1.
Final Fantasy 16
Hey there, JRPG fans!
We know you’ve been eagerly awaiting Final Fantasy 16, and let me tell you,
it’s worth the wait! Step into the fantastical world of Valisthea, where six
factions vie for control in a land blessed (and maybe cursed) with powerful Mothercrystals.
These crystals make
life pretty cushy for the locals, granting them magical abilities and all. But
hold onto your hats, because trouble’s brewing. A looming blight threatens to
upset the peace, and it’s up to Clive Rosfield and company to save the day!
Our very own Callum
Self gave it a glowing review, calling it “an incredible experience,”
and we couldn’t agree more. In fact, we’re so impressed that we’ve awarded
Final Fantasy 16 a rare perfect score of 10/10. So grab your controller and get
ready for an epic adventure like no other!
2. God of War
Sony hit it out of the
park with the 2018 reboot of God of War. Moving away from the Greek mythology
that defined Kratos’s earlier adventures, the game now delves into Norse lore.
Kratos, now sporting a glorious beard, has taken on the role of a father, and
his son, Atreus, is no ordinary lad (but then again, when has anything been
ordinary for Kratos?).
Set years after
Kratos’s legendary battles against the gods of Olympus, the game follows the
father-son duo on a poignant journey to scatter the ashes of Faye, Kratos’s
second wife and Atreus’s mother, atop the highest peak in the nine realms.
This reboot of God of
War takes a markedly different approach, emphasizing narrative depth and
character development. The camera angle is closer to Kratos, providing a more
intimate gaming experience that sets it apart from its predecessors. The
result? One of the most immersive cinematic experiences available on the PS5
(and PS4, where it was originally launched).
3. God of War Ragnarok
Sony
continues to deliver top-tier exclusives, and the proof is in the pudding with
the sequel to the smash-hit God of War (2018), Sony Santa Monica’s
revitalization of the franchise. God of War Ragnarok is so impressive that
Kayleigh even dubbed it “a serious GOTY contender” in our review.
Kratos
and Atreus return, this time on a mission to thwart the apocalypse known as
“Ragnarok” in Norse mythology. Following the events of the first
game, Kratos finds himself facing the consequences of his actions, but let’s be
real, when is Kratos not stirring up trouble? As expected, the sins of the
father cast a long shadow over the duo as they navigate the epic and emotional
journey set against the backdrop of Norse mythology.
To
add to the excitement, Ragnarok recently received a substantial Valhalla update,
essentially serving as a free expansion or DLC. This update not only introduces
new gameplay elements but also expands upon Kratos’s story, leaving fans
eagerly anticipating the future of the series.
4. Kena: Bridge of
Spirits
Available on PC and PS4,
Kena: Bridge of Spirits shines brightest on the big screen with its stunning
CGI cutscenes reminiscent of Disney animations and its visually captivating
world. This story-driven adventure puts players in the shoes of Kena, a spirit
guide on a mission to free trapped souls from their torment.
Get ready for a mix of
combat, exploration, and puzzles as Kena delves into the secrets of a quaint
forest community. For those who love collecting, there’s plenty of lore and
hidden items scattered throughout the game’s diverse levels. And let’s not
forget about the adorable Rot creatures that tag along after you’ve freed them
– you can even dress them up in cute little hats for some extra fun!
5. Death Stranding
Director’s Cut
Death Stranding offers
a truly surreal journey – but hey, when it’s Hideo Kojima at the helm, expect
the unexpected, right? Set in a post-apocalyptic world filled with supernatural
phenomena, players step into the shoes of Sam Porter Bridges, a courier with
the critical task of connecting isolated communities.
Now, with the
PS5-exclusive Director’s Cut, Kojima Productions has kicked things up a notch.
Get ready for a plethora of new customization options, quality-of-life
improvements, and even a revamped combat system. If you’re seeking the ultimate
way to experience this masterpiece from the last generation, look no further –
you’ve found it.
6. Demon’s Souls
A long-awaited treat
for fans of the Souls series, Demon’s Souls is a must-play for those craving
more FromSoftware goodness – if you can handle the challenge, that is. With its
atmospheric medieval setting, Demon’s Souls garnered a cult following after its
initial release on the PS3. However, it wasn’t until the arrival of Dark Souls
in 2011 that it truly found its audience.
For years, Demon’s
Souls remained tethered to the limitations of PS3 hardware, enduring frame
drops and all. But now, thanks to Bluepoint Games – the same studio behind the
fantastic Shadow of the Colossus remaster – the game has been remastered for
the PS5. This means there’s no better time to experience the title that started
it all for the Soulsborne series. With its stunning graphics, customizable
options for frame rate or resolution, and that signature moody atmosphere,
Demon’s Souls on the PS5 promises an immersive experience. Just be prepared for
one thing: death. Lots and lots of death.
