PlayStation has been at the forefront of the gaming industry for over two decades, consistently producing some of the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful video games. From the first PlayStation console to the latest PlayStation 5, Sony has built a reputation for delivering immersive and engaging gaming experiences that captivate players worldwide setting the best PlayStation games apart from the competition.
Do video games cause people to be violent? It’s a question many parents often ask. Violent video games in which players rely on an arsenal of deadly weapons to wreak havoc on challengers have been favorites among gamers for years. Yet for all the finger-pointing at these combat-themed video game titles for potentially negative mental health effects, experts show the contrary to this popular mindset.
In fact, despite questions in recent years about whether there’s a correlation between crime and people who play violent video games, a new study finds that long term play of these types of games does not lower empathy. Apart from not affecting your empathy, gaming, whether done competitively or for leisure, was shown to improve various measures of attention, including sustained attention and selective attention. Gamers were also found to have an easier time in focusing on demanding tasks.
So, which games come out on top among andless fan favorites? StudyFinds set out to do the research for you, visiting 10 expert websites to put together this list of the best PlayStation games of all time. If you’ve got your own suggestions, please leave them in the comments below!
The List: Best PlayStation Games, According to Experts
1. The Last of Us
Developed by Naughty Dog, this game is a masterpiece of storytelling and gameplay. It has received universal acclaim for its emotionally charged narrative, nuanced characters, and impressive graphics. “The first time I played The Last of Us, I thought I was done playing video games. As the credits rolled on Joel and Ellie’s story, I realized I had never played a game quite like this before, like I had seen the pinnacle of what video games as a storytelling medium could be,” says Collider.
“Much like Halo or Metal Gear Solid, The Last of Us is a game that defines a generation. Not just a console generation, but an entire generation of gamers. For decades to come, we’ll be comparing future games to what The Last of Us has accomplished here. It’s a shining example of what game developers and publishers can deliver when all necessary encumbrances are removed,” adds Venture Beat.
Polygon notes, “But there are many factors as to why The Last of Us ascended to the level of masterpiece for so many. One was Naughty Dog’s willingness to lean into cinematic language. Each narrative piece in The Last of Us leveraged the hardware of the PS3 to render strongly animated human beings having realistic reactions to the world around them.”
2. God of War
Developed by Santa Monica Studio, this game is an incredible action-adventure game. It has been praised for its stunning graphics, gripping story, and innovative gameplay mechanics. IGN says, “Some of the best films of all time are those whose different strengths all work in concert to create a unified, engrossing whole. The Shining, The Social Network, and Jaws are all excellent examples of films made up of strong individual parts complementing each other to form a fantastic work of art. That is absolutely true of God of War.”
“We don’t deserve this game. God of War is on a different level. Kratos’ next chapter propels the franchise into the stratosphere and resets the bar for technical prowess in a console game,” writes CNET.
“The game is one continuous shot, with no interruptions; irritating necessities such as loading screens are hidden so effectively that you barely realize they are there. This cinematic commitment to Kratos’ point of view enhances the story’s efforts to humanise him. You walk in his boots, flowing between combat, story scenes and exploration without interruption. There are abundant moments of outstanding beauty: canoeing beneath the rusting legs of an ancient statue of Thor and on to a lake; traversing the bodies of fallen giants; entering a temple to find cavernous, treasure-packed chambers, resplendent works of virtual architecture. It is among the most visually impressive games made,” commends The Guardian.
3. Bloodborne
Developed by FromSoftware and Japan Studio, this title has been praised for its dark and atmospheric setting, challenging gameplay, and masterful level design. “FromSoftware’s bona fide masterpiece remains a dark, unsettling, and beautifully gothic epic that isn’t afraid to break our hearts while dragging us further and further into the depths of depravity. Exploring the twisted land of Yharnam remains a melancholic triumph, one defined by its immaculate world building and characters who linger in the mind long after you’ve stopped playing,” claims The Gamer.
It’s a game you have to earn: “If you succeed in the world, then it’s only thanks to your tenacity, your skill, and your perseverance. If you do persevere with Bloodborne, play through the pain, the death, and the long load times; you’ll find both its disgusting dark heart, and a beautifully rewarding game,” explains The Verge.
Gamer Revolution says, “Mastery is only one facet of what makes Bloodborne so richly compelling. Discovery is just as important. Yharnam may not be as huge as the labyrinthian Lordran, but by the Great Ones, it is Hidetaka Miyazaki’s greatest achievement, not just filled with environmental storytelling but literally hiding secrets in plain sight. ”
4. Uncharted 2: Among Thieves
Developed by Naughty Dog, this exciting game has been praised for its thrilling set-pieces, engaging characters, and breathtaking visuals. After Story Gaming says, “Uncharted 2: Among Thieves exceeded its brethren in terms of sheer scope, fantastic writing along with the exceptional development of their beloved characters, impeccable pacing that’s second to none, its gorgeously cinematic world that raised the bar for graphical possibilities, its bombastically iconic soundtrack, and riveting expedition that boasts a mirroring quality to some of Indiana Jones’ finest work.”
“Released in 2009, Uncharted 2: Among Thieves ended up being the rarest of beasts: a sequel that far outdid the work of its predecessor. The first game, Drake’s Fortune, did an admirable job at introducing the characters, tone and spirit that would go on to define the franchise. However, Uncharted 2 would become everything that makes Naughty Dog’s iconic IP great,” adds CBR.
“Naughty Dog’s Uncharted series defines the PlayStation 3 like no other franchise, pushing the system’s graphical capabilities and spearheading gaming’s push into new cinematic territory,” claims Digital Spy.
5. Horizon Zero Dawn
This Guerilla Games creation takes place in an interesting post-apocalypse setting in America. “The game’s rich and varied quests offer plenty for fans of third-person action-adventure games. Its difficulty ramps steadily but fairly, and it paces its introduction of new monsters with great care,” says Gadgets360.
“Four years on from its release in 2017, Horizon Zero Dawn remains one of Playstation 4’s brightest exclusives. Produced by the talented team over at Guerrilla Games (responsible for producing the excellent Killzone series too), Horizon Zero Dawn is an epic, highly imaginative game bursting with charm and tight mechanics,” adds The Review Geek.
Red Bull writes: “Guerrilla Games, the developers of Killzone, have created one of the most beautiful open worlds that we’ve had the pleasure to explore, taking in magnificent mountain ranges, stunning canyons and lush, wild plains populated by herds of mechanical beasts.”
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Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations.
