The Most Popular Ps5 Games deliver top-tier gaming experiences on Sony’s current-generation console, and at polarservicecenter.net, we understand the importance of having access to the best games available. That’s why we’ve curated a list of titles that showcase the PS5’s capabilities and offer hours of entertainment, while also providing support and guidance for Polar product users, ensuring seamless integration between your fitness tech and gaming experiences. Let’s explore some amazing games, PlayStation exclusives, and discover how to maximize both your physical and digital adventures.
1. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Incroyable
Visually spectacular in every way, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 channels true JRPG excellence while putting its own Western twist on the genre and turn-based combat. It features exquisite writing, wonderfully stylish and multifaceted combat, and a blisteringly beautiful assault on all the senses.
Reasons to buy:
- Visually spectacular in every way
- Exciting, deep, and rewarding active turn-based combat
- Brilliant voice performances
- Beautifully sombre storytelling and a gripping narrative
- A whole host of combat skills, systems, and elements to get stuck into
Reasons to avoid:
- Some cinematic sections go on a bit
- No journal or minimap to help keep track of side quests
“Channeling true JRPG excellence while putting its own western twist on the genre and turn-based combat, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is an absolutely belting game. It has exquisite writing and story craft, wonderfully stylish and multifaceted combat, and is a blisteringly beautiful assault on all the senses from top-notch voice acting and audio to some of the most beautiful environments I’ve seen in years. It has the scope and execution of a game built by hundreds of developers, not a few dozen, and is easily an early game of the year contender.” – Rob Dwiar, TechRadar Gaming reviewer.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 features dazzling art direction, top-tier performances, and spectacular battle effects. It boasts a best-in-class soundtrack and an inspired take on turn-based combat. By weaving parries, dodges, and quick-time events (QTEs) in with traditional turn-based mechanics, developer Sandfall Interactive has struck gold, offering a brilliant twist on classic JRPG action. The cast list is packed with talent, including Daredevil’s Charlie Cox, Final Fantasy 16’s Ben Starr, Baldur’s Gate 3’s Jennifer English, and Venom: Let There Be Carnage director Andy Serkis, offering excellent performances across the board that pair with a gripping and emotional narrative.
a screenshot from Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Alt text: A vibrant screenshot from Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 showcasing its stunning visual artistry and character design.
2. Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Dual blade
Returning to the dual protagonist system first introduced in Assassin’s Creed Syndicate, Assassin’s Creed Shadows gives Naoe and Yasuke particularly distinct fighting styles. Naoe is your classic assassin, using the environment to her advantage and relying on stealth for her kills. Yasuke, on the other hand, is a long katana-wielding brawler with heavy armor and a tendency to tackle battles head-on.
Reasons to buy:
- The series’ best combat
- Beautiful world filled with loads to see, do, and kill
- Satisfying and rewarding exploration
- Dual protagonist system works – from combat styles to mission approaches
Reasons to avoid:
- Changing between characters could be more seamless
- Hideout mode is underwhelming
- Story bounces all over the place and peters out
“Assassin’s Creed Shadows is a massive success and a winning combination of stealth and steel. It’s a fantastic entry in the open-world RPG line of games in the stealth series and the most refined version of that style yet, with satisfying and rewarding exploration, brilliant combat, and a dual protagonist system that really works. Even a few minor quibbles can’t hold it back.” – Rob Dwiar, TechRadar Gaming reviewer.
Fans have been clamoring for a Japan-set Assassin’s Creed for many years, and Shadows absolutely nails it. The vast open world is rich and dense with gorgeous forests and towering castles, further elevated by dynamic seasons that completely switch up the look and feel of the world around you. As you make your way across the many regions of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, you’ll slowly build out a team of allies that’ll help you bring resources back to your hideout, which is fully customizable, giving you access to new gear, weapons, and assassination techniques.
Naoe hides behind a wall as an ally takes down a sword-wielding enemy
Alt text: Naoe, the stealthy assassin from Assassin’s Creed Shadows, strategically hides behind a wall during a mission.
