im not talking 4 years in... I am talking super popular launch games. I think maybe something like
arc the lad in Japan might have been big for that country but in NA it was all games like ridge racer, toshidens that were pushing consoles.
Most successful PS1 launch games
Based on sales and critical reception, these were some of the most notable and successful launch titles available at the PlayStation's release in North America:
- Ridge Racer: Namco's arcade racing hit was rebuilt for the PS1, delivering impressive 3D racing that set a new benchmark for the genre. It was widely praised as the best launch title for the system.
- Battle Arena Toshinden: This 3D fighting game became a commercial success for the PlayStation, selling out in its first week. Critics at the time praised its vibrant character roster, dynamic camera, and detailed stage designs.
- Rayman: Although not a PlayStation exclusive, this imaginative 2D platformer from Ubisoft became a hit on the console and the start of a popular franchise.
- Air Combat: Originally based on an arcade game, this combat flight simulator from Namco was praised for its action and cinematic cutscenes, and it eventually led to the long-running Ace Combat series.
- Twisted Metal: Released shortly after the launch window in November 1995, this vehicular combat game became a highly successful first-party franchise for Sony.
Note that at the end of the day, these are just a few games. ( Destruction Derby, WarHawk, nfl gameday, tekken, Jumping Flash!, Doom, MK3, ESPN Extreme Games, Road Rash, Gex ,Loaded , King's Field, The Raiden Project etc there were many games but 6 were enough)
See what Sega had on the shelves on May 11, 1995.
Which of these games are worth $399 ?
VF1 (no textures)
Worldwide Soccer: Sega International Victory Goal Edition (soccer... )
Panzer Dragoon (pretty but boring)
Pebble Beach Golf Links (looks like a Sega CD game)
Daytona USA (20fps, pop-in)
Clockworkknight (bland character)
Bug!
Shinobi Legions (September)
Astal (September)
Cyber speedway (September)
Virtua Fighter Remix (October)
Virtua Racing ( November )
black fire (November)
Ghen War (November)
Sega Rally Championship (November)
Virtua Cop (November)
Virtua Fighter 2 (November)
note that the best Saturn games were released in November but from September 9th to November 9th are 60 days, 60 days where the PS1 had the most advanced games on the market without competition. I highlight Toshinden, this was not a good 3D fighting game but it looked very nice in stores. I don't deny that the most beautiful game was Panzer Dragoon, but you didn't need to play it to know that it was boring.
exchange Virtua Racing, Shinobi Legions, Ghen War and Black Fire for at least two great games and the story would be different (actually it wouldn't be, all games should change, Sega's fatal error is in the genesis of the project when it was decided which games should be made and which not, note that the Panzer D devs were free in their decisions but Sega's directive was that the game needed to be 3D).