Top 10 Must-Play PS4 Games That Defined A Generation

Celebrating its tenth year in the market, the PS4, which stands as the second-best-selling home console in history, boasts an extraordinary collection of games. Despite a PS5 price increase beyond the U.S. borders and ongoing releases from various publishers on the previous-gen console, the PS4 remains an excellent platform for gaming. In recognition of its enduring appeal, we’ve meticulously curated this list to showcase the standout games available on the PS4. These selections were not made lightly; our entire content team engaged in extensive deliberation to present what we consider to be the finest offerings from the PS4. Without further delay, here are our choices for the 10 best PS4 games.

Table of Contents

GOD of WAR

God of War, released in 2018, stands as a pinnacle of meticulous craftsmanship, elevating the longstanding PlayStation franchise into a masterpiece that exemplifies the storytelling prowess in gaming. It earns our recognition as the best PlayStation 4 game, embodying intentional design across its world, characters, and gameplay. The game seamlessly weaves together every element, transforming exploration into a deeply rewarding venture. From the main narrative to side quests and seemingly trivial collectibles, each contributes to unraveling the intricacies of this Aesir-inspired realm and its significant figures.

What sets God of War apart is its ability to impart a rich narrative without feeling like a tedious history lesson. The storytelling is not only purposeful but also an immensely enjoyable experience. The introduction of the new Leviathan axe adds to the enjoyment, ranking among the most satisfying game weapons since the iconic Blades of Chaos in 2005. Combined with thoughtful progression, captivating environments, and a narrative that delves into the complexities of one of gaming’s most infamous antiheroes, God of War stands as an unparalleled experience for this gaming generation. It serves as a shining testament to the capabilities of the PlayStation 4.

As the highly anticipated sequel, God of War Ragnarok has now been released, the legacy of this exceptional gaming franchise continues.

The Last of Us Part 2

The sequel to 2013’s The Last of Us represents the zenith of Naughty Dog’s storytelling achievements throughout the PS3 and PS4 era. Part 2 unfolds an ambitious and uncompromising narrative that surprises at every juncture, featuring character arcs that are poignant, daring, and emotionally devastating. Naughty Dog challenges players to grapple with moral ambiguity in a manner that has elicited some of the most powerful and universal reactions seen in any game.

Beyond its narrative prowess, Part 2 showcases Naughty Dog’s most mechanically intricate gameplay to date. The stealth and action systems present dynamic moments that, while feeling scripted, unfold entirely organically. Despite being a game that has stirred divided opinions, it undeniably stands as one of the best—a powerhouse of a game that lingers in our thoughts long after playing.

As a testament to the enduring legacy of The Last of Us, a PS5 remake of the series’ initial game, The Last of Us Part 1, is now available.

RED DEAD REDEMPTION 2

Red Dead Redemption 2 stands as both a technological marvel and a benchmark for narrative excellence in the realm of open-world gaming. This creation by Rockstar Games not only ranks among the studio’s finest works but also secures its position as one of the greatest games ever crafted. The game’s world is an expansive and breathtaking rendition of the wild west, teeming with intricate details and vibrant activities that can be almost overwhelming. Navigating from point A to B becomes a journey of discovery, with distractions and diversions at every turn, including engaging side quests, immersive mini-games, and the art of hunting and gathering, each intricately woven into the fabric of Red Dead 2.

However, what truly etches Red Dead 2 into memory are its characters. From the central figures like Arthur Morgan, John Marsten, Sadie, Dutch, and others, these personalities are rich, multi-dimensional entities with complex dynamics that evolve continuously. Even with predetermined trajectories, their interactions and relationships remain in a perpetual state of flux. Red Dead Redemption 2 transcends being a mere game; it stands as an unequivocal masterpiece.

BLOODBORNE

Bloodborne stands as a mercilessly challenging and profoundly terrifying action horror game that will promptly test your limits. The cycle of spawning, dying, and repeating is relentless, pushing you to the brink of frustration as you grapple with the contorted beasts, wretched howls, and murderous lunatics within Bloodborne’s malevolent realm. Stepping outside into the real world offers a respite, a contrast to the punishing nature of the game.

