10. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
Trying to describe the pleasure of playing a game like Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is difficult to do without sounding like a masochist. The combat is gruelling. But the reward for persevering and improving is a rich tapestry of story, visuals and sound. Nothing is more rewarding than finally hitting every parry, every dodge, and finally using your sword to strike down an enemy who has bested you a dozen times.
9. Red Dead Redemption 2
Red Dead Redemption 2 came to us after an incredibly long wait, and boy did that wait pay off. At its simplest, it’s Grand Theft Auto with Cowboys (which is a perfect concept anyway) but goes so much further than that. You’ll struggle to find games with a more beautiful and authentically populated open world - it’s so engaging, that you’ll spend hours of your time just running errands and bonding with your horse.
8. Bayonetta & Vanquish 10th Anniversary Bundle
Two of the most underrated games of the previous generation are now given a new lease on life on PS4. Vanquish is a cult classic third-person shooter, in which you play as a super-soldier who can slip and slide around the map at breakneck speed. Bayonetta sees you take the role of a trigger happy, angel fighting witch in fast-paced brawler action (think a gender-swapped Devil May Cry). Both games offer very different propositions, but if you missed either the first time around, there’s never been a better chance to try out these hidden gems.
7. Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy
Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy is a rip-roaring adventure through the universe with more unique abilities, super attacks and licensed music than you can shake a stick at. You control Star-lord, issuing commands to the other Guardians in combat, and developing your relationship with them between battles in ways that affect the game’s story as you progress. Truly GotG is the game we were all hoping that Avengers would turn out to be.
6. Watch Dogs Legion
Taking the franchise to the gritty streets of a dystopian near-future London, you take on the role of the many members of the anti-establishment movement DeadSec. Yes, you can play as anyone and everyone, as you recruit people off the street to your cause - finally you can play as a Covent Garden human statue! With varied gameplay, including the series’ trademark hacking tools, you can truly play the game your way, whether that be stealthy or guns blazing.
5. Biomutant
Part of what makes Biomutant so fun to play is the clash of tones. You may play as a dangerous fighter spilling with weapons and techniques - but that character is also a cute bipedal racoon cat thing? Set in a post-apocalyptic open world where humans have been wiped out, Biomutant plays like a combination of Over the Hedge, Fallout and Skyrim. If that can’t convince you to pick up Biomutant, I don’t know what will!
4. Uncharted 4
The conclusion of smart-mouthed treasure hunter Nathan Drake’s story (for now) was a fitting end for one of Sony’s biggest mascots. Spilling with clever puzzles, detailed level design and clearly an insane amount of historical research, this game is clearly filled with all of the heart of a passionate team. Don’t worry if you haven’t played any of the previous. It’s very accessible, even if you’ve never touched the series before.
3. Spider-Man: Miles Morales
Did you enjoy 2018’s Spider-Man? Of course, you did, who didn’t? Spider-Man: Miles Morales offers more of the same, arguably outdoing its predecessor with a shorter, more focused experience. With a loveable cast of characters, new powers to get to grips with, and the same beautiful interpretation of Manhattan to explore, it’s an absolute triumph that straddles the line between deep gameplay and accessibility.
2. The Last of Us Part 2
The Last of Us is a game that needs no introduction. Naughty Dog’s post-apocalyptic action-adventure title wowed both fans and critics with its compelling characters and nuanced storytelling. Set 7 years after its predecessor, The Last of Us Part 2 picks up Joel and Ellie’s story. With one of the most shocking stories ever told in gaming, more of the same competent gameplay and the best-looking visuals from this console generation, The Last of Us Part 2 is a piece of art that everyone should experience.
1. God of War
This 2018 revamp of the classic series is technically the sequel to 2010’s God Of War III, but the tone is so different you can’t blame them for naming it to draw in a new generation. Orgies have been traded for fatherhood. You’ll still find gore, but it’s no longer indulgent. This perfectly woven story is told through almost faultless gameplay and creates one of the best games available right now - full stop.
