The PS4 library is absolutely massive and it’s no surprise that some games often go under the radar. Some might’ve been overlooked while others were criminally underrated for their time. Either way, most of these games haven’t received the proper attention due. From The Order: 1886 and Titanfall 2 to Gravity Rush 2 and Tetris Effect, here are 10 overlooked and underrated PS4 games that you should play.
First and foremost, some games didn’t make the top 10 but still deserve an honourable mention. They include Nex Machina, Bendy and the Ink Machine, Assassin’s Creed Unity and Until Dawn. With that out of the way, let’s dive into some tucked-away gems from the PS4 generation.
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10 Overlooked and Underrated PS4 Games That You Should Play
10. The Order: 1886
The Order: 1886 didn’t get the best reception at launch, with criticism levelled at its short length and lack of any replay value. However, it somehow stands the test of time thanks to phenomenal visuals, stylish steampunk setting, classic spin on old werewolf tales and surprisingly solid gameplay. Unfortunately, it buckled under the weight of its own hype upon release that sealed its fate, but it’s definitely worth revisiting again.
9. Rime
Tequila Works’ puzzle-adventure game Rime flew under radars when it launched in 2017. Despite being compared to Journey, Rime offered its own mystical and often breathtaking journey well worth your time. The art style is outstanding and the relaxed nature of the game’s various puzzle-solving and exploration makes it an adventure we return to every now and then – and you should too in case you missed it.
8. Onrush
Overshadowed by the Dirt series, Codemasters’ off-track racer Onrush delivered an exhilarating experience that brought high-octane arcade racing fun back into the genre. Sadly, it didn’t do very well in sales, mainly due to poor marketing and a lack of enthusiasm from publisher Deep Silver. Nonetheless, Onrush is a hidden gem that shines in its smooth gameplay, stylish presentation and a terrific soundtrack.
7. Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of DANA
Somehow, the Ys JRPG series continues to evade the mainstream eye. However, its last entry Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of DANA ended up being the best in the franchise, which is sad because of how criminally overlooked it was when it launched in 2016. The game’s strong storytelling, great art direction and familiar yet accessible gameplay make it a compelling entry point into the JRPG genre.
6. Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth
While Nintendo’s Pokemon franchise dominates the gaming world, its cousin the Digimon series faced uphill battles. Arguments about its anime being superior to Pokemon aside, Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth certainly caught fans off-guard when it was released in 2015. The Persona-lite gameplay paired with Digimon‘s lovable and awesome collection of monsters still makes Cyber Sleuth a must-play today.
5. A Way Out
Hazelight Studios shot to stardom thanks to its charismatic founder Josef Fares, which would release last year’s Game of the Year winner It Takes Two. However, the studio’s 2018 title A Way Out cemented Hazelight as a developer to look out for. Emphasising co-op multiplayer and then spinning the feature in ingenious and brilliantly subversive ways, A Way Out is a rollercoaster action title that shouldn’t be missed.
4. Titanfall 2
Titanfall 2‘s unfortunate release timing and almost strategic sabotage by publisher Electronic Arts make this an overlooked gem – and undoubtedly one of the best first-person shooters of the last decade. The game’s balance of an exciting multiplayer and terrific, emotional single-player campaign catapults it well above your average shooter. It’s a pity that we may never see a third Titanfall anytime soon, but the second game’s robust offering is enough to warrant a playthrough.
3. Sleeping Dogs: Definitive Edition
Technically Sleeping Dogs originally launched on PS3 and Xbox 360, but the title’s Definitive Edition left a big imprint on the PS4 too. It’s mind-blowing how visually polished and stunning Sleeping Dogs is, with a gripping crime story that’s still considered ahead of its time, even against rival series Grand Theft Auto. Yet, it carved a distinct identity of its own and delivered a confidently daring open-world experience.
2. Gravity Rush 2
Another sequel that felt sabotaged thanks to its unfortunate release date timing (pinning it just after the holiday season), Gravity Rush 2 from the now-defunct Japan Studio proves that sequels can not only be bigger, but better in every regard. With a variety of new ways to contort gravity to your will, the celebrated sequel slipped under radars and definitely deserves the praise its predecessor received – maybe even more.
1. Tetris Effect
The crowning gem of the last generation, Tetris Effect from Rez developer Enhance Games evolved Tetris into something much grander while injecting elements of rhythm and music into the equation. The result is nothing short of a masterpiece, giving Tetris new life while honouring its roots in gaming history. If you haven’t played Tetris Effect yet, you owe it to yourself to experience it, preferably in VR too.
