Counting down the 50 best PS4 games as of right now. Keep checking back for updates as more PS4 games are released!
(All entries are accurate as of October 31, 2017)
This list of the 50 best PS4 games will take a number of factors into consideration. No straight ports or remasters of games released from previous generations will be considered. Any titles that are remade with a fundamentally updated gameplay experience are possible options, however. Finally, exclusivity will not be a prime factor in the rank weighting of this list but will be factored when coming to a final conclusion.
As the PS4 adds more games, both physically and digitally, to grow the platform’s catalog, we will be updating this list to reflect said changes. Titles will be added while others will be dropped. It’s entirely possible games dropped from the list will be updated once again as DLC, expansion packs and ongoing episodic content is released, done so in a way to better reflect each title as an overall package.
You should check out our other lists of major game rankings below.
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For now, let’s get into the best PS4 games!
Best PS4 Games #50 – Jackbox Party Pack 3
Developer: Jackbox Games
Synopsis: Gather some of your closest buddies (or family members) together around the video game console and get ready for a barrel of laughs. The Jackbox Party Pack 3 is the latest in the party video game franchise that hosts a ton of minigames, including the long-awaited sequel of Quiplash 2.
These hilarious minigames will have you and your group pick out which statement is the best answer to a question, answer multiple choice questions as party of a horror thriller, guess the percentage of people in the world who do a certain activity, draw out random t-shirts and slogans (deciding which one is the best), and guessing which person in the group is a faker.
Why it’s one of the 50 best PS4 games: While the rest of the games industry is chasing the dream of having the highest graphical fidelity in their video games, or pushing the number of people that can join in a multiplayer map, Jackbox continuously plans the development of their games around lighthearted fun at home.
It’s hard to sell the idea of a traditional board game through a video game console, but Jackbox Party Pack 3 combines the crude silliness of Cards Against Humanity with the creativity of Cranium to create a lovely game of its very own.
Next: #49 - Prey
Best PS4 Games #49 – Prey
Developer: Arkane Studios
Synopsis: Set 15 years ahead in a dystopian future, Prey takes Morgan Yu’s life as he escapes a space station known as the Talos I. What started out as a series of tests on the alien Typhon race becomes a test of survival, ingenuity, space shotgunning skills and the ability to think on your feet and trust only what you know to be real.
Why it’s one of the 50 best PS4 games: An underappreciated aspect of Prey is its ability to pervert your perspective on what you know to be realistic science fiction tropes. In a world where JFK lives and funds the advancement of NASA’s space programming, the tools you have at your disposal offer non-conventional combat and utility needs to overcome enemies.
Prey sets in motion its own set of rules, and it’s up to the player to overcome their fears and preconceptions of their known reality in an action-adventure game with RPG-light elements that make it quite the striking overall package.
Next: #48 - Final Fantasy XV
Best PS4 Games #48 – Final Fantasy XV
Developer: Square
Synopsis: Noctis is prepared to marry in order to keep the royal lineage of Lucis secure. That is, until the empire of Niflheim betrays the kingdom and organized the theft of the King’s crystal, resulting in a chaos that leaves King Regis, Noctis, and his betrothed, Lady Lunafreya, all feared dead. Noctis, making it out alive, goes on a quest to retrieve the weapons of the Lucii in hopes of stopping Nilfheim and its emperor, Iedolas Aldercapt.
Why it’s one of the 50 best PS4 games: Not only does Final Fantasy XV break away from the traditional turn-based combat systems but implements an input-based action-RPG system that includes dodges, parries, counters, and even attack combinations. The party of Noctis, Ignis, Prompto, and Gladiolus help share the ultimate fantastical coming of age story; a group of friends from various social classes coming together as brothers on the long road trip to self-discovery.
Their natural camaraderie helps keep things fresh over a lengthy campaign with a massive overworld, filled with things to do and places to explore. This game has all the trappings of a classic Final Fantasy title updated for the modern age of RPGs.
Next: #47 - Tales from the Borderlands
Best PS4 Games #47 – Tales from the Borderlands
Developer: Telltale Games
Synopsis: Taking place after Borderlands 2, this Telltale Games interpretation sees Hyperion employee Rhys get caught up in the path of no-good con artist Fiona in order to capitalize on a plunder they both want to cash in on. Over the course of the story, the two are on the run from Hyperion, bounty hunters, criminals and even go to space in order to find the location of a very special vault. Most of the story is told as a mysterious stranger asks his captured Rhys and Fiona their side of a story of how they reached that point.
Why it’s one of the 50 best PS4 games: A strong example of how Telltale Games can learn to adapt their storytelling style, Tales From The Borderlands is a showcase of faith. Many of us aren’t fans of the style of humor that the series is known for, especially with its memes, but Telltale takes the best of the characters and fully fleshes them out. An excellent voice cast, including the likes of Dave Fennoy, Phil LaMarr, Nolan North, Troy Baker, Laura Bailey, Patrick Warburton and Chris Hardwick, brings life to the characters.
Tales From The Borderlands manages to weave an excellent story that does its best to break away from the Telltale choice-based narrative formula.
Next: #46 - I Am Setsuna
Best PS4 Games #46 – I Am Setsuna
Developer: Tokyo RPG Factory
Synopsis: I Am Setsuna tells the story of a young woman named Setsuna whose purpose in life is to appease the gods with a mortal sacrifice. A classic RPG silent protagonist is initially tasked with committing the act, with two fellow party members serving as the guard meant to bring Setsuna to the Last Lands. It is there where the sacrifice should be made to bring peace once more. It plays like Chrono Trigger, down to the team-based skills and abilities.
Why it’s one of the 50 best PS4 games: There is something to be said about Square Enix outright admitting they need to go back to basics, pouring their efforts into creating a studio that harkens back to the golden era of the SNES RPG. I Am Setsuna, with its simplistic, haunting piano-based soundtrack, simple and clean visual aesthetics and classic RPG gameplay mechanics does its best to bring that style back in the 21st century.
Furthermore, this game doesn’t hold your hand with its difficulty. Should you not prepare yourself, like it was a modern game, you could find yourself a significant time away from a save point, facing a Game Over screen. I Am Setsuna tells its own story while marrying traditional RPG elements to create a name for itself and a wonderful promise of what the studio should bring forward into the future.
Next: #45 - Yakuza Kiwami
Best PS4 Games #45: Yakuza Kiwami
Developer: SEGA
Synopsis: Yakuza Kiwami begins in 1995, with Kazuma Kiryu taking the fall for the murder of the Dojima Family patriarch by the hands of his friend, Akira Nishikiyama. After serving a ten-year prison sentence, the balance of power within the Tojo Clan has shifted, with Nishiki betraying you in his thirst for power. Things have changed in the past decade, and with a mysterious young girl looking for her lost mother amid a sea of Yakuza thugs searching for her, Kiryu is caught in the crossfires for doing the right thing.
