80. Sackboy: A Big Adventure (PS5)
With creator Media Molecule focusing its attention elsewhere, LittleBigPlanet’s whimsical weaved hero deserved his Super Mario 3D World moment. Sackboy: A Big Adventure doesn’t pull up any trees like its predecessors, but is instead a robust co-operative platformer with some memorable musical moments. With a cutesy DIY aesthetic and some surprisingly tight action, it excels in an area that Sony has often been accused of overlooking: fun for the whole family.
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79. Diablo 4 (PS5)
After a long time in development, Blizzard's beloved action RPG series returns in grand style with Diablo 4. This top-down dungeon crawler is all about building up your character with randomly generated loot, exploring a huge world map full of treasures and monsters, and teaming up with your pals for some devilishly addictive co-op. Jam-packed with stuff to do, this is a game you'll be playing for a long time, and the insanely gratifying progression will keep you coming back for more.
78. Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 (PS5)
Capturing the heart and soul of Warhammer 40k isn't easy, but Space Marine 2 is just about as good as it gets. This gory third-person action-shooter is a brilliantly robust adaptation, boasting a well-paced campaign (that can be played in co-op), a full set of online co-op missions, and even competitive multiplayer. In many ways it's a throwback to simpler times, when such shooters were so common, but it brings the brutality forward with some stunning visuals and a deeply satisfying, visceral combat system. A damn good time for everyone involved (except the Tyranids, obviously).
77. Cyberpunk 2077 (PS5)
Following a disastrous PS4 launch, Cyberpunk 2077 might as well have been a brand new game on PS5 over a year later. CD Projekt Red stuck to its guns, delivering a much improved version of the open world RPG on Sony's current-gen console, free of the game-breaking bugs and crashing issues that plagued the initial release. The result is memorable and often engrossing dark future title, peppered with great characters, punchy combat, and some excellent freeform mission design. Better late than never!
76. Devil May Cry 5: Special Edition (PS5)
We were tempted to just quote the entirety of Vergil's 'Bury the Light' theme here, but that would deny us an opportunity to rave about Devil May Cry 5: Special Edition on PS5. Simply put, this is an exceptional action game. It's Capcom at its absolute best, having crafted one of the greatest combat systems to ever grace the genre. In Special Edition, Vergil is the star of the show; unbelievably fun to play as and immaculately designed. This PS5 re-release also allows for instantaneous load times, a slew of graphics options, and the incredible Legendary Dark Knight mode.
75. A Plague Tale: Requiem (PS5)
Better than its predecessor in virtually every way, A Plague Tale: Requiem is a proper sequel that improves its familiar gameplay mechanics and couples them with stunning PS5 visuals and an engaging story. It doesn't completely rewrite the script, but taking a page from the Naughty Dog playbook, this is a cinematic adventure more than worth your time.
74. Death's Door (PS5)
Death's Door isn't doing anything particularly original, but everything presented here is just so well crafted. The game is an isometric action adventure, starring you as a reaper crow who must venture out and calm the lost souls that haunt the land. The world created here is a fascinating one, designed in an almost Dark Souls-like way; it intertwines with itself and pockmarks each area with baddies to fend off. The combat is straightforward but satisfying, and the presentation is really strong throughout. It might not break the mould, but this unassuming game puts its best talon forward.
73. Sifu (PS5)
Sifu is one of the most impressive tributes to martial arts that you'll find in gaming. An immaculately presented kung fu adventure, Sifu is a brutal test of reactions and skill, but in the pursuit of mastering its mechanics, you'll find an immensely rewarding experience. A superb action title if you're in the mood for a stiff challenge.
72. Star Wars Jedi: Survivor (PS5)
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor is the direct sequel to Fallen Order, and it's a bigger and better game in every way. It builds upon the previous title's successes — engaging lightsaber combat, semi-linear environment design — while improving on areas that needed attention. The story takes some major steps forward, protagonist Cal's character is developed meaningfully, and his supporting cast is far more interesting overall. Throw on top a hub area that gradually changes over time, oodles of optional content, and one or two awesome set pieces, and you have a truly great game, whether you're into Star Wars or not.
71. Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order (PS5)
One of the best Star Wars games in recent memory is Jedi: Fallen Order, and it's even better with its PS5 iteration. The action title charts the adventures of Cal Kestis, a character who undergoes secret Jedi training amid the Empire's crackdown. With a motley crew, you journey to various known and new worlds, engaging in simple environmental puzzles and intense melee combat. On PS5, the game benefits from improved framerate and higher resolution, giving you the best picture possible while cutting through Stormtroopers with your customised lightsaber.
70. Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 (PS5)
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 is a brilliant remake of two incredibly impactful games. The skateboarding series might have been scraping its knees for a while, but this new version puts it right on track, updating the PS1 classics to modern standards while keeping that old-school, arcadey magic alive. The PS5 version is a great update, too, enhancing the title with super smooth performance, 4K resolution, reduced loading, and some subtle usage of DualSense's features. If you're a long-time fan, this is pure joy.
