Chances are, the reason you’re visiting The Old School Game Vault is that you’re interested in building your retro game collection. Lucky for you, we’re about to make that a whole lot easier.
You see, rather than buying retro games one cartridge at a time, you can purchase classic game anthologies that include several games. And, below, we’ll tell you how to get your hands on the best classic game compilations for PS1.
Why PS1, you ask? The original PlayStation is one of the best platforms for collecting retro game anthologies, for several reasons.
One: the PS1 has a lot of truly excellent anthologies—some of the best, really. A few of these contain bonus content, enhancements, and other PS1-exclusive features. And many include unaltered ports of original arcade games as opposed to the inferior ports that were released on previous consoles.
Two: PS1 discs are (usually) also playable on the PS2 and PS3 consoles. You probably already have the console you need to play these games. And three: PS1 games are still widely available and, therefore, very affordable.
The Table of Contents
So, which compilation should you buy first? Read on to find out.
Arcade’s Greatest Hits (4 Classic Collections in One)
The Arcade’s Greatest Hits series for PlayStation 1 brings together some of the most iconic and essential arcade experiences in gaming history. Across four separate discs, these collections preserve the golden age of gaming in near-perfect form:
- Williams Arcade’s Greatest Hits
- Arcade’s Greatest Hits: The Atari Collection 1
- Arcade’s Greatest Hits: The Midway Collection 2
- Arcade’s Greatest Hits: The Atari Collection 2
- These compilations feature unaltered ports of legendary titles like Defender, Joust, Asteroids, Centipede, and Missile Command. You’ll also get cult favorites like Robotron: 2084, Paperboy, Marble Madness, and Root Beer Tapper.
- Beyond the gameplay, several volumes include bonus FMV documentaries that provide historical insight — making these a must-have for collectors, arcade historians, and anyone who grew up dropping quarters into glowing cabinets.
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This retro gem even caught IGN's attention, with their review here.
Namco Museum Vol. 1–6 – The Ultimate Pac-Man Party Pack
- Namco’s Museum series spans six volumes on the PS1, each one loaded with legendary arcade classics. You’ll find staples like Pac-Man, Ms. Pac-Man, Galaga, Dig Dug, Xevious, Mappy, and plenty of lesser-known Namco favorites.
- Sure, Namco has released similar compilations across many consoles — but the PS1 versions are the ones collectors love most. They’re cheap (often around $5 per disc), run on PS1, PS2, and PS3, and retain a polished, arcade-authentic presentation.
- If you want a complete retro arcade experience on physical media, Namco Museum 1–6 is one of the most budget-friendly and replayable ways to do it.
Arcade Party Pak – The Smash TV Dual-Stick Dream
- Arcade Party Pak is a strong six-game compilation that delivers retro arcade authenticity — along with behind-the-scenes bonus content like FMV interviews with the developers.
- Highlights include Rampage, Toobin', Klax, and a near-perfect port of Smash TV, the beloved dual-stick shooter. Unlike earlier console versions, this one finally preserves the original arcade controls — thanks to the PlayStation’s Dual Analog controller.
- With just six games, it’s not the largest compilation — but it’s one of the most thoughtfully curated. Honestly, it’s worth the price just for Smash TV alone. Everything else? A sweet bonus. Here's what GameSpot had to say!
Arc the Lad Collection – A Legendary JRPG Bundle Lost in Translation
- What is Arc the Lad? You’re not alone in asking. Originally released only in Japan, this JRPG trilogy developed a loyal fanbase overseas before being
bundled and localized for North America by Working Designs in 2002.
- The collection includes Arc the Lad I, II, and III, along with a leather-bound case, hardcover art book, and more. But the price? A whopping $75 at launch — for three RPGs few U.S. gamers had heard of. Predictably, it tanked.
- And that’s a shame. The Arc the Lad Collection features a continuous narrative, deep tactical combat, and fantastic sprite work — easily on par with Final Fantasy Tactics. But due to marketing missteps and limited availability, it became a cult hit instead of a mainstream success.
- Today, it’s a holy grail item for collectors, with used copies still fetching $100+. If you're serious about PS1 RPG history, this collection is worth hunting down. Still not convinced? See what the pros at Eurogamer had to say in their full review.
Street Fighter Collection 1 & 2 – The Definitive Arcade Brawlers
- Few franchises hold as much retro power as Street Fighter, and these two PS1 collections are must-haves for any serious fighting game fan.
- Rather than hunt down individual arcade boards or cartridges, these discs offer faithful, arcade-perfect ports of the genre’s most defining entries.
