Here is our Top 10 Playstation 4 games that we reviewed in 2020. The games aren’t in any specific order but we save our absolute favorites for the top 3 of the list. We tried to cover as many genres as possible, so there is something for everyone on this list. But of course, there will be some overlap in the genre because some games are just that great. Also, we didn’t include re-releases of games that added DLCs, that originally came out before 2020 to keep it fair. If you want to know more about the games featured in this list, please read our fully fletched review by clicking the title link.
Number 10: NIOH 2
Unlike what the name suggests, Nioh 2 is a prequel of the first game, taking us to 16th century Japan where landlords waged a brutal war. These are events rooted in actual Japanese folklore. It’s said that Yokai (demons) walked amongst the humans to take home victory.
Just like its predecessor, Nioh 2 is extremely difficult and the learning curve is steep. Everything you do in combat demands a resource called Ki, the more you move and attack, the quicker your Ki meter depletes. Once it’s empty, you’re unable to attack or defend against an incoming attack. If you’re not paying attention even the smallest of enemies can easily bring you down in Nioh 2. It’s crucial to learn their pattern and adapt to the way they move and attack. Only by timing your actions correctly, you’ll be able to defeat them. The same goes for the bosses in Nioh 2, they are complicated to defeat. If you’re up for a real challenge Nioh 2 got you covered.
Number 9: Crash Bandicoot 4 It’s About Time
The devious villains Neo Cortex and dr. N. Tropy have finally escaped their interdimensional prison, leaving an evil scientist sized hole in the universe. Now they’ve got their eyes set on not only simply conquering this dimension, but all dimensions, and it’s up to crash and coco to save the day. N. Sanity beach is where crash’s adventure first started, and where it begins in Crash 4. But there have definitely been changes since players first saw Sanity beach all those years ago, and throughout Crash 4 you’ll notice changes to gameplay and even the art style. Crash Bandicoot is a 3D-platformer and is part of the all-time platforming classics and such as Super Mario, Sonic, Kirby and Donkey Kong. Crash Bandicoot is known for its insanely hard difficulty. Endless lives however do make up for this, as well as the abundance in save points. You’ll get frustrated from time to time, but that makes it the more satisfying once you completed the level.
Number 8: Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales
Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales, available on both PS4 as PS5, picks up after the events of 2018 released Marvel’s Spider-Man. As the name suggests in Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales, you play as Miles Morales. Miles Morales also got bitten by a spider and underwent the same trials as Peter Parker once did. Peter, decides to spend his free time mentoring Miles into becoming “the other Spider-Man.
You’ll feel right at home if you are familiar with the previous game. Using combos of webbing, dodges, aerial maneuvers, they are all still here. But Miles Morales has some new tricks up his sleeves too. Miles discovers he can charge his attacks with bio-electricity, called Venom Blast. This is a nice addition to the already great established gameplay. Your abilities can also be upgraded. New York City is filled with collectibles. These earn you points to spend upgrading your suit and gadgets. Stopping ongoing crimes also helps you unlock more options to add to your arsenal of abilities. You are also able to craft different suits and abilities, for instance, the “Into the Spider-verse” suit.
Number 7: Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2 is a direct remake of the original two Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater games. This remake did a fantastic job of rebuilding every famed level meticulously from the ground up. In each level in Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2, you need to complete 10 goals. These goals range from scoring a set amount of points to smashing boxes, performing a certain trick over a gap, and of course collecting the famed secret tape. The original Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater only had 5 goals per level which means, Vicarious Visions added 5 more in this remade. These extra goals fit in seamlessly. Another addition to the original gameplay is the ability to manual in the first game – something only added with the second game originally. Not only the levels look beautiful smooth… The gameplay is extremely smooth. The updated animation for each trick looks so awesome.
Number 6: Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
Our story kicks off in Norway, the mother of Vikings. It’s the land where you, Eivor grew up and became a true leader amongst the Vikings. Your life wasn’t always easy, losing your parents in a brutal raid, only to be attacked by wolves moments later… It’s not the best way to grow up as a young Viking child. Your clan respects you and sees you as one of the most essential Vikings of the Raven Clan, as you fought your way through life, guided by Odin himself. Although Norway taught you everything you know and cherish today, it’s time to leave the safe embrace of your mother and venture to unknown lands. It’s time to set sail for England. England must become your new home. You arrive to build a new settlement for your clan, in the hope it will prosper and will one day be known throughout the entire Kingdom. As you’ll quickly learn, Vikings want to rule the lands of England by overthrowing its leaders and replacing them with leaders they can trust. Just like the more recent Assassin’s Creed games, you’re vulnerable to damage and you won’t be able to take out hordes of enemies on your own. In order to survive, you’ll need to time your attacks and defenses precisely right and you’ll need to count on the skills of your allies on the battlefield.
