One of the greatest consoles of all time that will seemingly be getting games for the rest of time, we will only really appreciate the PlayStation 4 once it’s truly, properly in the rearview mirror. It sacked off gimmicks and bits of plastic and just…was about games. In terms of providing hit after hit, it’s arguably Sony’s best console ever. If you’re dusting off the old aeroplane fan of wonder and looking for some whippers to play, these are the PS4 games that should be right at the top of your playlist.
50. Concrete Genie
Starting out strong with one of the most underrated and overlooked games in the PS4’s library, Concrete Genie deserves more praise as the crown jewel of the PS4’s hidden gem catalogue. A 3D platformer with a heartwarming center in an era that felt more concerned with the grittiest games possible, Concrete Genie’s mix of gameplay and narrative is wonderful.
Playing as the child Ash, you live in the town of Denska which is plagued by both pollution and a malevolent force that preys on negative emotion. Unfortunately for Ash, there’s plenty of negativity to go around as they’re the target of bullies, but one magic brush that allows himto create living paintings manages to change everything. Cute, wholesome and fun to play, Concrete Genie is well worth your time.
49. Until Dawn
Supermassive Games really found a winning formula for themselves when they created Until Dawn. Sure, they might have rode that winning formula into the ground in the years since with The Dark Pictures Anthology series, though The Quarry was a pretty good B-movie reminiscent follow-up if you like media with former WCW champions in them.
Like the horror movies it’s so clearly trying to ape, Until Dawn sees a group of unprepared teens dealing with some shenanigans at a remote cabin, though whether the issue is supernatural or not remains to be seen for these teens. Gameplay, Until Dawn is mostly just walking and quick time events, but the acting, guilt laced into every choice, and the action on screen is immersive as hell, making it a must for all horror fans. Skip the PS5 remake, though.,
48. Rocket League
The madlads over at Psyonix should be celebrated for being the one team to capitalise one what is a slam dunk of an idea: what if rocket powered cars played the same sport as Tony Hibbert? Building on the formula established in the PS3 game Supersonic Acrobatic Rocket-Powered Battle-Cars, Psyonix’s Rocket League tightened up the gameplay to create the juggernaut it is today.
It’s a game that’s addictive in its simplicity, as you’re just controlling a fast, acrobatic car while trying to knock a ball into the back of the net. However, those who’ve put more than a couple of hours into Rocket League know that the game is anything but simple, especially these days. Feels like people in bronze are hitting sick aerial goals these days. Feel free to type “skill issue” in the comments.
47. Slay The Spire
The PS4 era of gaming really gave people an embarrassment of riches when it came to roguelikes and roguelites. PSN was flooded with games where players dive into multiple randomly generated runs, and we’ve been eating good ever since. Expect to see more roguelikes on this list as we make our way through it, but for now, let’s talk about the smash hit that’s Slay The Spire.
A game that’s best described as the player character beefing with a tower and its inhabitants, Slay The Spire sends players through runs to take down the enemies and bosses lying within. Each run offers the chance at new rewards, and there’s an addictive quality that can lead you to spending hours trying to take the Spire down for good.
46. Celeste
Unquestionably one of the best 2D platformers ever made, Celeste’s tale of one woman’s journey of self-acceptance while trying to conquer the most infamous mountain ever created is something everyone should try to play at least once. Is it hard enough to ensure that some players might struggle to reach the peak? 100%, but the literal mountain of assists the game offers means people of all skills can enjoy it.
Between the beautiful pixellated graphics, the amazing soundtrack or the simple yet rewarding gameplay, everything about Celeste screams that it’s one of the best games on PS4. If you want a platformer that’ll enthrall and frustrate you in equal measure, this is the game for you. Just make sure you pack your mountain climbing equipment ahead of time.
45. Dreams
One of the biggest tragedies of the PS4 is the fact that Media Molecule didn’t release a new LittleBigPlanet after 3. The creation focused platforming series came to define the PS3, but once the PS4 rolled around, it felt like Sackboy was put on the shelf. Still, Media Molecule had even grander ambitions ahead of them with Dreams, which embraced the creativity that LBP championed and turned the dial to 11.
Dreams was less of a game, more of an extremely accessible creation tool allowing players to create whatever they wanted. Highlights included homages to P.T., original creations like Ruckus and even some copyright dodging Mario clones. You were playing with some incredible fire back then, friends.