Why it’s one of the 50 best PS4 games: With the changes brought forth in this remake, Yakuza Kiwami feels like a completed version of the original PS2 classic. In addition to padding the game’s combat mechanics and adding layers of replayability with its multitude of distractions, the original voice acting makes its way to North American players for the first time.
Plus, the new Majima Everywhere system does a great job at turning Goro Majima into a growing threat potentially lurking around every corner. Yakuza Kiwami does a great job at subverting your expectations, even with a game that serves as the foundation of an impressive franchise.
Next: #44 - The Binding Of Isaac: Afterbirth
Best PS4 Games #44 – The Binding of Isaac: Afterbirth
Developer: Nicalis
Synopsis: The spirit of Roguelike is strong right now, especially with Nicalis’ efforts making its way to consoles. The Binding of Isaac: Afterbirth improved upon the original’s odd sensibilities in a number of profound ways, highlighted by the changes to the story. This pixel-art dungeon crawler features scrolling rooms, a ton more powerups, items, secrets and boss battles to expand upon the difficult, but rewarding gameplay. Daily challenges bring a new infinite replayability and lets players compete with the world at large.
Why it’s one of the 50 best PS4 games: There’s something about the stylized movement and combat that comes from the roguelike-like genre that pushes players out of their comfort zone in a great way. You have to be very calculated in your approach to clearing out rooms, just as much as you have to enforce the checks and balances of the upgrades available to your player. Afterbirth dives deeper into the complexity of the gameplay options players have while offering dozens of new items, trinkets, characters, secrets and endings. Why try to fix what isn’t broken?
Next: #43 - The Witness
Best PS4 Games #43 – The Witness
Developer: Thekla, Inc.
Synopsis: There’s hardly a narrative structure surrounding Jonathan Blow’s The Witness that can’t be summed up thusly; a player explores an island and overcomes hundreds of puzzles in an attempt to reach the final goal within the island’s mountain. Though they have different appearances, most of these puzzles are represented by either localized environmental clues or logical progression, and often require a deep understanding of 2D and 3D spacial awareness. There are over 650 different puzzles at stake over dozens of hours of gameplay.
Why it’s one of the 50 best PS4 games: One can’t help but feel cozy and comfy playing The Witness. Enjoyment is driven from a space of discovery and adversity, especially when overcoming extremely difficult line puzzles. What could have been a mundane, tedious experience is pushed to the side by the gorgeous landscape woven in front of the player. Mysterious lore seeps into said environment, adding depth to a game that focuses on overcoming logical challenges.
There’s a subtle style to The Witness that separates itself from the field. Thankfully it made its way out of development hell without losing the effectiveness that underlying hype over the years tends to place on titles like this.
Next: #42 - Alien: Isolation
Best PS4 Games #42 – Alien: Isolation
Developer: Creative Assembly
Synopsis: It’s fifteen years after the events of the first Alien movie, and Ellen Ripley’s daughter, Amanda, is looking for her. The flight recorder of the Nostromo, the one that mysteriously disappeared in the first film, is on board the Sevastopol, leading Amanda to search for clues there. Things go awry quickly as aliens and androids alike take over the ship, forcing Amanda to use her wits, guile and an occasional flamethrower to escape with her skin intact.
Why it’s one of the 50 best PS4 games: Unlike Aliens, which focuses more on the action-oriented lens that a lot of movies take today, Alien: Isolation tries to stay faithful to the 70’s movie. Because of that, you will see a focus on suspense as you hide in vents and crawl away from an intelligent alien and swaths of robotic creatures. This makes for a more stressful, but tactical approach to navigation, always keeping you on your toes.
A classic sci-fi experience made for a contemporary audience, Alien: Isolation plays like no other in the horror genre today.
Next: #41 - Axiom Verge
Best PS4 Games #41 – Axiom Verge
Developer: Thomas Happ Games
Synopsis: Taking place in a high-tech world full of mysteriously alien wonder, Axiom Verge is a land accidentally discovered by our protagonist Trace. He was a scientist who suffered a near-fatal injury, awakening in this unknown universe with nothing but courage to guide him. Gameplay is centered on a 2D, side-scrolling plane, where over 60 items, weapons, and other power-ups guide Trace through the mysterious mazes, monsters, bosses and puzzles that face him.
Why it’s one of the 50 best PS4 games: It’s a throwback to the Metroidvania of SNES past, especially drawing upon the strengths of Bionic Commando, Commando and, of course, Metroid. 8-16 bit graphics provide the visuals complemented with an excellent scoring that drives a classic alien planet feel. Axiom Verge is allowed the freedom to pick and choose the best elements of all these classic games in order to meld them together and mold a strong adventure of its own.
Familiar to classic players and eye-widening to newcomers, Axiom Verge shows that you can make a contemporary game while using the technology of old and cross boundaries between generations of players.
Next: #40 - Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana
Best PS4 Games #40 – Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana
Developer: Nihon Falcom
Synopsis: You play as Adol, a passenger on the ship Lombardia. You and the entirety of the ship wash up on the Isle of Seiren, with Adol tasked in bringing a party together to help explore the island in the inevitable goal of escape. For now, players will find themselves completing quests and removing obstacles in their path while taking down fantastical beasts of gigantic to minuscule scale.
Why it’s one of the 50 best PS4 games: Whereas a sprawling world to slowly chip away at has increasingly become the standard for RPGs, Ys VIII offers up the island for players to adventure through from the get-go. Avoiding basic RPG tropes, this game offers up a party with distinct characters, excellent personalities and great teamwork through combat mechanics.
A harrowing soundtrack that sets the desired tone at any time, Ys VIII creates a rich, lively world to explore in a healthy journey that doesn’t drag, nor feel less than satisfactory.
Next: #39 - Titanfall 2
Best PS4 Games #39 – Titanfall 2
Developer: Respawn Entertainment
Synopsis: Joining the PS4 for the first time, Titanfall 2 brings forth mech combat and an expanded notion of vertical and lateral movement to the FPS genre. Pilot one of several titan classes in multiplayer, enjoying a multitude of new gameplay modes and maps. There’s even a single-player campaign this time, exploring what it takes to become a titan pilot in an ongoing war between the Militia and the IMC.
Why it’s one of the 50 best PS4 games: With the advances made to the base gameplay of Titanfall 2, Respawn Entertainment looked to shave down the jagged edges of the wheel instead of trying to re-invent it yet again. It’s easier to make the loadout you want, just like the UI is more refined for this kind of FPS experience.
With new additions beyond just guns and titans, players have more options to explore player versus player combat on the ground. Grappling hooks will fly you through the air, in addition to taking out opponents. Movement is smoother than before. Furthermore, upcoming maps will be completely free to everyone, avoiding a real problem of user fragmentation through accessibility.
Titanfall 2 is Titanfall but better. Quite frankly, it’s the rebirth of the two-title franchise.
Next: #38 - For Honor
Best PS4 Games #38 – For Honor
Developer: Ubisoft Montreal
Synopsis: Factions of Knights, Vikings, and Samurai are drawn together to fight in a constant war forged by the Apollyon. The story is crafted by veritable fighters representing each style of combat in massive battles for key strongholds across the kingdom. This expands to multiplayer combat, where groups of players either face each other in duel combat or take part of dominion and siege warfare.
