The best PS4 games for 2023

Prior to 2014, the Ratchet & Clank series faced oversaturation, with constant entries that fluctuated in quality. None were necessarily bad, but the series needed a break. That’s why it was so exciting to get a reboot in 2016, simply called Ratchet & Clank. This was a loose remake of the first entry but for PS4, meaning it was able to incorporate better visuals and gameplay enhancements. One mechanic that’s better than ever is the gunplay, which feels fluid, heavy, and explosive at the same time. There are so many weapons to choose from, offering plenty of variety and bombastic gameplay to keep things interesting. The story has also been slightly altered from the original, which incentivizes series veterans to give this one a try, along with newcomers. Its sequel, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, is also excellent, but it’s exclusive to PS5. 

Devil May Cry 5 is a sequel to a game released over a decade ago, but you wouldn’t know that from playing it. The flashy combat is brought to life with the power of the impressive RE Engine – also used for Resident Evil 2 – and with three protagonists using very different combat styles, you never do the same thing twice in Devil May Cry 5. Nero and Dante both make their return alongside the mysterious V, who makes use of demons to do his fighting for him. Regardless of who you’re controlling, Devil May Cry 5 is an over-the-top adrenaline rush, with plenty of humor and ridiculous weapons that should please longtime fans.

When it was revealed, Resident Evil 7: Biohazard caused a bit of a stir among the community due to its change to a first-person perspective. After all, the series has always been presented in the third-person, so why fix what isn’t broken? In hindsight, this is one of the best decisions Capcom could have made, as it served as a refresh the series so desperately needed. When you first start playing, this doesn’t exactly feel like a Resident Evil game, but after about an hour or so, it clicks, and in many ways, feels more like a core title than some of the recent entries. This is due to doubling down on the survival horror mechanics — which is lacking in Resident Evil 5 and 6. The constant threat of the Bakers chasing you around the spooky house is akin to Nemesis from Resident Evil 3, while the puzzles are smart and keep you on your toes. The shift in perspective makes the game feel more personal, which adds to the horror. It’s easy to disassociate when you can see your character being stalked, but when it’s in first-person, it feels like it’s you. This idea is even more in PlayStation VR. That’s right, the entire game is playable in virtual reality, though we only recommend doing so if you plan on making your way through one of the most frightening experiences in video game history.