10 Best PlayStation 1 Hack and Slash Games

Prior to the developers’ endeavours during the era of the PlayStation 2, there existed a number of fundamental concepts that formed the basis for the creation of some of the best hack and slash games ever produced.

While the hack-and-slash games on the PlayStation may not have reached the same level of intricate combat found in titles like Devil May Cry or the intense chaos of Koei’s Musou series, the industry still recognizes and acknowledges these games for establishing the foundation that would later be embraced and built upon.

If you’re seeking a list of the best hack and slash games on the PlayStation 1, you’ve come to the right source. However, it’s important to note that the combat in some of these games may be considered primitive by today’s standards. Nevertheless, if you can overlook their flawed gameplay, you’re in for an enjoyable experience.

Rising Zan The Samurai Gunman™ 1999

About
	Release Date March 25, 1999
	Developer UEP Systems
	Publisher Agetec
	Genre Hack & Slash
	Graphics 3D
	Perspective Third-Person
	Interaction Real-Time
	Concept Cowboy
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

PS1 Releases
1999-03-25
1999-10-06

Rising Zan: The Samurai Gunman prides itself as a noteworthy example within the genre, proudly claiming its status as one of the early pioneers. As one of the first 3D hack and slash games, it introduced various innovative concepts that would later become influential. Notably, it implemented a ranking system to evaluate the player’s performance and featured a cool protagonist who would taunt his enemies before delivering decisive blows.

In the role of the Super Ultra Sexy Hero Zan, players assume the persona of a cowboy samurai armed with a razor-sharp katana and an expert knowledge of gunslinging. The game delves into a revenge-driven narrative, where Zan embarks on a relentless quest to take vengeance upon the man who almost sliced him off for good. With a burning determination, Zan stops at nothing until he succeeds in vanquishing each and every one of his enemies.

Each level in Rising Zan: The Samurai Gunman begins with Zan’s iconic declaration of “Let’s Rock!“, further highlighting the developers’ focus on delivering a stylish gaming experience. The game boasts impressive 3D visuals, particularly notable for a PlayStation 1 title, and allows players to engage in combat against numerous on-screen enemies with the ability to unleash basic combo strings. While the controls may require some time to get used to, especially when facing multiple adversaries, once mastered, Rising Zan: The Samurai Gunman guarantees a memorable experience that solidifies its place among the best hack and slash games of all time.

Soul of the Samurai 1999 新時代劇アクション 羅刹の剣 (Shin Jidaigeki Action: Rasetsu no Ken)

About
	Release Date April 28, 1999
	Developer Konami Computer Entertainment Sapporo
	Publisher Konami
	Genre Hack & Slash
	Concepts Ninja, Samurai
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

PS1 Releases
1999-04-28
1999-08-31

Soul of the Samurai is recognized as one of the early endeavours to capture a 3D hack and slash experience on the original PlayStation. Before the advent of Capcom’s Onimusha  series, Soul of the Samurai was considered a pioneering effort in delivering a 3D samurai-themed gameplay. Interestingly, the game includes several mechanics that were later adopted and utilized in the development of Onimusha, further emphasizing its underappreciated influence.

In the plot of Soul of the Samurai, players assume control of two protagonists: the ronin Kotaro and the teenage female ninja Rin. United by a common goal, they join forces to thwart a malevolent shogun and his minions, navigating through a game world deeply rooted in ancient Japan.

Soul of the Samurai’s gameplay can be best described as a fusion of elements from Onimusha, Bushido Blade, and Tenchu. In certain instances, players will unsheathe their katana and engage in intense one-on-one combat with enemies. Or, they can choose a more stealthy approach as Rin, avoiding unnecessary confrontations. However, unlike the fast-paced combat of Onimusha, Soul of the Samurai emphasizes a slower and more strategic style of gameplay. Players cannot simply swing their weapons mindlessly; instead, they must approach combat with a thoughtful strategy in mind.

