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Which Generation Had The Best PlayStation Console?

The PS3 generation isn't over just yet but if you had to pick right now, which generation was the best for PlayStation?

Those who argue the original PlayStation side will recall being surprised that Sony could produce a worthy competitor to the established kings of the industry (Nintendo and Sega at the time). Over time, we started to see the beginnings of iconic franchises, including Gran Turismo , Metal Gear Solid (yes, I know "Metal Gear" technically began back in the NES days, but it's hardly the same thing), Twisted Metal , and more. Furthermore, role-playing fans will point towards the stellar RPG library on the PS1. Ah, the good ol' days of turn-based…

Those same fans likely adored the PS2 for very much the same reason, and Sony continued to pump out the games. The PS2 ended up with a ridiculous number of titles, and the console sold over 160 million units worldwide (and it hasn't completely stopped, either). Grand Theft Auto suddenly turned into a revolution as GTAIII swept the gaming world off its feet, and we were also introduced to the likes of Ratchet & Clank , God of War , and Devil May Cry . It wasn't quite as powerful as the Xbox but in terms of games, it really wasn't much of a contest. Some may say the PS2 had more diversity than the PS1, too.

The PS3 has already given us an industry-leading franchise in Uncharted , and has continued to stress exclusives, like the continuation of Metal Gear Solid , Gran Turismo , God of War , and Ratchet & Clank , and SOCOM , along with new names like Heavy Rain , Killzone , Resistance , LittleBigPlanet , MotorStorm , and inFamous . More could be on the way as well ( The Last Guardian , The Last Of Us , etc.), and the power of the system has been proven. Blu-Ray is also a big deal as the only true high-definition format, and the PlayStation Network has really come into its own this generation.

But if you had to pick, which would you say was the very best PlayStation console?

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Zemus101
Zemus101
12 years ago

For me it was the PS1 with no question. Square could do no wrong with FFVII, VIII, and IX, Chrono Cross, Parasite Eve, Front Mission 3, etc. I even spent an unhealthy amount of time with Saga Frontier. Then all those compilations? Chronicles with Chrono Trigger and FFIV, and previously Anthology with FFV and VI. Then also Origins with I and II. I also played Crash Team Racing, Valkyrie Profile, Tekken 3, and Command and Conquer: Red Alert Retaliation. Probably forgetting a LOT! but with just these I was plenty happy for a lot of years.

With PS2 I mostly played FFX and XI, a lot of XI. Then odd games like the original GoW and Grand Theft Autos, but that was about it.

PS3 has been pretty great, but that's because I was so starved for the RPG's I was used to, that I got into other genres. Borderlands, Skyrim, Burnout, Little Big Planet, etc. Not to mention some kick ass PSN games like Flower, Puzzle Quest, and a lot of Magic the Gathering. Oh, and hd remakes of games I missed during my PS2 days. That's been nice.

EDIT: Duh, and way too much FF: Tactics as well.


Last edited by Zemus101 on 1/23/2012 9:44:18 PM

Qubex
Qubex
12 years ago

I have to go with Zemus… The PS1 was all about innovative game making and breaking new ground.

To some degree Sony exclusive developers have been the ones to really push gaming forward, and they have done similarly and overwhelmingly so on the PS3 with some excellent titles…

Thanks to the Naughty Dog, we have seen the light to some extent too…

Q!

"play.experience.enjoy"

PSN French
PSN French
12 years ago

I feel the PS3 has been the most innovative. It's not given credit for what it's done. LBP and Heavy Rain sit amongst my favorite games of all time. Valkyrie Chronicles was addictive, and we paid for two generations. I guarantee the Xbox 720 is gonna be matched with the PS3,and the PS4 wont release for at least a year or two after to increase Sony's technological lead.

556pineapple
556pineapple
12 years ago

It's really is hard to pick, especially since this generation isn't over yet, but I'd have to vote PS2. In terms of sheer sales and popularity, with the huge library of excellent games, as well as being the first true step towards a multimedia center with the inclusion of DVD playback and online gaming for console, the PS2 just had everything going for it. The PS1 introduced us to a lot of great games, and the PS3 continues to build on what the first two did right, and throws some quite original and evolutionary games our way, but the PS2 was unstoppable.

