PlayStation Mini: 25 Games We Would Want to See

Today will see the release of the Super NES Classic Edition, aka, the SNES Mini. The new console comes of the heels of last year’s ridiculously successful NES Classic Edition, which immediately sold out everywhere and was one of the toughest toys to find last holiday season (personally, it took me three tries and eventually getting in line at Best Buy at four in the morning). The SNES Mini promises to be even more popular by featuring such beloved games as Super Mario World, The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, and Super Metroid.

But as the console market has expanded and other companies have built up their own legacies, why should Nintendo get to have all the fun? The PlayStation was a game changer when it arrived in 1994/1995, and it’s one of the most popular video game consoles of all-time. While the PlayStation Network has tried to import some of its best titles to the online store, that really only works if you have a PlayStation 3 or PlayStation 4. And furthermore, just because there’s an online store, that doesn’t mean people wouldn’t go nuts for an affordably priced bit of hardware that just gives them their favorite games.

Sony hasn’t announced any plans for a PlayStation mini, and maybe they never will. Maybe they’ll try to sell these games piecemeal, assuming they can get the licenses at all. But Nintendo has proved there’s a large segment of the population out there that would prefer to buy an easy-to-use console that houses classic video games. Sony could even be ahead of the curve since the PlayStation controller has remained largely the same in style since the advent of the Dual Analog Controller, so they could advertise that any wireless analog PlayStation controller will work with the system.

But any console is only as good as it games, so if a PlayStation mini ever does come to pass, these are the titled I’d like to see on it:

PaRappa the Rapper

PaRappa is already back having recently received a remastered version for the PlayStation 4, so Sony already knows there are fans of the rapping pup and his rhythm game.

Suikoden II

The PlayStation played host to both Suikoden and Suikoden II, but the sequel is the more popular installment. Despite favorable reviews, it was initially hard to find Konami’s strategy RPG, although you can currently buy it on the PlayStation Network.

Persona 2

Like Suikoden, both Persona and Persona 2 were released on the PlayStation 1, but if you can only choose one, go with the more popular installment. The RPG series has birthed a fervent following, and I’m sure people who are digging Persona 5 on the PlayStation 4 would love to go back and enjoy an earlier entry.

Tomb Raider

When it comes to Tomb Raider, you may as well go with the one that started it all. While the franchise has reformed and rebooted itself to fit with the times, the original Tomb Raider now makes for an interesting bit of history to see how it all began.

Syphon Filter

I’m a little surprised the Syphon Filter series has died off since it’s not like gamers have lost interest in stealth-based video games. Including it on the PlayStation mini could revive interest in the franchise.

Final Fantasy Tactics

This isn’t just a list of personal favorites! I don’t really like Final Fantasy Tactics that much (I prefer Final Fantasy Tactics Advance), but it’s devoted fans would riot if it wasn’t included among the PlayStation’s best games.

Crash Team Racing

It’s not the best kart racer out there, but it will get the job done if you want to take a break from other racing games.

Spyro: Year of the Dragon

Spyro has become way more popular today than he was back in his PlayStation days thanks to the Skylander games, and it would make sense to include his most popular PSone game.

Wipeout

The futuristic racing game definitely deserves to be included, especially since it was one of the PlayStation’s earliest titles and helped to sell the system.

Silent Hill

Yes, we all know Silent Hill 2 is the superior game, but that came out on the PlayStation 2. Furthermore, Silent Hill provided an introduction of sorts to the atmospheric horror genre that stood apart from the guns-blazing Resident Evil series.

Vagrant Story

This got rave reviews when it was released; I played it and never understood why. I’d like another chance.

Crash Bandicoot: Warped

It would be nice if they released all three Crash Bandicoot games since they’re all good, but if we can only go with the best of the bunch, I’d have to go with Warped.

Chrono Cross

No, it’s not as good as Chrono Trigger. Yes, it would be nice if it had a stronger connection to Chrono Trigger. But Chrono Cross is still a good game that works on its own merits.

Resident Evil

With the huge success of the Resident Evil series over the years, it would be crazy not to include the game that started it all.

Ape Escape

One of the best plaformers of all-time, Ape Escape ingeniously made use of the dual analog controller sticks to offer a style of play no other game has been able to duplicate.

Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver

I’m a little surprised this didn’t evolve into a more successful series, especially when you consider that you replenish your health by devouring souls.

Castlevania: Symphony of the Night

This should be included not only on the PlayStation mini, but all consoles going forward for all time.

Tekken 3

The first two Tekken games were fine, but the series’ time on the PlayStation peaked with its third installment, which had fun minigames, plenty of characters, and terrific controls. Just don’t you dare play as Eddy or Gon.

Final Fantasy VII

This is one of my favorite games of all-time. I know some Final Fantasy die-hards will say VI is the best or that (ugh) IX is the best, and while they are entitled to their opinions, I will never stop loving Final Fantasy VII.