3. Monster Hunter Wilds
A whole new world
Finally offering up a seamless open-word for hunters to explore, Monster Hunter Wilds gets rid of some of the series’ bloat, making it the most accessible entry yet. Combat has been overhauled for all 14 weapons, each receiving new moves and skills, and some being reworked completely.
Reasons to buy:
- Seamless open world
- Seasonal changes are breathtaking to behold
- Campaign is all killer, no filler
- Bringing along a second weapon is a true game-changer
- New Focus Mode is the best addition in over a decade
Reasons to avoid:
- Lack of a central hub does rob the game of some charm
- Visuals can be inconsistent with some areas looking washed out.
“Monster Hunter Wilds is a bold and bustling continuation of its predecessor’s approach to streamlining the once-niche series. By stripping away some of the more frustrating elements of the past, and focusing on getting players into hunts as quickly as possible, Monster Hunter Wilds has the potential to launch the series to new heights. Aside from some head-scratching omissions, Monster Hunter Wilds is a collection of the greatest hits from past games, one that finally delivers on the promise of a truly vibrant and living open world.” – Jake Green, TechRadar Gaming reviewer.
The main draw in Wilds is still the hunts. Monsters are as ferocious as ever, and now there are even new types to take down. Squadding up with friends is easier than ever, as is sending out SOS Signals to other players. If you don’t want to play with others, this entry actually introduces NPC characters that can help you out on missions.
A Hunter glides on the back of a Seikret over the Windward Plains. Small monsters are seen below, gathering in a herd.
Alt text: A hunter soars over the Windward Plains on a Seikret in Monster Hunter Wilds, with small monsters gathering below.
4. Kingdom Come Deliverance 2
A new contender
Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 is a direct sequel to the 2018 medieval RPG, improving on the formula in every way possible, feeling wholly unique, doubling down on immersive sim elements, and excelling where other RPGs tend to falter. The combat is particularly engaging, skating that fine line between complex and fun, with loads of weapons to try, from conventional swords and axes to ranged options like bows, crossbows, and some early firearms.
Reasons to buy:
- Incredibly immersive world
- Beautiful and authentic environments
- Challenging but well-balanced combat
- A staggering level of freedom
Reasons to avoid:
- Inconsistent voice acting quality
“Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is a triumph, weaving complex systems together in an incredibly immersive medieval world that remains a joy to explore even after countless hours. The story is thoroughly entertaining, despite some iffy voice acting, and the challenging combat is a blast to master, making for one of the best RPGs in years.” – Dashiell Wood, TechRadar Gaming reviewer.
Thanks to the excellent open-world design, even mundane tasks suddenly take on new life, letting you study the movements of the shop-owner to steal some bread, or encountering someone stealing your shoes last night after the drunken brawl you got yourself into when heading out to battle.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2
Alt text: A dramatic scene from Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, showcasing its realistic medieval setting and intense combat.
5. Metaphor: ReFantazio
A must play
The latest from Persona developer Atlus, Metaphor: ReFantazio is a medieval fantasy setting, with a different vibe when compared to Persona’s teenage angst and high school drama.
Reasons to buy:
- Engaging and challenging turn-based combat
- Fantastic plot and characters
- Impeccable user interface design
- A strong feeling of constant progression
Reasons to avoid:
- Optional dungeons are pretty dull
- Very choppy performance in larger city areas
“Whether you’re familiar with Atlus’s flavor of turn-based RPGs or not, Metaphor: ReFantazio is an essential play. The developer has built on its legendary ‘press turn’ combat with the innovative Archetype system, allowing for an unprecedented amount of customization and party composition when compared to its other popular series.” – Rhys Wood, TechRadar Gaming hardware editor.
Much of this acclaim comes from the excellent combat, that makes smart changes to the Persona Social Links system. Archetypes are somewhat more involved, and give you more choice over how to level up your party.
