June has already arrived, which means that we're roughly halfway into 2016 already. But what a six months it's been for the PlayStation 4, with Sony's new-gen format really starting to find its feet and amass a compelling selection of games. With the excitement of E3 2016 around the corner, we thought that it would be fun to put together a list of our ten favourite PS4 titles of the year so far. It was tough whittling things down, but this a pretty compelling selection, as we're sure that you'll agree.
10: Gone Home
Old but still outstanding, Gone Home won the PS4 walking simulator battle against the more recent Firewatch with ease. This compelling insight into the Greenbriars' home-life is meticulously crafted, employing environmental storytelling and exploration to conjure up a whole spectrum of emotions. It may not be to everyone's tastes, but with love stories so severely lacking in this industry, The Fullbright Company's two or so hour tale is both touching and uplifting. Crucially, though, it brings something a little different to Sony's new-gen system.
9. Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4
The franchise's supposed finale, Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 is somehow even more explosive than its predecessors, offering up a veritable smorgasbord of non-stop ninja action. A dramatic, ultra stylish story mode, a huge playable character roster, and a rebalanced combat system ensure its success on the field of battle. For our money, this is the best anime based brawler on Sony's current-gen console.
8. Street Fighter V
The fight may be far from over, but Street Fighter V has proven its worth in the ring so far. A polished package with some of the best core mechanics on PS4, Capcom's latest hasn't always enjoyed a positive reception from fans, but now, a few months into its life, its professional prowess is clear for all to see. The star of many a fighting game tournament this year, Street Fighter V can only get better as long as the developer keeps building upon its rock solid foundations.
7: DOOM
Franchise revivals don't get much better than this. DOOM represents a gloriously gory comeback for one of the FPS genre's forefathers, shunning regenerating health and reloading in favour of fast-paced arena shootouts. Clever risk/reward mechanics encourage you to play offensively at all times, while intricate level design offers ample incentive to venture off the beaten path. id Software's unexpectedly ace outing proves that shooters have been getting stale, and while its multiplayer doesn't quite measure up to its head-banging campaign, it's still very much a must play.
6: Ratchet & Clank
Are you noticing a theme yet? It's been a bloody great year for remakes so far, with Ratchet & Clank serving up a franchise Greatest Hits of sorts. Arguably the best movie tie-in ever created, Insomniac Games' latest returns to the plot of the series' PlayStation 2 original, putting a meta spin on a story that will be familiar to PlayStation fans the world over. Entertaining weapons and some of the best visuals seen on Sony's system so far make this a real blast – and its bargain price point means that you have no excuse not to add to your collection.
5. Odin Sphere: Leifthrasir
As far as remakes go, Odin Sphere: Leifthrasir sets quite a few bars. Breathing new life into the PS2 classic, this is a re-release that expands and improves upon the original in almost every way, while also retaining its depth, charm, and utterly gorgeous good looks. It tells a theatrically paced tale of love, war, myths, and legends, while its silky smooth combat system digs its talons into you almost immediately. A lovingly crafted action RPG that's a pleasure to play and behold from start to finish.
4: The Witness
The Witness masters the 'a-ha' gameplay loop like no other, serving up a puzzler so dazzlingly smart that it will turn your grey matter to mush. So much more than just drawing lines, Jonathan Blow's imaginative island adventure uses colour, light, and the environment itself to conjure up some of the cleverest conundrums this side of the Crystal Maze. While it demands patience and superhuman attention levels at times, the way that this title teaches you its many rules without uttering a single word is nothing short of inspirational.
3. Overwatch
Once again proving that its a master of refining a simple concept into something spectacular, Blizzard knocks it out of the park with Overwatch – a colourful, incredibly addictive shooter that sports 21 diverse playable heroes. While the memorable cast rightly take much of the credit for the game's success, you can't overlook Overwatch's delightful approach to gameplay. It's accessible yet offers plenty of depth once you've adjusted to its rhythm, and its focus on team play means that every participant can feel loved.
2. Dark Souls III
Coming off the back of the brilliant Bloodborne, many were initially wary of Dark Souls III, but once again, Japanese developer From Software kicked expectations off a cliff and delivered a devilishly compelling action RPG. It may be more of the same from this bloodstained series, but the sequel's overall quality shines through like a trusty torch illuminating the darkest tomb. Gripping and grizzly from the moment that you light your first bonfire, this is an adventure that's more than deserving of your embers.
