Playstation’s roster of first-party games is truly stellar and a key reason why Sony has experienced such a profitable and successful console generation. Microsoft has canceled some of their most anticipated first-party games, which has allowed Playstation exclusives to shine. Despite being resigned to one console, these games have had a massive impact on the industry.
Therefore, I take it upon myself to rank the best PlayStation exclusives ever made. That’s right, that includes games made for any PlayStation console, not just the Playstation 5. However, I am going to pick only one game from each series. So, from the first PlayStation to the powerhouse that is the Playstation 5, here are the best exclusives ever to grace the consoles.
10. Ghost of Tsushima
Sucker Punch Studios vanished from the gaming scene for a while, but they reemerged with a thunderous bang when they dropped Ghost of Tsushima. This game takes you on a sweeping adventure across the picturesque island of Tsushima in Japan, where you wage war against the Mongols to liberate the land. Although it follows a typical open-world format, Ghost of Tsushima distinguishes itself with its breathtaking scenery and heart-racing combat mechanics. No game has ever captured the essence of samurai fighting as gracefully as this game does, where you can unleash a flurry of attacks on waves of Mongols and bask in your victory.
The main storyline is equally fascinating, as the lead character Jin must use tactics that go against the samurai code, creating a captivating dichotomy between tradition and necessity. The tension in the air is palpable, as Jin battles against those who hold on to traditional beliefs in the face of daunting challenges. This open-world adventure is endlessly captivating, with a core narrative that will leave you yearning to get back to the main story after exploring the charming Tsushima landscape.
9. Horizon Zero Dawn
In the year 2017, the release of Horizon Zero Dawn was a big deal in the open-world game genre. Despite having to compete with The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, this game shone through and showed us what it meant to be an open-world adventure with exceptional gameplay. Horizon Zero Dawn implemented one of the most exhilarating combat systems you’ll ever find in an open-world game. The fighting is fast-paced, and players have to be quick on their feet to dodge and attack the enemies’ weak points. With an arsenal of different weapons to choose from, players can choose their own playstyle and get creative with how they tackle each battle.
It’s not just the combat that makes this game an excellent open-world adventure. The sci-fi narrative is incredibly gripping, and the characters are so well-crafted that it’s easy to become emotionally invested in their journey. The world-building in Horizon Zero Dawn is impressive, and the more you explore, the more you uncover about this post-apocalyptic world. As you progress through the game, you’ll find that there’s so much depth to this story, and you’ll be itching to uncover all its secrets.
8. Demons Souls
The Souls games are undeniably a massive hit in the gaming world. Now FromSoftware’s Elden Ring has smashed all expectations for what is possible in an open world game. However, it’s crucial to pay homage to the game that started it all – Demon’s Souls. With its recent revamp for the PlayStation 5, Demon’s Souls grants a valuable look into the origins of Dark Souls and the evolution of its core concepts. Although Demon’s Souls may not possess the same intricacy as its successors in level and boss designs, it offers an ample feast for Souls enthusiasts to savor.
The beauty of Demon’s Souls lies in its relative simplicity, which makes it an excellent starting point for those who are just venturing into the franchise. The PlayStation 5 remake, in particular, is a sight to behold – its visual aesthetics are nothing short of extraordinary, coupled with a host of quality-of-life enhancements that make the gaming experience seamless and enjoyable.
If you’re seeking an adventure that will challenge and captivate you, then Demon’s Souls is a game you shouldn’t miss. With its rich history and unforgettable gameplay, it’s no wonder that this game has created a massive following over the years.
7. Shadow of the Colossus
Imagine a world where there are no ordinary grunts to fight, no tedious grinding for XP, no linear progression, no mind-numbing skill trees to level up – a world where you only face giant, breathtaking, awe-inspiring colossi. This is the world of Shadow of the Colossus, where you’re thrown into the fray of boss battles, and each encounter is a heart-pounding, unforgettable experience.
One moment you’re frantically dodging a colossal sword that could easily cleave you in half, then you’re scaling the massive beast, crawling up its hairy back, inching closer to its neck, ready to deliver the killing blow. The next moment, you’re struggling to stay on a writhing aquatic behemoth that is trying to shake you off while it dives deep underwater. And before you know it, you’re galloping on horseback, chasing after a winged monstrosity that soars through the air, all while firing arrows into its air-filled sacs to bring it crashing down.
Yet, Shadow of the Colossus isn’t just a game about epic battles with towering beasts. It’s a game that tells a poignant and moving story, full of mystery, love, and sacrifice. The game’s narrative punches you in the gut, and its emotional resonance lingers long after the final credits have rolled.
6. Spider Man
Insomniac’s Spider-Man swings in as one of the top-tier open-world games to ever hit the gaming industry. This game is filled to the brim with typical open-world offerings that include collectibles, side quests, and unlockables. However, the real adrenaline-pumping experience lies in the action-packed gameplay. The thrill of thwipping and wall-running around the towering skyscrapers of New York City is unparalleled, especially when you’re dive-bombing down to the ground to take on a pack of baddies. Insomniac’s Spider-Man is an ode to the character and the city that spawned him, with a captivating and heartfelt storyline that keeps you coming back for more.