69. Tales of Arise (PS5)
Bandai Namco went big budget with Tales of Arise, and delivered a fantastic action RPG. Taking place across a wide range of vibrant locations and boasting an endearing main cast of characters, there's an awful lot to like about the desperate adventures of Alphen. As you'd expect of the long running series, the real-time, combo-based combat is a highlight — but a twisting story also strings things along to great effect. For our gald, Tales of Arise is one of the PS5's strongest Japanese RPGs.
68. Granblue Fantasy: Relink (PS5)
Granblue Fantasy: Relink is a fairly straightforward, but really well executed action RPG. There's a lot to like about its hectic combat system, and it's got some outstanding boss battles. Its mission-based structure may not be to everyone's tastes, but if you can settle into the grind, powering up your favourite characters is super addictive. Besides, it's just nice to have a campaign that's all killer, no filler across its 20-hour runtime — a rarity among its RPG peers!
67. Final Fantasy XIV Online: A Realm Reborn (PS5)
Looking at it now, it's genuinely hard to believe that Final Fantasy XIV Online: A Realm Reborn started life as a terribly misguided and badly designed MMO that came close to sinking one of Square Enix's internal development teams. Its rebirth has been one of modern gaming's most extraordinary success stories, and the game is now widely considered to be one of the greatest MMORPGs ever made. Bolstered by multiple extremely well received expansions, A Realm Reborn has gone from strength to strength, and it continues to attract millions of players. Many would even argue that it's the best Final Fantasy game of the last decade — MMO or not.
66. Guilty Gear Strive (PS5)
The PS5's first native fighting game has set the bar very, very high. Guilty Gear Strive is a superb brawler, bolstered by jaw-dropping visuals and the best online netcode that we've ever experienced in a fighting game. A relatively small but brilliantly diverse character roster allows for a deep and hugely rewarding experience, while accessible gameplay mechanics on a base level pave the way for new players. A stunning beat-'em-up backed by an incredible heavy rock soundtrack.
65. Judgment (PS5)
It may have launched on PS4 not long before this PS5 port, but Judgment is so good that it deserves every chance at success that it can get. This Yakuza spinoff puts you in the sneakers of Takayuki Yagami, a private detective living in the heart of Kamurocho, a fictional red light district that's always teetering on the edge of chaos. Tangled up in a series of brutal murders, Yagami is forced to dig deep into the city's criminal underbelly, resulting in a truly gripping story. With a brilliant cast of characters, a great combat system, and a map that's stuffed with fun distractions, Judgment is right up there with the absolute best that Yakuza has to offer.
64. Octopath Traveler II (PS5)
Although the first game isn't available on PlayStation platforms, Octopath Traveler II is a borderline must play for fans of more traditional Japanese RPGs. It's built like a classic but with modern design elements, resulting in a refined role-playing experience. An engaging turn-based combat system and a frankly gorgeous visual style make this a seriously impressive sequel.
63. DOOM Eternal (PS5)
If you like your first-person shooters fast, demanding, and bloody, DOOM Eternal is the peak. A fantastic gameplay loop means you're constantly on the move and playing aggressively, earning more ammo and health by getting right up in those demonic faces and literally ripping them a new one. On PS5, it's somehow even better, with three visual modes — including one with ray tracing — and DualSense support. A brilliant FPS that really sings on Sony's current hardware.
62. Lost Judgment (PS5)
A sequel to superb detective thriller Judgment, Lost Judgment doesn't quite hit the dizzying highs of its predecessor in terms of storytelling and character development, but it's still a great action RPG. Packed with intense plot twists and carried by an excellent cast, Lost Judgment is a typical Yakuza-style thrill ride — but it's actually the ridiculous amount of impressively varied side content that drives Yagami's sophomore case. An expanded, satisfying combat system is worthy of note as well.
61. Control: Ultimate Edition (PS5)
Control pushed the limits of the PS4, delivering an intense third-person romp — but a technically flawed one. This return trip to the unorthodox Old House feels much more at home on the PS5, however, and while there are some strange difficulty spikes, Remedy’s unique brand of shooting shines throughout much of this engrossing outing. The oppressive setting, unnerving enemies, and wonderfully eerie atmosphere really come to life on Sony's current-gen machine, offering much improved visuals and performance.
Comments 22
Glad Pathless made the list. Had a lot of fun with that game
It's pretty funny how many of the top games are on PS4 as well. I sort of wish this were an exclusives list, but I can understand why it isn't.
So far, I'm not compelled to upgrade to PS5 as the only exclusive of interest to me is Demon's Souls, and that will most likely end up on Steam in a year or two.