Why it’s one of the 50 best PS4 games: For Honor plays like a fighting game made for the dynamic online world, as you gain notoriety for your clan while pushing back in key locations. You can ignore this side of gameplay and concentrate solely on the combat mechanics through multiplayer matches, as this game gets as competitive as esports if you want it to.
With character equipment differences, skill loadouts, and statistical differences in speed, strength, and dexterity, For Honor tailors to multiple play styles. There are plenty of fun builds you can create, some of which even happen to work better on certain maps. Most importantly, its combat is easy to pick up and modestly difficult to master, offering a fair learning curve that won’t get too daunting.
For Honor is the kind of action game that toes the line between a team-based romp and a skill-vs.-skill fighter in a fairly unique way.
Next: #37 - Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag
Best PS4 Games #37 – Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag
Developer: Ubisoft Montreal
Synopsis: This assassin adventure follows the sea-bound adventure of Edward Kenway, who abandons the straight-edged, mundane lifestyle for that of privateering on the Caribbean Sea. In the present-day in-world scenario, you are an employee of Abstergo, investigating the prominent sailor-turned-pirate for historical accuracy for an interactive feature film. However, things are not what they seem. Explore the Caribbean islands with a full crew, overcome templars and plunder treasure to your heart’s content.
Why it’s one of the 50 best PS4 games: There’s nothing like roaming the seas, singing a shanty with your crewmates and living the free life. Expanding upon the naval exploration that AC3 introduced previously, players will enjoy the expanded combat system that warring ship battles will bring. In a series known to pad its gameplay length with its collect-a-thons, exploring the hidden nooks and crannies to find buried treasure, bonus songs, rare animals becomes a joyful experience. The visual design makes up for all the “stay close, but not too close, behind two dudes talking to each other” missions that plague the series, and the tropical layout of these islands make for rewarding sneaking missions through the gorgeously flush greenery. It’s easily one of the best launch titles for the 8th generation of consoles.
Next: #36 - The Evil Within
Best PS4 Games #36 – The Evil Within
Developer: Tango Gameworks
Synopsis: The Evil Within’s main story focuses on Sebastian Castellanos, a detective for the Krimson City Police Department reeling from a substantial loss that has him questioning everything about himself. Answering the call of a mass murder at a local hospital, everything goes off the rails as he wakes up in an alternate world, where Haunted creatures roam Krimson City at the hands of the twisted Ruvik. Monstrosities chase him, and Sebastian must use an arsenal of upgradeable weapons in order to take down enemies and overcome the trauma within his own mind.
Why it’s one of the 50 best PS4 games: Shinji Mikami knows a formula to excellent gameplay and sticks to it well. The Evil Within very well may be considered a spiritual successor to Resident Evil 4, especially when you compare the over-the-shoulder third-person sensibilities of a hero shooting at a variety of humanoid monstrosities. The upgrade system infuses RPG elements to keep gameplay variety fresh and lets players choose the style they want to enjoy. Plus, the gripping story is only fleshed out with the DLC, telling an alternate story that happens in companion to the main story.
The Evil Within is the kind of title that reaffirms your faith in Mikami and hope for what comes next.
Next: #35 - #Driveclub
Best PS4 Games #35 – Driveclub
Developer: Evolution Studios
Synopsis: Imagine all the fun of driving games’ single player modes, only with the added bonuses of playing alongside a crew of other drivers through integrated online functionality. That’s the nature of Driveclub, which takes the team aspect to heart by letting you join up with others to make a club. Completing challenges and races with good performances improves the reputation of your club, which helps everyone involved unlock bonuses. This comes baked into a game with races, time trials, championship tournaments and vehicle customization.
Why it’s one of the 50 best PS4 games: Although it would have been a lot more effective as a launch title, Driveclub absolutely blows by the console competition in terms of straight visuals. The dynamic weather system makes a gorgeous mountain course explode into a lively rain storm at a moment’s notice. In-course challenges for club points make players accustomed to different aspects of racing optimization to slowly train them to become better drivers. The inclusion of bike racing on top adds variety to the experience without sacrificing the game’s core.
Driveclub, while a frustrating online experience at launch, has taken its time to win back players and has rewarded their patience with a complete racing game unlike any other.
Next: #34 - Rime
Best PS4 Games #34 – Rime
Developer: Tequila Works
Synopsis: Washing up on the shores of a mystical land, a young boy finds himself in a land of mystery and magic. Navigating through the environmental puzzles surrounding him, as well as following the guidance of a magical fox, he must unlock the secrets of the island, his purpose and the means of returning to where he came.
Why it’s one of the 50 best PS4 games: Once geared exclusively for the PS4, Rime doesn’t necessitate photorealism in its visual design. Instead, it opts for surrealism filled with bright, vibrant colors and the creeping orchestral score to boast about an art style that’s quite stunning. It marries the innocent, inquisitive world design of The Last Guardian with the art design of Ori and the Blind Forest.
As much as the puzzle platforming dictates the gameplay, the sense of discovery fuels both the game design and the narrative tools available to Tequila Works. In a bold movie, Rime shows more than it tells, offering up the player a sublime adventure experience.
Next: #33 - What Remains of Edith Finch
Best PS4 Games #33 – What Remains of Edith Finch
Develop: Giant Sparrow
Synopsis: A narrative adventure game driven by the search for a better understanding, What Remains of Edith Finch sees the titular character travel to the Finch ancestral home to learn more about her family. Similar to exploration games, the environment tells you as much as you need to know about each member of Edith’s family as the game tells its story piece by piece, perspective by perspective.
Why it’s one of the 50 best PS4 games: While some may admonish gameplay-light exploration adventure titles, What Remains of Edith Finch offers varied looks from both a narrative and gameplay perspective. Depending on the story you’re trying to understand, you will learn more and more about this family and the sudden abandonment of the Finch estate so many years ago.
By doing this, players aren’t railroaded to a singular idea or perspective that so often is at the heart of the development team; this game works as an artistic representation of a story, not a self-serving diatribe. This allows a greater audience to appreciate and understand its message.
Next: #32 - Inside
Best PS4 Games #32 – Inside
Developer: Deadplay
Synopsis: It’s difficult to get too far into the plot of Inside without getting into spoiler territory. A young boy is out in the woods, exploring the world as he stumbles upon some artificial barriers being propped up. Some mysterious men are hanging around in the woods, gathering up…something, all in huge shipping trucks. As you explore further and further into the mystery, you only get more questions that remained unanswered.
Similar to Limbo, our protagonist can use contextual clues around the environment to overcome challenges. Mixing puzzles and platforming, it’s more about uncovering the mystery surrounding Inside.
Why it’s one of the best PS4 games: Everything that Deadplay brought to Limbo was improved upon with Inside. The 2.5D style mixed in with the muted color palette and art style used by the dev team creates a wonderfully haunting aesthetic. It’s perfect to fit the “what is going on?” theme that drives the momentum of the game.
