This console generation has given us gamers with certain experiences that adhere to this principles of best design, and with this feature – we will be discussing exactly that as we run down 10 of the best PS5 games where going off the beaten path is more fun than sticking to the main quest.

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach

Kojima Productions’ Death Stranding was a novel idea that birthed an entirely new genre in the medium of gaming – the Strand genre. It wasn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but those who stuck around found a lot to love in Kojima’s post-apocalyptic adventure. With the sequel, however, Kojima Productions has taken what came before to new heights – making the core gameplay a lot better this time around with plenty of new tools and tricks.

Much like the predecessor, a lot of what makes Death Stranding 2 so fun and addictive isn’t nestled in its main quest, but rather what surrounds that central narrative pillar. The many side quests littered throughout the map are quite literally fetch requests, but Death Stranding 2 smartly introduces complexities and interesting situations onto these objectives that make them tick off your journal more than chore-like.

Doing deliveries and building structures strengthens your social strand level, gives you more information about this new world, and makes this rendition of the real world feel eerily alive.

]]> 625242 https://gamingbolt.com/10-video-game-moments-that-made-us-say-now-thats-next-gen Tue, 22 Jul 2025 11:24:19 +0000 https://gamingbolt.com/?p=624465 We’ve seen quite a few incredible moments in several of the games that we played over the years. However, current-gen hardware and the use of incredibly innovative engines have powered a slew of games that have blurred the line between reality and the worlds they present to us, bringing jaw-dropping moments that showcase just how far we’ve come from the pixelated experiences of the past.

Of course, fancy visual styles are not the only part of a game that makes it special. But they certainly do help immerse players into the worlds that they see on their screens. With that being said, it’s time to dive into ten moments from our time with current-gen experiences that have stood out enough to make us put down our controllers and gape in awe at what we were witnessing.

#10. Horizon Forbidden West’s Stunning World

From the very first frame of Aloy’s latest adventure, it was obvious that this was a world that was designed with a lot of care and attention. The Decima engine powered a world in which the flora, fauna, weather, and terrain all came together to create an experience that was sure to catch the eye and showcase the PS5’s graphical prowess in all its glory.

And don’t even get us started on the machines! The Tremortusk blew us away when we found one in the wild, while the Thunderjaw’s deadly ferocity was all the more resplendent with its next-gen makeover when compared to Zero Dawn.

Guerilla Games’ smart use of its opening credits to showcase the new world it had created for Aloy to explore was a display of sheer creativity and attention to detail that continues to be among our most memorable moments in recent years – it helps that it was made even better by a somber, haunting melody to accompany the montage of what the Forbidden West was set to offer.

#9. Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End’s Madagascar Set Piece

Nate and Sam’s adventures found a new lease of life when Uncharted 4 was remastered for the PlayStation 5 as part of Naughty Dog’s Legacy of Thieves collection. The studio certainly knows its way around a grand set piece, but the sequence but Nate and Sam’s desperate attempts to shake off an entire convoy of armed vehicles while on a motorcycle is one that we could replay over and over again.

With the improved graphics and a buttery smooth framerate courtesy of next-gen hardware, this chase sequence was an incredible showcase of what next-gen hardware could do even on older games. Every busy street, muddy road, or exploding vehicle was rendered in perfect detail while the tension of the chase added to the scene instead of being a distraction.

The flames from Nate’s crashed vehicle seemed all the more dangerous on next-gen systems, while Naughty Dog’s penchant for charming banter between its characters despite overwhelming odds made this sequence one that we will talk about for a long time to come.

#8. Ride 5 On A Rainy Day

Although we recommended that owners of the previous game give this one a pass, that does not take away from the fact that Ride 5 was an absolutely stunning addition to the next-gen lineup. It can be hard for any studio to truly nail down a first-person point of view considering the amount of detail that it would need to include in order to create an immersive and authentic experience.

Thankfully, Milestone s.r.l. was up to the task, crafting a motorcycle racing simulator that was perhaps easier on the eyes that it was on our hands considering its steep learning curve. However, taking a bike out for a spin was a treat, especially when the game’s excellent visuals and weather systems came into play.

Riding out in the rain with the game’s first-person view enabled gave us enough reasons to stop and take in the sights, racing be damned. Drops of rain bounced off our helmets, droplets impacting visibility, while the track shimmered with reflections just like a wet road would in real life. It continues to mesmerize us anytime we decide to hop on a fast bike and get to a race on its authentically designed tracks.

#7. Enter the Sandman in Marvel’s Spider-Man 2

As if taking control of not one but two webslingers wasn’t enough, Insomniac Games’ new and improved take on New York City was an absolutely stunning sight to see in the early moments of Peter Parker and Miles Morales’ new adventure.

Taking on the Sandman meant that the Spider-Men would need to make each swing and leap count, and the game did not hesitate to showcase its incredible particle physics and ray-traced reflections at every turn. It was almost too good to be true, making us marvel at how far next-gen systems could raise the bar for visual flair and graphical fidelity in modern gaming.

It was on par with Uncharted 4’s bike chase, and perhaps even more thrilling considering that we were in control of actual superheroes in a game that truly made us feel like them as early as its opening sequence.

#6. Aiming For the Sky In Microsoft’s Flight Simulator 2024

Honestly, this list would be incomplete if we didn’t include Microsoft Flight Simulator 24’s breathtaking visuals that brought a lot of technical wizardry to the table in an experience that would thrill even the most seasoned pilots while completely baffling newcomers with its level of detail and realistic take on what piloting aircraft would feel like.

Microsoft’s extensive attempts to establish authenticity certainly paid off with a level of detail that had us wanting to stay up in the clouds for as long as we could, admiring the world below us in a way that no other flight sim has managed to replicate in the years since its release.

For anyone looking to show off their next-gen setup, this game is definitely one that can do it justice.

#5. Akira Kurosawa’s Magic in Ghost of Tsushima: Director’s Cut

Despite Ghost of Tsushima making its debut on last-gen hardware, Sucker Punch’s rendition of Tsushima Island contrasted the poignant and desperate tale of Jin Sakai with a beautiful world that was worth every drop of blood that the honorable samurai shed for it. Perhaps it was even worth his gradual abandonment of honor and tradition in favor of tactics that brought the Mongol army to its knees.

We dived back into Tsushima with glee when the Director’s Cut was released, and leaping on to Nobu (as we will always remember him) to rush through a field of flowers was even more breathtaking considering the PS5’s buttery smooth framerate and penchant for enhancing last-gen experiences.

Ghost of Tsushima continues to be among our favorite art styles and is a visual treat for anyone looking to experience Jin’s adventures for the first time, or perhaps dive back in for another bout with Kotun Khan’s forces.

#4. The Crushing Darkness of Hellblade: Senua’s Saga’s Opening

Ninja Theory’s follow up to the innovative and harrowing experience it brought its players with Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice showcased a new level of visual fidelity and even more ambition than its predecessor in terms of how it aimed to present Senua’s declining mental state and her determination to bring justice to the Northmen who wronged her.

While every other entry on this list had us staring with excitement and wonder at our screens, this one brought deep blacks and incredible moonlit reflections to an opening sequence in which the sea and night created an atmosphere that was so oppressive it gave us the shivers despite us being safe and sound in our coziest chairs.

Senua’s struggles against the violent tides that sank her ships and her subsequent, desperate attempt to get to safety as the opening credits played out were a benchmark for how next-gen hardware could be used to bring realistic visuals to life in modern gaming. It helps that the game’s incredible audio design and a poignant narrative worked in tandem with its graphical grandeur to bring an experience that we wouldn’t hesitate to dive into again, chills and all.

