20. Star Wars Jedi: Survivor (2023)
Action/Adventure/Open Zone | Metacritic Score: 85
Image via Electronic Arts
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order was exactly what fans needed as a Star Wars game. It had been a while since we received a well-written game dabbling with a saga in the galaxy far, far away. With the game’s success, a sequel was immediately in the works. The sequel is everything we hoped for and more! The combat has new shades of authenticity with the introduction of ‘stances.’ The environments feel almost like an open world, with vast planets ready to be discovered. Cal’s use of Force brings him face-to-face with new enemy types and boss battles. The game is everything Fallen Order got right, expanded onto a stronger storyline and cast of galaxy-hardened characters.
The game’s engine shines extraordinarily well on the PS5. You can experience this to its best when you discover various ways of traversing spaces in the game. You can now ride and fly, using your Force abilities to explore smaller environments.
19. Death Stranding: Director’s Cut (2021)
Action/Adventure/Open World | Metacritic Score: 86
Image via PlayStation Studios
With his PlayStation 4 game Death Stranding, Hideo Kojima made a comeback in 2019. The title took the heights of bizarre themes and made it its selling point. As it turned out, the game was unlike anything else published then, but only to some’s taste. You take on the role of a man who delivers packages and hopes to restore the world. Death Stranding’s post-apocalyptic themes and diversified multiplayer aspects improvised on the idea and importance of human connection.
The Director’s Cut version of Death Stranding is an excellent rendition of an intriguing game. It adds fresh features that improve the gameplay, significantly improving graphics and performance. This is the most adequate approach to complete Kojima Productions’ crazy adventure.
While the Director’s Cut undoubtedly puts the game in its finest light, it won’t make anyone’s opinion change one way or another about the game. Death Stranding either puts you in the most inspired and soulful setting or ultimately puts you off.
18. Sifu (2022)
Action/Fighting | Metacritic Score: 86
Image via Sloclap
Sifu fulfills every combat ‘itch’ you’ve had in fighting games. The parrying, the combos, and the learning curve blend into one spiritual action experience. It’s a traditional martial arts narrative told over numerous metropolitan settings, each featuring distinct fighting situations and harsh bosses. If you’re new to games that test your raw reflexes, you’re in for a lesson or two.
Sifu is a beat ’em up unlike any other at the moment. It’s a fine addition to your PlayStation collection. Finding games with such polish and solid combat mechanics is rare, and that’s where Sifu makes its mark.
17. Returnal (2021)
Action/Roguelike | Metacritic Score: 86
Image via Sony Interactive Entertainment
Returnal is an excellent modern roguelike. The challenging gameplay and environment have a beautiful design and feel to it. It’s all wonderfully stunning (even if occasionally a little depressing). The developers did an excellent job with accessibility design – with the tactile feedback sending the rain of Atropos to your fingertips through the controller. You can even witness the visual splendor of neon against a monochromatic environment.
In Returnal, the loop resets the moment you die. As you go through the different biomes and find new weaponry and alien technology, you’ll learn some of the secrets behind the loops. This makes it a roguelike that is true to the genre and tests the PlayStation 5’s potential.
16. Ghost of Tsushima – Directors Cut (2021)
Action/Adventure/Open World | Metacritic Score: 87
Image via Sony Interactive Entertainment
Ghost of Tsushima is a humble love letter to old Samurai films. The way scenes are shot? Right out of a theatrical masterpiece. The voice acting, gameplay, and exploration make Ghost of Tsushima’s world extremely seductive. As you learn the ways of the blade and tackle different enemy types, Ghost of Tsushima will remain in your heart for years to come.
PS5’s version includes DualSense features, gorgeous 4K graphics running at 60 FPS, and 3D Audio compatibility. The Iki Island extension is a brilliant new side story set in a different location. You’ll discover more about the hero Jin, make new friends, and interact with some new animals. Yes, you can absolutely pet them.
15. Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection (2022)
Action/Adventure/Open Zone | Metacritic Score: 87
Image via PlayStation Studios
One of the most loved exclusives from the PlayStation – Uncharted – comes in a well-packaged formula for exploring their latest adventures. Uncharted 4: Among Thieves and Uncharted: The Lost Legacy are the last two installments in the franchise that boast a great experience across Nathan and Chloe’s journeys as treasure-seekers.
The two games have some of the wittiest writing in gaming history. That, accompanied by seamless gameplay, makes for a beautiful single-player campaign. You’ll be running, sliding, climbing, and shooting your way through some of history’s most awe-inspiring narratives with a modern-day take on adventuring.
14. Ratchet and Clank Rift Apart (2021)
Action/Adventure/Platformer | Metacritic Score: 88
Image via PlayStation Studios
The Ratchet and Clank duo is an adorably dorky one. They’ve given us years of platforming, funky adventure stories, and characters representing some of PlayStation’s best.
Undoubtedly, Ratchet and Clank is the best one so far. It is also a powerful showcase of what the PS5 can do. Doctor Nefarious has been at it again, tearing up realities between dimensions. Ratchet and Clank are split up and enlist the help of fellow Lombax, Rivet, to stitch the universe back together. Traversing through the rifts feels seamless and causes no loading times.
13. Horizon Zero Dawn: Forbidden West (2022)
Action/Adventure/Open World | Metacritic Score: 88
Image via Sony Interactive Entertainment
Horizon Zero Dawn’s climbed to victory on the PlayStation 4 consoles. After a dashing introduction to a techno-apocalyptic world, fans were eager to see how Aloy’s journey shaped up to be. The sequel delivers a grand narrative with newly introduced mechanics and thrives as a PlayStation 5 title that tests the horizon of modern gaming capabilities.
With Forbidden West, your adventures continue as you defend a planet from enormous robot dinosaurs. You will encounter compelling characters and side quests that will test your mettle as you battle to maintain peace.
12. Dead Space Remake (2023)
Action/Adventure/Horror | Metacritic Score: 89
Image via Electronic Arts
The original Dead Space gave single-player campaigns a new touch. Players weren’t accustomed to horrifying survival themes where the protagonist had a clever interface on his back to show his vitality. Instead, players were used to the game spoon-feeding them little details through pointers, markers, and other out-of-gameplay elements.
What distinguishes Dead Space from other horror games is how you eliminate Necromorphs. You must amputate these creatures’ limbs with weapons like Plasma Rifles and Line Guns to turn the tides in your favor. You must cleverly make every shot count because ammo is in short supply, and health packs are uncommon outside of strategically located businesses throughout the ship. Dead Space makes the most of this unique gameplay style to its fullest potential.
11. Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade (2022)
Action/Adventure/Open Zone | Metacritic Score: 89
Image via Square Enix
The PlayStation 5 version of Final Fantasy VII Remake shows off improved visuals and tech polish. It gives a finer touch to the overall experience, including Episode INTERmission. The initial several hours of the original Final Fantasy VII are recounted and reimagined in Final Fantasy VII Remake. It follows the shiftings of AVALANCHE, a group that protests Shinra. Shinra is an authoritative energy company that physically bleeds the planet dry to maintain its supremacy. The entirety of Remake is set in Midgar, a vast industrial metropolis that serves as Shinra’s headquarters.
Intergrade is a brilliant way to experience the return of Cloud, one of the most loved video game protagonists. Remake continues to be a game with ups and downs regarding worldbuilding. But many of its most memorable moments have already materialized by the time the credits roll.