44. XCOM 2
The tactical RPG experience that’ll make you lose your faith in the power of percentages, Firaxis’ reboot of the XCOM series completely revitalised an entire genre. Both XCOM: Enemy Unknown and its standalone expansion, Enemy Within, on the PS3 helped restart a flagging series while also attracting more players than ever to this world of hardcore tactical RPGs, where one mistake or failed mission could theoretically nuke an entire campaign.
The sequel, XCOM 2, basically starts from one of those many failed campaigns from the first game, with the aliens having taken over completely. As the commander of a resistance movement, you’ll travel around the world fighting aliens and putting out fires in an attempt to drive the invaders off our world completely. It’s just as hard, yet just as rewarding when you manage to succeed. It’s a one of a kind experience everyone should try.
43. Batman: Arkham Knight
Rocksteady had a huge reputation to live up to when it came to concluding the Batman: Arkham trilogy. Or quadrilogy, if we’re including Origins. The dizzying heights of both Asylum and City meant that Knight had to go big in order to live up to those standards. Is it better than those two previous games? It depends on how much you like the Batmobile honestly.
Sure, Arkham Knight might get clowned on post-release for its Batmobile platforming sections or the frankly silly reveal of the titular Arkham Knight’s identity, but this is still an Arkham game, and mainline Arkham games are simply just better than most AAA offerings. More of the same skull cracking action is fine by us, making Arkham Knight an easy top 50 recommendation. Plus, look how gorgeous the game still is. Cor, phwoar and wowzers.
42. Dragon Ball FighterZ
Gamers have been enjoying digital recreations of Akira Toriyama’s seminal anime and manga series for decades now, but the majority of them have fallen into the Budokai style of 3D arena combat. No disrespect to those games, of course, as both Xenoverse 1 and 2, along with DBZ: Kakarot, are amazing PS4 games in their own right. You want the best though, you pick up FighterZ.
Developed by Arc System Works, who’ve built themselves up over the years to become a true fighting game powerhouse alongside Capcom and Namco, DBFZ’s approach to easy to learn gameplay revitalised the tag fighter genre after Marvel vs Capcom Infinite flopped. Whether you’re a huge fan of the source material or you just want a new fun fighting game to play, this is a safe bet.
41. A Plague Tale: Innocence
The PS4 era saw the return of the AA experience in a big way, with mid-size developers offering huge cinematic adventures on a smaller budget for a bit cheaper. One that’s launched a whole series of its own is A Plague Tale: Innocence. Not a big hit for anyone deathly afraid of rats, but utterly incredible for everyone else.
Set during the midst of the 100 Years War and the Black Death, you control Amicia as she tries to survive the French Inquisition, some religious zealots and a frankly ridiculous amount of rats alongside her brother Hugo. A mix of stealth, action and puzzle solving, A Plague Tale: Innocence told an effective and heart-wrenching story while punching a few leagues above what you’d think a game of that size should be capable of.
40. Psychonauts 2
It might have taken quite a long time for Double Fine to pull their finger out and actually make a proper sequel to the cult hit platformer Psychonauts, but the wait was more than worth it. Psychonauts 2 sees Rasputin making a triumphant return in a platforming game that’s bigger, more imaginative and filled with just as much heart as the first game. Sequels can be tricky, but Double Fine knocked it out of the park.
Set after the events of both the first game and the VR tie-in Rhombus of Ruin, Psychonauts 2 sees former camp member Raz becoming an agent for the titular Psychonauts. Naturally, an evil plot is afoot, forcing Raz to deep dive into the psyches of his friends, enemies and everyone in between in order to save the world. No pressure or anything.
39. Tetris Effect
You’d think that after over 40 years, people would be a little bit sick of the same old Tetris formula by now, but somehow people keep finding ways to innovate on a classic. Tetris 99 for the Switch kicked off a whole series of improbable battle royale games, but over on the PS4, Tetris Effect combined the classic gameplay of Tetris with music and visuals designed to trigger a synaesthesia-like response.
The core gameplay is basically the same, with shapes falling from the sky and players trying to create as many lines as possible, but the backgrounds, music and sounds of the puzzle pieces all feed into one another. If you’ve ever played games like Rez or Child of Eden, you’d understand the visual and auditory treat a game like Tetris Effect truly is. Utterly joyous stuff, this.
38. Wolfenstein: The New Order
From the joy of playing Tetris to the joy of dual wielding machine guns against a robot dog, the Wolfenstein series needed a bit of the kick up the arse, especially after the okay but kind of middling reboot in 2009. 2014’s The New Order from MachineGames was the rocket powered boot the series needed, returning the series to its “running around arenas at mach 10, blasting everything with dual-wield assault rifles” roots.
