In just under four months' time, the staff of Push Square Towers will descend into a nuclear bunker in an effort to convince editor Robert Ramsey that Toukiden: Kiwami is not one of the best titles of 2015. Seriously, though, we're already starting to discuss our favourite releases of the year here internally, and seeing as we're currently locked in the slow summer months, we thought that it would be fun to pad out our features column with a look back at some of 2015's best PlayStation 4 forays. As the holiday season approaches like a runaway steam train we're confident that this lineup is going to change before we hit Christmas – but even in the unlikely event that it doesn't, this little lot proves that it's been anything but a bad year for games.
Batman: Arkham Knight
Tank missions aside, Batman: Arkham Knight is the best Arkham game, period. The story is phenomenal, the combo system is more addictive and fluid than ever, and driving around Gotham at high speeds in the Batmobile is a delight. It seems as though new-gen consoles finally gave Rocksteady the power that it needed to fully realise the Batman story that it wanted to tell. Even each side mission tells an interesting narrative, and the main campaign is the best Batman tale that we've seen in the Arkham games. The third installment in Rocksteady's superhero franchise gives Batman the swansong that he needs, but maybe not the one that he deserves.
Bloodborne
A game that should need no introduction: Bloodborne is not just one of the best PS4 games of the year so far, it's arguably one of the best exclusives on any new-gen format to date. Hidetaka Miyazaki's gloomy Lovecraftian lash-'em-up repurposes the punishing gameplay loop from the popular Dark Souls property, but augments it with a pace seldom seen in the series before. The combat is swift and rewards risk, making the action heart-pounding from the title's brutal beginning right the way through to its very bloody end. Meanwhile, the world itself – the layered city of Yharnam – is flush with secrets and exposition, ensuring that combing its cobbled corridors never really gets old. With dozens of horrific apparitions to annihilate and a varied roster of weapons and equipment to use, this is one role-playing release that has life long after the credits roll.
Dying Light
Yeah, maybe the zombie genre is a bit trite these days, but nothing came out of left field quite like Dying Light did. While some may think that the hype is a bit overrated and unwarranted, there's no denying the joy in grappling across the fictional city of Harran with a weapon in hand, like a zombie-slaying Spider-Man. The story wasn't great and the characters weren't memorable, but the blend of parkour and the first-person perspective done right is something that we haven't seen since Mirror's Edge and is a mechanic that more games should take note of.
Everybody's Gone to the Rapture
As unsettling as it is sumptuous, The Chinese Room's look into rural English life harbours a distinctly sinister side. While the glacial pace and limited interactivity of Everybody's Gone to the Rapture means that it's unlikely to be everyone's cup of Earl Grey, the very human dramas found at the flatlining heart of this so-called walking simulator help it to stand out from the crowd. This is a game where both observation and exploration are the headline attraction, and the developer rewards those willing to lap up every nugget of narrative with ample insight into the lives of everyday people who find themselves at the nucleus of some very extraordinary circumstances. Pristinely presented and rapturously written, this is one apocalypse that shouldn't be avoided.
Galak-Z: The Dimensional
Any game with a bad pun in its name deserves a place on this list in our eyes, but Galak-Z: The Dimensional offers more than lousy wordplay. Harkening back to a time when Saturday morning cartoons employed actual artwork rather than cheap CG, this punishing rogue-like sees you piloting a space craft through enemy infested locales. With supremely intelligent AI and cunning level design, you'll need to have your wits about you if you intend to mech it to the end of this intensely satisfying outing. And the eighties-inspired presentation – which includes VHS filters and all sorts of other nostalgic nonsense – is just the icing on the top of its very tasty sponge cake.
