16 Video Games That Came With Demo Discs
Here's a nostalgic list of 16 iconic video games that first captured players’ imaginations through unforgettable demo discs.
- Alyana Aguja
- 4 min read
Demo discs were once the lifeblood of gaming discovery, offering players free samples that often became more memorable than the games themselves. From platformers like Crash Bandicoot and Spyro the Dragon to horror classics like Silent Hill and Resident Evil 2, these demos shaped gaming culture in the 1990s and early 2000s. Each one provided a small but powerful glimpse into the worlds that defined an era of console gaming.
1. Crash Bandicoot (1996)
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The first Crash Bandicoot was famously bundled as a demo on PlayStation Underground discs. Many players got their first taste of the marsupial’s wild platforming through those sample levels. It built massive hype and helped make Crash a household name in the late 1990s.
2. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater (1999)
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Few demos were as addictive as Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater. The Warehouse level, with Goldfinger’s “Superman” blasting in the background, became a playground for hours of repeated play. Even as a demo, it felt like a complete experience that people could not put down.
3. Metal Gear Solid (1998)
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The Metal Gear Solid demo on PlayStation magazine discs gave players a thrilling sneaking mission at the docks. For many, it was their first introduction to Hideo Kojima’s cinematic storytelling. The demo alone convinced thousands of players to buy the full game.
4. Parappa the Rapper (1996)
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The quirky rhythm game Parappa the Rapper found its audience through a widely distributed demo. Players memorized lines like “Kick, Punch, It’s all in the mind” long before they owned the full title. It became an instant cult classic because of how fun and catchy the demo was.
5. Resident Evil 2 (1998)
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Capcom’s Resident Evil 2 demo, often bundled with other releases, dropped players right into the zombie-infested streets of Raccoon City. It set a terrifying tone that made players crave the complete survival horror experience. The demo proved just how influential the series would become.
6. Final Fantasy VIII (1999)
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Gamers who bought Brave Fencer Musashi were treated to a Final Fantasy VIII demo. It included the iconic Dollet mission, showcasing cinematic battles and summoning animations. Fans replayed it endlessly, anticipating the full release of Square’s next RPG epic.
7. Driver (1999)
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The Driver demo became famous for its brutally difficult tutorial mission in a parking garage. Players had to master sharp turns and tricks before even getting to the city streets. This tough introduction ironically made the demo more memorable than the game itself.
8. Spyro the Dragon (1998)
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Insomniac’s Spyro the Dragon was featured on many demo discs, letting players glide and breathe fire across colorful worlds. Its whimsical design hooked younger audiences almost immediately. These demos played a huge role in establishing Spyro as a PlayStation mascot.
9. Ape Escape (1999)
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The Ape Escape demo introduced players to the new DualShock controller. Catching monkeys with gadgets showed off the innovative analog controls. It was an effective showcase that highlighted just how fun and fresh the full game would be.
10. Silent Hill (1999)
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The Silent Hill demo appeared on several official PlayStation demo discs. It gave players a haunting preview of fog-filled streets and psychological horror. Many were shocked at how atmospheric and unsettling it was compared to other horror games of the time.
11. Tomb Raider (1996)
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The original Tomb Raider demo dropped players into the early levels of Lara Croft’s first adventure. Its mixture of puzzles, exploration, and danger quickly captured attention. The demo created so much buzz that it became a cultural phenomenon overnight.
12. Dino Crisis (1999)
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Capcom’s Dino Crisis demo was included with copies of Resident Evil 3: Nemesis. It featured survival horror mechanics but swapped zombies for deadly dinosaurs. This taste of prehistoric terror left players eager for more.
13. Soul Reaver (1999)
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The demo for Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver was widely distributed through PlayStation Underground. Players explored a chunk of the eerie, gothic world as Raziel. Its mix of platforming, puzzles, and combat made the full release highly anticipated.
14. Oddworld: Abe’s Oddysee (1997)
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The Oddworld: Abe’s Oddysee demo was an introduction to its strange world and unique mix of stealth and puzzles. Players quickly connected with Abe’s mission to save his fellow Mudokons. It stood out for its originality, making the demo unforgettable.
15. Gran Turismo (1997)
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The Gran Turismo demo was bundled with early PlayStation demo discs to showcase realistic driving physics. Players got a chance to test out a small selection of cars and tracks. It made racing fans realize that this was unlike any other driving game.
16. MediEvil (1998)
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The MediEvil demo let players control the skeletal knight Sir Daniel Fortesque. Its spooky yet humorous style charmed gamers instantly. The demo generated enough excitement to secure the game’s place as a PlayStation cult favorite.
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