The 12 Best PS4 Exclusives You Need to Play

There’s no doubt that the PS4 is an awesome console (our PS4 review) with some amazing games to play on it. To prove it, we’re going to round up the best games exclusively available on the PlayStation 4.

Whatever version of the PS4 you have, even if it’s the PS4 Pro or PS4 Slim, everyone owes themselves the pleasure of playing great games like Uncharted 4, God of War, and Spider-Man. Here are the best PS4 exclusives you can play today.

1. God of War

The God of War series has been a staple of the PlayStation consoles, but it’s never been better than the 2018 iteration. Moving onto Norse mythology, this adventure lets you take control of Kratos, with his boy Atreus at his side, as he aims to spread his wife’s ashes at the top of the realm’s highest peak. Of course, they encounter many foes along the way, from trolls to powerful Norse gods.

There’s so much to praise about God of War that it’s hard to single specific elements out. You’ll initially be impressed by this stunning world, further drawn in by the satisfying magical battle axe mechanics, but kept engrossed thanks to the special relationship this father and son possess. There’s violence abound, but plenty of love too.

2. Horizon: Zero Dawn

Aloy has grown up an outcast in a land taken over by futuristic machines. Despite living a sheltered life, she eventually breaks free and discovers that there’s an entire world of mystery and danger to explore. Horizon: Zero Dawn doesn’t skimp when it comes to its varied, multi-layered combat as Aloy battles against beasts of all shapes.

While some open-world games don’t actually craft an environment you want to spend time in, the mixture of nature and mechanics here is truly enticing, both in artistic design and technical impressiveness. Aloy’s character progression is masterfully performed by actress Ashly Burch and it’s great fun to upgrade her abilities and become a hunting expert.

3. Bloodborne

If you’re looking for a casual experience, Bloodborne isn’t for you. This is unrelentingly difficult. Citizens have been infected with a disease and it’s up to you to stop the plague and battle an assortment of creatures along the way. You’ll need patience, especially when encountering the bosses, but the satisfaction of victory is second to none.

You can wield swords, guns, and everything in-between. While Bloodborne certainly has excellent, fluid combat that challenges you to learn your enemy’s behavior, it also pieces the journey together with an inviting world that rewards you for exploring every nook and cranny.

4. Marvel’s Spider-Man

We all know who Spider-Man is, and the web slinger has never been better than in this action-adventure game. Offering up a heartfelt, unique story separate from any of the comics and films, this game lets you play as both Peter Parker and Spider-Man, though really it’s the costumed superhero sections that provide the most fun.

Not only is Marvel’s Spider-Man beautiful to look at, but it’s a thrill to play. There’s nothing better than swinging through New York City and feeling the speed. Spider-Man lets you engage in smooth, varied combat and delve into the stories of some fan-favorite characters. Suit up and enjoy Peter’s journey as the friendly neighborhood Spider-Man.

5. Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End

If this truly is the final Uncharted game to feature Nathan Drake, it’s a damn good way to go out. A Thief’s End is an accumulation of the wonderful journey that our thrill-seeking hero has been on. The prize of his eye this time? Pirate Captain Henry Avery’s lost treasure.

If you’re after unabashed, intense action then look no further. You’ll be swinging across rivers, fighting your way through moving trucks, and exploring abandoned cities; all aided by top class cinematography and graphical fidelity. But amongst the fun, you’ll also get to find out much more about Nate and his family, in a well nuanced story that explores far and wide, both geographically and emotionally.

6. Uncharted: The Lost Legacy

This was originally intended as DLC to the fourth Uncharted game, but The Lost Legacy ended up becoming a release in its own right. It features all the staples of the series, like puzzles, platforming, and combat, but is the first Uncharted game without Nathan Drake. Instead, the protagonist here is Chloe Frazer, accompanied by Nadine Ross, and the duo set out to collect the Tusk of Ganesh from India.

The mountains and temples of India are stunningly realized here, as you climb, drive, and run through them. It’s so much fun to spend time in the world, as the chemistry between Chloe and Nadine fizzes and grows. Sure, it doesn’t really bring anything new to the Uncharted series in terms of gameplay, but when the quality is this good it doesn’t matter.

