The 30 Most Underrated PS5 Games

The PlayStation 5 now has a large and varied collection of games, from huge, popular titles to smaller, more original ones. While many big games get all the attention, there are several excellent games that haven’t gotten the recognition they deserve. These hidden gems span different genres – from fast-paced action to relaxing adventures – and each offers something special that makes them worth playing. This list showcases some of the most overlooked PS5 games that deserve another chance.

‘Wanted: Dead’ (2023)

‘Wanted: Dead’ puts you in the shoes of Lt. Hannah Stone, a member of an elite Hong Kong police unit called the Zombie Unit. Over one week, she investigates a huge corporate conspiracy in a futuristic, dangerous version of Hong Kong. The game, created by Soleil and published by 110 Industries, combines fast-paced, close-combat fighting with third-person shooting. It’s known for being challenging and features exciting, over-the-top action reminiscent of classic hack-and-slash games.

‘Gungrave G.O.R.E’ (2022)

Gungrave G.O.R.E is a fast-paced, third-person shooter that updates the classic Gungrave series for today’s gamers. You play as Beyond the Grave, a resurrected hero with guns and a special weaponized coffin, battling through hordes of enemies in action-packed levels. The game is all about over-the-top shooting, explosive visuals, and stylish, bloody action, delivering an arcade-like experience focused on non-stop excitement.

‘Dolmen’ (2022)

Dolmen is an action RPG in the style of Souls games, set on the alien planet Revion Prime. Players are tasked with collecting samples of a potent crystal. Developed by Massive Work Studio and published by Prime Matter, the game’s combat demands careful stamina and energy management for both close-quarters and long-range attacks. Players can shift between different elemental forms to overcome diverse enemies and dangerous environments. Expect a tough challenge and a dark, unsettling atmosphere heavily influenced by cosmic horror.

‘Scars Above’ (2023)

‘Scars Above’ is a sci-fi adventure game where you play as Dr. Kate Ward, a scientist who finds herself stranded on a dangerous alien world. Created by Mad Head Games and published by Prime Matter, the game combines shooting action with strategic combat and the use of different elements. You’ll need to use Kate’s scientific skills to build tools and find the vulnerabilities of the alien plants and creatures. The story revolves around solving the mystery of the Metahedron, a huge structure that suddenly appeared near Earth and then transported her team to this strange planet.

‘Forspoken’ (2023)

Forspoken follows Frey Holland, a young woman from New York City who finds herself in the fantastical world of Athia thanks to a mysterious, intelligent bracelet. Created by Luminous Productions and published by Square Enix, the game is all about fluid movement using magic and powerful elemental spells. Frey needs to master these abilities to explore the land and battle the corrupted Tantas, once Athia’s protectors. Players will experience a large, open world and a flexible combat system where they can build and customize their own unique magical powers.

‘Soulstice’ (2022)

Soulstice is an action game where you play as Briar and Lute, two sisters who have been reborn as a powerful Chimera. You control both characters at the same time, using their combined strengths to perform combos and magical defenses. Briar focuses on close-combat attacks with different weapons, while Lute uses her spiritual powers to support Briar and control enemies. Set in a dark fantasy world, the game’s combat feels like a modern take on classic character-action games. It was created by Reply Game Studios and published by Modus Games.

‘Steelrising’ (2022)

Steelrising is an action role-playing game set in a reimagined Paris of 1789. Instead of a successful revolution, King Louis XVI uses a powerful army of robots to maintain control. You play as Aegis, an automaton created to protect Marie Antoinette, and fight through the streets of Paris against the King’s mechanical forces. The game lets you customize Aegis’s skills and abilities, and tells a story that blends historical events with futuristic technology.

‘Evil West’ (2022)

In ‘Evil West,’ you play as Jesse Rentier, a vampire hunter in a dark and fantastical take on the American Old West. Created by Flying Wild Hog and published by Focus Entertainment, the game blends close-quarters fighting with third-person shooting, all enhanced by cool, steampunk technology. You’ll battle waves of monsters to protect the United States from a rising supernatural danger. The story can be experienced alone or with a friend in co-op mode, delivering intense, action-packed gameplay focused on unique combat gear.

‘Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin’ (2022)

‘Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin’ is a fresh take on the classic ‘Final Fantasy’ story, emphasizing action-packed gameplay. Created by Team Ninja and published by Square Enix, the game follows Jack Garland and his allies on a quest to defeat Chaos. The combat blends familiar RPG features with quick, dynamic action and a deep job system, allowing players to tailor their character and upgrade equipment through tough battles.

‘Wild Hearts’ (2023)

Wild Hearts is an adventure game where you hunt giant, nature-powered beasts called Kemono in a fantasy world based on feudal Japan. Developed by Omega Force and published by Electronic Arts, the game lets you build special tools and traps on the fly using a system called Karakuri. These creations give you a strategic edge in challenging battles, whether you’re playing alone or with friends. Success depends on smart thinking and adapting to each creature’s strengths.

