The PS4 is well-loved for a reason. From the best selling hits to remastered nostalgic games, there are plenty of options to explore. Whether you're into playing retro side scrollers, cutting edge narratives, or looking at popular releases, we've got plenty of options for you.
The Best Retro Games for PS4
When you think of PS4 games you probably think of the big-name, big-budget games like The Last Of Us, with character-led narrative and chilling original music.
There are a ton of classic arcade games available on PS4, so you can take yourself back to a simpler time and unwind without the pressure of a clicker at your heels. If you want some low-cost or free online games, check out these PS4 games below.
1. Pac-Man Championship Edition 2
A modern take on the classic Pac-Man with fast-paced action, neon visuals, and new mechanics. It's Pac-Man just as you remember it, but with some fun upgrades.
2. Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection
Childhood fans of Street Fighter must add this to their wishlist - a compilation of 12 classic Street Fighter titles celebrating the legacy and allowing players to relive the evolution of the series.
3. Metal Slug Anthology
The Metal Slug series is known for its run-and-gun arcade action and this anthology brings together several entries from the franchise, offering nostalgic shooting gameplay, pixel art visuals, and over-the-top action.
4. Galaga
Lasers at the ready for this classic intergalactic battle game. You'll need to fight off waves of alien invaders, shoot down enemy ships, and avoid their attacks in the process. An absolute retro delight.
5. Capcom Arcade Cabinet
Unsure of which retro classic to choose? The Capcom Arcade Cabinet includes a range of classic arcade titles from Capcom's history, available to buy as individual games or packs, and featuring iconic games like 1942, Ghosts 'n Goblins, and Strider.
The Best New Releases on PS4
Let's flip it now and look instead at some more recent releases with our pick of the best PS4 games in 2022 and the best PS4 games from 2023. New video-games are widely played, with fantastic budgets and massive production teams. If you prefer large scale, fantastical gameplay, we've compiled a list of hot new releases, available to play now.
1. Elden Ring
One of the best-selling games to come out of 2022, Elden Ring won Game of the Year at the Game Awards 2022 and was an instant hit. It's absolutely packed full of detail and offers great replay value because there's simply so much to it. With contributions from fantasy juggernaut George R.R. Martin, Elden Ring has detailed worldbuilding and dark, apocalyptic graphics perfect for fans of The Witcher.
2. Hogwarts Legacy
Harry Potter fans were thrilled when Hogwarts Legacy finally hit the shelves in 2023 and the game did not disappoint, with masses of customization, immersive gameplay, and lots of fun features from the books.
3. God of War Ragnarok
The Marvel Universe continues to go from strength to strength on the big screen, and this is reflected in the gaming world with the release in 2022 of the much-anticipated God of War Ragnarok. You'll journey through nine magical realms, reliving the epic journey made by Kratos and Atreus - expect visual storytelling and a mythical atmosphere in God of War Ragnarok.
4. Inscryption
Inscryption is a deck-building game with an edge - an eerie blend of escape-room style puzzles and psychological horror. Although it was released in 2021, it gained traction in recent months after its release on the PS4.
5. Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection
This is less of a new release and more of an upgrade and repackaging, but we still think it deserves a mention as it gives you two excellent treasure-hunting adventures in one package.
The Best PS4 Games of All Time
One of the best measures of a game's popularity of course is sales. Many PS4 games tip the one million mark when it comes to sales, but the best-selling PS4 games of all time have sold over 10 million copies over their lifetime. With multi-million-pound development budgets, they need to see a return on investment, and each game on this list has outpaced this massively.
1. Grand Theft Auto V
Released in 2013, Grand Theft Auto V made a staggering $1 billion in just its first three days. The free-roaming, fast-paced game-play made GTA a mainstay in pop culture. Grand Theft Auto V's vibrant open world shows a commitment to realism, attention to detail, and character.
2. Marvel's Spider-Man
Always fancied yourself as a superhero, swinging between skyscrapers and solving crime? It turns out you're not alone. Spider-Man is the best-selling superhero game of all time and one of the best selling games for PS4. And, while you're at it, don't forget to find yourself a brilliant moniker to go along with your outfit, with the help of our super, superhero name generator.
3. FIFA 18
The long-running FIFA series is the most popular sports-based PS4 game and has done incredibly well over the years in various reincarnations. Players love the FIFA games for the soccer gameplay and licensed teams, and the chance to customize your own team.
4. Red Dead Redemption 2
At the opposite end of the gaming spectrum from FIFA we have Red Dead Redemption 2, an epic open-world western game where you play as gunslinger Arthur Morgan. It was a hit from day one and makes the list of best PS4 games of all time for its incredibly detailed and expansive world and immersive storytelling.
5. Call of Duty: Black Ops III
A first-person shooter that offers both a Black Ops III manages to hit the double whammy - not only does it have a compelling single-player campaign, but its multiplayer mode is also a lot of fun and extremely popular.
With new releases to PS4 all the time, who knows what these lists could look like in a couple of years from now? From TD games to classic shoot 'em ups, PS4 has something for everyone. It's what we love about gaming, that technology and game design are constantly evolving and innovating, meaning the next massive hit could always be just around the corner.
