Despite its older hardware, PlayStation 4 still boasts a substantial collection of exclusive games that rival the offerings of the PlayStation 5.
The era of the PlayStation 4 is coming to a close, but there are still many games worth playing for those who haven't yet purchased a PlayStation 5. Although the PlayStation 5 has been on the market for several years now, the PlayStation 4 and its library are still a significant part of the gaming landscape. Sony's last-generation system offered a wide range of exclusive games that captivated a large audience and helped establish the brand's dominance in the gaming industry. Many of the best PS4 games continue to be highly competitive on the PlayStation 5, showcasing Sony's commitment to delivering high-quality gaming experiences.
The PlayStation 5 boasts an extensive library of incredible games, including platform exclusives and multi-platform games considered all-time classics.
Nioh does have a remaster on the PlayStation 5, but the changes are relatively minor. This is a great PS4 title for fans of games like Dark Souls to explore, with challenging action and bosses to surmount that necessitate strategic use of the wide variety of builds to pursue. Strategy never gets in the way of style, however, with fluid action and excellent presentation throughout.Ghost of Tsushima is a historical fiction game focusing on a samurai named Jin Sakai that unfolds an incredible and heartbreaking character struggle across the course of its runtime. The island of Tsushima makes for a breathtaking setting, and engaging combat and elegant solutions to some common open-world problems help it stand out from the wider market. The enhanced Director's Cut of the game is available on PS4, so there's nothing missing on the older version of the game except for the PS5's basic optimization upgrades.
Marvel's Spider-Man 2 was a smash PS5 success, but that acclaim was only made possible by its prequel on the PS4. Marvel's Spider-Man is widely regarded as the game that Spider-Man fans had been dreaming of for years and easily one of the best modern superhero video games. Although the story and characters all use familiar tropes, everything is assembled in a perfectly polished package with fluid web-slinging and fast-paced combat that makes being a friendly neighborhood Spider-Man a joy.Despite its name, Final Fantasy 7 Remake is more than just a remake, taking a new angle of approach to one of the most iconic RPG stories of all time. It's also a console exclusive to PlayStation systems, despite Final Fantasy 15 having launched as a cross-platform release. Unfortunately, its Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth sequel is only coming to the PlayStation 5, leaving the story hanging for PlayStation 4 players.
God of War is a series that's traditionally known for its over-the-top action set pieces, but the PS4 iteration of the franchise surprised players with a focus on a story of fatherhood. It's also one of the best showcases of the system's potential, with an impressive level of detail to bring snowy environments and mystical creatures to life. Its sequel, God of War Ragnarök, can also be played on the PS4, but it shines even more on the PS5 as a cross-generation release.Horizon Zero Dawn is an exceptional PS4 stunner, especially for those with HDR compatibility. Stunning vistas paint a unique vision of America in the future, where mechanical beasts overrun the land and humans have returned to tribal societies. Thrilling combat that seamlessly blends stealth and firepower makes Horizon Zero Dawn an engaging and consistently entertaining experience. The captivating story sets up the highly anticipated sequel, Horizon Forbidden West perfectly.
Shadow of the Colossus was an impressive feat for its time, showcasing captivating boss battles, an immersive atmosphere, and a quiet yet powerful storytelling on the original PlayStation 2. The PlayStation 4 faithful adaptation faithfully recreates the game's essence while introducing modern conveniences and functionalities. The Last Guardian, another critically acclaimed title from the same developers, is a must-play for fans of Shadow of the Colossus.
One of the most acclaimed PlayStation franchises concluded on the PS4 with Uncharted 4, concluding the story of Nathan Drake in a thrilling and poignant manner. The game builds upon the signature elements of the series, featuring stunning set pieces and memorable characters, to deliver an unforgettable experience. The remastered Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection is also available on the PS4, offering a remarkable value for fans looking to complete the saga.
Bloodborne has established itself as one of the most acclaimed PlayStation-exclusive games of its generation, and serves as an ideal entry point for players unfamiliar with the PlayStation 5. While the game remains largely unchanged on the PS5, it retains the same framerate and resolution as the original version, which may be a deterrent for some players. Despite its violent and challenging nature, Bloodborne's immersive world and masterful difficulty make it a highly compelling experience for players willing to embrace a gruesome and demanding adventure.