‘Ghostwire: Tokyo’ (2022)

In ‘Ghostwire: Tokyo,’ the city of Tokyo is eerily empty – its people have disappeared, replaced by spirits rooted in Japanese folklore. Developed by Tango Gameworks and published by Bethesda, the game lets you experience the world through Akito’s eyes, a man possessed by a spirit detective. Together, they fight to stop a dangerous occultist who caused everyone to vanish. The game features unique first-person combat, called Ethereal Weaving, and a beautifully detailed open-world that mixes traditional Japanese culture with the vibrant lights of a modern city.

‘Deliver Us Mars’ (2023)

‘Deliver Us Mars’ is a captivating sci-fi adventure game, and a follow-up to ‘Deliver Us The Moon’. Developed by KeokeN Interactive and published by Frontier Foundry, the game puts you in the role of Kathy Johanson, who is sent on a dangerous mission to retrieve stolen spacecraft. As you explore the unforgiving Martian terrain, you’ll need to solve puzzles and overcome obstacles like climbing cliffs. The game’s story centers around Kathy’s own experiences and the struggle for humanity’s survival as our solar system fades.

‘Asterigos: Curse of the Stars’ (2022)

Asterigos: Curse of the Stars is an action RPG set in a world inspired by Greek and Roman myths. You play as Hilda, a warrior searching for her father in the ruined city of Aphes. Developed by Acme GameStudio and published by tinyBuild, the game lets you mix and match weapons to create your own fighting style. Expect to explore a beautiful, varied world and battle tough bosses as you uncover the secrets of Aphes’s fall.

‘Thymesia’ (2022)

Thymesia is a tough but rewarding action RPG where you play as Corvus, a character who fights through a ruined kingdom using weapons based on disease. Created by OverBorder Studio and published by Team17, the game has a quick and challenging combat style similar to the popular Soulslike games. A unique feature is the ability to steal diseases from enemies and turn them into powerful attacks. The story revolves around Corvus trying to regain his lost memories and uncover the source of a deadly plague.

‘Martha Is Dead’ (2022)

I recently played ‘Martha Is Dead,’ and it seriously messed with my head. It’s a psychological thriller set in Italy during World War II, and it’s dark. You play as Giulia, and the game really dives into trauma and grief. A big part of it involves taking photos and learning about Italian folklore, but honestly, the most unsettling thing is how the game messes with your perception of what’s real. It’s a really atmospheric experience that shows how war and personal tragedy can completely break a person. It’s not a fun game, but it’s definitely a memorable one.

‘Trek to Yomi’ (2022)

‘Trek to Yomi’ is an action game inspired by classic Japanese samurai movies, featuring a striking black-and-white look. Created by Flying Wild Hog and published by Devolver Digital, the game uses fixed camera angles to tell the story of Hiroki, a swordsman on a dangerous journey to the underworld to save his village and the people he cares about. The combat is focused on precise timing and skillful blocking, taking place in visually impressive side-scrolling battles.

‘Immortals of Aveum’ (2023)

Immortals of Aveum is a fast-paced, first-person shooter where you play as Jak, a powerful mage. Instead of guns, you’ll use different kinds of magic – red, blue, and green spells – to battle enemies in a world constantly at war over magical control. Developed by Ascendant Studios and published by Electronic Arts, the game features a cinematic story and emphasizes quick, skill-based combat.

‘Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden’ (2024)

In ‘Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden’, players follow the story of Antea Duarte and Red mac Raith, a pair of ghost hunters working in 17th-century North America. Created by Don’t Nod and published by Focus Entertainment, the game centers around the consequences of choices made after Antea becomes a ghost. Players control both characters, utilizing weapons and spiritual abilities to fight supernatural enemies. The game’s story highlights how far someone will go for someone they love, and the heavy impact of difficult decisions.

‘Tchia’ (2023)

Tchia is an open-world adventure game set in a beautiful tropical archipelago inspired by New Caledonia. Created by Awaceb and published by Kepler Interactive, it lets you explore a vibrant world, play the ukulele, and even take control of animals and objects. You’ll battle enemies using fun, physics-based mechanics, all while experiencing a heartwarming story about growing up, family history, and protecting nature.

‘The Pathless’ (2020)

In ‘The Pathless,’ you play as an archer and her eagle, working together to break a curse on a mysterious island. Created by Giant Squid and published by Annapurna Interactive, the game lets you move quickly using a special archery system. Instead of a typical map, you’ll find your way by remembering landmarks and using your eagle’s eyesight. Gameplay centers around smooth movement, simple puzzles, and epic battles against powerful, corrupted spirits.

