PS4 games are under the spotlight today. We’ll examine and pit the current-gen releases in a bid to see which ones make it onto our top 10. That’s right, fellow gamers; we’re evaluating the midlife gaming performance of the PlayStation 4. Even though the PS4 is still going strong, we think it’s a good time to rank its offerings. With 10 slots to fill, let’s not waste more time and begin. Here we go!
Which PS4 Games are the Greatest (So far) of All Time?
While it’s impossible to tell what surprises are in store for us till the end of the PS4 lifespan, we can still count on the progress so far. Anyway, we’re placing greater emphasis on newer games this time around. Any new installments in long-running PS4 hit games or entirely new franchises altogether will be the focus of today’s list. Alright, let’s see which games on the PlayStation 4 make the cut!
10. Final Fantasy VII Remake – The Epic Reimagining of A Timeless Classic Passes With Flying Colors
For the first game on our list of excellent PS4 games, we have a retelling of a beloved RPG, Final Fantasy VII Remake. The game is perhaps the most well-known entry in the juggernaut JRPG series Final Fantasy. This new vision is a modern rendition of the same story with a massive overhaul of graphics and game mechanics. The essence of the original game remains intact, an astounding feat.
The game stars emo protagonist Cloud Strife, a former solider of the sinister corporation SHINRA. Cloud is now rebelling against his former employers and teaming up with his newfound allies, the group known as Avalanche. There are plenty of mysteries surrounding Cloud’s past, along with the leading ladies Tifa Lockheart and Aerith Gainsborough. The antagonist Sephiroth is also intimidating.
Final Fantasy VII Remake is a wish-fulfillment game for the fans of the series on PS4. Square Enix knocks it out of the park both in terms of eye-candy visuals and intuitive gameplay design. The combat happens in real-time, but fans of the classic mode can turn on the turn-based combat. For similar recommendations, check out our best JRPGS for the PlayStation 4.
9. Ratchet & Clank (2016) – A Glorious Return to Form for Sony’s Flagship Mascot Franchise on PS4
Ratchet & Clank (2016) is another remake on our list, and this one is a fantastic PS4 launch game. The game combines elements from all past entries and creates a masterful modern rendition of the first title. It’s got the heart and charm that’s synonymous with Ratchet & Clank franchise. The gameplay is highly addictive, with plenty of gadgets and weapons at our heroes’ disposal.
Ratchet & Clank (2016) features more fast-paced combat that’s in the latter games of the series. The puzzles and mini-games bring a nice change of pace. The game showcases the colorful graphical capability of the PS4. The shooting, traversal, and platforming feel phenomenal; players can engage in hover racing against A.I. opponents. It can stand with the best platforming games of today.
8. Death Stranding – Enter the Weirdness With Hideo Kojima’s Game on the PS4
From the planetary hopping of Ratchet & Clank, we now dive into the zany and bizarre realm of Hideo Kojima’s mind. After parting ways with Konami and the Metal Gear series, Mr. Kojima’s original game found a home on PS4. Death Stranding is difficult to describe, but that’s precisely the point. It’s not a game to summarize easily; it’s best to play it and experience its outlandishness.
Players control a porter who delivers cargo within an alternative historical setting. Death Stranding slowly explains the game’s mechanics and worlds through a slow-burn plot exposition. The goal is to make deliveries with the cargo intact. Along the way, hostile porters and rogue elements become obstacles, as does the terrain itself.
The biggest threat in the PS4 game are the supernatural beings, BT (Beached Things). Don’t know why Kojima went with this name, but it’s his game. Anyway, the BT are invisible and can really ruin your day. Also, they creep us out with their shadowy appearance. Trust us; words cannot do Death Stranding justice; you’ll just have to play the game to grasp the weirdness of this PS4 game.
7. Detroit: Becoming Human – One The Most Refined David Cage Games to Release on the PS4
Boasting several times the replay value of previous games by David Cade, Detroit: Becoming Human is a wonderful PS4 game. The game follows the structure of multiple point-of-view characters, each with a subplot. The game has graphical finesse and polish, top-notch voice-acting, and a plot that adjusts to the choices players make. Unlike the illusion of choice in Telltale titles, this one counts.
The conclusion to each segment can end up drastically different than one’s expectations. Luckily, the rewind feature allows players to check out instantly the point at which they wish to change certain outcomes. However, we recommend using this feature sparingly in the PS4 game, as it’s worth experiencing the consequences of decisions. There are multiple endings possible, so view them all.
The most endearing trait of Detroit: Becoming Human is the PS4 game’s amazing storyline. Players will not expect the emotional beats of the narrative to hit hard, but they do. The characters are compelling and have different motivations that they’ll eventually end up in conflict. If you enjoy games that pack a punch with their plot, we recommend our top story-driven games list.
6. Horizon: Zero Dawn – The Most Ambitious Action-Adventure Game of the PS4 Era
The next PS4 game on our list is an action-adventure title with loads of RPG elements and a highly unique open-world setting. Horizon: Zero Dawn is a massive PS4 game with a world brimming with originality and breathtaking vistas. Players take control of Aloy, who is a naive but skilled protagonist who’s a hunter and a survivor. The nature theme meshes brilliantly with the cybernetic dinosaurs.
The game gives players the option to use stealth, but they can also use the direct approach to engage the behemoths Alloy encounters. Alloy can set traps to lure gigantic techno-dinosaurs and attack them. She can target their weak spots with her bow, and her abilities allow for further fine-tuning of the gameplay style players prefer. Alloy’s traversal in the game is super fun, reminding us of Tomb Raider.
