PlayStation's Classics Are Quietly Making a Comeback, And It's About Time
PlayStation’s classics are finally getting the love they deserve! @pushsquare dives into how PS Plus Premium is reviving forgotten gems just in time for the brand’s 30th anniversary.
“Like, why would anyone play this?” This flippant, out of context quote from former PlayStation bigwig Jim Ryan followed him everywhere. The executive had been speaking at a Gran Turismo event, where the latest in the series at the time, Gran Turismo Sport on the PS4, was being demoed alongside the PlayStation originals. “The PS1 and PS2 games look ancient,” he exclaimed. “Like, why would anyone play this?”
As frustration among PlayStation fans grew, these off-the-cuff remarks from Ryan took on a life of their own: many assumed Sony, under his leadership, hated its legacy. The executive later clarified in an interview with Axios Gaming that he “wasn’t trying to be disrespectful of our heritage”. He explained: “I guess my big learning from all of this is when [Gran Turismo creator] Kazunori Yamauchi unveils his next game side-by-side with its history, I will keep my mouth shut.”
But actions speak louder than words and many fans have been waiting for Sony to actually do something with its back catalogue that proves it cares about the games from its past. I believe, while far from perfect, PS Plus Premium is quietly amassing a catalogue of deep cuts from PlayStation’s history that fans absolutely should be paying attention to. And as nostalgia builds ahead of the brand’s 30th anniversary – with that sumptuous collection of new PS5 hardware available to pre-order soon – it’s something that both long-time fans and newcomers should be paying attention to.
For example, this week saw the release of Mister Mosquito on PS5 and PS4, a largely forgotten 2001 title from Japanese developer Zoom which encapsulates everything great about PlayStation first-party in the PS2 era. As its name implies, this game sees you buzzing around the unsuspecting Yamada family’s home, drawing blood without arousing suspicion in some of the zaniest gameplay you’re likely to find on any format today. The original was brought overseas by Eidos under license from Sony, but is reproduced with Trophies and various quality of life features here.
While there’s clearly more Sony could be doing here, I really appreciate how many games are being given a new lease of life with the inclusion of Trophies.
Many games are also making their European debuts as part of Sony’s hushed retro push. Earlier in the year, Level-5’s legendary PSP tactics game Jeanne d’Arc launched into PS Plus Premium, marking the first time it’s been officially available outside of Japan and North America; Sony famously passed on publishing the game in Europe, despite its story being loosely inspired by Joan of Arc and the Hundred Years’ War in the 15th Century. Similarly, cult PS2 aerial combat game Sky Gunner was ported to the PS5 and PS4 this week, marking another European debut.
While there’s clearly more Sony could be doing here, with its official emulator in particular lacking the upscaling capabilities of third-party rivals, I really appreciate how many games are being given a new lease of life with the inclusion of Trophies. The fan favourite PS2 TimeSplitters trilogy was updated this week to incorporate Platinums, and for many this is all the incentive needed to revisit old favourites. Iconic PS1 games like G-Police, Jumping Flash!, and Intelligent Qube all come with a list of achievements to unlock as well.
Even lesser known instalments from classic PlayStation properties are getting a second shot in the spotlight; I wouldn’t exactly recommend spin-offs like Secret Agent Clank and Jak & Daxter: The Lost Frontier over their mainline counterparts, but I like that they exist in an easily accessible form on modern hardware. The real goal for Sony will be to ensure the original trilogies accompany them; you can play all of the Jak & Daxter games with Trophies on the PS5 and PS4, but we’re still awaiting the original Ratchet & Clank releases.
While I suppose I could criticise Sony for dragging its heels, I’d rather it do that than nothing at all. The catalogue of PlayStation classics on PS Plus Premium is growing, with many available a la carte on the PS Store if you don’t want to pay out for the pricey subscription. The emulation could admittedly be better, and the software could be coming quicker – but quietly the Japanese giant is embracing its heritage and making it available for veterans and newcomers alike.
If you’re thinking, “Like, why would anyone play this?”, it’s because, as we approach PlayStation’s all-important 30th anniversary, there’s a lot of love for its back catalogue. And gradually, month by month, Sony is actually beginning to acknowledge that.
Sammy Barker is the Editor of Push Square. He’s been living and breathing the wonderful world of PlayStation for decades now – and has the tattoos to prove it. You can find him on @_get2sammyb.
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