It’s been over thirty years since the PlayStation made its debut in 1994, and since then, there have been a plethora of titles that have come out for the system. Many games became smash hits, like Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater, Final Fantasy, and Crash Bandicoot, to name a few.

Even with all of these big titles, there are plenty that flew under the radar and have become some of the most underrated games. These games not only captured the hearts of many but are some of the best hidden gems that every gamer needs to play for themselves at least once.

Hogs Of War

Hogs of War is a turn-based tactics game that was inspired by the popular game Worms and is known for its comedy. Teams fight through different levels, which are loosely based on nations that fought in World War One.

You can choose between four classes: heavy gunners, engineers, espionage, and medics. Each class has its own unique perks and weapons and advances through the levels, earning medals for tasks completed. There was also a semi-permadeath feature giving you three lives before ending your time in the campaign.

Hoshigami: Ruining Blue Earth

There are quite a few RPGs for the PlayStation, and Hoshigami: Ruining Blue Earth is one of those few that you might not have heard of. While this game might’ve had mixed reviews for its steep learning curve and level grinding, that’s what makes the game all that more interesting.

In Hoshigami, you are tasked with raising a small army of mercenaries and fighting your way on a square grid story map in turn-based tactical battles. There are different combat features like magic systems, skills, and items that you can teach and use for your characters that will give them the advantage in battles.

Galerians

A lot of survival horror games that came out for the PlayStation were compared to Resident Evil, and Galerians was one of those games because of its controls. One of the huge key factors that set them apart was the psychic power combat instead of gun-based.

You play as a Rion, who discovers he has psychic powers and amnesia, and is on a quest to discover his identity. Throughout the story, you will solve clues and puzzles, learn about psychic power enhancers, and even avoid combat if necessary.

Tomba!

Do you like action-adventure platformers with an open world? If so, then you might want to check out Tomba! This Metroidvania game was created to be different from other platformers at the time, and it paid off greatly.

You play as Tomba, who is on a quest to retrieve his grandfather’s golden bracelet while exploring his home island and fighting against the evil Koma Pigs. There are tasks and events to complete, items to find, and different weapons to use in this game, but be careful because if you lose all your lives, the game is over.

Ghost In The Shell

There are good chances that you’ve heard of the Ghost in the Shell franchise, but if you haven't, now’s the time for you to go check it out. While the game features the voice cast of the film, they unfortunately don't share story continuity, but it was still a highly praised game.

You get to control a spider-shaped think tank robot that can maneuver around walls and ceilings while being equipped with twin machine guns and missiles. You will go through the game on various missions, trying to uncover the plans of an evil organization.

Legend Of Legaia

When you look at top hidden gems or underrated games for the PS1, Legend of Legaia is usually one of the most recommended games, and for good reason. This RPG is set in a fantasy world where magical creatures help humanity with their supernatural powers.

The game features turn-based combat and sequences that can be combined into special attacks and moves. The story relies on three main characters as they face off against a mysterious Mist that caused the collapse of civilization and try to defeat the evils behind it.

Silent Bomber

Do you enjoy shoot 'em up games with a twist? If so, then Silent Bomber might be the next game for you to play. This top-down game replaces the shooter part with bombs and makes for an explosive time.

You play as Jutah, who is tasked with defending a planet against the space cruiser known as Dante. Using the bombs in-game, you can plant them where they are or launch them towards enemies. You can stack bombs, chain them for more points, and even upgrade them with special effects.

Parasite Eve

Parasite Eve is one of those games that definitely flew under the radar, and those who have played it know just how great of a game it is. It even spawned a film adaptation and two manga comics, which are all based on the novel.

You follow the story of Aya Brea, a New York City police officer, who is trying to stop a woman named Eve from destroying the human race. Throughout the game, you will battle infected enemies and utilize different attacks, weapons, and tools that will assist your character.

Threads Of Fate

Threads of Fate is an action RPG by Square, later becoming Square Enix, who are no strangers to the genre. In this game, you play as two protagonists, each with their own wish, who are in search of an ancient relic that can grant that wish.

Each character has their own unique combat and gameplay abilities, and throughout the game, those abilities will be used in the world and dungeons for combat, puzzles, and obstacles. Once the game is finished, a new version of the game is unlocked, allowing for secret areas to be discovered.

The Legend Of Dragoon

Another RPG that is highly recommended that you might not have heard of is The Legend of Dragoon. This high fantasy game follows a group of warriors as they try to stop the destruction of their world.

While you follow a predetermined route for your story, there are three modes to play the game: an area map, the field, and a battle screen. You will fight against enemies, but one of the things that makes it stand out is the fact that you can transform your character into a Dragoon, which gives them special magical offensive or defensive moves.