Metaphor: ReFantazio
Alt text: A key visual from Metaphor: ReFantazio, highlighting its unique art style and character-driven narrative.
6. New World: Aeternum
Same world, new tricks
New World: Aeternum sees the MMORPG come to PS5, along with some improvements to everything from combat to exploration.
Reasons to buy:
- Extremely approachable
- Competent and varied content throughout
- Superlative gathering, crafting, and profession system
Reasons to avoid:
- Muddled and generic art style
- Fewer high-end PvE raids than well-known competitors
“Engaging and approachable, New World: Aeternum mostly nails the modern MMORPG experience with its refined and cohesive game world and intuitive combat system. Crafting and gathering remain a highlight here but all types of players will find this game worthy of its upfront price of admission.” – Alex Whitelock, TechRadar Gaming reviewer.
Combat is fast and action-packed, and the cohesive main quests will shepherd you just the right amount.
New World: Aeternum screen shot
Alt text: A screenshot from New World: Aeternum, illustrating its immersive open world and player interactions.
7. Dragon Age: The Veilguard
For Thedas
Dragon Age: The Veilguard is a triumphant return for the fantasy RPG series, with thrilling modern combat, as well as a truly beautiful world to explore. You play as Rook, and must recruit a team of allies in order to stop a world-ending plot from Solas the Dreadwolf.
Reasons to buy:
- Dynamic fantasy combat
- A delightful cast of supporting characters
- Strong, relatable dialogue
- Exceptional scope for build customisation
Reasons to avoid:
- Side quests often feel rushed
- The main story may alienate those new to the series
- Cutscenes are undermined by the occasionally dodgy facial animation
“For fans of the Dragon Age setting, Veilguard is an absolute treat. If you’ve been yearning to return to Thedas, you’ve come to the right place. The campaign is a whistle-stop tour of yet-unexplored locales – a wish come true for long-time fans.” – Cat Bussell, TechRadar Gaming reviewer.
Whether you want to be a magic-wielding mage, or a devastating brute, you can play your way.
Solas stands in front of a raging portal
Alt text: Solas, a key character from Dragon Age: The Veilguard, stands before a raging portal, hinting at the game’s epic storyline.
8. Baldur’s Gate 3
A true epic
Baldur’s Gate 3 is one of the best RPGs you can play on PS5.
Reasons to buy:
- Deep and interesting writing
- Fully fleshed-out characters
- The best adaptation of D&D combat in video game form
Reasons to avoid:
- Such a faithful adaptation that some irritations of D&D’s tabletop irritation remain.
- Spell slots are really bad
“Baldur’s Gate 3 is a fine contender for one of the best video game RPGs ever made. It’s the most ambitious RPG out there, and the painstakingly accurate rendition of Dungeons & Dragons will delight fans. A must-play, even if some frustrations with D&D’s format might grate.” – Jake Tucker, TechRadar Gaming reviewer.
You’ll start your Baldur’s Gate 3 quest by being infected by a brain worm, and must forge uneasy alliances to uncover a way to save yourself. Along the way, you can take on combat and puzzles in pretty much any way you want. The full variety on offer in Dungeons and Dragons is available here too, letting you be a brutish barbarian, or a whimsical bard. While the game is undoubtedly made to be played on PC, the console port is exceptional.
Baldur
Alt text: A character portrait from Baldur’s Gate 3, showcasing its detailed character design and immersive RPG elements.
9. The Last of Us Part 1
On the road again
The Last of Us Part 1 takes the iconic PS3 title and drags it into the modern age, rebuilding its visuals from the ground up, bringing things more in-line with the game’s sequel. The main draw here is the opportunity to revisit one of the most iconic games of the last 20 years, one that’s influenced the way narrative storytelling has evolved in this industry over time.
Reasons to buy:
- Increased accessibility options
- More difficulty levels
- Lovingly remade without sacrificing anything
Reasons to avoid:
- Repeat players might not notice many changes
“The Last of Us Part 1 is full of memorable moments, in combat and out – but as a verified secret softy, it’s the heart-wrenching ones that have scored their marks in my heart. And boy howdy, does the revamped intro qualify for that and then some.” – Shabana Arif, TechRadar Gaming reviewer.
