Since its launch, the PlayStation 5 has become the go-to platform for gamers seeking cutting-edge graphics, faster load times, and immersive experiences. In 2024, the PS5 library continues to grow with an impressive range of titles, from exclusive blockbusters to beloved franchises. Whether you’re a fan of action-packed adventures, strategic RPGs, or heart-pounding horror games, the PS5 has something for everyone.
In this article, 123 Review will explore the best PS5 games across various genres, highlight upcoming releases, and discuss how the PS5’s powerful technology enhances the gaming experience.
Top PS5 Games of 2024
2024 has proven to be another stellar year for the PS5, with both new releases and older titles continuing to dominate the gaming landscape. Here are the games that have defined the year so far.
Most Recommended Titles
Some of the most recommended PS5 games in 2024 include Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, Final Fantasy XVI, and God of War: Ragnarök. These titles aren’t just entertaining—they’re masterpieces that push the boundaries of what the PS5 can do in terms of storytelling, gameplay mechanics, and graphics. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 from Insomniac Games builds upon the success of its predecessor by offering more refined web-swinging mechanics, larger open-world environments, and dual-storylines that follow both Peter Parker and Miles Morales. The game offers players a seamless blend of fast-paced action, puzzle-solving, and deep character development, making it a standout title on the PS5. Final Fantasy XVI, on the other hand, takes the long-running franchise in a bold new direction with a darker, more mature narrative, featuring real-time combat in a fully realized fantasy world. The game’s story, which centers around warring kingdoms and powerful summoned entities called Eikons, offers an epic adventure full of intrigue, betrayal, and heroism. Finally, God of War: Ragnarök delivers the highly anticipated conclusion to Kratos and Atreus’ Norse saga. Building on the strong foundation of 2018’s God of War, Ragnarök features even more elaborate combat mechanics, stunning visuals, and an emotionally gripping narrative that intertwines themes of family, destiny, and redemption.
Highly Rated PlayStation Exclusives
When it comes to PlayStation exclusives, few platforms can boast a lineup as strong as the PS5. Demon’s Souls continues to stand out as a highly rated title, especially for fans of challenging, hardcore RPGs. This remake of the 2009 classic offers stunning visuals, improved frame rates, and reworked gameplay, all while maintaining the soul-crushing difficulty that fans of the series expect. Another top-rated exclusive is Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, a platformer that showcases the PS5’s hardware capabilities with its instant world-switching mechanics. The game’s use of ray tracing and smooth 60fps performance makes it one of the best examples of next-gen graphics, while its lighthearted story and fun gameplay appeal to gamers of all ages.
Recent Releases to Watch For
Several recent releases have quickly gained momentum in the PS5 library. Forspoken is a new IP from Square Enix that combines open-world exploration with fast-paced magical combat. Players control Frey, a young woman who finds herself transported to a fantastical world where she must harness her newfound abilities to survive. The game’s dynamic traversal system and sprawling landscapes have captured the attention of adventure fans. Another notable release is Hogwarts Legacy, which transports players to the wizarding world of Harry Potter. Set in the 1800s, long before the events of the books, this open-world RPG allows players to attend Hogwarts, learn spells, brew potions, and explore magical locations. The game’s rich lore and attention to detail make it a must-play for Potterheads and RPG enthusiasts alike.
Genre-Specific Recommendations
Different players gravitate toward different genres, and the PS5 offers exceptional choices in every category. Here’s a closer look at some of the top genre-specific recommendations.
Best Action-Adventure Games
The action-adventure genre is a staple of PlayStation, and the PS5 continues to excel in this area with games that combine breathtaking worlds, engaging combat, and deep narratives. Horizon Forbidden West is a standout title that expands upon the foundations of Horizon Zero Dawn, bringing players back to the post-apocalyptic world of Aloy. The game offers expansive open-world exploration, new combat mechanics, and an intriguing storyline that pits humanity against a new robotic threat. Another essential action-adventure title is Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut, which includes the original game plus the stunning Iki Island expansion. The game offers a beautifully realized world inspired by feudal Japan, where players take on the role of Jin Sakai, a samurai who must adopt stealth tactics to defeat the invading Mongol forces. With its rich storytelling and fluid combat, it’s a must-play for fans of historical epics and action-packed adventures.
Top RPGs for PS5
For RPG enthusiasts, the PS5 is home to some of the best role-playing games available. Elden Ring, developed by FromSoftware, continues to dominate the RPG landscape. Its open-world design, combined with the challenging combat and deep lore, has captivated players since its release. The game’s world, co-created by George R.R. Martin, is vast and full of secrets, with every corner offering new challenges and mysteries. Another top RPG for PS5 is Tales of Arise, a Japanese RPG that combines fast-paced combat with a beautifully animated art style. The story follows two protagonists from opposing worlds who must work together to bring peace to their divided realms. The game’s blend of character development, combat, and world-building makes it one of the best JRPGs of recent years. Additionally, Cyberpunk 2077, after its rough launch, has become one of the most immersive RPG experiences on the PS5, especially with its next-gen upgrade. Players can now fully explore Night City without the performance issues that plagued its initial release, enjoying the game’s dense narrative and richly detailed world as originally intended.
