[Top 25] Best PS4 Exclusives of All Time
We’re nearing the end of the current console generation, or at least that of the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. Nintendo has been on their own time for quite a while now. It is time to begin the retrospective before we turn our attention fully to the horizon. Sony dominated this generation in terms of console sales, surpassing 100 million PS4 units sold and becoming the second best selling home console of all time behind the PlayStation 2, that other wildly popular console created by Sony. It’s almost like they have a knack for it.
A major contributing factor to the PS4’s success was its line-up of exclusive games. Shocking, right? Here’s a list of 25 of the best PlayStation 4 exclusives, which helped the console become one of the best in the history of gaming.
1. Bloodborne
- Metacritic user rating: 8.9
- Genre: Action role-playing
Bloodborne Review from IGN
Bloodborne Debut Trailer
Following the release of the massively influential Dark Souls and its first sequel, FromSoftware created their own “souls-like,” set in the monster-ridden, gothic, Victorian-influenced city of Yharnam. Compared to Dark Souls, Bloodborne’scombat is quicker and the blood is bloodier. It is a daunting and atmospheric experience, drawing inspiration from the likes of Bram Stoker and H.P. Lovecraft.
2. Days Gone
- Metacritic user rating: 8.1
- Genre: Action-adventure, survival horror
Reconsidering DAYS GONE in 2020 from Boomstick Gaming
Story Trailer
Two years after a global pandemic left the world infested with zombie-like creatures known as Freakers, Deacon St. John travels across Oregon on his motorcycle investigating the possibility that his wife may still be alive. Though critical reviews for Days Gone were mixed, the gameplay has undeniable potential, and the open-world offers a wide variety of situations to explore.
3. Death Stranding
- Metacritic user rating: 6.6
- Genre: Action
Death Stranding Review from GameSpot
Launch Trailer
After auteur developer Hideo Kojima was ousted from Japanese publishing studio Konami following the release of Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain, the gaming world waited in anticipation for the reveal of his next project under development in the newly independent Kojima Productions. When an answer was given in the form of the Death Stranding announcement trailer, fans were left confused. Really confused. Norman-Reedus-and-a-baby-naked-on-a-beach-surrounded-by-dead-sea-animals confused. Ultimately, the game would prove to be divisive; one of those games you either love or you hate, and the only way to find out is to play it.
4. Driveclub
- Metacritic user rating: 6.3
- Genre: Racing
Driveclub Review from IGN
Driveclub E3 Trailer
Driveclub was one of the first attempts at a core racing game in this generation. When it launched in October 2014, the graphics were incredible, and the game was praised for its driving controls and sound design. A major highlight, and a strong point of promotion prior to release, is the dynamic weather system which has a day/night cycle, as well as changing cloud formations with realistic rain- and snowfall.
5. Everybody’s Golf
- Metacritic user rating: 7.7
- Genre: Sports
Everybody’s Golf: Quick Look from Giant Bomb
Everybody’s Golf is a continuation of the series known in North America as Hot Shots Golf. It is a very accessible sports game, and provides a large amount of customization and course variety. The series has a long tradition of developing good golf games and the latest Everybody’s Golf is no different, being praised for its variety in gameplay and precise golf ball physics.
6. God of War (2018)
- Metacritic user rating: 9.1
- Genre: Action-adventure, hack and slash
God of War Review (2018) from IGN
Gameplay Trailer
Everyone thought the God of War franchise had peaked with God of War III. That is, until Santa Monica Studio reimagined their golden child Kratos as an older, more stoic, bearded father living in the ancient Norse realm of Midgard. The hack and slash gameplay has been reworked to provide the player with an over-the-shoulder perspective and controllable camera, and the story-telling climbs to new heights as Kratos and his son, Atreus, set out on a journey to spread Kratos’ wife’s ashes at the peak of the tallest mountain in the nine realms.
7. Gran Turismo Sport
- Metacritic user rating: 6.1
- Genre: Racing
Gran Turismo Sport Review - The Final Verdict from GamingBolt
Trailer
Gran Turismo Sport marks the seventh primary release in the beloved series’ history. GT Sport released with the primary focus of the gameplay being online multiplayer, but a more traditional campaign mode was added post-release. Since the game launched, the number of drivable cars has doubled, and race tracks nearly tripled. If you’re seeking a polished, competitive, racing experience, GT Sport may be exactly what you’re looking for. The online multiplayer is even governed by the International Automobile Federation, the entity behind the world famous Formula 1.