For those that have yet to play The Last of Us, maybe those that started with the TV show, this version is absolutely worth jumping into. Even if you played the PS4 remaster of The Last of Us, there’s plenty to enjoy here as well, including the Left Behind DLC, and there’s even improved controls and subtle tweaks to gameplay mechanics like crafting.
Ellie draws a bow against a snowy backdrop
Alt text: Ellie from The Last of Us Part 1, drawing a bow against a snowy backdrop, emphasizing the game’s intense atmosphere.
10. Demon’s Souls
Still the best looking game on PS5
Demon’s Souls is still one of the best-looking games ever made, even almost four years removed from its launch, because it fully leverages everything that the PS5 can handle.
Reasons to buy:
- Next-gen visuals
- Super-fast load times
- Atmospheric locations
Reasons to avoid:
- Extreme difficulty may deter many
- Clunky lock-on system
- Can feel overwhelming
“Bluepoint Games has completely remade Demon’s Souls from the ground up for PS5, and it’s a phenomenal, often breathtaking achievement. Demon’s Souls is the first game that actually looks like it could only run on a next-gen machine, with spectacular lighting, convincing animations and super-fast load times some of the key highlights.” – Adam Vjestica, TechRadar reviewer.
In terms of the game itself, Demon’s Souls is a lovingly faithful remake of FromSoftware’s cult classic, with some modern bells and whistles to help bring it up to speed, giving players a challenging yet satisfying action RPG, with hulking bosses to fell, and labyrinthian dungeons to explore.
Demon’s Souls forcibly drives home one simple message from the outset: you will die.
A Knight stands in a bridge full of weapon-wielding skeletons, as they look up at a castle gate
Alt text: A knight faces a horde of skeletons in Demon’s Souls, showcasing the game’s dark fantasy setting and challenging combat.
11. Astro’s Playroom
An impressive showcase for the DualSense controller
Astro’s Playroom is the best pack-in game since Wii Sports, perfectly showcasing what Sony’s new system can do, from the sumptuous, crystal clear 4K visuals, to the pleasing 3D audio.
Reasons to buy:
- Absolutely gorgeous
- Creative use of the new PS5 features
- Great and inventive platforming
Reasons to avoid:
- Short
The way Astro’s Playroom deploys the DualSense’s features and powers is unparalleled. From feeling different surfaces ‘underfoot’ to loading springy jumps with the triggers, it’s superb.
You’ll feel sensations that you didn’t know were possible before thanks to Sony’s haptic feedback and adaptive triggers tech, such as what it feels like to walk along different surfaces or fire a Gatling gun.
Astro coming out of a PS5 DualSense controller
Alt text: Astro Bot emerges from a PS5 DualSense controller, highlighting the game’s innovative use of the controller’s features.
12. Disco Elysium: The Final Cut
The best and most cerebral PS5 game
Many RPG games claim to offer a spectrum of choice, but washed-up cop simulator Disco Elysium doesn’t make things so simple. Amnesiac from drug and alcohol abuse, your cop explores all the shades of gray in between what constitutes a pure or dark morality in his quest to solve the murder of a hanged man.
Reasons to buy:
- Hilarious writing
- Unique visual style
- Brilliant voice acting
Reasons to avoid:
- TTRPG style may not be for everyone
The writing in Disco Elysium is just so good and is some of the best you can experience in a PS5 game. It’s rich, detailed, gives a great sense of place, and makes for some very memorable interactions.
The writing is exemplary throughout, pulling you into Disco Elysium’s vaguely European, vaguely post-communist city of Revachol, and the award-winning soundtrack is equally evocative.
Disco Elysium characters Harry and Kim on an oil painting background
Alt text: Harry and Kim from Disco Elysium in an oil painting style, emphasizing the game’s unique visual presentation and narrative depth.