1: Uncharted 4: A Thief's End
A fitting end to PlayStation's finest franchise, Uncharted 4: A Thief's End spins a more mature yarn without losing any of the bombast that has defined the brand over the past decade. Naughty Dog proves yet again that its lightyears ahead of all other developers in the story-telling stakes, and while some slow pacing may put off adrenaline junkies, the Californian company deserves kudos for allowing its latest to breathe, building towards a crescendo that feels both final and fulfilling.
That's a staggeringly strong list as far as we're concerned – but what's your favourite PS4 game of 2016 so far? Do you agree with our top ten? Share your highlights in the comments section below.
What's your favourite PS4 game of 2016 so far? (141 votes)
- Dark Souls III
- DOOM
- Gone Home
- Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 0%
- Odin Sphere: Leifthrasir
- Overwatch
- Ratchet & Clank
- Street Fighter V
- The Witness
- Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End
- Other
Please login to vote in this poll.
[ Words: Robert Ramsey, Sammy Barker ]
Comments 79
Have to admit I'm surprised by some of the stuff that has made the top 10 but we all have different opinions was a hard choice between Uncharted 4 and Dark Souls 3 in the poll for me....had to pick Uncharted though!
1.Uncharted 4
2.The Witness
3.Overwatch
4.Ratchet & Clank
I voted uncharted, but to be fair it's the only one on the list I've played this year. Still clearing older games.
Only 2 of those games would make my top 10 Uncharted and ratchet and Clank
From this list and from what I have played.
Overwatch
Doom
Dark Souls 3
Uncharted
3. The Witness
2. Dark Souls III
1. Uncharted 4
@dryrain What's your top ten, man? Feel free to share.
Uncharted 4 is likely to be my GotY - even though some aspects are not quite what I would have liked/wanted.
Of this top 10, only 3 games are games I would want - 7 I have no interest in. Ratchet and Clank for that nostalgic 3D platforming and Doom for its campaign only - neither of which I have yet bought.
This year has been a bit quiet from my perspective. Very few games have released that 'appeal' enough to warrant purchasing at the RRP. Surprised the Division didn't make this list though
Ratchet and Clank. I bought a PS4 for that damn game, so its worth it.
Can I vote Blood and Wine?
As for the games listed I would go with Uncharted 4 #1 and R&C #2.
As a gamer with not a lot of money, I haven't played any of these games yet. Especially looking forward to playing Uncharted, The Witness, Ratchet & Clank and Gone Home. The latter will be free next month, but I'm still waiting for discounts on the other ones.
Where is the new digimon game?
@AlejandroMora Got cut I'm afraid.
Going to join in w/ the U4 #1 and R&C #2 crowd. I'd probably play a demo of Doom to try it out but never the whole game. Which is probably why I still don't own a PS4.
FFXV will hopefully be my GOTY, also looking forward to TR:ROT, Dreams and Horizon: Zero Dawn next year. And SO5. And pretty much anything w/ the initials DQ. And I still need to catch up w/ inFamous 2nd Son, and I'll play Knack someday for under $5 just to see how bad they screwed up a big PS4 launch title.
That's about it, I have very limited tastes. Oh, and I'm still waiting on PS4 ownership to get Lego Dimensions, b/c I'm afraid the Wii U version won't get new content. We own a bunch of Lego D kits but no game yet. And don't forget to cover Lego D 2 when it gets announced, like you did Skylanders Imaginators @get2sammyb
Even though I haven't played them all yet, my favourites are Uncharted 4, Street Fighter V and Ratchet & Clank, and probably Doom as well.
We could make a poll about PS4 best games yet!
@Grawlog It was released in 2015.
On Dad's day, in about 2 weeks now, I'll finally be entering the playstation world with a new PS4 so I'll be keeping track of this list. I seem to have a growing backlog before I've even gotten the console!!
@MERG First PS4 game you should get is Uncharted The Nathan Drake Collection unless you already have the PS3 Uncharted games.