Horizon: Zero Dawn boasts loads of impressive features that will captivate players. The ones which appeal to us the most are the open-world design, the dynamic weather, and the day/night cycle. The lore of the world itself is super fascinating. The PS4 game ticks all the right boxes and gives us the vibe of the best open-world survival and crafting games like Ark: Survival Evolved.
5. Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End – Nathan Drake’s Swansong Delivers A Fantastic and Emotional Finale
For the next game on our list of fantastic PS4 titles, we have Nathan Drake’s swansong in Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End. The game is the explosive finale of the journey for our beloved hot-shot hero. Nathan Drake has grown throughout the stories of the previous 3 Uncharted games. You can get more insight and a summary of each entry in our ranking of all Uncharted games.
Anyway, Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End features the most impressive game in the series visually. Players know and love the charming personality of Nathan Drake, but this time around, the stakes are much higher than ever before. The gameplay is also the most immersive than it’s ever been. The platforming and traversal feel more organic but also have that thrilling vibe.
The action sequences in Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End also feel highly intense. The combat encounters are also more high-octane than in previous installments. Players must pay attention and focus on enemy chatter to understand their attack pattern during in-door segments. The relics and collectibles are always a nice touch to encourage players to replay levels in the PS4 game.
4. Days Gone – The Zombie Apocalypse Open-World Setting Proves Itself As a Top-Tier PS4 Game
For the next pick on our list of fun-filled PS4 games, we have Days Gone. Yes, we know The Last Of Us exists, and it’s probably what most of you want us to talk about, but hear us out. Days Gone is just as good as The Last Of Us. Controversial opinion, we’re sure, but hey, to each their own. Anyway, Days Gone features a much more impressive open-world design than any other zombie-themed game.
Also, Days Gone’s combat and transportation method feel more unique and much more grounded in realism. The PS4 game’s story also hits all the right notes and makes players care about Deacon St. John, the protagonist’s journey. The political intrigue and power-play between the factions and settlements create a compelling aspect that had us curious all the way to the end of our playthrough.
The open-world design of Days Gone is spectacular. The side activities do not feel like an afterthought, and the rewards for completing them help players in the main campaign. The enemy variety in Days Gone is impressive, and the hordes create lots of problems if not approached with caution. If you like this title, check out similar games like Days Gone.
3. Batman: Arkham Knight – The Definitive Batman Game Soars Above Most PS4 Games
For the next entry on our list of top-tier PS4 games, we have the greatest Batman game of all time, Batman: Arkham Knight. From the impressive visuals that are far better than most modern games and the storyline point-of-view, Batman: Arkham Knight easily surpasses most video games by a mile.
The late Kevin Conroy’s final full-time video game performance as the Caped Crusader knocks it out of the park. Batman: Arkham Knight features the most diverse line-up of Batman’s combat moves, gadgets, enemy variety, and boss fights than ever before. The game’s narrative is masterful, full of suspense and plot twists that will keep players on the edge of their seats.
Of course, the most divisive feature of the PS4 game, the Batmobile, also gets its turn in the spotlight. The movement and free-form traversal of Batman: Arkham Knight, the attention to detail and character depth, plus the side-missions that tie into the story all make Batman: Arkham Knight the greatest video game outing of the dark knight ever.
2. God Of War – The Return of the Hack-and-Slash Genre King is Our List’s Runner Up PS4 Games
For the runner-up game on our PS4 games list, we have God Of War. The fresh start after the conclusion of Krato’s saga during his time slaughtering the gods of Olympus puts the hero in a new role. Now a father figure to a boy, Kratos tries his hand at living a relatively normal life, but things once more spiral into madness, and he’s forced to return to his vicious ways to defend his newfound life and peace.
In God Of War, the focus is on Norse mythology from the previous game’s Greek one, and it’s a nice change of pace. Kratos’s pace of combat differs from the previous entries. Though, that doesn’t stop the action from being compelling, not one bit. Players see Kratos using a hammer known as the Leviathan Axe instead of his signature Blades of Chaos. Hand-to-hand combat is another change.
The PS4 game feels fresh and yet familiar. It’s the balancing act of innovation while also paying homage to its roots that make God Of War such an excellent PlayStation 4 title. If you like hack-and-slash titles, you can’t go wrong with our alternative suggestions for games like God Of War.
1. Marvel’s Spiderman – Our Top Pick is the Best Super Hero Game of All Time, Feels At Home on the PS4
Dubbed the greatest PS4 Spiderman game ever made by the fandom community, we’re slowly leaning into the idea. Marvel’s Spiderman is our top pick for a bunch of reasons; the first one is that it’s an accurate representation of the character. The second reason is that the gameplay and art style gel so well that it’s an iconic pairing. The game’s open-world structure and design feel astonishing.
The combat and traversal is the major highlight of the gameplay, and the story is the icing on the cake. The writers pay tribute to the Spiderman lore but come up with original plot ideas. The game is standalone. There’s no requirement to watch any movies or read comics, or play any previous Spiderman games on the PS3, though we recommend you do as they’re awesome.
Marvel’s Spiderman on PS4 is a game that surpasses players’ expectations with ease. It’s personally an all-time great for us, and we highly recommend the game to everyone. The visuals, the combat, and the story are all stellar.
Final Thoughts About the Best PS4 Games of All Time
Well, folks, there you have it; our list of the top-tier PS4 games concludes. We know we’re probably missing out on many other fantastic games, but with only 10 spots, these were the ones that left a memorable impression. We imagine the PS4 fan base is not exactly pleased with our ommissions, but hey, please enlighten us about the missing games and include the reasons for their greatness.
For more PS4 gaming goodness, we point you toward our excellent collection of PS4 vampire games. If you’ve got ideas for future lists, please tell us in the comments below. We eagerly await your feedback, as we love discussing all things gaming. Well, that’s it for today, so until next time, take care, stay safe, and happy gaming, everybody!
