The Most Underrated PS4 Games

Looking back at the PS4, it really was an amazing generation for gaming. There were so many incredible games that really pushed what was possible. Of course, everyone was playing the big hits, but honestly, some of the best games got a little lost in the shuffle. These weren’t necessarily bad games, just ones that didn’t get the attention they deserved, maybe because of when they came out or because they were a bit different. They often had really cool ideas, beautiful art, and stories that really grabbed me. This is me trying to shine a light on those hidden gems – the games that deserve way more love than they got.

‘Sleeping Dogs: Definitive Edition’ (2014)

This game, originally created by United Front Games and published by Square Enix, is an enhanced version of the open-world action-adventure classic. You play as Wei Shen, a police officer going undercover to take down the Sun On Yee Triad in Hong Kong. It features fast-paced combat focused on martial arts, fluid parkour movement, and exciting car chases, all set in a detailed city. This updated edition includes all previously released extra content, plus improved graphics and sound. Many players praise it for its compelling story and distinctive Hong Kong setting, which sets it apart from other crime games.

‘The Order: 1886’ (2015)

This action-adventure game, created by Ready at Dawn and SCE Santa Monica Studio, takes place in a reimagined version of London. You play as Sir Galahad, a knight from an old order sworn to defend people from monstrous creatures. Published by Sony Computer Entertainment, the game aims for a visually stunning, cinematic experience, similar to watching a movie. Gameplay focuses on using cover and strategically employing unique weapons from the Victorian era. Many players praise the game’s rich world and compelling story possibilities.

‘Gravity Rush 2’ (2017)

Gravity Rush 2, created by SIE Japan Studio’s Project Siren team and published by Sony, continues the story of Kat, a young woman who can control gravity. It’s a direct follow-up to the first game and features a larger, more open world to explore. Players can now use new gravity-based abilities that change how Kat moves and fights. The game takes place in a colorful city inspired by the architecture of South America and Southeast Asia, and players will complete missions focused on navigating the environment.

‘Concrete Genie’ (2019)

‘Concrete Genie’ is a charming game created by Pixelopus, a team at Sony. You play as Ash, a boy who uses a magical paintbrush to create living graffiti creatures called Genies. These Genies help Ash solve puzzles and bring life back to his gloomy, polluted hometown of Denska. Published by Sony Interactive Entertainment, the game stands out with its beautiful art style – a mix of realistic settings and lively, hand-drawn animations. Players can also experience the game in a more immersive way with PlayStation VR. The story centers around the power of creativity and dealing with the effects of bullying.

‘Mad Max’ (2015)

Mad Max is an action-packed, open-world game where players explore a dangerous post-apocalyptic world. Developed by Avalanche Studios and published by Warner Bros., the game centers around high-speed vehicle combat and building the perfect survival car, known as the Magnum Opus. To stay alive, players need to find resources to improve their gear and vehicles while battling different enemy groups. The game offers extensive car customization and brutal close-quarters combat, reminiscent of other Warner Bros. games, and is known for its immersive portrayal of the Mad Max world.

‘Prey’ (2017)

‘Prey’ is a sci-fi thriller developed by Arkane Studios and published by Bethesda Softworks. You play as Morgan Yu on the Talos I space station, which has been invaded by dangerous aliens called the Typhon. The game lets you use alien abilities, tools, and the environment itself to overcome challenges, offering a lot of freedom in how you play. It’s similar to classic immersive sim games, meaning there are many ways to achieve your goals. The story delves into questions of identity and the ethics of human experimentation, all within a richly detailed setting.

‘Titanfall 2’ (2016)

Respawn Entertainment created ‘Titanfall 2’ as a follow-up to the 2014 game ‘Titanfall’, and Electronic Arts published it. A major addition in this sequel was a full single-player story focusing on the relationship between a soldier and his giant robot, BT-7274. The multiplayer mode offered more ways for players to move and a greater selection of Titans, each with special powers. Critics praised the game’s creative levels and smooth controls, especially the mission called “Effect and Cause.” Many consider ‘Titanfall 2’ to be one of the best first-person shooters of its time.

‘Days Gone’ (2019)

Days Gone is an open-world survival horror game created by Bend Studio and published by Sony. You play as Deacon St. John, a bounty hunter trying to survive in a post-apocalyptic Oregon overrun by creatures called “Freakers.” A key part of the game is your motorcycle – you can customize it, and it’s how you get around and carry supplies. The game focuses on carefully managing resources, using stealth, and fighting off huge groups of enemies. The story explores themes of loss, hope, and what it means to be human after a worldwide pandemic.

‘The Last Guardian’ (2016)

As a huge fan, I’ve always been captivated by ‘The Last Guardian’! It was created by the teams at Japan Studio and GenDesign, with Fumito Ueda leading the direction, and published by Sony. The game tells the story of this incredible friendship between a young boy and Trico, this massive, feathered creature, as they try to escape this ancient, falling-apart fortress. You spend the whole game figuring out how to work together, giving Trico commands to solve puzzles and get through really dangerous areas. What’s amazing is how long it took to make – almost ten years! – and a lot of that was spent perfecting Trico’s AI so it felt truly alive. But really, the heart of the game is all about that connection between the boy and Trico, and how you learn to communicate and rely on each other through gameplay.