Life Is Strange
If you can get beyond the John Green-esque teenage angst, then Life Is Strange – the latest from Parisian developer DONTNOD Entertainment – is hella impressive. Presented through an Instagram bloom filter, Max and Chloe's coming of age story is unlike anything that you've ever played. Inspired by the episodic output of Telltale Games, this is a title that's more concerned with conversation trees than complex gameplay. However, by putting you inside the Chuck Taylors of a fledgling photography student in a very unorthodox fishing town, the game draws you in with twist upon twist upon twist. The dialogue's as cringe-worthy as a 15-year-old's Tumblr diary, but there are more than enough engaging narrative threads here to get a thumbs-up from us – in Emoji form, of course.
N++
The biggest game on this list by far, N++ comes packing no less than 2,000 handcrafted levels for you to butt your platforming chops against. The title may not necessarily be a looker, but tight controls and even tighter level design serve as a reminder that you should never judge a book by its cover. And with some truly compelling co-operative and competitive options, as well as a fully fleshed out level editor, there's enough on offer here to keep you wall jumping until the end of time. Oh, and we should probably mention the soundtrack, which – in a single word – is frankly sublime.
Rocket League
If gameplay is king then Rocket League is Augustus Caesar. Not only is it incredibly fun to play, but it also goes to show that a multiplayer game can be successful without a carrot being waved in front of a player to keep them engaged. There are no level-based unlocks and there are no item upgrades or prestige levels, just the addictive rush of scoring goals, making acrobatic saves, and the genuine feeling of improvement. The five-minute games are just long enough to get a solid cadence with your team going and just short enough to think you can fit in another game in before bed. Not only does it solidify friendships, but it also goes to show that for the case of longevity, all roads lead to gameplay.
Shovel Knight
Sure, technically it came out last year for the Wii U, but since this is a PlayStation list and Shovel Knight came out only in April for PlayStation consoles let's count it as a game that launched this year, shall we? No game in this current console generation has nailed the old-school vibe quite like Shovel Knight has. Want call-backs to retro icons like Mega Man, Duck Tales, or Castlevania? This is the game for you. Not only does it act as an ode to some of the best NES classics, but it also functions as a game that can stand on its own as one of PlayStation's best platformers. Nothing about Shovel Knight is groundbreaking, but the formula proves that there's still a place for traditional gameplay in the swath of first-person shooters and RPGs.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
If you own The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt there's a good chance that you're still playing it. Given that it came out in May, that statement alone gives you a pretty good idea of what kind of RPG this is. Of course, quantity does not always indicate quality, but the game's excellent writing, stellar cast of characters, and refined combat proves that CD Projekt Red's Geralt finale has a place in both camps. The beautiful world of Skellige, Velen, Novigrad, and more show how an expansive world can be engaging without needless filler and fetch quests. And even when you are sent to find a lost sword or a missing person, the Polish developer does a fantastic job in masking the task with gripping storytelling.
What's your favourite PS4 game of the year so far? Do you agree with our list, or are we missing something big? Speak up in the comments section below.
What's your favourite PS4 game of 2015 so far? (130 votes)
- Batman: Arkham Knight
- Bloodborne
- Dying Light
- Everybody’s Gone to the Rapture
- Galak-Z: The Dimensional0.8%
- Life Is Strange
- N++0.8%
- Rocket League
- Shovel Knight
- The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Please login to vote in this poll.
[ Words: Michael Passalacqua and Sammy Barker ]
Comments 64
Thats very tough! I ruled out Dying Light and Life Is Strange by deciding on a playstation exclusive policy. Then picked EGTTR over Rocket League for reasons. lol
In before: "I thought this was best games of the year. Rapture's not a game. PS4 has no games."
The Witcher without a doubt. It's just a fantastic game. Going to get stuck in again with the new game plus option. Bloodborne is a close second. However Fallout 4 hasn't dropped yet and when it does I'd imagine it will destroy all the competition.
Out of the ones in the poll I'd say Batman: Arkham Knight was the one I liked best. It's actually number 3 on my list though behind Mortal Kombat X and Resident Evil: Revelations. 2.
