Introduction: The Rise of Third-Person Shooters on PS1

The original PlayStation wasn’t just home to platformers and RPGs — it also gave players innovative third-person shooters. These titles let you see your character in full, dodge behind cover, and aim from unique camera perspectives, long before modern over-the-shoulder mechanics became standard.

From stealthy missions to cinematic action and sci-fi chaos, PS1 shooters were diverse, pushing boundaries with graphics, gameplay, and storytelling. Let’s dive into the 10 best third-person shooters on the PlayStation 1.

10. Syphon Filter (1999)

Developed by 989 Studios, Syphon Filter is a classic third-person shooter where you play as covert operative Gabe Logan, infiltrating enemy bases and neutralizing high-stakes threats.

Why It’s Special: Tight controls, cinematic spy narrative, and stealth/action gameplay made it a defining PS1 shooter.

Fun Fact: It was one of the first PS1 shooters to fully support dual analog aiming.

9. Ghost in the Shell (1997)

Based on the anime, Ghost in the Shell offered a PS1-exclusive cyberpunk world full of hacking, wall-climbing, and intense combat. Developed by Exact, it delivered stylish third-person shooting.

Why It’s Special: Futuristic noir aesthetic with challenging, strategic combat.

Fun Fact: Players could pilot mecha-like exoskeletons for unique gameplay sequences.

8. Apocalypse (1998)

A licensed tie-in starring Bruce Willis, this shooter delivered over-the-top action with urban apocalypse chaos.

Why It’s Special: Fast-paced shooting with destructible environments and cinematic style.

Fun Fact: Multiple weapons allowed combo attacks for high-octane gameplay.

7. Lone Soldier (1996)

Lone Soldier had players fighting alien invaders with both melee and ranged weapons. Fixed camera angles added tension to each encounter.

Why It’s Special: Early PS1 shooter with surprisingly deep gameplay mechanics.

Fun Fact: Despite being lesser-known outside Japan, it’s a hidden gem today.

6. Future Cop: LAPD (1998)

Developed by EA, you piloted a transforming mech through urban battlefields, mixing shooting and strategy. Control AI units while engaging in third-person combat yourself.

Why It’s Special: Destructible environments and mech combat set it apart.

Fun Fact: Included single-player and multiplayer modes for mech battles.

5. One (1997)

A cinematic shooter where your arm becomes a weapon, One combined narrative with intense third-person combat.

Why It’s Special: Innovative arm-as-gun mechanic and immersive story sequences.

Fun Fact: Quick-time events enhanced cinematic action moments.

4. Silent Bomber (2000)

From CyberConnect2, this shooter combined bombs with third-person mechanics, rewarding strategic play while keeping action fast.

Why It’s Special: Unique bombing mechanics made it unlike other PS1 shooters.

Fun Fact: Considered a hidden gem with a loyal fanbase.

3. Cosmo Warrior Zero (2000)

A PS1-exclusive space shooter mixing third-person combat with sci-fi storytelling. Control ships and avatars in hybrid space-ground battles.

Why It’s Special: Innovative hybrid gameplay for its era.

Fun Fact: Cult favorite in Japan, largely unknown in the West.

2. Extermination (1999)

Combining horror with third-person shooting, players fought mutated creatures in a quarantined city with tense camera angles and strategic combat.

Why It’s Special: Early over-the-shoulder combat influencing later survival horror shooters.

Fun Fact: Sometimes called a “mini Aliens experience” on the PS1.

1. G-Police: Weapons of Justice (1999)

A dystopian cyberpunk shooter mixing on-foot combat with vehicle sections. Cinematic storytelling and tactical shooting made it the definitive PS1 shooter.

Why It’s Special: Vehicle and ground combat blended seamlessly for a unique experience.

Fun Fact: Inspired future futuristic shooters on PS2 and Xbox.

These ten third-person shooters remind us that the PS1 wasn’t just about platformers and RPGs — it gave players innovative, cinematic, and challenging behind-the-character shooting experiences.

From stealthy espionage in Syphon Filter to chaotic urban battles in Apocalypse, these classics defined the PS1 shooter era. Plug in your DualShock, pop in a disc, and relive the action today.