Summary

• PlayStation 4 still has a strong library of exclusive games that are competitive with PS5 offerings.
• PS4 games emphasize cinematic presentation and storytelling, with diverse genres and gameplay styles.
• Many PS4 games have been remastered for PS5, but the original versions still hold up and offer immersive experiences.

Although the PlayStation 5 has been out for several years now, the PlayStation 4 and its library are by no means obsolete. Sony's last-generation system featured an exceptionally strong array of exclusive titles that helped propel it to market success, and the best entries are still easily competitive with major offerings on its successor. Whether returning to a dusty PS4 or booting up a system for the first time, there's plenty of entertainment to be found.

Many of the best PS4 games put an emphasis on cinematic presentation and storytelling, which has become a major focus for Sony exclusives over the years. Even so, there's a diverse array of genres and gameplay styles among the standouts. From fantasy adventures to historical action, there's something for everyone in the PS4 library.

10 The Last Of Us Part 2 Is A PS4 Standard-Bearer

Action-Adventure/Survival Horror, 2020

A new remaster brings an upgraded version of The Last of Us Part 2 to the PS5, but it's hard to make a compelling argument that the remaster is entirely necessary. The original release of this mature zombie story pushes the PS4 to its limits, rendering a stunningly realistic world that hasn't aged a day. It's best to play through the excellent story of the original The Last of Us first, but the sequel is the best example of just how much juice can be squeezed out of the console.

9 Nioh Is Punishing But Memorable

Action RPG, 2017

Nioh does have a remaster on the PlayStation 5, but the changes aren't extremely significant. This is a great PS4 title for fans of games like Dark Souls to explore, with truly challenging action and bosses to surmount, which can necessitate smart use of the wide variety of builds to pursue. Strategy never gets in the way of style, however, with fluid action and excellent presentation throughout.

8 Ghost of Tsushima Has A Great PS4 Open World

Action-Adventure, 2020

Ghost of Tsushima is a historical fiction game focusing on a samurai named Jin Sakai that unfolds an incredible and heartbreaking character struggle across the course of its runtime. The island of Tsushima makes for a breathtaking setting, and engaging combat and elegant solutions to some common open-world problems help it stand out from the wider market. The enhanced Director's Cut of the game is available on PS4, so there's nothing missing on the older version of the game except for the PS5's basic optimization upgrades.

7 Marvel's Spider-Man Makes Web-Slinging Thrilling

Action-Adventure, 2018

Marvel's Spider-Man 2 is a smash PS5 success, but that acclaim was only made possible by its predecessor on the PS4. Marvel's Spider-Man is the game that Spider-Man fans had been dreaming of for years and easily one of the best modern superhero video games. Although the story and characters all use familiar tropes, everything is assembled in a perfectly polished package with fluid web-slinging and fast-paced combat that makes being a friendly neighborhood Spider-man a joy.

6 Final Fantasy 7 Remake Refreshes A Classic

Action RPG, 2020

Despite its name, Final Fantasy 7 Remake is more than just a remake, taking a new angle of approach to one of the most iconic RPG stories of all time. It's also still a console exclusive to PlayStation systems, despite Final Fantasy 15 having launched as a cross-platform release. Unfortunately, its Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth sequel is only coming to the PlayStation 5, so sticking to the PS4 might leave the story hanging.

5 God of War (2018) Has Depth And Style

Action-Adventure, 2018

God of War is a series that's traditionally been known for its over-the-top action set pieces, but the PS4 iteration of the franchise shook things up with a focus on a story of fatherhood. It's also one of the best showcases of the system's potential, with an impressive level of detail to bring snowy environments and mystical creatures to life. Its sequel, God of War Ragnarök, can also be played on the PS4, although it shines even more on the PS5 as a cross-generation release.

4 Horizon Zero Dawn Is Gorgeous On PS4

Action RPG, 2017

Horizon Zero Dawn is a major PS4 stunner, especially for anyone with a TV that has HDR compatibility. Incredible vistas bring a unique vision of America to life, exploring a future where mechanical beasts overrun the land and humans have returned to tribal societies. Exciting combat that makes good use of stealth and firepower alike makes Horizon Zero Dawn consistently entertaining, and an engaging story properly sets up the PS4 and PS5 sequel, Horizon Forbidden West.

3 Shadow Of The Colossus Is A Titanic Achievement

Action-Adventure, 2018

Originally a PlayStation 2 title, Shadow of the Colossus has long stood as a titanic accomplishment with its impressive boss battles, compelling atmosphere, and powerfully quiet sense of storytelling. The PlayStation 4 is thankfully loyal to the original, remaking the graphics but retaining the gameplay (with the addition of a couple of alternate control schemes). The Last Guardian is another great PS4 title from the minds behind Shadow of the Colossus, but this is the one that's a true must-play.

2 Uncharted 4 Delivers A Grand Finale On PS4

Action-Adventure, 2016

One of the most iconic PlayStation franchises reached its conclusion on the PS4 with Uncharted 4, which brings the saga of Nathan Drake to a thrilling and meaningful end. Building on the penchant for show-stopping set pieces and memorable characters that the PS3 games established, Uncharted 4 pulls out all the stops for the ultimate adventure. The previous games are also available on the PS4 in the remastered Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection, which is one of the best deals that the system has to offer.

1 Bloodborne Is A PS4 Masterpiece

Action RPG, 2015

Bloodborne has long since been considered one of the greatest PlayStation-exclusive games ever, and it's an ideal game to play for those who haven't bought a PlayStation 5 yet. It hasn't received any upgrades on the PS5, so the framerate and resolution are the same across both systems. The horrific world of Bloodborne and the patented difficulty of developer FromSoftware can make it a hard sell for some, but anyone up for a grisly and grueling experience is likely to fall in love with what it has to offer on the PlayStation 4.