The PlayStation 4, which launched in North America on November 15, 2013, has amassed a vast collection of games across all genres. Even with the PlayStation 5 now established, the PS4 continues to receive new titles, though its output is naturally slowing as Sony shifts focus to its next generation of hardware and a discless future. This makes it an opportune moment to highlight ten highly-regarded PS4 games that may have been overlooked by many players.
Infamous: Second Son
Released on March 21, 2014, Infamous: Second Son is a solid entry in a series that was popular on the PS3. While it garnered attention at launch, it often seems to be forgotten in discussions about the franchise, with many players lamenting the perceived end of the series after Infamous 2. The game itself is a competent and enjoyable experience, featuring superhero action and traversal in a stylized Seattle. Its direct follow-up, Infamous First Light, released later in 2014, is often considered more of a spin-off expansion than a full sequel.
Gravity Rush 2
Gravity Rush 2, released on January 18, 2017, is widely praised by those who played it as one of the decade's standout titles. Despite Sony's publishing and marketing efforts, the game struggled to find a broad audience. It features a vibrant cast of female characters and a unique gravity-bending gameplay mechanic that offers a tremendous sense of freedom, particularly in its open environments. While some ground-based sections and tight corridors can feel restrictive, they highlight the exhilarating feeling of flight that defines much of the game.
Summon Night 6: Lost Borders
Developed by Media.Vision, known for titles like Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth, Summon Night 6: Lost Borders arrived on March 10, 2016. This strategy RPG, part of a franchise with a cult following, features colorful visuals and accessible combat. However, it failed to capture widespread attention. Unlike many other games on this list, Summon Night 6 is not currently available on the PlayStation Store, making a physical copy the only way to experience it.
Erica
Released on August 19, 2019, Erica is an interactive drama that utilizes live-action footage. The game follows its titular protagonist as she investigates her father's murder, uncovering dark secrets along the way. Polygon's review praised the title for its engaging narrative and branching story paths, which offer replayability for players seeking different endings. Though not a lengthy experience, its compelling mystery and presentation make it a memorable interactive film.
Driveclub
Driveclub, launched on October 7, 2014, had a somewhat rocky start with a few technical issues. However, Evolution Studios consistently updated the game, adding impressive weather effects and refining the driving mechanics to create a compelling arcade racing experience. By the time it reached its full potential, audience attention had shifted. The game was later delisted from the PlayStation Store, and its multiplayer servers were eventually shut down. The development team was absorbed into Codemasters. Despite these changes, the single-player content remains accessible through physical copies.
Zanki Zero: Last Beginning
Developed by Spike Chunsoft and Lancarse, Zanki Zero: Last Beginning released on July 5, 2018. This unconventional RPG explores themes of loss and family in a post-apocalyptic world, set against a backdrop of familiar dungeon-crawling gameplay. Lacking a pre-existing franchise to leverage for marketing, the game struggled to find a large audience despite its intriguing premise and unique mechanics. It stands out as an unexpected and thought-provoking experience for players seeking something different.
The Tomorrow Children: Phoenix Edition
Originally published by Sony Interactive Entertainment on October 25, 2016, The Tomorrow Children was a unique action-adventure game that incorporated microtransactions. Due to the costs associated with maintaining its online servers, the game was eventually shut down in November 2017. The Tomorrow Children: Phoenix Edition, released later and self-published by Q-Games, removed the need for servers and microtransactions, offering a refined and independently available experience. This version can be found on the PlayStation Store.
Exist Archive: The Other Side of the Sky
Released on December 17, 2015, Exist Archive: The Other Side of the Sky was a collaboration between tri-Ace and Spike Chunsoft. Featuring contributions from creators involved with the cult classic Valkyrie Profile, the game offers endearing characters and engaging combat, though it can become somewhat grindy towards the end. A unique aspect is its side-scrolling perspective for dungeon exploration, which deviates from typical JRPG conventions. This approach aims to appeal to players looking for a fresh take on the genre.
Bound
Bound, a 3D platformer released on August 16, 2016, celebrates themes of love, life, and expression within a dreamlike world. Players navigate expansive environments using dance-like movements, accompanied by striking art direction. The game's narrative delves into a woman's reflections on her past. As Polygon's review noted, Bound serves as a reminder of how art, sport, and other forms of expression can offer temporary escape and personal transformation. It is particularly suited for those who appreciate games as an art form.
Concrete Genie
Concrete Genie, which launched on October 8, 2019, is a third-person adventure game where players control Ash, a young artist who can bring his paintings to life. These creations are used to cleanse the polluted town of Denska. The game features vibrant visuals and a heartwarming story suitable for all ages. It also supports PlayStation VR, offering an enhanced experience for those with the hardware. While its relatively short length is a minor drawback, the quality of the experience makes it a worthwhile pursuit.