With that, the nominees for the best PS5 games of 2025 are:

Lost Soul Aside

What originally began as a one-man tech demo eventually blossomed into a competent action RPG with Revengeance-like combat and tons of style to spare. You’re not alone in thinking it looks a bit like Final Fantasy given the crystal theming and character design. Still, Lost Soul Aside carves its own identity with its combo-laden combat and varied boss mechanics. The game may have some growing pains as a debut indie effort (especially in its story), but the kernels of greatness are there in its gameplay systems.

The Midnight Walk

If you’re looking for a short-but-sweet adventure game with some uncanny claymation visuals, it’s impossible not to recommend The Midnight Walk. What struck me most as I reviewed the game was the strong atmosphere created by inventive environments, Burton-esque character designs, and a stirring musical score. It’s a game with a remarkably strong sense of place , and the experience lingers long after you’ve completed it.  And for horror fans, there’s plenty to enjoy too, the stealth sections are legitimately nightmarish despite the game’s demure appearance.

Dying Light: The Beast

You don’t need to have played any other Dying Light to have fun with this one. This standalone entry flips the bright, colorful world design of Dying Light 2 on its head with an all-new wooded region infested with infected zombies. In short, it nails the horror vibe fans have been begging for since the first game. Kyle Crane returns with new beast powers that feel great to use on the horrific denizens of Caster Woods, and the skill tree is the best the franchise has seen to date.

Hollow Knight: Silksong

Hollow Knight: Silksong finally came out this year and its been well worth the long wait. It earns the perfect 10 we gave it due to its exhilarating boss fights and fun platforming. The level design and progression system add tons of replayability and substance to the game as well, providing well over 30 hours of tough-as-nails content for fans to enjoy. Even newcomers will find plenty to appreciate through the lush soundtrack and charming hand-drawn art

Where Winds Meet

Free to play games have come a long way in offering top-tier experiences without requiring players to spend a dime, and Where Winds Meet might be the most impressive leap yet. The sheer abundance of genres it fuses together is remarkable. You’re getting a vast, gorgeous open world with a meaty single-player campaign, tons of boss battles, minigames, and immersive sim mechanics. If you’ve ever wanted to explore 10^th Century China with some side quests reminiscent of The Witcher 3, and you don’t mind a mostly non-invasive F2P structure plus a few glitches, Where Winds Meet delivers in spades..

Blue Prince

Blue Prince is easily in the discussion for best puzzle game of the year. Heck, it’s arguably one of the best rougelikes of the year as well, especially since it got me, a rougelike denier, to enjoy it. What I love is how simple it is to jump in and immediately understand. You explore a mansion with randomly generated rooms, with the twist being that you’re the one choosing which rooms get “drawn.” The goal is to unlock and enter the mysterious 46th room by selecting the right rooms and solving puzzles along the way. Don’t sleep on Blue Prince. Even if you’re not a fan of puzzle games or roguelikes, its deceptive simplicity has a way of hooking you.

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach

The original Death Stranding was an amazing game, but it had noticeable issues. Then came the Director’s Cut and it added some new content which made an already great game even better. But Kojima has learned his lessons and after working on the sequel for more than five years, we finally got Death Stranding 2:On the Beach back in June. And, by all accounts this is a stellar achievement. Featuring exceptional gameplay that takes the strand mechanics to newer heights, a story that will capure your attention and visuals that will stun you, this sequel has all the makings of a game of the year.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

Clair Obscur is a turn-based RPG that lets players time parries and manually aim for enemy weak spots. This real-time element really adds a lot of dynamism to the classic turn-based formula, complemented by a variety of enemy types to strategize against. Besides the remarkable combat,  genre-specific staples such as story and progression are also exceptional. The cast of characters grapple with mortality and grief throughout the adventure in earnest and thought-provoking ways. You just can’t help but want to solve the ever-dwindling lifespan dilemma The Paintress has concocted. Turn-based RPG fans are eating well this year thanks to Clair Obscur’s stellar story and gameplay.

Kingdom Come Deliverance 2

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 expands the grounded medieval immersive sim elements of the first game into a masterful AAA-like experience. You can still get knocked out by common bandits late into the game, but combat is tuned to  be more fun and intuitive. The world design is breathtaking, with the realism of towns like Troskowitz and the bustling Kuttenberg leaving my jaw on the floor. But it’s the story and side quests where the game truly shines. With enhanced cinematography, stellar voice acting, and historically accurate details, KCD2 is as much a narrative powerhouse as it is a medieval simulation.

Silent Hill f

Capturing the essence of the best Silent Hill games isn’t easy. There’s a lot of subtle detail involved. And despite its change in location, Silent Hill f has that essence down. In fact, the rural Japanese town nails that Silent Hill feel perfectly. The environments are grade A spooky, with that characteristic fog enveloping looming threats in ways that feel natural for the rural countryside. Combat is spicier than usual, encouraging you to engage enemies rather than simply retreating. If the monster designs don’t scare you, the camera work and music probably will. There’s just a lot to love with the new Silent Hill and thankfully, there’s five endings to elongate the playtime as much as you want.

Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater

MGS Delta is arguably the ideal remake. The 1:1 cutscenes, 4K visuals, and quality of life features make this the best way to play Metal Gear Solid 3 today. But what impresses me even more than the way the rising sun glints off of Snake’s visor in that opening scene is the new stuff sprinkled in. Snake’s wear and tear over the course of the game is shown through dynamic cosmetic scraps and clothing rips. There’s also the ability to crouch walk (finally) and an over the shoulder perspective, adding some much-wanted gameplay features to the classic. This remake has it all.

Ghost of Yotei

If you’ve played Ghost of Tsushima, you know what to expect with Ghost of Yotei. Yet the game still manages to surprise and impress. The instant load times and silky smooth framerates are particularly impressive. Being built solely with the PS5 in mind allows the game to run flawlessly and then some. The open world here is one of the most beautiful we’ve seen in a game, thanks in part to sweeping draw distances not detracting from foreground detail. Storywise, the Yotei Six serve as a fun, motivating target throughout the story due to how well the narrative frames their actions. Ghost of Yotei is the premier PS5 showcase game at the moment and it doesn’t look like it’s being supplanted any time soon.