While the uber violence that Wolfenstein is known for is back in full swing with The New Order, the real highlight of the game is the incredible heart, story and characters introduced. You come for the incredible gunplay, you stay for the amazing emotional tale between B.J. and Anya that carries the entire game. Special shoutout to The Old Blood and The New Colossus, which are also pretty great
37. Street Fighter 6
To be honest, the only reason why Street Fighter 6 isn’t much higher on this list is because it’s catered a bit more towards PS5 play than PS4. It just looks a lot nicer on the PS5, you know? Still, Street Fighter 6 on the PS4 is by no means a diminished gameplay experience, as you’re getting all the incredible fighting game action at 60fps that made SF6 one of the best games of 2023.
A celebration of everything the franchise has cultivated over its decades-long run, Street Fighter 6 mixes accessible control schemes with deep and intricate mechanics to create something for absolutely everyone. Casual fighting game fans, stalwart veterans and everyone in between should pick this game up, because there have been few, if any, fighting games that are better.
36. Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain
You know what, it’s surprising that this one actually managed to launch at all. The development issues surrounding Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain are well documented. They caused Hideo Kojima to leave Konami after decades of loyal work, but somehow, despite some unfinished concepts and what must have been a tumultuous dev cycle, MGS V managed to be utterly incredible.
While the story might not quite match up to some of the franchise’s biggest hitters, the core gameplay is the best that it’s ever been. The open world approach allowed for more freedom to approach objectives, while Snake himself had more tools than ever to survive both in stealth and in combat. Shame then, that Konami’s idea to capitalise on this amazing game engine was to make a naff zombie survival game.
35. Stardew Valley
Farming sims have been a core staple of gaming since the late 90s, though they were never the biggest thing in the whole industry. You know, until Stardew Valley came around, as that suddenly became one of the biggest indie games of all time. Sure, it might have borrowed a lot of its DNA from Harvest Moon, but it did so in a way that respected the roots of the genre while leaving enough room for its branches to grow in new directions.
Like most other farming sims, you’re starting from scratch-ish, as you inherit a farm in a sleepy little town from your dead Grandad. You’ll buy crops, raise farm animals and, perhaps most importantly, interact with the locals to form bonds and relationships. Years of updates and new free content have kept even the most dedicated Stardew players engaged for years, making it a shoo-in for one of the PS4’s best ever games.
34. Monster Hunter World
Capcom aren’t really known for their RPGs in the same way as a company like Square Enix, but that’s because their most prominent RPG, Monster Hunter, is quite unlike others in the genre. It’s a simplistic formula of hunt, loot, craft better gear, repeat, but it’s one that’s served the Monster Hunter series incredibly well over the years, though arguably Monster Hunter World served to be the series’ breakout hit for many.
After debuting on PS2, Monster Hunter existed as a handheld RPG for about a decade until the release of MH World, bringing the franchise back to home consoles in a game that was much bigger than anything we’d seen previously. Bigger hunting locations, larger monsters to hunt and a bigger scope for online co-op play, World was a triumph in every sense of the word.
33. Death Stranding
After the very public fallout between Konami and gaming’s favourite auteur Hideo Kojima, many were rightly concerned about what Mr. Kojima would do post-break up. Such worries were immediately dispelled once Death Stranding launched on PS4, as while the game’s idiosyncrasies and focus on delivery over combat isn’t for everyone, what it actually is is pure Kojima creativity and nonsense, and we have to respect that.
Set in a ruined and fractured version of the United States, you control Sam Porter Bridges, someone who looked suspiciously like Daryl from The Walking Dead, as you try to reconnect the disparate outposts and towns that are scattered across this apocalyptic America. Oh, and there’s ghosts to worry about that can make deliveries a nightmare. It’s unique, and that’s a good thing.
32. Divinity: Original Sin 2
It’s fair to say that Baldur’s Gate 3 is one of the best RPGs ever made, but unfortunately for PS4 owners, it’s not available on Sony’s fourth home console. Fortunately, Larian’s previous work, including the equally excellent Divinity: Original Sin 2, is available on the PS4. If you want to see what the blueprint of BG3’s combat, quest design and more came from, Original Sin 2 is a simply must-play game.
A turn-based tactical RPG, Divinity: Original Sin 2 is set in the fictional world of Rivellion, with players controlling someone known as a Godwoken, allowing them to control very powerful magic. With monstrous Voidwoken roaming around, you need to utilise the game’s open-ended class system and flexible approach to completing quests in order to succeed. Also like BG3, it supports four player co-op. Larian stays winning, I guess.