MediEvil™ 1998

About
	Release Date October 09, 1998
	Developer Guerilla Cambridge
	Publisher Sony Interactive Entertainment
	Franchise MediEvil
	Genre Action Adventure
	Graphics 3D
	Perspective Third-Person
	Interaction Real-Time
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin United Kingdom

PS1 Releases
1998-10-09
1998-10-20
1999-06-17

MediEvil, although not strictly peddled as a hack and slash game due to its action-adventure gameplay nature, is still a noteworthy title and is considered one of the best games on the PS1.

In the whimsical world of MediEvil, players get to inhabit the bony cranium of Sir Daniel Fortesque, an unlikely hero on a mission to foil Zarok’s comical invasion of the kingdom of Gallowmere. Armed with nothing but his trusty skeletal remains and a hilariously sharp weapon, Daniel eagerly leaps into action, ready to bonk enemies and crack some humorous one-liners along the way.

MediEvil is a game that offers a lot to enjoy for fans of action-adventures, 3D platformers, and Sony's exclusive IPs. Its unique blend of gameplay elements and its charmingly spooky atmosphere captivate players. And if the first game leaves you craving for more, you always have the option to delve into the sequel.

Akuji™ The Heartless 1998

About
	Release Date December 31, 1998
	Developer Crystal Dynamics
	Publisher Eidos Interactive
	Genre Action Adventure
	Graphics 3D
	Perspective Third-Person
	Interaction Real-Time
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin United Kingdom

PS1 Releases
1998-12-31

Akuji the Heartless immerses players through the depths of hell as they make a pact with the Baron. This agreement involves venturing into the abyss and gathering souls on behalf of the Baron, with the promise of a chance to be resurrected and return to the mortal world in return.

This lesser-known, but flawed, hidden gem offers players a free-roaming 3D environment where they embark on a descent into the depths of hell. In their journey, they must battle and overcome a wide variety of formidable enemies. If you have a fondness for games that take place in hell or the underworld, you will discover numerous aspects to admire in this game.

Brave Fencer Musashi 1998 ブレイヴフェンサー 武蔵伝 (Bureivu Fensā Musashiden, Brave Fencer: The Legend of Musashi)

About
	Release Date July 16, 1998
	Developer Square
	Publisher Square
	Genre JRPG
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

PS1 Releases
1998-07-16
1998-10-31

Brave Fencer Musashi follows the tale of a determined young swordsman who embarks on a relentless quest to find what he seeks. While Square is renowned for its groundbreaking releases such as Final Fantasy and Xenogears, they have also crafted a collection of genuine titles that have faded into obscurity.

In contrast to Square’s early games, Brave Fencer Musashi takes a departure from the turn-based combat system and instead offers real-time sword-based combat within a 2.5D environment. Its combat mechanics revolve around basic hacking and slashing, allowing players to execute simple attack animations or unleash powerful magic moves. While this game is highly recommended for those seeking top-notch action RPGs on the PS1, its hacking and slashing system may not captivate those with different preferences.

Nightmare Creatures 1997

About
	Release Date September 30, 1997
	Developer Kalisto Entertainment
	Publisher Activision
	Genre Horror
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin France

PS1 Releases
1997-09-30
1997-10-07
1997-11-01

Nightmare Creatures made a significant impact upon its initial release, proving that the technical limitations of the PlayStation did not hinder the developers’ ambition. Kalisto Entertainment succeeded in creating an atmospheric experience that showcased the PlayStation’s ability to rival the N64 head-on.

While the movements and visuals may feel somewhat antiquated, there is still a satisfying sense of hacking and slashing to be enjoyed. The inclusion of gothic horror elements and a dark atmosphere adds to the game’s appeal, instantly captivating players. If you can overlook the flaws present in this game, you’ll discover a hidden gem that offers a delightful experience for hack and slash aficionados.

