The Best and Worst Games on the Playstation Network (Playstation 3)

#5 - Castlevania Chronicles

Castlevania Chronicles is one of the best classic games that never made it to the US. Chronicles was (I believe) a PC-based Castlevania game that later received a modest upgrade when it was ported to the Playstation. Those who remember the jump-and-whip gameplay of the 8-bit and 16-bit games will feel right at home playing this game. However, this game is HARD. There are a lot of challenging elements that never appeared in earlier Castlevania games, like deadly background objects and riding a raft that is slowly being destroyed one log at a time. For a measly $6 or so, Castlevania Chronicles will give older gamers a satisfying sense of nostalgia.

#4 - Crash Bandicoot 2

According to others, Crash Bandicoot 3 is a superior game over 2, and it is also available on the PSN Store. However, I have only purchased 1 and 2 thus far, and as much as Crash Bandicoot gave me a lot of satisfaction as a kid, I remember the game pissing me off to all hell. In fact, being 12 when I first played Crash Bandicoot, the game always went hand-in-hand with the taste of soap in my mouth. Nevertheless, I never discovered Crash Bandicoot 2 until recently, and had I played it instead of its predecessor when I was a child, my parents could have had company over without being mortified by the shrill fits of cursing that echoed from the basement living room. Everything that was wrong with the first game has been fixed, leaving behind a very fun platforming game that has aged fairly well over the past decade or so.

#3 - Castlevania: Symphony of the Night

Taking Castlevania into a bold new direction and never looking back, Symphony of the Night was a richer, more expansive experience than any of the previous (and even later) Castlevania games could ever provide. Playing as the son of Dracula himself, you explore the depths of Castle Dracula, solve puzzles, and upgrade your weapons and abilities. Not only was the game enormous (for the time) it also leaves a lasting impression and a true sense of accomplishment at the end. Dozens of secrets, epic bosses, and multiple endings makes Symphony of the Night one of the most fulfilling games ever made.

#2 - Metal Gear Solid

FUCK YES.

Though the game has honestly not aged well over time, and feels very simple by today's standards, Metal Gear Solid is still the cornerstone of everything a great action game should be. The aspects that keep this game going, even today, are the amazing storyline, the intense boss fights, and deep character development that has (in my humble opinion) yet to be rivaled.

From the incredible action sequences (the battle against the attack chopper and the escape from Liquid Snake), to the still impressive and innovative sequences that break the 4th wall (Psycho Mantis!), to the heartbreaking, emotional scenes (Sniper Wolf), there is little wonder why Metal Gear Solid became a world-wide phenomenon.

#1 - Final Fantasy VII

The game that tops everybody's video game lists, it's no surprise that it tops mine as well.

Everybody knows the characters, the story, the gameplay, and so on. However, what people never tell you is WHY the game still endures as a 'must have'. Final Fantasy VII is the essential RPG: It takes a genre and makes it accessible to nearly everyone. The gameplay is less complex than modern RPGs, yet it is still efficient and effective. The story is not about a far off place with wizards and dragons, but instead it's closer to a world much like our own filled with characters that reflect that world (our world). Themes of love, hate, loss, and adventure are ever present, and there's rarely an uninteresting moment. The story (now milked to death and over-complicated by sequels and prequels) started off as somewhat straightforward, but, through interacting with characters and fantastic storytelling, absorbed the gamer into an epic story in an equally epic world.

Final Fantasy VII is one of the few games that transcend time. Final Fantasy VII is not the graphics, or music, or gameplay.
Final Fantasy VII is an essence.
Final Fantasy VII simply 'IS'.