The PlayStation 4, which launched in November 2013, has seen a steady stream of releases across diverse genres, with new titles still emerging even after the PlayStation 5's arrival. As Sony shifts its focus to new hardware and a disc-less future, now is an opportune moment to revisit some of the PS4's most compelling, yet underplayed, games available digitally or in the used market.
Infamous: Second Son
Released in March 2014, Infamous: Second Son garnered significant attention as a launch title, yet it often feels overlooked in discussions about the series' legacy. While its predecessors were acclaimed on the PS3, Second Son sometimes gets lost in the conversation, with many players lamenting the perceived end of the franchise after this installment. It's a solid game that deserved more sustained recognition, even if its follow-up, Infamous First Light, was more of a standalone expansion.
Gravity Rush 2
Arriving in January 2017, Gravity Rush 2 is widely regarded by those who played it as one of the decade's best games. Despite Sony's publishing and marketing efforts, it failed to capture a broad audience. The game features a memorable cast of female characters and a distinctive comic-book aesthetic that complements its unique gravity-defying gameplay. While some constrained ground-based missions detract from the overall sense of freedom, the majority of the experience offers a thrilling sense of liberation.
Summon Night 6: Lost Borders
Developed by Media.Vision, known for titles like Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth and contributions to the Wild Arms series, Summon Night 6: Lost Borders was released in March 2016. This strategy RPG boasts colorful visuals and accessible combat, yet it flew under the radar despite the franchise's cult following and the developer's pedigree. Currently, it is not available on the PlayStation Store, requiring players to seek out a physical copy.
Erica
Launched in August 2019, Erica is a standout example of a live-action FMV (Full Motion Video) game that resonated well. The narrative follows Erica as she investigates her father's murder, uncovering darker secrets along the way. Though its runtime is relatively short, the game offers replayability through its branching narrative paths and multiple endings, making subsequent playthroughs a worthwhile endeavor.
Driveclub
Released in October 2014, Driveclub was an ambitious early PS4 title that, despite a somewhat rough launch, evolved into a compelling arcade racer. Evolution Studios continuously updated the game with enhanced weather effects and gameplay refinements. Although its multiplayer servers were eventually shut down and the game was removed from the PlayStation Store, the single-player content remains enjoyable for those who can find a physical copy.
Zanki Zero: Last Beginning
Developed by Spike Chunsoft and Lancarse, Zanki Zero: Last Beginning (July 2018) presented an unconventional premise about life after an apocalyptic event, exploring themes of loss and family within a dungeon-crawling framework. Lacking an established franchise history for marketing, the game struggled to find a wide audience despite its unique blend of narrative and gameplay.
The Tomorrow Children: Phoenix Edition
Originally released in October 2016 and later shut down due to server costs, The Tomorrow Children was revived as The Tomorrow Children: Phoenix Edition by developer Q-Games. This self-published version, released in September 2022, removed the microtransactions and server dependency, making the unique action-adventure game accessible on the PlayStation Store once more.
Exist Archive: The Other Side of the Sky
Developed by tri-Ace in collaboration with Spike Chunsoft and released in December 2015, Exist Archive: The Other Side of the Sky drew inspiration from the team behind Valkyrie Profile. The game features endearing characters and satisfying, albeit sometimes grindy, combat. Its most distinctive feature is its side-scrolling dungeon exploration, offering a departure from typical JRPG conventions.
Bound
Bound, released in August 2016, is a unique 3D platformer exploring themes of love, life, and expression within a mindscape. Players navigate expansive environments using dance-like movements, immersed in breathtaking art direction. The game serves as a powerful reminder of how artistic expression in various mediums can offer escape and personal transformation.
Concrete Genie
Concrete Genie, launched in October 2019, follows Ash, a young artist who uses his magical paint to revitalize his hometown. This third-person adventure offers a heartwarming story and vibrant visuals, enhanced by its compatibility with PlayStation VR. While its brevity is its main drawback, the game delivers a high-quality experience that is sure to appeal to players of all ages.