Once the curtains begin to peel back and major moments happen throughout the short, but sweet, story, each next revelation becomes more and more fascinating. Inside evokes an emotional response that David Cage wishes he could even dream of.
Next: #31 - Far Cry 4
Best PS4 Games #31 – Far Cry 4
Developer: Ubisoft Montreal
Synopsis: Kyrat native Ajay Ghale returns home from America to pay respect to his mother’s dying wishes to have her ashes spread in her homeland. Conniving dictator Pagan Min has other plans for Ghale, a man who must play party to a revolution in order to overthrow the madman responsible for destroying the prosperity of the great mountain nation. Following the series traditions, you must conquer outposts in order to turn the tide for the rebellion, while taking on mother nature itself in the form of mountain lions, tigers, and bears. Oh, my!
Why it’s one of the 50 best PS4 games: An underrated aspect of modern FPS play is that of the co-op campaign. Thankfully, Ubisoft managed to make theirs work for Far Cry 4 in a realistic way; allowing for completely honest multiplayer campaign experience. Whether or not you need help to take down the powers that be, doing so with a friend creates remarkable hijinx, including the use of gyrocopters to fly about or incessant vehicular-based trolling via running each other over. I guess exploring the wilderness and taking in the mythical wonders of Shangri-La is fun, too.
Next: #30 - Street Fighter V
Best PS4 Games #30 – Street Fighter V
Developers: Capcom, Dimps
Synopsis: The most iconic series in fighting games has made its way to the PS4, bringing a host of new characters with it. Fight as one of 16 different characters at launch, with new gameplay modes and fighters joining the game post-launch. Players can earn fight money to unlock alternate costumes and characters, or can spend real money to unlock them like DLC. Offering a host of different options when accessing single and multiplayer play, including a dedicated network of services, will make for a strong fighting game you can play casually or competitively.
Why it’s one of the 50 best PS4 games: The gameplay systems of Street Fighter V are on point. Overall gameplay balance has a roster that plays fairly, but does have matchup strengths and weaknesses. Two players just starting out won’t be able to cheese another out using a certain character or move set against their opponent, as each character offers up their own style that players can pick and choose.
With the roster expanding to 20 and above, an added Story Mode, mechanic-training gameplay modes and a more robust online play, Street Fighter V continues to grow in excellence over time.
Next: #29 - Doom
Best PS4 Games #29 – Doom
Developer: id Software
Synopsis: Returning for the first time in over a decade, Doom sees our protagonist go through literal Hell and high water in the name of saving humanity. He awakens on the UAC research facility on Mars, where facility director Samuel Hayden is attempting to harness energy from Hell to use as a source of renewable energy. Using it will solve many of Earth’s problems, although forces at work will try their best on unleashing the demonic armies and causing as much chaos as possible.
Using a varied arsenal of weapons, players will find themselves running and gunning through a number of different locales to take down beasts, demons and foes of various magnitudes. Online, one can also enjoy a multitude of multiplayer combat modes, keeping within the traditions of the series in terms of movement speed and stylistic approach.
Why it’s one of the 50 best PS4 games: In a medium that constantly tries to emphasize twitch reactions, human vs. human combat and killstreak weirdness, Doom improves upon the core gameplay they’re known to be and put the rest of the industry on notice. I wouldn’t be surprised if you hear the term “Doom Clone” bandied about in the development of FPS’ to come, as the approach to multiplayer arena FPS combat, level design and balance is hard to overcome. Not only that, but id managed to include a hard soundtrack that reflects the metal overtones of the game without going overboard in cheesiness.
Doom is a callback to what made the FPS great, and does what the original tried for many decades later.
Next: #28 - Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin
Best PS4 Games #28 – Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin
Developer: From Software
Synopsis: A chosen human becomes a Hollow after death, putting his life into a constant state of zombified rebirth. This Bearer of the Curse must seek the four Great Souls from the kingdom of Drangleic, seek the king in the capital and bring about changes to the cycle of darkness and the restorative light that follows. Great monstrosities await the player in the forms of monsters, creatures, gigantic bosses, dragons and even invading players. Worst yet is when bosses and invaders join forces to take you down.
Why it’s one of the 50 best PS4 games: Despite its existence first on the 7th generation of consoles, Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin fundamentally changes the very nature of the game due to its narrative design differences, as well as enemy placement and containing the entirety of the post-launch DLC. It tells a radically opposing story, giving the players options that work well from a gameplay stance.
That comes on top of a core gameplay service that From Software has only improved upon with age, adding a variety of functions, items, weapons and armor sets to the core experience. Character design improvements, especially concerning the likes of invading NPCs and story interactions with other players, took major leaps forward.
Next: #27 - Resogun
Best PS4 Games #27 – Resogun
Developer: Housemarque
Synopsis: A short experience filled with brilliance, Resogun gameplay works across several levels on a circling, cylindrical plane of existence. Land and air-based combatants pour in from either side of the plane, shooting lasers at your player’s ship from all angles. You fend them off with an arsenal of weaponry that includes lasers, energy shockwaves, bullets and more. You need to keep the action constantly in motion to maintain your multiplier bonus, never staying stagnant.
Why it’s one of the 50 best PS4 games: Leading to the release of the PS4 in 2013, the first real example of next-gen gameplay and the capabilities of the advanced hardware over the previous generation came with Resogun. It’s a side-scrolling, shoot-em-up title that uses thousands of voxels within a 2.5D setting to offer a visual aesthetic not truly seen in video games prior to the PS4. The beauty comes from expanding the simplicity of the game by showcasing mesmerizing explosions of color and sound.
Next: #26 - Wolfenstein 2: The New Colossus
Best PS4 Games #26 – Wolfenstein 2: The New Colossus
Developer: MachineGames
Synopsis: Following the events of the first game, B.J. Blazkowicz falls into a five-month-long coma. Once coming back to life, he sets his eyes on freeing America, who fell to the Nazis in this game’s timeline due to the dropping of an atomic bomb on a major city. He does so by joining up with a resistance group, taking the fight to the Nazis in an effort to make America actually great again.
Why it’s one of the 50 best PS4 games: Besides the accidental timeliness to remind people that hey, Nazis are bad, Bethesda continues to build upon a great FPS franchise and takes the adventure to bold new action-adventure places. The ability to run into any fight guns blazing and akimbo makes for a fun, destructive capper that will certainly have people talking.
Not only that, but the characters are amazing in Wolfenstein 2. They offer a wider perspective to the main characters, despite most of them sharing a common goal. The writing is a testament to being able to get across a message and be both subtle and in your face about it to varying degrees. Plus, the interesting combat methods in this game are a throwback to classic gory action games of the past.
Next: #25 - Infamous: Second Son
Best PS4 Games #25 – Infamous: Second Son
Developer: Sucker Punch Studios
Synopsis: Perhaps the console’s first great exclusive, Infamous: Second Son places Akomish Native American Delsin Rowe in the middle of a power struggle for humanity’s control over people with special abilities. He accidentally uncovers a hidden power to absorb the power of the elements, becoming known as a conduit. Along with some help from his sheriff brother and some fellow conduits, his goal is to take down the D.U.P. and its director, Brooke Augustine.
