The PS5 has enjoyed ever-growing popularity since its launch in November 2020.
Despite a chip shortage, nearly 22 million PS5 consoles were sold by the end of June 2022 and it is no suprise why PlayStation fans have been rushing to upgrade. The souped up console is miles ahead when compared to its predecessor - with 10.28 teraflops of power, double the RAM and far more storage.
Most welcome of all to those with a back catalogue of PS4 games, the backward compatibility feature on the PS5 allows a majority of former console games to be played on it. Several games have received free PS5 patches, and once they have been downloaded, the PS4 games can be played on the latest console with an advanced frame rate.
Additionally, the PS5’s DualSense controller is a step ahead of the PS4’s DualShock controller, with its better ergonomic design, haptic feedback, and built-in mic. The haptic feedback allows users to physically feel things that happen within the game via vibrations from the controller. An example would be Miles Morales’ web shots and venom blasts in his game, as well as vehicular traversal and punches in the Uncharted series.
Since the PlayStation 5’s launch in November 2020, over 500 games have been available to play on it exclusively or via patches. Over 25 regular chart-toppers were considered for this feature. Although some were exceptional, they still narrowly missed out, for this list only has the very best. While this selection is dominated by industry leader Sony Interactive Entertainment, there are other award-winning games that have deservedly earned their spot here.
Here goes.
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God of War
The God of War game series made its debut in March 2005, and it has never looked back since. This franchise has sold over 51 million copies by November 2020 and is one of the most beloved of all time. God-hunting warrior Kratos returns in this 2018 release that is the first instalment in the Norserealm series. The game is a masterpiece, and with its follow-up God of War: Ragnarok out this November, it should certainly be at the top of everyone’s priority list now.
The solid storyline explores Kratos and his attempts to escape from his past, while still dealing with the consequences of his previous actions in the present. While the combat weapons are straightforward, they take some time to get used to. But apart from that, the game is a complete package for everyone. The beautiful, striking visuals transport you to a mythical world that you’d certainly not want to leave.
A special mention goes out to the voice actors, who manage to nail even the slightest changes in emotions and endear us to all the characters, no matter who they are. All in all, God of War is an epic done well.
(Note: God of War has been released for the PS4, and does not have a remastered graphics version for the PS5. However, it has received a PS5 patch, which improves the frame rate to 60fps (frames per second) with 4k resolution. And extremely worth it, given the gameplay and the cost).
Buy now £19.99, Amazon
Hades
If the Percy Jackson series were brought to life through excellent artwork, a set of interesting characters, and fairly intense gameplay - you’d get Hades.
Developed and published by Supergiant Games, the roguelike swept multiple award events in 2020 and 2021 and became the first video game to win the prestigious Hugo award. Hades is a beautifully crafted game that combines elements of action-adventure games and RPGs successfully. The art style is reminiscent of a creative graphic novel that has been brought to life.
Hades can be fairly intense, and it takes some time to get used to the different traps and hell-based creatures in various rooms. To counter these effects, the game offers our protagonist Zagreus a "God Mode" that allows players to enhance their damage resistance when surpassing levels with relative ease. This is great for players who are building their skills but also want to explore the map. The changing dialogues after each run, including playful character exchanges that remind you of your previous deaths make this game unique. This keeps in line with Zagreus’ roots - after all, he is the God of rebirth in Greek mythology.
The one downside is that hacking and slashing your way through enemies can become repetitive, especially for players who prefer a greater emphasis on the story. However, the plot and its pacing is engaging enough for us to root for the titular hero and even the villains.
Buy now £23.79, Amazon
Stray
In stray, you are a cat that gets separated from its litter and is trying to get back to its companions. The game is unusual in that you are playing as a feline trying to adjust to an unknown world. Stray had built up plenty of interest after its trailer reveal, and it has certainly lived up to expectations.
