The Best PlayStation Game Every Year 1994 - 2024

The late 90s were a truly inventive time in gaming where anything felt possible but, standing out from an already strong field, 1998 has long since been regarded as one of the best years in industry history. That said, even amongst other games from those twelve months, Metal Gear Solid needs to take the gold for so many reasons.

Kojima, and Metal Gear Solid by extension, had a vision and it grabbed the potential of video games by the scruff of the neck and dragged them into a new age. Whilst games were now more able to reflect the influences they were taking from film, Metal Gear Solid was the title to take things to truly cinematic levels. The soundtrack, fully voiced script and deliberate focus on longer cutscenes crafted a story unlike anything else in the medium. 

As such, the game quickly became a cornerstone of the PlayStation’s identity. Considering its competition wasn’t fulfilling the same level of realism and writing, PlayStation was an attractive space for adult gamers who wanted experiences that were aimed at them.

More than this, the game’s freedom of choice in how players approached the tactical espionage action created watercooler moments where players could share how they overcame each challenge. Still to this day, people are finding new secrets and tricks.

The lasting impact of Metal Gear Solid is obviously huge, popularising stealth in the mainstream and inspiring the likes of Splinter Cell, Hitman and Assassin’s Creed. MGS is routinely picked as the best title on the system and is still regarded as one of the most important games of all time.