However, a persistent voice in your mind beckons you to return, encouraging you to face the challenges, conquer the horrors, and emerge stronger. With each iteration, you become more patient, energized, and prepared to confront the grisly bosses, decaying cathedrals, and corrupted catacombs. While death is inevitable and frustration looms large, your evolving skill and unwavering determination ultimately lead to triumph, creating an unparalleled sense of accomplishment.

Bloodborne paints a nightmarish landscape where every reward is fraught with risks, and fear permeates the air. The challenges may seem insurmountable, but as your abilities sharpen and resilience grows, you’ll navigate through the darkness. Frequent deaths and inevitable frustration pale in comparison to the euphoria of eventual victory—one of the most gratifying feelings in the gaming world.

It’s worth noting that FromSoftware’s latest creation, Elden Ring, has garnered critical acclaim as one of the best-reviewed games in modern history.

PERSONA 5

Persona 5, a sprawling and visually stunning JRPG, not only set a remarkable standard for its genre but reached new heights with its 2020 re-release, Persona 5 Royal. This captivating adventure is a masterclass in style and panache, immersing players in a dual life—navigating the challenges of school by day and delving into the corrupt minds of Tokyo’s villains by night, working to redeem them from their nefarious pursuits.

The ensemble cast of Persona 5 leaves an enduring impression as they are introduced and intricately woven into the narrative of the Phantom Thieves. The game adeptly balances its dual gameplay elements, allowing players to delve into meaningful social connections in the real world, influencing the dungeon exploration and turn-based combat within the vast and diverse mind palaces. Enhanced by a consistently engaging combat system, a soundtrack filled with memorable tunes, a convoluted and unpredictable story, and substantial additional content, Persona 5 Royal stands as one of the deepest JRPGs of the generation, if not of all time.

It’s worth noting that Persona 5 boasts one of the longest video game stories, with an average playthrough exceeding 100 hours, cementing its status as an epic and enduring gaming experience.

UNCHARTED 4

Uncharted 4 represents the maturation of the Uncharted series, delving into the consequences of Nathan Drake’s Indiana Jones-esque escapades when confronted with adult responsibilities. This installment adeptly navigates the intricate dynamics of relationships while seamlessly blending thrilling action sequences with awe-inspiring vistas, providing ample opportunities for exploration and adventure. Despite a slightly protracted final act, Uncharted 4 stands as one of the premier action-adventure games, securing its place among the best PlayStation 4 games ever crafted.

HORIZON ZERO DAWN

Horizon: Zero Dawn stands as a testament to the artistry of open-world game design, offering a visually stunning landscape where the wind rustles through swaying grass beneath breathtaking sunrises and towering cities, remnants of a once-prosperous society, grace the distance. Central to this mesmerizing world are colossal mechanical dinosaurs, adorned with awe-inspiring pseudo-natural weaponry, roaming the land with intimidating roars and predatory prowess.

Guerrilla Games, known for the Killzone franchise, surprised the gaming community by venturing into the creation of an open-world robot dinosaur hunting game featuring a warrior adorned in a distinctive manner. The result surpassed expectations, delivering a vast, enchanting, and distinct open-world action game infused with just the right touch of RPG elements. Horizon not only marks an outstanding inaugural entry but also holds the promise of becoming a cornerstone franchise for PlayStation Studios.

The thrill of strategically taking down colossal bosses with well-placed melee strikes and projectiles creates an exhilarating experience unique to PlayStation 4. The satisfaction derived from looting the remnants of a defeated robot for essential upgrade parts adds another layer to the overall enjoyment. Horizon ingeniously amalgamates the finest aspects of existing open-world games, resulting in a creation that is refreshingly original and wildly entertaining.