Days Gone Remastered

Sure, Sony Bend hasn’t added much new story content to Days Gone in this remaster, but the current-gen tech has given the game a much-needed boost. It finally feels like it’s living up to its potential, story aside. Fighting through hundreds of Freaker zombies is super smooth in this remaster, with the game very rarely dipping below 60 FPS in such chaotic moments. The result is a dynamic open world zombie game with fun combat similar to The Last of Us. If you can tolerate Deacon talking to himself every five minutes, Days Gone Remastered will put you in zombie madness for many hours to come.

Cronos: The New Dawn

Bloober Team has been knocking it out of the survival horror park lately. Between Silent Hill 2 Remake and Cronos, they’re capturing what makes the genre so compelling. Cronos has an atmosphere so tense that it actively rattles you into missing your shots. The claustrophobic journey is made more limiting by The Traveler’s (that’s you) slow traversal speed. Every bullet is prized in this game, and you’ll be seeing the game over-screen quite a bit. But it’s all worth it to experience the unconventional Polish setting and tight gameplay.

Sword of the Sea

Sword of the Sea is an instantly inviting experience. The colorful art style, mesmerizing soundtrack, and seamlessly smooth control scheme are as intuitive and irresistible as it gets in gaming. It’s a journey as magnetic as, well, their previous game The Pathless. Despite minor performance issues, even on PS5, Sword of the Sea flawlessly delivers on what the studio does best, and that’s something to celebrate.

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl (PS5)

Stalker 2 is finally out on PS5 and what a port it is. PlayStation users get to experience the exclusion zone and all its bizarre anomalies and creatures with smooth performance and impressive visual fidelity. The DualSense haptics shine here, enhancing the act of probing for anomalies with immersive rumble and trigger resistance. Stalker 2’s strong horror atmosphere blends with compelling immersive sim gameplay to create an unforgettable experience, made even more personal via PS5-exclusive features.

And The Best PS5 Game of 2025 Goes to:

Death Stranding 2: On The Beach

I don’t know how he did it, but Kojima actually managed to make a game even more zany and compelling than the first Death Stranding. The sequel has so many iconic moments it’s hard to know where to begin. Characters have more fleshed-out backstories and quirks in general, which makes sense given the Hollywood talent Kojima brought along for the sequel. But the game does far more than expand its story and presentation: the delivery sim aspects also see tremendous improvement. Those jaw-dropping moments stumbling atop a cliffside overlooking a gorgeous vista are alive and well, and even more striking thanks to the new day/night cycle. Weather plays a massive role too. Earthquakes, dust devils, downpours, sandstorms, you name it, appear while trekking across the brand-new Mexico and Australia environments. There’s no denying it: Death Stranding 2 is a premier PS5 experience that embodies everything PlayStation strives for in its first-party titles. It’s our best PS5 game of 2025 and one of the greatest first-party games PlayStation has even had.

30. Until Dawn Remake

As good as the original? Well, no, especially when it comes to the soundtrack selection for certain scenes, specific lighting changes in the beginning, etc. However, Until Dawn’s remake does offer vastly superior performance and character models alongside new content and death animations. Maybe, just maybe, it’ll encourage someone to experience the original and see first-hand why it’s superior. For now, at least it’s better than the movie (not that that’s a high bar to clear).

29. Rise of the Rōnin

Unfairly compared to Ghost of Tsushima when it first launched, Team Ninja’s open-world action-adventure has its share of bright spots despite the story shortcomings. Combat is top-notch, as expected from the Nioh team, and hey, you can use a bayonet as a hybrid melee/ranged weapon, which is really cool. It may not quite have the budget, but you can’t deny Rise of the Rōnin’s ambition, especially with the sheer number of factions, branching paths, and combat depth.

28. Sackboy: A Big Adventure

LittleBigPlanet may be on ice for who knows how long, but Sackboy: A Big Adventure did help fill that void. The vaster movesets, coupled with returning tools like the grappling hook, made for an endearing adventure, especially when playing with a friend. While it didn’t necessarily break new ground in the genre, it was still a joyful romp through Craftworld.

27. The Nioh Collection

Two excellent titles in one package alongside all their paid DLC and updates for hundreds of hours of masocore action RPG fun – what more could you want? Well, maybe a reprieve from the difficulty. However, The Nioh Collection is a sheer testament to Team Ninja’s post-Ninja Gaiden design, blending that combo potential with Souls-like fundamentals and more grounded action, even if the loot chase isn’t for everyone.

26. Mafia: The Old Country

We never really got all our answers about how Mafia: The Old Country ties into the rest of the series (save for it being a prequel and containing a few cameos). Nevertheless, it was a strong return to everything that made the franchise so memorable, from the gripping narrative and strong characterization to the deeply involving themes. That Sicily looked so stunning to explore is also a plus.

25. Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered

Jokes about remastering a title that wasn’t even a decade old aside, Guerrilla Games poured a significant amount of time and resources into revamping Horizon Zero Dawn for the remaster. Environments were changed, matching Forbidden West in terms of graphical quality, and entire cutscenes were overhauled and improved thanks to re-recorded dialogue. Otherwise, its gameplay fundamentals are as enjoyable as ever.

24. Demon’s Souls Remake

Aggravating as it is that Bluepoint was relegated to making a live-service title for all these years, at least we got the long-requested remake of Demon’s Souls. Purists may scoff at some of the visual choices and their effect on the atmosphere. And yet this remake brings the FromSoftware title into the contemporary age, idiosyncrasies and all, proving that some classics truly are timeless.