#3. Death Stranding 2’s Introduction to Sam and Lou

We all knew Hideo Kojima’s latest masterpiece was going to make it to this list. But the manner in which it did continues to astound us. After a brief recap of events in the first game presented largely in black and white, grand and sweeping vistas that showcased the Decima Engine at its finest worked well with Kojima’s cinematic chops, creating an opening sequence that brought us back to Sam and Lou as they rested atop a mountain.

Taking control of Sam as he attempted to navigate the treacherous terrain to reach his new hidden home was nothing short of extraordinary, showcasing the size and scope of Death Stranding 2: On the Beach right off the bat while allowing Kojima to introduce aerial cameras and an honestly astounding level of detail to the world he created for his players.

It will continue to be an opening sequence that has us smiling each and every time, not just for the nostalgia it brings but for the immense beauty and spectacle of it all.

#2. The Dimensional Rifts in Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart

With our titular heroes being sucked into a journey that literally takes them across the space-time continuum thanks to Dr. Nefarious’ attempt to take control of the Dimensionator, Insomniac’s take on Dimensional Rifts in this vibrant title earns it another place on this list.

The worlds between worlds shine with colors that pop out at players while innovative puzzles ground their visual flair in a solid gameplay loop that made us slack-jawed at just how far next-gen hardware had taken one of our favorite franchises.

Rift Apart is the perfect blend of light-hearted humor, charm, and graphical flair, making each Rift we tackled a very memorable experience.

#1. The Matrix Awakens and Its “Unreal” Showcase

Epic Games gave us one of the most authentic recreations of The Matrix when it utilized the power of Unreal Engine 5 to showcase just what it could do given the right tools. The city that the demo took place in, along with faithful recreations of chase sequences had us wondering if we were simply watching footage from the original movies instead of a digitally recreated version of those events.

The demo blurred the lines between the real world and video games in a way that only Death Stranding 2 has managed to imitate with success. It is what keeps us very optimistic that next-gen gaming hardware is only getting started with what it can eventually bring to the table.

And that wraps up our picks for moments in recent years that had us stunned at what next-gen hardware could bring to life. Here’s to many more of those moments, and a whole lot of fun to be had as we bring them to you!

Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2

Did Hellblade 2 disappoint some because it wasn’t a sprawling experience or stuck too closely to the previous game’s linearity? Undoubtedly. However, the continuation of Senua’s journey as she embarked on a blood campaign of revenge was one that still delivered. Between the stunning visuals and performances, with Melina Juergens once again killing it, going beyond the confines of Senua’s darkness to rescue others offered a new dimension to the overall story. Of course, the combat also delivered thanks to its visceral nature and animations.

Demon’s Souls

What better place to start your journey with some of the best single-player titles on the PS5 than with the remake of a classic that also happens to be a launch title for Sony’s current generation of consoles? Sure, the remake of Demon’s Souls, courtesy of Bluepoint, doesn’t quite nail the intense atmosphere of the original, but the game still happens to be an absolute treat when it comes to visuals, and more importantly, it’s still excellent evidence that FromSoftware – the studio behind the original Demon’s Souls – knew what it was doing when it came to gameplay, combat, and level design, even all the way back in 2009.

Evil West

While the current landscape of video game releases is largely populated by massive big-budget AAA games as well as indie titles made by smaller crews, Evil West manages to prove that there also exists a solid middle-ground. While not polished to a mirror sheen like a AAA title would have been, Evil West is an excellent third-person action-adventure game that, despite looking like it was ripped straight out of the PS3/Xbox 360 console generation, still happens to be a good time even today.

Returnal

Quite easily one of the more challenging games on the PS5, Returnal is a great example of some of the capabilities of the console. Alongside featuring excellent gunplay, Returnal also makes great use of some of the PS5’s core features, including near-instant load times, the use of haptic feedback on the DualSense controller, and even offering resistance through the controller’s triggers to offer up multiple firing modes for your weapons. The plot in Returnal is also quite interesting, playing into some classic tragedies through the lens of a sci-fi time-loop story.

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2

How does one follow up on what is widely regarded as one of the best superhero titles out there? Why, you make it bigger and better, of course. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 builds on both of its predecessors by featuring multiple protagonists, as well as a whole new set of antagonists Peter Parker and Miles Morales to fight against. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is essentially an improvement over the last couple of games in every way, complete with more content, as well as expanded gameplay features and new abilities. Playing as Venom was just an icing on the cake!

The Last of Us Part 1

While the fact that The Last of Us Part 1 is essentially the third time the same game is being re-released, there is a good reason for this: it’s just an all-round excellent game. Featuring intense gameplay that seamlessly switches between a variety of genres, from running-and-gunning, to stealthily taking out groups of human enemies, to even a fair bit of horror as you try and avoid the horrific cordyceps as you journey alongside Joel and Ellie across America. The story and characters of The Last of Us Part 1 are especially notable, with strong writing and character dynamics good enough that it inspired an HBO adaptation.

The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered

The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered follows up on what is considered by many to be one of the best games ever made by giving us a wide, sweeping story that tells us a story about vengeance, and the cycle of hatred that keeps getting perpetuated. Featuring multiple playable characters throughout the game, The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered goes to great lengths in not only humanizing even the enemies you often end up fighting, but also allowing us to understand their actions, as heinous as they may have been. This is paired with some excellent gameplay that expertly blends melee and ranged combat, as well as a heavy dose of stealth.

Final Fantasy 7 Remake: Intergrade

Final Fantasy 7 Remake kicks off what is set to be a trilogy in retelling the story of the seminal Final Fantasy 7, complete with modern visuals, as well as gameplay that blends the original’s turn-based combat with real-time action in a way that not only feels satisfying thanks to the tactical options it opens up, but also allows for some great gameplay customization. The game is also notable since, rather than just being a 1:1 remake of the original, Final Fantasy 7 Remake is also trying to explore what the very concept of a remake can be, complete with a meta narrative that shifts the core themes and foundations of Final Fantasy 7 in meaningful and interesting ways.

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth

Following up on Final Fantasy 7 Remake, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth sets players loose in a vast, expansive open world. Picking up right after the events of the first game, Rebirth not only gives us a greater look at the world, but thanks to its many bits of side-content strewn throughout its world, also allows us to understand the various nations, civilizations, and even flora and fauna that dot the landscape. While zooming out for its grand tale, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth also zooms into its individual characters, giving us a much deeper look at various characters like Cloud, Aerith, and Barret.

Astro Bot

While 3D platformers are quite rare outside of the indie space and Nintendo’s platforms, Team Asobi knocked it out of the park with Astro Bot, giving us one of the most fun, endearing, and joyful games on the system. Astro Bot features levels and characters from all over PlayStation’s history, along with a great soundtrack that pays homage to many of these games, as well as fantastic platforming gameplay that, while accessible for just about anyone that might be interested in playing games, can also offer up a decent level of challenge in its later stages.

God of War Ragnarok

Following up on the story of the 2018 reboot, Fimbulwintr has arrived, and things are looking quite grim in all the realms. While Atreus has to figure out how he can deal with the coming apocalypse as well as the machinations of their foes, Kratos, on the other hand, has to figure out how to deal with a particularly vengeful mother, while also keeping his son safe. Ragnarok builds on the gameplay foundations laid by its predecessor, bringing with it a large variety in terms of not only combat options, but also enemy types, locations, and challenges that can be taken on.

Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart

An excellent entry in the long-running franchise, Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart brings with it quite a few new interesting gameplay twists that make full use of the PS5’s hardware. One of its biggest contributions to the franchise is the introduction of a new protagonist in Rivet, who, much like Ratchet, is a Lombax that has a knack for using improbable weapons to deal with problems at hand. The game also features excellent visuals, as well as frantic combat thanks to the rift mechanic that allows players to instantly transport themselves between various places during a fight.