Unlike the other games on this list, Stray isn’t an action-packed feast. It is a puzzle-heavy stealth-based game and is great for those who want to relax after a long day. The cat and its robotic companion B12 make for an unconventional yet adorable pair. Basic actions such as jumping and climbing are scaled differently as we’re alley cats, but there’s a certain ease to performing them. The intricate design, which includes scratched-up walls and ventilation and plumbing systems in cyberpunk-styled cities deserves a round of applause.
While the game is also available on the PS4, the PS5’s DualSense Controller takes the cat’s actions up a notch. Thanks to the controller’s built-in microphone and enhanced haptic feedback, players can sense the strays purring and meowing. The puzzles are challenging enough, and the guidance system ensures that we do not "stray" too much from the next objective or location.
Buy now £31.95, Amazon
Elden Ring
Elden Ring has a score of 96 on 100 on Metacritic, which is also the highest ever for PS5 games, has sold 12 million copies within the first two weeks of its release, and is all that users in the gaming community seem to talk about even months later. While it’s not perfect, it easily makes its way to this list.
The game’s world-building has been conceived by legendary Game of Thrones writer George R. R. Martin. Additionally, it has been co-written and directed by Hidetaka Miyazaki, who is responsible for the creation of some of From Software’s best RPGs (role-playing games) such as Dark Souls and Bloodborne.
Elden Ring is a complete game, as it caters to multiple user playstyles. While some prefer close-range fights, others may feel that magic is a more suitable means to an end. The game has great visuals and a colour scheme that is more generous than From Software’s previous games. Additionally, some of the enemy designs are equally creepy and stunning.
Elden Ring can at times feel overwhelming for those who are newer to video gaming, thanks to its extremely challenging bosses and lengthy playtime. But it is not a game to be devoured in one go - it is a gift that keeps giving.
Buy now £44.99, Amazon
Returnal
Returnal feels like a complete package. The game successfully introduces horror elements while guiding us via the protagonist Selene Vassos. The gripping dread of facing a siege of monsters in an unknown world reminds one of an action-horror RPG such as Dead Space. However, the game has the ability to stand on its own two feet thanks to its sheer uniqueness in nearly every aspect of the game.
Returnal constantly pushes us to make smart choices. The reward chests are also more balanced, which forces players to not fall back on them for survival but to rely on their own set of skills. Unlike other games, Returnal has malignant chests and parasites that can reduce enhancements that can only be removed after completing certain tasks.
The game has a realistic yet intense shooting and dodging system, and the bosses are a credible threat thanks to their assortment of orbs and projectiles. Selene’s journey also has an interesting backstory, and subtle clues to it can be spotted throughout the game. For those interested in a futuristic space action thriller, this is an absolute must-have.
Buy now £53.62, Amazon
Horizon Forbidden West
Horizon Zero Dawn got rave reviews, and emulating it was always going to be a challenge for its successor. However, Horizon Forbidden West manages to pull it off. The artistic depictions of contrasting environments, whether lush green forests or desert terrains are truly breathtaking.
The combat design involves using primitive-styled weapons against man-made robot machines, and it feels thrilling to take down a near invincible-looking creature such as a metallic 50-foot flying dinosaur with an electric bolt. The cutscenes have a cinematic feel to them, similar to other top-quality RPGs such as Ghost of Tsushima.
While Aloy continues to dominate proceedings, the side characters have plenty of screen time, and their personal stories and motivations add credence to the game. The gameplay at times requires users to have plenty of patience while beating the large variety of enemies, but it makes for a complete and rewarding experience. HFW also emphasises Aloy’s personal growth, and her struggles make us want to root for her.
Buy now £49.99, Amazon
Spiderman Miles Morales: Ultimate Edition
The Miles Morales ultimate edition pack is simply one of the best video game bundles in the superhero genre. The collection includes the PS5 remastered version of Spider-Man (2018), which won the Game of the Year award in 2018, and Miles Morales (2020), a shorter yet equally exciting game that depicts another version of the caped crusader. The balanced visuals and faster loading speeds in the PS5 certainly enhance the profile of this already beautiful game.