The gaming experience that Insomniac’s Spider-Man provides is nothing short of a spectacular show. The game delivers explosive boss fights and giant action sequences that will leave you breathless. Yet, it still finds a way to maintain its charm by weaving in endearing moments in between. The game is a beautiful depiction of the iconic character and the city he lives in. It’s like taking a journey through New York City with Spider-Man as your guide, a guide that shows you the world from his unique perspective.
Once you reach the end of Insomniac’s Spider-Man, you may think it’s all over. But don’t fret! You can still get more of the web-slinging action with 2020’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales. This excellent follow-up to the original game is not only smaller but also manages to provide fresh gameplay and new characters. The game continues the same feeling as the previous game, but it also comes with a unique personality that sets it apart from its predecessor. In short, it’s a must-play if you’re looking for an incredible gaming experience.
5. Infamous: Second Son
Infamous Second Son is the electric third installment in the Infamous series and a Playstation exclusive that rocks the gaming world. This action-packed game is set in Seattle and follows the story of Delsin Rowe, a rebellious graffiti artist who discovers he has extraordinary powers that he can wield to take down the corrupt Department of Unified Protection (DUP).
The game’s jaw-dropping graphics and stunning visuals make it an immersive experience that sucks you into the heart of the action. The open-world setting of Seattle is stunning, with realistic depictions of the city’s landmarks and iconic locations, making you feel like you’re exploring Seattle in real life.
Delsin Rowe’s superhuman powers give the game a unique flavor, with the ability to control smoke, neon, video, and concrete, all with their unique strengths and weaknesses. The game’s narrative and character development are some of the best in the business, with morally grey choices that impact the story and the world around you. While it shows it age today, it was ahead of it’s time.
4. Uncharted 4
The conclusion to Nathan Drake’s story is also the series best game. Nathan Drake is, in many ways, the face of Playstation, with the Uncharted games spanning two console generations. Each game is spectacular, but the fourth is quite simply incredible. The story is poignant and unique, with our favorite adventurer torn between two contradictory ideals: settling down and reckless adventure.
The series has never felt better: the gunplay is tight, the parkour is the best it has ever been, and the mission variety makes everything feel fresh even after four games. The set-pieces are not quite as flamboyant or immense as what has come before (looking at your Uncharted 3), but the more grounded tone of the game makes everything more intense and fun. If you are looking for a spectacular action game, Uncharted 4 is the title to play. But play the whole series, too. It certainly doesn’t hurt.
3. God of War (2018)
It was very difficult not to put God of War as number one on this list. The game is stellar in almost every single way. The game is so incredible because it reinvents Kratos, taking the angry, murdering God and making him a father, which is a more vulnerable human role. It doesn’t sound like it would work on paper, but it does spectacularly. This game has one of the greatest plots in the history of video games, and the ending will make you cry, gasp, and crave to play the sequel.
The combat has also never felt better. The Leviathan Axe is an absolute joy to use, and the incorporation of Kratos’ fists into the equation to inflict stun damage makes combat more nuanced than it might be otherwise. The game could’ve easily felt like a glorified escort quest as you travel the world with your less than capable son, but Atreus contributes to combat in many important and unique ways, making him incredibly useful. He is still vulnerable enough that you feel a strong desire to protect him, but as he grows more capable as the game goes on, you also feel proud of how independent he is. God of War represents a perfect combination of story and gameplay to create what is simply one of the greatest games of all time.
2. The Last of Us
The Last of Us released for Playstation 3 in 2013, a time where both the video game and film markets were becoming oversaturated with zombie-oriented plots. Therefore, The Last of Us had quite a challenge; it needed to stand out amongst the swarm of zombie video games. Of course, it did, and it did so spectacularly.
The zombies are actually called infected, and they are based on a unique, real fungus that hijacks the brains of its victims and controls them. That wasn’t the only way that The Last of Us avoided cliches: the story was the real draw here, not the zombies. This is a game that will certainly make you cry again and again and again. The plot is incredibly powerful, with writing that brings the world to life and characters that seem real. The acting is superb – it feels like you are watching a film, everything looks, feels, and seems so real.
And it’s not like the combat isn’t excellent, as well. Although it takes cues from cover-based shooting, which could be viewed as overdone, The Last of Us shines through with its brutality. Bullets are scarce, so when you run out, it is time to smash and stab your way to victory. However, The Last of Us begs the question: does anyone win in this desolate world? Are you a good person? With every skull you bash in, that question nags at your conscience. In short, The Last of Us is simply one of the greatest Playstation exclusive ever made.
1. Bloodborne
With Bloodborne, FromSoftware took the combat system they created with Dark Souls and turned it up to 11. Combat is incredibly fast, delightfully gory, and incredibly difficult. You are rewarded with health recovery if you attack your enemy right after they hurt you, but you lose that health if you don’t take immediate action. This seems like a simple concept, but it changed the very way you approached every battle. In Dark Souls, you learned not to try and go for that one extra hit – it wasn’t worth the risk. In Bloodborne, it might be.
Outside of the combat, the game is also perfectly designed. The world is connected in innovative and creative ways, and its Lovecraftian themes make it a macabre delight to explore. The soundtrack is incredible, making every boss fight an intense, terrifying, and awe-inspiring experience. Additionally, the boss design in this game is horrifying in the best way possible. In any case, FromSoftware has made one of the best action games of all time, and Sony owns it.
So, that’s my list. What do you guys think? Are there some games you think should be on here but aren’t? Or would you change the order? Let us know in the comments below!