7. The Last Of Us Remastered

The Last of Us was one of the greatest games to grace the PS3, and the PS4 remaster is a gem. It’s one of the many remastered games that are better than the originals. Set in a post-apocalyptic United States, the story follows Joel as he transports a young girl, called Ellie, who is seemingly invulnerable to the human infection killing everyone else. The pair must fight and hide in a bid to survive. It’s gruesome, thrilling, and touching.

The remaster improves the frame rate, ups the resolution, and makes use of the DualShock 4. But it also includes the Left Behind DLC, a sweet adventure that explores Ellie’s earlier life, full of quiet moments and punchy thrills.

8. Shadow of the Colossus

Shadow of the Colossus took the PS2 by storm back in the day. A young man finds himself in a deserted cathedral with an unresponsive woman on his horse’s back, and is promised that he can get help if he kills the giant creatures that roam the land. There’s something tragic and lonely about the entire experience; this isn’t a game that revels in violence, but instead makes you ponder in quiet moments.

The game has been remade for the PS4. While the core gameplay remains the same, the control scheme has been improved. The most noticeable difference, though, is the audiovisual overhaul. This is a stunningly impressive game to look at and listen to. Those creatures you scale look incredibly imposing, the ancient lands they inhabit a wonder. An unforgettable classic.

9. The Last Guardian

The Last Guardian comes from the same team behind Shadow of the Colossus, which is abundantly clear through its themes alone. This sees you take control of a boy as he goes on a journey with a large, bird-like mammal. The pair aren’t weighed down by conversation, but their friendship blossoms and naturally grows nonetheless as they explore together.

‘Explore’ is the key word here, because you’ll be doing a lot of it. You gain more control over the creature as you progress, using each other’s abilities to solve environmental puzzles and keep moving. Those puzzles are integrated well into the design of the world, meaning you can focus on the tender relationship that makes up the core of this game.

10. Detroit: Become Human

What does it mean to be human? Detroit: Become Human is an adventure game featuring three androids as the playable characters. Through quick time events and dialogue, you make decisions and drive the story in particular directions. Whether you decide to be trusting or deceitful, friendly or aggressive, it all has an impact.

Special praise must be lauded to the writing and acting, which brings this sci-fi story to life. There are many subtle character moments that stand out, but also larger powerful scenes that will be sure to shock and move you. Tied together with excellent design, both in the world and the characters, and it makes this a game deserving of your time.

11. Until Dawn

The concept of choice is often poorly implemented in games, ending up as nothing more than an illusion. In Until Dawn, the choices you make will have dramatic impact on the cast of characters. One year after twin sisters disappear, a group of teenagers take themselves to a cabin for a night away. They soon find themselves under attack.

If it all sounds a bit cliché, that’s because it is. But that doesn’t make the horror any less impactful. Scares are subjective, but chances are you won’t want to play this one in the dark. There’s environmental exploration and quick time events, but Until Dawn mostly functions as an interactive story. You’ll want to play this multiple times for the full experience.

12. Ratchet & Clank

Ratchet & Clank isn’t a remaster or a remake. Instead, it’s a re-imagining of the 2002 PS2 classic of the same name, released to tie-in to the feature film that hit cinemas in 2016. It’s a 3D platformer full of cheeky charm, letting you roam across alien worlds and defeat bad guys.

Where else could you wield a weapon that morphs enemies into pixelated forms? Or a grenade that forces them to bust out their best dance moves? Ratchet & Clank doesn’t take itself too seriously, and features joyous visuals that are bursting with color.

Going Beyond PS4 Exclusives

These amazing games will keep you busy for a long time coming. If you’re comparing a PS4 to an Xbox One, remember that you’ll only find these on Sony’s console.

Do you want even more recommendations? If so, check out our guide to the must-buy games all PS4 owners should buy, which goes beyond the PlayStation-only exclusives we’ve listed here.

Read the full article: The 12 Best PS4 Exclusives You Need to Play

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