It's too bad I never actually owned one myself, but that's why I got an original 60GB PS3.


Last edited by 556pineapple on 1/23/2012 9:47:26 PM

Twistedfloyd
Twistedfloyd
12 years ago

That's a tough one there, Ben. I love all three systems. They are each exceptional pieces of equipment with amazing exclusives that also were more than just video game systems (PS1 could play CDS, PS2 DVDs and CDS, PS3 CDs, DVDs and Blu Rays).

It's too tough to decide, but I think progressively I've liked each system more than the last as I feel like this generation has had some of the finest stories and cinematics ever been produced that made the games more than just games, but true experiences.

David Jaffe's Twisted Metal 2 may have made me fall in love with games, but it was Kojima's Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots, Dan Houser's Red Dead Redemption, Amy Hennig's Uncharted 2: Among Thieves, David Cage's Heavy Rain and Ken Levine's Bioshock that are elite masterpieces that broke new ground in terms of telling stories in video games.

No games from any other generation save MGS 1-3 (and to a lesser extent, God of War and Twisted Metal: Black) made me feel like games could be more than experiences.

And I always wanted to be a filmmaker, and went to film school and what not, but when I played all the Metal Gear games for the first time (they shattered my perception of games forever) and played these games later on, it became more clear to me that this… this was the future of telling stories, and made me want to be a game designer/creative director whatever.

So for me, the PS3 has exposed me to more games and has expanded upon games for me. So for me, it's the PS3. However that takes nothing away from the PS2 or PS1, they all had fantastic exclusives and were exceptional systems, and the PS brand has always and will always be a part of my life.

But it was because of the PS3 and Hideo Kojima that I've found my calling in life.


Last edited by Twistedfloyd on 1/23/2012 9:47:09 PM

Nas Is Like
Nas Is Like
12 years ago

Very tough but I have to go with the PS2. There were so many great games back then that I would play very often (a lot more than I do these days). So many good games like the Gran Theft Auto series (most noticeably San Andreas), Tekken games, Gran Turismo, Jak & Daxter, Sly Cooper, etc. Way too many great games to name. PS2 for me.

Cuetes
Cuetes
12 years ago

For once me and you are in agreement, nicely said.

Twistedfloyd
Twistedfloyd
12 years ago

All good calls.

Do you guys think the PS3 will continue to sell as long as the PS2 has? I think one of the things that the PS2 had going for it was that it has lasted so long even though virtually no more games (other than sports games) comes out for it these days. I wonder if the PS3 will continue that trend. I really hope the PS2 never dies and I might buy one more before they don't make them anymore.


Last edited by Twistedfloyd on 1/23/2012 9:57:36 PM

Kiryu
Kiryu
12 years ago

all generations.

Cpt_Geez
Cpt_Geez
12 years ago

I'm going with the ps2 that library is huge and still unmatched til this day.

LimitedVertigo
LimitedVertigo
12 years ago

I had my most fun gaming during the PS1 era. I attribute this to its large library of JRPGs and my age (was born in 1981).

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
12 years ago

Same year *old school high five*

Jed
Jed
12 years ago

Crap, I thought you were older world. I'm from '85 *looser*

Jawknee
Jawknee
12 years ago

I'm 81 as well.

thepill
thepill
12 years ago

The original Playstation has my vote a well, probably for the same reasons. I'm just a bit older than you guys though '74. I remember trading in SNES & Genesis games at Electronics Boutique, an having almost a grand in credit when the system finally launched. Looking back on it now, being the collector that I am now, I wish I would have kept all those old games, but I'm still glad I chose to delve into the world of Playstation on Sept 9th. Enos Lives!

frylock25
frylock25
12 years ago

since were talking bdays, mines 82 and its actually in 2 weeks. i kind of miss the ps1 days.

THEVERDIN
THEVERDIN
12 years ago

1953 and the PS1

Underdog15
Underdog15
12 years ago

Ha! You old fogies are all wrinkly and fragile! I'm still a young 'un from '86. You're all the same year as my brother in law.

cLoudou
cLoudou
12 years ago

Oh PS1.

