I usually review films and television shows on this website, but I also consider myself a passionate gamer. I may not play as religiously as some, but I have enjoyed video games from a very young age and still find myself drawn to them.
Over the last few years, games have taken on a life of their own in terms of cinematic achievement and popularity thanks to the internet.
With that said, now that the next generation of games consoles is looming, I felt it appropriate to look back at the games console I myself have been enjoying for the past few years, the Playstation 4.
Looking back at Sony's fourth major console, there have been a fantastic variety of games released.
These games have reached amazing heights in terms of design, gameplay, immersion and cinematic quality never before seen.
There have been controversial releases, universally acclaimed ones and underrated gems, but while there are arguments for many games to be the best, here are my picks for the top 10 games I've played on the Playstation 4.
Disclaimer: obviously I have NOT played every single PS4 game out there. There were games i wanted to play but never got the chance (looking at you Sekiro).
We may disagree on our top 10 list, but we may also find similar choices.
That's the wonder of opinions folks. Here we go. Enjoy!
10. Assassin's Creed: Odyssey
Starting off this list is a massive open world release from Ubisoft. This game continues where predecessor Origins left off, both in terms of world expansion and gameplay. Many fans dislike these last two games as they took a major departure from the city-traversing stealth mechanics that the franchise was known for since 2007. However this was the first of those two games I played and I absolutely loved it! I thought the story was engaging and the gameplay satisfying. Great graphics, good music, massive world with fun side missions and engaging main chapters. A huge and welcome surprise to me. |
9. Just Cause 3
I am a sucker for a good open world game, and no entry on this list had a better marketing campaign than Just Cause 3. Designer Avalanche Studios claimed "If you see it, you can blow it up" and while not 100% accurate, the sheer volume of customised fun you can have is mind-blowing. The story was not particularly engaging to me and I found myself just flying around exploring the world, liberating villages and blowing stuff up. This however, is where the game absolutely shines! The gameplay and open world travelling is so fun that I just lost myself running around dealing damage, destroying vehicles, bridges, buildings and stations. It's total carnage, but a complete blast, pun totally intended. |
8. Middle Earth: SHadow of Mordor
One of the earliest games to come out on PS4, this game came with the console when I bought it in the first place. Didn't expect much, and to this massive Tolkien fan it takes far too many liberties with the lore and world it inhabits... HOWEVER the characters, the violent macabre tone it's drenched in, as well as the inventive "Nemesis" combat system, allowing the player enemies that are based on their specific decisions in the game, are all fantastic features. As a "Middle Earth" story, it's passable, but as a hack'n'slash video game, this is a must! |
7. Red Dead Redemption 2
As a proud Scot, I always have some bias towards Rockstar Games. The Dundee-based company has knocked it out of the park consistently with the Grand Theft Auto franchise as well as the RDR games, and this entry is no exception. Easily the most "lived-in" open world on this list; every city, town and woodland feels real. With individual people, creatures and environments that change spontaneously, this really give the impression of a real world. The story (a prequel to RDR1) is well paced and creative with a likeable lead character with a serious side of tragedy. The side missions can be long and arduous, plus the intense realism can become tedious and slow at times but the main story, plus arguably the most stunning open world yet done in video games, makes this a worthy entry to the list. |
6. Marvel's Spider-Man
Another open world game (you might be noticing a pattern here) but this is easily the best Spider Man every made, alongside PS2's Spider Man 2. Insomniac took over the reigns of the swinging superhero 's game franchise and man they hit the ground running here. An excellent expansion on a beloved character with a creative combat system that takes inspiration from the beloved Batman: Arkham series. With a heartfelt and engaging story, fun side missions and silly challenges for your inner child; the result is a fast paced, frenetic and fun game that can easily stand up as one of gaming's best superhero games. |
5. Uncharted 4: A Thief's End