23. Sword of the Sea

Fancy hovering around some stunning environments on a hoversword, trying to piece together the sordid history of the place within three hours? Sword of the Sea may satisfy that urge…or leave you confused afterwards. Regardless, it’s a seamless blend of snowboarding, surfing, and platforming with deft pacing and more than a few surprises.

22. Returnal

From arcade shooters that it claimed wouldn’t sell to delivering one of the most pulse-pounding third-person action games of all time, Housemarque has had quite the journey. Returnal is a heck of a stop on the way, with Atropos presenting environments that are as brutalising as they are lovingly surreal. Its take on the rogue-like formula may not be for everyone, but when it comes to fast-paced action and bullet hell mechanics, few games can top it.

21. Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart

Showcasing the sheer speed of the PS5’s SSD, Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart’s clever usage of rifts allowed for a dimension-hopping adventure the likes of which the series had never seen. But even if you ignore the technical wizardry, it’s just a stellar platformer all-around with its traversal mechanics, combat, and the sheer charm of its leading duo.

20. Helldivers 2

The sole success of Sony’s live-service initiative, and it’s easy to see why. Arriving almost out of nowhere to deliver explosive co-op action that’s easy to get into and impossible to put down, Helldivers 2 has grown into a behemoth of weapons, enemies, mission types, and whatnot. It’s almost detrimental in a way, given the technical issues, but when you can run around together in Killzone and Halo armor sets, it’s beyond worth it.

19. Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2

Last year saw Microsoft finally release its first-party titles on PS5, but this year saw a once-iconic character returning to where it all began. We’re of course talking about Senua, whose first game debuted on PS4 before coming to Xbox. Suffice it to say that Senua’s Saga offers more of the same but with far more gorgeous visuals, and it works, despite the familiarity of it all.

18. Absolum

The very best in beat ’em up combat is mixed with deceptively simple upgrades and a branching world design that suits the genre as much as the storytelling. Saying it looks downright amazing would be an understatement, but it also packs in a surprisingly great soundtrack with a who’s who of composers on board. Suffice it to say that if you’re going in for more Streets of Rage 4-style goodness, Absolum will easily surpass those expectations.

17. Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater

After successfully reviving Silent Hill, it was the turn of Metal Gear Solid, that too where it all chronologically began. And while Delta: Snake Eater threw in some notable new features, from the over-the-shoulder camera to the revamped visuals and quality-of-life, it was, unabashedly, exactly like the original. Love it or hate it for that reason, it’s still a fantastic remake for one of the greatest of all time.

16. The Last of Us Part 2: Remastered

Yes, The Last of Us Part 2 isn’t technically a native PS5 title, and yes, the series’ re-releases are getting a little too excessive. On the other hand, it’s still a fantastic game with a story and twist that’s vehemently argued about to this day. The mix of survival mechanics and responsive gameplay, coupled with larger environments to explore and even more heart-pounding set pieces, all wrapped up in that signature post-apocalyptic atmosphere – it’s still a powerful combo to this day. Throw in the rogue-like No Return and other goodies, and you’ve got an even better deal.

15. Borderlands 4

It’s a good day when you can wake up, play a new Borderlands title and come away with “Not bad.” Featuring the gunplay of Borderlands 3 and none of the same narrative treatment, its main appeal is the vast world, laden with interesting activities, and more build-crafting opportunities than ever before. The looter shooter genre as a whole may seem tapped out, especially on this scale, but Borderlands 4 is still a fun time if you’re into the grind.

14. Forza Horizon 5

For years, PS5 players have heard about the brilliance of Forza Horizon 5. The extensive roster of cars (now at 900 and counting), the attention to detail of Mexico, its various jaw-dropping locations, and the sheer amount of content to experience. But for all its intricacies, systems, and realistic physics (if that’s what you’re into), Playground Games’ open-world racer is just the perfect fantasy for any car enthusiast to let loose.

13. Gran Turismo 7

The most drop-dead, stunning game in Polyphony Digital’s long, illustrious history and also the most controversial. But has that stopped Gran Turismo 7 from delivering the very best racing sim action this generation (especially after Forza Motorsport fumbled)? Not by a long shot, and the plethora of updates thus far, including the upcoming Spec 3 update, have made it even more worthwhile.

12. Silent Hill f

With the first hurdle of a competent remake surpassed, Konami faced its next big challenge: Delivering a new Silent Hill that was not only fun but downright terrifying. So naturally it went scorched earth by having Ryukishi07 pen the narrative and kera to design the creatures alongside a rural 1960s Japanese town as the setting. Even with complaints surrounding its combat, if there’s any horror title you need to experience this year, it’s Silent Hill f.

11. Days Gone Remastered

Even in the absence of a new game, you can’t keep ol’ Deacon St. John down. Finally arriving on the PS5, Days Gone Remastered offers everything that fans loved about the original with visual improvements and faster loading times. Permadeath and Speedrun modes provide fresh new challenges, while the brand new Horde Assault puts an arcade spin on surviving against an overwhelming amount of Freakers, complete with its own progression.

10. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2

Bigger, better and somehow offering the same runtime, Insomniac’s sequel puts a somewhat darker twist on Peter Parker’s journey as Spider-Man. In reality, it expands on the original in some truly spectacular ways, from the varied playstyles to the customization and plethora of suits. Plus, Manhattan, alongside Brooklyn and Queens, has never looked better or flowed as seamlessly as you web sling through them at breakneck speeds.

9. Astro Bot

A pitch-perfect platformer with a presentation that’s equal parts stunning and endearing, packed with the best that the genre has to offer in terms of levels and mechanics…all without any fluff, and paying tribute to PlayStation’s extensive history? That somewhat describes Team Asobi’s Astro Bot in a nutshell, but you could also just call it a masterpiece. It may not boast the same scale as many of Sony’s other heavy hitters, but its heart is unmatched, making for an exclusive that everyone should play. However, at the very top of the PS5 mountain sits…

8. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

That Sandfall Interactive’s first title could launch this year and catapult up the list of must-play games of all time is a testament to its brilliance. And make no mistake – Clair Obscur is brilliant in every single way that should matter in a role-playing game, full of wondrous locales to explore, an involving story with memorable characters, a fantastic combat system that mixes turn-based and real-time actions to excellent effect, and the music. Oh, the music. If you haven’t experienced it already, then what are you waiting for?

