When it comes to exclusives, no one is doing it quite like PlayStation. For years, the console has had a strong claim as the destination for narrative-driven exclusives, and for good reason. From Bloodborne and Team Ico's projects to the action-packed Uncharted and the heart-wrenching 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 for Sony's consoles including long-awaited sequels to celebrated series like Horizon and God of War. However, these blockbuster adventures aren't the only games that graced PlayStation this year. 2022 also saw an emergence of new titles from smaller studios with larger-than-life ideas. So, from the sunny California coasts of Horizon Forbidden West to the neon-lit underground of Stray, here are the five best adventures PS4 and PS5 took us on in 2022.
Oh, and one last note: Please bear in mind, this list might contain a few games available to play on PC as well, which frankly we're pretty thankful about--no one should miss out on games this good! However, when it comes to consoles, these titles are locked to PlayStation or, in our opinion, are best experienced there.
God of War Ragnarök
Kratos awaits Atreus in a cave.
While 2018's God of War tells the tale of a man truly becoming a father, God of War Ragnarök explores perhaps an even more difficult topic: How the father-son dynamic is completely altered as a child grows into a young adult. Following the events of God of War, Kratos has seemingly fully embraced fatherhood, but with it comes a profound sense of vulnerability--one that Atreus can'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 be independent forces, each terrified of the other's strength and fragility.
It's a compelling story, beautifully told whilst Ragnarök's brutal Fimbulwinter begins to consume the land these men once called home. But while the stakes and emotions are high, it doesn't stop God of War Ragnarök from being every bit as delightful to play as its predecessor. With fluid combat, stunning visuals, plenty of system improvements, and an overall greater sense of both power and scale, God of War Ragnarök is a must-play for PlayStation owners.
In our God of War Ragnarök review, we gave the game 9/10. "Despite being a story about warring gods and the end of the world, the soul of the game is something far more sentimental," Tamoor Hussain wrote. "For every moment of brutality, there is one of genuine and relatable emotion. How they land will vary from person to person, but there were multiple that left me with tears welling up. If nothing else, God of War Ragnarök further cements Sony Santa Monica's narrative team as one of the best in the business."
Horizon Forbidden West
Aloy takes on new mechanical foes in Horizon Forbidden West.
Aloy returns in the follow up to 2017's Horizon Zero Dawn in this year's Horizon Forbidden West. Whereas Zero Dawn saw the fierce hunter traverse a Southwest devoid of civilization as we know it and reclaimed by nature, Forbidden West takes her on a journey to the golden coasts of California. However, the setting isn't the only thing that's shaken up in Aloy's sophomore adventure. Everything in Forbidden West is greater in scale--the maps, the skill trees, the weapon choices, the sense of adventure… Oh, and quite naturally, the giant robotic dinosaurs and beasts you must strategically hunt and scavenge for parts.
At times, this upscaling can be a bit overwhelming. Between new weapons, traps, and unprecedented mobility, Aloy requires more coordination and careful planning than ever to take down her prey. However, this also means encounters are ultimately more tense and exciting than ever before. Where Forbidden West truly shines, though, is in its story and characters. While Zero Dawn focused largely on connecting with figures from the past, Forbidden West is grounded in the present and focused on building relationships with a cast of colorful characters, each with their own motivations and backstories. This level of detail is even extended to minor characters who show up in side quests, and help make the game feel curated and heartfelt.
GameSpot gave the game 8/10 in our Horizon Forbidden West review. "When its many systems come together, it can be a beautiful, exciting, and delightful open-world experience," Phil Hornshaw wrote. "The story that drives you through the frontier is often well-told and does well to center actual characters rather than audio logs, and while the map is littered with icons, it's much more often that they're fun, skillfully crafted diversions than random busywork to fill a checklist."
The Last of Us Part I
Ellie from The Last of Us.
To call The Last of Us Part I a mere remaster of its 2013 counterpart would be a disservice. While the game might see Joel and Ellie experience 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--never has the terror and heartache been as palpable as it is in The Last of Us Part I.
The Last of Us Part I's visual overhaul does not solely exist to make the game more palatable in 2022 or ring in a new audience of folks who never played the game but are eager to after seeing the trailers for its HBO adaptation, though it accomplishes both tasks with ease. 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 than ever before. Thanks to better character animation, every expression is more intricate and impactful and every glance has greater weight. The environments are more foreboding and lonely, as improved lighting showcases every speck of dust in the air and adds more terror to the game's dark recesses. Beyond that, The Last of Us Part 1 also tightens the game's combat and adds a plethora of options that make the title more accessible and fun to play than ever before. Quite simply, it's the definitive way to experience this beloved PlayStation experience.
GameSpot gave an 8/10 to The Last of Us Part I in our review. "All these improvements taken by themselves may seem minor, but together they make one of the most memorable games of the PS3 era even better," Jake Dekker wrote. "While some of the level design may not have aged all that well, the vivid cast of characters and remarkable story are more poignant than ever."
Sifu
The Sifu's son prepares to fight a man in a nightclub.
Anyone who has practiced martial arts--or has watched their fair share of Kung Fu cinema--understands that to become truly great takes incredible discipline and both devotion and respect for the art form and its principles. Sifu hones in on this idea, posing the question of, "Can one person truly master Kung Fu in their lifetime?" before allowing players to come to the conclusion on their own.
Sifu is a relentlessly challenging brawler that sees your character take on an elite group of fighters after they assassinate their father. However, this isn't your standard revenge story, as each time your character fails they grow older. And while their mind might grow wiser after these defeats, their body becomes more frail. Inevitably, your character can die from old age having not completed his quest for vengeance. Discipline and precision is vital to ensuring that doesn't happen, but it's no easy feat, which is precisely what makes Sifu so compelling.
Sifu received a 9/10 in our review, with Richard Wakeling writing, "Your journey from student to master is thrilling, mainly because it's governed by your own improving skill level rather than traditional character progression. There are memorable moments that stand out throughout, such as the boss fights and an enjoyable recreation of the iconic hallway scene from Oldboy, but it's Sifu's combat that shines through most brightly."
Stray
The titular stray cat.
Regardless of if you're a cat person, dog lover, snake enthusiast, or perhaps even an avid bird watcher, Stray's charm is undeniable. From its opening moments--when your feline protagonist loses their balance and is sent plummeting away from their companions and down into an underground city occupied by neon-lights and androids--to the game's hopeful conclusion, every bit of Stray is filled to the brim with emotion and heart. The game also, and perhaps surprisingly due to its protagonist and supporting cast, touches on what it means to be alive and the importance of companionship.
Apart from that, Stray is also a blast to play. Filled with puzzles that require not only cat-like reflexes but cat-like thinking as well, you'll be tasked with walking across keyboards, pushing objects off high surfaces, and getting up to all the usual mischief that makes cats so endearing. Add gorgeous visuals, a splash of horror, and smooth platforming, and you've got one impressive first game from the up-and-coming BlueTwelve Studio.
Ultimately, this game received a 9/10 from GameSpot. In our Stray review, Alessandro Barbosa wrote, "Stray's ultimate strength is how well its overall design embodies the unique perspective and capabilities of its protagonist, but it also doesn't rely on this to be the only distinguishing feature of the entire adventure. A lot of the enjoyment throughout Stray's runtime comes from how well each scenario is designed for the abilities of its feline hero."
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.