Buzz
Would you consider Wolfenstein: The New Order to be an underappreciated PS4 title? Christian Petersen/Getty ImagesThe PlayStation 4 is in a strong position, with an impressive lineup of must-play exclusives and third-party games. It has already surpassed the Super Nintendo in lifetime sales and is on track to outpace the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 by the time its run comes to a close. With so many consoles and titles available, it’s inevitable that some great games have slipped under the radar or failed to receive the recognition they truly deserve.
Today, I want to spotlight those overlooked gems: the hidden treasures of the PS4. These are the games that didn’t get the attention they deserve, whether in terms of sales, critical acclaim, or popularity. If you’ve already played through the system’s “best” titles and are seeking something fresh, these underrated games are definitely worth your time.
30. Nex Machina
Housemarque stands as one of the finest indie game studios, having been with the PS4 from the very beginning. They earned critical acclaim with their side-scrolling shooter Resogun, released alongside the PS4’s launch in 2013. Their devotion to creating twin-stick shooters inspired by retro arcade classics culminated in 2017 with Nex Machina, a top-down shooter developed in collaboration with Eugene Jarvis, the legendary creator behind arcade gems like Defender, Robotron 2084, and Smash TV. The game skillfully incorporates elements from these classics, adding a new twist with the hostage rescue mechanic from Resogun, but now you're protecting humanity from robotic enemies. Throughout each level, random power-ups can be collected, stacking to create a sense of empowerment, though each death results in the loss of a power-up.
Much like the greatest arcade shoot-em-ups, Nex Machina offers a high skill ceiling. The real challenge of the game opens up after completing the arcade mode once, as various challenges test your abilities. Unfortunately, the game’s underwhelming sales led Housemarque to declare in 2017 that “Arcade is Dead” and that they would shift focus to different genres. If Nex Machina does indeed mark Housemarque’s last arcade shooter, at least the studio ended their arcade legacy with a bang.
29. Night in the Woods
Night in the Woods is a narrative-driven adventure game set in a world of anthropomorphic animals, with a charming art style. Although it appears lighthearted, the game hides a deeply emotional experience beneath its cute exterior. The story follows Mae, a cat who drops out of college and returns to her hometown of Possum Springs. It’s up to the player how deeply they wish to explore the game’s narrative. Night in the Woods excels in its small, meaningful moments, with many of the best experiences arising from simple interactions with other characters or playing in a band during one of its enjoyable mini-games.
In terms of gameplay, Night in the Woods doesn’t offer much challenge. Its platforming sections serve more as a means to encourage exploration rather than providing difficulty. However, that’s not the focus of the game. If you're someone who loves story-driven games and is interested in a narrative that tackles surprisingly serious themes—despite its cute look, Night in the Woods delves into the struggles of working-class rural America—this is a title you shouldn't miss.
28. Sherlock Holmes: Crimes & Punishments
Unfortunately, this game isn’t an adaptation of the BBC’s Sherlock with Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman, but it still stands out as an impressive detective game. Much like L.A. Noire, but without the overly tedious open-world segments, Crimes & Punishments successfully immerses you in the mind of Sherlock Holmes. While it adheres to the classic vision of Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock, the influence of the BBC adaptation is evident, especially with a gameplay feature that allows you to inspect someone's clothing and trigger various labels.
The game provides you with the necessary tools and skills to crack its various cases. Each case has multiple possible outcomes, so it’s easy to make mistakes if you're not careful (though there’s an option to view the true result if you're stumped). While Sherlock Holmes: Crimes & Punishments may be a niche title, it's arguably one of the best detective games available on the PS4, especially given the limited number of quality options in the genre. It’s definitely worth a recommendation.
27. Shadow Warrior 2
The PS4 boasts an impressive collection of first-person shooters, particularly when it comes to those with a focus on single-player campaigns. Games like Wolfenstein: The New Order and Doom have demonstrated that there’s still room for FPS titles that offer long and engaging narratives. However, one shooter series that might have slipped under your radar is Shadow Warrior 2, developed by the indie studio Flying Wild Hog. Taking cues from the brash and bold style of Duke Nukem, Shadow Warrior 2 succeeds where Duke Nukem Forever failed, combining humor with solid design.