Bloodborne hands down for me. It is super on almost everything: gameplay, atmosphere, graphics, replay value.... And it was also the true reason I got a ps4 almost one year ago.
The Witcher great second and Helldivers close third.
Best Indie goes to Galak Z, a super masterpiece of gameplay. Got at day one and I really hope it will become a PS+ game, everyone deserve to try this little big gem!
@get2sammyb Rapture is not a game, is a walking movie, ok?....and yes, PS4 has no games....
Why isn't Helldivers on the list?
@Malouff Right.... Jeez guys, Helldivers! that's another great exclusive and one of the best game on ps4!
I couldn't not vote for Rocket League. It's so scrumptiously playable, and is definitely the game I've put the most time into this year.
@stevie85 Agreed 100% on The Witcher 3. Such a fantastic game. My personal GOTY so far, though I suspect Fallout 4 will give it a good run for its money .
Rocket League POWER!!
its the witcher 3 for me; love everything about it, that might change once mgs 5 is out though
I'm having a blast on J-Stars myself (not sure if you count that because while it's english release was this year, the game came out in japan a few years ago)
@AFCC Wow!
Wow!
What a save!
There's only one winner here, stop kidding yourselves people.
The only thing that can beat The Witcher 3, as far as I'm concerned, is Fallout 4, but I have my doubts that it'll actually be playable at launch. Good old Bethesda!
At first I thought this meant PS exclusive, which would go to Bloodborne despite not being a fan. But Witcher3 is there, so I'm going with that one.
@ShogunRok I'm starting to understand how you've managed to lose over 500 hours to it! Definitely GOTY so far for me hands down, even though I'm hardly anywhere in terms of actual progression. There's just never been a game world quite like it, the only other open world that has come even remotely close for me is Red Dead Redemption, and that is high praise!
Most insane year I'll likely ever have when I come to think of it: TW3, Fallout, Persona and Xenoblade chronicles on the RPG front alone. Then there are Halo, Rocket League, Helldivers, Forza and last but not least MGSV that are also fighting for my time. And I'm leaving out some games like PES, which I always end up playing the most, and Mario Maker not to suffocate myself any further.
There aren't enough hours in a day. And days in a week. Or weeks in a mo.......
@mikepass20 OMG!
No problem.
Thanks.
Tough choice, but much as I loved The Witcher my vote goes to Bloodborne. 70 hours on my first playthrough and I loved every minute. Well, except being beaten by one boss that everyone else seemed to take down easily.
Can I vote for Driveclub? It's a completely different experience compared to when it launched.
Those aren't games apart from witcher and that zombie game so yeah but getting better with destiny expansion and new metal gear soon
The Witcher 3 is definitely my favorite from this year! I'm stoked New Game + finally made it in, so I'm gonna try to finish it this week, then start new game + on Death March. With Metal Gear Solid 5, Rock Band 4 and Fallout 4 coming out, I'm not sure what my pick of 2015 will end up changing to, haha.
I can't even choose, this year has literally been one of the best gaming years since the PS2 era
It's a shame nobody seemed to like The Order as much as I did
My vote went to Bloodborne though I've not got round to The Witcher yet...
I have to go with Rocket League. It's the only game that has made me want to platinum and that's saying alot. I have to say it's one of the best PS+ plus games in a while.
I need to get Bloodbourne and witcher 3 soon.
Don't agree totally with this list, Samurai Warriors 4 should be more respected and loved.
@get2sammyb Saw someone on /r/ps4 the other day complaining about buyer's remorse. When asked why, they said "there aren't any good games!" They were serious. I just laughed. Whatever kind of game you're into, PS4 has you covered. I went through serious droughts with the PS3, so I know what that's like. We're being spoiled this gen. It's a great time to be a gamer.
@ShogunRok
Dying Light
Witcher 3 is without a doubt my favorite game this year, and is honestly one of my favorite games ever. Absolutely sublime.
Absolutely the Witcher 3. I expected great things and it blew my expectations out of the water. I have only played like a quarter of the games on this list, though.