7. Destruction
AllStars
Destruction AllStars
is like taking Destruction Derby, giving it a futuristic twist, throwing in
characters reminiscent of Apex Legends, and letting chaos reign supreme. It’s
all about smashing, crashing, and pulling off Grand Theft Auto-style moves to
come out on top. Jump from car to car, dodge being squished, and give your
opponents a taste of their own medicine.
In multiplayer mode,
up to 16 players can dive into the mayhem across various game modes – from
casual to ranked to special events – all with one goal: wrecking other players’
vehicles to be the last one standing. Plus, if you’re a PS Plus subscriber with
a PS5, chances are you’ve already got this gem in your collection, as it was
free for members. So, why wait? Dive into the chaos and show everyone what
you’re made of!
8. Ratchet &
Clank: Rift Apart
Get
ready for some pun-filled adventures as Ratchet and Clank return in Rift Apart,
exclusively for the PS5. Despite being a two-decade-old series, this latest
installment keeps things exciting with stunning graphics, CGI cutscenes, and a
fresh new story that takes you on a journey across dimensions, time, and space
to thwart an evil emperor’s plans for chaos.
Powered
by the PS5, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart introduces lightning-fast new
levels, taking full advantage of the console’s capabilities. And let’s not
forget the innovative use of the PS5’s DualSense features – the controller’s
triggers respond dynamically, offering a unique gameplay experience. Whether
you’re firing a single precise shot or unleashing a barrage of bullets, the
DualSense delivers immersive feedback like never before.
If
you’re a fan of third-person action platformers, Ratchet & Clank: Rift
Apart on the PS5 is a must-play title that showcases the best of what the
console has to offer.
9. Returnal
While
Demon’s Souls may have set the standard for challenging gameplay, Returnal
takes it to a whole new level by infusing roguelike elements, stunning 4K HDR
visuals, and the lightning-paced arcade action that Housemarque is renowned
for.
As a
crash-landed astronaut stranded in an alien world, you’ll experience the
frustration of repeated deaths as you unravel the mysteries of your
surroundings and grapple with the enigmatic phenomenon of respawning after each
demise.
As
the first exclusive title tailored specifically for the PS5, Returnal offers a
unique experience not found on any other platform. Traverse ever-changing
environments and levels that shift with each failed attempt. With each run,
discover new items and weapons that persist, empowering future endeavors.
Prepare
for countless deaths in pursuit of the perfect run, where the exhilarating rush
of defeating a boss with mere slivers of health remaining will leave you with
sweaty palms. Returnal isn’t just a roguelike; it’s a high-octane adventure on
steroids.
10. Sackboy A Big Adventure
Sackboy: A Big Adventure is an absolute blast! Developed by Sumo Digital, this delightful 3D platformer was one of the first games available for the PS5, and it’s still as fun as ever. Join our lovable hero, Sackboy, from the LittleBigPlanet series, on a brand-new adventure full of creativity and excitement.
11. Marvel’s
Spider-Man Miles Morales
While Spider-Man Miles
Morales is available on the PS4, it’s undeniably optimized for the PS5,
offering many of the same enhancements and additions as Marvel’s Spider-Man
Remastered.
Despite being more of
a spin-off with a condensed story compared to its predecessor, Miles Morales
doesn’t skimp on quality. Players step into the shoes of the titular rookie
spider-hero, Miles, on a quest for justice following the tragic death of his
police officer father at the hands of some notorious thugs. The game offers a
more intimate and lived-in feel compared to the original, adding depth to the
experience.
Fans of the Marvel universe
won’t want to miss out on Miles Morales, as it not only stands on its own but
also progresses the overarching narrative introduced in the first game –
essential knowledge for the highly anticipated Marvel’s Spider-Man 2. Whether
swinging through the streets of New York or diving into Miles’s personal
journey, this game is a must-play for PS5 owners.
12. Marvel’s
Spider-Man 2
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
marks the triumphant return of both Peter Parker and Miles Morales, teaming up
to take on the series’ iconic villains once more. The action kicks off with the
appearance of Kraven, but it’s only a matter of time before a slew of other
formidable foes make their presence known.
In our review of
Spider-Man 2, Callum dubs it “the ultimate PS5 exclusive,” making it
clear that this game is an absolute must-have. Just like Final Fantasy 16,
Spider-Man 2 joins the elite club of titles awarded a perfect 10/10 score from
us. It’s a game that demands your attention and promises to deliver an
unforgettable experience. Don’t hesitate – swing into action and dive into the
world of Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 as soon as you can!