7. God of War Ragnarok

Sony’s Santa Monica Studio is no stranger to going all out when it’s time to end a story, and Ragnarok is no exception. Themes of family, betrayal, belonging, and more are tackled; vast lands teeming with dangerous new threats are revealed; and the sheer amount of combos that you can potentially pull off is even more insane than ever. Ragnarok is the studio’s magnum opus, and the fact that it added an entire rogue-lite expansion, Valhalla, on top as an epilogue for free only further sweetens the deal.

6. Black Myth: Wukong

It’s not often that something so unbelievably gorgeous delivers on its mountain of expectations, but Black Myth: Wukong made it look easy. The stunning art direction and presentation are backed by an equally involving combat system and some of the coolest boss battles in a video game. Wukong is more than just a great action RPG, though – it’s also a testament to the sheer game development talent in China.

5. Horizon Forbidden West: Complete Edition

Let it not be said that Guerrilla Games didn’t follow the rule of “more” with Horizon Forbidden West. More Machines, weapon types, armor sets, activities, side quests, fidelity, characters, locations – the list goes on (and Horizon Zero Dawn isn’t a small game). Amid all this, it even offered some shocking revelations, not to mention a much-requested boss fight in the expansion, Burning Shores. It’s been almost four years since its release, but Horizon Forbidden West remains an addictive open-world experience.

4. Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth

Venturing beyond the confines of Midgar didn’t just mean experiencing the broader world of Final Fantasy 7 as a whole – it also meant a completely new approach to exploration. More mini-games and optional activities, not to mention side quests where key party members took the lead to go with additional challenging bosses, all wrapped up in an open world format. And that’s not even getting into all the improvements with the combat, summons, and the sheer insanity of the story. Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth gets some flak for certain sequences going too long, but for long-time fans and RPG enthusiasts alike, it’s simply breathtaking in almost every way.

3. Elden Ring + Shadow of the Erdtree

You probably saw this coming, but like a certain Scarlet Rotted Blade, Elden Ring and its expansion, Shadow of the Erdtree, simply won’t know defeat. Are there areas where it falters, especially in performance? Absolutely, but for us, it’s such a masterclass in open-world design and action RPG combat. That first moment where you step out and gaze upon Limgrave; that moment where Stormveil Castle is conquered and you look out upon the deeper world; the first nightmarish moments of Caelid; and who can forget wandering into the Land of Shadow and getting uppies from the Furnace Golem? Elden Ring wears its influences – from Breath of the Wild to Dark Souls – on its sleeve, and delivers a magical journey that few other games have managed to surpass.

2. Ghost of Yōtei

Plenty of revenge sagas ask how far you’d go, but Ghost of Yōtei offered a slightly different twist, which led to a more layered narrative. Of course, it also took everything about Ghost of Tsushima and elevated it to whole new levels, whether it was the natural flow of its open world, the sheer variety in activities, or the responsive combat. Overall, a fantastic title and more than a worthy follow-up to its 2020 predecessor.

1. Death Stranding 2: On The Beach

Much has been said about Hideo Kojima and his, let’s say, unique storytelling. However, Death Stranding 2 didn’t just up the emotional quotient while introducing various unforgettable new characters. It also made vast improvements to the original’s gameplay, accommodating those who favored stealth, going in guns blazing, or the familiar friction-filled hiking. The sheer visual fidelity is top-tier among games this generation, and it all ties together into a satisfying tear-jerker of an ending.

From the very first moment, Sword of the Sea has it. As an ancient guardian who awakens on a single drop, you venture forth into this desert-filled world to unleash the water and restore prosperity. There is some deeper lore, but in terms of ambience and vibes, it’s simply breathtaking, almost Breath of the Wild-esque in its reveal.

As you step out into the sea of sands, cutting effortlessly through its dunes, the desolation gives way to vibrancy. Every time you release the water, various aquatic life springs forth, creating this sense of visual buoyancy, which extends to the gameplay as well, especially when hopping on jellyfish or surfing up greenery. Very little else matters as you glide through environments, performing sick tricks to no one in particular (with no risk of messing up, of course).

"Though all the mechanics really come together in the late game (and admittedly not for very long), they still offer a seamless platforming loop that’s very enjoyable. It doesn’t feel punishing at all, but the ease with which you can explore these giant areas is fun in its own right."

From spin tricks and flips to building momentum off half-pipes and leaping over gaps, Sword of the Sea controls as seamlessly as it unfolds. You can easily zone out in an environment, exploring ways to reach certain chests or happening upon collectible seashells. All the collected currency can be deposited at the mysterious merchants present throughout the world (who have a supernatural knack for appearing at the right times), which unlocks more tricks and even the ability to drop down. Which is nice, but you quickly realize their insignificance in the grand scheme of things.

As stylish as a triple front-flip off a mountain can be, it doesn’t really have any impact on the gameplay. You often default to the double-jump, spin, and grinding while traversing the world, embracing a more traditional platforming loop. Even if you care about the score, helpfully revealed while paused, the overall depth of the tricks feels extremely limited from the outset. While I completely understand Giant Squid’s goal – of supplanting this particular type of movement into an exploration game – any sense of style and competitiveness feels completely superficial.

I still need to emphasize the impeccable design of the environments and the pacing. Unlike The Pathless and its open world, Sword of the Sea offers more linear progression with much fewer distractions, as you traverse from one chapter to the next. Familiar locales like snowy mountains and lava-filled caverns still feel incredibly fresh to explore with very little downtime. Some visuals – a city emerging from beneath the sands, floating isles and ships amid a nighttime sky – are downright beautiful, boasting gorgeous and vibrant art direction. The depiction of water and marine biology reminds me of ABZU, and it’s delightful to spot whales and dolphins swimming through the skies seemingly without a care in the world. Being able to ride them and just calmly wade through, even if it is a small predetermined circle, is nice.

