gamer
At the exact date listed in the byline, Sony sits atop the mountain of the console wars due to what is always the deciding factor in these things, superior software. And though I don't think that the PS4 has as great of a library as either the PS3 (or especially the PS2) had four years into its life, there are a number of fantastic titles on the platform worthy of dumping your time and money into. 90 percent of those titles are on the next 20 slides.
Now we may have missed Christmas on this one (oops). But dates for holidays are really just social constructs anyway. If anything you should just celebrate in January to get in on post-New Year's sales, even if everybody thinks you're a weird and cheap POS as a result. It's just practical. And, if you haven't already, you could probably get a buttload of these for fractions of their original costs. I basically bought all six games worth playing on the Wii U a few years ago by employing this very method.
Now that we've covered the reasoning for this write-up, let's briefly address one tiny facet of its construction. I was light on sports games for this list, as in there are none on here. Zero. But I love sports games, I love their pick up and gameplay but difficult to master learning curve, and I love their infinite value, and also just like sports in general. In fact, it might be my favorite genre.
So is that stupid? Actually, yes, probably a little. But I’d say that at this point most sports franchises (even those that have grown stale) have risen to a level that you’ll like them if you like the sport. If you like soccer you’ll like FIFA. If you like baseball you’ll like The Show. If you like basketball you’ll like 2K and maybe(?) Live. If you like football you’ll like Madden. If you like NCAA Football, like me, then tough shit. They don’t make them anymore.
You could argue that all of those Playstation series could be on this list (probably even in the Top 10) but they're not. I'm not turning my nose up at them, I just reserved the rundown for titles that aren't annual updates of games you've probably played for years. With that out of the way, enjoy the order here/complain about it in the comment section while you can because it will probably be entirely different when Last of Us 2, Red Dead Redemption 2 and the new God of War drop at some point in 2018.
20. Batman: Arkham Knight
Release Date: 6/23/2015
Developer: Rocksteady Studios
Console Exclusive: No
You heard it here first, someday the Arkham games are going to become like Tony Hawk’s from the turn of the century. People will have fatigue from playing 4+ in less than six years and they'll move on due to perceived repetition. Then, several years down the road where there's a window for a series rebirth due in part to nostalgia, the developers will never be able to nail their formula again (sorry if you pre-ordered THPS5). What I’m saying is people take good game series’ for granted. The Arkham games represented Batman about as well as you could. Lots of villains to fight, all the gadgets, complicated looking but easy to execute combat, fun Batmobile, and great stealth. Arkham Knight was more of the same (which is good). Getting hundreds of Riddler trophies big time sucks though. Don’t waste your life doing that.
19. Rocket League
Release Date: 7/7/2015
Developer: Psyonix
Console Exclusive: No
Does this violate the sports rule that I laid out about 40 seconds ago? Yes. No. Because last I checked they weren’t playing real-life soccer with freakin' cars. Rocket League proves that simple and addictive multiplayer games can have a life on something other than a Nintendo console, in an era where it doesn't feel like anybody's even trying. The fact that it was the most downloaded PS4 title in 2016 proves just that. It also does the impossible and makes soccer fun.
Let that slide fútbol fans, I just gave FIFA credit in the intro.
18. The Witness
Release Date: 1/26/2016
Developer: Thekla, Inc.
Console Exclusive: No
Speaking of genres with very little representation, some people love The Witness, while others do not. Still others have no freakin' clue what it is. Up until about six months ago I was in that latter category, but now am glad to not be. Simply put, you're all by yourself on a peaceful island where you solve a number of puzzles (some of which are so hard they'll give you a migraine, but a fun migraine). If that sounds a lot like Myst, that's no coincidence, Myst was its inspiration. That also means that, like Myst, it's not for everyone. If you like games that give you that "I got it!" light bulb going off in your head feeling, give it a go. If you like games that are more about visceral immediate feedback, and prefer to spend your free-time blowing heads off aliens/Nazis/alien-Nazis, then this wouldn't even make your top 200 PS4 titles.
17. Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus
Release Date: 10/27/2017
Developer: MachineGames
Console Exclusive: No
Since pretty much every battle ever fought in World War II has been covered in video games 50 times over by now, it's time to start making some new ones up. And that's fine. Wolfenstein II follows in the footsteps of 2014's The New Order, which means you're (of course) fighting Nazis, though this time you're doing it in the U.S. instead of Europe. Think of it as one of those things that's fun in games but would totally suck in real life. The title has great weapons, fairly inconsistent difficulty (ranging from stupid easy to stupid frustrating), and a campy silliness to it all. Overall it's an atmospheric shooter that lets you fight against Nazis from a series that's been allowing you to do just that since before it abruptly came back into fashion.
16. The South Park RPGs
Release Date: 10/17/2017 (Stick Of Truth download was released free with purchase of The Fractured But Whole)
Developer(s): Ubisoft San Francisco/Obsidian Entertainment
Console Exclusive(s): No
So for this slot I'm being creative, and counting both 2017's South Park: The Fractured But Whole and 2014's South Park: The Stick of Truth (since the latter came as a free download). A gamer who doubles as a South Park fan (me) will absolutely love these as each title dug deep into the show's history for references, and it's genuinely enjoyable to wander around town interacting with (and running missions for) characters you've watched for about 12 actual Wednesdays a year for the past 20 years. Simply put, living in the South Park universe for even just a few hours is a welcome diversion from real-life.
It's also safe to say that neither title is a half-assed cash-in intending to capitalize on its name. It's compelling to see how the game throws a South Park-twist on conventional design, which can be seen with absurd justifications for fights, or when you walk in someone's house uninvited to loot for items. Now is the gameplay in these titles the most sophisticated ever? Eh, maybe not. But, as a general rule, you shouldn't be smug about your video games. If you had fun with them you had fun with them. No reason to overcomplicate it.
15. Sonic Mania
Release Date: 8/15/2017
Developer(s): PagodaWest Games/Headcannon
Console Exclusive: No
I kind of hinted at it in the Rocket League slide, but I still think there's room in the collection of modern gamers for simpler titles, especially those from a bygone era. And, really, it doesn't get any simpler than going from left to right on your screen.Before he lost his way by going fully 3D, and getting guns and stuff, Sonic was fantastic. And Sonic Mania is faithful to the old school classics (which still hold up) while also employing modern advances that have built up since the last time that he was truly relevant (it's been awhile). I think, in most instances, solid gameplay stands the test of time. That would apply here and if you were born before, say, 1990, the graphics will give you a nostalgia boner while the price ($19.99) will, I guess, also give you a boner.
14. Rise of the Tomb Raider
Release Date: 10/11/2016
Developer: Crystal Dynamics
Console Exclusive: No
It wasn't intentional to pair two re-booted series that boomed in the '90s before unceremoniously flaming out back-to-back, but it does work as a good segue. Rise of the Tomb Raider was Crystal Dynamics' answer to Uncharted, and though it's not on that level coming up just short of that still leaves you with a damn good game. RotTR has solid puzzles, decent enough combat, hair-raising action sequences, fantastic exploration and also controls impeccably (which is something I'd never thought would be in the same sentence with Tomb Raider two decades ago).
In fact, though it's not the cultural phenomenon it's predecessors were, that's a shame because it's a far more worthy title of praise than those navigating the tank-like 20th century versions that survived thanks to what I imagine were hordes of frustrated and horny pre-internet teens who were just yearning for boobs. Pixelated or otherwise.
13. Ratchet & Clank
Release Date: 4/12/2016
Developer: Insomniac Games
Console Exclusive: Yes
I don't think this series gets enough love (although it did get a movie, so what the hell do I know?) What I do think is that it has some of the best gameplay of any current franchise going, and that's been true since it debuted in 2002. It's incredibly addictive and well balanced, and you constantly find yourself just wanting to play through the next level until, boom, you're already done. They're never very long, but if they released a new version with minimal tweaks every year I'd buy it until I died. It's a shame they don't make more.
