We're a couple of years into the PlayStation 5's lifecycle now, and there's quite the collection of platform-exclusive titles, and remastered games that should really be on your to-play list if you haven't gotten around to them already.
Some of the console's launch window titles are still worth picking up if you haven't had the pleasure of powering through them yet; Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is all kinds of fun to play, while showing off the PS5 DualSense's features. Then there are follow-ups to iconic PS4 games, like Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales.
And for those among you who live to see classics get an overhaul, there are ground-up remakes that take full advantage of the spruced-up hardware. We've rounded up our top picks of PS5 games so far, along with some honourable mentions, so you can start sinking some serious hours into them as soon as possible. Whether you cracked open a new console for Christmas, or need to expand your library, you should be able to find something to float your boat.
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
You don't need to be indoctrinated into the Ratchet & Clank series to dive into the rift-hopping antics of this PS5 exclusive title. In terms of the plot, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart takes place after the events of 2013's Into the Nexus, with the heroic duo enjoying a parade in their honour before chaos breaks loose, courtesy of antagonist, Doctor Nefarious. The dimension-shifting mechanic that's key to the gameplay was made possible thanks to the PS5's SSD, but Rifts Apart also utilises the DualSense to fully showcase the new hardware. As a newcomer to the series myself, I had a blast with Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart. I'd heartily recommend it.
Returnal
Fans of the Souls series looking for something a little different (but not too different) should give Returnal a spin. Along with the masochists out there. This sci-fi roguelike melds arcade bullet hell with a horror mystery and will scratch the itch for players, sending them on infuriating gameplay loops until they start piecing the puzzle together. Being a PS5 console exclusive, Returnal makes full use of the PS5 SSD and DualSense features, like haptic feedback, and 3D audio. Not one for the faint-hearted.
Horizon Forbidden West
If you've played Horizon Zero Dawn, the sequel is more of the same gameplay you love, with new threats for Aloy to contend with in the wake of the events in the first game and its DLC, The Frozen Wilds. In terms of performance, the PS5 just about pips the PS4 version to the post. While that may seem negligible, if your PS4 sounds like it's about to take off at any given moment like mine did, it's worth playing the prettier, smoother PS5 version of the game. I will say that if you do treat yourself, buy the PS4 version of the game to get the free PS5 upgrade and save yourself some money.
Ghostwire: Tokyo
Directed by Shinji Mikami, or Resident Evil and Dino Crisis fame, Ghostwire: Tokyo pits you against a supernatural threat in the deserted streets of Tokyo. Almost all of the city's populous has been spirited away, leaving you to tackle the 'Visitors'. The title is a timed exclusive for PS5 and will be hitting Xbox Series X|S after March, 2023, but is still a console exclusive for now.
The Last of Us: Part 1 PS5 remake
Replays aren't for everyone, admittedly, but if you want to wax nostalgic and have a remake actually live up to your rose-tinted memories of a game, The Last of Us: Part 1 remake should be at the top of your list. The original came out on the PS3 10-years ago, but rest assured, the remake captures everything about the first game that made it so special and serves it up with such subtlety, it'll feel like you're playing it for the first time again.
Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales
You'd be hard pushed to find anyone who didn't enjoy swinging through the streets of New York in Marvel's Spider-Man, and the same can be said for Miles' outing. It's the same web-slinging with a new (but fan favourite) Spider-Man. And thanks to the PS5's hardware, we've got ray-traced graphics coming out of the wazoo. Another bonus is that you can buy this alongside the remastered original Spider-Man in the Ultimate Edition if you've not managed to play either game yet.
Stray
Indie darling Stray tapped right into the collective – and inexplicable – urge to worship everything cats. Set in a future devoid of humans, in a neon dystopia populated with droids, you step into the adorably furry paws of a cat, lost in this subterranean Cyberpunk city. You can't talk, and the robot communication sounds like gibberish, but it's an incredibly refreshing take on gameplay to be limited to the vocalisations and actions of a cat. And thanks to the fluid mechanics, you'll feel as agile and graceful as our feline friends. Stray is a must-okay if you're after something a bit different.
Honorable mentions
A number of fantastic PS4 games have been enhanced for PS5, but haven't had the full, ground-up remaster treatment just yet. That doesn't make them any less worthy of playthrough. In fact, if you've not had the pleasure of playing these games already, I'm a little envious that your first dabble is going to be with these revamped versions. Ghost of Tsushima sits firmly among my favourite games of all time, and the Director's Cut is the definitive experience and throws in the DLC to boot.
The same goes for Death Stranding Director's Cut. Both games are fantastic PS4 titles that have had a little spruce up for the PS5 and are well worth picking up if you've not found time to play them yet.
Don't forget to check out our roundup of best Xbox games ad best PC games if you're looking for titles to add to your 2023 pile.
