The past decade of PlayStation gaming has seen incredible advancements in technology, storytelling, and gameplay. As the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 pushed the boundaries of what gaming can achieve, a new wave of games emerged that have redefined genres and captivated players worldwide. In this article, we will take a look at some of the best PlayStation games from the last decade, showcasing titles that have left a lasting impact on both the industry and players.
One of the most revolutionary games of the last decade is The Last of Us Part II (2020). This sequel to the beloved 2013 game continues the journey of Ellie, exploring the emotional and psychological toll of living in a post-apocalyptic world. The game’s narrative is both heart-wrenching and thought-provoking, with themes of vengeance, loss, and redemption woven throughout. The gameplay improves on its predecessor with even more fluid combat mechanics and stealth elements. The Last of Us Part II has been praised for its storytelling, graphics, and its willingness to challenge conventional narratives, making it a must-play for any PlayStation fan.
Another standout title is Spider-Man (2018) and its follow-up, Spider-Man: Miles Morales (2020). These games redefined the superhero genre, offering players an open-world New York City to explore, along with fast-paced combat and web-slinging mechanics that made you feel like the wall-crawling hero. Spider-Man was praised for its engaging story, rich character development, and thrilling gameplay. Miles Morales expanded on these elements with a new protagonist and enhanced features, showing just how powerful PlayStation’s hardware could be when paired with a beloved superhero franchise.
Horizon Zero Dawn (2017) also made waves in the past decade, combining a lush, post-apocalyptic open world with a unique combat system that involved battling robotic creatures. Aloy, the game’s protagonist, became an instant fan-favorite due to her resilience, intelligence, and complexity. The game’s stunning visuals, engaging combat, cendanabet and deep lore helped it become one of the most acclaimed PlayStation 4 titles of the decade. With the release of its sequel, Horizon Forbidden West, in 2022, the series continues to be a defining part of PlayStation’s lineup.
Another defining title of the past decade is God of War (2018), which reinvented the franchise by focusing on a more emotional and personal journey for Kratos. The game shifted from the over-the-top, hack-and-slash gameplay of the earlier titles to a more thoughtful and narrative-driven experience. Kratos’ relationship with his son, Atreus, became the heart of the story, and the game’s stunning visuals, deep combat system, and Norse mythology setting made it one of the most critically acclaimed games of the generation. The success of God of War cemented it as one of PlayStation’s flagship franchises.
In the world of action-adventure, Ghost of Tsushima (2020) stands out as a masterpiece. Set in feudal Japan during the Mongol invasion, the game follows samurai Jin Sakai as he battles to protect his home. The game’s breathtaking visuals, innovative combat, and dynamic open world made it a standout title for the PlayStation 4. With a focus on stealth and swordplay, Ghost of Tsushima combined the best elements of samurai films and video games, creating an experience that resonated with players looking for both action and emotional depth.
Lastly, Bloodborne (2015) remains one of the best action RPGs of the decade. Created by FromSoftware, the makers of Dark Souls, Bloodborne offers a gothic horror experience filled with challenging combat, atmospheric storytelling, and a haunting world. Its fast-paced combat system is a departure from Dark Souls, focusing on agility and aggression rather than careful defense. Bloodborne’s ability to evoke dread and excitement, coupled with its intricate world design and deep lore, makes it a game that continues to be a favorite among fans of difficult but rewarding gameplay.
As PlayStation continues to innovate with the release of the PlayStation 5, these titles from the last decade serve as benchmarks for the future of gaming. From narrative-driven experiences like The Last of Us Part II to open-world adventures like Spider-Man and Ghost of Tsushima, PlayStation has shown time and again that it is home to some of the most unforgettable gaming experiences. As the next generation of PlayStation games unfolds, it will be exciting to see what new titles will define the industry in the years to come.