Final Fantasy 16

While far from the most-loved game in the RPG genre, Final Fantasy 16 still proves itself to be an excellent entry thanks to its fantastic combat mechanics. Final Fantasy 16 tells the story of former slave Clive Rosfield, who has set out to rid the world of slavery, while also fighting to take on challenging encounters that threatens the existence of all humanity in the land of Valisthea. Along with its fast-paced action gameplay, Final Fantasy 16 players can also expect to enjoy epic boss fights where Eikons clash against each other in arenas of improbable scale and size.

Control Ultimate Edition

Control is quite easily one of the strangest modern games to have been released. Taking place in a mysterious building known as the Oldest House, which also happens to serve as the headquarters for an inter-dimensional government agency known as the Federal Bureau of Control, players take on the role of Jesse Faden, who is exploring the building in an effort to find her long-lost brother. Thanks to a series of strange events, Jesse finds herself becoming the new Director of the FBC, uncovering and using new powers as she continues her exploration. The gameplay in Control revolves around fast-paced shootouts, coupled with players making use of Jesse’s psychic abilities to throw things around and fly in the air.

The Nioh Collection

Two of the most unique takes on the Souls-like genre, both of the Nioh games have an emphasis on precise, fast-paced combat which serves a sharp contrast to the more slow-paced gameplay the genre is known for. Players also have an incredibly-vast arsenal of weapons, each with different movesets that also change depending on the stance the player takes. It’s also worth noting that both games also feature loot-based progression along with character-based mechanics, which encourages further replayability, thanks to the presence of ever more challenging encounters as the players experience their own rise in power.

Baldur’s Gate 3

One of the most celebrated titles of recent times, Baldur’s Gate 3 is an expansive RPG that is absolutely stunning. Playable characters tend to have their own stories, motivations, and goals. The game also features an in-depth turn-based combat system that gives players an immense level of freedom in taking on encounters, which can range from simple hack-and-slash tactics, to throwing your Halfling friend at an enemy Ogre to keep them distracted while you lay explosive traps all over the place.

Elden Ring

FromSoftware’s most recent Souls-like release has essentially become one of the definitive takes on the genre. The game features excellent combat that rewards players striking their enemies with efficiency, along with a large open world that players are completely free to explore, as long as they can survive. Elden Ring got a DLC, Shadow of the Erdtree, which takes place in the Land of Shadows, where players take on a journey to discover why they decided to come to the Lands Between to begin with.

Resident Evil Village

While Resident Evil Village is more action-oriented than its predecessor, it still manages to maintain the classic horror vibes that the series is well-known for. The game puts players in the shoes of Ethan Winters, who has set off to a rural European city to find his daughter. The game features a number of different styles of horror, ranging from classic gothic horror in dealing with Lady Dimitrescu, to more stealth-based body horror when the player finds themselves trapped in that haunted house. Resident Evil Village also serves as an ending to the story of Ethan Winters, complete with an expansion that explores the physical and mental state of a grown up Rosemary Winters.

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth

Following in the foundations of the new gameplay systems laid by Yakuza 7: Like a Dragon, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth once again returns players into the shoes of Ichiban Kasuga, who finds himself traveling to Hawaii because of events that derail his life in Yokohama. The game sees the return of the turn-based combat system from the previous game, but with more gameplay features to make better use of environmental weapons, as well as an expanded list of Jobs that players can switch between for a larger variety of abilities to use in fights. And if that isn’t enough, there’s also an entire Pokemon-style game, complete with its own combat system and storyline.

Alan Wake 2

A sequel more than a decade in the making, Alan Wake 2 is one of the best horror experiences out there. The game features some downright fantastic gameplay, dual protagonists each with their own unique gameplay mechanics, and a story that, while also tying up the threads left dangling by the original Alan Wake, also manages to tell its own tale in a fun way. Alan Wake 2 puts players in the shoes of the titular Alan Wake, as well as FBI agent Saga Anderson, each of whom is trying to solve the mysteries surrounding Bright Falls. A big theme in Alan Wake 2 is light, and along with some great level design and fun combat, the game also features a fantastic two DLCs that are an absolute must play.

Cyberpunk 2077

Cyberpunk 2077 puts players in the shoes of protagonist V and sets them loose in Night City where they aim to build up their own legend and become remembered like the mercenaries of old. The game features a fantastic story that has V grapple with their own mortality, as well as question the very nature of a person’s soul. Along with a fun cast of side characters, including Johnny Silverhand played by Keanu Reeves, the game also got a DLC release – Phantom Liberty – which features a whole new area, as well as a new story, and new characters. Cyberpunk 2077 is also a visual treat, pushing even modern console hardware to its limits in its gorgeous rendition of Night City.

Hi-Fi Rush

Developed by the studio behind The Evil Within and its sequel, Hi-Fi Rush is a bright, cheerful, colourful third-person hack-and-slash action game with a twist: it’s also a rhythm game. The protagonist, Chai, has a music player implanted into his heart, which not only ends up giving the game a rather fantastic soundtrack, but also encourages players to hack-and-slash their way through enemies to the rhythm of the music. The unique title features a fun cast of characters, as well as some rather fantastic boss fights, all with excellent gameplay mechanics.

Dragon’s Dogma 2

Dragon’s Dogma 2 offers one of the most unique open-world RPGs out there. The game features a dynamic combat system that encourages players to come up with their own combinations of attacks and special ability, as well as a progression system that doesn’t limit the player to any single archetype, allowing them to freely switch between ranged combat as a Ranger, to melee combat as a Knight, and even spell-casting. While the game suffered from performance issues at launch, constant updates since then have made playing the title a much smoother experience.

Mass Effect Legendary Edition

While Mass Effect 3 stumbled quite a bit in its storytelling, the original Mass Effect trilogy is still remembered fondly, and the Legendary Edition proves that nostalgia doesn’t have anything to do with it. Even when compared to modern contemporaries, the Mass Effect trilogy features a downright fantastic sci-fi story set in a believable galaxy where humanity finally achieved interstellar travel. The game also presents players with plenty of choices to make along the way, which further define not only how the world reacts to them, but how the story plays out as well.

Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut

Set during the Mongol invasion of the island of Tsushima, Ghost of Tsushima revolves around Jin Sakai, who takes up arms and rallies the survivors into driving the Mongols out. Throughout his time on the island, Sakai is forced to grapple with the duality of the Samurai code of honor, as well as the need to take out powerful enemies stealthily. The game features fast-paced combat, a fun stealth system, plenty of tools to use in and out of fights, and a drop-dead gorgeous island to explore in order to find better equipment and materials to upgrade your swords. It can also often be just as fun to relax in a hot spring, pet some foxes, or write a haiku every once in a while. Oh and don’t miss its fantasy expansion, Iki Island!

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown provides a platforming experience that would rival some of the best titles in the genre. The game puts players in the shoes of Sargon, who finds himself trapped in a temporal labyrinth. In his quest to discover the mysteries surrounding the kidnapping of a certain character, Sargon must fight his way out of the labyrinth as he explores the game’s intricate world and unlocks new powers to unleash on his enemies.

Stray

Far from a high-stakes action game like many other titles in this list, Stray is a more relaxing adventure title where players take on the role of a cat that is trying to get back to their family. The game focuses more on environmental storytelling than using traditional methods, and has players explore an intricately-made cyberpunk world where humans don’t seem to exist anymore, and the world is instead populated by robots.

