10 Retro Games to Check Out in the PlayStation Plus Classic Collection

As much as we love playing brand-new triple-A games on the PlayStation 5, there are times when nostalgia creeps in, urging us to play some retro games. Thankfully, the PlayStation Plus library has more than enough blasts from the past.

Featuring key games from the original PlayStation, the PlayStation 2, and PlayStation Portable, PlayStation Plus subscribers can get a retro fix at any time. While the collection is already robust, more games are constantly being added as well.

So while there are key standouts that everyone should play, like the early Tekken games or the jaunty adventure LocoRoco, here are ten hidden retro gems that you should check out on the PlayStation Plus service.

Ape Escape

This classic PlayStation franchise is readily available on the service, with the PS1 original being the perfect introduction to this wacky world of rampaging monkeys. It’s a different take on the collectathon that we highly recommend.

Oddworld New ‘n’ Tasty

One of the most original games to debut on the PS1, the remastered version of Oddworld maintains its signature gritty world and environmental messaging. Its cinematic presentation is further enhanced with modern graphics.

Star Wars Demolition

The Twisted Metal games are readily available on the PlayStation Plus service, but for a more unique take on the battle racing genre, Star Wars Demolition is the way to go. You can play as a rampaging Rancor against little speeder bikes; what more do you need?

Toy Story 2: Buzz Lightyear to the Rescue

A rare example of a timeless licensed game, this Toy Story game lets players explore the world as the best action figure of all time, Buzz Lightyear. It loosely follows the film’s plot while bringing in tons of fun 3D platforming challenges.

Blade Dancer: Lineage of Light

A game that went under the radar when it was first released on the PlayStation Portable, Blade Dancer: Lineage of Light is one turn-based RPG that more people should talk about. This modern rerelease comes with a couple of quality-of-life upgrades, like a rewind feature and quick saves.

Worms Armageddon

Arguably the most iconic Worms game of all time, Armageddon was the game that elevated the franchise’s turn-based warfare into something timeless. If you’re looking for a party game to mess around with friends, look no further.

Herc’s Adventures

A hidden gem and one of the most entertaining two-player couch co-op games from the original PlayStation, Herc’s Adventures is still amazing after all these years. Its cartoony artstyle also holds up, as does its fast-paced action gameplay.

The Legend of Dragoon

Sony’s own take on the Japanese role-playing games that third-party developers were making for their console, The Legend of Dragoon is an old-school epic that still holds up. It’s a more unique take on the usual Final Fantasies or Dragon Quests that many may not have experienced.

Jak & Daxter Trilogy

Before Naughty Dog made Uncharted and The Last of Us, they were blowing players away with the 3D platforming adventures of Jak & Daxter. Experience the saga of the first three games, and even the combat racing spin-off, Jak X on PlayStation Plus.

Wild Arms 1 & 2

This wild west-themed JRPG series stood toe to toe with the likes of Final Fantasy VII back in the day. Modern JRPG fans willbe pleasantly surprised by how ahead of its time the Wild Arms games are and how it has stood the test of time.