31. It Takes Two
From one co-op game to a studio that’s the best in class when it comes to co-op games, Hazelight have carved a niche for themselves as the best co-op game developers going at the minute. A Way Out is a wonderful prison break story with a devastating final act, while the most recent game, Split Fiction, is a kitchen sink approach to experiences and mechanics that ensures you’re never bored.
Still, nothing quite matches up to It Takes Two, the story of an on the outs married couple being turned into children’s toys via magic shenanigans and being forced to work together at the behest of a sentient love book. Yeah, it’s pretty bonkers, and while the story is pretty cliched, it’s enjoyable and backed by some of the best co-op gameplay ever made. Grab a friend, partner or maybe even your cat and experience something wonderful.
30. Undertale
Don’t let the rabid fanbase that became notorious for shouting at streamers who didn’t play the game correctly put you off, as Undertale deserves its place among some of the best RPGs of the modern era. Part of that is because of how much it pays homage to such timeless classics like the Earthbound series, but also because of the novel approach to combat and morality.
In an Alice in Wonderland-esque premise, players control a child who has become trapped in The Underground, a fantastical place ordinarily separated off by a magical barrier. Players can meet a variety of characters and fight them, which involves mini-bullet hell style encounters, though players are given the choice on whether they want to be a pacifist or not. Be warned, your actions have diabolical consequences, making Undertale a game that’s stuck in the memory of all who’ve played it.
29. Control
A certified Remedy banger, Control felt like a continuation of the ideas the studio introduced in Quantum Break. Not so much with the live action/in-game cutscenes blend of storytelling, but with the idea of controlling a hugely overpowered character in exciting, third person shooter combat. Control took that formula and amplified it tenfold, creating one of the most fun and rewarding shooters to play on the PS4. Plus, it ties in to Alan Wake, and Alan Wake is always great.
Set within the fictional Federal Bureau of Control, a sort of hidden government agency looking for supernatural phenomena, you play as Jesse who’s been investigating the bureau herself. Finding the offices, she arrives as an extra-dimensional entity known as The Hiss lays waste to the building and lockdown is declared. Using her own dimensional traveller and a nifty shapeshifting gun, it’s time to shoot first and act questions later. There will be a lot of questions.
28. 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim
Perhaps the most ambitious, convoluted yet somehow utterly incredible game on this list, 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim is a wild ride of a game. Split across the titular characters, you’ll experience a non-linear narrative as one of 13 characters, ranging from high school students to a WW2 soldier, to even characters from the future, all coming together to tell one cohesive tale about a larger war for the fate of the planet.
Without going into too much detail, you’ll start in 1980s Japan, but soon be whisked away to a future world where humans have built mechs to fight kaiju. Between 2D side scrolling adventure scenes and 3D RTS style combat, 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim is the game that really thrust Vanillaware into the mainstream. Special shoutout should also go to Vanillaware’s unrelated follow-up game, Unicorn Overlord, which offers even more incredible RTS gameplay.
27. Yakuza: Like A Dragon
The Yakuza series, or Like A Dragon as it’s known now, had been going for around 15 years by the time 2020’s confusingly-titled-in-hindsight Yakuza: Like A Dragon came over to the West. There was a lot of lore and prior backstory to sift through, making the game feel impenetrable to anyone who might have wanted to dip their toe into the series. Yakuza: Like A Dragon was a gateway for those people, offering something new while respecting those who’d been loyal from the start.
Following a new protagonist in the form of Ichiban Kasuga, Yakuza: Like A Dragon sees Ichi released from prison after an 18 year stint to find the underworld completely changed and his former boss betraying his clan. Left for dead, Ichi is forced to beat everyone up in a turn-based RPG and potentially slide into mental delusions. Also, you become mates with a lobster, sing karaoke and play a version of Mario Kart but with rocket launchers. Gaming!
26. Sonic Mania
Arguably the best Classic Sonic style game ever made, and therefore the best Sonic game ever made by default, Sonic Mania felt like a grand bit of self-awareness from SEGA and Sonic Team. Both were obviously more focused on trying to grow and develop 3D Sonic, releasing Sonic Forces the same year as Mania, but SEGA essentially let a fan by the name of Christian Whitehead, who developed the Retro Engine responsible for SEGA’s mobile ports of classic Sonic games, have a go at making an original release.
The result was Sonic Mania, and it’s every bit the worthwhile follow up to the “Golden Trilogy & Knuckles”. Remixed versions of classic stages, all new and utterly wonderful stages, multiple playable characters and that all important soundtrack from the talented Tee Lopes, this is a Sonic game firing on every possible cylinder.