Originally released for PC, Shadow Warrior 2 had to scale back in technical aspects when transitioning to the PS4, though it remains a visually striking game. Gameplay-wise, Shadow Warrior 2 shares similarities with 2016's Doom at its best moments, even outshining it in some ways, particularly in the violence department with its procedural damage system. This system lets players slice off limbs and dismember enemies. With over 70 weapons, expansive open levels, and a thrilling 4-player co-op mode, Shadow Warrior 2 may not reach the heights of the PS4’s top shooters, but it’s definitely one for genre fans to check out.
26. Valkyria Chronicles Remastered
Originally released on PS3 in 2008, Valkyria Chronicles is a tactical RPG set in the fictional land of Europa, heavily influenced by the European theater of World War II. The game features a unique hybrid design, where you control your units from an overhead map, but once battle begins, you can take direct control in third-person, engaging in shooting mechanics where you aim for headshots and take cover. While the presence of shooter mechanics might suggest brute force can win the day, the tactical elements are critical—planning your strategy is essential, as poor preparation will quickly lead to failure.
Valkyria Chronicles offers a challenging experience without being punishing, making it perfect for players who prefer a bit more difficulty. The game's art direction still stands out even nearly a decade after its original release, enhanced further by its 1080p resolution and 60 frames-per-second performance. Though this remastered edition lacks substantial extra content, Valkyria Chronicles Remastered is an easy recommendation for those who missed out on the original release.
25. Trackmania Turbo
If you’re like us and have been disappointed by the lack of quality Hot Wheels games (except, of course, for the amazing Hot Wheels DLC for Forza Horizon 3), then Trackmania Turbo could be the game for you. This arcade-style racer emphasizes speed and stunts, featuring outrageous track designs that make staying on course a challenge. With loops, sharp turns, and dizzying drops, the game keeps you on your toes. Add in a four-player split-screen mode (a rare treat these days) and an affordable price tag, and Trackmania Turbo is a fun and addictively fast game that’s easy to get into and hard to stop playing.
24. Helldivers
Helldivers is a top-down twin-stick shooter that supports up to four players locally and stands out for its difficulty. Unlike most shooters where you can mindlessly shoot at enemies, Helldivers rewards careful strategy and resource management. Each mission requires tactical planning, and you can customize your loadout before diving into action. A key challenge is the air supply drops—call them in wrong, and they can crush your teammates. Friendly fire is also a real danger here, making teamwork a critical aspect of success. While the game’s Starship Troopers-inspired story and tone are appealing, it’s the challenging gameplay that keeps you coming back for more.
23. Dragon Quest Builders
Dragon Quest Builders is a surprising blend of genres that we never knew we needed, yet are thrilled to have. Square Enix has taken the classic RPG elements of their iconic Dragon Quest series and combined them with a sandbox design heavily inspired by Minecraft and other building games. You play as a character known simply as “the Builder,” tasked with mining and gathering resources to craft a variety of items in a world that has forgotten how to build. This clever twist on the usual RPG “heroic destiny” trope makes for a unique experience. While multiplayer enthusiasts may still prefer Minecraft, as Dragon Quest Builders lacks this feature, RPG fans will find themselves captivated by this surprisingly fun title.
22. Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice
A recent standout in the world of video games, Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice is a psychological horror action title from Ninja Theory, the same studio behind gems like Enslaved: Odyssey to the West and DMC: Devil May Cry. Drawing heavily from Celtic and Norse mythology, you control Senua as she journeys to the home of the Northmen and ventures through Helheim, the Norse underworld. The game’s six-to-eight hour narrative is a deeply immersive sensory experience, with the game actually advising players to use headphones for a full experience.
