Ever since the PlayStation 1, Sony has released so many exclusive games for each generation of consoles that have made it stand out from amongst its competitors. From games created by some of the video game industry's most celebrated directors to titles that spawned a franchise, there's a reason the PlayStation brand has a huge fanbase.
But amongst their exclusive games across the past few decades, which games are seen as the best? Looking at Metacritic's ratings and scores from critics and fans, you can find the best exclusive releases.
Metal Gear Solid (1998) - 94
Despite the controversial end of Hideo Kojima and Konami's working relationship during the making of Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain for the PS4, the series is one of the most celebrated titles ever. And it all started in 1998 with the PlayStation 1's Metal Gear Solid.
The game introduced gamers to many new characters and elements that would be a mainstay of the series: protagonist Solid Snake; dramatic camera angles; and some of the most rewarding boss battles in the series. While the future of the series is up in the air, fans and newcomers can at least enjoy the game that sprouted the roots of the series.
God Of War (2018) - 94
While the first God of War game for the PS2 also received the same score, the 2018 sequel and reboot of the series stood out for many. Stepping away from an angry Kratos, fans were reintroduced to an older and calmer version of the character that many embraced for the more cinematic entry in the series.
The PS4 game won many awards for its new gameplay and a more dramatic story as Kratos travels across the world of Norse mythology with his son Atreus. And fans won't have to wait long for the anticipated sequel for the PS5 and PS4, God of War: Ragnarok.
LittleBigPlanet (2008) - 95
Before they would eventually make Dreams, the British-based video game developer Media Molecule's first game is also seen by some as one of the best PS3 games. And the playable character, Sackboy, would also become a recognizable face for PlayStation.
Traveling across the world of LittleBigPlanet, players can collect materials in the levels to make their own games that they can share online. And the series would also introduce many DLC packs and costumes that can still be accessed today for LittleBigPlanet 3.
Persona 5 Royal (2019) - 95
Many PlayStation and JRPG fans may be aware of the Persona series after the critical praise it received for the PlayStation Vita exclusive title Persona 4 Golden. And so with the fifth installment making its way to the PS4, many finally jumped into the world of Joker and The Phantom Thieves of Hearts.
While Persona 5 was already well-received and was one of the best JRPGs on the PlayStation 4, it received an enhanced version in the form of Persona 5 Royal. Featuring a brand new character to join Joker's party and new features, the game managed to improve an already impressive title.
Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec (2001) - 95
After the series made a name for itself on the PS1, it was no surprise to see that it would eventually drive its way towards the PS2 with Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec. While it retained some of the past elements from previous games, the series also had some new features too.
With the new technology at the time, the game was able to add in lighting and effects that gave the cars more realism than ever before, introducing new stages based on dirt courses and nighttime settings that took advantage of the tech. And with new cars to unlock too, many saw this as one of the best racing games ever created.
The Last Of Us Remastered (2014) - 95
There's no doubt that The Last of Us on the PlayStation 3 was already an impressive game and was seen as one of Naughty Dog's best pieces of work, especially after their success with the Unchartered trilogy. Taking place in the post-apocalypse, players saw Joel and Ellie bond while having to fight off against infected people as they travel across America.
This new IP proved to be so successful that the game was remade for the PS4 with some new enhancements. And it also introduced some new fans to what made the first game such a hit before the sequel was released.
Uncharted 3: Among Thieves (2009) - 96
When it came to the PlayStation 3, Naughty Dog was able to tell some of the best stories while also delivering some unique gameplay experiences. One of these was the Unchartered trilogy and while each game improved from the last, the third entry took the top spot on Metacritic.
Despite only half the team at the studio working on this game while the other half focused on The Last of Us, it was still able to deliver a blockbuster experience unlike any other, making it one of the best in the Uncharted series. But for those who haven't dived into the treasure hunting antics of Nathan Drake, the game was included in the Unchartered Collection for the PS4.
Gran Turismo (1997) - 96
It's hard to think that Gran Turismo was once a celebrated and beloved racing series before its recent controversies and problems with Gran Turismo 7. But the game that started the franchise is still seen as a PS1 classic.
Released in 1998 for Western audiences, the game received a strong, positive reception from critics and publications at the time. Even back then, the game featured a lot of cars to race against your friends and spawned a sequel the following year.
Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons Of Liberty (2001) - 96
After the release of the first game, Konami and Hideo Kojima would come together once again for a sequel that looked set to be bigger and better with the PS2 technology at the time. And the game would have more twists and turns than Psycho Mantis' battle.
Some fans were taken by surprise by Raiden taking over as the playable character for the majority of the story and while he wouldn't make his return until the fourth game, it opened up a whole new cast of characters in the iconic stealth series. Despite an expanded edition and HD remaster following its release, Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty has stood the test of time over 20 years later. Even after all this time, there are still things that only die-hard fans know about it.
Tekken 3 (1996) - 96
The '90s featured some of the most celebrated and beloved fighting games of all time. From Street Fighter 2 to Virtua Fighter to Super Smash Bros, arcades and home consoles spawned many titles and series that have remained beloved today.
But one of the biggest was the introduction of Tekken on the PS1 and arcades. The series introduced gamers to the King of the Iron Fist Tournament as well as the drama surrounding the Mishima clan. It wasn't until the third game that saw the series hit its peak in popularity and became one of the most successful fighting games on the PS1.