The funny thing is this PS4 update isn't even the best of the Ratchet & Clanks. Honestly, not even top five. And yet it's still very, very good. While it's a somewhat mailed-in movie tie-in version, the gameplay is still 10/10. You may think you're too old to play as a talking alien cat with a robot strapped to his back, but you're not. Despite the look these games were never exclusively for kids, and this title serves as a good change of pace on a console that's sorely lacking in the colorful platformer department.
12. Overwatch
Release Date: 5/24/2016
Developer: Blizzard Entertainment
Console Exclusive: No
If you play games exclusively for single-player offline experiences, then you should keep on strolling. There are no single player modes in this game. Repeat, none. But if you're all about online multiplayer then Overwatch is the game for you probably already in your collection, as it's the gold standard for current-gen shooters of that ilk. While it should be no shock that Blizzard (the company behind World of Warcraft) can create a compelling online experience, it is mildly shocking that their first attempt at an online shooter came out so good. Overwatch is a well-balanced MMOFPS brimming with character that prioritizes teamwork. If you live in a place with a good connection, and have a high tolerance for people calling you curse-words/epithets/a combination of the two as you slowly get the hang of things, check it out.
11. Hitman: The Complete First Season
Release Date: 1/31/2017 (for entire first season)
Developer: IO Interactive
Console Exclusive: No
Not sure I dig the way they pieced this game out over the course of 2016, but I will say that when you do wait to buy the "Complete First Season" in full (like I did) it's almost an overwhelming amount of content.
Basically this is one of the most unique games out there, as every expertly-designed level provides you with the resources to execute hits and sneak away unnoticed. There's a definite exhilaration to hiding in plain sight and pulling off jobs under the noses of the 100s of non-playable characters surrounding you in each area. And it's also one of the few games where I'd say your actions have true consequences (meaning shooting your way out when you've been made is next to impossible).
One thing I would caution, however, is that you need some serious patience to enjoy this. The game involves a lot of trial-and-error where you wait for the same events to unfold over and over so you can pull off a hit that you previously botched, or so you can pull off a hit using a different method. If you don't have the restraint (or time) to wait around for fictional characters to go through mundane actions, then you should give this one a hard pass.
10. The Last of Us Remastered
Release Date: 7/29/2014
Developer: Naughty Dog
Console Exclusive: Yes
If you're sick of the end of the world zombie motif then nobody could really blame you. But still, you'd do well to give Naughty Dog's remastered version of Last of Us a look, especially if you have any interest in picking up the sequel, which is expected to be released at some point next year. LOU is a game that expertly mixes stealth and horror to give you a sense of vulnerability rarely seen in most action titles. It's also one of the few games with a truly compelling story, which is brought along by characters you might actually give a damn about (before you remember they're just computer code, anyway). In addition to having better graphics than a game that already had great graphics, the remastered version comes bundled with Left Behind, which doubles as both a prequel and of the best downloadable add-ons available, well, anywhere really.
9. Resident Evil 7: Biohazard
Release Date: 1/24/2017
Developer: Capcom
Console Exclusive: No
4 was iconic, 5 was solid, 6 was a dog turd sandwiched in a DVD case, and 7 marked the rebirth. That’s what future textbooks will have to say about the Resident Evil franchise at schools that will come well short of all federal testing standards. After the previous game showed that the series was drying out with over-the-top action from a third-person perspective, 7 dug back into RE's roots by confining the horror to a relatively tiny (but detailed) area, where ammo is scarce, and keys are needed for advancement. Lest you think you've played this before, the series also received a welcome refreshment by transforming into an FPS. Best of all Res 7 is a legitimately scary offering, especially if you play the PSVR version. In fact it's one of the few games that could probably tempt you into ponying up for that.