8. Gravity Rush 2
- Metacritic user rating: 8.1
- Genre: Action-adventure
Gravity Rush 2 Review from GameSpot
Gameplay Trailer
Gravity Rush 2 expands upon its predecessor in nearly every way. The core gameplay component of manipulating gravity is now available in three varieties, changing how you interact with the environment. The scope of the world has also been largely expanded with a bigger map, more characters to interact with, and a much longer story. The art style has been compared to the famous animated films from Studio Ghibli, and the plot received commendations for its effort at including many female characters.
9. Horizon Zero Dawn
- Metacritic user rating: 8.4
- Genre: Action role-playing
Horizon Zero Dawn Review from ACG
Trailer
Guerilla Games, famous for the long-running Killzone franchise, shocked and impressed with their first foray into the RPG genre with 2017’s Horizon Zero Dawn. Aloy, the protagonist, lives in a post-apocalyptic world where humanity has returned to a tribal iron age. The player faces off against technologically advanced machines while exploring a vast and beautiful open world to uncover the mystery of the machines’ origins.
10. Infamous: Second Son
- Metacritic user rating: 8.0
- Genre: Action-adventure
Infamous: Second Son Review from IGN
Trailer
Players returned to the world of Infamous in early 2014, this time in the shoes of Delsin Rowe, a conduit (in-universe term for superheroes) living in Seattle. Coming out shortly after the launch of the console, Infamous: Second Son gave developer Sucker Punch Productions a chance to show off the flashiness of the new hardware by giving the player control over a variety of visually stunning powers, including smoke and neon.
11. Infamous: First Light
- Metacritic user rating: 7.4
- Genre: Action-adventure
Even Better Than Second Son? | Infamous: First Light - Review from RobinGaming
Trailer
In a standalone spin-off following Infamous: Second Son, First Light gives you control over Abigail “Fetch” Walker, a supporting character introduced in Second Son. This shorter entry in the Infamous series shows the events leading up to Fetch’s introduction in Second Son. Although your conduit powers are limited to just Fetch’s neon, many consider her to be a more compelling and interesting protagonist than Delsin for the short time you get with her.
12. Killzone: Shadow Fall
- Metacritic user rating: 6.8
- Genre: First-person shooter
Killzone Shadow Fall Review from GameTrailers
Launch Trailer
Killzone: Shadow Fall was a much anticipated title released on the same day as the PS4. With futuristic FPS action, Shadow Fall provided a glimpse into what may be possible on the brand new console, including an opening mission of pure eye candy involving a heavy rain and dynamic lighting. It is also one of the few titles to fully utilize the DualShock 4’s touchpad, letting the player swipe in any of the four directions to use different gadgets.
13. The Last Guardian
- Metacritic user rating: 8.0
- Genre: Action-adventure
The Last Guardian from Easy Allies
Trailer
Team Ico, acclaimed developer of the beloved Shadow of the Colossus, returned to PlayStation with another exclusive title in 2016. The Last Guardian has you in control of a young boy who befriends a massive, griffin-like creature named Trico. The game is a very stylistic, focused experience where the gameplay revolves around the relationship between boy and beast.
14. The Last of Us Remastered
- Metacritic user rating: 9.1
- Genre: Action-adventure, survival horror
The Last of Us: Remastered Review from IGN
Trailer
The critically lauded PS3 exclusive was revamped for the PlayStation 4 with enhanced visuals and all downloadable content, including new maps for the criminally underrated Factions multiplayer mode. You have probably heard how good The Last of Us is. If you haven’t played it yet, please do yourself a favor and pick up the definitive Remastered version. I’m practically begging you to play it.
15. Marvel’s Spider-Man
- Metacritic user rating: 8.6
- Genre: Action-adventure
Spider-Man - Game Review from Chris Stuckmann
Trailer
In 2018 Spidey got the Arkham treatment. If the cowled detective can have a commercially successful, open-world, action game, why not your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man? Insomniac Games brought the influential “Arkham-like” free-flow combat to Manhattan, where the player swings through the city as a 23-year-old Peter Parker. If you haven’t heard already: the web-swinging is good. Like, really good.
16. The Order: 1886
- Metacritic user rating: 6.7
- Genre: Action-adventure
The Order: 1886 Review from ACG
Trailer
In my opinion, The Order: 1886 is the least appreciated game of the entire generation. If you’re a Gears of War fan, or like the cover-based combat of Mass Effect 2 and 3, The Order just might scratch that itch. The year is 1886 (duh.), King Arthur’s Knights of the Round Table have long-since found a substance that greatly increases their lifespan, and they are locked in a seemingly endless war with Lycans. Yes, you read that correctly; Sir Galahad, the player character, is now centuries old, and fighting werewolves in an alternate history, Industrial Revolution-era London. Oh, and Nikola Tesla is your quartermaster.