25. Dying Light
Dying Light is a game that just won’t die. Despite releasing right at the start of 2015, it’s had a constant stream of updates pouring into it in the years since. If you’re looking for the complete zombie game package on PS4, look no further.
Exhilarating, fun and nail-bitingly tense at the same time, Dying Light mixes an open-world, the undead, and parkour into something pretty spellbinding. Sure, its story isn’t amazing, and its conclusion leaves a lot to be desired, but for the sheer amount of content and different ways to dispatch of zombies, it’s hard to beat.
Considering the direct sequel didn’t quite live up to the reputation of the first game, and also its own lofty ambitions, it makes us appreciate Dying Light 1 all the more.
24. Final Fantasy VII Remake
A game that was announced possibly a little too early, Final Fantasy VII Remake began to feel like a game that would never come out. It’s surreal that it’s actually now out, even more so that it turned out to be damn good. And even a bit more surreal that it’s coming to Switch 2?
More of a remix of the original game than a straight remake, Final Fantasy VII Remake changes things up a lot, whether that’s the combat, storyline, or, most noticeably, visuals. It nails almost everything new it tries.
Ostensibly focusing on just the first disc of the original game, the extra detail poured into FFVIIR makes it one of the PS4’s best love letters to the RPG genre as a whole. Following on from the banger of Rebirth, we can’t wait for the last chapter.
23. The Last of Us Part II
It’s no stretch to say that The Last of Us Part II was perhaps the most controversial first-party game of the entire generation. Monumental leaks beforehand didn’t help, neither did some of the game’s pacing and the lack of control over key moments.
However, it’s undeniable that The Last of Us Part II represents quite possibly the most ambitious, challenging storyline ever put into a game while still remaining grounded (pun somewhat intended). Significantly longer than its predecessor with unforgettable twists and some very brave choices made at around the halfway mark, The Last of Us Part II is a game that you will absolutely have some opinion on.
With an incredible eye for detail and some of the industry’s best dramatic performances, we may not have listed it as the best PS4 game there is, but we still think it’s maybe the game here we’d recommend everyone experience at least once.
22. Devil May Cry 5
While no two people will probably ever be able to agree on DmC, the return to the original narrative really pays off for Devil May Cry 5: the most explosive and possibly most fun game in the franchise to date. And, let’s not forget, most insane.
With three protagonists to play as, and one who is just a SSS rank factory (we love you V, you poetry reading emo), Devil May Cry 5 offers a glorious cacophony of violence and metal that will transport you all the way back to your teenage years. If you’re a dedicated Devil May Cry fan, you will be totally in your element here — it’s like 3 met 4 and then turned the dial up to eleven on all fronts.
Plus, that soundtrack is just full of whippers. Don’t pick this up if you don’t want to be singing the lyrics to Devil Trigger in the shower for the rest of your life.
21. Astro Bot Rescue Mission (PSVR)
Hands up if you thought that a VR platformer featuring the PlayStation 4’s forgotten mascot would be not only one of the best virtual reality games ever made, but also one of the console’s best? Our hands are firmly down on this one, which made Astro Bot Rescue Mission even more of a joy.
Appealing to anyone who’s ever played a collectathon platformer, Astro Bot Rescue Mission tasks you with tracking down a tonne of missing robots after an alien wreaks havoc. You’ll visit many different locales with plenty of secrets to find and cuteness overloads that will make you want to vomit, but in the best way possible.
A true shot of optimism straight to the heart of our all too cynical modern world, if you’ve only ever played the PS5 Astro Bot game, it might be worth trying to find a way to revisit Rescue Mission.
20. Horizon Zero Dawn
A game so good it could get away with having a terrible name, Horizon Zero Dawn wasn’t expected to be this beloved back in 2017. It feels and sometimes plays like a top tier Ubisoft game except the developers didn’t hate their job. Horizon wears its influences proudly, but it also does plenty new.
If you want to know what Horizon is all about, here’s the simple version: you hunt dinosaur robots in a post-post-apocalyptic setting as a warrior with great hair. If you’re searching for one of the most fun PS4 games that lets you climb up a robot giraffe, check out Horizon and be prepared to chuck away 50 hours of your life.
And hey, the sequel is pretty good too, even if the story is a bit not very good?
19. Hollow Knight
Hollow Knight can be a bit of a hard sell for those used to the high fidelity fancies of most modern AAA games. Make no mistake: stick with it and allow yourself to really dive down deep into Hallownest and Team Cherry’s indie darling might become your next big obsession.