8. Uncharted 4: A Thief's End
Release Date: 5/10/2016
Developer: Naughty Dog
Console Exclusive: Yes
According to sales charts you've all already played this, but I'll write something anyway. Uncharted is probably the most memorable franchise developed by Naughty Dog, and considering that their resume includes Crash Bandicoot, The Last of Us and the Jak and Daxter games, that's really saying something.
Uncharted 4 (again) raises the bar for action games, with a masterful blend of visuals, story, soundtrack, gameplay, combat and level design (again). While the occasional gunfight carries on for too long, for the most part the pacing is (again) spot on. And while past Uncharted's have felt overly linear, 4 gives you an actual opportunity to explore a little (which seems long overdue in a series about treasure hunters.) While Uncharted 2 is the title that draws the most acclaim from critics, for my money 4 is the franchise's crown jewel. And, I mean, at the end of the day whose opinion are you going to believe? Hundreds of people or one guy's?
7. NieR: Automata
Release Date: 3/7/2017
Developer: PlatinumGames
Console Exclusive: Console gaming, yes, but you can also play on PC.
It wasn't really done by design, but looking at this list I realize that there's a lot of different genres represented (and there would have been more if I didn't enforce that dumb no sports rule I wrote about in the intro). The reason I bring that up is because each title is amongst the top three or four games of its type on the console, and cult classic NieR: Automata is an excellent mix of rarely combined styles rolled up all into one. At times it plays like a hack-and-slash, at times like a top down shooter, and at times like a platformer. It's also got a convoluted post-apocalyptic narrative that's way the fuck out there. I would say most casual people would be turned off by a game that has 26 endings and requires you to beat it five times for the full story. But for those of you scouring the earth for an obscure change of pace title that still plays great, this could be your go to (just research it before you part with your dough).
6. Horizon Zero Dawn
Release Date: 2/28/2017
Developer: Guerrilla Games
Console Exclusive: Yes
The first thing that jumped out about Horizon Zero Dawn were the visuals because, even in an era where everything looks good, and graphics ratings aren't even included in most reviews, it looks really, really damn good. The next thing I (and everybody else) noticed about HZD is that it doesn't really break much new ground, but that's perfectly fine because everything it tries--from stealth, to opening up the map, to bow combat--are all done well and that's all that really matters. While it's a bummer to see classic series' not get a next-gen update (see: Jak and Daxter, or a proper Twisted Metal) it's close to worth it thanks to the debut of games like this. And, hey, if you never got over your insecurity of playing as a girl when Tomb Raider or ... *thinks for 10 minutes* Metroid! was hot shit, this is as good a game to get you over that hump as any.
5. Bloodborne
Release Date: 3/24/2015
Developer: FromSoftware
Console Exclusive: Yes
First off, it's very, very challenging. Which is what one might expect from a game directed by the man who previously helmed both Demon's Souls and Dark Souls. Second off, if you can overlook that challenge--no easy feat--then you'll be treated to the PS4's best true exclusive, as Bloodborne has great gothic vibes, fast paced melee combat, an abundance of monsters, nearly perfect level design, and boss fights that can be described as truly epic (and I'm not one of those hundreds of thousands of internet people who just haphazardly tosses the word "epic" around). There's a lot of people out there who've compared Bloodborne to a modernized Castlevania, which is undoubtedly high praise. I'd say miss it at your own risk, but it's a video game. It's not like you're going to die if you don't play it. Just check it out if you're a fan of titles that are both challenging and creepy.
4. Persona 5
Release Date: 4/4/2017
Developer: Atlus
Console Exclusive: Kind of (it's also on PS3)
One of the most critically praised games on the system, Persona 5 has you live a dual-life as a student who goes to class, shops, and does part-time jobs during the day (just like high school), while also teaming up with your friends to use your powers to take down villains by entering their hearts (also just like high school). If you're not a fan of JRPG's (or long-winded text) then I'd say steer clear because, not only is it exactly that, it's 100+ hours of exactly that. However if you do enjoy turn-based combat, dungeon exploration, social simulations (which are usually fun to mess with), highly stylish art, great music or loads of content, this is a game well worth looking into.