Though all the mechanics really come together in the late game (and admittedly not for very long), they still offer a seamless platforming loop that’s very enjoyable. It doesn’t feel punishing at all, but the ease with which you can explore these giant areas is fun in its own right. Other notable sequences also mix up the core gameplay in different ways, and while they can drag a bit, they’re a welcome change of pace.

"While the developer’s previous titles created a sense of emotional connection in their short runtime, Sword of the Sea doesn’t quite nail it. It also doesn’t help that the story starts winding down after hitting what feels like its stride."

Your goal is to essentially restore the Cycle, which becomes interrupted for an unknown reason (that quickly makes itself apparent in fiery consternation). It’s pretty straightforward, and as a result, the stakes can feel low-key until about halfway into the game. Maybe it’s because the focus is so squarely on feeling your way through and soaking up the atmosphere while lore is presented in snippets. The civilization that came before, their demise, the spiritual river that binds everything, so on and so forth. However, I didn’t find myself as invested as in The Pathless or ABZU.

Perhaps it’s because, as a cohesive narrative, there are way too many questions left unanswered. Who was the Minder in charge of that one empty city? What of the Ghost Warriors, whose massive bodies remain frozen in that field as sentries, guiding you from one place to the next? Are those merchants inextricably tied to the Cycle like the Guardian?

There’s also a very familiar-looking character with an important role that barely rises above being a cameo. But then again, they may also be the Champion spoken of in the tablets, given their abilities. Much of the lore, especially its themes of fire vs. water, life and death, spirits and humans, is open for ascribing one’s own meaning. That is, when it isn’t used to explain away why those Ghost Warriors are present in a snowy field (or why exactly it works the way that it does).

While the developer’s previous titles created a sense of emotional connection in their short runtime, Sword of the Sea doesn’t quite nail it. It also doesn’t help that the story starts winding down after hitting what feels like its stride. Overall playtime is shorter than The Pathless – and that’s with plenty of admiring the architecture and combing for secrets. Which isn’t a bad thing, given how much tighter this feels by comparison. I just couldn’t really shake the sensation of, “That’s it?”, even as the credits unfolded.

Sword of the Sea does offer some additional gameplay elements afterwards, which lean further into speed-running and exploration. There’s a Journey-like element to this, but unlike that title and its seamless co-op resulting in wonderfully emergent encounters to this day, I’m not sure if Giant Squid’s approach has as much staying power.

"As endearing as it can be to get lost among the waves, you need something to eventually anchor yourself, and for better or worse, Giant Squid doesn’t quite deliver on that front."

For as long as it lasts, Sword of the Sea is a beautiful, engrossing experience, one that’s easy to get lost in, and that’s in no small part thanks to Austin Wintory’s incredible score. It accentuates the quiet moments and presents some incredible vocal pieces throughout, often carrying the emotional weight when the plot fails to do so.

On the downside, as incredible as the art direction is, there were several performance issues, even with a GPU and RAM that surpass the recommended specs. Perhaps much of it is CPU-bound and my 11th gen i5 is the bottleneck, but frame rate drops occur even when dropping the resolution scaling and quality settings were set to Medium. Upscaling support may have helped with these issues, but there’s no denying that further optimization, or at the very least, better hardware, is needed in some areas.

Despite all these caveats, I would still recommend Sword of the Sea for those seeking a relatively light adventure with outstanding art direction, movement, and music. The fact that it fires on so many cylinders, from the world design to the overall joy of exploration, and yet fails to enthrall me in so many meaningful ways, remains baffling. But as endearing as it can be to get lost among the waves, you need something to eventually anchor yourself, and for better or worse, Giant Squid doesn’t quite deliver on that front.

This game was reviewed on PC.

Mafia: The Old Country

Almost nine years after Mafia 3, Hangar 13 is going back, at least chronologically, with Mafia: The Old Country. Set in 1900s Sicily, players control Enzo Favara as he transitions from an indentured labourer to a Torrisi family mafioso. Quaint countrysides and ruins replace sprawling cities while Enzo engages in as many knife duels as gun fights. As more of a linear narrative, Mafia: The Old Country could be the revival that the series needs when it launches on August 8th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC.

Echoes of the End

Announced four years ago, Echoes of the End launches on August 12th for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. As Ryn, players work alongside Abram Finlay to explore the fantasy world of Aema and stop a conspiracy. With a healthy mix of magic, exploration, puzzle-solving, platforming and, of course, combat, Myrkur Games promises a new yet also comfortingly familiar adventure.

Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 (PS5)

After debuting on PS4 (and PC) all those years ago, Senua finally returns with her latest adventure, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2, which launches on August 12th for PS5. “Adventure” is probably being a little kind since she ventures to Iceland to battle the Northmen, draugar and other horrors, all while managing her psychosis. Still, with gorgeous visuals, a cinematic presentation and a new update that adds 60 FPS, it may be worthwhile for PS5 players.

Madden NFL 26

Madden NFL is back yet again, and we can’t even say it’s personal. Nevertheless, Madden NFL 26 does offer a few new features, including the new Sphere of Influence system in Career Mode, new coach archetypes for Franchise mode, extreme weather conditions that affect gameplay, and a revamped presentation. It’s out on August 14th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2.

Drag x Drive

Honestly, I don’t know what Nintendo is thinking with Drag x Drive. As unique as the concept is and how much the Switch 2’s mouse controls are interwoven, the marketing has been mysteriously sparse. Nevertheless, there’s some hope that the actual game offers much more than we’ve already seen (which looked solid, if nothing else). We’ll find out when it launches on August 14th for $19.99.

