The RetroBeat: The PlayStation Classic Needs These 15 Games

• Sony announced the PlayStation Classic early this morning. Given the success of the NES and SNES Classic editions, a micro-console for the first PlayStation is a smart decision that will allow Sony to reap big profits from its old library. Plug-and-play machines are a growing business, with micro-console sales of more than 400% in 2018, according to The NPD Group.

But these devices are only worth their games library. We already know that the PlayStation Classic will include 20 titles, including Final Fantasy VII, Jumping Flash, Ridge Racer Type 4, Tekken 3 and Wild Arms. It's a good start, but it leaves room for 15 more games.

The following is a combination of predictions and a wish list. These are all games that I would love to have on the device, but they also make sense because of their quality and diversity. Plus, the PlayStation Classic comes with two controllers, but these are the original PlayStation controllers. They do not have control sticks, so more PlayStation games that depend on it (sorry, Ape Escape).

I will also avoid overloading the list with too many games of the same franchise or one genre. I love Final Fantasy IX, but Final Fantasy VII already occupies a valuable place on the list. And this role play is a good representation of the series. Plus, while I love Japanese RPGs (and the PlayStation has a ton of fantastic games), I can not just turn this console into a kind of JRPG machine. Even with only five games announced, he already has two.

Finally, I will avoid most licensed games. It is more difficult and expensive to obtain these rights, which makes them less likely to arise.

Metal Gear Solid

My favorite game for the system. Metal Gear Solid has been revolutionary in its use of a wide range of voice commands and cutscenes (and certainly many codec calls) to create a narrative experience comparable to a Hollywood production. Its stealth-based action creates tense and exciting moments, and there are still many of the most memorable boss fights of all time.

Motorcycle Jet

What happened to Jet Moto? This series of stationary bike races was a mainstay on the PlayStation, producing three installments. We may never get a new Jet Moto, but the PlayStation Classic gives the franchise a chance to do something.

tomb Raider

Now that we are at the end of the Tomb Raider reboot trilogy, now is the time to return to its beginnings. The original Tomb Raider focuses more on the platform and puzzle solving than on the fight. It is a huge success that gave birth to a franchise that continues today. It takes a presence on the PlayStation Classic.

Gran Turismo 2

Gran Turismo is an important franchise for PlayStation and PlayStation 2. Instead of presenting arcade-style races, it focuses on realism. Gran Turismo 2 has more cars than the original, so it makes sense to include it instead.

Bandicoot Crash

What would a PlayStation Classic be without Crash Bandicoot? During the life of the original console, Crash was the brand's mascot. It will eventually go multiplatform, but anyone who owns a PlayStation always associates Crash to the console.

resident Evil

Resident Evil is another innovative game from the early years of PlayStation. He helped popularize the genre of survival horror. While most of the game is now rather freakish rather than frightening, it's still fun and fascinating to see the birth of this franchise.

Castlevania: Symphony of the night

PlayStation was not all 3D games. Symphony of the Night was inspired by non-linear 2D games like Super Metroid, while adding RPG mechanisms. We now call these types of games Metroidvanias, and the Symphony of the night is still one of the best.

The legend of the dragon

We can use at least one other JRPG, and The Legend of Dragoon is perfect. You can make arguments for many other games, but most of them have had suites or remasters. The Legend of Dragoon is a stand-alone game that is not easy to play unless you have the original.

Battle Arena Toshinden

Tekken 3 is already on the PlayStation Classic and it's a better fighting game than Battle Arena Toshinden. But Battle Arena Toshinden is the most nostalgic choice. It was a launching game for the system and this gave many people their first glimpse of 3D combat at home.

PaRappa the rapper

PaRappa the Rapper has helped popularize rhythm games, but the original still has a lot of charm. He even looks good thanks to his visuals inspired by paper cutouts.

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater

I remember how shocked I was when I discovered that I liked Tony Hawk 's professional skater. Although I'm not interested in extreme sports, its combo and trick systems, as well as its creative levels and catchy soundtrack, make it one of PlayStation's most entertaining experiences. I would love the first or second Pro Skater on the PlayStation Classic, but the original just goes out of nostalgia.

Twisted metal 2

Speaking of genres that you do not see much anymore, car fighting games have become a thing thanks to Twisted Metal and its exaggerated (and extremely satisfying) violence. In this case, I would prefer to have more, because there were more characters and better levels.

Wipeout 2097

We're about to have too many racing games, but Wipeout is such a staple of the PlayStation that it's bad to exclude it. In addition, his futuristic race filled with neon lights distinguishes him from the others.

Klonoa: door to Phantomile

Here is another side scroller that should make the list. Unlike Symphony of the Night, Klonoa had no beloved brand on which to rest. But Door to Phantomile is an attractive, colorful and attractive platform game that deserves more recognition.

Einhänder

It's partly because my publisher would kill me if I dropped it. But Einhänder is an excellent side-scroller shooter (or shmup, if you speak English.) It also fills a niche that no other game on the list serves.

The RetroBeat is a weekly column that examines the past of the game, delves into the classics, discovers new retro titles or examines the seniority of the favorites and their design techniques in today's market and experiments. If you have retro-themed projects or scoops that you would like to send, please contact me.