The PlayStation 5 has finally been revealed and there is already a great set of games lined up as exclusives or timed exclusives for the machine. Whether it’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales or Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla, the game system looks set to hit the ground running at launch.
The PlayStation has always done a surprisingly good job of launching with a decent range of titles and the PlayStation 4 was no different. However, it still seems too soon to label the PS4 as a last-generation machine especially as there still so many amazing looking games set to be released like The Last of Us Part II. However, it is always great to look back at the console's launch titles to see how they stack up against the new generation. Let’s take a look at 10 of the launch games on the PS4 according to Metacritic.
10 Injustice: Gods Among Us: Ultimate Edition (80)
Injustice: Gods Among Us: Ultimate Edition is the remastered version of the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 original that was released in 2013 before becoming a PS4 launch title. It features all previously-released DLC characters and a soundtrack for gamers in the US.
For those unfamiliar with the series, Injustice is a 2.5D fighter that runs on the same engines as the Mortal Kombat series. Just like the MK series, it has one of the best story modes in the genre and features a brutal fighting system (minus the gore) that is easy to pick up but difficult to master.
9 Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag (83)
Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag is the pirate-themed entry in the long-running open-world action-adventure series. It was a cross-platform release but the lead console was the PlayStation 4 which produced the best visuals.
Black Flag is still considered by fans to be one of the strongest entries in the series. It has a great anti-hero lead, stunning visuals, and awesome naval battles that are just as thrilling as the main game.
8 LEGO Marvel Super Heroes (83)
Developed by Traveler’s Tales, LEGO Marvel Super Heroes is a cross-platform action-adventure game and is considered by fans and critics to be one of the best entries in the series. Maintaining its trademark sense of humor, the story and characters are great fun as expected and it's as much a love-letter to the films and comics as it is a hilarious satirical take on Marvel.
In addition, LEGO Marvel Super Heroes offers some of the best multiplayer local co-op gameplay in any generation. More importantly, as with all the LEGO games, they are great fun for the whole family.
7 Trine 2: Complete Story (84)
Trine 2: Complete Story is an enhanced port of the Director’s Cut edition that was released on the Nintendo Wii U in 2013 which includes all of the game’s expanded content. Trine 2 is an old-school side-scrolling action-adventure with stunning visuals and complex puzzles that’s set in a fairytale world.
Another great feature in Trine 2 is its local co-op features making it a great game to show off the PS4's capabilities with its smooth framerates and have a great time with friends.
6 Sound Shapes (84)
Sound Shapes is a wonderfully inventive side-scrolling platforming game that merges together with musical creativity. Even though it’s quite clearly an indie game and did not fit the kind of game those looking for enhanced HD visuals were seeking, Sound Shapes was cool enough to stand out in the crowd of quality launch titles for the PlayStation 4.
In addition, it was a cross-buy title that allowed gamers to play on their PlayStation Vita as well as the PS4. The real star of the show, however, is the user-generated content which is arguably better and more inventive than the game’s base levels.
5 Resogun (84)
Developed by indie studio Housemarque, Resogun is a side-scrolling shoot-em-up that harks back to classic shooters like R-Type and combining it with state of the art HD visuals and lighting effects. Resogun is a spiritual successor to the Housemarque’s Super Stardust series.
In addition to the fast-paced gameplay, Resogun also features an excellent techno soundtrack that fits perfectly with the game’s progression and speed. Furthermore, due to the game’s style and nature, it never outstays its welcome and is the perfect length for those looking for a game that can be played short bursts.
4 NBA 2K14 (85)
Released on last- and current-gen consoles, NBA 2K14 was at its best on the PlayStation 4 as its lead platform. It represented a huge leap in visuals and speed compared to its predecessors and went a long way in showing off what the PS4 was capable of.
In addition to the next-gen visuals, NBA 2K14 also benefited from a more responsive and tighter control system. This made it easier for newcomers to jump in and enjoy the game and the more experienced players to get the most out of the new features like Signature Skills, One Man Fast Break, and more.
3 Battlefield 4 (85)
Battlefield 4 was the first game in the series to land on the PlayStation 4 and take advantage of its technology. The series had gained a reputation for its stunning visuals which couldn’t quite cut it on the PlayStation 3 and the Xbox 360.
While Battlefield 4 wasn’t without its problems as far as the incredibly linear single-player campaign was concerned, the series’ multiplayer has always stood apart from the competition. As with its predecessors, Battlefield 4 is a game that rewards teamwork and communication making it one of the best multiplayer shooters out there.
2 FIFA 14 (87)
FIFA 14 was the first title in Electronic Arts’ long-running football series on the PlayStation 4. It served as a great launch title for fans of the beautiful game with its excellent visuals and control system.
In addition to the next-gen visuals, the FIFA 14 featured enough depth and content to keep fans of football simulations happy for a long time. Furthermore, it was one of the best multiplayer games on the system especially for fans of local co-op and online multiplayer.
1 Flower (91)
Previously released on the PlayStation 3, Flower was remastered and launched for the PlayStation 4 and still remains one of the most beautiful games on the system. It was one of the games that helped make the argument for videogames as art.
Flower is a simplistic game to play but it is also one of the most rewarding and emotive experiences on the system. It also made good use of the DualShock 4’s motion sensors and took full advantage of the hardware’s technological advancements over the PS3 controller,