Jusant

A unique title about self-discovery, Jusant is a game about climbing. Taking on the role of an unnamed boy, players will get to work, climbing up a gigantic rock tower. As they get higher and higher, players will discover just what happened to the world through environmental storytelling, as well as notes or pieces of art left behind. Interestingly, players can’t really die in Jusant, which acts as encouragement to continue exploring and discovering the secrets of the tower.

Horizon Forbidden West

A follow-up to Horizon Zero Dawn, Forbidden West once again has players take on the role of Aloy who must respond to a new threat, since the Derangement hasn’t yet stopped. As its name might imply, the game takes place in the lawless land in the west, where Aloy is equipped with new abilities and tools at her disposal to explore, as well as take on new machines. Along the way, Aloy will also find new technologies, as well as secrets about her own past. Its expansion Burning Shores is a visual masterpiece and something you should not miss.

Lost Judgment

While protagonist Takayuki Yagami developed quite a bit thanks to the events of Judgment, Lost Judgment puts his convictions to the test with an intense story about schoolyard bullying gone too far, and resulting in a series of deaths. The game takes place in Yakuza 7: Like a Dragon’s setting of Yokohama, revolving around the local high school. When it comes to gameplay, Lost Judgment features a number of enhancements to its combat system, including new stances that Yagami can learn to help him better take on enemies through either counter-based gameplay, or straight-up boxing.

Lies of P

While most Souls-like games tend to be more inspired from titles like Dark Souls, Lies of P instead decided to take its lessons from Bloodborne. Taking on the role of a Pinocchio in a dark retelling of the classic tale, players will explore the city of Krat as they try and look for Mr. Geppetto. The game features an intense, fast-paced combat system that also has players mix-and-match between various weapon parts to violent results.

The Quarry

The first standalone game by developer Supermassive Games since it started its Dark Pictures Anthology, The Quarry is a throwback to classic horror movies of old. The game puts players in the shoes of a number of teenagers who manage to find themselves at the mercy of a mysterious, seemingly monstrous killer on their last day as camp counselors. As they play through the game’s story, players will find themselves making choices that not only affect the story in minor ways, but will also essentially decide who survives the whole ordeal. It’s worth noting that The Quarry has quite an impressive cast, played by actors like David Arquette, Ted Raimi, and Justice Smith.

Black Myth: Wukong

Set some time after the events of the Journey to the West, Black Myth: Wukong puts players in the shoes of the Destined One. His enemies launch an assault on the monkey people, which prompts the Wukong, into action. Along the way, players will have to take on several challenges, including combat against mysterious creatures. The graphics are outstanding, the gameplay is simply superb and there are a ton of secrets to be found. Quite easily, Black Myth Wukong is this year’s game of the year contender.

Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon

Taking place in a distant future full of giant mechs, Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon puts players in the shoes of a mercenary Armored Core pilot that is taking on missions from the highest bidder in order to carve out a place for themselves in a war scarred world. The game features fast-paced mech combat that not only rewards reflexes, but also strategy thanks to the in-depth mechanics of your mech’s loadouts. The game also features an intricate story that tells the grand story of an epic war through the lens of the various missions you take on.

System Shock Remake

While it doesn’t really deviate too much from what the original System Shock, the remake certainly manages to make itself the definitive way to experience the classic first-person horror title. Not only does it feature more modern gameplay, complete with a redesigned HUD, it also expertly simulates the original’s visual style in a modern way by making use of high-resolution visuals that somehow look retro in all the best ways. System Shock Remake is one of those rare remakes out there that manages to hang on to its roots, while also bringing in more accessible gameplay that would allow more players to experience the classic.

Nobody Wants to Die

A narrative adventure game, Nobody Wants to Die is a cyberpunk noir story that puts players in the shoes of James Karra, a detective with the NYPD’s Department of Morality. Karra is tasked with figuring out the secrets behind a murder of an important person in a world where dying – especially for the rich – isn’t really a problem anymore. As players uncover layers of conspiracies happening all around them, they will also find themselves making choices that affect the world, all while they’re hot in the trail of a serial killer that is targeting the elite of New York.

Dead Space Remake

Dead Space Remake manages to be more than just a fresh coat of paint. While it manages to hang on to the original’s core identity, the remake also brings with it a host of changes to various aspects, including a better-balanced arsenal that protagonist Isaac Clarke has more reason to use, as well as some impressive gory visuals thanks to how detailed the horrifying necromorphs can look at times. The Dead Space Remake is definitely well worth your time, especially if the thought of dismembering your enemies from a distance sound like an appealing prospect.

Sniper Elite 5

Taking place directly after the events of Sniper Elite 4’s Deathstorm DLC, Sniper Elite 5 once again puts players in the shoes of Karl Fairburne as he takes on Nazi forces. The game takes place before the events of the infamous Normandy’s landing on D-Day, with players tasked with taking out key targets and gathering intel that will allow the allied powers to take on the Nazis. While a third-person shooter, Sniper Elite 5 places a heavy emphasis on scouting and sniping enemies, as well as stealth–based gameplay. Much like other titles in the franchise, Sniper Elite 5 also features the special camera angles that allow players to see exactly how they’re killing enemies from a distance.

Sifu

An intense martial arts experience, Sifu tells the story of a student who sets out to avenge the murder of their master. The game features a unique mechanic where, the more the player dies, the older their character gets, allowing them to do more damage. On the other hand, being older also means that you have less health, and can’t take as many hits from enemies. The game’s fast-paced combat system allows players to live out their favourite martial arts movie fantasies, allowing players to take on enemies with quick hand-to-hand combos, intricate grapples, and even improvised weapons grabbed from all over the level.

Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy

Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy has players taking on the role of Star-Lord, joined by other members of the eponymous Guardians, including Gamora, Draxx, Rocket Raccoon, and Groot. The game features a unique combat system that has players make use of all of their crew members’ various abilities, each with unique effects, along with a fun story that could just as easily be ripped right out of the pages of a comic book. The game is well-regarded for its excellent dialogue and writing, and the scoring system manages to keep the combat interesting throughout its runtime.

Kena: Bridge of Spirits

Developed by a studio known for its work in animation in the film industry, Kena: Bridge of Spirits is definitely a visual treat. The game features some downright wonderful art and animations that could just as easily be ripped out of a big-budget animated movie, while also featuring good action gameplay. The story revolves around the titular Kena, who is on a journey to uncover the secrets of an old abandoned village. Kena: Bridge of Spirits features fast-paced combat, adorable critters, and downright jaw-dropping visuals and animations.

Conscript

A unique take on the horror genre, Conscript throws players into the trenches of the World War as they take on not only enemy soldiers, but also try and scavenge for supplies. The game features pixel-art visuals that, despite their simplicity, do a great job of instilling a sense of dread and urgency in players. As they continue their journey of survival through the trenches, players will also find themselves trapped in an intricate web of trenches and bunkers that they must navigate if they want to have any hope of surviving. There is also quite a bit of replayability, thanks to additional difficulty options, as well as endings to unlock.

Stellar Blade

A stylish sci-fi action game Stellar Blade, the player is tasked with reclaiming Earth for humanity. The game features fast-paced combat, and players will take on a variety of different enemies with various weapons and abilities that they find throughout their time.

Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster

A remaster of a game originally released on the Xbox 360, Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster has players take on the role of reporter Frank West, as he sets out to investigate the mysterious events surrounding a mall in Willamette, Colorado. The game features a unique gameplay structure where players are expected to make slow progress, often involving dying and restarting, and finding more powerful improvised weaponry, as they take on massive zombie hordes in a mall. The game also features a 72-hour time limit, giving players a sense of urgency in their hunt for answers and fight for survival.

