The PlayStation 4 got off to an early lead this generation, and a steady stream of exceptional first-party exclusives, complemented by robust third-party support, has kept it that way. Whether you just picked up a PS4 or have owned one since launch, we’re rounding up the best experiences you don’t want to miss in this continually updated feature.
Please note that while the list below contains 10 entries, we aren’t actually ranking them – if a game has made it this far (and managed to stay here), it’s a must-play, period. As such, we’ll be listing entries in reverse chronological order. Also, you’ll find a rundown of previous entries at the bottom of the list. While those titles have gotten bumped for bigger and better experiences, they are still all great games in their own right and worth exploring if you’re already caught up on the latest hits.
Here are Game Informer’s picks for the top 10 games on the PlayStation 4.
God of War
Release: April 20, 2018
The video game industry has come a long way since God of War’s deity-beheading, vase-bumping antics, but thankfully so has Kratos. Santa Monica Studio’s reinvention of the series makes daring changes to virtually every aspect of God of War, from the new camera perspective to the more deliberate and tactical combat. The biggest change, however, lies with Kratos himself and his new role as father and guardian to Atreus. The duo’s relationship casts God of War in a whole different light, and allows Santa Monica Studio to weave a mature and thoughtful story that stands among the best this generation has to offer. Thanks to Kratos’ continued penchant for slaughtering any creature that stands in his way, the new God of War still offers plenty of excitement as well, along with the most visually arresting battles to date.
Monster Hunter: World
Release: January 26, 2018
Capcom’s monster-slaying sim has been a hit in Japan for over a decade, but it wasn’t until the series finally landed back on consoles this year that it achieved world-wide success. Chasing down and vanquishing towering beasts is the name of the game, but the frantic hack-and-slash action is augmented by over a dozen different weapon types that each take hours to master. Once you settle on a fighting style, a deliciously deep crafting tree for upgrading weapons and armor provides countless more hours of enjoyment, along with a steady stream of timed events and crossovers from Capcom. Despite all this depth, Monster Hunter: World is also the most accessible entry for newcomers, so if you haven’t joined the hunt yet, now is the perfect time.
Persona 5
Release: April 4, 2017
JRPG fans had been pining for a follow-up to Persona 4 for 8 long years, but the wait was worth it. Not only does Persona 5 pack enough depth, strategy, and story to keep players busy for 100+ hours, the stylish presentation puts every other turn-based RPG to shame. Whether you’re acquiring and fusing new Personas, bonding with your fellow classmates, or just enjoying a night out in Tokyo, Persona 5 sucks you into its world and keeps you entertained for the long haul.
Horizon Zero Dawn
Release: February 28, 2017
Guerilla Games has been supplying Sony with solid shooters since the PS2 days, but the developer’s decision to ditch Killzone for an open-world robot apocalypse changed everything. Horizon Zero Dawn has proven to be one of the best new IPs of this generation, introducing players to an exciting fusion of futuristic technology and prehistoric warfare. The intense combat, intelligently designed robot enemies, and gorgeous open-world vistas are just a few of the reasons pick up Horizon, while the multilayered mysteries at the heart of Aloy’s journey make it hard to put down.
Overwatch
Release: May 24, 2016
Blizzard’s hero-based competitive shooter has been out for over two years now, and yet it remains one of the most frequently played games by the G.I. staff. Part of Overwatch’s longevity can be attributed to its pitch-perfect gunplay, deep roster of characters, and infinitely replayable Assault, Control, and Escort modes. However, what really keeps us coming back are all the improvements and additions Blizzard continues to offer, from countless balance tweaks to the host of new heroes and maps that have been added over the years, to the surprising and creative timed events.
Not everyone on staff loves Overwatch’s implementation of lootboxes, but that doesn’t stop us from jumping back into the grind every time new costumes are introduced, and the additional revenue stream has kept Overwatch’s cornucopia of content updates free for all users. As long as Blizzard keeps updating Overwatch, we’ll keep playing it, making it an easy recommendation for competitive shooter fans.
Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End
Release: May 10, 2016
Nathan Drake has served the PlayStation brand well over the years, and his final adventure proves to be his best. Not only does Uncharted 4 feature the biggest environments and most bombastic set-piece moments of the series, it also offers the most mature and nuanced storytelling, delving into Nathan’s childhood and relationship with his estranged brother Sam. As riveting as Uncharted 4’s crumbling clocktower and motorcycle chase sequences are, the quiet character moments with Elena steal the show, and build to a touching finale worthy of one of Sony’s biggest franchises.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Release: May 19, 2015
The Witcher 3 still remains the shining example of what we hope is the future of open-world RPGs: a massive, fully realized world to explore, expertly crafted and multidimensional characters, and intriguing choices that ripple throughout the dozens and dozens of hours of gameplay. The hefty Blood and Wine expansion spoiled us with even more fantastic content, but even years after release we look back fondly on our adventures with Geralt. If you’re looking for the best the RPG genre has to offer, The Witcher 3 delivers.
Bloodborne
Release: March 23, 2015
Nowadays there’s no shortage of games inspired by From Software’s notoriously difficult Dark Souls series, but the developer’s own Sony-exclusive spinoff remains our favorite of the bunch. Bloodborne’s livelier action and Lovecraftian horror combine to create a captivating and dread-inducing world to explore. True to its roots, Bloodborne’s combat remains as unforgiving and supremely satisfying as ever, requiring you to master both the intricacies of your loadout and your enemies if you hope to survive. Bloodborne’s high degree of difficulty may not be for everyone, but if you are ready to “git gud,” this is the place to start.
Grand Theft Auto V
Release: November 18, 2014
GTA V was one of the best games of last generation, and remains one of the best games to play this generation as well. One reason for that is the new high bar Rockstar set for remasters, by vastly improving GTA V’s visuals, adding a ton of new content, and offering an all-new first-person mode. The even bigger reason, however, is the years of additional free content that Rockstar has introduced to GTA Online. Bank heists, penthouse apartments, cross-country smuggling, and operating your own criminal organizations and nightclubs are just some of the substantial updates that Rockstar has added to the hundreds of jobs and thousands of clothing, weapon, and vehicle offerings in their online gangster’s paradise.
Diablo III: Ultimate Evil Edition
Release: August 19, 2014
Diablo III originally released on PC over 6 years ago, and has continued aging like a fine wine ever since. The simple, lather-rinse-repeat process of clearing out dungeons and collecting loot was endlessly replayable in its own right, but Blizzard didn’t stop there. Over the years the developer has smoothed out progression and loot drops, axed the notorious auction house completely, and added numerous new gameplay loops, each one more enticing than the last. Adventure mode, bounties, Nephalem rifts, and seasons have kept us happily coming back for years, in addition to the new Crusader and Necromancer class expansions. PC players may scoff at the notion, but the ability to exert direct control over your character’s movement makes the console version of Diablo III its own exciting and exceptional beast.
The games bumped off of the list in recent updates are: Dishonored 2, The Last of Us Remastered, Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain, Destiny, Dragon Age: Inquisition, The Witness, Fallout 4, Axiom Verge, Batman: Arkham Knight, and Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor. They’re all still great games, so give them a try, too!
Source: Game Informer The Top 10 Games On PlayStation 4