17. Ratchet & Clank (2016)
- Metacritic user rating: 8.5
- Genre: Platformer, shooter
Ratchet & Clank (PS4) - Review from GameSpot
Story Trailer
This 2016 version of Ratchet & Clank is simultaneously based on the movie released around the same time, and a reimagining of the original game from 2002. The series is known for its wonderfully suggestive titles such as Going Commando, Up Your Arsenal, and Quest for Booty. The latest installment brings that trademark tone to the PlayStation 4 with gameplay, visuals, and story to match.
18. Resident Evil 7: Biohazard - PSVR Edition
- Metacritic user rating: 7.9
- Genre: Survival horror
Resident Evil 7 is Better Played in VR from GameSpot
VR trailer
Resident Evil 7 is terrifying, and even more so in virtual reality. PSVR is the exclusive platform to play the newest entry in the famed survival horror series in VR. RE7 brought the traditionally third-person game into a first-person perspective. Whether or not this change is for the better was hotly debated leading up to and well after release, however the consensus seems to be that it undoubtedly makes the experience more intense.
19. Shadow of the Colossus (2018)
- Metacritic user rating: 7.9
- Genre: Action-adventure, puzzle, kaiju
Shadow of the Colossus PS4 Review from IGN
Trailer
The original release of Shadow of the Colossus for the PlayStation 2 in 2005 holds an almost mythic place in the history of gaming. This version, released 16 years later, uses assets that were entirely remade and introduces a new control scheme that is much more accessible than the original. Shadow of the Colossus is an extremely atmospheric experience and has an awe-inspiring aesthetic. It is truly one of the crowning achievements in the games-as-art conversation.
20. Tearaway Unfolded
- Metacritic user rating: 8.0
- Genre: Platformer, adventure
Tearaway Unfolded - Review from Destructoid
Trailer
Tearaway Unfolded is a larger, revamped version of the original Tearaway, a PlayStation Vita exclusive. With an adorable art style, the core of the game is your own imagination. As the player, you take a much larger role than simply navigating the main character through each level. You will have to control aspects of the level itself. Tearaway Unfolded is an indie project that shouldn’t be missed for platformer fans.
21. Tetris Effect
- Metacritic user rating: 7.6
- Genre: Puzzle
Tetris Effect Review - The Final Verdict from GamingBolt
Trailer
Tetris is the tenth best-selling video game franchise of all time, and the stylistic Tetris Effect launched exclusively on the PS4. Need I say more?
22. Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End
- Metacritic user rating: 8.4
- Genre: Action-adventure, third person shooter, platformer
Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End from Easy Allies
Trailer
Uncharted is arguably the flagship series for PlayStation. The fourth installment takes players through the end of Nathan Drake’s story, at least until Naughty Dog decides they want to print more money. Uncharted 4 rivals God of War for best console visuals of the generation, and the gameplay is leaps and bounds above its predecessors, which were frequently derided on the PS3 for clunky shooting mechanics.
23. Uncharted: The Lost Legacy
- Metacritic user rating: 7.9
- Genre: Action-adventure, third person shooter, platformer
Uncharted: The Lost Legacy from Easy Allies
Trailer
The first, and so far only game in the Uncharted series to feature a protagonist other than Nathan Drake. You play as Chloe Frazer, a treasure hunter introduced as a supporting character in Uncharted 2: Among Thieves. The gameplay is much the same as the other Uncharted titles, which is never a bad thing, and the story is refreshing and endearing. Chloe, along with other returning characters such as Nadine Ross and Sam Drake, travels to India in search of the ancient Tusk of Ganesh.
24. Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection
- Metacritic user rating: 8.5
- Genre: Action-adventure, third person shooter, platformer
Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection PS4 REVIEW from RobinGaming
Trailer
In order to bridge the gap between Uncharted 3 and 4, Naughty Dog re-released the original Uncharted trilogy on the PlayStation 4 with a host of visual and technical improvements. You play as Nathan Drake, a wise-cracking, charismatic, daring, and world-traveling treasure hunter. If you’ve ever wanted to play a video game version of an Indiana Jones film, Uncharted is your best bet.
25. Until Dawn
- Metacritic user rating: 8.3
- Genre: Interactive drama, survival horror
Until Dawn Review from IGN
Launch Trailer
Until Dawn takes the cabin-in-the-woods horror trope and lets you help decide the fate of all the characters. Or maybe “victims” is a better word. Until Dawn gained massive attention in the usually niche interactive story-telling genre. The gameplay is minimal, but the narrative is entertaining and short enough that multiple playthroughs are easily doable in order to see the various outcomes of your choices.
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