‘Sackboy: A Big Adventure’ (2020)

Okay, so I’ve been playing ‘Sackboy: A Big Adventure,’ and it’s awesome! It takes Sackboy, who you might know from the ‘LittleBigPlanet’ games, and throws him into a fully 3D world. Sumo Digital did a great job with the level design – each world is totally different and really creative. You can play through the whole thing by yourself, but honestly, it’s way more fun with up to three friends either on the couch or online. Plus, the music is super catchy, and you can customize Sackboy with tons of different outfits and accessories. Seriously, it’s a blast!

‘Rollerdrome’ (2022)

Rollerdrome is a fast-paced action game set in a dark future where you combine roller-skating with third-person shooting. Created by Roll7 and published by Private Division, the game requires players to pull off tricks to get more ammo while battling opponents in dangerous arenas. Its unique look draws inspiration from 1970s comic books and French art. You play as Kara Hassan, a competitor in the deadly sport of Rollerdrome, as she fights to reveal a hidden corporate plot.

‘Solar Ash’ (2021)

In ‘Solar Ash,’ you play as Rei, a Voidrunner on a mission to save her planet from a huge black hole known as the Ultravoid. Created by Heart Machine and published by Annapurna Interactive, the game is all about fast-paced movement and exploring strange, beautiful worlds. You’ll skate through gravity-bending landscapes and fight enormous bosses to close a dangerous rift. The game’s striking visuals and electronic music create a truly dreamlike experience.

‘Jusant’ (2023)

Jusant is a peaceful climbing game where you scale a massive, ancient tower, exploring the ruins of a lost civilization. Created by Don’t Nod, the game lets you control each hand separately for a realistic climbing experience. As you climb, a little water spirit guides you and reveals the tower’s history. The game doesn’t have any dialogue; instead, it tells its story through the environment and creates a calming atmosphere.

‘The Talos Principle 2’ (2023)

Okay, so I’ve been playing ‘The Talos Principle 2’, and it’s seriously mind-bending. It builds on everything I loved about the first game – really challenging puzzles and a lot of thinking about what it means to be alive. The cool thing is, the story takes place after humanity is gone, and you’re playing as a robot trying to figure things out. They’ve added some new puzzle mechanics, like being able to swap minds, which is wild. It’s not just about solving puzzles though; the game really makes you think about consciousness and what it means to build a new world. The world itself is huge, with some areas that are pretty straightforward and others packed with hidden stuff to discover if you like exploring.

‘Pacific Drive’ (2024)

Pacific Drive is a survival game set in the mysterious Olympic Exclusion Zone, where you’ll rely on your trusty station wagon to get by. Developed by Ironwood Studios and published by Kepler Interactive, the game centers around keeping your car running and managing your resources. You’ll need to find parts to upgrade your vehicle and withstand strange, supernatural events. It’s a unique ‘road-lite’ experience that highlights the connection between a driver and their car while facing a dangerous world.

‘Kena: Bridge of Spirits’ (2021)

I recently played ‘Kena: Bridge of Spirits’, and it’s a really cool action-adventure game. You play as Kena, a spirit guide, and your main goal is to find this lost sacred shrine. The developers, Ember Lab, did an amazing job – the game looks like a beautiful animated movie! You’re not alone on your journey either; these little creatures called Rot help you out in fights and with solving puzzles around the world. It’s a good mix of exploring and having to really learn the combat to beat some tough bosses, using magic and timing everything just right.

‘Deathloop’ (2021)

In ‘Deathloop,’ you play as Colt, an assassin stuck repeating the same day on Blackreef Island. To break the cycle, he needs to eliminate eight key targets. Created by Arkane Lyon and published by Bethesda Softworks, the game blends detailed environments and player choice with thrilling action. You’ll need to investigate and learn the habits of your targets to pull off the perfect series of assassinations. But watch out – another assassin can enter your game to try and stop you, keeping the loop going.

‘Returnal’ (2021)

Returnal tells the story of Selene Vassos, a space explorer who crash-lands on the mysterious planet Atropos and becomes stuck in a repeating time loop. Developed by Housemarque and published by Sony, this third-person shooter challenges players to survive as Selene continually dies and restarts, with the environment changing each time. Players need to constantly adjust their tactics and equipment to overcome these new challenges. The game makes full use of the PlayStation 5’s advanced features, like realistic vibrations and immersive 3D sound, to create a truly captivating science fiction experience.

‘Sifu’ (2022)

‘Sifu’ is an action-packed martial arts game about a Kung Fu student seeking revenge. Created by Sloclap, the game has a clever feature: your character ages each time they die. To succeed, players need to time their attacks perfectly and use their surroundings to defeat waves of enemies and five challenging bosses. Critics have especially praised the game’s realistic Kung Fu style and its complex, satisfying combat.

Share your favorite overlooked titles from this console generation in the comments.

2026-02-06 19:49