13. Gran Turismo 7
The best PS5 game for racing fans
Gran Turismo 7 restores the racing sim franchise to its former greatness.
Reasons to buy:
- Stunning graphics
- Lightning-fast load times
- Breathtaking haptic feedback
- Bags of content
Reasons to avoid:
- Licence tests might be too strict for some
- Music Rally is underwhelming
“Gran Turismo 7 isn’t just the best entry in the long-running series, it sets the bar astronomically high for all future racing sims. GT7’s stunning graphics are paired with a wonderfully slick presentation. That, in conjunction with best-in-class racing sim gameplay that’s easier than ever to pick up – and tough as ever to master – make for a constantly satisfying racer.” – Rhys Wood, TechRadar Gaming Hardware Editor.
GT7 is also a stunning showcase of PS5 tech, making arguably the best use of the DualSense Wireless Controller’s haptic feedback and adaptive triggers. You’ll feel every bump in the road, every screech around a corner, and every gear change as you maneuver around GT7‘s litany of tracks. Pair this with lightning-quick load times and you end up with a beautifully seamless racing experience in GT7.
GT Sophy car driving along a track
Alt text: A GT Sophy car speeds along a track in Gran Turismo 7, showcasing the game’s stunning graphics and realistic racing experience.
14. Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate Edition
A fantastic PS5 fighter
Mortal Kombat reigns as a king of the fighting game genre and Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate only cements that position.
Reasons to buy:
- Combines several expansion packs with the base game
- Brutalities look amazing
Reasons to avoid:
- Not the newest Mortal Kombat game
The grim beauty and detail of Mortal Kombat 1‘s brutal finishers is a spectacular sight and keeps us coming back for more, always looking for new ways to finish off opponents in grisly style.
Combining Mortal Kombat 11, Kombat Pack 1, the Aftermath expansion, and Kombat Pack 2, Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate is the quintessential Mortal Kombat 11 experience. With two cinematic stories to play through, 37 fighters to get to grips with, and a bunch of new fatalities, stages, and brutalities to try out, Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate offers hours of gruesome fun. On PS5, Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate benefits from 4K dynamic resolution, enhanced visuals, and drastically improved loading times.
Scorpion grips the handle of his yellow katana
Alt text: Scorpion from Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate grips his katana, highlighting the game’s intense combat and detailed character design.
15. Resident Evil Village
The best PS5 game for horror fans
Taking place a few years after the events of Resident Evil 7, Village sees protagonist Ethan exploring an Eastern European village in hopes of finding his kidnapped daughter – but the village residents are…. less than welcoming.
Reasons to buy:
- Well-paced story (mostly)
- Brilliant use of audio
- Inventory management improved
- Brilliant array of memorable characters
Reasons to avoid:
- Boss fights can feel anticlimactic
- Less focus on scares
- Story spoon-fed at the end
*“Resident Evil Village takes the series to new heights, balancing the action of Resident Evil 4 with the deeper narrative approach of Resident Evil 7. This, combined with a brilliant use of audio on PS5 and an array of memorable characters, makes it the best modern Resi entry.” – Vic Hood, TechRadar Gaming reviewer.
More action-focused than its predecessor, this sequel is visibly closer to the classic Resident Evil 4 in its moment-to-moment gameplay – but blends this with the survival horror elements that we love about older entries.
An old lady holds a staff with a skull at its peak. Candles glow in the background.
Alt text: A mysterious old lady holds a skull-topped staff in Resident Evil Village, emphasizing the game’s eerie and atmospheric horror.
16. Helldivers 2
The best PS5 game for riotous co-op action
Helldivers 2 has taken the PS5 game scene by storm, a third-person co-op shooter that is chaotic, dumb, ridiculous in its humor, and totally bombastic in its action.
