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Let's just be rash. The PS4 has the best exclusive lineup this generation and there is no doubt about it. While Nintendo is killing it with their Switch, Sony's PS4 has been around longer so they have managed to bolster a better roster of games and the Xbox, well, we will not get into its sad state of affairs but if you want an exclusive for it then there was Halo 5 in 2015. With that being said, there are 15 PS4 games that have truly stood out among the rest since launch. Let's take a look at them so you can add them to your wishlist for the year ahead.
15. Matterfall
Housemarque are masters at making fast-paced platforming and adventure games and Matterfall is no different. This side-scroller features heavy retro-styled gameplay and intense action all packed into an explosive experience that features some of the best particle effects in gaming. You can clock this game in just a few hours but your fingers will still be twitching from the over-the-top movement and shooting for hours after.
14. Shadow of the Colossus
A remake of the PS2 game of the same name. Shadow of the Colossus on PS4 is a pinnacle in game design. Its gigantic open-world, magical soundtrack, easy-to-master combat and mysterious story undertones all make for an experience that you will never forget. You take the role of a boy who sets off to destroy a handful of towering colossi who live in the hills and valleys in the lands around you. Each of them offers a unique combat approach and the sheer size and scale of them will leave your trembling at their magnificence.
13. Gran Turismo Sport
Looking for a fantastic racing game for PS4? Gan Turismo Sport is the game. While it lacks a decent single player campaign it does offer some of the most realistic and gorgeous racing on the market. Backed by a stunning orchestrated soundtrack and featuring a wide range of cars, Gran Turismo Sport takes you around the world to some of the most iconic tracks created as you race up the ranks in the best cars in the industry. It is also one of the best looking games on PS4 and with the PS4 Pro's 4K HDR support, you will witness true beauty.
12. Killzone Shadow Fall
- Developer: Guerilla Games
- Released: December 2013
- Price: R879 (Including Season Pass)
Killzone Shadow Fall was a release game back when the PS4 released in 2013 and it still stands as one of the most beautiful titles on the platform. Built using the Decima Engine, the same engine responsible for Horizon Zero Dawn, Shadow Fall offers a fantastic single player campaign, some great multiplayer action and later a co-op expansion was released too. If you are looking for an FPS, then this is the only one on this list to play.
11. InFamous: Second Son
- Developer: SuckerPunch
- Released: March 2014
- Price: R629
Considering the game released just a few years after the PS4, InFamous Second Son is still a fantastic superhero/villain game to play. It is also an easy platinum trophy as you just need to play the game twice and make some different decisions along the way. The game stars Delsin Rowe who is a Conduit with the power to absorb new powers. Throughout the game, he gains the ability to manipulate smoke, neon, video and concrete, all of which add layers to the game's intense combat and parkour.
10. Until Dawn
- Developer: Supermassive Games
- Released: August 2015
- Price: R549
Acting as a cinematic game, Until Dawn is one of the best ever made from SuperMassive Games. The story follows a group of young adults that return to a snow mountain resort to pay tribute to their friend who passed away a few years back. Little do they know that a madman and a few deadly creatures are after them too. Every decision you make counts and make the wrong one and you will kill a character for the rest of the game. You can play this or you can get someone to play it for you as it makes for a fantastic movie night too.
9. Gravity Rush 2
- Developer: SIE Japan Studio
- Released: January 2017
- Price: R509
Doing much of the same from its predecessor, Gravity Rush 2 lets you manipulate gravity as you play through this anime-style adventure game. Expect lots of experimental combat, gorgeous cities to explore and of course gravity to use at your will as you fly around, throw objects at monsters and pull off awesome action sequences.
8. Ratchet and Clank
While Ratchet and Clank is a remake of the first game released on PS2, it is one the most gorgeous on the market and a true visual festival for your eyes when playing on a PS4 Pro with a 4K HDR TV. The game follows Ratchet and Clank as they set off on their debut journey through the galaxy to stop an evil mastermind from building a planet made from resources stolen from other thriving worlds. The game features all the comedy you love from the duo as well as the crazy weapons we just adore.
7. Everybody's Golf
Everybody's Golf is the perfect party game that packs all the sports action we loved from past games into a new, more social experience. Grab your caddie and head out to the green as you take on all the unique courses that have been created to make use of the easy-to-master golfing mechanics. What I loved about the game is how simple it was to play and no matter how hard it got, the experience was extremely pleasant thanks to the game's unique art style and cute Japanese-like approach.
6. The Last Guardian
The Last Guardian will pull on all your heartstrings as you play as a young boy who befriends a creature named Trico. The boy explores a vast ancient city inhabited by these animals that are strangely hostile compared to Trico. As you progress through the game, you and Trico's bond grow as you fall in love with the animal and it helps you to traverse the deadly tombs. While the A.I was a bit broken the game still offers a Fumito Ueda experience that touches home to games like Ico and Shadow of the Colossus.
5. Uncharted: The Lost Legacy
If you are looking for a bite-sized Uncharted experience then this is it. Starring Nadine and Chloe, this all-female cast lets you dive into new characters from the acclaimed Uncharted series. Nadine and Chloe set off on a journey to India in search of treasure, but of course, there is a well-funded military group after their findings too. Expect all the action and of course the gorgeous environments you love from the series in this spinoff.
4. Persona 5
There is no denying that Persona 5 still stands as the greatest JRPG of this generation. Nothing has come close to its mastery yet and nothing will. Its anime-styled gameplay, fantastic story and unique timed gameplay make for something different. Not to mention that the sheer attention to detail to bring the characters and world to life is truly one of its biggest feats. You play as a group of students who obtain the ability to enter people's hearts and you use this power to stop them from their evil plans in the real world.
3. Uncharted 4: A Thief's End
Nathan Drake's last adventure on the PS4 was a spectacular one, to say the least. Uncharted 4 is a rollercoaster of emotion and adventure as you dive into Nathan's past, meet some of his family and rediscover his love for treasure hunting after taking a few years off the job to settle down with his wife Elaine. There is much to be had in Uncharted 4 and its 18-hour or more campaign will let you experience everything you love about the series in the gorgeous action adventure Naughty Dog have ever created.
2. Bloodborne
From the acclaimed creators of Dark Souls came Bloodborne, a true masterpiece. The game features much of the same mechanics from the Souls series meaning it is very challenging to master yet a wonderful experience to do so. You take the role of a hunter as you explore the nightmarish city of Yharnam. The people have turned into crazed monsters and you need to lay them to rest using your weapons and abilities. While it lacks the magic features of Dark Souls, Bloodborne's faster combat and darker setting make for one of the greatest games of all time.
1. Horizon Zero Dawn
Horizon Zero Dawn still stands as must-have for all PS4 owners and I don't think there will be a game this generation that will ever overshadow it. Following the story of Aloy, who sets out to discover her past in a post-apocalyptic open world filled with gigantic mechanical killing machines, the game represents the true power of the PS4 and PS4 Pro thanks to the most dynamic open world ever created. Everything looks so alive and the entire experience is brought to life with great storytelling and a fluid combat system. There is nothing as polished and shiny as this jewel that can only be played on PS4.
How many of these have you played? Let us know in the comments below.
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