We already published the list of best PS1 games of all time, now it’s time to discover the best PS1 survival/horror games of all time.
With amazing titles available, the PS1 definitely has a great library of survival/horror games.
So, if you’re a fan of both the PS1 and survival/horror games, there’s a chance you’ll like this list.
And some of you may already know some of the games mentioned in this list.
#10. Alone in the Dark: The New Nightmare
- Release Data: Darkworks/Infogrames, 2001
- Genre: Action Adventure » Survival
In truth, Alone in the Dark: The New Nightmare is not a bad game.
It would have been a solid title to play at the time, despite being inferior to other games in the genre.
However, it doesn’t justify a playthrough today, not for its own merit or for any historical significance.
#9. Dino Crisis 2
- Release Data: Capcom, 2000
- Genre: Action Adventure » Survival
Dino Crisis 2 is an original, enjoyable experience that can no longer be considered just another entry into the survival-horror genre.
This title avoids the stereotypes of the genre and delivers one of the most refreshing takes on the third-person action shooter to date.
#8. Fear Effect 2: Retro Helix
- Release Data: Kronos Digital Entertainment/Eidos Interactive, 2001
- Genre: Action Adventure » Survival
Fear Effect 2: Retro Helix is a game that successfully blends the action, survival-horror, and role-playing genres into a single outstanding product.
It does have its flaws, but if you’re even mildly interested in games like Resident Evil, Parasite Eve, or Metal Gear Solid, you’ll probably love Fear Effect 2.
#7. Dino Crisis
- Release Data: Capcom, 1999
- Genre: Action Adventure » Survival
Dino Crisis is less disturbing than the Resident Evil series, but possibly more frightening since each of the creatures in Dino Crisis hold about the same shock value as the Dobermans did in Resident Evil.
The storyline is sound, and the replay value is high, with three different endings to reveal and a multitude of secrets to find.
#6. Fear Effect
- Release Data: Kronos Digital Entertainment/Eidos Interactive, 2000
- Genre: Action Adventure » Survival
Like Metal Gear Solid and Resident Evil though, the overall experience that Fear Effect provides is hugely entertaining.
It’s one of the few games that creates a story compelling enough to make you want to play through it in a single long sitting.
#5. Silent Hill
- Release Data: KCET/Konami, 1999
- Genre: Action Adventure » Survival
Silent Hill may not be the right choice for those looking to blast their way through a zombie-filled town with a super grenade-launcher.
But for any gamer searching out a solid, innovative title that succeeds in telling a wonderfully crafted story that appeals to the darker stuff of nightmares, Silent Hill cannot be beat.
#4. Resident Evil
- Release Data: Capcom/Virgin Interactive, 1996
- Genre: Action Adventure » Survival
This is it. This is the game that started it all.
Survival horror at its best and only surpassed by the sequels and remakes.
The dramatic voice acting and short story lower the overall experience but it offers scares and balanced difficulty.
Play this game.
#3. Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver
- Release Data: Crystal Dynamics/Eidos Interactive, 1999
- Genre: Action Adventure » Survival
Overall, this title is an excellent game that offers plenty of gameplay, fun, and challenge.
The story is satisfying except for the abrupt ending and the combat is fun.
The puzzles are well-balanced and the combination of the material realm, spectral realm, and the demon realm is a great addition.
#2. Resident Evil 3: Nemesis
- Release Data: Capcom, 1999
- Genre: Action Adventure » Survival
While it may seem as if Resident Evil fans are getting shortchanged on this one, it really isn’t the case.
Judged on its own merits, Resident Evil 3 is a truly outstanding game.
Unlike other series that offer incremental “improvements,” the Resident Evil lineup continues to refine an already excellent premise.
#1. Resident Evil 2
- Release Data: Capcom/Virgin Interactive, 1998
- Genre: Action Adventure » Survival
In the end, Resident Evil 2 is one of the most entertaining games on the PS1.
With its unique camera angles, storyline, graphics, sound effects, and music, Resident Evil 2 seems more like a product out of Hollywood than the video game industry.
Overall, Resident Evil 2 surpasses its predecessor in nearly every aspect of gameplay.
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See also: Best Gaming Chairs & Best PS2 Games
Are your favorite games on the list?
Deciding which PS1 survival/horror game is the best is no doubt a never ending topic, but it’s fun to do!