A challenging Metroidvania with an absolutely staggering amount of content and lore to unpack, Hollow Knight sets you as a small, unassuming character with unclear motivations and background who comes to take on massive importance to the decaying world around him.
Often billed as Souls-like, Hollow Knight may feature simple gameplay on the surface, but its tight platforming, tough bosses, and gradually expanding powers make it a game of constant surprises. We’ll stop bugging you to play this game now, and instead tell you to play Silksong as well. We’ve having our cake and eating it.
18. Dark Souls 3
It’s true that Dark Souls 3 may have been overshadowed by other FromSoft games over the course of the generation, but it still represents an excellent culmination of the special brand of misanthropy that had kept fans hooked.
Packed with the detail that comes as standard with FromSoftware games, lore that deserves to be dived into, and the kind of sights that haunt your nightmares, Dark Souls 3 also represented the sleekest combat and general gameplay in any of these games up until more recent releases. Few can forget the agonising spectacle of taking on the Nameless King, either, who is so annoying that I have a name for him and it starts with C.
While most Souls fans feel it’s a big improvement on the second game, few can agree on whether it surpasses the original or not. Luckily for you, Dark Souls Remastered is also on PS4, and the second game is also an experience.
Great games ahead, try buying.
17. Resident Evil 2
It’s hard to get remakes right, especially those for properties that are basically untouchable. Luckily for us, Capcom approached the Resident Evil 2 remake with as much care and attention as a brand new game while also staying close to what made the original game such an undoubted favourite.
A major overhaul sees Resident Evil 2 looking every inch the modern game while also playing like one of the most frightening games of its generation — no easy feat considering you’re a lot less vulnerable this time out. Treasure the time you have before Mr. X lifts up that helicopter and stomps his way towards you in one of the scariest horror games your money can buy.
And yep, the RE4R is also great, but for setting the remake standard, we have to give this one the nod. Also, remember that burger? Delicious and disgusting at once.
16. NieR: Automata
A bewilderingly dense game with more layers than an iceberg theory wearing six fleeces, NieR: Automata is a real joy. You’re always bound to come across something unexpected as once you think you’ve got it all figured out, it changes itself. It’s basically a chameleon of a video game.
Blending several genres and styles into one wild experience, Automata is an easy recommendation, even if you haven’t played its cult predecessor. Thankfully, there’s a belter of a remake which makes that much easier, so go play that as well. You’d think too many styles and influences would get in the way, but Nier Automata keeps on giving, so once those end credits roll, be prepared for another go-around. And then another. And another. And then some DLC.
Basically, Automata is the gift that just keeps on giving in its weird and wonderful ways.
15. Persona 5
To those of you still waiting for Persona 6, bear this in mind: Persona 5 was well worth the wait.
Persona 5 dropped early in 2017 to the sound of several hundred funky basslines. A massive success, Atlus’s massive RPG balances outright weirdness, a gripping story, and some seriously unforgiving gameplay to make it one of the most addictive games on the market.
Finally breaking the franchise out of its cult status and into as close to the mainstream as such a barmy franchise can be, Persona 5 sees you playing as Joker, who wakes up and discovers he has special powers, backed up by the Phantom Thieves of Hearts. It’s a group of anime teenagers changing the world, one villain at a time. It looks amazing, sounds amazing, and is just amazing, but what’s most amazing is how many spin-offs they made of this one game.
14. Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End
Perhaps it leans too heavily on its cinematics over gameplay, and maybe it doesn’t do anything new to further the gameplay of the series, but there’s no denying that Uncharted 4 is an awesome spectacle.
Naughty Dog seem to revel in throwing gorgeous vistas and extravagant set-pieces at players every few minutes, making Uncharted 4 one of the best PS4 games at showing off the console’s potential.
With perhaps the strongest story in the franchise to date, it’s easy to get sucked into the family drama of Uncharted 4. There’s also the traditional amount of death-defying stunts and jumps to make, but the game’s highlight? Definitely playing Crash Bandicoot. We would love to see him return, but you can can’t get a much better goodbye for the lovable mass murdering Nathan Drake than this.
13. Dead Cells
An uncompromising blend of old and new conventions, Dead Cells is a love letter to the likes of Castlevania with a gorgeous aesthetic and suitably bastardy difficulty. While those with previous experience in the Metroidvania subgenre will come to grips with it pretty quickly, everyone else may find the climb to be an uphill one.
Once you feel “good” at Dead Cells, however, it’s irresistible. Every inch of progress feels like it should be celebrated, or when you finally overcome a boss that you will later grow to view as nothing other than a slightly beefier grunt.
