating the area itself.

Echochrome is a simple yet difficult technique. The game appears simple on the surface, yet its gameplay is diverse and sophisticated.