The PlayStation 4 will likely go down in history as one of the greatest video game consoles of all time. A marked improvement over the somewhat infamous PlayStation 3, which was criticized for a lack of quality games at launch and a largely failed attempt at backward compatibility, the PlayStation 4 went on to become the second best-selling home console of all time, second only to the legendary PlayStation 2. More importantly, the console has been home to some of the most critically acclaimed and influential games of the past decade.
Praised by developers and players alike for its performance capabilities, the PlayStation 4 allowed designers to take their games to the next level. The eighth generation of gaming saw an era of massive open world environments, seamless framerates, and immersive gaming experiences in 4K resolution. Developers were able to make bolder, more creative choices in their titles, creating an impressive library of remarkable games that will continue to hold up long after the PS5 launches.
With all that in mind, here are six of the PlayStation 4’s most notable gaming achievements.
Until Dawn On PS4
Upon its release in 2015, Until Dawn redefined multiple genres, pushing the boundaries of what could be accomplished in survival horror, adventure games, and interactive dramas. Set at a mountainside cabin a year after the mysterious disappearance of twin sisters, Until Dawn follows eight friends as they attempt to survive a variety of supernatural and real world horrors.
Every little decision counts as the player assumes the role of each of Until Dawn's eight characters, determining who lives and who dies as they uncover the secrets that plague the mountain. At nearly 40 GB – the size of many open world RPGs – Until Dawn boasts unparalleled replay value, with so many possible directions and twists that no two playthroughs are ever exactly the same.
Bloodborne On PS4
After the deeply polarizing Dark Souls II, FromSoftware rallied with 2015’s critically-acclaimed Bloodborne. A Victorian Gothic action RPG with roots in Lovecraftian horror, Bloodborne deviated from Dark Souls in several ways while also retaining the most effective parts of its formula. The game was praised for its interconnected level design and intricate combat system, in particular its innovative “rally” mechanic, in which players could regain their health by attacking an enemy shortly after taking damage themselves.
Bloodborne was named Game of the Year by multiple industry publications, and went on to influence numerous other games including Nioh and God of War. With both online and offline play modes, a variety of character builds, complex lore, and randomized dungeons, the game has massive replay value, leading many to hope that a second Bloodborne title is in store for the PS5.
Shadow of the Colossus On PS4
Technically not a PS4 original title, Team Ico’s legendary PS2 game Shadow of the Colossus was rebuilt from the ground up for this 2018 remake. Featuring dazzling new visuals in which players can literally see each individual hair on the game’s titular colossi, the new Shadow of the Colossus received universal acclaim for its breathtaking graphics and improved control scheme.
While the story and basic trajectory of the original game are retained for the remake, Shadow of the Colossus plays like an entirely new game, one that takes full advantage of the PS4’s renowned performance capabilities. In an entertainment industry saturated in remakes and reboots, Shadow of the Colossus set a new standard for remastered video games, sending the message that a simple port is no longer enough: some games simply deserve better.
Final Fantasy 7 Remake On PS4
In contrast, Final Fantasy took the remake formula and threw it out the window, reimagining one of the series’ most beloved games with this year’s Final Fantasy VII Remake. Though technically a remake in terms of rebuilding from the ground up, the new FF7 game only explores a portion of the original's story.
Instead of following the exact same plot as the original game, Final Fantasy VII Remake takes a sharp left turn in its final act, departing from the original’s narrative and resetting the story in an alternate timeline. The decision was controversial among fans, but nevertheless represents a significant moment in video game history, one that will undoubtedly resonate in the industry for years to come. FF7R quite literally remakes what it means to be a remake, spelling exciting things to come for the series and the next generation of video games.
The Last of Us: Part 2 On PS4
Following years of delays, the long-awaited sequel to Naughty Dog’s critically acclaimed The Last of Us finally launched earlier this year. The Last of Us: Part II received acclaim for its characterization and gameplay, with many critics considering the graphics to be among the best ever released for the PS4. The game was also praised for its groundbreaking accessibility features, which took full advantage of the PS4's trailblazer status as the first major console to allow controller remapping at the system level. Though TLOU2's narrative proved divisive among both fans and reviewers, several key decisions were made in the writing of The Last of Us: Part II that represent landmark achievements for the video game industry.
After focusing on Joel as the main player character in the game’s first installment, The Last of Us: Part II shifts the focus to Ellie, a queer female protagonist. Women and queer people remain criminally underrepresented in video games (and most media), and centering such characters in a beloved male-skewing action franchise is, unfortunately, still an anomaly in 2020. The game also features Lev, a transgender man, as a secondary character, and while his portrayal is imperfect – the game drew criticism in particular for its use of Lev’s dead name – he was notably played by a trans actor, something even major Hollywood films still can’t seem to wrap their heads around.
Unfortunately, these decisions were not without consequence: The Last of Us II was subject to vicious review bombing, further evidence of the rampant misogyny, homophobia, and transphobia that continues to plague the industry. However, the inclusion of these characters is no less significant, and underscores the need for diverse voices not only in-game, but behind the scenes, hopefully paving the way for even better things to come in the era of the PS5.
Marvel's Spider-Man On PS4
One of the most hotly-anticipated titles of 2018, Marvel’s Spider-Man quickly became one of the PS4’s fastest-selling games. The first Spidey game not developed by Activision in nearly twenty years, Insomniac’s Spider-Man swung onto the scene with fluid mechanics, exhilarating boss fights, and a compelling original story that delighted fans of both the comics and the films. The game was praised by many reviewers as one of the greatest superhero games of all time, and certainly the best to feature the web-slinger. Marvel's Spider-Man received numerous Game of the Year titles and nominations, and even received its own limited edition PlayStation 4 design.
Spider-Man has become such a monumental success for Sony that the game’s sequel, Spider-Man: Miles Morales, will release next month as a launch title for the PlayStation 5, propelling players into the super-powered next generation of gaming.