Street Fighter Collection 1
- Includes Super Street Fighter II, Super Street Fighter II Turbo, and Street Fighter Alpha 2 Gold, a definitive version of Alpha 2 with secret characters and an exclusive appearance by Cammy. These are original arcade versions, not SNES ports.
Street Fighter Collection 2
- Includes the original trilogy: Street Fighter II: The World Warrior, Champion Edition, and Hyper Fighting. These games collectively shaped the fighting genre forever — and let you experience Capcom’s evolution through increasingly refined mechanics and balance.
- Whether you’re a tournament veteran or just want to relive arcade days, these collections are essential — and usually cheaper than chasing down three separate copies.
Final Fantasy Origins – The First Two Classics, Beautifully Remade
- Released in 2003, Final Fantasy Origins is a gorgeous PlayStation remake of the original two Final Fantasy games — the titles that started it all. Featuring enhanced graphics, re-orchestrated music, and newly added CGI intros, it’s the definitive way to experience the 8-bit RPG era.
- This was the first time Final Fantasy I received a graphical overhaul in North America — and more importantly, Final Fantasy II was officially released stateside for the very first time. For many fans, this was their first taste of a “lost” chapter in the franchise’s evolution.
- If you’re a series veteran, Origins is worth revisiting for its cleaner mechanics and added cutscenes. If you're new to early Final Fantasy lore, this collection is an essential entry point.
Final Fantasy Anthology – The Best of the Sprite-Based Era
- Final Fantasy Anthology includes enhanced ports of Final Fantasy V and Final Fantasy VI, complete with CGI intros and bonus content. These two games represent the pinnacle of the 2D Final Fantasy experience — depending on who you ask.
- Final Fantasy VI (originally released as “Final Fantasy III” in North America) is often cited as the best of the pre-FFVII era. With a moody steampunk setting, ancient magic, and mechs, it broke from the medieval formula to tell a darker, more complex story.
- 👉 Read my full GBA Version review of FF6
- But others — including some of us retro bloggers — argue that Final Fantasy V is even better. While its presentation is simpler, the job system is flexible, the cast is hilarious, and the story has just the right mix of heart and grit.
Whichever side you’re on, this anthology is a must-play for RPG fans and an essential piece of Final Fantasy history.
Final Fantasy Chronicles – Chrono Trigger, Reborn on PS1
- Final Fantasy Chronicles is a bit of a naming misdirect. Yes, it includes Final Fantasy IV — the beloved classic that first reached American players as “Final Fantasy II” on the SNES.
- With a larger cast, deeper story, and upgraded sound and graphics, it marked a new era for JRPG storytelling.
But let’s be honest: that’s not why you’re buying this disc.
You’re here for Chrono Trigger — the time-traveling RPG masterpiece that 28 years later still earns the title of “greatest game ever made.” It’s not hyperbole. It’s fact. Here’s why:
- Unforgettable characters and branching timelines
- Incredible music and hand-drawn cutscenes
- A gripping, time-spanning plot with multiple endings
- Bonus anime intros and outros designed by Akira Toriyama (Dragon Ball Z)
- Turn-based combat that still feels modern
- Whether you're new to RPGs or a long-time collector, this is a crown jewel. Chrono Trigger is required playing — and this version is one of the best ways to experience it on disc.
The PS1 Best Compilation - Wrap Up
Still missing these legendary PS1 compilations? Don’t let your retro library suffer! Whether you’re after arcade greatness, RPG gold, or pixel-perfect fighting action, these discs deliver pure PlayStation magic. Ready to rotate your collection or trade up? Get an instant quote for your PS1 games here and keep your collection fresh!
Frequenlty Asked Questions:
What are the best PS1 compilation discs to collect?
- Top PlayStation 1 compilations include Final Fantasy Anthology, Namco Museum Vol. 1–6, Street Fighter Collection, Arcade’s Greatest Hits, and Final Fantasy Chronicles with Chrono Trigger.
Are PS1 anthology games compatible with PS2 or PS3?
- Yes, most PS1 compilations are backward compatible with PS2 and early-model PS3 consoles.
Why should I buy compilations instead of individual retro games?
- Compilation discs bundle multiple games together, often with extras, at a lower price — making them perfect for collectors and casual retro gamers alike.
What’s the rarest or most valuable PS1 compilation?
- Arc the Lad Collection is one of the rarest and most valuable PS1 compilations, especially complete-in-box. Final Fantasy collections also remain popular.
Where can I sell or trade PS1 game compilations?
- You can trade your PS1 compilations with The Old School Game Vault for fast payment and reliable service.