I’m not being hyperbolic after I say this has been the worst console era I’ve ever skilled. Greater than last-gen, this console cycle is oversaturated with remakes, remasters and particularly cross-gen titles.
I’ve owned a PS5 since launch, however I nonetheless have hassle justifying its existence since there are so few “current-gen” titles accessible for the system. Issues are even worse for the Xbox Series X, which has even fewer true exclusives, however that’s an entire different dialog. Regardless, this console era has been a significant disappointment for me.
Regardless of the PS5 not blowing me away, there have been a handful of exclusives which have saved the system from being a whole wash. Certain, video games purely made for PS5 are few and much between, however a lot of the ones I’ve performed have been strong — even when none have been generation-defining experiences. To that finish, I wish to checklist a few of my favourite PS5 exclusives launched to this point.
The primary rule I positioned on myself when placing this checklist collectively is that the video games are solely accessible on PS5. For this reason you received’t see titles like God of War: Ragnarok, Horizon Forbidden West or Spider-Man: Miles Morales. I additionally excluded The Last of Us I Remake and The Last of Us II Remastered since you may play the PS4 variations on PS5.
With out additional ado, listed here are 7 PS5 exclusives which have (virtually) saved this console era.
7 PS5 exclusives value shopping for
As I mentioned above, this checklist is proscribed to video games that initially launched solely on PS5. Not solely does this embrace first-party choices from Sony Interactive Leisure, however you will discover some third-party exclusives as effectively. Not solely are these video games nice in their very own proper, additionally they benefit from the PS5’s highly effective {hardware}.
Astro’s Playroom
Astro’s Playroom is a free sport that comes bundled with the PS5. Don’t let that idiot you into pondering it is a low-cost throwaway title, because it’s legit a enjoyable and fascinating expertise.
Astro’s Playroom is a superb showcase for the PS5’s DualSense controller. You’ll really feel the feeling of strolling over tough sand or swimming via thick water by way of the controller’s haptics. The sport additionally makes use of the microphone and touchpad, together with gyroscopic options.
Past its technical accomplishments, Astro’s Playroom is just a enjoyable platforming sport that’s an enormous love letter to PlayStation’s 25-plus yr historical past. Regardless of in case you’re younger or outdated, a gaming skilled or a beginner, Astro’s Playroom delivers a enjoyable time for nearly anybody.
Demon’s Souls
That is considerably of a cheat because it’s a remake of a PS3 sport. Nevertheless, I’m including it since I can’t embrace Elden Ring, which is technically a last-gen sport. Apart from, Demon’s Souls is simply too superior to disregard.
Demon’s Souls isn’t as huge and expansive as its successors nevertheless it excels at delivering a decent and targeted sport that exams you each step of the best way. It is each bit as troublesome now because it was again in 2009, which may be a shock even to those that’ve mastered Elden Ring. However like its non secular follow-ups, you’ll really feel an immense degree of satisfaction after each hard-earned victory. Demon’s Souls isn’t for the faint of coronary heart, and that makes it superior.
Remaining Fantasy VII Rebirth
As I mentioned in my overview, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth delivers on virtually each conceivable degree. This sequel to the beloved Final Fantasy VII Remake provides expansive environments to discover, sturdy customization choices, distinctive presentation and an enticing story that’s each acquainted and sudden.
For those who loved the earlier installment, you received’t discover many faults right here. Whereas the slew of mini-games can generally distract from the core narrative, the huge quantity of content material means you’re getting your $70 value. This can be a sport value proudly owning a PS5 for, even in case you’ve by no means performed a Remaining Fantasy sport earlier than.
Remaining Fantasy XVI
Whereas with reference to Sq.-Enix’s most beloved RPG collection, let’s talk about one other considered one of my favourite entries: Final Fantasy XVI. I dubbed this the Remaining Fantasy for adults as a result of its mature subject material. Whereas its grimdark tone and diminished RPG mechanics mark a radical departure from what individuals are used to, it comprises collection staples like over-the-top magic spells, malevolent gods — and chocobos. Sure, it’s darkish, nevertheless it’s nonetheless very a lot a Remaining Fantasy sport.
Remaining Fantasy XVI isn’t your father’s Remaining Fantasy. Heck, it’s not even your Remaining Fantasy. However the modifications launched make the franchise really feel extra related than it has in years.
Some have decried the action-focused gameplay and mature tone, however as a long-time fan of the collection, I discover this entry ticks virtually all the proper containers. Whereas I’m not enamored with all the pieces, the characters, lore and graphics assist me overlook a few of the less-than-great points. Remaining Fantasy XVI won’t be excellent nevertheless it’s the very best installment in years. It’s additionally a visible showcase on PS5.
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Aside
This was one of many first huge first-party PS5 video games launched nevertheless it’s nonetheless probably the greatest. Like its predecessors, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart options tight gameplay, beautiful graphics, and a narrative that deftly balances humor and coronary heart. And although it pays homage to what got here earlier than, newcomers also can have a good time.
Rift Aside makes use of the PS5’s super-fast SSD to zip you throughout a number of ranges inside seconds with none noticeable loading. The one different sport I’ve seen that does that is Spider-Man 2, which Insomniac Video games additionally developed. Then we now have the drop-dead beautiful graphics which do a stellar job of bringing the colourful alien worlds to life in gorgeous element. Ratchet & Clank: Rift Aside is one more technical stunner for PS5.
Stellar Blade
Stellar Blade is the latest PS5 unique launched, nevertheless it stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the opposite entries on this checklist. As I mentioned in my overview, it provides a refreshing change of tempo from the deluge of remasters, remakes and sequels we’ve seen this era. This has all of it, together with excellent graphics, thrilling gameplay and a fascinating narrative. It doesn’t reinvent the wheel nevertheless it excels as a kick-ass motion journey sport.
Stellar Blade has each fashion and substance. Even when the gorgeous graphics and well-animated protagonist are what initially draw you in, the difficult fight, thrilling story, and explorable environments will hold you hooked. That is precisely what a online game is meant to be about — pure enjoyable. It’s completely a motive to personal a PS5.
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Final however actually not least is Marvel’s Spider-Man 2. As we mentioned in our overview, this sport is almost flawless. That’s saying rather a lot contemplating the excessive bar Insomniac Video games set with the additionally spectacular Marvel’s Spider-Man on PS4. This superb sequel net zips over its predecessor with ease.
All the very best elements of the earlier sport are right here, together with a well-realized recreation of my hometown of New York Metropolis and the immediately accessible fight. There are additionally dramatic enhancements to the quite a few facet actions, and the central story ranks as one of many biggest Spidey tales ever advised. Spider-Man 2 is extra than simply an endlessly pleasant love letter to the pleasant neighborhood wall-crawler, it’s probably the greatest superhero video video games ever created.
Honorable mentions
Whereas they are not my private favorites, I needed to provide some like to Returnal and Rise of the Ronin.
Whereas the latter may be frustratingly troublesome, I am unable to deny its gorgeous graphics and skilled use of the DualSense controller’s options. As for Rise of Ronin, I would add it to my private checklist after I’ve performed extra of it — however the little I’ve performed lets me know it is a cool open-world journey.