@Grawlog
@VanillaLake The PS4 I am getting has the first 3 Uncharted games bundled so I'll be running though those first.
@rjejr Sir! Knack is a masterpiece and I won't hear any bad-mouthing against it!
@MERG Yay! Lots to catch up with MERG. Hope you enjoy your new console.
Odin Sphere and Ratchet and Clank are the only two games I'm really interested in thus far.
Uncharted 4 takes the top spot, Ratchet & Clank comes 2nd. I'll give The Witness a try someday. Great year so far.
Yay for odin sphere
For me it was odin sphere, uncharted 4, ratchet & clank and valkyria chronicles remastered.
Ive played no games on that list (for the ps4).
Glad this article is out I forgot about the Witness and really need to give it a go. Gone home is free so I will give that my second play through and U4 is in my sights.
I noticed Gravity Rush Remastered wasn't included on here. Is it because it's not originally a PS4 game? It's probably my favorite first-party Sony game since Shadow of the Colossus.
Gone Home?
Joke list. How about Alienation, Salt and Sanctuary or Digimon Story Cyber Sleuth?
You know, actual 2016 games with substantial gameplay
No Firewatch
@masofdas I didn't really like it. Gone Home is way better.
@get2sammyb Thanks! Knowing its in the house and I have to wait for my kids to give it to me is killing me!
Its the new 2007/2008 of gaming.
@MERG You'll have enough games to cover at least 10 years of gaming pleasure. (2 years for non-parents)
n_n Have fun!
@Shellcore All I've heard is bad-mouthing of Knack, you may be the first person in the history of Push square to defend it.
All I know is, when I first saw it I was very excited, the original Jak and Daxter is my favorite game and I'm always on the lookout for more open world type platformers. Then I found out this PS4 powerhouse launch title had a fixed camera, and they lost me. I'm OK with fixed camera for last Gen multiples like Skylanders, but a PS4 exclusive title with cartoon graphics should have camera control, it isnt God of War. Then I found out it was more hallway based then open, then I found out it was difficult. I've really never heard anything good about this game. But I need to see for myself, I'm hoping for a good open world sequel.
Defiantly Ratchet and Clank at Number 1 and Uncharted 4 at Number 2!umm,that said,they are the only two I have played
You're doing the year a huge disservice by putting Gone Home on the list when there are far superior choices like Firewatch, Salt and Sanctuary, or almost any other 2016 game available.
@AlejandroMora I voted other with a write in vote for Digimon
@Madmanonfire Well, that's your opinion. Please feel free to post your Top 10.
1. Uncharted 4: A Thiefs End
2. Ratchet & Clank
3. MLB The Show 16
4. Odin Sphere: Leifthrasir
5. Doom
6. Dark Souls III
7. The Division
8. Hitman
9. DiRT Rally
10. Alienation
This will likely change soon with Mirror's Edge and Deus EX: Mankind Divided set to release over the summer.
@Gamer83 Very strong list!
CYBERSLEUTH!!!!
Needs more Assault Android Cactus.
I have half of this list, but I have only played SFV and U4. Very eager to try Doom tomorrow.
Who decides that Salt and Sanctuary isn't worthy of this list? The same guy that reviewed it after only beating the first few bosses and hasn't touched the game since?
@get2sammyb
DOOM takes my number one spot, from a pure fun factor aspect, I enjoyed it more than Uncharted 4 to be honest (which would be my number 2).
Firewatch, theirs just something about that games setting and atmosphere that really won me over......is it perfect? Not even close.......but has it stayed in my head after better games came and went.....yup. I can still understand why some would not place it in their top 10.
I would also give props to The Following DLC for Dying Light, Far Harbor DLC for Fallout 4, and although I'm still working through it, the Blood and Wine DLC for The Witcher 3.
My top 3 so far this year are
Uncharted 4
Doom
Ratchet and Clank
Uncharted 4 is truly stunning, with a great story and action topped off with a genuine step forward graphically that is far ahead of anything else on the system. Add to this some genuine surprises, decent multiplayer and some hilarious modifiers when completed and this is a game I will come back to many times. Doom is the best FPS I've played for more than 10 years, the campaign is great fun with over the top weapons and none of this reloading and aiming down the sights, just point and shoot and tear heads apart. The multiplayer is decent but is let down by borrowing far too much from so called modern shooters and would have been much better as a true arena shooter with no loadouts, oh and snap map is simply sublime. Ratchet is a welcome return for 3d platformers which will hopefully encourage sequels or some other series to return, I've had so much fun with this game.
