PSOne Gems on the PSN

A glorious feature of current gen systems is the ability to download games directly to the console. The big three consoles also have several different back catalogs and unique properties at that each downloadable service offers.

With Microsoft XBLA, you have access to countless original titles as well as retro favorites. Nintendo's virtual console let's you re-buy all your favorite Big N classics and then some. Last but not least (okay maybe the least) is Sony's Plasystation Network or PSN.

Sony got into the game business a console generation before Microsoft which gives it a few perks. XBLA, as of now, hasn't put up any original Xbox games for download. Games for Sony's original Playstation however, are of primo download size, giving gamers (potential) access to a nice sized back catalog of PS titles.

There's no denying the PSOne's remarkable library, but the PSN only touches the surface. Several series are available including Crash Bandicoot, Jet Moto, and Twisted Metal. But the overall rich heritage of Sony's console maiden voyage is still lacking... with a few exceptions.

If you were an RPG fan, the Playstation was a dream come true. Games like Final Fantasy VII sold the system and other top notch turn battle royale's, like Breath of Fire III, kept up the momentum.

With that said, Sony has recently put up one of its RPG treasures on the PSN. This game of games is none other than Suikoden. This RPG contains a playable cast of over one hundred characters, all with unique traits and attributes. Suikoden also features a very nifty art style and the story isn't too shabby even for a JRPG. The aforementioned cast o' hundreds also means that you can approach the game in several different ways over multiple playthroughs. The real beauty is that Suikoden can be played on your PS3 or PSP and it will only set you back $5.99.

Sue-koden? Swee-koden? Ahh... forget it.

Other treasures include Wild Arms ($5.99) and Castlevania: Symphony of the Night ($9.99). Wild Arms is another classic"peasant saves the world" RPG (but a great one nonethelees). WA's whistled intro theme will stick in your ears for a decade, which isn't a bad thing. Then there's that other game... Symphony of the Something... Who am I kidding, Castlevania: Symphony of the Night is not just an amazing PSOne game, it's one of the greatest games I've ever played. Combining traditional 2-D platforming and exploration with an RPG style level and equipment system make for one of the most revered titles in gaming.

Anyone reminiscing about great Playstation games could talk for days straight about the system's massive library. It's good to see some of these games available again without skulking through e-bay, but Sony's still holding back. Regardless, these are three excellent games available on the cheap and playable on your TV or on the go. Not too shabby. Now if we could only get Dino-Crisis and Mortal Kombat Mythologies: Sub-Zero... (I'm genuinely serious about one of these titles.)