There’s a great sense of progress in Dead Cells as it’s a PS4 single-player game that you will sink dozens of hours into without even realising it, life after life. Plus, you get to beat goons up by throwing sharks at them.
12. What Remains of Edith Finch
What Remains of Edith Finch isn’t going to be for everyone. It’s short and fairly basic in the gameplay department, but if you can allow it, the game will leave a lasting impact on you. It’s been a long time since we played it, and yet it’s never far from our minds. Edith Finch is a modern fable, a bittersweet tale of family and loss.
While you could easily pigeonhole it into the “Walking Simulator” genre, that doesn’t really do it justice. It’s a moving, deeply affecting few hours with so many stories -all beautifully told- that seem like they come from a personal place of the developers.
It isn’t technically without fault on PS4, but it’s a story you will never, ever forget.
11. Marvel’s Spider-Man
It was a long time for Spider-Man fans to wait to see a game that goy at least close to emulating the feeling of web-swinging found in the PS2‘s Spider-Man. Shattered Dimensions sickos, sound off down below.
Marvel’s Spider-Man provided exactly what fans were hoping for, as well as a whole host of web-based content to keep you entertained for many more hours after its excellent story concludes.
Playing as a Spider-Man who’s been around the block for a while, the game wastes no time in throwing you into the action. Action feels like a sped-up version of the Arkham series. With plenty of appearances from Marvel legends and some of the most beautiful visuals you’re likely to see in the generation (regardless of if you have a PS4 Pro or not), Marvel’s Spider-Man is simply one of the best superhero games there is.
It’s the best-selling PS4 exclusive for a reason.
10. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
What, it’s another FromSoftware game? You’d almost think we were masochists or something. Even without the obvious similarities to Soulsborne, Sekiro stands on its own merits, a deeply challenging stealth action hybrid where your reflexes are vital.
Playing as the quiet guardian to the Divine Heir during a re-imagining of the Sengoku period of ancient Japan, you are armed with the special Shinobi Prosthetic to give you an upper hand (sorry) on enemies, as well as the ability to resurrect. You better believe it doesn’t make the game a cakewalk, though.
Featuring a tough learning curve thanks to the game’s subtle rhythms of combat and that classic From lore that you can really dig into, this is one PS4 game you shouldn’t let slink into the shadows.
9. Hades
It’s no surprise that two of the generation’s biggest indie games make their way into the upper echelons of our list, as both Hades and Dead Cells represent two games created with nothing but love. Hades feels like it was made by a team of 100 people, that’s how much care and attention has been poured into it.
You play as Zagreus, the son of the titular Hades who is looking to escape the Underworld. Whether you’re using a conventional sword or a, um, ancient gun, you’ll battle your way through challenging, shifting rooms, upgrading as you go and constantly chasing that high of besting your previous runs.
But dying isn’t all bad in Hades, as it gives you a chance to dive into the game’s deep, incredibly inviting lore and chat to some of the most affable characters across all of gaming. Who knew the personification of death could be such a charmer?
8. DOOM Eternal
Some people might wonder why we’ve given the nod to DOOM Eternal here over DOOM 2016, and the reason is simple: the latter makes the former difficult to go back to. 2016 is still a magnificent game, with its simplistic yet breathlessly exciting gameplay giving developers the inspiration to formally christen the boomer shooter genre, yet Eternal is simply a step above in almost every regard.
The action is faster and more experimental, the scale is somehow even bigger, and you even get to shoot a hole into the surface of Mars. Better yet, DOOM Slayer’s backstory is fleshed out without ever being a distracting focus; it’s just there to make you feel even more metal. Ask me about the meaning of Kar En Tuk, please. I need someone to talk about DOOM with.
Undoubtedly one of the best FPS titles ever made, this game proves that DOOM is umm…what’s the word for around forever?
7. Titanfall 2
Even if it might not have hit sales expectations, it’s hard not to look at Titanfall 2 as anything but a success. Respawn’s follow-up managed to win back a lot of goodwill that its predecessor squandered, helped in no small part by one of the best FPS single-player campaigns seen in years, making it one of the best PS4 FPS games in the process.
And it kept on giving once the credits rolled on the story, too. Its multiplayer offers some of the purest, most addictive shooting ever, and even Apex doesn’t feel as good to play.It does a wonderful job of making you feel really, really cool zipping through the air and wreaking destruction inside a Titan always feels fresh and exhilarating.
Shame that EA decided to throw all that good work into the toilet by releasing Titanfall 2 in that couple of weeks gap between Battlefield 1 and Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare.
