Backward compatibility has been a vital part of the transition between console generations, but the shift from PS4 to PS5 has allowed some games to build up an impressive array of improvements, thanks to the changes in technology. From the frame rates to the graphics and even lighting techniques used, patches have been produced to ensure these titles run at their maximum potential.
Although some of these games might now exist in a PS5 format, for those who wish to use their old PS4 discs or find it easier to buy their copies from the previous generation, then these video game experiences should be considered even better when played on the latest PlayStation platform.
God Of War (2018)
God Of War is one of the most memorable video game continuations in recent years. It redefined the series with its interpretation of Norse mythology and boasted both incredible graphics and immersive world-building. What was achieved by Santa Monica Studio and Jetpack Interactive using the Proprietary Engine has only been improved upon on PS5.
While a PS5 iteration of the title doesn't currently exist, the updates to the game to allow it to become backward compatible are transformative. God Of War plays at 60 FPS on the platform, runs even smoother through those cut-scenes to gameplay transitions, and now features 2160c resolution.
Spider-Man (2018)
It's possible to play Marvel's Spider-Man PS4 on the PlayStation 5 thanks to the Miles Morales: Ultimate Edition, but for those who still have access to the previous version of the title, there are definitive benefits to playing the game on the next generation.
From the fantastic antagonists across the game to the intricate character designs amongst the protagonists, the details of these heroes and villains really pop thanks to the various options that include shifting to 60 FPS, dynamic 2160c resolution, and hugely consequentially changed lighting techniques through the use of ray tracing. What's more, faster loading times aids with the enjoyment of the overall Insomniac experience.
Horizon Zero Dawn (2017)
Horizon Zero Dawn was upgraded for PS5 and fans are eagerly awaiting the sequel on PS5, Horizon Forbidden West comes from Guerrilla Games, who continue to use the Decima engine in their development. The studio definitely didn't lapse on their movement of the original title between consoles though.
2160c resolution and 60 FPS speeds are just the start here, as various patches have made sure that both the loading screens and the gameplay itself run far smoother. Graphics appear improved at a fundamental level, and it's perhaps the environmental elements that have benefitted most from the upgrades.
Uncharted 4: A Thief's End (2016)
There's currently a lot of work being done on the Uncharted series, which Sony and Naughty Dog are keen to revisit in all its glory from the first release to the last on PS5. But the fourth installment, A Thief's End, is already available to enjoy on the platform.
The team made the interesting choice of providing two locked improvement modes, with the game running at 30 FPS and 1440p in single player and 60 FPS and 1080p in multiplayer; even if there are drops in this from time to time. That's a resolution upgrade from the PS4 and even PS4 pro and gamers are likely to notice an intensity to the details now revealed on screen.
The Last Of Us Part II (2020)
The Last Of Us and its sequel have been huge successes for Naughty Dog and Sony, who have used the Proprietary Engine to craft iconic cinematic scenes that tell the exquisite story of these complex characters. The PS5 is just another tool for the team to update the details they could pack into this zombie tale.
The patch to PS5 has seen a few major changes for the game, in comparison even to the PS4 Pro. The Last Of Us Part II is now locked at 60 FPS and boasts a 1440p resolution. Although there is a choice to change the set target to 30 FPS to allow for smoother play, the game also utilizes faster load speeds as well.
Ghost Of Tsushima (2020)
The Director's Cut of Ghost Of Tsushima is arguably the best way to experience this phenomenal cinematic journey, but failing that, the PS4 iteration of the game is just as enjoyable when played through the PlayStation 5. Sucker Punch Productions has put their all into ensuring that fans don't miss out if they aren't able to purchase the most recent edition.
The game allows for two choices in regards to the settings, where players can either select a quality or a performance mode. Quality runs 1800c at 30 FPS while performance sees a downgrade of 1080p at 60 FPS. Faster load speeds are a given, but the lighting appears to have advanced as well, with the patches allowing for a more immersive experience.
Red Dead Redemption II (2018)
Red Dead Redemption II went above and beyond in delivering what fans expected from the sequel and did so with a visual flair not always seen from a game of such sheer size. There's a potential remake in development for next-gen but for now, Rockstar Games is focused on patching the original disc to PS5.
2160c resolution and a locked 30 FPS is the choice that has been made for this upgrade. This might seem like a very surface-level shift, with fewer elements brought into this transition than other titles, yet the game runs beautifully with these slight moves and benefits from the overall consequences of playing on PlayStation 5.
The Witcher III: Wild Hunt (2015)
The Witcher III: Wild Hunt might just be one of the most popular and well-regarded games ever released. Although there are always plans to bring the game to newer consoles, at the very least PlayStation fans can take advantage of the in-depth moves made by CD Projekt, Widescreen Games, Fuero Games, and Can Explode.
A locked 30 FPS running speed is featured here, alongside 2160c resolution. But fans need to know about other Witcher choices the developers have made, including anisotropic filtering to improve the textures of the piece, alongside ambient occlusion which interacts further with the shadows and lighting of the image.
Death Stranding (2019)
There is a native PS5 option for those who want to pick up the best version of Death Stranding which especially boasts better textures, but that isn't to say that Kojima Productions haven't put effort into ensuring the Decima engine takes advantage of backward compatibility.
Fans are given a quality and performance option once more, with the former focusing on a locked 30 FPS and 2160c resolution, while the latter utilizes 60 FPS and 1080p resolution. However, loading speeds might also be a bonus, but the game has added depth of field techniques to add a layer of realism to each passing frame.
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order (2019)
Jedi: Fallen Order was a brilliant entry into the Star Wars saga and effectively captured the galaxy far far away. Although there is a PS5 native edition for players to enjoy and even a free upgrade from EA and Respawn Entertainment, the PS4 disc makes good use of backward compatibility.
It takes a very medium approach with 1200p resolution and a 60 FPS target, which is largely achieved. There are clearly lighting shifts and improved loading speeds as well here, which overall adds a cinematic quality to the piece and much needed depth to the image.