With the PlayStation 4 having been out for nearly two and a half years, the flow of games coming out for the console is in full force. However, if none of the upcoming titles are interesting to you there is still plenty to check out in the library of games already available for Sony’s little black box.
Therefore, we took it upon ourselves to check out which games have been reviewed and scored the highest among critics and share these with you, giving you a brief rundown of what you can expect in each experience. Though these may not be exclusive to the PlayStation 4, these are nonetheless some of the best experiences you can play on your console right now. So let’s check them out.
10. Rayman Legends
Releasing on a number of different platforms, Rayman Legends delivered some of the very best platforming action from the limbless adventurer. The fifth main title in the Rayman series, and the direct sequel to Rayman Origins, Legends received critical acclaim for its visuals, level design, controls, large amount of content, and its incredibly catchy soundtrack.
Currently sitting at an average review score among critics of 90, and a user score of 8.5, Rayman Legends sits at number 10 on the highest scored games of all time on the PlayStation 4. Although, it shares the same average critic score as Fez, and the final episode of the popular episodic series Tales from the Borderlands: Episode 5.
9. Shovel Knight
Coming in at number 9 is another incredibly popular platformer that made its way to a number of different consoles. Developed and published by indie developer Yacht Club Games, the game was originally funded via Kickstarter and released on PC, 3DS, and Wii U in June 2014. The game was then successfully ported to the PS3, PS4, Vita, and Xbox One in April 2015.
The game’s visuals and gameplay take inspiration from platformer games that released on the Nintendo’s NES. The game was critically praised for its gorgeous graphics, optional challenges, varied gameplay and much more. Shovel Knight currently sits with an average critic score of 90 on Metacritic, with a slightly lower user score of 7.6.
8. Diablo III: Ultimate Evil Edition
Diablo III: Ultimate Evil Edition brought the entire Diablo III package to the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PS3 and 360. By including the expansion, Reaper of Souls, which brought a ton of new content and challenges to the base game, the Ultimate Evil Edition was the definitive way to play this excellent couch co-op experience.
Allowing players to take on the role of one of six different character classes, you must complete all five acts to save the world of Sanctuary from evil ancient forces. Also with a critic score of 90, the Ultimate Evil Edition is considered to be an essential, compelling package with hundreds of hours of replay value. The game also has a user score of 8, so you know it looks like average players love it just as much as critics.
7. Flower
One of the digital launch titles for the PlayStation 4 and a port from PlayStation 3, Flower took advantage of the motion controls in the DualShock 4, having you control your stream of petals by tilting and turning the controller. While it may have been a nuisance to use these motion controls at times, it definitely felt right as we floated effortlessly on the wind.
In Flower, the player must explore beautiful, lush environments, as they navigate the world as a flower petal. The game was received incredibly well by critics, with an average score of 91. Flower is considered by many to be a “refreshing and relaxing experience” that sets itself apart in the medium of violent games available on the market. While Flower reviewed very well among critics, the user score sits at 7.2, with mixed opinions on how enjoyable the game is. If you’re the kind of player who enjoys different experiences, then Flower is definitely one to consider picking up.
6. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Hitting consoles back in May of last year, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is the final chapter in Witcher Geralt’s story. Tasked with finding his daughter Ciri, and defeating the evil Wild Hunt that is chasing her, you’ll explore a huge, living world with a ton of side missions, Witcher contracts, and other things to keep you busy for hours on end.
The Witcher 3 has an average critic score of 92, with a user score similarly high at a flat 9. Much of the praise focuses on the sheer amount of content available in its beautiful world. Plus, with the game’s first expansion, Hearts of Stone, already out and being equally as well received, and the larger expansion, Blood and Wine, on the way there’s plenty more to check out when the main adventure is over.
5. Bloodborne
From the same team that created the incredibly challenging Souls series, Bloodborne rele exclusively on the PlayStation 4 last year providing just as difficult a challenge. As a hunter, you’ll be tasked with exploring the ancient city of Yharnam, taking on the evil that lurks around every corner as you uncover its darkest secrets. Be warned though, Bloodborne requires strategic play, patience, and razor-sharp reflexes in order to survive.
With a critic average score of 92 and a user score of 8.5, Bloodborne was praised for its tight mechanics and its interesting world filled with lore and tough enemies. If you’re a Souls fan and are yet to check Bloodborne out, make it so.
4. Journey
Journey, simply put, is a beautiful experience. Going into details as to what to expect if you haven’t played it before will take a little of the shine off, but this isn’t your ordinary game. Instead, Journey is an emotional work of art that will have your exploring and interacting with its stunning environment.
Journey sits at number four with an average critic score of 92, being described as a “beautiful experience,” and “especially memorable.” The average user score also sings its praises, with a score of 8.2 and an overwhelming majority of the reviews being positive. It may not be what you’re accustomed to playing, but it’s worth coming along for the ride regardless.
3. Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain
As Hideo Kojima’s swansong for the series, Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain took the series to a completely new level. With a ton of different challenges to complete, missions to perfect in order to get those elusive S ranks, and a gorgeous open-world environment to explore, The Phantom Pain is considered the apex of the series and an overall triumph.
With an average score of 93 based on 66 critic reviews, the game’s deep gameplay mechanics and polished visuals are just two of the positive aspects of the game. Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain also received an average user score of 8.2, based on just shy of 3500 ratings.
2. The Last of Us Remastered
Having been rebuilt for the PlayStation 4, The Last of Us Remastered made a beautiful, emotional experience all the richer. With a bunch of graphical enhancements including lighting and shadow effects, full 1080p visuals, and higher resolution character models, as well as the Left Behind DLC also being included, Remastered was the definitive way to experience The Last of Us. As Joel, you’ll be tasked with smuggling a 14-year-old girl named Ellie across the U.S.
With the highest average user score on this list, sitting at 8.9 based on just over 3800 ratings, and a critic score of 95, it’s pretty safe to say that The Last of Us Remastered has earned its place as one of the greatest games to grace both this and the former generation of consoles. With a beautiful and delicate story, woven with the expert gameplay mechanics that many have come to associate with Naughty Dog, The Last of Us Remastered has to be played to be truly appreciated.
1. Grand Theft Auto V
Rockstar’s most recent entry into the series is more ambitious than any other open-world game that has come out before it. With one of the largest, most interesting, and densely populated cities as your playground, Grand Theft Auto V is all about doing whatever you want, whenever you want, however you want. With an enthralling story following three different criminals as they pull off elaborate heists, and an online multiplayer experience also included, it’s difficult to become bored in Los Santos.
GTA V on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One not only gave the visuals a fresh coat of paint but also included the first-person view to really help boost the immersion. With an average critic score of 97 and a user score of 8.3, it’s the fully-realized world of Los Santos and its inhabitants that are the true star of the show in Grand Theft Auto V.
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