Welcome to the first official DualShockers Definitives list! This week has been a hard one for DualShockers staff, thanks to much arguing and nit-picking over which games in the amazing PS4 library make the Top 10.
If you missed the original post, here is a quick TLDR on what this is all about:
The DualShockers Definitives series is a living list, updated seasonally, where we hash out which ten essential games are must-buys for each platform — the ones we would put in a time capsule today if we were making one. The list is intended to grow over time as new releases take the spotlight or older games age like fine wine.
With all of the introduction out of the way, here are the Top 10 Essential games for the PS4 (as of Fall 2018):
10. Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age
Likely the biggest surprise on the list, Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age is a must-buy for the standard JRPG fans. Merging both the classing RPG formula with intuitive quality-of-life enhancements and graphics that hammer home what an evolution of a SNES-era JRPG would look like.
Check out the DualShockers review of Dragon Quest XI or grab your copy from Amazon.
9. NieR: Automata
Yoko Taro’s NieR: Automata is an exceptional title, with Platinum Games creating a masterclass work with both exceptional story, a memorable cast of characters, and tight hack-and-slash gameplay to tie everything together. Even if you are a newcomer to the NieR universe, you will without a doubt be pulled in by the game’s soundtrack, visuals, and the multiple endings that create an emotional roller-coaster.
Check out the DualShockers review of NieR: Automata or grab your copy from Amazon.
8. DOOM
DOOM is a game that took everyone by storm when it released in 2016, and remains one of the best high-octane FPS titles this generation. After years of developer id Software attempting to recreate the magic of John Carmack’s original, the 2016 reboot was able to do just that. If there is any one FPS you need to pick up this generation, it would have to be DOOM.
Check out the DualShockers review of Doom or grab your copy from Amazon.
7. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
While not being a PS4 exclusive title, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt set the bar early this generation on what Western RPGs should be. Filled to the brim with gameplay, story, and heart, it isn’t out of the question to spend over a hundred hours in the Continent. However, the game is still unsurpassed by RPGs that have come after it, mainly thanks to CD Projekt Red’s dedication to world-building, fleshed-out side stories, and open-world game design.
Check out the DualShockers review of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt or grab your copy from Amazon.
6. Horizon Zero Dawn
While The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt may take top honors for the best Western RPG this generation, developer Guerrilla Games’ Horizon Zero Dawn is a must-play experience on the PS4. Pairing the novel futuristic, pre-historic setting along with fantastic characters like Aloy bolsters a title that already leads the fray when it comes to impeccable visuals and addictive and satisfying gameplay. Like other games on this list, Horizon Zero Dawn is a technical powerhouse and an essential pick-up for the PS4.
Check out the DualShockers review of Horizon Zero Dawn or grab your copy from Amazon.
5. Bloodborne
There is something magical about Bloodborne — sure, Souls-like games have become a trend this generation with many excellent copycats coming from developers that aren’t from Software. However, Bloodborne hits a rare nerve, offering both thoughtful gameplay, novel environmental storytelling, and chilling scenery that is unlike anything else on PS4. Sure, a Souls-like game may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but Bloodborne is a title you need to play, regardless.
Check out the DualShockers review of Bloodborne or grab your copy from Amazon.
4. Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End
Naughty Dog may still have a game coming out this generation with The Last of Us Part II, but their flagship PS4 release — Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End — remains a gripping, gorgeous finale to the series that largely put the studio on the map. Merging puzzles, action-packed gunfights, and some of the best voice acting and motion capture this generation, it is hard not to fall in love with this gorgeous title. Third-person action-adventure titles are no stranger to this generation, but Uncharted 4 remains a swan song to one of the best franchises in gaming history.
Check out the DualShockers review of Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End or grab your copy from Amazon.
3. Persona 5
No Top 10 PS4 list would ever be complete without mentioning Persona 5 — arguably the best Persona game in an amazing franchise. Whether you are a series veteran or this is your first time hearing of the Velvet Room, everything about Persona 5 oozes style, finesse, and charm in a way unmatchable by most JRPGs. Whether you are living out your life as a Japanese high schooler or fighting to steal the hearts of monsters, you are going to love this 100-hour story.
Check out the DualShockers review of Persona 5 or grab your copy from Amazon.
2. Marvel’s Spider-Man
You heard it here — the latest PS4 exclusive is one of our chart-topping must-buy games on the PS4. Marvel’s Spider-Man already has a ton of huge names behind it: Sony, Marvel, Disney, and Insomniac Games. Thankfully, the super-powered team has managed to craft a masterpiece title that sets a benchmark for not only super-hero games, but open-world titles as a whole. Whether or not you consider yourself a Spidey fan, Marvel’s Spider-Man is an essential pick-up on the PS4.
Check out the DualShockers review of Marvel’s Spider-Man or grab your copy from Amazon.
1. God of War
Last but not least, the DualShockers staff near unanimously thought that God of War is the top game to grab on the PS4. Sure, both Sony Santa Monica and the series itself has a strong lineage to draw from. But more important than that, Kratos’ new adventure is both a revolution and improvement of the God of War franchise, inserting both emotional depth and combat nuance in a beautiful Nordic backdrop. God of War is far from the longest game on the list with a nearly 20-hour story; however, you will be mesmerized through your entire time with Kratos and Atreus.
Check out the DualShockers review of God of War or grab your copy from Amazon.
As it stands, that is our current DualShockers Definitives ranking of the Top 10 games for PS4; for an extended rankings chart, make sure to check out our dedicated page.
Next week, check out our list for the Top 10 Nintendo 3DS games — meanwhile, we will be revisiting this list and re-assessing come Winter 2019.