To be honest that wouldn't be far away from my top 3 of all PS4 games, with only the Witcher 3 gate crashing that list at probably number 2.
Ok guys let's not insult each other cause we have different tastes, I already deleted a few comments along that route. And will be happy to delete more and give vacations to those who do.
For me it's Overwatch I can't believe how much time I have sunk into it so far.
I really love both Overwatch and uncharted 4. I want to try ratchet and clank soon too.
@rjejr
I almost got Knack when it was on sale like a month ago, but the file size knocked me back to reality. Hard to believe a launch game not graphically impressive is so big. Killzone I can understand, but not Knack.
Thankfully Ratchet seems to be a much better alternative, and cheaper to boot.
Talking about hard games I recently beat Super Meat Boy and I am now trying to get the harder, real ending. Extra difficulty for playing on Wii U and the game not letting me use a Pro or Classic Controller.
3) Valkyria Chronicles
2) DOOM
1) Dark Souls 3
3) Doom was good
2)Valkyria chronicles HD
1) Senran kagura EV
I'm also gonna say Gundam breaker 3 is pretty fun, level design could be a little more varied if I'm sharing criticism... but you gotta import.
@DominicanGlory
Or Enter the Gungeon, another game you actually play instead of watch. These indies are really covering Sony's ass this generation, because PlayStation's first and second party efforts seem to be all about "experiences".
I obviously don't think Uncharted 4 is a bad game and there certainly is a market for it, but I'll take 2 hours of Alienation over 2 hours of UC4 any day of the week; in Alienation you'll feel adrenaline rush after adrenaline rush, in UC you've watched Drake getting Elena food and realizing he hates his life with her if you're unlucky.
@DominicanGlory You mean the guy who gave it an 8/10? Let's not get snappy.
@Boerewors You realise Alienation is a second-party game, right?
I felt sorry for not voting for The Witness, as it is an absolutely brilliant game. However, I voted for Uncharted 4, as it pushed plenty of aspects to the limits of what the PS4 is capable of doing. I also think that Gravity Rush deserves a mention. I didn't play the Vita version, so it was a new game to me; Looking forward to GR2.
@ShogunRok doesn't matter, his "review" is a joke. He didn't even see 1/5 of the game
@get2sammyb
I do. Enter the Gungeon is console exclusive as well and so is Salt & Sanctuary. But because "indie" doesn't seem to mean that a game is literally independently developed nowadays, but more used for "smaller, less expensive titles", indies are covering PS's ass as far as I'm concerned.
PS's first party outings have really troubled development histories this generation and I'm willing to bet Horizon will be postponed as well. There is more than enough to play on the PS4, but the days where Sony was killing it on the first party side seem to be long gone; the GT Sport announcement almost had me crying, and not of joy might I add. But where Sony is dropping the ball for me personally, 2nd and 3rd parties are making up for it.
I love this top 10, its cool pushsquare have decides to write an almost midway through the year list.
Due to kids and work my games from Xmas still haven't all been played and I needed a reminder of the mind blowing games I have missed.
1) Uncharted 4
2) Street Fighter 5
3) Last Blade 2
4) Senran Kagura Estival Versus
5)....
I only bought 4 games on PS4 that came out this year. King of Fighters 14 might be my next one.
I really liked MLB The Show 16, Sony San Diego always do a fantastic job.
@BLPs Such an amazing remake IMO. I say it is the best of all the remakes and is just pure fun.
@Boerewors In all fairness, some of the indies have had development trouble this gem as well, ahem...NMS. Just seems like the more we expect out of gamers the longer they take to develop and the more problems can possibly arise. just my two cents
@DominicanGlory Comon don't be rude we all have different opinions, if we all were the same that would be boring don't you say?
Sorry guys this year has been a pretty big dud for me. Only game I enjoyed this year was Garden Warfare 2, and that's counting 3ds, wii u and and ps4. Hopefully Shantae turns out great otherwise 2016 is known as the year of the backlog.
