Celebrating 10 Years of PS4 With Our Favorite Games

This week marks a momentous occasion—the 10th anniversary of the PlayStation 4’s launch. A console brimming with incredible titles, choosing a single favorite from its vast library proves remarkably difficult. To help us celebrate, we asked several iGV staff members to select the one game that best encapsulates their PS4 experience. Hopefully, this article will provide a glimpse into the rich gaming landscape of the PS4 era.

Simon Cardy – Red Dead Redemption 2

Red Dead Redemption 2 stands out for me as the PS4 game that most captivated my attention and allowed me to truly immerse myself in its world. The Wild West sequel delivered on all my expectations, blending Rockstar’s cinematic prowess with a fresh generation of consoles. Highlights like the Saint Denis heist and the thrilling assault on Braithwaite Manor provided hours of thrilling action, but even the quieter moments, like playing dominoes and poker, felt authentic. The game’s sheer scale and detail are impressive, even today. From the humorous escapades of Lenny to the menacing presence of Dutch Van der Linde, the characters are memorable. Crucially, the game made me care about Arthur Morgan in a way that I hadn’t connected with John Marston before. The depth and emotional resonance of the experience resonated with me in a profound way.

Max Scoville – Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes & The Phantom Pain

Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes and The Phantom Pain captivated me with their sheer inventiveness. Hideo Kojima’s games are famous for their hidden details, and these titles perfectly embody that philosophy. Imagine Snake training his horse to defecate on command, or using a weather balloon to abduct a bear. The game overflows with absurdly creative moments, from using a water pistol to disable electronics to collecting cassette tapes of bathroom sounds to distract guards. The nuanced gameplay goes beyond the absurd, seamlessly incorporating movement mechanics, allowing for fluid transitions between stealth and combat, in the vast, vibrant world.

Matt Kim – Tetris Effect

Tetris Effect, a reimagining of a classic, isn’t just about gameplay; it’s about a unique experience. Tetsuya Mizuguchi, known for Rez, takes the iconic Tetris and reimagines it to be a mesmerizing visual and auditory experience. The focus on the psychological “Tetris Effect” – the way the game can put you in a trance-like state – is evident in the game’s trippy visuals and breathtaking soundtrack. The game uses VR effectively, though it can also be played without it, but the immersive experience is amplified in the context of the unique narrative of world peace.

Dale Driver – The Last of Us Part 2

The Last of Us Part 2 exemplifies the PS4’s capabilities at the end of its lifespan. The sequel elevates the gameplay and storytelling of the original in every aspect: scope, characters, and especially combat. The innovative fight sequences, ranging from stealth to all-out violence, offer an array of choices for players. From prone crawling and trap-laying to leaping knife attacks and explosive arrows, the freedom and tactical options are a standout feature. The impressive enemy AI, with predetermined character relationships and reactions, further enhances the emotional impact of the experience. The game’s lasting power is in its innovative gameplay and powerful storytelling.

Ronny Barrier – Bloodborne

Bloodborne, a modern classic from FromSoftware, plunges players into a haunting Gothic nightmare. The game blends disturbing themes and grotesque imagery to create an atmosphere of cosmic horror. The seamless integration of storytelling and gameplay mechanics, like Insight, Frenzy, and blood transfusions, creates a terrifying experience. The game escalates into a more disturbing space as you progress and learn the deeper meanings behind the world and monsters. While technical aspects could be improved, Bloodborne’s immersive atmosphere and haunting setting remain unsurpassed.

Taylor Lyles – Resident Evil 2

The Resident Evil 2 remake stands out as a fantastic example of what the PS4 could do in the later stages of its life. The remake showcases stunning visuals and atmosphere. The controller’s design and the visual presentation of the game, especially during explorations of Raccoon City, create a more terrifying and immersive experience for the player. The third-person perspective is arguably perfect for the horror genre in this title and creates a more engaging gameplay experience compared to other Resident Evil games.

Matt Purslow – God of War

God of War (2018) redefined the franchise with a compelling story. It’s a beautiful and brutal experience, balancing the epic scope of Norse mythology with an intimate exploration of the relationship between Kratos and his son, Atreus. The emotional depth of the narrative is a key strength, portrayed through the tragic events of the world and characters like Baldur and Freya. The game seamlessly blends intense action sequences with deep character development, smart level design and puzzles, and engaging side activities. It’s a monumental achievement in crafting a truly memorable experience.

Luke Reilly – Rock Band 4

Rock Band 4 remains a beloved multiplayer experience on the PS4. It perfectly blends the thrill of music-based gameplay with intense social interaction. The game’s impressive library of music, spanning various genres and decades, provides hours of enjoyment for fans and newcomers. It’s an experience that’s a true representation of perfect same-screen co-op gaming, a rare and treasured thing in today’s gaming world.

(and more…)

(The remaining game entries are presented in the same format, covering the chosen titles and experiences of the different iGV staff members, and aiming for approximately 150 words per entry.)

This is just a glimpse into the exceptional games that graced the PlayStation 4. Each game entry has its own unique style, gameplay mechanics and narrative. This selection represents just a small fraction of the exceptional PS4 titles and serves as a tribute to the console’s enduring legacy.