Many great games and great memories from Tekken, Crash Bandicoot, Twisted Metal, War hawk, Resident Evil 1-3 etc. Also quite an abundance of great JRPGs : The FFs, Suikodens, Legend of Dragoon, Legend of Legaia, Breath of Fires, Chrono Cross etc.

Great, Great times. No shortage in the PS2 either but I have to go PS1. PS3 has been somewhat disappointing

Marckon
Marckon
12 years ago

for me is the ps3, the games really cater to my taste. PS1 and PS2 were great, but didn't sell me the notion that video games could be more than games that I play to pass time. The production value of these generation rivals that of big movies. Now I understand that I can attribute a lot of this to the evolution of games and the refinement of the skills that are used to put these masterpieces together, but I still say it wouldn't have been possible without the infrastructure that ps3 has. I'll say this and I would argue it with anyone, but PS3 wouldn't be as awesome as it is now without the competition that xbox brought. Sony is best when they are the underdog and understand that they are not the alpha dog. hopefully next round will come out gun blazing.

One last thing… I have noticed that you guys compare game libraries between generation you only count retail games. I don't find that very fair. If you add all the retail, and psn games that came out on the ps3 for 2011 alone, I bet that number would be larger than two ps2 peek years combine. All I am trying to say is that we shouldn't discount PSN games 🙂

Temjin001
Temjin001
12 years ago

When I look at how things are as they are, that being the quality of today's games vs yesterday, there's just no comparison. PS3 destroys it's prior gens.
But when I think of the presence of the system, the hype, excitement, and overall aura the console on the market, I'd say the PSX.
I remember those days. Being the multi-plat gamer that I've been since birth, the PSX was the new kid on the block that needed representation. I remember the old arguments: cartiridges vs discs. Simpility of PSX's archecture over Saturn's complexity etc.
And the mega showdown between Nintendo loyalists and Sony rebels. The arguments could get fierce and emotions raw. I remember a friend of mine. Him and his brother were stalwart Nintendo fans. BUt fans also of Final Fantasy and Megaman. Being the advocate that I was of hardware that needed not be shunned by biases, I lended them my PSX with my games for two weeks. Having done so, they were converted and are still to this day fans of Playstation, also Nintendo.

And before anyone thinks I'm some sort of Playstation hero. I did, in fact, convert a PS2 only friend into also a Xbox fan. We played a rediculous amount of Halo: CE together back then. Good times.

FatherSun
FatherSun
12 years ago

You sir are a diplomat. I commend you.

I am a PS fan but I also enjoy all systems for what they are. There has never been a better time for gamers. Let them fight over us. The content will just keep on coming. Although, MS seems to be lost at this time as they "Kinect " with the stars so to say.. But I would never count MS out. I think they have purposely slowed down with exclusives because they plan on coming on extremely strong when their new BOX comes out. This current console battle is about to seem like a catfight. lol… I hope!

FatherSun
FatherSun
12 years ago

I enjoy/ed each to the fullest and as of now the PS3 is at the cutting edge. It gets used everyday. Both of them actually. (I decided to wait on the 3rd in hopes that Sony will reconsider it's position on 2 PS3s per PSN account. WTF Sony?)

If I literally answered the question then the answer is that of course this generation technically has the best console. It was a slow start but it seems the Tortoise knows what it's doing. And the PSN is expanding every day. Even HOME still gleams with potential. I wonder what will they come up with next?

The PS1 was the ice breaker and industry taker. Sony came in with a vengeance after Nintendo,s betrayal and they began the takeover. The games from that era can never be reproduced. (Not counting HD remakes of course.) Or is it that no developer cares to do so? That machine showed me that game will become mainstream one day. And look at us now. Us veterans are being encroached upon by the masses. Scary isn't it?

Anyway, I would have to say that the PS2 is the reigning champion. It had everything in its corner. Quality and Quantity. The sales numbers don't lie. It still sells to this day. Not only that, It simply DOMINATED the market. SONY was on full blast with the PS2 and it showed. They gave it so much support and in turn the industry returned the favor. A shame that diminished when the PS3 was introduced. It is more of a shame because it was so ahead of its time when it first came out. To me it seemed that Sony wanted to nurture it first party which if fine with me but obviously the industry transformed during the process.

