40. A Plague Tale: Innocence (PS4)

A third-person narrative adventure game where you primarily help escort a loved one younger than you, A Plague Tale: Innocence regularly draws comparisons to The Last of Us. The good thing is it's almost just as good. Set in a world where a plague has driven a rat horde to take over 1300s France, you'll need to help young Hugo traverse its dark and gruesome countryside, taking advantage of your slingshot to solve puzzles, create paths forwards, and deal with the Inquisition soldiers. Its PS5 sequel is even better, but from a narrative standpoint, you'll want to start with Innocence — an overall fantastic experience from Asobo Studio.

39. Dishonored: Definitive Edition (PS4)

Arkane's debut game, Dishonored, remains one of its best, and this Definitive Edition lets you play an optimal version. Casting you as a supernatural assassin in a corrupt world, you get to explore a series of vast, open stages that really let you approach them in your own way. A combination of excellent mission design, a flexible suite of powers and weapons, and an intriguing story make for a true modern classic. The Definitive Edition finishes it all off with improved visuals and all the game's DLC, making for a great package.

38. Days Gone (PS4)

After several years working on handhelds like PS Vita and PSP, Bend Studio marked its return to home consoles with its ambitious open world adventure Days Gone. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, the game’s biker motif made it stand out from the crowd, as your two-wheels became your sanctuary in an extremely hostile setting. A huge focus on story and some genuinely impressive tech allowed the developer to flex its muscle, and the release would go on to become a cult favourite among PS4 fans.

37. Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice (PS4)

Originally intended as an experimental release from UK developer Ninja Theory, designed to prove that it could create a AAA title on an indie budget, Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice ended up exceeding all expectations. While its combat and puzzle solving is a little on the lighter side, its storytelling is exceptional, and the way it depicts the protagonist’s struggles with mental health is unmatched, owing to some outstanding performances and ground-breaking sound design.

36. Until Dawn (PS4)

Supermassive Games made a real name for itself with Until Dawn. This narrative adventure game effectively lets you partake in a schlocky teen horror movie, where your choices will have potentially grisly effects on the ensemble cast. With atmosphere to spare, lovably corny performances, and a highly replayable adventure full of outcomes to discover, it's no wonder this game is such a cult hit.

35. Alien: Isolation (PS4)

Alien: Isolation may have somewhat overstayed its welcome, but its nail-biting survival gameplay perfectly captures the claustrophobic tone of Ridley Scott’s iconic 1979 sci-fi movie. Assuming the role of Amanda Ripley, the daughter of series protagonist Ellen Ripley, you’re stalked from start-to-finish by the series’ deadly Xenomorph. Up against impossible odds, the game constantly keeps you on your toes, as you’re forced to slip past the enormous extraterrestrial unnoticed. It’s a completely unique experience that hasn’t really been replicated since.

34. Dishonored 2 (PS4)

Dishonored 2 is a brilliant, criminally under-appreciated game that any fan of stealth action should play. It builds upon the already excellent original, providing you with two fully kitted-out playable characters with unique abilities, and both very deadly. Whether you play as the reliable Corvo Attano or his daughter (and dethroned empress) Emily Kaldwin, you'll have a wide array of supernatural powers to toy with, as well as access to a variety of weapons. With freedom to fully explore each level, impeccable environment design, and engaging emergent gameplay keeping you on your toes, this is easily among Arkane's best games.

33. Stray (PS4)

Cat lovers agree: Stray is a delight. This game has you playing as a little cat who winds up lost in a mysterious walled-in city inhabited by robots. You're lured in by the novelty of playing as a nimble feline, jumping across rooftops and knocking things to the floor, but you'll also be hooked by a surprisingly intriguing sci-fi narrative. Featuring lovely presentation some dense places to explore, this short but sweet game is a treat.

32. Resident Evil (PS4)

The remaster of arguably one of the greatest remakes of all time: there may have only been six years between Resident Evil and its jaw-dropping GameCube revival, but Capcom packed an entire generation of progress into this technical tour-de-force. The game’s mansion remains utterly iconic, a character unto itself, and with tense survival action and some smartly designed puzzles, this PS4 port is a must-play if you missed it in 2002.

31. Rise of the Tomb Raider (PS4)

Rise of the Tomb Raider takes Crystal Dynamics’ reboot and greatly raises the stakes, with more equipment and combat options than in the previous instalment. While structurally it’s largely familiar, and there are some serious question marks over the voice acting and script, the game offers a real rollercoaster of set-piece moments, taking heroine Lara Croft across the globe as she continues to evolve into the wise-cracking heroine we all know and love.