‘Nex Machina’ (2017)

Nex Machina is a fast-paced, twin-stick shooter created by Housemarque, with contributions from arcade game legend Eugene Jarvis. It’s a modern take on classic games like Robotron: 2084, featuring updated voxel graphics. Players battle through waves of robots across various levels, aiming to rescue humans and achieve the highest possible score. The game emphasizes quick reflexes, accurate aiming, and discovering hidden routes for optimal play. Nex Machina stands out as one of the last purely arcade-style titles from Housemarque before the studio began exploring different game types.

‘Observation’ (2019)

Observation is a sci-fi thriller from No Code and Devolver Digital where you don’t play as a person – you are S.A.M., the AI running a damaged space station. You help Dr. Emma Fisher investigate what happened to the missing crew by using the station’s cameras and systems. The game has a distinctive interface that feels like controlling real machinery, and focuses on building a tense atmosphere with a story-driven puzzle experience set in the depths of space.

‘Alien: Isolation’ (2014)

‘Alien: Isolation’ is a terrifying survival horror game created by Creative Assembly and published by Sega. Set 15 years after the original 1979 ‘Alien’ film, the game puts you in control of Amanda Ripley as she investigates the abandoned Sevastopol space station, searching for her mother. A single, relentless Alien stalks you throughout the game, controlled by a sophisticated AI. Unlike many action games, ‘Isolation’ focuses on stealth and clever use of limited resources – you’ll need to rely on tools like a motion tracker to survive. The game’s creators paid incredible attention to detail, ensuring the visuals and sound perfectly capture the atmosphere of the first movie.

‘Darksiders III’ (2018)

Darksiders III, created by Gunfire Games and published by THQ Nordic, is the third game in the action-adventure series. In this installment, players take on the role of Fury, one of the Four Horsemen, and are tasked with tracking down the Seven Deadly Sins. The game features a more open and connected world, and its combat is similar to challenging ‘soulslike’ games. Fury fights using a whip and can transform into different elemental forms to defeat enemies and explore. Darksiders III expands on the series’ story, offering a tougher and more concentrated gameplay experience than previous titles.

‘Kingdom Come: Deliverance’ (2018)

I’m a huge fan of ‘Kingdom Come: Deliverance’! It’s a really immersive RPG developed by Warhorse Studios and published by Deep Silver, and it’s set in medieval Bohemia. You play as Henry, basically a blacksmith’s son who gets caught up in a massive civil war when his home is attacked. What I love most is how realistic it is – the combat feels weighty, you actually have to worry about things like being hungry or tired, and it really tries to show what life was like back in 15th-century Bohemia. It’s cool because it doesn’t have any magic or fantastical stuff, just gritty, historical realism. It’s a complex game, you really have to think about Henry’s needs and how people see you, but it makes the world feel so alive.

‘Fist of the North Star: Lost Paradise’ (2018)

This action-adventure game, created by Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio and published by Sega, is inspired by a well-known manga. It’s built using the same technology and gameplay style as the ‘Yakuza’ series, offering a mix of exciting hand-to-hand combat and fun side activities. Players take on the role of Kenshiro as he explores the city of Eden, searching for his missing fiancé, Yuria. Combat focuses on a unique, visually striking martial art called “Hokuto Shinken,” allowing players to defeat enemies with precise strikes. Beyond fighting, players can also enjoy activities like racing, mixing drinks, and running a nightclub.

‘Tearaway Unfolded’ (2015)

Tearaway Unfolded is a reimagining of the original game for the PlayStation Vita, created by Media Molecule and published by Sony. Set in a charming papercraft world, you play as a messenger delivering a letter to you, the player. The game cleverly uses the PlayStation 4’s DualShock 4 controller – including the touchpad and light bar – for unique interactions. A standout feature is the ability to design your own paper creations that become part of the game, making it a truly personal experience. Tearaway Unfolded is celebrated for its imaginative visuals and playful atmosphere.

‘Bound’ (2016)

‘Bound’ is a unique platforming game created by Plastic and published by Sony. Players guide a ballerina through a surreal world inspired by the protagonist’s memories of childhood. The game uses realistic ballet movements, captured through motion capture technology, to help the ballerina overcome challenges. Visually, ‘Bound’ draws inspiration from modern art styles like Suprematism and Neoplasticism, and tells a thoughtful, experimental story about family and dealing with difficult experiences.

‘Shadow of the Beast’ (2016)

‘Shadow of the Beast’ is a fresh take on the beloved 1989 game. Developed by Heavy Spectrum Entertainment Labs and published by Sony, it puts you in control of Aarbron, a powerful warrior driven by revenge against the wizard who cursed him. The game features fast-paced, side-scrolling combat focused on precise timing, chained attacks, and brutal finishing moves. As you play, you can upgrade Aarbron’s abilities and discover more about the strange world of Karamoon. As a special treat for fans of the original, the classic Amiga version of ‘Shadow of the Beast’ is also included as a bonus to unlock.

