10. 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.
9. Biomutant
As if playing a game as a customisable mutated kung-fu Disney animal wasn’t enough, Biomutant’s huge and gorgeous open-world combines the beauty of nature with a stark apocalypse. Trees stand as tall as skyscrapers next to decaying bridges and dams, with a hugely varied number of landscapes, from thick forests to radioactive wastelands. The land of Biomutant is an open world you’ll want to explore over and over again.
8. Assassin’s Creed Odyssey
If you’re looking for a traditional Assassin’s Creed experience, then be warned that pure stealth is no longer a viable option. Odyssey introduces as much as it removes, and the new action RPG elements mean it’s still great fun to play, just different. Who can complain when you get to explore such a breathtakingly beautiful open world imagining of Ancient Greece? The hidden blade might be gone, but my god what beautiful views.
7. Mafia: Definitive Edition
The original Mafia came out nearly 20 years ago and helped to define the template for narrative-driven open-world titles. Set in the height of 1930s mob wars, you have to navigate a seedy criminal underworld in a gripping story that’ll stay with you long after you finish playing. And with completely rebuilt visuals, re-recorded audio and updated gameplay mechanics, it looks and feels as impressive as it did when it first released.
6. Horizon: Zero Dawn
Horizon was the greatest surprise of 2017, and protagonist Aloy has already become a mascot for Playstation. Horizon is set in an open world where feral robots dominate a planet populated by a primitive society of humans, and this concept informs the worldbuilding in every way possible. From story and environment to costumes and weaponry, design breathes life into the world, and hunting down giant mechanical dinosaurs makes the experience all the sweeter.
5. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Set in a huge and beautiful game world spilling with rich characters and story, The Witcher 3 will be talked about for years to come. The map is three and a half times bigger than Skyrim! But be warned - gameplay is a lot more tactical than it seems. If you’re used to rushing in, you’ll find this game very difficult. There are also two huge DLCs that rival standalone games - making this an unmissable experience.
4. Spider-Man
Nobody expected that a franchise tie-in game would become one of the best gaming experiences on the PS4, but Spider-man surpassed all expectations. Not only is this open-world a near-perfect recreation of Manhattan, but the original storyline also has incredible highs and lows, cinematic action and tear-jerking moments. Exploring this reimagined Manhattan is an absolute treat - this is the web-slinging simulator you’ve always wanted. Until they perfect a VR version of course.
3. Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut
For those of you unfamiliar with Ghost of Tsushima - you play as Jin Sakai, a samurai warrior and sole remaining member of his clan. To avenge them, he must toe the line between remaining true to his samurai principles, and using the guerilla tactics he learns throughout the game to secure a dishonourable advantage over opponents. Visually stunning, mechanically tight and with an incredible story, this game is packed with action from start to finish.
2. Grand Theft Auto 5 (GTA V)
Although technically part of the previous console generation, GTA 5 is still one of the best games on the PS4. The series has long been a shining example of open-world gameplay done right - GTA 5 is the apex of everything that came before it. It’s a near-perfect third-person shooter with a focus on gun combat and fast driving, mechanics which it absolutely nails. It’s also a GTA game, so you know. Expect adult themes.
1. Red Dead Redemption 2
Red Dead Redemption 2 came to us after an incredibly long wait, but boy did that wait pay off. Coming to us from Rockstar, the same studio as GTA, on the surface it’s Grand Theft Auto with Cowboys. Perfection already. The open world of Red Dead Redemption is so beautiful, so realistic and so alive, that you’ll skip fast travelling altogether. Who needs it when riding a virtual horse looks this good?