Highly Acclaimed Horror Games
Horror fans are in for a treat on the PS5, with several games offering truly terrifying experiences. Resident Evil Village is a top pick, combining survival horror elements with action and exploration. The game is a direct sequel to Resident Evil 7, and while it retains the first-person perspective, it introduces a more expansive world, with different areas offering varying levels of horror and combat. Another horror title worth noting is The Callisto Protocol, a sci-fi survival horror game developed by the creators of Dead Space. Set in a prison on Jupiter’s moon, players must survive against grotesque alien creatures while unraveling the mystery of the outbreak. The game’s intense atmosphere, coupled with gruesome enemy designs and tight gameplay, makes it a must-play for horror aficionados.
Best Multiplayer and Online Games
Multiplayer games have always been a strong component of PlayStation’s success, and the PS5 takes these experiences to the next level. Whether you’re looking for cooperative play or fierce competitive action, the platform offers a wide variety of online experiences.
Leading Co-op Experiences
For gamers who love working together, It Takes Two is a standout title. This cooperative platformer by Hazelight Studios requires two players to solve puzzles and navigate through beautifully crafted levels. The game’s heartfelt story about a couple on the brink of divorce is woven into the gameplay, offering a unique emotional experience that enhances the cooperative elements. Another strong co-op experience is Back 4 Blood, a spiritual successor to the Left 4 Dead series. In this zombie shooter, players team up to fend off waves of infected while completing objectives. The game’s dynamic card system, which introduces new modifiers to each playthrough, ensures that no two runs are the same, keeping the experience fresh and challenging.
Best Competitive Titles
For competitive players, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II continues to lead the charge in terms of first-person shooters. The game offers multiple modes, from team-based deathmatches to tactical objective modes, ensuring there’s something for every type of player. The precision of the DualSense controller’s adaptive triggers further enhances the experience, offering more immersive gunplay. Fortnite also remains a powerhouse in the competitive gaming scene, with constant updates and events that keep the community engaged. The game’s vibrant graphics, unique building mechanics, and ever-evolving map make it a top choice for players looking for fast-paced battle royale action.
Most Engaging MMOs
For those who prefer massive online multiplayer experiences, Final Fantasy XIV continues to shine. With its ever-growing expansions, such as Endwalker, the game offers a rich, detailed world where players can explore, fight, and form communities. The PS5 version of Final Fantasy XIV takes advantage of the console’s hardware, with faster load times, improved frame rates, and enhanced visuals. Destiny 2 is another MMO that has garnered a dedicated fanbase. Its blend of first-person shooting and RPG elements, coupled with vast worlds to explore, makes it a highly engaging experience. The game continues to release new content, keeping players invested with fresh challenges and new storylines.
Essential Features and Technologies
The PlayStation 5’s cutting-edge technology enhances every gaming experience, from the revolutionary DualSense controller to its incredible graphics capabilities. Here’s how the PS5 takes gaming to the next level.
Utilizing PS5 DualSense Controller
One of the standout features of the PS5 is its DualSense controller, which offers haptic feedback and adaptive triggers that provide a more immersive experience. Games like Astro’s Playroom and Returnal make excellent use of these features, allowing players to feel every step, crash, and shot as if they were happening in real life. In Astro’s Playroom, for example, players can feel the pitter-patter of rain through subtle vibrations and the resistance of different surfaces through the adaptive triggers. Returnal uses the triggers to differentiate between firing modes, offering a tangible connection between the player and the in-game weaponry.
Graphics and Performance Upgrades
The PS5 is capable of rendering games in 4K with HDR support, providing stunningly realistic visuals. Titles like Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart and Demon’s Souls showcase the console’s ray tracing technology, which offers more lifelike lighting, reflections, and shadows. Additionally, the PS5’s SSD drastically reduces load times, allowing for seamless transitions between game areas and faster overall performance.
Enhancements for PS5 Versions
Many games have been updated with enhanced PS5 versions, offering better performance and graphics compared to their PS4 counterparts. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt received a significant next-gen upgrade, improving textures, introducing ray tracing, and increasing frame rates. Similarly, Cyberpunk 2077 now runs smoothly on the PS5, with improvements to its graphics, stability, and load times, transforming it into the immersive RPG it was always meant to be.
Upcoming PS5 Game Releases
The future of the PS5 looks incredibly bright, with a slate of highly anticipated games set to release in 2024 and beyond.