Witcher 3 gets my nod,......
The Witcher 3 gives you that sense of exploration and wonder that so many titles lack these days.
@mikepass20 @get2sammy
No problem.
Nice shot.
Thanks.
No problem.
No problem.
$@/%
And sometimes you get "gg noob" too xD
Oddly my favourite PS4 games were amongst last years offerings (Destiny/Diablo/Valiant Hearts/Towerfall/Swapper/Fez/Ground Zeros/Alien/Wolfenstein) and they are actually the games I'm still playing now. This years had some great games but nothing that has really jumped out at me. Bloodborne and Witcher were all fine but, for me, there could be better. Of course the last few months of 2015 will include MGS5/TTK so one of those will make my list.
@Bad-MuthaAdebisi This'll happen in Fallout 4 and they'll say it's an 'Easter egg'.
Definitely Witcher for me. Wasn't impressed with Batman.. Most 'filmic' game I've played but I didn't really enjoy the combat/game itself particularly.
Dying Light was good too, along with Bloodborne (tho finishing that game was painful, I've just got to accept I'm not good at those type of games).
Yasai Ninja.
I can't understand why people like stupid Witcher 3. Looks like Warner PR-machine washed a lot of brains.
Anyway, Bloodborne is the best game on PS4 right now.
Even with some bugs that still need to be squashed witcher 3 is likely going to be my GOTY, the only thing that I think could change that is the new xeno title.
Will Persona 5, Fallout 4, Tearaway PS4 and of course MGSPP have an effect on goty?
One things for sure the best Playstation news site this year is push square - quality article after quality article. Just wish I had more time to play more games recommended by you guys.
1. Galak-Z
2. Bloodborne
3. The Order 1886
Honorable mentions
Rocket League, Rapture, Helldivers, Axiom Verge.
@get2sammyb
Where is Helldivers and Axiom Verge?
Volume? God of War 3? Journey?
Bloodborne by a mile. Felt the most original to me, and the challenge was superb. I like Witcher but I guess I am getting a little burned out on the medieval fantasy genre.
@Gemuarto bahahahahahahahahahahaha.
The Witcher so far this year, no contest!
There are only 3 games I see as even having a chance of hitting that same plateau; The Phantom Pain, Fallout 4, and SOMA. Other than that, I think we've already seen the years best releases!
I actually do think Toukiden: Kiwami is one of the best games so far this year! But I get that it's a pretty niche experience, and certainly not for everyone. I'd have to probably go with Bloodborne out of this list, though I'm not sure it'll still be in that position come Fallout 4.
CDprojekt & Witcher 3 deserve GOTY this year..
1. Bloodborne
2. Rocket League
3. Witcher 3 (I assume. Haven't got past the first village because of Rocket League!)
@ztpayne7 I weren't joking about this one. For me, Witcher 3 is medicore PC-rpg... And that's what it is, really. I don't understand what's happened with current generation of gamers =(. They like very strange medicore games. Did you ever play Gothic 2? I am asking this question, because Witcher 3 is mostly a copy of Gothic 2. And I don't know why should I like outdated game like this. And it has very boring story, which promises a lot of interesting things in the begining, but never fulfill them =(.
@glassmusic I know, I find it hard to relate to those people. I understand everyone has different tastes and that's fine, but I genuinely do feel that PS4 has strong games in virtually every genre. And that's quite an accomplishment this early into the generation - it's only going to get better after all!
@Gemuarto To be honest, I'm not into The Witcher either - but it seems we're in the minority. I can respect it, but it's not my cup of tea. I agree with you on Bloodborne.