Reasons to buy:
- Frenetic gunfights
- User-friendly progression system
- Chaotic fun
Reasons to avoid:
- Hard to enjoy without friends
- Huge difficulty spike when fighting robots
*“Helldivers 2 delivers on the promise of chaotic fun through superior firepower. Whether you’re slaying enemies with your friends or slaying your friends while enemies are also present, if you’ve got the crew, this is a guaranteed good time.” – Jake Tucker, TechRadar Gaming reviewer.
The shooting in particular feels excellent, and while, like some other bits of the game, it isn’t always precise, it feels excellent to lay into hordes of bugs and robot baddies while hearing your characters shout nonsense slogans all the while.
Helldivers 2 key art showing four soldiers in victory poses, stood on top of a small rocky outcrop
Alt text: Four Helldivers strike a victorious pose on a rocky outcrop in Helldivers 2, showcasing the game’s cooperative action and futuristic setting.
17. Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Into uncharted waters
With how Final Fantasy 7 Remake ended, it’s no surprise that its successor heads into uncharted waters from the get-go, offering up a much larger, and more substantial slice of turn-based action and open-world exploration than what we’ve seen before.
Reasons to buy:
- Exceptional narrative design and pacing
- Fluid and well-developed combat
- Captivating characters with impeccable chemistry
Reasons to avoid:
- The occasional setpiece falls flat
- Story deviations may irritate purists
“Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is a loving recreation of the original’s second act, elevated by an impressive level of commitment and confidence and only held back by the occasional wobble.” – Cat Bussell, TechRadar Gaming reviewer.
There are literally hundreds of side-activities to take on as you guide Cloud and friends through a bright and oftentimes funny adventure.
Cloud, Sephiroth and Zack stand under a sunlit sky
Alt text: Cloud, Sephiroth, and Zack stand together under a sunlit sky in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, highlighting the game’s iconic characters and stunning visuals.
18. Returnal
The best PS5 game for a sci-fi challenge
As one of Sony’s biggest PS5 exclusives, Returnal is bound to draw in many gamers who maybe haven’t played a roguelike before and therefore may find its punishing difficulty, ever-changing levels, and permadeath mechanic to be a real shock to the system.
Reasons to buy:
- DualSense support is subtle but effective
- Sounds amazing with headphones
- Seamless loading times
- Immersive storytelling
- Environment changes keep gameplay fresh
Reasons to avoid:
- Few persistent upgrades
- Runs can feel needlessly long
- Combat can feel repetitive
*“Returnal puts its own stamp on the roguelike genre, blending ever-changing levels and permadeath with an intense third-person shooter experience. While players are often at the mercy of Returnal’s unpredictability – for better or worse – the immersive storytelling and the utilization of Sony’s latest hardware makes it feel like a true PS5 exclusive.” – Vic Hood, TechRadar Gaming reviewer.
However, thanks to a tantalizing story and immersive gameplay, which take full advantage of PS5 3D Audio and the DualSense’s full range of features, you’ll likely keep returning for “just one more run…”
Returnal
Alt text: A scene from Returnal, showcasing its intense sci-fi setting, challenging gameplay, and the protagonist’s struggle for survival.
19. Sackboy: A Big Adventure
The best family-friendly PS5 game
Sackboy: A Big Adventure is one of the most important exclusives here, perfect for families thanks to its kid-friendly nature and four-player local co-op.
Reasons to buy:
- Fantastic level design
- Four-player co-op
- Challenging gameplay
Reasons to avoid:
- Somewhat predictable boss fights
- End of level fanfare takes too long
- Some levels require two players
The level design and playful worlds of Sackboy: A Big Adventure are some of the best on PS5 and the way you interact with them through rolling, grabbing, slapping and more is so much fun.
It helps that Sackboy: A Big Adventure is a truly wonderful platformer, one that manages to avoid the common pitfalls that many developers fall into when designing games for younger audiences.
Sackboy: A Big Adventure
Alt text: Sackboy from Sackboy: A Big Adventure, running through a colorful and whimsical level, highlighting the game’s family-friendly charm.
