50 Best PS4 Games Right Now

Best PS4 Games #16 – Darkest Dungeon

Developer: Red Hook Studios

Synopsis: Ruin has come to your family. Your family vista has come under attack by the likes of foul creatures from the depths of hell. You must right your family name by taking stock of your local town, build up a collection of heroes and venture out in teams of four. Each character’s position on a team party determines the abilities they can use, the range of said abilities and the possibility of attack, creating a turn-based RPG that’s as much about optimization as it is about the narrative journey.

Why it’s one of the 50 best PS4 games: Darkest Dungeon uses a unique gameplay mechanics that measures the stress a character endures. Once this hits 100 out of 200, the character can either enter a fit of undue nervousness or respites with heroic poise, creating a dire make-or-break scenario. Not only does this add further depth into the tactical RPG elements of this dungeon crawler, but brings something new to the table altogether.

In doing so, Red Hook Studios opened up a subtle narrative about PTSD in a way that doesn’t bog down the true story of the game. It sits among the superior qualities of this title, including an invigorating soundtrack and sound design, rewarding gameplay mechanics and one of the best narrators in video games. Whether you find yourself peeking into a trap due to a character’s observed quirks or settling down a character’s wits with some good ol’ flagellation, Darkest Dungeon explores the darkness of ourselves with a festering desire for peace.

Next: #15 - Overwatch