PS2 then PS3 then PS1 for me. Although, My 60 gig launch PS3 would beat then all because it played all of the PlayStation games I ever owned. Just insert disk… I miss her.. May she rest in Peace…

bebestorm
bebestorm
12 years ago

PS2 days were much happier days for me! Hopefully PS4 library will match PS2. Dont get me wrong PS3 is good but it has nothing on the PS2.

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
12 years ago

Objectively it was the PS2.

TheHighlander
TheHighlander
12 years ago

PS3 hands down. Not a difficult pick either. My PS3 60GB Phat plays every PS1, PS2 and PS3 disc. Even if it didn't do that, it sill plays PS1 classics and PS2 classics.

But, the deciding factor for me is simple. Games.

How many games have I bought for it? By far I have more games on PS3 than on either previous system. For no reason other than that, the PS3 wins easily. More games = better system. Count the games you own for each system, that should lead your decision.

LimitedVertigo
LimitedVertigo
12 years ago

PS2 for me then but only because I didn't have much money during the PS1 days and during the PS3 days I'm finding less games that I enjoy.

maxpontiac
maxpontiac
12 years ago

My thoughts exactly Highlander.

Underdog15
Underdog15
12 years ago

I like your reasoning about playing all games on your PS3. But I can't go by which system I own the most games for. I had no money during the PS1, and somehow, even less than that during the PS2 days. I owned the ones I desperately wanted to own, and everything else I wanted to play, I rented and beat during the rental. Games I rented but didn't buy (some I bought within the last couple years to collect) include but are not limited to: Legend of Mana, Crono Cross, Shadow of the Colossus, all Crash Bandicoot games, Odin Sphere, and a whole crapload more.

daus26
daus26
12 years ago

To be fair, my time with the PS1 was limited, so I really only played GT1/GT2, Test Drive, Need for Speed, Resident Evil, Croc, Tomb Raider, and not much else I'm afraid. I had no idea what JRPG was back then. That leaves me between the PS2 and PS3.

I love the PS3, but I'm going with the PS2. Besides introducing to the greatness of RPG games, one of the reason was that it was a huge step in gaming visuals. Being a GT fan myself, I was speechless how GT3 evolved the way it did compared to its PS1 predecessors. Then I played SSX and FFX. They were nothing short of impressive either in the PS2's early days. Apart from that? I didn't have to worry about DLCs, game patches, and mandatory installs like I did with the PS3.

By no means am I a hardcore gamer, and also with the additional reason that I'm always on a tight budget, I can only experience a few games. I guess a way to sum it up is the game I got to experience with the system:

GT3
GT4
Metal Gear Solid Series
Resident Evil: Code Veronica X
Kingdom Hearts I/II
Final Fantasy X/X-2
Final Fantasy XII
DragonQuest VIII
SSX
Midnight Club
Need for Speed Most Wanted/Underground
Burnout Takedown
Tekken Tag Tournament

The PS3?

GT5
FFXIII (a bit underwhelming, but that's another story..)

..That's it? I don't just own 2 games btw, but those two are really the ones in my collection that comes to mind without effort. As you can see, I've still yet to see my DragonQuest, a legit Resident Evil game, Kingdom Hearts, and an FF game that feels authentic on my PS3.

Mog
Mog
12 years ago

LOL I remember Croc!

I still remember perfectly the sounds he made when attacking.
*Kapoou!* *Kassplatt!*

I've also been waiting for kingdom hearts but I honestly don't think it will be delivered.
Hasn't the story ended anyway?
(I don't have any hand held consoles so I can't follow the story properly)

AcHiLLiA
AcHiLLiA
12 years ago

The PS2 generation, probably by far the best, so many great titles. This gen is not over yet and I hope alot of devs in the future can bring their A-game up.

Mystearica
Mystearica
12 years ago

My PS1 time was limited 'cause I was a kid – couldn't get a stable job and my parents were against anything I liked

So at this point I'll have to vote hands down PS2 – some of the best memories

Geobaldi
Geobaldi
12 years ago

PS1 for me as it received more playing time then the PS2 and PS3 combined.