Why it’s one of the 50 best PS4 games: The open worlds of Infamous have always played to the strengths of an electricity-wielding protagonist, so having a hero that controls more than just one of the elements requires a location worthy of marvel. The Seattle of Infamous: Second Son gives the development team the perfect spot to highlight the majestic wonders of the PS4 early in the system’s existence, providing the perfect opportunities to highlight lush greenery and an accurately detailed weather system.
They complement Delsin’s abilities quite well, adding complexity to the combat system the series is known forth. The true-to-life aspects of the city interacting with the destructive nature of a conduit makes for a brilliant representation of smoke, electricity, neon and more.
Next: #24 - Child of Light
Best PS4 Games #24 – Child of Light
Developer: Ubisoft Montreal
Synopsis: Child of Light sees a young girl awaken to discover she is in an entirely different land. Told she must recover the Light of Lemuria, Igniculus, the firefly, helps guide her throughout this mystic world. Dialogue is almost completely set in rhyme, pairing the innocence of our protagonist with the charm of Child of Light’s story. Spells are interrupted by enemy attacks, adding a tactical layer necessary to optimize the output on your turn and the turn of others. Powers, passive stats, and other improvements can be upgraded upon leveling up, and those upgrade systems are deeper than at first glance.
Why it’s one of the 50 best PS4 games: Breaking up the tradition of annualizing franchises paid off wonders with Child of Light, as we see a softer side from Ubisoft Montreal. The game’s engine allows for some damningly haunting beauty, mixing softer colors to present a unique charm about the game. Paired with an orchestral soundtrack that weaves together with the poetic fallacy of the scenery, it makes for a fully realized RPG that creates its own style. The turn-based nature of gameplay fits well, as its hidden depths mirror the intricacies of the presentation.
Next: #23 - Destiny
Best PS4 Games #23 – Destiny
Developer: Bungie
Synopsis: This shared-world shooter has players acting as Guardians, manipulating an unknown power called Light to defend Earth’s last stronghold city against alien invasions. You can choose one of three classes, with Hunters being agile fighters, Warlocks focusing on using the Light for supernatural powers and Titans built to tank encounters. There are a host of single and multiplayer events to participate in, including popular FPS competitive modes. There are even dedicated raids that take hours to complete, with daily quests created to aid improvement of your character’s armor and weapons.
Why it’s one of the 50 best PS4 games: Built from the ground up for the long game, Destiny has undergone a number of changes to flesh out its content. Raids, weapons, maps, minigames, better voice acting for robots; Bungie has optimized the MMOFPS gameplay loop to sustain an audience for a long time. There are hundreds of hours you can spend in Destiny that can be played before you start to get weary. It’s a testament to the team’s ability to reconcile fan feedback, respond accordingly and balance the game favorably within a quick turnaround.
In a time when there are so many games coming out, trying to steal your focus away, Destiny has players coming back for more, time and time again.
Next: #22 - Dying Light
Best PS4 Games #22 – Dying Light
Developer: Techland
Synopsis: Zombies, as a media concept, have been done to literal death. However, when it comes to an open-world video game setting, few have ventured forth to capture an audience in this realm. Dying Light is a natural progression from their methods, bringing intensive cycles between day and night action for a first-person thriller with action-RPG elements that breathes new life into the genre. Whether it be running away from night terrors to the safety of your camp or driving around the world in makeshift vehicles, there are tasks to accomplish in this new-look world.
Why it’s one of the 50 best PS4 games: The systems of which Techland has been built upon have reached their logical conclusion with Dying Light. Freedom of movement allows players to traverse the world in a number of ways other titles dare not provide, giving a different scope towards zombie action. How you upgrade your character, including focuses on movement, melee and ranged weaponry, adapts to your playstyle, allowing you to take on the world according to your ideals. The pacing that drives gameplay keeps players on their toes and gives Dying Light an edge over the competition.
Next: #21 - Until Dawn
Best PS4 Games #21 – Until Dawn
Developer: Supermassive Games
Synopsis: A group of teenagers returns to their cabin in the mountains of British Columbia, one year after the sudden disappearance of two of their friends. Spitting in the face of fate, trouble comes looking for them as an unknown masked entity stalks them. Every action has an equal and opposite reaction, and players must choose how to play each character of the group, making choices that not only reflect their own personalities (in addition to impacting their friendship levels with others in the group), but branching the path of their fate. The Butterfly Effect marks the key to survival for many in the group, and making sure you have all the relevant information necessary will help you avoid deadly mistakes.
Why it’s one of the 50 best PS4 games: Your choices matter. As simple as that is, the story goes on whether or not everyone dies, everyone lives or there’s a competent attempt at striking for the middle. Until Dawn plays well into the campy horror sensibilities of an 80’s slasher flick, but pivots in a way that avoids straight-out satire. The game is a faithful homage where not even the game is clear how it’s going to end until you’re in the final stages of gameplay. Additional story aspects that flesh out the entire lore of the game (not discussed to avoid spoilers) really scratch the itch of substance.
Until Dawn is a short, but sweet, compact and gorgeously rendered title, one that everyone should check out.
Next: #19 - The Evil Within 2
Best PS4 Games #20 – The Evil Within 2
Developer: Tango Gameworks
Synopsis: Three years after the Beacon Mental Hospital incident, Sebastian Castellanos still tries to put the pieces together after a raucous, unsettling trip into the Mobious STEM program. Now they’re trying to pull him back in, with Kidman revealing that Sebastian’s once-thought-deceased daughter is still alive within a new Mobius test environment; the city of Union. With Mobius looking after him every step of the way, Sebastian enters the unruly hellhole to bring his daughter back.
Why it’s one of the 50 best PS4 games: The Evil Within 2 does a great job of improving upon its predecessor. In addition to expanding upon the stories of the first game, Sebastian works together with different members of the Mobius task force to take down foes in a semi-open-world environment, with chapters both linear and open-ended.
This drives the horror to unprecedented levels, as the threat of a mutated creature coming to take you down exists from all angles now. To tap into the horror sensibilities while telling a gripping tale that is aware of its standing as a campy survival horror game makes The Evil Within 2 a perfect second chapter.
Next: #19 - Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain
Best PS4 Games #19 – Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain
Developer: Kojima Productions
Synopsis: In the final piece necessary to bring the entire narrative, Venom Snake awakens from his years-long coma. With the help of Revolver Ocelot and Kaz Miller, they establish Mother Base; a paradise of freedom and home of the Diamond Dogs militia. To jumpstart operations, Snake undergoes several sneaking missions before the foundations of his operation shake due to the actions of antagonist Skull Face. Bring home recruits, rescue wildlife and procure materials using the Fulton system, all while roaming the Afghani and African wildlife in an open-world stealth atmosphere.