Number 5: Immortals Fenyx Rising
The story begins with Fenyx, who suddenly awakens on an unknown island. Guided by an old prophecy about an unknown hero of Olympos and the strange mythical presence of Hermes, Fenyx goes on the adventure of a lifetime. It’s up to Fenyx to bring back his friends and get rid of the evil that is Typhon. You’re exploring a vast open-world filled with secrets. From your godly powers and the flying and climbing to traverse the lands are really fun. In order to get better gear, Fenyx has to clear the Vaults of Tartaros. In the Vaults you are challenged with a variety of puzzles. Each puzzle leading to items needed to upgrade your skills etc. The combat is extremely fast-paced and rewarding as it’s a joy to take down small groups of enemies using your divine powers. Combining your mythical wings with legendary weapons to take down even the biggest of enemies really gets your adrenaline rushing. Immortals Fenyx Rising is a great adventure that certainly resembles Breath of the Wild but manages to put its own stamp on the genre.
Number 4: Doom Eternal
Hell’s armies have invaded Earth. Become the Slayer in an epic single-player campaign to conquer demons across dimensions and stop the final destruction of humanity. Experience the ultimate combination of speed and power in DOOM Eternal – the next leap in push-forward, first-person combat. Discover the Slayer’s origins and his enduring mission to RAZE HELL. Obliterate more demons than ever before, each with unique attacks and abilities. Fan-favorite classics such as the Pain Elemental, Archvile and Arachnotron make their return, while a horde of totally-new demons join the roster including the DOOM Hunter, Marauder, and the Gladiator. Rip apart your favorite demons to the core with DOOM Eternal’s “destructible demons” system and take your power fantasy to new levels. There are so many aspects to unlock, from better weapons that can be made even better through the means of upgrades. The suit can be made even better, prioritizing health, ammo, or armor.
Number 3: Ghosts of Tsushima
In Ghost of Tsushima you play as Jin Sakau, a descendent from a well-known samurai clan. Jin Sakau lives on the Japanese island “Tsushima”. The island lays strategically for trade, economics and is the perfect place to start an invasion towards Japan. The Mongols invade the island, Jin Sakua tries his best to withstand the invasion alongside fellow Samurai clans. Jin Sakua has been left on the battlefield to die… Thankfully a faithful resident of Tsushima rescues Jin hoping for some light at the end of this darkening tunnel. In other words, it’s up to you to restore the land to its former glory by eliminating the Mongols’ grasp on Tsushima by attacking camps, taking over sieges, and creating chaos in the midst of the Mongols’ army. The game offers a coherent open world that’s filled with main quests, side quests, and extra techniques quest. Because it’s an open-world it lets you discover the game at your own pace. Couple this with addicting gameplay, great graphics, and a compelling story, Ghost of Tsushima will keep you wanting more.
Number 2: Final Fantasy VII Remake
In the city of Midgar, an anti-Shinra organization, Avalanche have stepped up their resistance. Cloud Strife, a former member of Shinra’s elite SOLDIER, lends his aid to the group, unaware of the epic consequences that await him. A spectacular reimagining of the first part of the original back from 1997. Final Fantasy VII remake is the first game in the project and does not feature the entirety of the original but is instead will be cut up into multiple games. This was done because otherwise, they would have needed to cut a lot of content out of the game. A good example of this is Midgar which is now completely accessible.
Unlike the original, Final Fantasy VII Remake changed from being an old school turn-based strategy game into a modern real-time action strategy. Exploration and battle mechanics both take place in real-time. Elements like the ATB system and the strategic elements still remain. You can switch between party members at any time during battle. Each has their own individual skills, such as Cloud’s close-quarters melee attacks and Barret’s long-range distance attacks. This together with the story will have you hooked.
Number 1: The Last of Us Part II
For those unfamiliar with The Last of Us games, you might think, this is just another third-person shooter with some environmental puzzles, but it’s so much more. If you play on the normal difficulty setting, you’ll have a hard time to survive all your encounters. Ammo and supplies are scarce and if you don’t go looking for extra supplies in abandoned buildings, you’re dead in minutes. Exploration is a huge part of the game, there’s no clear path and no best way to survive, you’ll just need to explore, adapt, and overcome. Just like everything else, this exploration feels extremely realistic and natural. There aren’t a lot of visual indicators to show you where you need to go (unless you switch those on), it’s entirely up to you. You can for example ignore the abandoned buildings and go straight for your target which would lead to a much harder confrontation and even some missed story moments. The story and gameplay progress with you and adapts to your choices.
Nothing is black or white in the harsh world of The Last of Us. The big theme of this sequel is personal revenge but it goes far further than just that. It’s amazing to see how beautiful the destructed Seattle can be while wandering around in it. The amount of grass, the way the light breaks through the trees, the random animals jumping around, scared of the sounds you’re making. It’s all just so realistic and believable. If people told me I was playing one of the first PlayStation 5 games, I would have believed them instantly.