Until Dawn Remake

While the original PS4 release is well-regarded in its own right, the remake for Until Dawn allows more players than ever before to experience the classic schlocky slasher horror story. Featuring a memorable cast and crew, the actions of whom lies in the player’s hands depending on the choices they make, Until Dawn also promotes replayability thanks to the fact that the story and endings can change in interesting ways depending on who lives and who dies throughout the harrowing encounters the game offers.

Silent Hill 2 Remake

Developed by Bloober Team, the remake of Silent Hill 2 pays homage to the seminal PS2 horror game while still maintaining its own identity. While it focuses on retelling the story of protagonist James Sutherland who has reached the eponymous town in search of answers to mysterious questions, the remake features a number of new gameplay elements, including a new over-the-shoulder camera, as well as brand new visuals and voice acting that aim to give a new life to what is widely regarded as one of the greatest horror games ever made. And boy, it succeeded with a bang!

Star Wars Jedi: Survivor

A follow-up to Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, Survivor once again puts players into the shoes of Jedi Knight Cal Kestis. The game takes place five years after the original, with Kestis taking the responsibility of rebuilding the Jedi order on his own shoulders. The title features the same gameplay as Fallen Order, along with new additions, including the ability to make use of different types of lightsabers, including the iconic dual-bladed lightsaber first introduced in the hands of Darth Maul in A Phantom Menace. The game also features new force abilities, as well as additional lightsaber stances that players can make use of to take on the various combat challenges the game throws their way.

Hitman: World of Assassination

Hitman: World of Assassination allows players to play through the entire storyline of the Hitman games, complete with new gameplay mechanics. Taking on the role of Agent 47, players will travel to various locations as they take on contracts to eliminate key characters in a vast criminal conspiracy. The game also features its own unique take on the roguelite genre in the form of the Freelancer mode, which gives players randomised targets and methods of assassination as they build up their arsenal of weapons, tools, and even disguises by making money.

Hogwarts Legacy

Widely accepted as one of the first great games set in the expansive Harry Potter universe, Hogwarts Legacy divorces itself from its source material by taking place in the past, well before the events of the original books take place. As a fresh transfer to the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, players will have the chance to create their own character and live out their fantasies of learning magic among the school’s iconic teaching staff. Along the way, players will also take part in magical duels, as well as take on threats including a goblin uprising, as well as wizard criminals.

Dead Island 2

In Dead Island 2, players take on the role of one of six survivors who find themselves in Los Angeles. The world has moved on from being scared of the walking dead, and some people have even found themselves enjoying the carnage that results from fighting the shambling hordes. The game features crazy weapons, as well as a host of new tools and items which will allow you to pull off some crazy zombie kills.

Oxenfree II: Lost Signals

Taking place six years after the events of the original Oxenfree, Oxenfree 2: Lost Signals is a brand new coming-of-age story, this time around focusing on Riley Poverly, who is investigating a mysterious radio interference coming from Edwards Islands. Players have to explore the island while completing their mission of placing transmitters at key locations, and ultimately deal with a malevolent force that is threatening the world. Much like the original, gameplay in Oxenfree 2: Lost Signals once again revolves around the player interacting with the locals as they try and figure out what is happening on the island.

Viewfinder

A unique game that relies more on the player’s sense of perception and logical puzzle-solving than their twitch action reflexes, Viewfinder gives players a camera and sets them loose in a virtual reality world. The game features many themes, especially ones dealing with environmental issues, as players are forced to deal with the problems created by man-made structures, including a weather-control machine that might end up being the solution to the global problem of climate change.

Lords of the Fallen

Lords of the Fallen is a unique take on the Souls-like genre. Lords of the Fallen takes place in a Mournstead that is on the brink of collapse. The player, referred to in the game as the Lampbearer, has to travel between the material and Umbral world as they take on the hellish new challenges throughout the land. The game features an excellent combat system that gives players a greater level of freedom in how they tackle enemies.

Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection

Featuring Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End and Uncharted: Lost Legacy, Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection is a bundle that tells the story of the final adventure of series protagonist Nathan Drake, as well as a side adventure featuring characters that Drake has encountered throughout his different games – Chloe Frazer from Uncharted 2 and Nadine Ross from Uncharted 4. While featuring the same over the top action that the series is well-regarded for, the duo of Uncharted games in the bundle also feature their own unique twists in the series, including the addition of a small, open world in Uncharted: Lost Legacy where players have more freedom to take on objectives in a variety of different ways.

Dying Light 2: Stay Human

Taking place in a time well after the zombie apocalypse has ravaged mankind, Dying Light 2: Stay Human puts players in the shoes of Aiden Caldwell, who finds himself in the city of Villedor in search of his missing sister. The game features a number of new gameplay mechanics over its predecessor, supplementing the melee combat and parkour-based movement with a variety of new abilities, including a glider and a grappling hook that greatly increases the mobility offered to players. The game also got a series of DLC releases, each of which added new gameplay elements as well as new story content for players to experience and earn epic loot in.

Ghostwire: Tokyo

A single-player action-horror title, Ghostwire: Tokyo is an interesting game thanks to the unique look it offers players with Tokyo’s famous Shibuya district. The city has been struck by a strange fog that has allowed spirits to roam its streets, and the protagonist, Akito, finds himself torn between the living and dead thanks to the machinations of the spirit KK. The game features a dense open-world where players can explore the various nooks and crannies of Shibuya to their heart’s content, while also taking on malicious spirits with a host of spiritual weapons. The game also got a DLC in the form of Spider’s Thread, which brought with it a new map, along with new abilities, and even a new roguelite game mode.

Grand Theft Auto V

Sure, the game might be more than a decade old at this point, but few other titles out there can provide players with the same experience as Grand Theft Auto 5. The single-player campaign of the game puts players in the shoes of Michael, Trevor and Franklin as they pull off a series of escalating heists, all of which ultimately pits them against more conspiratorial forces, while also making each one of the characters question their loyalty to each other. GTA 5 also features the multiplayer Grand Theft Auto Online mode, which allows players to become the ultimate crime boss in Los Santos, while also teaming up with, or fighting off other players with similar aspirations.

Sword and Fairy: Together Forever

A unique take in the RPG genre that makes use of the developers’ East-Asian influences, Sword and Fairy: Together Forever sets players free in a world that mixes classical Asian aesthetics with ancient stories. The game features a whole party of unique characters, each with their own personalities, motivations, and abilities, as they take on the massive challenges that will ultimately decide the fate of the game’s world. Despite being the latest entry in a long-running franchise, Sword and Fairy: Together Forever is meant to be a good point of entry for newcomers to the series, featuring a standalone story that doesn’t rely on a player’s knowledge of the previous titles.

Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time

Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time is the first mainline entry in the classic platforming franchise since all the way back in the PSOne days. Featuring the return of classic mascot character in Crash Bandicoot and his friends, the game involves players trying to fix a hole in the space-time continuum that was caused due to the events of Crash Bandicoot 3: Warped. The game features excellent platforming gameplay that players expect from the series, along with new gameplay mechanics, as well as incredibly trippy visuals.

A Plague Tale: Requiem

A follow-up to A Plague Tale: Innocence, Requiem once again puts players in the shoes of Amicia and Hugo de Rune in their journey through hell. The game picks up right where its predecessor left off, with the two siblings trying to find the cure for the ailment Hugo is suffering from. A Plague Tale: Requiem will have players fight and sneak their way through plague-infested locations, while making use of Amicia’s new abilities thanks to her experience in dealing with fraught situations in the first game. And the rat hordes…those are hordes are absolutely massive this time around.

Dragon Age: The Veilguard

Although admittedly not Bioware’s best work, Dragon Age: The Veilguard is a decent action role playing game that will give you dozens of hours of gameplay. Sure, the game has issues but it features excellent combat mechanics, beautiful graphics and great looking environments that are filled with details. If the developer had put in more work into the game, The Veilguard would have surely been a better game but as it stands right now, it’s a fine single player experience that is fun in more ways than one.

