When it comes to exclusivity, no one does it like PlayStation. For years, the console has made a strong claim as the go-to destination for story-based exclusives, and for good reason. From the projects of Bloodborne and Team Ico to the action-packed Uncharted and the heart-pounding The Last of Us, PlayStation maintains an impressive collection of critically acclaimed titles.
In 2022, PlayStation doubled down on this reputation, with several first-party studios releasing exclusives to Sony’s console, including long-awaited sequels to popular series like Horizon and God of War. However, these blockbuster adventures aren’t the only games coming to PlayStation this year. 2022 also sees the emergence of new titles from smaller studios with bigger ideas than reality. So, from the sunny Horizon Forbidden West coast in California to the neon-lit land of Stray, here are five of the best adventures PS4 and PS5 have taken us into 2022.
Oh, and one last note: Please note that this list may also contain some games that are available to play on PC, which we are really grateful for–no one should miss out. great games like this! When it comes to consoles, though, these titles are locked on PlayStation or, in our opinion, the best experience there.
God of War Ragnarok
Kratos waits for Atreus in a cave.
While 2018’s God of War tells the story of a man who actually becomes a father, God of War Ragnarök explores a perhaps even more difficult theme: How the dynamics of fatherhood are radically altered. when a child grows up to be a young adult. After the events of God of War, Kratos seemed to have fully accepted fatherhood, but with it came a deep sense of vulnerability – something Atreus couldn’t help but notice. This leads to a series of communication breakdowns as both men fight to be the other’s protector — as they strive to become independent forces, each terrified of the power and fragility of each other. that person.
It’s a fascinating, beautifully told story as Ragnarök’s brutal Fimbulwinter begins to ravage the land these men once called home. But while the stakes and emotion are high, that doesn’t stop God of War Ragnarök from being as fun to play as its predecessor. With versatile combat, stunning visuals, numerous system improvements, and an overall greater sense of both power and scale, God of War Ragnarök is a must-see for PlayStation owners. .
in us Ragnar, god of warok consider, we gave the game 9/10. Tamoor Hussain writes: “Despite being a tale of the gods of war and apocalypse, the soul of the game is something much more emotional. “For each brutal moment, there is always a genuine and understandable emotion. The way they land will be different for each person, but there are many moments that bring tears to my eyes. If nothing else, God of War Ragnarök further strengthens Sony Santa Monica’s storytelling team is among the best in the business.”
Forbidden Horizon
Aloy takes on new mechanical enemies in Horizon Forbidden West.
Aloy returns for the 2017 Horizon Zero Dawn sequel in this year’s Horizon Forbidden West. While Zero Dawn sees the ferocious hunter traverse the uncivilized Southwest as we know it and be reclaimed by nature, Forbidden West takes her on a journey to California’s gold coast. However, the setting isn’t the only thing that shakes up Aloy’s sophomore year adventures. Everything in Forbidden West is on a larger scale – the map, the skill tree, the weapon selection, the sense of adventure… Oh, and quite naturally, the giant dinosaurs and cyborg beasts you have to Hunt and scavenge strategically for parts.
This upgrade can be overwhelming at times. Between new weapons, traps and unprecedented maneuverability, Aloy requires coordination and careful planning like never before to take down his prey. However, this also means that the final encounters will be more intense and exciting than ever. However, where Forbidden West really shines is in its story and characters. While Zero Dawn primarily focuses on connecting with characters from the past, Forbidden West is based on the present and focuses on building relationships with a colorful cast of characters, each with their own unique twist. its own motives and background story. This level of detail is even extended to the side characters appearing in side quests and gives the game a well-curated and heartfelt feel.
GameSpot gave the game 8/10 in our review Horizon Forbidden West review. Phil Hornshaw writes: “When its many systems come together, it can be a beautiful, exciting, and engaging open-world experience. “Stories that take you across borders are often well told and focused on actual characters rather than audio diaries, and although the map is littered with symbols, they’re often hilarious, well-made A more ingenious way is to randomize busy work to fill out a checklist.”
