PlayStation has a huge and passionate fanbase for a reason. Over the years, despite certain hiccups, Sony’s line of consoles has been premium choices for gamers to have access to the latest and most cutting-edge gaming experiences out there. One of the shining achievements of every PlayStation console has been the exclusive titles: the games aren’t available anywhere else unless you camp out and buy the latest PlayStation 5.
Although they are a little difficult to come by right now, the PlayStation 5 is already home to some sweet exclusive games like the Demon’s Souls remake and Sackboy: A Big Adventure. This new generation of consoles has many games that are releasing on both the PS4 and PS5, but the PS5 has some mind-blowing upcoming titles coming up in 2021 that will only be possible on the new Sony console.
8 Deathloop (September 14, 2021)
From the makers of the Dishonored series, Deathloop has had a huge buildup with gameplay and cinematic trailers leading up to its release in September 2021. Its free-flow first-person gameplay looks even more meticulous and satisfying than Dishonored, and it focuses on eliminating 8 high-profile targets in one perfect loop, and if you die or miss a target, you will be looped back to the beginning. How these mechanics will work is not yet very clear, but it feels reminiscent of the latest Hitman games, where the focus is on one larger experience instead of multiple smaller setpieces. Deathloop is only a PS5 exclusive for a year until it heads to PC, but one thing is for sure: the creativity and fun are going to flow as freely as the loop you’ll be stuck in.
7 Ghost Of Tsushima Director's Cut (August 20, 2021)
Ghost of Tsushima was one of the most graphically pleasing games to hit the PS4. When you were not helping Jin Sakai on his quest to rid his homeland of Mongol invaders, you were getting lost in the gorgeous scenery. Autumnal landscapes, mountain vistas, and illuminescent meadows all comprise the various environments you could run across in Ghost of Tsushima. Luckily, this title is getting a chance to shine once more on the PS5. The enhanced hardware of PlayStation's newest console should mean the the beauty of the game will be more than tripled in Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut.
6 Stray (2021)
Bound to be a fan-favorite, Stray has players take control of a cat, strolling through a city that is inhabited by robots. With light puzzle elements and a focus on the atmosphere and the explorable city, Stray has the potential to scratch the same itch as Journey or Abzu, as a shorter experience that packs a lot of emotional weight.
While it may not be the most talked-about game with a cyberpunk aesthetic, Stray is something that shouldn’t be missed in 2021.
5 Goodbye Volcano High (2021)
Everyone loves a good narrative based gaming experience, and Goodbye Volcano High is aiming to be the newest narrative masterpiece for the PS5. The game focuses on a world of talking dinosaurs, and it follows two characters (one of which identifying as non-binary) who are in a band together and are waiting for the looming fear of graduating high school. The game is bound to tackle many different issues in an inclusive and mature way, and universally relate to everyone that is experiencing growing pains and the fear of moving on to what is next, and it will be very interesting to see how Goodbye Volcano High operates with those themes.
4 F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch (September 7, 2021)
The world in general needs more solid Metroidvania titles, and the PS5 is seeing one arrive in 2021 in the form of F.I.S.T.: Forged in Shadow Torch. Anthropomorphic animals must take back their city from the hands of evil machines, and you take control of a rabbit named Rayton who decides to fight back when a friend is imperiled. As with any Metroidvania, Forged in Shadow Torch tasks you with traversing levels and gaining access to new areas by upgrading your abilities. All gameplay elements seen in trailers and other game footage point to a satisfying title that will prove challenging and enjoyable.
3 Kena: Bridge of Spirits (August 24, 2021)
Appearing to be inspired by Rare games of the N64 era, Kena: Bridge of Spirits features lovely and meditative magical elements, Japanese-inspired villages and vistas, and an iconic-looking lead character by way of Kena. Players will take control of Kena as she attempts to transition deceased individuals over to the spirit world, and although this is a very heavy subject matter, the game looks like it will show the beauty in the experience of passing on, and will make the player a little more introspective along the way while also having a lot of fun with the game.
2 Death Stranding Director's Cut (September 24, 2021)
Hideo Kojima delighted fans with a trailer for the Death Stranding Director's Cut during the 2021 Summer Game Fest. The original Death Stranding was a divsive title, but none can deny it stands out from the crowd. Its focus on seemingly mundane traversal and an intriguing narrative make it a unique game. Fans of Death Stranding and of Kojima's work in general can look forward to the expanded content found in the Director's Cut in Spetember. What exactly will be included in this idealized version of Kojima's vision has not been spelled out yet, but judging from the humor of the reveal trailer, it could be something no one is expecting.
1 Horizon Forbidden West (2021)
The long-awaited sequel to Horizon Zero Dawn, Horizon Forbidden West will continue the story of Aloy in the blended world of primitivity and futurism of the post-apocalypse filled with gigantic robotic beasts. The original Horizon was a joy to play, with smooth gameplay and addicting exploration. Fans hope that Forbidden West continues to open up this beautiful and dangerous world and tells new stories that hopefully open up the franchise to even more sequels down the line.