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2

Insomniac Games had much riding on it after the success of Marvel’s Spider-Man. How would it take advantage of the PS5’s technology? What direction would it go with the introduction of the Symbiote and Venom? While some looked at it as more of an iterative sequel than revolutionary, it’s interesting how much it does so well. The ability to play as either Miles Morales or Peter Parker is great, especially considering each has unique suits and abilities, while the Symbiote adds an extra layer of brutality to the latter.

Then there are all the technical improvements, from the almost non-existent loading times to the always-on ray tracing and increased scale of New York City. With so much to do and collect, the pacing never suffers for it, delivering a memorable story and fights. It also doesn’t hurt that new suits and features continue to be added with post-launch updates.

PAC-MAN Mega Tunnel Battle: Chomp Champs

We’ve seen the likes of Pac-Man 99 and its take on the battle royale format. Amber Studio’s PAC-MAN Mega Tunnel Battle: Chomp Champs – try saying that five times fast – offers another spin, allowing up to 64 players to venture into each other’s mazes to consume them. It’s a dangerous game as mazes continually collapse during matches, but it’s a unique spin on a classic arcade formula.

Throw in some cosmetics and even indulge in Ranked Mode to place on the leaderboards. There are even private lobbies, complete with spectator support. PAC-MAN Mega Tunnel Battle: Chomp Champs launches on May 9th for Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, PC and Nintendo Switch, and thankfully, supports cross-platform play.

Homeworld 3

It’s been almost 21 years since the release of Homeworld 2, and while Deserts of Kharak received a good reception in 2016, the franchise is finally moving forward with Homeworld 3. Launching on May 13th after multiple delays, the story sees the Hyperspace Gate Network in shambles and humanity embarking on another mission for survival. All the strategic tenets are here, from your fleet carrying over between missions to utilizing the Z-axis to flank and outmaneuver opponents.

New Megaliths mix things up, providing cover, while Fortresses demand clever flanking and trench runs to overcome. In addition to the story and PvP, there’s War Games, a rogue-like mode where players play through challenges and gain Artifacts to improve their fleet. It even supports up to three players.

The Rogue Prince of Persia

The Rogue Prince of Persia embraces an animated art style and sees the Prince fighting to halt an invasion from the Huns. The robust combat system offers several weapon types and opportunities for environmental kills. Launching on May 14th for PC via Steam Early Access, The Rogue Prince of Persia offers the first story Act with six levels and two bosses, with plans to effectively double the content with the 1.0 release.

Die by the Blade

Remember Bushido Blade and its emphasis on realistic, 1v1 fights between sword-wielding warriors? Die by the Blade by Triple Hill Interactive, Toko Midori Games, and Grindstone look to channel that visceral combat feel, albeit in a cyberpunk setting. You can customize the playable characters and blades alike, though opting for heavier weapons like the Nodachi could come at the cost of speed (which the katana is skilled at). Parrying and dodging are all here, with Practice, Tournament and Ranked modes, but remember: a single decisive blow is enough to end it all. Die by the Blade launches on May 16th for PC.

Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut

Finally, Sucker Punch’s acclaimed open-world action-adventure is coming to PC. Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut has garnered acclaim for many reasons. Jin Sakai’s struggle between honor and fighting the Mongol invasion of Tsushima by any means necessary. The combat with its fluid mix of styles and Ghost Tools, from kunai and explosives to bows and powerful Ghost Techniques. The various side quests, whether it’s helping out your would-be companions or investigating the legends of Tsushima.

There’s just so much to get into, and that’s before venturing to Iki Island in the expansion. On PC, the Director’s Cut offers unlocked frame rates, Ultrawide and triple-monitor support, fully customizable mouse and keyboard support and various upscaling solutions from Nvidia DLSS 3 and AMD FSR 3 to Intel XeSS. Whether you loved it on console or have waited for its PC release, Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut can’t be missed when it launches on May 16th.

Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2

Despite the baffling lack of marketing from Microsoft, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 is probably the company’s standout release for the year thus (if not the biggest game in May). It continues the story of Senua as she ventures through a Viking Iceland to seek revenge and save those who “have fallen victim to the horrors of tyranny.” Meanwhile, the Furies continue to ring through Senua’s thoughts, guiding her but still weighing on her mind.

Developed on Unreal Engine 5, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 is an absolutely gorgeous title, from its realistic weather effects and photo-realistic lighting and textures to the lifelike facial animations. It’s almost enough to make you forget that this is a digital-only release for $49.99 and lasts about as long as the first game. Despite all that and the 30 FPS lock on consoles, it’s a long time coming and worth checking out when it launches on May 21st for Xbox Series X/S and PC.

MultiVersus

MultiVersus finally makes its long-awaited return after its beta was delisted from storefronts last year. Player First Games has retooled it extensively, from shifting to Unreal Engine 5 and overhauling the netcode to adding new fighters like the Powerpuff Girls, new stages like Dexter’s Laboratory, and adding new moves for all existing fighters.

There are even new mechanics like Dash Attacks and Parrying, with improved readability during combat and a more responsive camera that dynamically zooms in and out. A new PvE mode is also finally on the way and even promises “unique rewards.” MultiVersus will be available on May 28th for Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, Xbox One and PC.

F1 24

Say what you will about Codemasters’ yearly sequels in the F1 series, but F1 24 is looking quite good. It’s out on May 31st for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, Xbox One, PS4 and PC, and delivers some brand new content. Driver Career lets you actually control one of 20 real-world Formula 1 drivers, earning accolades and earning recognition, while Challenge Career takes an episodic approach with unique events for community members vote on. With new Dynamic Handling, updates to iconic tracks, and much more, F1 24 could be the best new entry in years.

World of Goo 2

The first World of Goo launched in 2008 and received such extensive acclaim from critics that then-EA Sports head Peter Moore was annoyed that it was on a top 50 games list and FIFA 09 wasn’t. Believe it or not, World of Goo 2 is very much the same, as you use the gooey living creatures in various ways. Create bridges and other structures, reshape the world and, most importantly, survive through all kinds of new and potentially maddening puzzles when it launches on May 23rd for Nintendo Switch and PC.

MotoGP 24

Milestone’s MotoGP series hasn’t exactly been setting the world on fire these past few years, but there are fans, and they’ll probably be happy that MotoGP 24 is out on May 2nd for Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, PC and Nintendo Switch. Career Mode is still here, but the game now offers Adaptive Difficulty to tune the challenge to your tastes. MotoGP Stewards helps curb rule-skirting, and LiveGP Championships promises monthly challenges for players to pursue. It may not unseat the usual racing sim kings, but MotoGP 24 could prove a fun alternative.

Undead Inc

Undead Inc. is described as a mix of Fallout Shelter and Two Point Hospital. Your job is to create a subsidiary for the totally-not shady Endswell Medical Corporation, building different officers, hiring staff, conducting research into bioweapons and viruses, and, of course, driving profits, ethics be damned. It’s not all smooth sailing – politicians and officials need to be kept in line, and there are rival corporations to deal with. Probably the best part is that it’s only a matter of time before things go south and descend into chaos. Undead Inc. launches on May 2nd for PC.

World of Warcraft: Cataclysm Classic

What’s better than Blizzard monetizing your nostalgia for World of Warcraft’s good ol’ days? Monetizing the expansions as well. World of Warcraft: Cataclysm Classic is the “latest” and “greatest” new addition to the lineup, seeing players take on Deathwing to prevent the end of the world. Cataclysm offers seven new zones, two new races (Goblins and Worgen), transmog, a new level cap, new dungeons and raids and the Elemental Plane for players to venture into. The re-release also offers a new dungeon difficulty system, smoother leveling and a “streamlined” Auction House. It goes live on May 20th for PC.