Why it’s one of the 50 best PS4 games: The Phantom Pain may be the most complete package of an experience in the series’ history. The story does not go quite into the comically lengthy depths the series is used to, but all facets of gameplay have been expanded to their limits. The world Snake immerses himself in feels tangentially real, as if this fictionalized 1984 was really a living documentary of a folklore legend.
Hideo Kojima must be congratulated for his efforts, most under the strangest of derision by publisher Konami. If hints left over from Ground Zeroes are to be understood as metaphor, this 100+ hour title, complete with optional online FOB invasion-style multiplayer, dozens of playable square kilometers of assets and tons of hidden secrets is a testament to the human spirit.
A fitting game for a fitting end.
Next: #18 - Transistor
Best PS4 Games #18 – Transistor
Developer: Supergiant Games
Synopsis: Operating in the design style of an isometric 3D action-RPG title, Transistor follows famous singer, Red, and the Transistor sword she discovers plunged into the chest of a man outside a venue. Ripping it straight out, Red is then chased by a robotic force of enemies known as the Process, who are trying to destroy her and retrieve the mysterious sword she now has in her possession. There is more to this sword than its glowing greenness, as it captures the spirit and consciousness of the man it was separated from.
Why it’s one of the 50 best PS4 games: As an independent games development studio, it’s immeasurably difficult to follow up on the success that defines the populace’s knowledge of your existence. For their part, Transistor holds its own, especially as a tactical RPG that plays up the cyberpunk green-and-aqua mood to a T. As was the case with Child of Light, Supergiant Games goes hard in with their soundtrack here. The OST mixes genres to match the setting, jumping between Electric Rock, Trance and Nu Jazz. It oozes through the world the story embodies, truly benefiting a deserving tale.
Best PS4 Games #17 – Dishonored 2
Developer: Arkane Studios
Synopsis: Corvo is back, and this time he is in the midst of great company. Play as either Corvo Attano or Emily Kaldwin in Dishonored 2, where you are tasked with reclaiming the throne of the Empire of the Isles from those who ripped it away from the Kaldwins. Using your abilities as a supernatural assassin, you can sneak through the numerous missions or take more of a “guns blazing” approach. Be careful, though, as the amount of chaos you bring to Karnaca will have a tangible effect on the story.
Why it’s one of the 50 best PS4 games: For as much as people who enjoy stealth games hate action compromises, the supernatural elements of Dishonored 2 makes it feel less like a strict stealth game and more of a hybrid. More important is the fact that the story changes based on your actions in a tangible way, giving the player agency in a world so very unlike our own.
The level design is immaculate, giving players the tools necessary to solve the puzzle of the mission on their own terms. There are a ton of things to find off the beaten path, too, expanding the length of gameplay in a way that doesn’t feel overbearing or padded. You are a powderkeg waiting to explode; it’s up to you when to light the ignition.
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
Blizzard Entertainment
Best PS4 Games #15 – Overwatch
Developer: Blizzard
Synopsis: There’s more to Overwatch than meets the eye. What simply looks to be a colorful team-based FPS from Blizzard aims for a higher standard of team-based dynamics. The term “hero” isn’t used to name a character of high stature; it’s now used to describe the playable characters as archetypes within the game’s checks-and-balances system.
You need to form teams based on a balanced approach. Tanks, DPS, support and defensive players will need to work together in order to complete the game mode’s task, which will require different team compositions.
Why it’s one of the 50 best PS4 games: Despite its microtransactions in a $60 game, Overwatch offers the player a great variety of playable heroes that act wholly different within the gameplay. There’s always an answer to a strong player, encouraging switching up what roles you play as. Better yet, each hero has a distinct personality, while the available maps represent a stylized version of real-life settings.
There’s a ton of heart, passion and personality in Overwatch, and the game will only get better as time goes on.
Next: #14 - Injustice 2
Best PS4 Games #14 – Injustice 2
Developer: NetherRealm Studios
Synopsis: Following Batman’s defeat of Superman five years after the events of Injustice: Gods Among Us, a new faction of super-villains known as the Society plots to take over the world. Outside a meaty story campaign, there is a ton of things to do in Injustice 2, hosting 29 playable characters at launch and offering tons of replayability through a myriad of multiplayer modes.
Why it’s one of the 50 best PS4 games: In an era where game developers are releasing their fighting games piecemeal and adding characters, maps, gear and feature modes as time goes on, Injustice 2 is like a full package a launch, with ongoing development piling on top. The fighting mechanics are tightened, the characters are varied and interesting, the story is quite good for its genre and the facial animations for the characters are quite impressive.
Injustice 2 is a solid fighting game that both casual and competitive players will enjoy for quite some time. We’ll see how better the game gets over time as DLC is released.
Next: #13 - Ratchet & Clank
Best PS4 Games #13 – Ratchet & Clank
Developer: Insomniac Games
Synopsis: Knowing half the story behind this game, based on a movie, based on the original Ratchet & Clank, might be a bit confusing. It serves as a re-imagining of the first PS2 title, as told from the view of the newly-imprisoned Captain Qwark. The base game has been improved upon in 2016, updating the selection of weapons, movements, upgrading systems and graphical fidelity. The story is expanded upon, telling a different side than one normally expected from what is, essentially, a movie tie-in.
Why it’s one of the 50 best PS4 games: Due to the changes made to gameplay, including a fundamentally different representation of certain aspects of the level design, music, dialogue and narrative, this remake shouldn’t be disqualified from being considered a PS4 experience. It would be a shame to overlook such a quality over-the-shoulder action game that shares an honest comedic take in a world overwrought with cynical, grimdark shooters or jingoistic army propagandists. It’s silly, childlike and doesn’t take itself seriously; like what video games used to strive for.
Next: #12 - Nioh
Best PS4 Games #12 – Nioh
Developer: Team Ninja
Synopsis: Inspired by the story of William Adams, Nioh tells the story of another man named William and his journey to Japan in 17th century fictionalized wartime. Harnessing the skills and weaponry of the traditional samurai, he must take down a fictionalized Edward Kelley who seeks control of his own using the evils of the yokai of Japan. Take down soldiers and the supernatural as you make your way through 20 main missions of unstoppable difficulty.
Why it’s one of the 50 best PS4 games: In addition to taking on the mantle of “unwavering difficulty, punishing action-RPG combat, and stylized ambiance” from the Dark Souls series, Nioh forces you to expand your understanding of this genre’s mechanics. Multiple stances allow for strategic approaches to combat, letting the player solve the puzzle of their opponent in the manner best suited to them.
Its visual fidelity is superb, and its aesthetic focus on equipment and character design set it apart from traditional hack-and-slash samurai games. In Nioh, how you play your character is almost as important as how you present your character, offering personal choice to your character’s appearance with minimal sacrifice to gameplay optimization.
Nioh proves that From Software can pass the torch on without extinguishing the flame of its ingenuity.