The Last of Us Part I
Ellie from The Last of Us.
Calling The Last of Us Part I just a remake of its 2013 counterpart would be a disadvantage. Although the game could see Joel and Ellie go through the same harrowing sequence of events as The Last of Us – and still make the same choices that will inevitably lead to the same shocking conclusions. — but never before has the horror and heartbreak been so evident in The Last of Us Part I.
The visual overhaul of The Last of Us Part I doesn’t just exist to make the game more immersive in 2022 or attract a new audience of people who’ve never played the game but are eager to see. after seeing the trailer for its HBO adaptation, though it does both. task easily. It also helps players forge a stronger connection between their world and the world of The Last of Us, a connection that inspires empathy, as well as makes Joel and Ellie more human. ever. Thanks to better character animation, every expression is more complex and impactful, and every look has more weight. The environments are more foreboding and lonely, as improved lighting brings out every single speck of dust in the air and adds horror to the game’s dark areas. In addition, The Last of Us Part 1 tightens the game’s combat capabilities and adds a ton of options that make the game more accessible and enjoyable than ever. Quite simply, it’s the ultimate way to experience this beloved PlayStation experience.
GameSpot gives The Last of Us Part I 8/10 in our review review. Jake Dekker writes: “All of these improvements may seem small on their own, but together they make one of the most memorable games of the PS3 era even better. “While some of the level designs may not be completely stale, the vibrant cast of characters and remarkable story are deeper than ever.”
private wife
Sifu’s son prepares to fight a man in a nightclub.
Anyone who has practiced martial arts – or has seen most of their Kung Fu movies – understands that becoming truly great takes incredible discipline, both devotion and respect for the form. art and its principles. Sifu cultivated this idea, posing the question: “Can a person really master Kung Fu in their lifetime?” before allowing players to come to their own conclusions.
Sifu is a relentlessly challenging martial artist who sees your character confront a group of elite warriors after they assassinate their father. This isn’t your standard revenge story, though, as every time your characters fail, they grow old. And while their minds may become wiser after these setbacks, their bodies become weaker. Inevitably, your character may die of old age without completing the quest for revenge. Discipline and precision are vital to making sure that doesn’t happen, but it’s not easy, which is exactly what makes Sifu so appealing.
Sifu received a score of 9/10 in reviewwith Richard Wakeling’s article, “Your journey from student to master is thrilling, mainly because it is driven by your own improving skill level rather than the progression of the traditional character. There are memorable standout moments throughout, such as the boss fights and the entertaining entertainment of the iconic lobby scene from Oldboy, but Sifu’s battle shines the brightest.”
lost
The cat strays title.
Whether you’re a cat lover, a dog lover, a snake enthusiast, or even an avid bird watcher, Stray’s appeal is undeniable. From the opening moments – when your cat protagonist loses balance and is thrown from their companions and into an underground city occupied by neon lights and robots – by the game’s hopeful ending, every piece of Stray’s puzzle is filled. full of emotions and heart. The game too, and perhaps surprisingly because of its main character and supporting cast, deals with what it means to be alive and the importance of friendship.
In addition, Stray is also an interesting game. Filled with puzzles that require not only cat-like reflexes but also cat-like thinking, you’ll be tasked with traversing keyboards, pushing objects off high surfaces, and performing all sorts of mischief through your fingers. often makes cats very lovable. Add stunning visuals, a touch of horror, and a smooth background, and you’ve got an impressive first game from the burgeoning BlueTwelve Studio.
In the end, this game received 9/10 from GameSpot. in us Reviews strayAlessandro Barbosa wrote, “Stray’s ultimate strength is how well its overall design showcases the protagonist’s unique perspectives and abilities, but it also doesn’t rely on this to be a trait, either. The only highlight of the whole adventure. So much enjoyment during Stray’s run comes from how well each scenario is tailored to the abilities of its feline hero.”