Morbid: The Lords of Ire

Launching for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, PC and Nintendo Switch (with a demo out now on PS5 and PC), it features a new 3D perspective for more immersive combat and there are five lands to explore and five factions awaiting your challenge, not to mention all the terrifying bosses to face. As a hack-and-slash action adventure, Morbid: The Lords of Ire could be a dark horse when it launches on May 23rd.

System Shock (Xbox and PlayStation)

One of the more underrated releases of last year, not to mention a solid remake in its own right, Nightdive Studios’ System Shock is finally coming to Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PS5 and PS4 on May 21st. While it’s enough to bask in the overhauled visuals and interface, a new update went live recently, improving the game even further. It added an option to play as a female hacker, reworks the final battle, and incorporates cloud sync. Furthermore, enemies have new attacks, and there are even waypoints on Easy difficulty for those focused on the story. Overall, these should make for an even better experience on consoles.

Braid: Anniversary Edition

Previously slated for April 30th, Braid: Anniversary Edition was delayed to May 14th on PC, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch and Netflix. Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One users have to wait until May 15th to get their hands on it, though the reason for the delay is unknown. It should still be worth the wait, whether you’re someone keen on experiencing the original with sumptuous new visuals and delve into the 35 new levels. The developer commentary should also be a treat, providing over 15 hours of worthwhile development details.

When Ghost of Tsushima launched, it sold over 2.4 million copies in the first three days, eventually crossing five million sold in the first month. It became the fastest-selling first-party IP debut for the PlayStation 4 and sold a whopping 9.7 million units as of July 2022. Not content with being one of the best open-world games ever made (which still holds to this day), Sucker Punch also launched a superb co-op multiplayer mode in the same year – Ghost of Tsushima: Legends. It received extensive support, eventually spinning off into a standalone title.

Given its critical and commercial success and how well-regarded it remains, you have to ask at this point: Where is Ghost of Tsushima 2? No, really, where is it?

When you think back to PlayStation’s other big hits – like Marvel’s Spider-Man and God of War – both titles would receive sequels nearly five years later. Game development differs from studio to studio, but announcements for follow-ups to both titles arrived about three to four years later. Ghost of Tsushima took roughly six years to develop, but we’ve known about Sucker Punch Productions hiring new developers since October 2020. A job listing for a Narrative Writer asked for an “excellent understanding of how to tell impactful, character-driven stories within a AAA open-world game.”

It was followed by another job listing for a Combat Designer in January 2021, with the requirement stating, “Must have played Ghost of Tsushima and understand its core combat systems” You could say that both were for Ghost of Tsushima Legends or even the Iki Island expansion that arrived in August 2021 alongside the Director’s Cut. It’s a stretch, but we’ll go with it for now.

There’s still the odd reality that PlayStation Studios has announced no follow-up, much less hinted at one, for a multi-million-selling first-party title. However, it feels all the more strange for Ghost of Tsushima because it’s a new IP with tons of untapped potential.

It’s easy to forget how good the game is, especially after all these years. The tale of Jin Sakai, a samurai fighting to protect the island of Tsushima from a Mongol invasion, resonates strongly. Bested by a superior force that isn’t afraid to use dishonorable tactics, Jin drifts away from his samurai code, employing more stealth and assassination techniques to take down targets. It’s an internal conflict that bites at him, alongside the loss of his father during his childhood.

Of course, Jin is only one part of the narrative. There are several supporting characters, each with narrative quest chains adding much more flavor to the world and setting. Yuna, a thief who saved Jin’s life and seeks to leave Tsushima; Masako, the sole survivor of the Adachi clan on a quest for vengeance; Sadanobu Ishikawa, a famous archer who is not as honorable as he seems – the list goes on, and it’s a ride from start to finish.

Even if you ignore the incredible story and characters, Ghost of Tsushima is just a well-made, well-rounded open-world experience. The island of Tsushima offered several massive regions to explore, and while it featured a few cliches like enemy-occupied locations to liberate, the overall exploration is more organic. You could follow foxes and birds to discover points of interest. Liberating settlements would open up new side quests with their own unique stories. Rumors may also crop up during your journey, allowing you to pursue new armor sets and techniques.

Bamboo Strikes are a clever “Simon Says” style mini-game for increasing your max Resolve. Torii Gates led to unique platforming challenges for unlocking charms to specialize your build. You could even idle at a location and compose haikus, inscribing them on headbands that Jin can wear. There are even hot springs to increase your maximum health that also serve as a point of introspection for Jin’s past and present.

Every action throughout contributes to growing your legend, turning Jin from a renowned samurai lord to a fearsome entity that seemingly defies the confines of the real world. It all sounds so simple, yet the way it’s woven together is incredible.

On top of all this is the combat. There was some concern, especially after its E3 2018 showing. However, the use of Stances – with each being advantageous against different enemy types – and the seamless integration of Ghost Tools made for an addictive experience. Plus, you could call out enemies and face them head-on rather than sneaking around – the ultimate display of power. The duels are perhaps the biggest highlight, testing your fortitude and skills in dodging and parrying (or how quickly you can end the fight with your strongest Resolve techniques).

Sales aside, Ghost of Tsushima also had a good critical response with an 83 Metascore for the PS4 version and an 87 Metascore for the Director’s Cut on PS5. If nothing else, it’s also been a positive for other samurai-related titles. Like a Dragon: Ishin! developer affirmed that the game’s success gave the RGG Studio the confidence to bring its title to the United States after only being available in Japan for PS3 and PS4.

Sony hasn’t given any indication that a sequel is in the works. It’s focused on the upcoming Ghost of Tsushima live-action film, which isn’t a bad thing (especially since it’s directed by Chad Stahelski of John Wick fame). With the publisher stating that it wouldn’t release any major games in existing PlayStation franchises before April 2025, there’s seemingly little hope in a sequel coming any time soon.

However, this is where the rumors come in. The same person who alleged that Ghost of Tsushima is coming to PC also claimed that the sequel would be announced at an upcoming PlayStation Showcase in May or June. It may have seemed farfetched, to begin with, but with the PC version confirmed, this rumor is looking all the more credible.

After all, what better way to drum up hype for a sequel than to introduce it to a whole new player base, never mind reminding fans why it’s so good in the first place? If announced this year, it’s all the more plausible that it could arrive in late Summer or early Fall of 2025.

Whatever the case, Sony must be well aware of how much of a breakout hit the first game is. With its live-service approach slowly being pared down, it probably knows the importance of single-player narrative titles more than ever. As the PS5 enters the latter half of its life cycle and rumors of a PS5 Pro run rampant, many titles will serve to showcase the console’s power. Here’s hoping that Ghost of Tsushima 2 is one of them.

Developed by Nixxes, it supports unlocked frame rates, Ultrawide monitor support for 21:9 and 32:9 resolutions along with 48:9 resolution on triple monitor set-ups and upscaling options like Nvidia DLSS 3, AMD FSR 3 and Intel XeSS. Nvidia DLAA and FSR 3 Native AA are also supported.

You can also look forward to controller support with full remapping courtesy of Steam Input. The DualSense is also supported with its haptic feedback and adaptive triggers. Pre-purchasing the title now on Steam or Epic Games Store will unlock the Traveler’s Attire, Broken Armor dyes and New Game+ Horse early. Those who link their Steam account with PSN also get the Archery Master’s Attire and Charm of Canine Recruitment.