Xena Warrior Princess™ 1999

About
	Release Date October 05, 1999
	Developer Universal Interactive
	Publisher Electronic Arts
	Genre Action Adventure
	Graphics 3D
	Perspective Third-Person
	Interaction Real-Time
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin United States

PS1 Releases
1999-10-05
2000-08-17

Xena Warrior Princess is the equivalent of Conan the barbarian but in a female form. She’s courageous, powerful, and has the ability to confront a wide range of adversaries directly. In this immersive 3D action-adventure hack and slash game, players will have the opportunity to ruthlessly defeat and dismantle enemies with unparalleled ease.

Based on the 1995 TV series of the same name, the game revolves around the captivating storyline of Xena’s quest to save her loyal companion, Gabrielle, from the clutches of the malevolent deity known as Kalabrax. This malevolent god seeks to use Gabrielle as a sacrificial offering to enact a transformative ritual, intending to establish a new world order.

As far as combat goes, Xena: Warrior Princess showcases exceptional combat mechanics that are highly impressive for a PlayStation 1 game. However, one notable drawback that players may encounter is related to the camera system. Occasionally, the camera can become problematic, particularly when it becomes trapped in a specific corner, resulting in obstructed visibility for the player. Other than this minor issue, Xena Warrior Princess stands as one of the finest PS1 games.

Dragon Valor 1999 ドラゴンヴァラー (Doragon Varā)

About
	Release Date December 02, 1999
	Developer Namco
	Publisher Namco
	Genre JRPG
	Graphics 2D
	Perspective Side Scroller
	Interaction Real-Time
	Concept Dragon
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

PS1 Releases
1999-12-02
2000-06-30
2000-10-16

Dragon Valor may not boast an intricately developed lore, but its straightforward hack-and-slash combat system is undeniably addictive. The game’s addictive nature stems from the fact that it doesn’t demand too much effort to enjoy.

The narrative of Dragon Valor centres around legendary warriors blessed with the unparalleled ability to vanquish mighty dragons. Players assume the roles of various warriors spanning multiple generations. The present, past, and future intertwine, with the legend repeating itself cyclically, creating an interconnected tapestry of time and destiny.

Alundra 2: A New Legend Begins 1999

About
	Release Date November 18, 1999
	Developer Matrix Software
	Publisher Activision
	Genre Action RPG
	Graphics 2D
	Perspective Top-Down
	Interaction Real-Time
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

PS1 Releases
1999-11-18
2000-02-29

Alundra 2: A New Legend Begins is considered by many as one of the finest PlayStation 1 games that often goes overlooked or remains obscure to many. While its gameplay bears similarities to Nintendo’s highly popular Legend of Zelda series,  it is important to note that Alundra 2 is not a mere clone or imitation.

In the action RPG, players assume the role of Flint, a brave and determined young protagonist, who embarks on a quest to seek vengeance against the pirates responsible for the tragic demise of his parents. However, his journey takes an unexpected turn as he discovers his destiny as the chosen hero tasked with stopping Mephisto, a formidable sorcerer wreaking havoc and instilling fear among the people.

Vampire Hunter D 1999

About
	Release Date December 09, 1999
	Developer Victor Interactive Software
	Publisher Jaleco
	Genre Action Adventure
	Graphics 3D
	Perspective Third-Person
	Interaction Real-Time
	Concept Vampire
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

PS1 Releases
1999-12-09
2000-09-28

Vampire Hunter D stands as one of the rarest survival horror games to tackle vampires as the primary antagonists. While it may not reach the same level of acclaim as titles such as Devil May Cry or Resident Evil, it still offers a decent gaming experience on the original PlayStation.

The gameplay of Vampire Hunter D can be aptly described as a fusion of elements from both the Resident Evil and Castlevania series. The backgrounds in the game feature pre-rendered visuals, employing tank controls and a fixed camera perspective reminiscent of the Resident Evil series. At the same time, the game draws inspiration from the Castlevania franchise, incorporating exploration and thematic elements reminiscent of the Metroidvania genre.

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