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PS4 HALL OF FAME

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UNCHARTED 4: A THIEF’S END

Nathan Drake’s swan song is a daring evolution. It combines seriesdefi­ning set-pieces, quietly devastatin­g storytelli­ng beats, and sprawling levels that make you feel like a real-life explorer. This franchise finale retains its signature charm, with the wisecracks flowing as fast as the bullets, while the new characters each justify their inclusion. With an astonishin­g attention to detail, it’s Naughty Dog’s best yet.

GOD OF WAR

A departure in some ways but a resounding return in others, Kratos is back with a son and a ruddy big axe. Taking the legend from Greek to Norse mythology, this entry brings a lot to the table while improving on what was core to the earlier series’ identity.

THE WITCHER 3: WILD HUNT GAME OF THE YEAR EDITION

The White Wolf’s epic journey is an RPG experience like no other on PS4. It’s been made even more spectacula­r with this gigantic pack stuffed with DLC, making this a must-have part of any gaming library.

ASSASSIN’S CREED ODYSSEY

A beautiful open world where every Greek island tells a unique story. AC Odyssey is a epic in the truest sense, with lively writing, mythical beasts to battle, and a poignant Assassin’s Creed story that lays the bed for all the lore to come. A brilliant spectacle.

HORIZON ZERO DAWN

A staggering­ly large world that condenses cracking combat, accessible systems, and uncut eye-candy into an action RPG that will please anyone. In Aloy, PlayStatio­n might just have a new icon. Come for the robo-fights, stay for the exquisitel­y dense mythology.

MARVEL’S SPIDER-MAN

Borrowing heavily from Rocksteady’s Batman series, this delivers the heart and soul of Marvel’s famous superhero. This outing ticks every box you could ask for: perfect web-swinging, a powerful story, a roster of classic villains, and all of New York to defend.

GRAND THEFT AUTO V

Laughing in the face of other cross-gen ports, GTA V on PS4 is more than just a mere HD remaster. Upped to a glorious 1080p, it weaves everything that made the PS3 original great, with new music, more dynamic weather, and a game-changing FPS mode.

BLOODBORNE

With the finest third-person melee combat in gaming, drool-worthy art design and the most twisted monsters imaginable, this is a gorgeously gothic must-have. The Old Hunters expansion adds enough nightmare fuel to make a return to Yharnam essential.

METAL GEAR SOLID V: THE PHANTOM PAIN

While retaining that distinct storytelli­ng and sense of wonder that defines an MGS title, MGS V offers a level of freedom and creativity unheard of in any sandbox. Grand, majestic, and bitterswee­t, it’s an instant classic.

OVERWATCH

PS4’s best multiplaye­r shooter bursts with colour, character, and charm. At its core, Overwatch is a pleasing mix of empowermen­t and teamwork, enhanced by a raucous roster. Expect to become obsessed with landing Play Of The Game. Boop.

RESIDENT EVIL VII: BIOHAZARD

Capcom’s greatest series returns to terrifying form thanks to a trip to Louisiana to meet the Baker family, who stalk you around their mansion. While the second half of the game doesn’t match the intensity of the first, this is a must for any horror fan.

MONSTER HUNTER: WORLD

Presenting a vibrant open world, light on story but heavy on action, this is the most accessible entry in the series yet. Perfecting the feel-good grind through its complex systems and pitch-perfect multiplaye­r, it’s a PS4 must-play.

TOWERFALL ASCENSION

You haven’t lived until you’ve enjoyed a four-player free-for-all in this instant couchplay classic. The solo campaign is fine by itself, but almost nothing beats the arrow-grabbing, death-defying last-second kills of local multiplaye­r’s mayhem.

DISHONORED 2

This strong follow-up to one of PS3’s greatest mixes a creative skillset with impressive level design to create a Kaldwin-ning immersive sim. From the shifting rooms of The Clockwork Mansion to discoverin­g how to link your powers, there’s near-endless scope for experiment­ing.

THE LAST OF US REMASTERED

This modern masterpiec­e just gets stronger with age, like a full-bodied stilton. A starkly brutal, emotionall­y honest take on the end of the world, Naughty Dog’s stealth shooter is quite simply one of the best games ever, even if this PS4 port doesn’t add much to it.

PERSONA 5

Atlus’ anime wonder dazzles thanks to its mix of friendship building, stylish dungeons, and speedy turn-based combat. Add a story oozing with darkness and taboo-busting confidence and you have the gold standard for JRPGs on PS4.

LIFE IS STRANGE

The sublime writing and pacing of this episodic narrative will have you agonising over choices, and then marvelling at their flawless integratio­n. To quote heroine Max’s BFF Chloe, it’s “hella” good. You’ll wish you could play it all over again for the first time.

ALIEN ISOLATION

Explore Ridley Scott’s original vision of a horror-tinged future in startling fidelity with an attention to detail that borders on the obsessive. It’s time to remember what made the xenomorph so scary in the first place… and then get killed by it.

SHADOW OF THE COLOSSUS

Bluepoint completely overhauls the visuals of Team Ico’s masterpiec­e but still manages to match the original step-for-step in its remake. New controls and a beautiful photo mode add to the package. Wander’s tragic quest has never looked or played better.

DRAGON BALL FIGHTERZ

The most beautiful game on PS4? Possibly. This fighter from genre masters Arc System Works is a polished gem packed with content. Whether you’re a hardcore fight fan or solo arcade basher, or just love the anime, Dragon Ball FighterZ sets a new standard.

BATMAN: ARKHAM KNIGHT

Rocksteady sends the Bat out with a bang. A compelling, cathartic story adds new layers to the Dark Knight, while PS4 allows Gotham to blossom with a truly amazing engine. The stealth still sings, the fisticuffs are fab, and the Batmobile is brilliant.

STREET FIGHTER V: ARCADE ED.

This fighter has finally come into its own. Arcade combines all previously released DLC, a slicker UI, and new modes, including fine-tuned online play. The titular mode, which explores over 30 years of series history, makes a welcome return to the ring too.

DIVINITY 2: ORIGINAL SIN – DE

The Definitive Edition of this PC classic takes every preconcept­ion you have about Western RPGs and jettisons them. Beautiful writing, complex tactical combat, and months of deep adventurin­g: it’s the purest high-fantasy RPG on PlayStatio­n 4.

FIFA 19

Another year, another FIFA, but what an edition. Subtle changes on the pitch make tackles more physical and see shots finessed into the net, while Ultimate Team gets a makeover, and the Champions League arrives. The best FIFA yet? Absolutely.

DRIVECLUB

This phenomenal racer leaves its rivals for dust due to gorgeous graphics, strong social features and great handling. Major add-on Driveclub Bikes is also the greatest bike racing game on PS4, thanks to making driving on two wheels fun again.

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