From Naughty Dog Games, The Uncharted Saga (specifically the Nathan Drake games) reignited my passion for video games in a way few games have done. This franchise epitomises the cinematic-linear-blockbuster-style action games I love. This fourth (and final) instalment in the Drake series is a wonderful story told with heart, humour and some great additions to a well established cast of characters. A couple of setbacks in terms of combat options and a heavier focus on slower levels can be strenuous but, as I just recently finished playing all 4 games (plus non-Drake spin off/sequel, Lost Legacy), I found the story wonderfully executed upon replaying. The action is great fun, the graphics are stunning even now, the puzzles are engaging and once it get going its pacing is super tight. A fantastic closer to the franchise. Also a special shoutout to Lost Legacy (also on PS4), an underrated spinoff to the franchise. |
4. The Last of us: Part 2
Here is where the controversy comes in. The Last of Us, also from Naughty Dog, is a beloved game released on PS3. This sequel has among the most divided fanbases I've ever seen and it is justified on both sides. Any controversies regarding the company's overworking staff members aside, I absolutely loved this game. In my opinion, this is among the most ambitious sequels ever made, and if the staff members were overworked in making this game, the result is an incredible showcase of their efforts. The graphics are completely spellbinding. The gameplay is fun as heck and the pacing of the combat encounters is so customisable with stealth, run and gunning, or distant sniping are all valid options. The new options for covering under cars, creating distractions and traps provide numerous opportunities for fun and unique scenarios. While some hated it, I was hooked on the story, which is dark, tense, scary at times and very moving... though I must admit almost all of the side characters serve little purpose at all in the story. Thankfully that didn't affect my love of the main story regarding our leading characters. Besides that, I loved playing this game and watching the story play out from start to finish. A total joy and worthy sequel to a fantastic game. Bring on Part 3! |
3. Ghost of Tsushima
The most recent entry on this list, and the first fully original game on the list, is an absolute gem. It is not the most accurate depiction of Japanese culture, however it is a tasteful, impassioned homage to the all round "Samurai" genre, with numerous nods to Kurosawa films such as Seven Samurai. The gameplay is first rate with a complex and adaptable combat system, involving changing your fighting stances and positioning yourself for advantage over different opponents. The story is a classic Samurai plot; predictable but told with passion and energy by the writers and actors. The main character is likeable with interesting side characters and a fantastic villain! The music is stellar, the side missions are fun without being repetitive and Tsushima island is breathtakingly designed. An incredible final hoorah for the PS4. |
2. Horizon: Zero Dawn
Another original PS4 title here, and the first original PS4 game to completely floor me. With originality, creativity, delivery and gameplay, Horizon did exactly what I hoped it would, after an electrifying trailer unveiled the year prior to release. Horizon gives us a massive new world to explore with Tolkien levels of detail; With deeply rooted cultures, hierarchies and religions, each nation and tribe feels like they've existed for centuries, providing serious immersion for the player. Both our lead and the side characters are very believable and likeable, with easy to understand motivations and flaws. In terms of gameplay, there is a vast array of gadgets, weapons and attack combos for the players to utilise and upgrade throughout the game. The enemies are varied in size, weaponry and weaknesses, providing numerous challenges and rewards for engaging them. Not to mention a vast expansive DLC pack (possibly the biggest single DLC environment I've ever seen). An all round blast of a game and I can not wait for the sequel on PS5! |
1. God of War
It's among the most critically acclaimed games ever released on any console.
The storyline is fantastic as both an standalone story and a continuation of the previous three GoW games. The combat and style of the game is totally different from these prior releases, but it feels natural and was a much-needed revamp for the franchise.
The characters are all a joy, especially Kratos, Atreus and exposition dumper Mimir.
The villains are memorable, the graphics are gorgeous and the world is great fun to explore and loot.
Most of all, what places this game above the others to me are the most satisfying combat controls of any game on this list. The recall-able axe is so satisfying to use, the different enemies requiring alternating between weapons in the same fight are challenging, and the weight of the movement combined with the sound effects makes for a super enjoyable experience.
I was hooked on the story but I was enticed to take part in all the side missions and extra rewards that I could gain and it never felt forced. I wanted to get in on all the action that this masterpiece could give. An all round must-play that also leaves you with just enough to be excited about the future. I now have the biggest expectations for the coming PS5 sequel next year, but I'm more than confident that Santa Monica Studios will be more than up to the task.
This pick was easy for me as, in my opinion, this was quite easily the best game I played on the PS4.