Next: #11 - Rocket League
Best PS4 Games #11 – Rocket League
Developer: Psyonix
Synopsis: There’s not much you can do to describe Rocket League without sounding a bit nutty. Imagine a wide open soccer field, but instead of soccer players, you had fast vehicles designed to crash into each other. The ball is expanded and the field is designed for vehicular travel up the sides of the arena. With rocket boosts that are picked up on the field of play, you can launch your vehicle into the air and perform majestic touches to the ball, all in the hope of scoring upon the opposing team’s net.
Why it’s one of the 50 best PS4 games: The gameplay mechanics of Rocket League are so crazily on point, there is nowhere you can go to improve them. Every movement on the ground and in the air is balanced in a way that is easy to learn, but difficult to perfect. The longer you play, the quicker you learn about the dynamics and importance of team play. Playing your position is important because even playing two players of three offense-only will lead to lopsided losses.
Speed being a point of importance keeps the flow of action going, with great teams clicking like well-oiled machines. Psyonix should be proud by their supreme accomplishment; making a unique multiplayer sports title that captures the interest and hearts of video game players.
Next: #10 - The Wolf Among Us
Best PS4 Games #10 – The Wolf Among Us
Developer: Telltale Games
Synopsis: Imagine a world where fairytale fables walked among us like regular members of society. This comic book adaptation does so, placing Bigby “The Big, Bad” Wolf as the sheriff of Fabletown, a fictionalized subset community of New York hidden from view of “normal” society. He’s tasked with uncovering the mystery of several grizzly murders taking place in his community, all while interacting with characters known from stories told hundreds of years ago. Knowing the balance between keeping foes in line and taming the beast within is just one of many problems for a man known to become a werewolf.
Why it’s one of the 50 best PS4 games: A great strength of Telltale’s ability to recreate someone else’s story and spin it their own special way relies on the characterization brought on by the voice cast. Each actor breathes new life into their characters, despite being established fables known to all. They complement a story-driven game that differs greatly from the rest of the Telltale catalog, in no small part from the neon noir art style with its cel shading. While the end story is fundamentally set, the kind of leader you portray is fairly dynamic, leading to choices that do actually matter in impacting the narrative mood.
Whether you lead as an understanding tough guy or a brute willing to do what’s necessary to keep others in line, A Wolf Among Us is the strongest example of the Telltale formula we’ve seen on 8th-generation platforms.
Next: #9 - Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor
Best PS4 Games #9 – Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor
Developer: Monolith Productions
Synopsis: Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor takes an odd approach to tackling the world of J.R.R. Tolkien’s magnum opus. It opts not tell the main story of The Lord of the Rings, nor The Hobbit. Instead, it focuses on the life of ranger Talion, a Gondor guard of the Black Gate of Mordor. After the grim events of one fateful evening, Talion is imbued with wraith-like abilities and exacts revenge on the foul creatures that tried to silence him forever.
He uses the Nemesis system to tackle small numbers of tagged Uruk leaders throughout Sauron’s army, allowing the player to track and kill targets for upgrade bonuses. Defeating a leader affects the power structure of the enemy, creating a vacuum of crumbling efforts to retain control of the opposing force to humanity.
Why it’s one of the 50 best PS4 games: The core of the Tolkien adventure, alongside all the trappings of Middle-earth, makes for an excellent story simply by existing. All that’s really left for the developers is to share a gameplay experience worth mentioning and everything else will take care of itself. The Nemesis system does this by instilling the sense of man’s conquering of nature, taking any risk necessary to seek vengeance. Paired with the combat, stealth, equipment optimization, skill usage and exploration of an established piece of novel history, you have a game that will serve as among the best in the series.
Next: #8 - Shovel Knight
Best PS4 Games #8 – Shovel Knight
Developer: Yacht Club Games
Synopsis: Keeping to the simple sensibilities of NES games, Shovel Knight follows the story of the titular character as he ventures to rescue Shield Knight from the clutches of The Order of no Quarter. Complete with gender-swap modes and alternate campaigns through DLC, players traverse the land through a mix of overworld exploration and level-based platforming action. The shovel acts as a pogo stick that you can also use to swipe at enemies. Power-ups throughout the levels add alternate, magic-using moves that improve the versatility of the protag’s skill set.
Why it’s one of the 50 best PS4 games: Shovel Knight is a love letter to classic platformers. Mixing the best parts of Ducktales, Super Mario Bros. 3, Mega Man and Castlevania, players can expect a wide variety of characters on levels designed and tailored to the environment. The soundtrack is a marvel, with chiptunes creating a narrative as much as the dialogue is willing to weave. Platforming efficiencies offer neat tricks to improve player speed, acting as the perfect bait for the speedrunning community as well as casual fans looking to play a contemporary game with classic sensibilities.
For a game that looks like it was released in 1989, Yacht Club Games has made a supreme effort in catching the interest of today’s audience without sacrificing the ideals.
Next: #7 - Batman: Arkham Knight
Best PS4 Games #7 – Batman: Arkham Knight
Developer: Rocksteady Studios
Synopsis: Bruce Wayne must save Gotham City once more as a specialized toxin is released into the city. Anyone who comes in contact with it instantly becomes insane, driven to attack anyone else in sight until they are mauled to death. Scarecrow is responsible, calling upon the Arkham Knight to help do his bidding while serving upon the Knight’s vow for revenge.
There are tons of missions to do in Arkham Knight outside of the main story, including taking down enemies like Two-Face, The Penguin, training a possible replacement for Batman should Wayne step back from the spotlight, plus collecting tons of hidden riddles across Gotham. 100% completion is necessary to uncover the hidden, real ending of the game.
Why it’s one of the 50 best PS4 games: Arkham Knight was one of the first real strong examples of the 8th-generation console hardware firing on all cylinders. Here you have an open-world action game that looks and performs strongly, all while telling an adapted story with the developer’s spirit shining through. The voice acting remains a point of praise, especially concerning Hollywood talent that includes the likes of Jonathan Banks as Commissioner Gordon, John Noble as Scarecrow and others I dare not mention now.
Furthermore, Arkham Knight had the balls to end on a cliffhanger that truly carries multiple interpretations. To be able to finish off a series, one that brought countless hours of comboing henchmen by the dozens at a time, in a way that is genuinely thought-provoking is worthy of recognition.
Next: #6 - Dark Souls 3
Best PS4 Games #6 – Dark Souls 3
Developer: From Software
Synopsis: The chosen Unkindled Ash awakens from the grave, rising to the challenge of restoring the balance of power to humanity. This must be done by conquering the Lords of Cinder, using their great souls to bring about the coming of a new age once more. Players do so by using a variety of weapons, magic spells, miraculous powers, pyromancy flames and jolly co-operation, even tempting fate with a number of ways to interact with phantoms of neighboring worlds.
Why it’s one of the 50 best PS4 games: Dark Souls 3 ends the series with a look back at the greatest hits. Not only do you get to follow the stories of several returning characters, but you also get to bridge the gaps between several Dark Souls universes. Tales of old mix in with the new and comes together to tell a unified story with several possible endings. As the number of weapons and abilities grow, so, too, do the PvP possibilities, including a system that allows for maximum carnage and infinite types of character builds. The stat system even allows for gimmick characters that run up Luck and put an emphasis on quick DPS, allowing for a number of ways to play against the environment and against others.