@sketchturner the PS5 versions of PS4 games look and run so much better. It’s 100% worth the upgrade imo. Ya not telling me ya own every cross gen game on there!? Even some of the games ya do own are worth playing again with the advanced tech. Up to now i’ve finished Spiderman, Ghost of Tsushima, Days Gone and The Last of Us PS5 versions even tho i finished them on PS4. Then there’s games like Returnal, Demon’s Souls, Ratchet an Clank, etc. def worth the upgrade.
Elden ring at 14?!
Solid top 10, but Returnal is still #1 for me personally.
@sjbsixpack Anyone who says otherwise is just mad they can't find a PS5, bc the upgrades are totally worth it. Its not something I can explain to people besides recommending them to experience it for themselves.
@sketchturner You are missing out on so much. I would buy it for the controller alone. It changes everything.
MY top 10 (excluding remakes/remasters):
1. Resident Evil Village
2. Lost Judgment
3. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge
4. God of War: Ragnarök
5. Yakuza: Like a Dragon
6. Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
7. Spider-Man: Miles Morales
8. Guardians of the Galaxy
9. Astro's Playroom
10. Gotham Knights
Including remakes/remasters:
1. Resident Evil 2
2. Devil May Cry 5: Special Edition
3. Resident Evil Village
4. Lost Judgment
5: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge
6. God of War: Ragnarök
7. Yakuza: Like a Dragon
8. Demon's Souls
9. Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII Reunion
10. Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade
I get the rating system but it’s ridiculous that many of these games are actually originally PS4 games that simply got an upgrade of some sort. What about the actual best native PS5 games?
Where is Monster Hunter Rise? It's fantastic.
@sjbsixpack Probably the main exception here is Elden Ring. I recall the PS5 version being somewhat inferior to the PS4 version but I can't recall precisely why.
For me personally the series X and game pass completely blow the ps5 away at this stage, particularly as I don't have a pc and didn't have an Xbox 1. There isn't a single game that tempts me even in the slightest to upgrade my PS4. I honestly can't believe so many people have bought a ps5.
Anyone putting Gran Turismo at 8 is on Sony's payroll. This game is universally loathed by users. Only crooked online reviewers would put this garbage game on ANY list, much less a greatest list.
Gran Turismo 7 (PS5)
https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-5/gran-turismo-7
2.2 rating, 11,000+ reviews don't lie
People don't just nit-pick this game. They actually hate it, and you will, too.
Other bogus entries include the new Spider-Man game that has gameplay just as bad as its name and Elden Ring. Unless you enjoyed playing Elder Scrolls Online for the last decade, there's no purpose at all to play Elden Ring. Its absurd ripped-off story and rip-off style is pretty much just Elder Scrolls. And if you already play Elder Scrolls, why play another Elder Scrolls that isn't as good?
Ha Astro bot.. RIP your battery life. That’s a hell of a top ten though, 20 even. Stray is a must play if you like something a bit different. For me though it’s Gran Turismo 7 and GOT. My two favourite games in a long long time.
@wbrab bro GT got panned due to the online requirements that’s all. The game itself is incredible. It’s all over YouTube constantly. It’s also now the second biggest selling GT game ever so that’s complete rubbish frankly. Bring on 8 Polyphony!! Hoping it’s a PS6 launch game
@luke88 are you’re eyes painted on?
Ragnarok is a bit high for me but good list!
Disappointing not seeing Tchia or Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden not on the list. They were in my top 3 for 2023-2024.
@luke88 I think the Game Pass is definitely the better deal, and the Xbox is technically superior to PS5, but Sony exclusive games for me have always been superior. In the last 2 Xbox generations, there were maybe 4 games I was jealous of. Now they are coming to PS5 - Indy, Forza 5, Sea of Thieves (already there), and Flight Simulator. That's it.
Oh, it hurt my feelings to see this list🫣
In my opinion of course: Too many awesome games buried in the list far down and others inexplicably raised to the foreground. Too many remasters that simply can't compete with modern games. And WAY too many Yakuza games 😲
Also, and this is even more nitpicky, many of the cons to my favorite games seem unfair. Like there's no depth to RPG in CP2077!? There's 3 paths, and I have yet to finish my third path run, but it is deep! Also, who you are is up to you in dialogue and romance. You can end entire questlines, numerous VERY different endings. This was just one 'con' I felt was tacked on to provide the list makers absolution.
My top 10, as delivering a 'next-gen' or 'world-class' experience:
Disco Elysium
Persona 5 Royal
Baldur's Gate 3
Witcher 3
Cyberpunk 2077
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 (1 is excellent too)
RE: 4 VR version
RE: 8 VR version
GT7 VR version
Slay the spire
Just paid £16 for prince of Persia ps5 version on amazon. Bargain
Shame on you for not putting Sonic X Shadow Generations on the list.
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