Excitingly, there are reports of Sony working on a Zero Dawn PS5 remaster, coupled with the anticipation of a Horizon multiplayer game, promising further adventures in this captivating universe.

SPIDER-MAN

Marvel’s Spider-Man swings into the gaming scene as a true masterpiece, capturing the essence of comic book joy with an intricately crafted world that mirrors the awe-inspiring skylines of New York City. This game is a labor of love, a tribute to Spider-Man created by individuals who harbor a deep, genuine affection for the iconic superhero, embracing everything from his costumes to his intricate web of friends, foes, and family.

The sheer exhilaration of effortlessly navigating the city, soaring between buildings, and executing gravity-defying flips is so gratifying that you’ll find yourself compelled to explore every nook and cranny, collecting every item before delving into the narrative. When you do decide to progress the storyline, you’ll encounter a touching tale encompassing themes of love, loss, the challenges of adolescence, and, of course, a plethora of heroic showdowns. The journey unfolds with the unlocking of iconic Spider-Man suits, confrontations with notorious villains in grand, explosive setpieces, and the realization that the cinematic magic of modern comic book movies has seamlessly transitioned to the realm of video games.

As a delightful bonus, Spider-Man 2 has been released and is ready for gameplay, while the exciting collaboration between Insomniac and Marvel has spawned a forthcoming Wolverine game, promising even more superhero adventures in the gaming universe.

GHOST OF TSUSHIMA

Sucker Punch’s latest adventure unfolds as a captivating tapestry of poignant narratives and breathtaking visuals, transforming the exploration of its expansive rendition of 13th-century Japan into a delightful experience. The ensemble cast, proficient in both English and Japanese languages, skillfully breathes life into Ghost’s intricate saga of honor and loss, spanning over 30 hours in the main campaign and an array of side quests that artfully echo thematic elements of the primary journey.

While the stealth mechanics may lean towards simplicity, and the enemy AI may lack brilliance, the combat system is nothing short of spectacular. It navigates Japanese swordplay with a delightful blend of simplicity and nuance, ensuring an enjoyable experience from the initial skirmish to the climactic duels. Combining these elements with one of the most captivating and addictive photo modes adds an extra layer of charm, solidifying Ghost of Tsushima’s position as one of the finest games in the PS4’s extensive library, despite its belated arrival.

Anticipation surrounds Sucker Punch’s upcoming project, hinting at another open-world game featuring stealth and action elements, possibly Ghost of Tsushima 2. While the specifics remain unconfirmed, a Ghost of Tsushima movie is in the works, directed by Chad Stahleski (John Wick). The film promises to retell the game’s captivating narrative on the cinematic stage.

FINAL FANTASY 7

After an extensive wait, the 2020 remake of Final Fantasy 7 breathes new life into one of the most cherished JRPGs of all time, delivering a mostly successful and engaging experience. The reimagined Midgard surpasses the recollections stored in your mind, boasting a significantly improved, stunning, detailed, and immersive portrayal of the steampunk city. It serves as an excellent entry point into the expansive Final Fantasy series.

The decision to confine part one of the ‘Remake’ to Midgard allows Square Enix to delve deep into the city’s ensemble cast, providing them with additional nuance and screen time to enrich the overall adventure. This enhancement complements the already stellar combat system, a brilliant fusion of real-time and tactical, turn-based elements that create a uniquely enjoyable mastery experience. The anticipation for Part 2 is palpable.

As a PS5 exclusive, Final Fantasy 16 is now available, while the highly awaited Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is set to release on February 29, 2024.

This compilation is by no means exhaustive, and the gaming landscape on the PlayStation 4 offers a plethora of other titles that are equally worth exploring. The diversity and depth of the PS4 library ensure that players have an extensive array of gaming experiences to choose from, catering to various preferences and interests. Whether you’re into immersive storytelling, breathtaking visuals, challenging gameplay, or unique open-world adventures, the platform has something for every gaming enthusiast. Dive into the rich tapestry of the PS4 gaming catalog and discover the gems that resonate most with your gaming tastes.

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