Black Myth: Wukong (Xbox Series X/S)

One year after launching on PS5 and PC (no timed exclusive deal, by the way), Black Myth: Wukong launches on August 20th for Xbox Series X/S. With over 20 million sold in its first month and Overwhelmingly Positive reviews on Steam, it’s finally time for Xbox players to witness the legend first-hand. Of course, if you’re craving a stellar action-adventure title with fun boss fights, gorgeous visuals and a unique art direction, Wukong is more than worth the journey.

Gears of War: Reloaded

It’s yet another end of an era for Xbox as Gears of War: Reloaded brings the cover-based shooter to PlayStation for the first time. Even if you’ve already enjoyed the original, there are plenty of reasons to revisit it, including 4K and 120 FPS support in multiplayer, no loading screens in the campaign, and improved shadows and reflections. Best of all, it’s free for all Ultimate Edition owners on Xbox and PC.

Helldivers 2 (Xbox Series X/S)

Arrowhead Game Studios’ hit co-op shooter Helldivers 2 is finally diving onto Xbox Series X/S on August 26th, bringing all the bug stomping, Automaton crushing and Illuminate…battling to a brand new audience. Crossplay is the biggest feature, which should bolster the already healthy player count, even as would-be fans hope for some kind of crossover with the likes of Halo. Whether it happens or not, Helldivers 2 is a must-play for those on Xbox.

Space Adventure Cobra: The Awakening

Among the many anime adaptations out there, few may have expected a side-scrolling platformer based on 1982’s Space Cobra. Space Adventure Cobra: The Awakening follows the titular Cobra once more, as they venture forth across planets to save the universe. On top of blasting foes with the Psychogun, you’ll have to platform and avoid traps, either alone or in two-player co-op. Whether you’re seeking a new action platformer or a faithful adaptation of the anime’s first 12 episodes, Space Adventure Cobra: The Awakening launches on August 26th for Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, PC, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch.

Kirby and the Forgotten Land – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star-Crossed World

Even after all these years, Kirby and the Forgotten Land is still a great 3D platformer. The Nintendo Switch 2 Edition enhances the visuals and adds Star-Crossed World, where a mysterious meteor has altered various levels. There are new paths and enemies to deal with alongside new Mouthful Modes and a new Wild Mode for a higher difficulty. Is it worth dropping $80? Probably not, but if you own the original, the $20 upgrade might be worthwhile when the Switch 2 version launches on August 28th.

Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater

Another classic franchise that’s being revived almost a decade later (we don’t talk about 2018), and this time, it’s arguably Konami’s most iconic yet. Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater arrives on August 28th for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, featuring revamped environmental textures, character models, and effects. The classic narrative remains, but Konami (with help from Virtuos) has added a new over-the-shoulder perspective and quality-of-life features. Of course, those who want the original’s control style and camera can still enable the same.

Lost Soul Aside

There are games which have been in development for a long while, and then there’s Lost Soul Aside, which took inspiration from Final Fantasy 15 when it was still called Versus 13. Despite numerous delays – including one this year already – it’s finally launching on August 29th for PS5 and PC. A lot is going on with its art direction and story, but most importantly, the combat has held up remarkably well all this time. For those seeking a more character-driven action title, Lost Soul Aside could be the answer.

Shinobi: Art of Vengeance

Shinobi: Art of Vengeance channels the brutal side-scrolling action of the classics with a drop-dead gorgeous 2D art style courtesy of Lizardcube. Between the combo-based action, stellar Ninja Arts, detailed environments and seamless movement, you couldn’t ask for a better revival. Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is slicing its way onto Xbox Series X/S, PS5, PS4, Nintendo Switch, and PC on August 29th.

The Rogue Prince of Persia

You’d be hard-pressed to recognize The Rogue Prince of Persia since it entered early access last year, but it’s seen an art style change and heaps of new content since then. The essence of the premise – the Prince being stuck in a time loop as he tries, again and again, to save his kingdom – still holds, but there are more levels, weapons, branching paths, and bosses. Version 1.0 promises to cap it all off when it launches in August – here’s hoping it can top Evil Empire’s previous work on Dead Cells.

Sword of the Sea

From the studio behind ABZU and The Pathless comes another meditative exploration title where you, the Wraith, must restore the ocean to a mysterious barren Necropolis. You’ll traverse it on a Hoversword, which simultaneously allows for surfing, grinding and snowboarding while appreciating the incredible vistas (and vibes). Sword of the Sea launches on August 19th for PS5 and PC.

As previously announced, players explore a mysterious region with expansive deserts to find the buried sea. You’ll traverse it with a Hoversword, which skates across water and sand with ease (while also somehow wall-riding and grinding on rails). The goal is to ultimately free the water while learning more about a lost civilization, though it seems a mysterious threat lurks deep within.

However, the journey is equally relaxing, especially as you chain together tricks. They could provide a burst of speed, not unlike a similar system from The Pathless. Stay tuned for more gameplay from Sword of the Sea ahead of its release.

Project TH

Invariably these ‘Project X’ dubbed games get announced, generate hype, never materialise, then evaporate into thin air. Project TH appears to have strong chance it’ll release though, with well-known Korean actors involved in its production plus developer EVR Studio already an established company with Hollywood VFX credits to its name. If Project TH does release then, oh boy, we’re in for a treat. With stealth-action straight out of the Ubisoft playbook ala Splinter Cell and The Division, Project TH also demonstrates photorealistic visuals, lifelike character animation, and strikingly cinematic set pieces. Of course, there’s no official release date or platforms announced, but expect it to be current-gen and PC only.

With the new year finally here, it’s time to check out all the big titles(with the occasional releases also coming to PC and PS4) that PS5 owners can look forward to in 2024 and beyond. So, without further ado, let’s get into it, starting with…

Rise of the Ronin

Koei Tecmo and Team Ninja are no strangers to releasing PlayStation-only titles. However, none of us imagined it had Rise of the Ronin in its pocket and ready to release on March 22nd for PS5. Set in feudal Japan during the Bakumatsu, you play as a Veiled Edge with his own backstory who meets up with various historical figures, including the legendary Sakamoto Ryoma. Based on the decisions made and bonds formed, there are different outcomes and endings to unlock.