@Gemuarto here's the thing. I haven't played gothic 2 but I just looked it up quite a bit. In my opinion, gothic 2 is the outdated one and has nothing to do with the witcher. Here's why: a) graphics. I'd say it looks to be a mix between elder scrolls and witcher, but from 2002. So outdated. B) combat. Looks much more like elder scrolls - very clunky as a whole (huge Skyrim fan, and I would never say combat was spot on). The witcher feels more precise and the spells feel like it has more meaning behind them. C) story. Read the storyline of gothic, and it felt much more to be a hybrid of Skyrim and final fantasy. Didn't seem to relate to witcher much. I'm not saying I wouldn't like gothic, but it doesn't feel comparable to the witcher. As a bonus, I feel like the witcher had great voice acting. But I believe you have a right to have an opinion different than me. Ultimately, once I got past the initial 2 bosses or so, I really felt Bloodborne lost a lot of its appeal for me and I couldn't keep playing. But that doesn't mean I feel you or Sammy are stupid or brainwashed.
You can express your feeling about a game (I feel like the witcher is mediocre) without making it more of a personal attack (people who like it are stupid).
As much as I loved The Witcher 3, my vote is going to Life Is Strange. That game is just beautiful.
Bloodborne wins it for me with The Witcher 3 close behind.
@Boerewors
"Witcher 3, Fallout 4, Persona 5 and Xenoblade Chronicles X"
Let's not forget Legend of Legacy, Stella Glow, Final Fantasy Explorers and Tales of Zesteria on the RPG front, all landing before year's end.
And don't forget we got Final Fantasy Type 0, and X, and Episode Duscae (even though Type 0 is mediocre), not to mention Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate and Dark Souls 2, Etrian Odyssey 2 Fafnir Knight and Xenoblade Chronicles. All off the cusp of the excellent Dragon Age Inquisition last holiday season.
And the RPG streak will continue into next year with Fire Emblem Fates: Birthright, Fire Emblem Fates: Conquest, Final Fantasy XV, SMT x Fire Emblem, Bravely Second, and maybe, IF we're lucky, Star Ocean 5, Kingdom Hearts 3 and Monster Hunter X.
The RPG has established itself as a genre in high demand this generation.
That's what's up.
@kyleforrester87 - spot on. I'd also include Driveclub - what a game that is now....,,but TTK and MGSV will dominate PS4 in the next 6 months and that sounds pretty damn good to me
My vote is for Rocket League simply because I have had the most fun with that game. Arkham Knight was close, but those tank missions were too frustrating. In all honestly I'm really enjoying Destiny as well. I'll give Witcher 3 a try down the road sometime.
@Gemuarto I agree with you on this. After I got about half way through it stopped being fun for me. It could be that open world games as a whole are losing their appeal to me. I am hoping fallout 4 shakes this up.
I won't own a PS4 until Fall 2016, but I'd have to vote for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and Batman: Arkham Knight.
@SonyInfinity Try to play Dying Light. I really enjoyed that game, and it is open world sandbox =). I think that main problem with Witcher 3 is that it is a huge game made by pretty small team. So a lot of repetitive stuff and quality of some things isn't really good. Story promised to be epic at the begining, but ended up pretty generic and not epic at all. Environment was made like it is strategy game. Doesn't have feeling of lovely handmade thing. I mean, obviously there are cool places, but many things look like they were generated by ai or was designed from above, not from inside, if you know what I mean. So I don't think it's you tired of open worlds. It's just Witcher 3 open world isn't really fun.
@Gemuarto Man I wanted it to be the best open world rpg since skyrim, but for me it didn't really come close. The one aspect I really liked was the cool and varied monster designs, but I agree the world felt somewhat generic. The controls felt a little clunky as well, especially on the horse, but I suppose the updates may have fixed that now. I played, and beat, dying light shortly after it came out. I liked it as well, but again, the repetitiveness. It's funny because some games (like destiny) the repetitiveness does not bother me, but others it completely puts me off. Been thinking about giving dishonored another go when the def. edition comes out, but really I am just biding time for the midnight release of fallout. What is your take on mad max? Haven't really investigated that one to much.
@get2sammyb so will there be a list for 'best games on VITA so far' too?
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