One underrated factor of these games is that they have one of the most realistic facial animations, which give Peter and his compatriots a more authentic feel. Unlike other games where the action may dwarf the story, Spiderman Remastered accomplishes the enviable task of successfully interweaving both.
Meanwhile, Miles Morales feels capable enough of being the lead in his game, and not merely an extension of Peter Parker. His personality shines through, which also has some interesting side quests. Additionally, Miles has unique powers such as electricity generation and invisibility which greatly enhance his skillset. With its visual spectacle, solid gameplay, and the web slinger’s mile-a-minute quips, Spiderman Miles Morales: Ultimate Edition deservedly takes its spot here.
Buy now £54.95, Amazon
Ghost of Tsushima
While we progress on our journey with the titular character who is taking on the Mongols, there are multiple times when the scenes look like they came straight out of a postcard. The light shading especially during the cutscenes at night is worthy of a mention.
The weapons are simple and easy to follow. Even the difficulty of the game in hard mode feels competitive but never overwhelming like it does while playing Elden Ring. Ghost of Tsushima has adequately paid attention to side quests. The other characters are well fleshed out and have empathetic stories that endear us to them.
One letdown was the facial animations, which felt too robotic and even unpleasant at times. Nevertheless, Ghost of Tsushima is a well-told story, with great combat and sound designs. The photo mode is also worth exploring, and you can create an album of memorable screenshots by adjusting the in-game elements. This is a game that lives up to its potential.
Buy now £53.50, Amazon
The Last of Us 2
The Last of Us Part 2 was the best video game of 2020 at the Annual Game Awards. The game manages to successfully build on its already impressive predecessor’s storyline, and it has enough twists and sub-plots for a three-season arc on a TV show.
While games such as the Horizon Forbidden Series and Stray deal with the fallout of a post-apocalyptic world, they have incorporated fantasy and science fiction elements that make them feel like an escape into an alternate realm. However, the Last of Us series has high stakes grounded in reality, and the decisions that characters take will leave you questioning your own humanity. The game shows a mirror to society - the depravity of human nature, yet the belief of making it to the other side where there is light.
The Last of Us sequel has everything that you could ask for from a game - great mechanics, an engaging storyline, splendid acting, and a cinematic feel to the gameplay and cutscenes. Although there are moments when enemies may not spot you even though you are in their line of sight, the stealth-based gameplay leaves you feeling very vulnerable at times. This means that mindlessly hacking your way through a gang may get you knocked down pretty soon. However, playing with patience and striking at the right time is key to survival in your cold-blooded surroundings.
With a remastered PS5 version of the Last of Us: Part 1 being released this September, now is definitely a great time to catch up on both games.
(Note: Similar to God of War, the LOU Part 2 does not have a remastered version with advanced graphics and textures released for the PS5. However, thanks to a PS5 patch, it runs at 60fps on the latest Playstation. This makes the images look more detailed).
Buy now £22.00, Amazon
Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves
The Legacy of Thieves Collection has two games - Uncharted 4: A Thieves’ End, the final chapter of Nathan Drake’s adventures, and Uncharted: The Lost Legacy, a standalone expansion to the former with some underrated female characters. The fantastic collection was launched for the PS5 this year, and it certainly could not have come sooner.
To describe this series in one word - think Indiana Jones meets Mission Impossible. Our protagonists use melee combat and an assortment of weapons while defeating enemies in the pursuit of treasures. The hand-to-hand combat may feel a little too shaky or clunky, but there is an appropriate balance between playing in stealth and disarming your opponents.
The attention to the authenticity of local depictions in the visuals is spectacular. Plenty of painstaking effort seems to have been invested in creating a resemblance to real-world circumstances. While some of the in-game stunts seem over the top, they suit its general tone. The Uncharted series is fun done right.
Buy now £35.75, Amazon
Verdict
While it was pretty hard to choose a winner, I’m going to settle for God of War as the pick of this list as it is a complete package. The Last of Us 2 could have been the best game on this list, but there are some uncomfortable moments in the cutscenes. Nevertheless, the game comes in a close second spot due to its sheer brilliance.
