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PlayStation has been around for over 30 years, spanning five different console generations. Each new system introduced technological advancements, even in portable gaming. The PSP offered notable multimedia features before the iPhone came out, and the PS Vita was ahead of its time with an OLED screen in 2012.
These consoles wouldn’t be impactful without the games. PlayStation consistently delivered excellent titles from early on, often saving the best exclusive games for the final moments of their lifecycle.
10. Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
This game is considered a foundational piece for the Metroidvania genre. When it launched in 1997, it felt completely fresh and set a new standard. While the original Metroid established the open map and backtracking mechanics, Symphony of the Night combined those with RPG elements and a richer story—making it one of the most important PS1 games. It still holds up well among modern Metroidvanias.
A Timeless Masterpiece
Many retro games don’t age well, but Metal Gear Solid remains an exception. Its gameplay, story, voice acting, music, and presentation still resonate today. Compared to its sequels, the first Metal Gear Solid stands out for its superior writing and smaller scope, thanks in part to Jeremy Blaustein’s excellent translation. Despite Kojima’s reservations about some changes, MGS1 is a defining PS1 game.
8. Jak 2
The original Jak and Daxter was great, but Jak 2 evolved the series dramatically. It adopted a darker tone that fit seamlessly into its animated universe and shifted toward more action-oriented gameplay, similar to Ratchet & Clank. It also showcased technical achievements for the PS2, like cleverly hiding load times through continuous gameplay, which contributed to its reputation as one of the best PlayStation titles.
7. God of War
The 2005 original remains the best in the series. Its inventive take on Greek mythology combined with influences from Devil May Cry and Zelda resulted in an epic and engaging adventure. The game’s focus on Greek tragedy added depth, and the journey through Pandora’s Temple to reach Pandora’s Box was uniquely satisfying—an experience that sets it apart from later entries.
6. Shadow of the Colossus
Developed by Sony Japan Studio, this game is more than just a boss rush. While fighting enormous colossi keeps the game exciting, its atmospheric storytelling, haunting music, and immersive environments make it a true masterpiece. On PS2, the performance sometimes struggled during boss fights, but the PS4 remake now offers a stunning way to experience this iconic game.
5. Okami
Directed by Hideki Kamiya, Okami is Capcom’s take on an epic adventure similar to The Legend of Zelda—but it surpasses most Zelda clones. It features memorable characters, a deep story, beautifully crafted dungeons, a unique combat system, and a timeless art style that still looks great today. With a sequel in the works, it remains a must-play for fans of action-adventure games.
4. Demon’s Souls
Often credited as the origin of the Soulslike genre, Demon’s Souls is a groundbreaking PS3 exclusive. Its tough difficulty, limited healing resources, and the challenging World Tendency system made it stand out. The complete remake on PS5 offers 4K graphics at 60fps, proving its lasting influence and appeal.
3. Red Dead Redemption 2
Despite some differences in tone and setting, RDR2 impresses with its massive and detailed open world, attention to exploration, and realistic animal behaviors. Its compelling story, rich characters, superb voice acting, and epic length make it a standout. Many consider it one of the greatest games ever made.
2. The Last of Us Part 2
While it moves away from the road trip and father-daughter bond of the first game, the sequel offers a more complex and layered story. It features improved gameplay, smarter AI, and mechanics like enhanced human shield use. The game’s themes of revenge and redemption are intense and powerful, making it arguably the best PS4 exclusive.
1. Baldur’s Gate 3
Following in the footsteps of The Witcher 3, Baldur’s Gate 3 represents the next leap in AAA RPGs. Despite its massive size, it maintains high-quality visuals, animations, and a detailed D&D-based role-playing experience. The game offers countless choices and pathways that feel deliberate and well-crafted. While some may dislike the fifth edition D&D ruleset, it’s widely regarded as one of the top three RPGs of all time.
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