3. Grand Theft Auto V
Release Date: 11/18/2014
Developer: Rockstar North
Console Exclusive: No
Despite being relatively old at this point (considering it was originally released for last-gen consoles in 2013) it still holds up. That's probably because Rockstar is matched only by Nintendo when it comes to establishing a new standard for the entire industry. Grand Theft Auto 5 has great mission variety in a (once again) expertly designed setting, from the perspective of three fleshed out protagonists with wildly different motivations influencing their stories.
There have been a million words written about this game so I'll leave it at this: I'm honestly not sure how Rockstar matches the expectations they've established every time they put out a new GTA, but they never fall on their faces. For the past 16+ years they've upped the ante and every time they re-write the standard. Since their releases never sneak up on anyone, you've probably played them by now and already know this. And, if you haven't, then the only other option is that you're just not interested.
2. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Release Date: 5/19/2015
Developer: CD Projekt RED
Console Exclusive: No
I think I bought this game because it was on a list like this. I had no clue what a "Witcher" was, and generally did not care for medieval shit. I basically just bought it because everyone gushed over how freakin' great it was like it was Beyonce or Tom Brady or something.
Let me tell you, that was a good move.
Playing this game made me wonder how the developers could compose such a well-rounded universe, with so much content, in anything less that 100 real-life years. It's utterly massive, in scope, in side missions, and in the main story. While some game narrative arcs feel like a season of a TV show, Witcher 3 felt like an entire 200-episode long series. There were so many ups and downs with the story (which I thought was great, even though some shat on it for being too "simplistic"), and there were so many cool side missions that were clearly not tacked on for the sake of padding. The lore is genuinely interesting, and the game has a super cool character (as you can kind of tell from his left arm up there...oops) who remains laid-back despite constantly coming across formidable human opponents and terrifying monsters.
The only real issue I have is that it's too long. In the writing business we call that "splitting hairs." Also everywhere else they call it that. I never thought I'd say a game was too long, but then I became an adult. You really will wonder if you'll have the time to see everything there is to see, especially if you're a completionist.
On top of that analysis of the core title, it is worth noting that although I'm not a DLC fiend by any stretch (translation: don't blame me for the overabundance of that shit) Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine are both phenomenal expansion packs and probably could've worked as standalone games worthy of making this list.
1. Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain
Release Date: 9/1/2015
Developer: Kojima Productions
Console Exclusive: No
I'm a Metal Gear stan, and yet I'm a Metal Gear stan that doesn't care for the wayyy too long cut-scenes and overwritten plots. Some of you may be thinking to yourselves right now "Hey, that doesn't make any fucking sense." But it's true. I loved all five. Except for the second one. Oh, and the fourth hasn't aged well.
Still, V had what was easily the series' best gameplay, phenomenal graphics, forgiving stealth (that slow-mo was very helpful and beats having to hide for several minutes after getting caught like past Metal Gears), a one-eyed dog partner, a sniper partner that you had to best in an intense duel first, a ragtag militia built with soldiers and supplies that you could balloon back to your base, hundreds of hours of gameplay, incredibly detailed enemy posts that actually benefited from multiple uses (since you could master them), and a number of ways you could tackle your objectives based upon your personality. You can call in weapon drops or air strikes, kidnap your opponents to amass a super army, wipe out entire areas like a crazy person, or just get in and get out unnoticed.
I will argue that (in most cases) the best video games are about freedom. The game world is created and the AI is programed a certain way, and then the developers just drop you in and let you create your own experience. MGSV does that as well as just about any game I can remember. Plus the graphics are gorgeous. Hence the reason that, for now, it tops the list.
We'll see if that still holds true this same time next year.