There’s plenty to look forward to with the gameplay, with the open world having three major cities – Edo, Yokohama and Kyoto – along with the countryside and other areas to explore. You can undertake side quests and earn reputation, and there are even some Souls-like mechanics like Karma to recover upon death. A lot has yet to be revealed for the title, but thus far, the thought of gliding across cities and unleashing death from above or parrying a flaming arrow back at an enemy to ignite your blade and devastate other foes looks great.

The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered

After over three years since its PS4 launch, The Last of Us Part 2 is getting the “Remastered” treatment…which is a fancy way of saying that an official PS5 version is finally launching. Out on January 19th for $50 ($10 if you already own the PS4 version), it features three Lost Levels cut from the final game, with developer commentary to provide more details. Director Neil Druckmann and narrative lead Hally Gross will also provide commentary for all the in-game cutscenes, with Troy Baker, Ashley Johnson, and Laura Bailey offering their own insight. There’s also Guitar Free Play (with other instruments to unlock), Speedrun Mode, DualSense support, new accessibility options and two graphics modes – Fidelity and Performance.

However, the biggest addition is No Return, a roguelike survival mode where players progress to various locations, battling the infected. There are different objectives, like Holdout, where you must survive with an AI companion against the Infected. Though upgrades, weapons and skills disappear after every run, you can unlock new outfits that persist between runs. With challenges, random Mods for encounters and Gambits to complete for more resources, No Return could be as endearing as God of War Ragnarok’s recent Valhalla DLC.

Pacific Drive

There have been plenty of rogue-lites and roguelikes lately, but Pacific Drive puts a little spin on it all by adding driving. Trapped within the Olympic Exclusion Zone in the Pacific Northwest (hence the name), players must venture into the rapidly changing wilderness with nothing but their wits and station wagon to survive.

The Exclusion Zone contains its fair share of anomalies, some more dangerous than others, but thankfully, you can upgrade the car to boost its survivability. Of course, that means getting out and scavenging those resources by hand. Better hope you didn’t forget to leave the car in park, lest it goes rolling downhill on its own.

Pacific Drive offers an intriguing mix of exploration, lore and supernatural atmosphere, and we can’t wait to see what secrets the Zone holds. It launches on February 22nd for PS5 and PC.

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth sees players explore the world outside Midgar, and they’ll happen upon new locations and towns (like Crow’s Nest), brimming with side quests and characters. There are new activities to play around with, from the CCG Queen’s Blood to piano playing and new Summons to bring into battle.

The combat system has also received several revamps with new Synergy Attacks. Those who want to experience the setting can expect a 40-hour-long journey, but much of the playtime is in the side content. You can easily spend another 60 hours getting lost in the world and completing side quests, with 100 hours of gameplay promised. It’s a massive game in scope and scale, and it’s out on February 29th for PS5.

Death Stranding 2

Any Hideo Kojima game is bound to elicit a few questions, and Death Stranding 2 is no exception. Why is protagonist Sam Porter Bridges old? Why was Fragile trying to escape with a BB (and from who)? What’s the spaceship about? How do all the other teased actors play a part? Is Higgs really back? Perhaps most important: When can we expect it to release?

The answers aren’t forthcoming, but Kojima has teased plenty, from “new techniques” allowing for more photorealistic CG” (with actor Elle Fanning saying it’s going to look even better, despite already being outstanding) to changing the meaning of Strand and using music in brand new ways. It’s a lot but also not very much, and we must know more. With Japanese voice recording starting this year, a 2024 launch on PS5 may not happen, but we can still hope.

Silent Hill 2

Among the eagerly awaited remakes is Silent Hill 2, finally revealed in 2022 with The Medium and Layers of Fear developer Bloober Team at the helm. It’s developed on Unreal Engine 5 and looks downright amazing, while delivering revamped combat (with an over-the-shoulder camera) and set pieces. Best of all, there won’t be any changes to the “narrative core” of the experience, as Konami aims to make it as close to the original as possible.

2023 came and went without new trailers, details or footage, but development is still “progressing smoothly.” Based on PlayStation’s trailer for upcoming 2024 releases, it could very well launch this year on PS5 and PC. It’s not official until Konami makes it official, so stay tuned.

Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic – Remake

Remember when Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic – Remake was announced in September 2021 and promised a ground-up remake to the joy of many fans? How Aspyr Media was in charge of this big-name PS5 exclusive?

That was less than three years ago, and since then, there have rumors of development shifting to another developer, cancellation, refuting the cancellation, and so on. We know nothing about the remake – how it plays or its visuals outside the first announcement trailer. Here’s hoping for some good news in the coming months.

Marvel’s Wolverine

Insomniac Games ended 2023 with one of the most devastating leaks in gaming history, but that hasn’t dulled our enthusiasm for Marvel’s Wolverine. Helmed by the team behind Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales fame, it promises a mature tone while respecting the character’s DNA.

As a standalone title, it features some top-of-the-line developers and creative team. Regardless of whenever it releases and how it builds on the anti-hero’s mythos while offering some compelling gameplay, it should be as big of a PS5 exclusive as Insomniac’s Spider-Man titles.

Sword of the Sea

When a game offers a Hoversword – a sword crossed with a hoverboard, skateboard and snowboard – do you need much more? Giant Squid of ABZU and The Pathless fame thought so with its next title, Sword of the Sea. Featuring the Necropolis, a vast world of waves, players must revitalize it with the sea while tackling dangerous leviathans. With the ability to execute sick tricks and effortlessly cut through massive landscapes to composer Austin Wintory’s music, Sword of the Sea looks to be another classic in the making from Giant Squid. It’s coming to PS5 and PC with a release date yet to be announced.

