What is the best game on the PS4? Tough question. It’s an incredibly successful console and has been since its launch in 2013. Meaning it’s had plenty of time to build up an enormous library of games. The absolute best of the best will be a matter of personal opinion - but the top 10 in this article are universally acclaimed by gamers and critics alike, making them a great place to start.
10. Bloodborne
Bloodborne is a game that pushes you to the very limit. The combat is, without exaggeration, exhausting. The great difficulty of the gameplay means that you’ll be dying hundreds of times in any one playthrough, and yet the payoffs of victory are ecstasy by comparison. When you’ve played Bloodborne, you won’t remember the pain - you’ll remember all of the well-earned successes, and how good they felt when you achieved them.
9. Shadow of the Colossus (2018)
Shadow of the Colossus is a remake of a 2005 game that even at the time, was ambitious. It’s an action-adventure game, where the only goal is to defeat gargantuan enemies called Colossi. It’s refreshingly minimalistic; you’ve got nothing but a sword, a bow and a horse. The 16 Colossi are the only enemies in a largely empty world. It’s a beautiful modernisation of an absolute classic; a perfect gift for the ‘person who’s played everything’.
8. Uncharted 4: A Thief's End
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.
7. 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. This iteration of Peter Parker is already a fan favourite. The original storyline has incredible highs and lows, cinematic action and tear-jerking moments. Packaged with tight combat mechanics and ridiculously fun web-slinging through a near-perfect recreation of New York City, there’s nothing not to like.
6. The Last of Us Remastered
The Last Of Us is one of those timeless games that will never not cut straight to your heart. The unforgettable story of Joel and Ellie in a world ravaged by a zombie apocalypse is told through engaging and strategic survival action gameplay, that starves out resources enough to mean that you’re always on edge in any confrontation. The game’s harder modes are especially punishing, but even more rewarding.
5. Red Dead Redemption II
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.
4. 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.
3. Grand Theft Auto V
Although technically part of the previous console generation, GTA 5 is still one of the best games on the PS4. Switching between three separate characters throughout the story could have easily been mishandled, but it’s part of what makes the game so fantastic. 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.
2. 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. It’s a masterpiece of game design. But be warned - combat 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.
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.