The PlayStation’s meteoric rise in the 1990s brought about a plethora of peripherals, some of which left much to be desired. Among these, the infamous PlayStation Glove—often deemed more gimmicky than functional—stood out as a curious attempt at innovation, particularly when compared to the retro NES Power Glove. On the other hand, some accessories, like the PlayStation Mouse, surprisingly proved useful, allowing for a different gaming experience.
While it might be easy to assume that few PS1 titles required mouse support, the console’s extensive library features numerous real-time strategy (RTS), shooter, and puzzle games that would have greatly benefited from such functionality. Fortunately, a selection of standout games on the PlayStation demonstrated the advantages of using the PS1 Mouse.
10 Premier Manager ‘99
Mastering Soccer Leagues with a Click
- Developer: Dynamic Multimedia
- Release Date: August 1999
- Genre: Sports Management Simulation
Emerging from the realm of PC gaming, sports management simulations were a rare breed on consoles, predominantly featuring soccer management. Titles like the Player Manager series and the initial Premier Manager games made the leap to home systems, but it was Premier Manager ’99 that truly captivated players. Its innovative use of 3D graphics set it apart, thanks to assets borrowed from Actua Soccer, providing an engaging way to manage teams in the game.
9 Tokimeki Memorial: Forever with You
Winning Hearts with a Single Peripheral
- Developer: Konami
- Initial Release: May 1994 (original), October 1995 (PS1)
- Genre: Dating Simulation
In a landscape where dating sims are an increasingly rare find, Tokimeki Memorial: Forever with You stood as a beloved title in Japan, distinguished by its straightforward gameplay. Players engage in a life simulation where they must make calculated choices to enhance their character’s attributes and successfully woo various romantic interests. The game’s complexity and mouse compatibility elevate it to a unique experience, albeit as a Japanese exclusive requiring translation for Western audiences.
8 Die Hard Trilogy
Transforming Dulles Airport into a Combat Zone
Lightgun games once dominated the console gaming scene, equipped with specialized controllers like the Zapper and G-CON. Although modern technologies have made these peripherals obsolete, players can still utilize a mouse to recreate that experience. The Die Hard Trilogy offers an exhilarating way to do this, particularly in its second chapter, where players must shoot their way through an action-packed narrative filled with chaos and explosive moments.
7 Elemental Gearbolt
Dive into a Fantasy Shooter
Although many lightgun titles were incompatible with the PS1 Mouse, Elemental Gearbolt provided a unique opportunity combining role-playing and shooting mechanics. Players embark on a vibrant fantasy quest while utilizing the mouse for aiming, which is particularly helpful against the game’s various foes. Despite the lack of customizable sensitivity settings, the intuitive control scheme enhances gameplay and adds depth to the experience.
6 Quake 2
Click Your Way to Victory
For those seeking a horror-infused adventure, using a mouse alongside a controller can change the dynamics of gameplay in titles like Alien Resurrection. In contrast, Quake 2 offers a more approachable experience, enhancing control and responsiveness. With its multiplayer capabilities, up to four players can use this dual setup to navigate engagements with greater agility—keeping gameplay fast-paced and exciting.
5 of
Assist Redneck Robots in Planetary Domination
- Developer: Bitmap Brothers
- Release Date: August 1996 (original), December 1997 (PS1)
- Genre: Real-Time Strategy
Emphasizing the strategic element, Z stands out within the PS1’s RTS offerings. Players oversee a gang of red robots in their mission to conquer planets dominated by their blue rivals. Utilizing the mouse for quick troop commands and resource management enhances gameplay, making for a challenging yet humorous experience filled with absurdity and fun.
4 X-Com: UFO Defense
Defending Earth, One Click at a Time
Known as X-Com: Enemy Unknown in newer iterations, X-Com: UFO Defense is hailed as one of the greatest strategy games of its time. Its legacy continues, and while the PS1 version presents unique challenges—such as high memory card storage requirements—it also provides a refined gaming experience with enhanced audio. The mouse significantly improves command efficiency, enhancing the player’s ability to fend off extraterrestrial threats.
3 Command & Conquer: Red Alert – Retaliation
Hot Strategies in a Cold War Setting
No list of PS1 Mouse-compatible games would be complete without Command & Conquer: Red Alert, the definitive RTS staple that paved the way for the genre. Its sequel, Command & Conquer: Red Alert – Retaliation, further built upon its rich gameplay, earning accolades for its vast array of units and strategic flexibility. Utilizing the mouse improvements not only facilitates the gameplay experience but also helps players achieve a smoother command during intense battles.
2 The Discworld Series
Embrace All Three Part of the Series
- Developer: Perfect Entertainment
- Release Dates: 1995 (Discworld), September 1997 (Discworld 2: Missing Presumed…!?), December 1999 (Discworld Noir)
- Genre: Point & Click Adventure
While the demand for the PS1 Mouse may have waned, point-and-click adventures found a niche audience among console gamers. The Discworld series, capturing the whimsical spirit of Terry Pratchett’s novels, flourished on the PS1. Players enjoyed rich storytelling and engaging puzzles, with Discworld Noir offering a darker twist that married fantasy with detective themes, complemented by the intuitive mouse controls.
1 Broken Sword 1 & 2
Finally, if there was a definitive closing act for 90s point-and-click adventures, it would undoubtedly be the Broken Sword series. Players join George Stobbart in unraveling conspiracies tied to the Knights Templar and ancient Mayan civilization. With well-crafted narratives and clever humor, the game utilizes mouse controls expertly, adding layers of interaction and depth as players solve intricate puzzles and engage with a diverse cast of characters.
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