Highly Anticipated Titles in 2024
Several blockbuster titles are set to launch in 2024, and fans are eagerly awaiting their arrival. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, the second part of the Final Fantasy VII remake trilogy, is one of the most anticipated releases. Players are excited to see how the remake reimagines iconic characters and moments from the original game. Another highly anticipated title is Wolverine, being developed by Insomniac Games. While details are still sparse, the game promises a darker, grittier take on the Marvel superhero, with fans hoping for an intense, narrative-driven experience similar to Spider-Man 2. Dragon Age: Dreadwolf is another major release expected in 2024, marking the return of BioWare’s acclaimed RPG series. Fans are eagerly awaiting more information on its story and gameplay.
Release Dates of Major Games
Several big releases are scheduled for early to mid-2024. Silent Hill 2 Remake is set to bring the beloved horror classic to the PS5 with updated graphics and reworked gameplay, appealing to both new players and veterans of the original game. Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora is another major release set for 2024. Based on the hit film franchise, this open-world action game will allow players to explore the vibrant and dangerous world of Pandora. It promises a visually stunning experience, taking full advantage of the PS5’s hardware. Finally, Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League is slated for release in 2024. This action-packed game from Rocksteady Studios will have players controlling the infamous Suicide Squad as they face off against brainwashed members of the Justice League in an open-world metropolis.
Trailers and Previews
The trailers and previews for these upcoming games have already generated significant buzz. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth trailers show glimpses of iconic scenes reimagined with stunning new visuals and a revamped combat system, while Wolverine teases a darker, more mature narrative. Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora previews showcase its open-world exploration, vibrant landscapes, and thrilling aerial combat aboard the Na’vi’s flying creatures.
Community and User Ratings
As the gaming community grows, player feedback and user ratings have become invaluable for discovering the best PS5 games.
Player Favorites Based on Download Numbers
Some of the most popular games on the PS5, based on download numbers, include Fortnite, Call of Duty: Warzone, and Apex Legends. These free-to-play games consistently attract millions of players due to their competitive nature, frequent updates, and live events. Fortnite, in particular, continues to reinvent itself with new collaborations and in-game events, keeping its massive player base engaged.
Critic Reviews and Metacritic Scores
Critically acclaimed titles on the PS5 have achieved high scores on Metacritic, a trusted platform for aggregating reviews. Games like Returnal and Demon’s Souls have been praised for their innovative use of the PS5’s hardware and immersive gameplay. Returnal, in particular, has been lauded for its challenging, roguelike gameplay and its unique approach to storytelling, where players experience the protagonist’s emotional journey through repetitive cycles of death and rebirth.
Fan Polls and Recommendations
Fan polls and community recommendations provide insight into what games are resonating most with players. Across social media platforms and forums, titles like God of War: Ragnarök, Elden Ring, and Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 frequently top lists of player favorites. These polls often highlight the importance of gameplay mechanics, story depth, and replayability as factors that contribute to a game’s lasting appeal.
Special Editions and Remasters
The PS5 has been home to several remastered classics and special editions, bringing beloved titles from previous generations to a new audience with enhanced graphics and additional content.
Must-Play Remastered Classics
Some of the best remastered classics available on PS5 include The Last of Us Part I and Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection. The Last of Us Part I brings one of the most critically acclaimed games of all time to the PS5, with improved visuals, refined gameplay, and the emotional weight of its original story intact. Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection packages together Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End and The Lost Legacy, enhancing the already cinematic visuals and providing smoother, more responsive gameplay.
These remasters breathe new life into classic games, making them accessible to new players while offering returning fans a fresh experience with enhanced features.
Special Editions to Look Out For
Several special editions offer exclusive content that makes them highly sought after by collectors and fans. For instance, Hogwarts Legacy offers a Deluxe Edition with bonus in-game items, early access, and a Dark Arts pack that includes special spells and cosmetics. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 also released with a Collector’s Edition, featuring exclusive figurines and in-game bonuses, making it a prized possession for fans of the web-slinger.
The Impact of Remasters on Gameplay Experience
Remastered games not only improve on graphics and performance but also often include quality-of-life updates that enhance gameplay. For example, Demon’s Souls benefits from faster load times and refined controls, making the brutal combat more responsive and accessible. Remasters can also introduce new content, such as additional levels or expanded stories, ensuring that even those who played the original versions will find something new to enjoy.
Conclusion on Best PS5 Games
Summarizing Top Picks
In 2024, the PS5 has solidified itself as a gaming powerhouse, with titles like Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, Final Fantasy XVI, and Elden Ring standing out as top picks. These games exemplify what the PS5 is capable of, offering deep narratives, cutting-edge graphics, and innovative gameplay mechanics.
Final Recommendations
Whether you’re a fan of action-packed adventures, deep RPGs, or competitive multiplayer, the PS5 has a wide selection of games to suit every player’s taste. With its expanding library and the exciting lineup of upcoming releases, 2024 promises to be an incredible year for PlayStation gamers. From blockbuster exclusives to genre-defining classics, the PS5 continues to deliver some of the best gaming experiences available today.