Dark Souls 3 represents the best of the series, even if it feels a tad familiar. It’s the perfect place to stop, leaving players hopeful for the future of this particular style of action-RPG.
Next: #5 - Uncharted 4
Best PS4 Games #5 – Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End
Developer: Naughty Dog
Synopsis: Concluding the epic series, Nathan has retired from the treasure hunting life and works for a salvage company. Suddenly one day, Nathan’s brother, Sam, drops in, despite being assumed dead for fifteen years. He’s tasked with finding a hidden treasure at the behest of an escaped drug lord, dragging Nathan back into the adventuring life head-first.
Nathan will travel the world again with Sam, bringing Sully along with him. Uncharted 4 has a bigger focus on traversal and discovery than the past games, offering many open-ended exploration opportunities than before. As such, you will use jeeps, cars, boats and all-terrain equipment to overcome all obstacles, while using the environmental foliage to hide from enemies.
Why it’s one of the 50 best PS4 games: Naughty Dog is unparalleled in creating explosive action games that play like movies. With the expanded hardware of the PS4, the infamously huge set pieces are even larger, feeding the player a thrill that will have them hanging on the edge of their seats. However, the beauty of these characters is their natural banter, witty observations and overall dialogue that feels organic, even if you might find a meta reference or set up one-liner the odd time or two.
What more can be said about the environmental design, other than, “It’s a Naughty Dog game.” Bravo to the engineers, artists and cinematic directors, who all come together to weave some of the most gorgeous scenery in all of video gaming. Whether it be the rocky cliffside among the Madagascar plains or amid the sprawling seaweed of the ocean floor, players will be wowed at the sights and sounds they encounter.
If this is the last time we see Nathan Drake in a video game, then mark Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End as a fitting farewell to one of the greatest video game series’ of all time.
Next: #4 - Persona 5
Best PS4 Games #4 – Persona 5
Developer: Atlus
Synopsis: Tokyo is under the assault of sh—y adults. People in positions of power will do unjust things to everyone around them in order to maintain a grip on their power and influence. A band of teenagers discover the ability to jump into a Metaverse, steal corrupt peoples’ hearts and bring justice on a supreme level. They’re called the Phantom Thieves, and you’ll never see them coming!
Why it’s one of the 50 best PS4 games: The lengthy development time for Persona 5 has allowed Atlus the opportunity to nail their alternate vision of Tokyo to a T. From locations that are cartoonish versions of their real-life counterparts to an awesome soundtrack that quickens the pace, this game has a surreal stylishness to it.
No matter how you spend your time, you are left wanting to do more. The social management aspects immerse you into this world, building up a supreme cast of characters and narrative depth that the series demands. With the addition of the SMT-esque Persona negotiation and a variety of Confidant-based skills and upgrades, you’ll never want to stop stealing the hearts of the unjust.
Next: #3 - Horizon: Zero Dawn
Best PS4 Games #3 – Horizon: Zero Dawn
Developer: Guerilla Games
Synopsis: Aloy finds her world in quite the predicament once a viral corruption spreads to the machines of her post-post-apocalyptic world. Using the hunting skills she has learned over the years, she will face the oppressors who seek to seize the means to control these gigantic creatures.
Why it’s one of the 50 best PS4 games: On top of an excellent story, quite unlike what we’ve seen from Guerilla Games, Horizon: Zero Dawn creates a world full of adventure. The brilliant clash between nature and machinery is exemplified through gorgeous colorization and environmental detail.
Players are rewarded with an open-world experience that doesn’t drag on or become monotonous over time. Engaging enemies feels like you’re solving a tactical puzzle, where the goal is to survive another day. The roaring soundtrack fills your heart with joy, creating an enigmatic journey that will beg for you to return time and time again.
Next: #2 - The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Best PS4 Games #2 – The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Developer: CD Projekt RED
Synopsis: Concluding the current narrative arc, The Witcher 3 sees Geralt bring an end to the Wild Hunt while adapting to the many kingdoms that call upon his services. With his trusty horse Roach at his side, Geralt offers help in exchange for services throughout the country, often using his magical abilities to take down mythical creatures and tough bosses. With a typically sarcastic charm, players will take on any challenge that faces him, even if it is on the card-playing battlefield for some downtime with Gwent.
Why it’s one of the 50 best PS4 games: CD Projekt RED knows how to create a self-sustaining universe, and how to make sense of it for the character. Even on a fundamental level, townships run on their own logic, feeding into the style of the county, the kingdom and even the realm Geralt is in. There are hundreds of quests to undergo, with each feeling varied and special. There are always local bulletins to chase, but there’s always one or two options elsewhere in the area that provide a different challenge or requirement.
More importantly, the story of The Witcher 3 is one of brilliance. Not only can you understand the reasoning and motivations behind the characters you meet, but the amount of characters that you do interact with makes for an immeasurably difficult task of presenting different viewpoints. The developers conquered this aspect of design as much as anything else, all while expanding upon a universe that is so gorgeous in its creation.
You can lose your train of thought while playing The Witcher 3 and stay away from the main story for dozens of hours at a time, and you won’t care that the time wasn’t optimized. You can’t help but engross yourself.
Next: Topping Our List Of The Best PS4 Games Is...
Best PS4 Games #1 – Bloodborne
Developer: From Software
Synopsis: Hidetaki Miyazki steps away from the Souls series to bring you a Lovecraftian horror story worthy of supreme excellence. You arise as a Hunter, seeking the Paleblood in the dystopian town of Yharnam. An illness has taken over the citizens of this once-great town, and it’s up to you to conquer this sickness before it spreads throughout the known dimensions of our existence.
Instead of the traditional sword-and-board gameplay, Bloodborne focuses on a select number of trick weapons and a combat system that rewards aggressive moves. Dashes in an out of combat allow you to strike with a number of weapons that come with alternate two-hand classes, doubling the types of strikes you can perform. Use blood gems and runes to optimize damage output, while calling upon select factions to back you up at a moment’s notice.
Why Bloodborne tops on our list of the 50 best PS4 games: Bloodborne heard the criticisms of Dark Souls 2 and perfects their flaws. Large beasts with a variety of different combat styles replace humanoid knights. An entirely new lore is established, one with as heavy narrative overtones as the Souls series is known for. The health regen system pushes players to press the advantage, making them give no quarter to oncoming enemies. Because of this, the pace of action picks up, creating a more favorable dueling experience.
Everything about the design of Bloodborne is perfection personified. The level design, art design, orchestral soundtrack, NPC dialogue, gameplay systems and combat implementation are beyond reproach. The oddly unsettling narrative is matched only by the disturbing monsters created by the production team.
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Bloodborne is the best game on the PS4 because it seeks to create something new that fans of the Souls series is known to appreciate. Instead of faltering in favor of tradition, the production team created a masterpiece worthy of excellence on its own terms.