The way Hellblade uses both visual and audio distortion is truly impressive, as it cleverly depicts Senua’s psychological state, her descent into madness, and her battle with delusions. As she navigates a world that grows increasingly nightmarish, what’s left unseen is often more terrifying than what you can perceive. Hellblade may be relatively short, but in terms of how it masterfully combines a haunting atmosphere with traditional action gameplay, very few games on the PS4 come close to matching it.
21. Pyre
The latest offering from Supergiant Games, the renowned studio behind indie darlings Bastion and Transistor, Pyre marks a departure from the studio’s usual formula. This action role-playing sports game immerses players in a high fantasy world where they control a character who, alongside a group of exiles, journeys through a kind of purgatory in hopes of cleansing their souls by overcoming other exiles. Like Supergiant’s previous titles, Pyre is visually stunning, but it’s the innovative combat system that truly steals the show.
With a top-down view reminiscent of MOBAs like League of Legends and DOTA 2, Pyre presents its three-on-three battles as a sport that feels surprisingly similar to Rocket League. These matches are incredibly fun and addictive, making it a bit of a missed opportunity that Supergiant didn’t include online multiplayer (though local multiplayer for two players is supported). Aside from that, Pyre excels in almost every area, telling an unexpectedly emotional story in the process. It’s arguably Supergiant’s finest work and one you don’t want to miss.
20. Alienation
Another masterpiece from Housemarque, Alienation brings together the studio’s decade-long expertise in third-person action, refining their trademark arcade-style gameplay while adding depth through an RPG progression system. It’s a true culmination of their work in the genre.
Although the character classes and skill trees in Alienation aren't as complex as those in Diablo 3, they provide enough depth to prevent the game from becoming just another mindless shooting experience. Random weapon drops and resource collection that allows you to re-roll stats on weapons add an extra layer of replayability, especially since the relatively short campaign is designed for multiple playthroughs. Thanks to free updates, including the much-needed addition of local co-op (which was missing at launch), Alienation has only improved over time and is a must-play for fans of twin-stick shooters.
19. CounterSpy
Some games can coast by purely on style, and even if CounterSpy, a side-scrolling stealth title from Dynamighty, were a subpar experience, it would still be hard to dislike due to its distinctive art direction and fantastic Cold War-inspired soundtrack. Set in a reimagined version of the Cold War, CounterSpy casts players as spies from either side of the Iron Curtain, navigating procedurally generated levels to prevent the launch of nuclear missiles. While the gameplay takes place primarily on a 2D plane, certain moments allow players to aim in 3D space, setting it apart from many other side-scrolling indie games.
However, CounterSpy is not without its flaws. The randomized level design can lead to situations where certain stages are nearly impossible to complete without triggering alarms, which is frustrating for those aiming for a full stealth playthrough. Additionally, some A.I. and control issues hinder the overall polish of the game. Still, if you're a fan of Cold War espionage tales like James Bond or The Man from U.N.C.L.E., these shortcomings can be overlooked, as few games offer a similar experience to CounterSpy.
18. Tearaway Unfolded
Originally a PlayStation Vita exclusive, Tearaway Unfolded is a reimagined version that preserves the enchanting qualities of the original while taking full advantage of the DualShock 4's touchpad features. Though both versions of the game are quite similar, they offer contrasting experiences due to the unique capabilities of the Vita and PS4 systems, making them complementary perspectives of Media Molecule’s whimsical papercraft world.
For those who haven't experienced Tearaway before, it's a third-person platformer that places a strong focus on interacting with the environment and reveling in the delightfully imaginative world created by Media Molecule. Tearaway Unfolded introduces new items and areas to explore, offering enough fresh content to justify a second playthrough if you’ve already enjoyed the Vita version. In a gaming landscape dominated by violent titles, it’s refreshing to see a game that’s genuinely made for everyone to enjoy.
17. Sniper Elite 4
While World War II-themed games are making a comeback with Call of Duty's highly anticipated return to the devastating conflict, Rebellion has quietly been releasing WWII titles for years with their Sniper Elite series. Unlike the large-scale approach of COD, Sniper Elite takes a more intimate, one-man-against-the-world approach, with you playing a stealthy sniper behind enemy lines. It’s an interesting form of empowerment—try to rush in and you’ll be dead within seconds, but with patience and strategy, you can set up some truly spectacular combat moments in Sniper Elite.
