In a massive blow against game preservation, Sony recently announced the closure of the PlayStation stores for the PS3, PSP, and PS Vita. This is devastating for a variety of reasons. Many exclusive titles and indie games will be lost potentially forever, and plenty of older PlayStation games made more easily accessible are now in danger of once again falling into obscurity.
Many of the games below are difficult to find in a physical format or are ludicrously expensive, so buy them on the PS Store before the opportunity passes. In addition to their value, they are all also great games. This list also tries to stick with games that are not also available through a remaster, remake, or port. So if your favorite is missing, this is probably the reason.
10 Mega Man Legends 1 And 2 (And The Misadventures Of Tron Bonne)
Seeing Mega Man Legends along with its sequel and spin-off brought to the store was a revelation for fans of this underrated action-RPG. Mega Man Legends 2 and The Misadventures of Tron Bonne are particularly difficult to find. Mega Man Legends includes a notably lively 3D world, an impressive feat for the original PlayStation. With Mega Man Legends 3 probably never becoming a reality, this could be your last chance to experience the series legitimately.
9 Rayman
This platformer came out on other consoles, including the Game Boy Advance, but the PlayStation is where most first experienced Rayman. The debut Rayman is extremely difficult, and the use of lives means you'll be encountering numerous game over screens in your attempts to conquer it. As hard as newer titles like Rayman Legends are, they at least have more forgiving checkpoints and are easier with cooperative play. The first Rayman is an unrelenting platforming gauntlet.
8 The Medal Of Honor Series
The PlayStation was not known for having a bevy of first-person shooters. The two Medal of Honor games for Sony's debut console made the right concessions and changes to make the genre work well on the controller. Do not expect epic large-scale battles like in modern World War II games. Most of the missions involve one character going deep into enemy territory. With customizable controls on the PS3 and Vita, you can even make dual-analog controls possible.
7 Silent Hill
While Silent Hill 2 is considered the best in the series, the debut entry on the original PlayStation is also an impressive title, especially for the console. The technical limitations brought the need for fog, which became one of the series' signature aesthetic features. Even though the graphics are quaint by today's standards, the first Silent Hill still has the power to scare modern gamers. With no new Silent Hill game in sight, now is as good a time as ever to revisit the one that started it all.
6 Um Jammer Lammy
PaRappa the Rapper is the PS1 rhythm game everyone fondly remembers, but do not ignore Um Jammer Lammy. Instead of pressing buttons at the proper time to initiate rhymes, players control Lammy as she unleashes sick guitar licks. Despite its short length, the catchy music and compulsion to improve your skills will make playing the levels over and over again a pleasure. PaRappa has gotten a proper re-release on PS4, but Um Jammer Lammy remains stuck on the PlayStation and PSN.
5 Xenogears
Not only do you have to contend with finding a physical copy of some games, but making sure physical media still works after several decades is a whole new challenge. Games with multiple discs are in particular danger. More CDs means more chances to ruin a copy. This is why it is more convenient to play epic RPGs like Xenogears digitally, so buy it before the store closes and you lose your chance. If you like Monolith Soft's games like Xenoblade Chronicles, you should see the roots of this developer with this Squaresoft title.
4 Klonoa
Klonoa never managed to become a mascot for the PlayStation on the same level as Crash Bandicoot, but the character starred in several cult classics, including the debut entry for the original PlayStation. Physical copies are hard to come by, so it is better to snag it up digitally now before it goes away forever. The mixture of platforming and puzzle-solving helps distinguish it from other platformers of the time. While you're at it, try to find the sequel for the PS2 as well.
3 Chrono Cross
This sequel to Chrono Trigger came out near the end of the PlayStation's life, and few realize how strongly it actually connects to the classic 1995 JRPG. At between 40 and 50 hours long, Chrono Cross also sports one of the largest possible parties of the genre. You can recruit 45 characters to fight alongside you. It has been more than twenty years since Chrono Cross came out, and fans are still begging for a continuation of the story. Until that day comes, be sure to purchase this PS1 classic before it is too late.
2 Parasite Eve
During a time when most RPGs were still embracing the high-fantasy setting, Parasite Eve took a strange approach by taking place in modern-day New York City.
It's a lot shorter than most other RPGs, taking only about ten hours or so to beat, but the unique aspects of the gameplay and story still make it worth playing today. The sequel is also available on the PlayStation Store. Given its distinct qualities and cult status, this game feels ripe for a remake in the future.
1 Vib Ribbon
This unique rhythm game was never released in America until it saw release on the PS Store in 2014. Interestingly enough, you can still take advantage of the game's key feature by playing along to your CD collection on the PS3. This provides the game with potentially endless replay value, and your CDs are thankful for finding a use for the first time in years. With CDs also out of style, this really seems like the last chance to ever play Vib Ribbon in a proper way.