I haven't played any games on that list! There's only Uncharted 4, Rachet & Clank and The Witness I'd buy and I'm looking forward to playing Gone Home.
The last game I bought was The Division, I completed the main story and haven't touched it since.
As amazing as U4 was, Ratchet gets my vote simply because it's more fun!
@DominicanGlory Hi there, I reviewed Salt and Sanctuary.
Salt and Sanctuary's absence from this list is not my doing whatsoever, and this article is merely the opinion of the site's editors.
I'm sorry that you feel my review is a joke. I didn't play the whole game, you're right, but frankly if I waited to do a write up until I fully completed it, you'd probably still not have a review at all. The game is pretty big, there was a tight deadline to work to, and remember that this isn't exactly my day job. I played enough of the game that I felt I could make an accurate assessment.
However, I understand that you're not happy with it, and I want to thank you for your feedback. Again, sorry my review failed to impress. I'm always looking to improve, so any constructive criticism is welcomed.
3. Ratchet & Clank
2. Valkirya Chronicles
1. Dark Souls 3
I can't believe the retail price for Valkirya Europa Edition is just € 25...
Best PS4 Deal of 2016 so far!!!
I cant afford any games so haven't bought anything since the last of us, so I'm still playing the freebies and gems of war, which I chose as my favourite.
@DominicanGlory Even if that were true, not sure what it has to do with this list, which was put together by me and Sammy alone.
Sorry it doesn't suit your tastes, but this is what we came up with, and we'd ask you to politely respect that and use it as a basis for good discussion in the comments, not launch an attack on writers who have no part in this.
Voted for DOOM as it is the only game from this list that I have played. None of the Uncharted games I've played yet but have bought them all. Also bought the new Ratchet & Clank, but I'm playing right now the original one on the PS2.
@get2sammyb I will be trying gone home next week when it arrives on plus but Firewatch is maybe my second favorite game of the year on PS4.
There's only 3 games in this list I'd consider worthy of a top 10 (U4, DOOM and Odin Sphere), I think I'm a bit underwhelmed by games so far this year! lol
It's difficult to compile a top 10 as I forget if certain games were released in the past 6 months or not lol but I'll give it a go..
10. Dungeons 2
9. RBI Baseball
8. DIRT Rally
7. Oxenfree
6. Not a Hero
5. Valkyria Chronicles
4. Battle Worlds Kronos
3. DOOM
2. Mirrors Edge (after playing the game via EA Access/Xbone this week)
1. Odin Sphere
@NomNom
Yeah, San Diego does an excellent job. As far as sports games go I think MLB The Show best captures the nature of the sport. And the presentation is second to none. Almost like watching a real broadcast.
Im surprised Far Cry Primal didnt make the list, IMO better than 3-4 games on the list..
@rjejr Joking aside, Knack was an above average platformer. The lack of open world allows it to place enemies and obstacles better. On top difficulty, it was tough. Rather than focusing on collectables, it was more about working out how to tackle each "room", which enemies to take out first and how to manoeuvre more efficiently to minimise loss of health. Cross that with sparse checkpointing, and you have a pretty hardcore game. Unfortunately, this isn't what people were expecting, so it got blasted.
agree with overwatch only being 3rd its a great game but it only does one thing also disturbed is right for me far cry primal was great and would be on my top 10 cannot really argue with 1 and 2 on your list
@Shellcore "Cross that with sparse checkpointing, and you have a pretty hardcore game."
That 1 sentence alone may make me not get the game. I really enjoy platforming, but I'm too easily aggravated and frustrated to play anything labeled as "difficult". If I want to play difficult, I'd play Dark Souls, people play games that look like Knack for fun little diversions where you get to beat the crap out of everything in sight and move forward. I think they deserved getting blasted.
Since you seem to know the game, does it have a "bottom" easy difficulty to go along w/ the "top" hard one? I don't like "god" mode where nothing hurts you, but I like the odds being very much in my favor.
@rjejr It can certainly be frustrating in that regard. There are other difficulties if you want to just relax and smash things up.
@Shellcore "There are other difficulties if you want to just relax and smash things up."
And I'm buying it again. Thanks.
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