The Sniper Elite series hasn't seen significant evolution over the years, so whether you choose Sniper Elite 3 or 4, you’ll get a similar experience. However, we recommend Sniper Elite 4 for its more varied mission structure and its higher level of polish. If you lack patience, Sniper Elite 4 might not be for you, but if you enjoy taking your time to carefully plan the perfect stealth encounter, few games can match the rewarding experience of Sniper Elite 4.
16. What Remains of Edith Finch
One of the most popular genres to emerge from the indie scene in recent years is the first-person narrative, sometimes referred to by the derogatory label 'walking sim.' Games like Gone Home and Firewatch have earned widespread praise from critics, but have also faced criticism for not being 'real' games due to their lack of traditional gameplay mechanics and absence of fail states.
Whether you consider What Remains of Edith Finch — the latest offering from Giant Sparrow — to be a 'game' or not, it undeniably provides one of the most emotionally impactful narrative experiences on the PS4, a feat not easily dismissed. The story takes players through the multi-generational tale of the Finch family, as they explore the family’s vast and intricate home, uncovering the stories of each member in quick succession. Although What Remains of Edith Finch only spans a few hours, it’s a beautifully crafted game that deserves attention.
15. Velocity 2X
Few games manage to switch between two distinct gameplay formats as seamlessly as Velocity 2X. Combining Galaga-style space combat with 2D platforming, Velocity 2X focuses on speed, as its name suggests. As you progress, you unlock new abilities that enhance your speed and offensive capabilities. While it can feel overwhelming at first, the game’s responsive controls soon become intuitive, allowing you to navigate its fast-paced world with ease.
One of the most brilliant aspects of Velocity 2X’s design is its dynamic difficulty curve. Each level features a timer, and in order to achieve 100%, you must complete it within a set time limit and meet additional objectives. These challenges are optional, however, allowing you to play at your own pace if you prefer. Additionally, the game is available as a cross-buy title on Vita, making it an ideal pick-up for anyone who owns Sony’s handheld console.
14. Inside
Playdead made a name for themselves with their exceptional side-scrolling platformer Limbo in 2010. While it might be tempting to dismiss their latest project, Inside, as simply a spiritual successor, doing so would completely overlook the brilliance of what the studio has achieved. In fact, Inside isn't just a worthy follow-up to Limbo; it's arguably an even greater achievement. While maintaining the same challenging trial-and-error gameplay, Inside’s world is far more developed and profoundly disturbing in all the right ways.
The game delves into themes of slavery and conformity, and although some players might have found its ambiguous narrative frustrating, we appreciated the open-ended nature of the story. The third act, in particular, delivers one of the year's best twists. It’s difficult to discuss Inside without giving away too much, and since the experience is relatively short, it's definitely worth playing blind to preserve its impact. What’s crucial is that Inside is a must-play and arguably the top indie game of the year.
13. Nioh
When it launched in early 2017, it was impossible to escape the buzz surrounding Team Ninja’s action role-playing game, Nioh, which garnered rave reviews and generated a lot of hype. However, amidst the deluge of other stellar releases that year, Nioh seemed to fade into the background, which is unfortunate because it remains one of the best action RPGs on the PS4.
Set in a fantastical reimagining of feudal Japan, Nioh draws clear influence from FromSoftware’s Dark Souls. Both games share a third-person action perspective, challenging but satisfying gameplay, and a world brimming with conflict. However, labeling Nioh as just another Dark Souls clone does a disservice to Team Ninja's efforts. Nioh distinguishes itself with a faster, more aggressive combat style compared to Dark Souls' methodical approach. This is a unique title and undoubtedly one of the PS4's finest exclusives to date.
