PlayStation turns 15 – 15 best PlayStation games of all time

The Playstation has seen tens of thousands of titles of every description go on sale since its launch. Many were strictly average, some were utter rubbish, but there were those that were truly exceptional. Here's 15 of the best from the last 15 years.

GTA 3 (PS2) - The big one, the game changing game, the landmark title - call it what you will. The fact of the matter is that GTA 3 was by far the best thing in the market when it came out, and is still giving the competition a run for its money. Players often forgot to actually play the thing in favour of just mucking about for hours. Stealing cars, stealing better cars, crashing them into buildings, trying to break the scenery, and doing all sorts with rather unsavoury women - it was like playing with LEGO for adults.

Guitar Hero (PS2) - Today, it seems like a no-brainer. In 2005, it was a revolution. Play your favourite songs, on a real-looking guitar, and pretend to be a rockstar? Sign me up, said millions of gamers, and history was made.

Final Fantasy VII (PS1) - Game developers know that the best games are the ones that tug your heartstrings. FF VII taught them that lesson. Huge, and with some heartbreaking plot twists, it was the first properly grown-up bit of in-game storytelling and the first RPG to connect with a new breed of mainstream gamers.

Gran Turismo 3 A-Spec (PS2) - The first PS2-based sequel to the PS1's top racer blew away the competition and is still our benchmark driving game. With its slick and shiny graphics it looked and played better than…well, everything.

Tomb Raider (PS1) - Where would gaming be without Lara Croft? Sure, it combined platforming, combat, puzzles and action, but arguably it also gave us the first female in-game character that a whole generation fell in love with. WAGs weren't too pleased about her 'pointy' attributes though.

Uncharted: Drake's Fortune (PS3) - One of the success stories on the PS3, Uncharted's stellar graphics, engaging plot and fantastic gameplay quickly saw it become one of most sought-after games of the current generation. Surprisingly, the sequel was just as well received. Has the PS3 found its Halo?

PES 4 (PS2) - Later sequels all had niggling issues, which led to EA's FIFA series taking on the mantle of top football game. PES 4 was the last perfect game in the series from Konami, and still surprisingly fun to play. Perfect two-player desert island game that'll last until you die of exposure.

Sing Star (PS2/PS3) - Karaoke brought home thanks to Sony's smart and simple sing-along game. A casual gamer's best friend and Sony's revenue-spinning dream.

LittleBIGPlanet (PS3) - Created a buzzing community churning out thousands of homemade games. There's more fun to be had making and downloading oddities than playing the stock game.

God of War (PS2) - Sexy, bloody, with nudity and uber-fast combat action. Oh, and there were puzzles, too. What's not to like?

WipEout (PS1) - Arrived in 1995 and helped the world go bananas for PS1. Similar in concept to the amazing F-Zero, it had fantastic music, slick racing and a cool look from 90s faves The Designers Republic.

Motorstorm (PS3) - Along with Uncharted, this was one of the first titles to convince gamers that the PS3 wasn't that bad after all. The prettiest and most OTT racer yet, with real-time track deformation, unique vehicle behaviour and online play that made it an instant classic.

Metal Gear Solid 2 (PS2) - A game, that was also a work of art, and set the standard for stealth action titles. Long-winded but stunning.

Ico (PS2) - Ico was like a modern update of Ant Attack, in which you guided a waif to safety through a trap-laden castle. Uniquely, it didn't bombard you with bosses and flashing lights, instead relying on atmospheric, captivating gameplay to keep you coming back for more.

TimeSplitters 2 (PS2) - A brilliant sense of humour and four-player gaming that's as perfect as it can get. Made by Free Radical, a team staffed by the makers of N64 classic GoldenEye 007.

Did we miss out your favourite? Let us know the PlayStation games you love below.