Reminding us that games don’t have to be brand-spanking new to be any fun, Gnomie Kai (ramm400) from the UK writes in and takes us back with his five favorite PlayStation games:

1. Metal Gear Solid
   Created by the legendary designer of such all-time classics as the previous versions of Metal Gear, Snatcher, and Policenauts, Metal Gear Solid was released in October of 1998 as one of the system’s most hotly anticipated games of its time. The game, which followed the exploits of Solid Snake, was an action/adventure game that relied heavily on using stealth and had a presentation that was superior to anything else on the platform. It not only lived up to the hype, it exceeded it in many ways and is definitely my all-time favourite game.

2. Final Fantasy VIII
   Released on September 9, 1999, Final Fantasy VIII made a big splash on the retail front and quickly became one of the fastest selling games of all time. With an epic storyline and some of the best-looking graphics ever seen on PlayStation. I really enjoy playing this game even now.

3. Gran Turismo 2
   Gran Turismo 2 made a big splash when it was released on December 17, 1999, becoming one of the year’s best selling games whilst only being made for a short period of time. GT2 was as great a leap over the original Gran Turismo as Gran Turismo was over every other racing game made. Most racers settle with being one game, but GT2’s name is somewhat misleading in that area. It’s not just a GT racer. It’s a GT racer, a rally racer, a test drive-style exotic racer, a classic muscle-car racer, etc.

4. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater
   Released in September of 1999, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater started the skateboarding craze that probably won’t die down any time in the near future. It was the first game that truly captured the pure grit and radical feel of skateboarding, giving skateboarding fans a chance to do things that they’ve always wished that they could do. This one certainly came out of nowhere and I really enjoyed getting all of my friends ’round to play.

5. Resident Evil 2
   Resident Evil 2 was one of the most hyped and eagerly anticipated sequels of its time. And when it was finally released in January of 1998, gamers across the country found out that all the hype and anticipation was well-deserved. This was definitely a well-played game by me and all of my friends and colleagues.