12. Rise of the Tomb Raider
Simply put, Rise of the Tomb Raider is one of the standout games of this generation—truly in the same league as Uncharted 4. Yet, despite being Crystal Dynamics’ finest work in the Tomb Raider series, it fell short of Naughty Dog's masterpiece both in sales and overall impact. The infamous exclusivity deal with Microsoft may have dampened the game’s reach, as it wasn’t until nearly a year after its Xbox One release that it came to PS4—met with minimal fanfare, despite glowing reviews.
Although the sales of Rise may not have been disastrous, the game didn’t perform as well on PS4 as it should have, or else Square Enix and Sony would be discussing it more frequently. The PS4 version is arguably the best, offering a 20th anniversary edition that includes all the DLC and additional content, such as a level made exclusively for PlayStation VR. If you haven't yet experienced Rise of the Tomb Raider, you're missing out on one of the greatest action-adventure titles of this generation.
11. Wolfenstein: The New Order
Id Software’s Doom reboot was widely celebrated by the gaming community in 2016, regarded as one of the year's finest releases and a perfect example of how to revitalize a classic series. However, it’s easy to overlook the fact that Machine Games accomplished a similar feat two years earlier with Wolfenstein: The New Order, a title that still stands as one of this generation's premier first-person shooters. With its retro-inspired design paired with a modern polish, Wolfenstein took a risk by opting out of multiplayer altogether. This decision proved to be the right one as the developer focused its efforts entirely on crafting an engaging single-player experience—and what an experience it is. The New Order captures the essence of old-school shooters, with protagonist B.J. Blazkowicz switching between various weapons and taking on hundreds of Nazis over the course of the game’s 16 chapters.
While the story isn’t groundbreaking, it is still highly engaging, especially thanks to its alternate history setting where the Nazis have already won World War II and now control Europe. The best part? Wolfenstein: The New Order and its fantastic expansion, The Old Blood, can now be acquired at very low prices, making them essential experiences for anyone who grew up with Wolfenstein and other classic shooters. And once you've completed those, the sequel, Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus, is also a must-play!
10. Just Cause 3
Just Cause 2 is one of the most unexpected sequels in gaming, improving on its already decent predecessor in nearly every way. This might help explain why Just Cause 3 was released in December 2015 with minimal buzz, as it largely resembled Just Cause 2 in both appearance and gameplay. While it’s true that Just Cause 3 feels more like an expansion than a full-blown sequel, it’s still worth playing, especially for fans of the previous title. Like many sandbox games, your enjoyment of Just Cause 3 depends on how well you utilize the tools at your disposal, as it doesn't really offer an engaging storyline to keep you hooked.
What you really need to know is that the series' protagonist, Rico Rodriguez, loves to fly around and blow stuff up. If that sounds like fun, you'll likely enjoy Just Cause 3 a great deal. Very few open-world games offer this much freedom or potential for experimentation (just search for Just Cause 3 stunt videos and you’ll see what I mean). Although the game's objectives can become repetitive after a while, it's the perfect title to boot up when you want to destroy everything in sight and look cool doing it.
9. Titanfall 2
Titanfall 2 is an outstanding game that, unfortunately, released at a time that made it difficult to gain the attention it truly deserved. Positioned between the major releases of Battlefield 1 and Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare—two of 2016’s biggest games—Titanfall 2 never had much of a chance to shine. The most frustrating part is that its publisher, Electronic Arts, also publishes the Battlefield series, creating a direct competition between two first-person shooters targeted at the same audience, released only weeks apart. It’s a real shame because, although Battlefield 1 is excellent, in many ways Titanfall 2 surpasses it.
The campaign mode in Titanfall 2 boasts some of the best level design since Portal 2, while its multiplayer is quick, smooth, and balanced. EA has mentioned that Titanfall 2 sales were lower than expected, but what could they have expected when they chose to release it during such a crowded period? Luckily, it's not too late to dive into Titanfall 2 if you missed it at launch. The game continues to receive small but free updates for its multiplayer, and the campaign alone is worth the price, especially with the frequent discounts. Titanfall 2 should have been a massive success, but its future in the franchise remains uncertain.