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
12 years ago

The lack of 3rd party exclusives has hurt this gen's Playstation A LOT.

Dancemachine55
Dancemachine55
12 years ago

I think even Sony would agree the PS2 was them at their best. I just know they have what it takes to bring the Playstation brand back into the spotlight and make it number 1 once more!!

Oxvial
Oxvial
12 years ago

PS1 and PS2 were like unstoppable, the Ps3 would be the same but the 360 hurt a lot Sony with their early exclusive stuff that we didn't know it was really timed and getting the preference of developers at multis.

BikerSaint
BikerSaint
12 years ago

Man, this was one super hard choice….

I love my 2 PS3's(fat 60 & a slim) & for me it's really is an "all things to all people" kind of console.

But, through no fault of the the PS3's own, I have to give my biggest props to the PS2, and it's still going strong after 11 years.

A few more reasons….

1. D/L's were almost nil during that time,

2. M$ hadn't quite yet perfected their sleazy, unsavory meddling this gen, stealing Playstation exclusives, buying timed DLC.

3. Developers hadn't yet started port-gimping games because of another console of lesser discabilites

4. I'm not positive of the final figures, but I believe the PS1 had right around 1800 games & the PS2 had surpassed it with well over 2000.

Geobaldi
Geobaldi
12 years ago

Last count I could find was 2,016 PS2 games and 2,418 PS1 games. Minus the games that were the same but with different names due to being in different regions.

Dancemachine55
Dancemachine55
12 years ago

When you factor in DLC, on disc lockables, foul-mouthed chatty kids online, forced mutliplayer in once great solo player games (farewell Resident Evil scares alone)…

…yeah, the PS2 was definitely up there as the best.

As I stated below, I went with PS3 because of the new cheap downloadable games option (arcade and Indie stuff) along with for other reasons. But your post has certainly made me rethink my decision. 🙂

BikerSaint
BikerSaint
12 years ago

Geobaldi,

I've been trying to find complete game title lists for both, the PS1, PS2, & PS3 games, but if your numbers are correct, looks like I've still got quite a ways to go towards trying to fill in all of my Playstation collections.

And I've only gotten 1140 of all the PS games so far…..
PS1-572
PS2-468
PS3-180

Dancemachine55
Dancemachine55
12 years ago

360 FTW!!!

LOL! I joke, I joke! No way that last-gen tech-based, money eating, exclusive lacking machine could win this gen.

Compared to all PS consoles, I think the PS3 tops the cake. Why do you ask? Well, I try to take nostalgia out of the picture and just look at which console offered the most fun, most value for money and the most memorable moments in gaming.

Here's my list of why PS3 rules:

1. Blu-ray and DVD movies
2. Multimedia storage of videos, pictures and music, which can all be played.
3. A free online service to play with friends.

… but most importantly…

4. THE GAMES

The PS3 gives you full backwards compatability with PS1 games and have re-released all the best PS2 games (bar some great JRPGs) meaning you can play Metal Gear Solid, Crash bandicoot and the best of the best PS1 had to offer on your PS3.

PS2 games have been remastered in HD for the PS3, meaning they looks better and play smoother than ever!!! God of War 1 and 2, MGS 2 and 3, Sly Cooper trilogy, Jak and Daxter trilogy, FF X, all on the PS3 in widescreen, HD and some of them in 3D!!!

AND THE PS3 EXCLUSIVES!!!

PS1 and PS2 had some great JRPG's and platformers, but some of them are still around on the PS3. However, PS3 has the PSN digital platform for cheaper old school platformers and RPG's, but with the power of the PS3 we get unique experiences like Heavy Rain, Uncharted and Littlebig Planet, along with next-gen masterpieces like Ratchet and Clank a Crack in Time, MGS4, God of War 3 and the soon to be released Twisted Metal!!!

PS1 had great games, many I grew up with. PS2 was a mind-blower with DVD playback and some of the best mature games on any system. _PS2 also started the party and casual gaming craze with Singstar and Guitar Hero before the Wii came along)

… but the PS3, in my eyes, is the king of all consoles.