Speaking about the PC version, Sucker Punch co-founder Brian Fleming said, “We’re proud to announce that our friends and partners over at Nixxes are bringing Ghost of Tsushima to PC! This is a first for Sucker Punch – all our previous work is console-exclusive, so we are excited about all this, and Nixxes was the right team to do this project.

“With them on board, we knew the results would be nothing short of amazing! Now excuse me as I go order a Super Ultra Wide monitor!”

Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut is also available for PS4 and PS5. Check out our review here.

UNCHARTED 4: A THIEF’S END (PC)

Naughty Dog as a developer and Uncharted as a franchise are synonymous with pushing the boundaries of gaming visuals, and Uncharted 4 remains one of the finest examples of that. In particular, the game’s gorgeous graphics stand out when played on a powerful enough PC, shining a spotlight on everything from the beautifully rendered environments to the bevy of nuances and detail in every frame of the game, whether it’s cutscenes you’re talking about or actual gameplay.

DETROIT: BECOME HUMAN (PC)

Detroit: Become Human can sometimes be a sloppy narrative experience, but purely from a visuals perspective, it deserves nothing but praise. Quantic Dream as a developer has always relied first and foremost on solid acting performances, and Detroit: Become Human’s stellar graphics and animations help strengthen that specific aspect of the experience in a way that is still rare to see in games.

RED DEAD REDEMPTION 2 (PC)

It’s hard to believe, even now, that Red Dead Redemption 2 achieves the level of technical brilliance it does at the scale it achieves it at, to the point where it almost feels like incomprehensible wizardry. From the gorgeous and lovingly crafted environments of its massive open world to the little details and flourishes that truly help sell the game’s vision of a dying American Frontier, this is a game that never runs out of ways to impress you with how it looks.

METAL GEAR SOLID 4: GUNS OF THE PATRIOTS

Being over a decade and a half old at this point, you’d think that Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots would have lost a lot of its visual luster (as so many other games from that era have). The fact that it still looks great, then, should tell you just how ahead of its time it was when it first came out. And that’s without a single re-release, remaster, or port of any kind since its original launch in 2008. Yes, MGS4 can look even more incredible when emulated on a PC, but even the original PS3 version is still a treat for the eyes.

ALAN WAKE 2 (PC)

One of the more recent releases in this group, and also one of the most astounding. Alan Wake 2’s visual identity is unlike any other game you’ll ever play, and while it does obviously deserve credit for having conventionally impressive visuals – what with its crisply detailed environments, its impressive lighting, or even its incredibly detailed character faces and animations – what it deserves even more praise for is how effectively it gets really weird with all of it, from the surreal environments of the Dark Place to the live action sequences that are intermingled with gameplay so well you can’t help but do a double take each time they show up.

HORIZON FORBIDDEN WEST + BURNING SHORES (PS5)

For as long as Guerrilla has operated, it has been putting out games that end up nabbing a place in lists such as this one. Obviously then, Horizon Forbidden West makes it in here with tremendous merit. Though it’s no slouch on the PS4, on PS5 in particular, it proudly boasts a level of artistic creativity and technical brilliance that the vast, vast majority of games can only ever dream of. Its PS5 exclusive expansion, Burning Shores, only takes that even further.

RATCHET AND CLANK: RIFT APART (PS5)

Ratchet and Clank games have frequently been called playable Pixar movies, and while there’s always been at least a touch of hyperbole to that, no instalment has ever come as close to actually looking that good as the astoundingly beautiful Rift Apart. The obsessively detailed character models, the colourful and vibrant environments that never fail to pop on the screen, the spectacular animations that are so filled with joyful personality- all of it is an absolute joy to behold.

DEATH STRANDING (PC)

The very definition of a game that is unlikely to appeal to everyone who plays it, the one aspect of Death Stranding that you’re probably never going to hear criticism for is how it looks. Its vision of a desolate, isolated, post-apocalyptic America is brought to life in stunning fashion not only through cutting edge technology, but also some of the most visually striking art design we’ve ever seen in a game. Kojima Productions’ games always have a knack for doing that, but Death Stranding is the one game that exhibits that better than most.

KENA: BRIDGE OF SPIRITS (PC)

If ever you needed proof that you don’t need a massive AAA budget and dev team to make graphical stunners, this would be it. Kena: Bridge of Spirits flies in the face of that notion with its picturesque, fairy tale visual aesthetic, which serves as a perfect blend between technical prowess and gorgeous art design. Throughout its dozen-hour runtime, the game never runs out of beautiful things to proudly display.

GEARS 5 + HIVEBUSTERS (XBOX SERIES X)

When Gears 5 came out, it was already one of the best-looking games we’d ever played (and still is), and somehow, its Xbox Series X upgrade made it remarkably more impressive. From its icy environments to its desolate deserts to the war-torn cities that it places you in, the game never runs out of steam on the visual front. Its expansion Hivebusters in particular is breathtaking to behold, and paints an exciting picture of things to come in the future.

GOD OF WAR (PC)

God of War has been held up as one of gaming’s highest watermarks in various respects in the five-plus years since its release. Its visuals especially are an area that gets that sort of recognition, and though there’s plenty of evidence to back that even in its original PS4 release, on a suitably equipped PC, the game’s technical prowess comes into even clearer focus. No matter how many times you watch Kratos’ muscles rippling as he beheads a monster with a violet swing of an axe, no matter how many times you behold the sheer scale of the World Serpent as he towers over you, it’s hard not to be impressed by what God of War achieves.

MARVEL’S SPIDER-MAN 2 (PS5)

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2’s visual strengths can be easy to overlook (or even entirely miss) given the sheer speed at which you’re constantly moving in the game, but taking even a second to pause and pay attention to what the game’s showing you is enough to appreciate just how good it looks. Its New York is denser and more alive than ever before, its environments are filled with tiny details that many might not even notice, its character models are excellently built (the many Spidey suits in particular deserve special praise), and it all comes together to create a cohesive aesthetic for the game that gives it a distinctly authentic Spider-Man feel.

HALF-LIFE: ALYX

By their very nature, VR games often have to make cutbacks with their visuals to be able to do what they have to do as virtual reality experiences, but Half-Life: Alyx very much wants to have its cake and it too. And it does that in convincing fashion. Whether it’s the oppressive exteriors of City 17 you’re looking at or the claustrophobic environments of the game’s panic-inducing horror-esque sections, Half-Life: Alyx never fails to look incredible. Thanks to its nature as a VR game, in fact, it looks incredible in a way that basically no other game out there does.

A PLAGUE TALE: REQUIEM (PC)

Here’s another example of a game that manages to produce astounding visuals without having been built on a AAA budget, or by a AAA team. Though not exactly a tiny indie production, A Plague Tale: Requiem’s graphics still punch above its weight in consistently surprising ways. As a story-focused game, it is, of course, more reliant on those elements than it would be otherwise, and it is exactly because of its strengths in those areas that its compelling narrative is able to stand as tall as it does.

GHOST OF TSUSHIMA DIRECTOR’S CUT (PS5)

Ghost of Tsushima will forever remain one of the best-looking games of all time. We can say that without a shadow of doubt, because it has the sort of timeless aesthetic that can take your breath away no matter how old the game may be, or even how many times you yourself may have played it. The art design does a lot of the heavy lifting here, obviously, but even on a technical level, the game is no slouch (to say the least), something that’s doubly true when speaking about the PS5 Director’s Cut release in particular.

30. Just Cause 2

Although almost all games in the Just Cause series are fine sandbox experiences, the second game is perhaps the best the franchise has to offer. Featuring over the top bombastic action set pieces along with stellar mission design, Just Cause 2 features a vast playground to do some of the craziest things possible in video games. Although the combat is disappointing, it’s the open world and the crazy amount of destruction one can do in it is the star of the show here.