Phantom Blade Zero

If there weren’t enough stylish hack-and-slash titles coming to PS5 (and PC) in the future, add S-Game’s Phantom Blade Zero to the list. It’s inspired by Ninja Gaiden with a steampunk aesthetic and easily executable combos (though there’s still parrying and dodging). But wait, there’s more, as it also offers a 30 to 40 hour story with plenty of side quests, an end-game with a roguelike activity and multiplayer dungeons. While it sounds too good to be true, S-Game will release a 30-minute demo this year, so we’ll probably experience Phantom Blade Zero’s blend of action sooner rather than later.

Helldivers 2

Arrowhead Game Studios’ Helldivers has been long overdue for a sequel, one that allows for traveling the galaxy and waging war against aliens for the sake of Super-Earth. Cue Helldivers 2, not only upping the fidelity but going third-person, increasing the immersion as you call down stratagems like airstrikes and chuck explosives at the hordes of bugs (or sentient robots). All the first game’s mechanics, from friendly fire to four-player co-op, are here. Progression is still a bit mysterious, but it seems mission completion and clearing hostile locations will be part of a grand war effort. We’ll find out when Helldivers 2 launches on February 8th for PS5 and PC.

Lost Soul Aside

Lost Soul Aside began development in 2014 when solo developer Yang Bin sought to create a hack-and-slash action RPG inspired by modern slashers. As the years progressed, the project grew bigger and joined Sony’s China Hero Project, with a development team, UltiZero Games, established. It’s in development for PS5 and PC, and while a release window still isn’t confirmed, the extensive gameplay from last year looks sharp, with promising combat and boss battles.

Fairgame$

The past year hasn’t been great for fans of heist games with underwhelming titles like Crime Boss: Rockay City and Payday 3. Nevertheless, Haven Entertainment Studios’ Fairgame$ could offer a fresh competitive heist experience for PS5 and PC. As a present-day Robin Hood, you’re part of a movement to rob the rich, venturing into locations to steal as much as possible while presumably dealing with rival crews. There’s a focus on emergent sandbox elements, with the CGI trailer showcasing grappling hooks and using environmental objects as shields, but a release window and gameplay have yet to be revealed.

Concord

If one first-party multiplayer with barely any details to go by isn’t enough, how about two? Firewalk Studios’ Concord is a sci-fi first-person shooter focused on PvP, with players venturing to different worlds and interacting with “colorful characters.” It’s part of Sony’s slate of live-service titles, coming to PS5 and PC in 2024, but that’s pretty much all we know. Firewalk and Sony have partnered since 2021, with the publisher acquiring the developer just last year. There’s a very strong chance of Concord arriving this year, but at this point, we need more details (and maybe a public beta or two to try it out).

EXILEDGE

Many titles in PlayStation’s China Hero Project offer stylish aesthetics and visuals. Enigmatrix’s EXILEDGE has a certain grunge to it, though, taking place on a planet of massive sci-fi constructs and oceans. Players control a tower diver who ventures to these constructs with third-person shooting and abilities. While it’s somewhat reminiscent of Outriders in gameplay look and feel, the movement appears much faster-paced with all kinds of fantastical enemies and creatures to battle. EXILEDGE doesn’t have a release window, but it’s exclusive to PS5.

Daba: Land of Water Scar

Exclusive to PS5, Daba: Land of Water Scar looks very stylish, with some Sekiro-esque parry mechanics and imaginative bosses. The story focuses on a clay puppet Daba, who turns human and must collect water fragments to save the world. Boasting interconnected levels, from ruins to snowy landscapes, and a sharp aesthetic, it could be another worthwhile action RPG for Sony’s catalogue.

Convallaria

Yet another title announced years ago, Convallaria is also a part of PlayStation’s China Hero Project. In development for PS4 and PS5, it’s seemingly an extraction shooter as up to 100 players battle PvE threats and engage in PvP. There are missions to complete, resources to gather and mysteries to solve. The art style mixes sci-fi and fantasy with a large map to explore and over-the-top enemies to fight. It looks fun and chaotic, but again, a release window has yet to be announced.

Project: The Perceiver

Papergames’ Project: The Perceiver is touted as a multiplatform title but has thus far only been confirmed for PS4 and PS5. Based on Lao Zhuang canon, it’s an open-world action game with players controlling the Master of Varietas. You meet different characters and “consolidate their distinctive ideals into masks,” as described by the developer, and combat looks fairly punishing. A release window is still unknown, but hopefully, there will be more details this year.

The Winds Rising

Another title in the China Hero Project, The Winds Rising is a PS5 action RPG with a heavy narrative focus. Players control a girl who meets a monster cub and embarks on an adventure which could shape the kingdom. Promising a “refreshing and smooth combat experience” along with an “immersive and captivating story,” The Winds Rising has yet to receive any gameplay or other details, but it comes from TiGames, who released the underrated F.I.S.T.: Forged in Shadow Torch. For that reason alone, it’s worth keeping an eye on.

Towers of Aghasba

A gorgeous-looking open world title with surreal flora and fauna, Dreamlit Inc.’s Towers of Aghasba is about exploration and nurturing settlements. Set on the titular island, you can create massive villages and watch them grow with various inhabitants. As a member of the Shimu tribe, you’re tasked with revitalizing the land, interacting with strange creatures and ultimately restoring the ecosystem. There’s even a bit of Animal Crossing: New Horizons mixed in, as you can visit other players’ islands or invite them to your own and explore together. Towers of Aghasba doesn’t have a release date, but it’s coming to PS5 and PC.

Sword of the Sea takes place in a desolate world with deserts that spread for what seems like an eternity. As the Wraith, you’ve been resurrected to restore life. With a surfboard for navigating the sands, you’ll come across tombs, shipwrecks and petrified battlefields, bringing vibrant oceans, sea creatures and other life back to the foray.

Of course, it won’t be easy, as leviathans, who have claimed the land, will oppose you. How the Wraith will fight them remains to be seen, but if The Pathless was any indication, Giant Squid knows how to handle massive boss battles. Stay tuned for more details and gameplay on Sword of the Sea in the meantime.