8. Assassin's Creed Syndicate
Assassin’s Creed Unity marked a low point for the series, so it’s not too surprising that its 2015 successor, Assassin’s Creed Syndicate, didn’t generate the kind of buzz it deserved. It’s unfortunate that Syndicate had to follow Unity, because it’s a much better game. While it still carries the familiar traits of an Assassin’s Creed title, for better or worse, Syndicate is arguably one of the best entries in the franchise. Set in Victorian London, the game follows twin protagonists Jacob and Evie Frye as they battle against a Templar plot. Syndicate features the most visually stunning and detailed environments in the series and improves upon Unity in nearly every aspect, from characters to mission design.
In Syndicate, the game took steps to refine the franchise’s traversal system by introducing the rope launcher, which lets you feel like a Victorian Batman, as well as adding carriages for driving and even a train to help you get from one place to another in a hurry. Overall, Syndicate wasn’t quite the leap forward that the Assassin’s Creed series desperately needed— that would come with 2017’s Assassin’s Creed: Origins— but it stands as one of the best entries since Assassin’s Creed II, which says a lot considering how many Assassin’s Creed games have been released over the last decade.
7. Lords of the Fallen
Lords of the Fallen is often called ‘Dark Souls-lite,’ given its similarities to FromSoftware’s highly regarded action-RPG series. While there’s some truth to this critique, Lords of the Fallen brings enough of its own unique elements to the table that it’s well worth considering. It’s even a solid choice for those who are curious about the Dark Souls franchise but are put off by its infamous difficulty. When you look beyond the Dark Souls comparisons, Lords of the Fallen does many things right. Its combat, for example, focuses on slow but powerful weapons, delivering a highly satisfying impact when your weapon connects with enemies.
LotF also embraces the same risk/reward progression system found in Dark Souls, but it offers a fresh spin. You can choose to spend the currency you earn at checkpoints or press on to increase your multiplier, with the potential to earn greater rewards. While Lords of the Fallen does share some similarities with its inspirations, if you approach it as more of an entry point to the world of games like Dark Souls, Bloodborne, and more recent titles like Nioh, rather than as a mere imitation, you might find a lot to appreciate.
6. The Evil Within
Directed by the mastermind behind Resident Evil, Shinji Mikami, The Evil Within serves as a spiritual successor to Mikami’s 2005 classic, Resident Evil 4, which should definitely pique your interest. This third-person horror game, which emphasizes exploration and combat, sticks to traditional gameplay mechanics while adding a modern twist to classic survival horror. Sadly, while The Evil Within offers plenty of chilling moments and gore, its uneven difficulty spikes lead to frustrating combat sections that both enhance and detract from the experience.
The story, despite some intriguing concepts, ultimately falters under the weight of its complexity and becomes muddled. To be fair, the Resident Evil series isn’t exactly famous for its award-winning storytelling either. Nevertheless, The Evil Within is still a title worth exploring, especially if you're a fan of Mikami’s previous work or enjoy action-horror games in general.
5. DmC: Definitive Edition
Initially released as a PS3 game, Capcom later re-released DmC: Devil May Cry as a definitive edition for the PS4 in early 2015. The issue with DmC isn’t that it’s a bad game—it’s actually quite good—but rather that it’s not the typical Devil May Cry game that fans expected. The rebooted version of Dante, once the smooth, confident demon hunter, was transformed into a less-than-charming character, which upset many long-time fans. While the new developer, Ninja Theory, retained some elements from the original games, their take on the franchise was clearly aiming for something more radical, leaving many fans feeling betrayed by the changes.
However, if you can look past your attachment to the original Devil May Cry games and approach DmC for what it is—an action-packed game with creative levels and enemy designs—you might find it quite enjoyable. While Devil May Cry has always been known for its complex combat mechanics, DmC’s systems are more accessible, yet arguably more fun thanks to how well-balanced Dante’s weapons are. Even though Capcom was reportedly pleased with the sales of the Definitive Edition, the game is often overshadowed due to the backlash over its design shifts. Though it may not be the best Devil May Cry title, it’s still a solid action game and can now be picked up at a great price. Definitely worth checking out!