P.S. I would consider it near perfection had they not gimped on the RAM, cos SOME mutliplats (not all) tend to play better on the 360. That's really the ONLY downside to the PS3. Like I said… near perfection.

Dancemachine55
Dancemachine55
12 years ago

Okay, while PS3 offers more and is by far the better "machine" compared to what the PS1 and PS2 could do…

In terms of sales numbers, nostalgia, likeability, retrospective observation, brand recognition, success, fun factor, exclusivity, etc etc….

Yep, PS2 is the winner of the almighty Sony crown. The Xbox and Gamecube couldn't touch what the PS2 achieved.

While I love my PS3 and love the new and old exclusives available on it, looking back at the good times I had with my PS2 and with friends before being forced to play with them online all the time… ahhh…. I miss having friends by my side rather than over voice chat online.


Last edited by Dancemachine55 on 1/24/2012 1:02:42 AM

BikerSaint
BikerSaint
12 years ago

Dancemachine55,
LOL
I don't have any hate for the 360 or the original Xbox themselves, all my hatred is geared straight towards M$ itself.

As for their games, I have collections for both of them too, although they're much smaller in total volume compared to any one of my Playstation collections….

360 – 124 games
Xbox – 270 games

My next biggest collection so far would be for the Sega's genesis at 147 games.

And my smallest collection would be for the Virtual Boy, with only 1 game(as I've only got Mario Tennis for it so far).

*Sigh*
So many games, so little time……or money!!!!!

PSTan
PSTan
12 years ago

PS3 for me, my fat 80 is backwards compatible with PS2 and PS1 games, so it's like having three consoles in one 🙂 I get all the classics along with this generation's gems. I guess PS1 for nostalgic factor and PS2 for plain fun, but I believe the PS3 shows Sony truly hitting their stride.

Snaaaake
Snaaaake
12 years ago

PS3 is definitely the bottom out of the 3.
PS2 had a massive amount of great games to play with but I'll have to go with PS1.

With games like FFVII, FFVIII, FFIX, MGS, TM, Crash Bandicoot and Gran Turismo, you can't go wrong with it.

But I have to say while I put PS1 on top, PS2 is right behind it's tail.

SmokeyPSD
SmokeyPSD
12 years ago

For me the playstation, as in the end I'm still playing the games. It's unfortunate but as wonderful as technology has become actual game design in many respects has taken a backseat. I am less excited overall about the industry.

That translates to longevity of the games of old. Again and again.

In some cases, even buying them again. To keep for posterity.

___________
___________
12 years ago

id have to say ps1 simply because it had the most games in my favorite genres, platformer and survival horror.
ps2 had a few of both but no where near as many as the ps1, and they were no where near as good!
crash, spyro, RE, and silent hill aposed to R&C, sly, and whatever horror games the ps2 got.
see they were so good ive forgotten what they were called!
ps2 had many good games, PoP especially one of my favourite IPs of all time!
but ps1 had the true classics.
my game design teacher on our first day said the transformation from 2D to 3D was the death of game design!
we always thought he was mad, now i can see what he meant………

PharaohJR
PharaohJR
12 years ago

ps1 i was playing Gran turismo, Need for Speed, Tekken, Spyro, Crash Bandicot, Jetmoto, Twisted Metal, Grand Theft, Resident Evil,Bloody Roar,Dragon ball from japan. tomb raider

ps2: Gran Turismo, Grand theft, Need for Speed, Driver, Test Drive, Tekken, Ridge Racer Dragon ball & other games but they didnt take time like these.

ps3: Gran Turismo, Grand theft, Need for Speed, Tekken, Metal Gear, NBA 2k,COD, Tom Clancy, Little Big, Warhawk, Uncharted, Yakuza, Killzone

i had the most games for ps2 but i played more games on ps1. ps1 & ps3 got my most time so far but choosing which 1 i like most…. its ps3.

with ps1 & ps2 i said its still more that can be added to games but with ps3 i cant say that yet. i know we can improve more but at this stage im kool with results.

Mog
Mog
12 years ago

Did anyone play Abes Odyssey or Abes Exodus on Ps1? Man that game scared the hell out of me when I was young…

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