‘Deus Ex: Mankind Divided’ (2016)

This cyberpunk action RPG, created by Eidos-Montréal and published by Square Enix, puts you in the role of Adam Jensen. The game is set in a divided future, 2029, where people with mechanical body modifications are treated as outcasts. You can tackle challenges using stealth, hacking, or fighting, and your choices impact the story. Explore a richly detailed city, Prague, filled with side missions and hidden stories. Like previous games in the series, you can heavily customize Jensen with a variety of cybernetic upgrades.

‘Pyre’ (2017)

Pyre is a role-playing game where you control a group of characters who have been banished. Developed by Supergiant Games, the team behind Bastion and Hades, the game focuses on a series of magical competitions called Rites. Winning these Rites is the only way for your characters to escape their purgatory-like home. Gameplay combines storytelling, similar to a visual novel, with fast-paced combat where teams of three characters face off. Each character has unique skills and a personal story that unfolds based on how you play. What’s special about Pyre is that the story keeps moving forward, no matter how you perform in the Rites.

‘Resogun’ (2013)

Resogun, created by Housemarque and released by Sony, was a key game when the PlayStation 4 first launched. It’s a fast-paced, side-scrolling shooter where you fly a ship and blast enemies on uniquely shaped screens. The goal is to destroy waves of attackers and save the last humans in each level. The game is known for its incredible speed, explosive visuals, and focus on achieving high scores through challenging levels and a scoring system. Critics loved it for its smooth performance and how it updated the classic arcade shooter experience.

‘Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth’ (2016)

Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth, created by Media.Vision and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment, is a classic Japanese role-playing game (JRPG) with turn-based battles. You play as a detective looking into unusual events in a digital version of Tokyo. The game lets you collect and train over 200 different Digimon, evolving them along many different paths. You’ll explore both real-world places and digital landscapes as you uncover a mystery involving hackers and digital monsters. Fans enjoy the game’s detailed creature-raising system and its more complex story compared to other Digimon titles.

‘Okami HD’ (2017)

Okay, so ‘Okami HD’ is basically a remake of an older game, originally made by Clover Studio and published by Capcom. You play as Amaterasu, who’s actually the Japanese sun goddess, but she’s in the form of a white wolf! The story is about her bringing light back to a world that’s been covered in darkness. What makes this game super unique is this ‘Celestial Brush’ thing – you literally draw on the screen to do magic and affect the world around you. It looks amazing too, with a style that’s inspired by old Japanese ink paintings. If you’re playing on PS4, it supports 4K and gives you a bunch of different ways to use the brush, which is really cool.

‘Child of Light’ (2014)

Child of Light is a role-playing platformer created by Ubisoft Montreal and published by Ubisoft. It’s visually striking, looking like a beautiful watercolor painting thanks to the UbiArt Framework engine. The story follows Aurora, a young girl who finds herself in the magical world of Lemuria and embarks on a quest to restore the sun, moon, and stars. Battles are turn-based, inspired by classic Japanese role-playing games, and allow players to react to enemy attacks. What’s unique is that the entire story is told through rhyming poetry, enhancing the game’s enchanting, fairy-tale feel.

‘Infamous Second Son’ (2014)

Second Son, an action-adventure game created by Sucker Punch Productions and published by Sony, was one of the first games to really show off what the PlayStation 4 could do. Players take on the role of Delsin Rowe, who gains the ability to steal powers – like controlling smoke, neon lights, or even video signals – from other people. The game takes place in a made-up version of Seattle, offering a large open world where you can choose to play as a good guy or a bad guy. Your choices matter thanks to a ‘Karma’ system that affects the story and how Delsin’s powers develop. Although it was a big game when the PS4 first launched, it’s sometimes forgotten compared to other, more recent titles from the same developer.

‘Catherine: Full Body’ (2019)

This game is an updated version of the 2011 puzzle-platformer, created by Studio Zero at Atlus and published by Sega. Players control Vincent Brooks as he navigates challenging nightmares – climbing blocks to survive – alongside a complex romantic life. This new version adds a third romantic interest, Rin, which unlocks new storylines and multiple endings. It also features fresh puzzle elements, adjustable difficulty levels, and a special “Safety” mode for players who want to focus on the narrative. The game delves into adult themes like relationships, commitment, and betrayal.

‘The Evil Within 2’ (2017)

Developed by Tango Gameworks and published by Bethesda Softworks, ‘The Evil Within 2’ continues the story of Sebastian Castellanos. In this survival horror sequel, he ventures into a new digital world called Union to rescue his daughter. The game expands on the original with bigger, more open areas to explore and search for supplies, while still offering classic, intense horror sections. Players can improve Sebastian’s abilities and gear using a crafting system to combat terrifying creatures. Critics lauded the game for its refined gameplay and its unique, mind-bending take on horror.

Please share which of these titles you think deserves more recognition in the comments.

2026-02-11 03:26