PlayStation is one of the strongest video game platforms because Sony Interactive Entertainment invested more in talented video game developers instead of cutting-edge technology which worked well in its favor. Other rival platforms are doing their best to keep up and compete; however, Sony dominated the competition and won over the fans’ loyalty.
In the past console life cycles, Sony has set the bar high for its exclusives, and the gaming community has nothing but universal praise for the company. Here are 11 first-party video games that carried the platform to new heights and prove this is where greatness awaits.
11. Final Fantasy 7 Remake
Square Enix partnered with Sony Interactive Entertainment to remake the original Final Fantasy 7 story for the modern audience and add more creative twists and unexpected turns to make the experience all the more unique. The gaming community was blown away to see the reveal in 2015 and the second part was released a while ago and was universally praised. The developers are actively working on Final Fantasy 7 Remake Part 3 to wrap up the trilogy.
The franchise may not be a first-party title but Sony gained console exclusivity and released a port to PC. This project redefined the meaning of a remake and Square Enix made it faithfully while providing something new for Cloud and the rest of the party.
10. Death Stranding
Norman Reedus takes on the job of a porter in a world torn by BTs in Death Stranding. The game was received with a mixed bag at launch because it was not the experience most players wanted, it took a great deal of patience and stealth to reach one city to another and deliver packages which is not ideal given the length of the campaign.
Eventually, public opinion shifted and players loved it. Reedus was like most actors who were given an assignment but did not fully grasp Kojima’s vision. Nevertheless, Reedus and his co-stars trusted Kojima and delivered a stellar performance about a world untethered and on the brink of destruction.
9. Horizon Zero Dawn
Guerrilla Games struck gold with the Horizon series and plans on expanding the franchise beyond the video game format. Players were enamored by the visuals and ambitious combat of the game and had to learn the ropes on the fly to keep up against the machines hell-bent on destroying all life.
Fans fell in love with Aloy’s will and determination to save her world from extinction and overcome great challenges to prove herself. Aloy is the perfect protagonist for an open-world game with a bow and arrow as her weapon of choice against metal monstrosities with a greater capability for destruction.
8. Helldivers 2
Sony was commonly known for having a strong library of single-player games, Arrowhead Game Studios delivered a great multiplayer experience that upholds the traditional greatness moniker. The game is shared across the PlayStation 5 and PC platforms and could be a potential contender for Game of the Year.
Director Johan Pilestedt dreamt of the day to see his game standing alongside the must-play PlayStation games and it didn’t take long to see it fulfilled. An official banner was released featuring Helldivers 2 and it was a dream come true for the director and showed Sony was right to support the developers.
7. Bloodborne
FromSoftware collaborated with Sony Interactive Entertainment to develop Bloodborne for the PlayStation 4 console. This was one of the few games that did not get the same remaster treatment that most first-party games received and content creators like Kai Cenat are using his platform to push for the remaster on the PlayStation 5.
Director Hidetaka Miyazaki imparted knowledge and expertise in this game and the results were worth it. This game became the gold standard for all succeeding Soulslike titles. Fans fell in love with the combat and themes of Gothic horror and taking control of the Hunter as they advanced through different levels.
6. Days Gone
Deacon St. John was an endearing protagonist in a world infested with the undead. The game had the potential to be a great PlayStation franchise; unfortunately, it was plagued with bugs and other performance issues that negatively impacted the review scores but like Death Stranding, public opinion has shifted and fans hold this game with high regard.
The game was ported to PC and ran smoothly, especially on the PlayStation 5. Fans begged Sony to at least release a remaster to take full advantage of the next-generation hardware as players fight hordes of freaks without stuttering or frame drops. The story was too convoluted but the ending hinted at a potential sequel that may likely never see the light of day.
5. Ghost of Tsushima
Ghost of Tsushima is one of the last first-party titles released for the PlayStation 4 era and it closed the generation with a bang. Players were captivated by the beautiful scenery and got the hang of the ambitious combat system for a smooth flow paired with a compelling storyline about a samurai turning his back on honor to liberate his homeland.
The game was ported to PC and racked up insane numbers for the PlayStation exclusive proving single-player games can thrive in an industry oversaturated with online multiplayer games. Jin becomes jaded and players can choose to fight with or without honor throughout the campaign.
4. Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End
Uncharted was one of the first few games that showcased the full potential of the PlayStation 3 and pushed Naughty Dog to the center of attention. The first three games paved the way for A Thief’s End, topping everything with action, adventure, puzzle solving, exploration, heart, and storytelling to wrap up Nathan’s story.
The game was released for the previous console generation and holding up well. The gaming community is in awe of the beautiful graphics and physics of Uncharted 4 and it shows Naughty Dog’s talent.
3. Marvel’s Spider-Man
The gaming community has been waiting for a great superhero game that could rival the quality of recent Marvel films. Insomniac Games did not back down from the opportunity to develop an original Spider-Man story and surpassed expectations with a smooth combat system and great storytelling.
The developers did not shy away from their love of filmmaking and were inspired to choreograph Aunt May’s death to honor those films and give the game the emotional beat it needed. Fans were explicit and wanted to see this universe grow.
2. The Last of Us Part 1
Originally released for the PlayStation 3 and remastered for the PlayStation 4, Naughty Dog could finally manifest its vision for the game through the PlayStation 5 remake. The simplistic nature of the plot is about Joel, a father who lost his daughter on Outbreak Day, gaining a second chance with Ellie.
The game developers used the environment to depict how much time has passed since the fall of humanity. Players can explore and loot every crevice for supplies as they fight to survive against the Infected and human hunters and bond with Ellie, which gives Joel another reason to keep fighting.
1. God of War
The 2018 sequel and soft reboot were perfect to reintroduce Kratos to legacy fans. From a bloodthirsty god-killer to a father, God of War has been changed for the better and it allowed Kratos to grow and for the studio to apply different things that could not have been done in the Greek Saga.
Director Cory Barlog wanted to prove someone with a tragic past like Kratos can change. The franchise is about mythological creatures and omnipotent beings but with a relatable and human story that collected universal praise and accolades for winning Game of the Year making it one of the best PlayStation games ever.
Which PlayStation game is your favorite? Let us know in the comments section below!