4. Never Alone
Developed by a team of indigenous game makers, Never Alone (Kisima Inŋitchuŋa, which means 'I am not alone') is a side-scrolling puzzle-platformer that stands as a tribute to indigenous cultures. The game follows Nuna, a young Iñupiaq girl, and her cute Arctic Fox companion as they navigate through puzzles across eight chapters. Although the gameplay might not be the game’s strongest point—featuring solid but not exceptional platforming—the game makes up for this through its rich, immersive presentation.
More than just a celebration of indigenous cultures, Never Alone goes beyond entertainment to educate players about its cultural context. Throughout the game, you'll find documentary-style clips that provide insight into the elements influencing its design. While it's easy to skip them and dive straight into gameplay, doing so would miss the deeper purpose of the game: to introduce players to a world that many might not be familiar with. And let's face it, not every game lets you control an adorable Arctic Fox, which definitely adds to the charm of Never Alone.
3. Overcooked
I’m not entirely sure if Overcooked qualifies as an overlooked game, but I do know it deserves way more attention. It's one of the best multiplayer party games on the PS4. In this chaotic and hilarious game, players must save the world from an evil giant meatball monster (because, of course, that's the villain). You do this by becoming chefs who must prepare and serve orders in increasingly strange and frantic locations. It’s the perfect recipe for fun.
While it’s disappointing that Overcooked lacks online multiplayer, it’s still an absolute blast in local co-op, with the game allowing up to four players. Every round is a chaotic challenge, requiring excellent communication and teamwork to achieve a three-star rating on each level. Add to that the adorable art style and catchy soundtrack, and you have one of the PS4's most entertaining multiplayer experiences—a game that definitely deserved more recognition in 2016.
2. Until Dawn
I truly believe Sony didn’t fully realize the gem they had with Until Dawn, which explains the minimal marketing push when it was released in 2015. What a missed opportunity, because Until Dawn is easily one of the PS4’s standout exclusives and a new franchise that deserves to continue. Not so much a traditional game as an interactive drama (think Telltale’s The Walking Dead), it proudly embraces its love for the horror genre and its classic tropes. The story takes place around an isolated cabin on Blackwood Mountain, where a group of eight teens must survive a terrifying night filled with supernatural horrors.
What starts out as a typical slasher story soon evolves into something far more intricate, covering nearly every corner of the horror genre and delivering a surprisingly compelling narrative that you'll want to see unfold. With a branching storyline that hinges on the player's choices, Until Dawn offers countless grim and occasionally absurd outcomes. The stellar voice cast, including Hayden Panettiere, Mr. Robot’s Rami Malek, and the always entertaining Peter Stormare, elevates the experience, making Until Dawn a must-play for every PS4 owner.
1. Mad Max
In a case of unfortunate timing, Avalanche’s Mad Max was released on the same day as Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain, a massive open-world game that benefited from a much larger fan base and a far superior critical reception. While MGSV is undoubtedly the better game, this doesn’t detract from the accomplishments of Mad Max, which is a more enjoyable game than its circumstances would suggest. Although Mad Max isn’t a direct adaptation of the movie Mad Max: Fury Road, it shares some of its iconic settings and overall aesthetic.
With its map brimming with side missions, collectibles, and countless points of interest, you might think Mad Max is an Ubisoft game. Yet, despite sharing some similarities with franchises like Assassin’s Creed and Far Cry, Mad Max strives to be more than just an open-world checklist. Part of what makes it stand out is the game’s incredible environmental design, which showcases one of the most visually stunning post-apocalyptic landscapes ever seen in a video game.
Striking a balance between beauty and desolation, Mad Max immerses players in a world where hope is almost non-existent, yet the opportunity for brutal revenge is ever-present—whether it’s harpooning a bandit in the face or sending him flying over the hood of your car. With an addictive upgrade system, explosive vehicular combat, and satisfying hand-to-hand brawls, Mad Max stands out as one of the best hidden gems of its generation.