6. Ghost of Tsushima
Ghost of Tsushima is a curiously brilliant game, just in the sense that while it sold millions and millions of copies, it seems that not enough people appreciate just how brilliant it is. Yes, it bears the hallmarks of a lot of open world games over the years, but the way Sucker Punch mixes familiar elements with frankly brilliant innovations cannot be overlooked.
Whether it’s the wind being the marker for your destination, the always satisfying showdowns, or the ability to make friends with foxes, Ghost of Tsushima really is special. Chuck in a post-launch PVE multiplayer mode that offers even more content and the game becomes a deep cut indeed.
Once you’ve made your way through the trees and into the glade for one of the most astounding title cards in gaming history, you’ll understand why Ghost of Tsushima is so deserving of love.
5. God of War
The previous generation of gaming was all about revitalising old franchises, putting a spin on well-worn conventions and delivering something completely different. God of War is possibly the most successful and accomplished example of that, a game that not only does its name justice but also stands above as the best entry in the series to date.
It doesn’t have a cow riding section, so that helps.
Featuring a storyline worth investing your time and heart into, a massive overhaul of combat, and a father/son dynamic at its center that’s completely captivating, God of War on PS4 should be your first buy as a new console owner.
God of War is certainly one of the best games on the console, and even people who hated the genre switch can recognise just how crazy ambitious this brilliant game was.
4. Red Dead Redemption 2
Red Dead Redemption 2 promised to show that Rockstar were no longer content to sit around on their laurels with GTA Online, but did it deliver? Well, Red Dead Redemption 2 proves that sometimes you just need to spend $400 million with a thousand developers to change video games forever.
Easy, really.
The world is absolutely, wildly reactive, with you able to interact with basically everything and everyone in some way. There are details here that we bet nobody has still noticed. When you’re done skinning everything or completing the side quests, the story of Red Dead Redemption 2 is also something that you won’t want to miss. Arthur Morgan is an exceptional protagonist and every inch the perfect stand-in for John Marston as he anchors a haunting tale of the end of outlaws that is surprisingly emotive.
Once Red Dead Redemption 2 has you, say goodbye to pretty much everything else.
3. Elden Ring
Few games dominated the gaming conversation quite like Elden Ring did in 2022, and while it may be best played on PS5, Elden Ring still proved that the PS4 has plenty of unforgettable experiences to offer for those willing to put the time in (and inevitably lose a billion runes).
While not a grand reinvention of the Soulsborne formula, Elden Ring represents FromSoftware putting everything they’ve learned and mastered on all their other projects while also contemporising and streamlining a lot of their harsher edges. That unmistakably obtuse side is still there, meaning that you’re going to have to figure out a lot of things for yourself, but this is their most accessible project yet that’s also somehow their deepest.
The Lands Between is one of the most compelling open worlds in quite some years, the breadth of role-playing options is simply hard to match, and the combat is the slickest, most advanced we’ve seen yet from any games in this fine lineage. Elden Ring is an absolute must-play.
2. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
How often can you ever say that the third game in a series makes its predecessors look so basic? Are franchises even offered that chance these days?
As a game so densely packed with content, The Witcher 3 is a role-playing game that’s going to tide you over for a long, long time.
You can sink 100 hours into the main game, then sink another 50 into its amazing DLC, then do it again. Especially when you get the bad ending.
If you like anything Bethesda have ever done but just wanted it to actually do a bit more role-playing, take a look at CD Projekt Red’s fantasy epic and prepare to say goodbye to your family for a couple of months. Be sure to check out the Family Matters sidequest as soon as you can – that thing is a masterpiece.
The Witcher 3 is one of the best of all time, but the best PS4 game of all time is, of course:
1. Bloodborne
FromSoftware’s Bloodborne was one of the first essential PS4 games and it still is, so much so that people have invented whole arse software to try and play it elsewhere too. You know your game is good when you turn your players into squid babies and they come back for more.
Although not a million miles away from the Dark Souls experience we know and love, Bloodborne took what made the series so great, gave it a quicker, more ruthless edge and added a healthy dose of Lovecraft to make something that felt different but absolutely still belonged to the FromSoftware school of pain. All with a tone and vibe that takes the dark desolation of regular Souls and somehow makes it even darker.
If you haven’t played it yet, be sure to pick up its GOTY edition, which comes with DLC to extend your suffering.
While its performance chugs in places, this is still an incredible game a decade on. Maybe those persistent rumours of a Bloodborne remaster will finally come to fruition one day, but until then, get hunting.
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