20. Horizon Forbidden West
A beautiful and expansive open-world action adventure – with robot dinosaurs
If you’re on the hunt for an open-world, narrative-driven adventure, then look no further than Horizon Forbidden West, with Aloy’s next adventure being staggeringly beautiful, gripping, and filled with exciting rob-dinosaur action.
Reasons to buy:
- A character-led story
- Astonishing facial animation
- It looks stunning
- A fascinating and cohesive world
Reasons to avoid:
- Frustrating movement
Stalking, examining, and strategically dismantling and hunting each and everyone of Horizon Forbidden West‘s robot dinosaur creatures – the machines – is brilliant, satisfying and action-packed.
Forbidden West absolutely is one of the best experiences you can get on PS5 right now, and absolutely do not skip the side quests, with some of the best we’ve played on PS5 (or any platform, for that matter) in recent years.
Aloy standing on a hillside looking out to a sunset landscape
Alt text: Aloy stands on a hillside in Horizon Forbidden West, gazing out at a sunset landscape, emphasizing the game’s stunning open world.
21. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
The best superhero PS5 game
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is the definitive PlayStation superhero experience, giving us both Peter and Miles as playable characters and lets us loose once again in New York City.
Reasons to buy:
- Traversing the city is a joy, especially with the new web wings
- A true comic saga story that sets up huge stakes and delivers on them
- Each character feels meaningfully different to play
Reasons to avoid:
- Lots of busywork
- The story takes a long time to get going
“Swinging through New York as Peter or Miles is better than it’s ever been in the PlayStation 4 and 5 Spider-Man series. The smooth, seamless, and combo-tastic way you can dance through the air, off buildings, and deploy the web wings for extra speed and coverage is breathtaking.” – Jake Green, TechRadar Gaming contributor.
Fans of the series and the superhero are well served with the game’s Venom story arc that throws in a few surprises along the way, and as a singe-player open-world action game, it doesn’t get much more fun than this.
Miles and Peter swing towards Sand-Man, who towers above the city
Alt text: Miles and Peter swing towards Sand-Man in Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, showcasing the game’s dynamic action and iconic characters.
22. Astro Bot
A 3D platformer to rival the greats
Astro Bot has seriously surprised players and critics alike with an excellent display of modern 3D platforming peppered with a true reverence for the PlayStation brand.
Reasons to buy:
- Brilliant use of different abilities and obstacles to make collectible hunting engaging
- Fun and fair boss battles
- Top-notch level design variety
- Fantastic use of the DualSense controller and its features
Reasons to avoid:
- Uncovering bonus levels prematurely ends the current level run, negatively impacting pacing
- It’s all over too quickly
*“Astro Bot combines engrossing platforming mechanics across masterfully designed levels that are filled with fun obstacles and collectibles. It stands up to gaming’s biggest giants like Mario and Sonic as a result and is a joyous Game of the Year contender.” – George Yang, TechRadar Gaming reviewer.
Each level of Astro Bot is bursting with easter eggs, including bots themed after authentic PlayStation characters as well as much deeper cuts, like Ratchet, Jack, Crash and Spyro.
A screenshot from Astro Bot showing Astro Bot controlling a DualSense-shaped speedboat
Alt text: Astro Bot controls a DualSense-shaped speedboat in Astro Bot, highlighting the game’s creative level design and integration with PlayStation’s history.
23. Elden Ring
Rise, Tarnished
Elden Ring offers up an open world take on games like Dark Souls and Bloodborne.
Reasons to buy:
- Outrageously rich open world
- Combat to die for
- Endlessly inventive
Reasons to avoid:
- Difficult to learn
- Performances issues
- Unhelpful players
*Elden Ring finally marks FromSoftware’s rise to being one of the biggest developers on the planet. By taking what made its previous games sing, and mixing it all up into a genre-defining open world, FromSoftware has created a game that is nothing short of a masterpiece.
By expanding the scope of what a Soulslike can be, FromSoftware has created something that transcends the genre, an experience that appeals to all kinds of gamers, with no prior knowledge required.
