Brrrr. It's getting quite cold, isn't it? Summer only seems like it was yesterday, but here we are moving into the middle of November and we've got the heating turned up full blast in the Push Square office. Winter can undoubtedly be a bit of a downer, but there is a bright side to these cold, dark nights: an excess of quality gaming time. As such, we've put together a list of ten highly rated PlayStation 4 releases that all launched this year. We've tried to include a bit of something for everyone, with the core theme being that these titles will give you plenty of content to chomp through as you get cosy on your sofa. Bring on the holidays!
BioShock: The Collection
If you haven't already played the BioShock trilogy on your last-gen console, then we heartily recommend snagging BioShock: The Collection. This remastered package offers twisting storylines, incredibly memorable settings, and some stylish first person action. Taken separately, each game still stands strong, but as one big and beautiful collection, you're getting a lot of value for your money. You can't go wrong if you're looking for a hefty chunk of intelligent adventure.
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Dark Souls III
It may be cold outside, but you'll still work up a sweat while playing Dark Souls III. FromSoftware's third entry in the Souls series is yet another great example of the developer's eye for detail, as the Japanese outfit has once again crafted an utterly engrossing fantasy world filled to the brim with danger. This particularly grim adventure is a long one, and offers plenty of tense action. The depth that Dark Souls III offers, both in its lore and in its gameplay, makes this a perfect winter commitment.
Dragon Quest Builders
Something a little more light-hearted than the first couple of games on this list, Dragon Quest Builders is an immensely charming world builder, complete with plenty of RPG elements. You can spend hours at a time just wandering the map, discovering secrets and slaying monsters, or you can work your socks off to rebuild civilisation, creating your own cosy little towns and defending them from the darkness. As far as spin-offs go, they don't get much better than this.
Odin Sphere: Leifthrasir
As beautiful as it is satisfying, Odin Sphere: Leifthrasir is a kind-of-remake done absolutely right. Enhancing the PlayStation 2 classic's combat system and polishing the already spectacular visuals, Leifthrasir is a must for fans of action RPGs. With the whole game set against an almost theatrical backdrop, we reckon this is a far safer bet than buying tickets for your local winter pantomime.
Overwatch
Of all the quality shooters released this year, Overwatch stands out to us when it comes to longevity. Truly a team-based title to master, Blizzard's latest offers hours upon hours of heroic mayhem thanks to its impressively varied playable character roster. With a super strong community at its back, Overwatch is a rock solid option if you're up for competition of a more colourful nature.
Ratchet & Clank
Another light-hearted current-gen treat, Ratchet & Clank is quite possibly the best platforming adventure on PS4. Stunning to look at, Insomniac's incredibly polished title is a real standout when it comes to console exclusives. If you're pining for a return to the more traditional games of yesteryear, complete with collectables, cheeky humour, and a whole host of crazy weapons, then you can't go wrong.
Rise of the Tomb Raider
Lara's back where she belongs, and stars in one of 2016's best action adventure titles. Rise of the Tomb Raider doesn't quite reach the storytelling highs of Uncharted 4, but this is still a thoroughly engaging quest for treasure. From brutal climbs up mountain crags to bombastic gunfights through ruined temples, Ms. Croft is certainly on the rise with her return to PlayStation.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim - Special Edition
Bethesda crafts some of the very best open worlds in gaming, and the frozen North of Skyrim is arguably one of its greatest creations. A shockingly cohesive fantasy setting gives way to hundreds of hours of questing content - and that's when you're not toddling off doing your own thing for days at a time. Why bother braving the snow in real life when you can do it from the comfort of your gaming room?
Uncharted 4: A Thief's End
You knew this was coming, right? An obvious choice for some serious entertainment as the winter nights close in, Uncharted 4 is one heck of a ride from start to finish. Sublime storytelling, great characters, and pulse-pounding action make for one of the best games on Sony's current-gen console. Who needs a trip to the movies to see the latest winter blockbuster when you've got this? The experience will last you way longer, too, and when you're done, you can hop into the hectic multiplayer offering.
World of Final Fantasy
Without doubt the cutest game on this list, World of Final Fantasy is all about collecting monsters, exploring a lush fantasy world, and taking part in traditional turn based battles. What's more, fans of Square Enix's beloved series will get a real kick out of seeing heroes, villains, and creatures from throughout the franchise's storied history pop up on a regular basis. A nice option if you're on the market for something with a fairy tale edge this winter.
What do you plan on playing over the winter? Do you have a go-to game, or are you going to try something new? Make yourself comfortable in the comments section below.
Comments 27
I really want to get back into Overwatch actually. I loved it at launch, but haven't really touched it beyond that initial week or so. Too many games, too little time!
@get2sammyb Wait to Sombra comes out, that should be a good way to jump back in.
Plenty of Skyrim this winter from me along with lots of MP shooting from BF1, TF2 and both CoD games. Looking forward to it! Tempted to through in a replay of DSIII, The Witcher or Bloodbourne but I doubt I'll have Skyrim finished before the end of the winter
That's some good gaming right there. I intend on hammering Skyrim for the rest of this month then putting it on ice while I deal with FF15. Then it'll be Tomb Raider and The Last Guardian around Christmas.
Living in Texas, I haven't really had a lot of cool days yet. It's like summer just ended.
There are games here I'm definitely interested in. Apart from the obvious, I'd love to give Overwatch and Odin Sphere a swing.
Skyrim and Tomb Raider for me this Christmas especially the former seen as we probably won't get any real snow, I'll just use the mod for some real snow storms 😃
The missus already picked up Tomb Raider for me for Christmas so might pick up either Ratchet and Clank or else Bioshock.
Any chance R&C would be on Plus anytime soon?
@itshoggie Don't wait for that, just buy it already!
I'm asking for Ratchet & Clank, The Last Guardian, Titanfall 2, Steep and Overwatch for Christmas, so hopefully I'll be able to dig into a couple of those.
@kyleforrester87 I probably will, I played through most of it on the Vita during the summer is there much change to the story and levels or is it a complete remaster of the original game?.
@itshoggie can't say for sure buddy as I didn't play the original but as I understand it's pretty different!
Have Uncharted to play and wouldn't mind playing Ratchet and Clank from this list. Also haven't played the new Doom so may pick that up for a bit of Christmas gaming.
@get2sammyb The best times to jump back into Overwatch is when they have events like the Summer games and Halloween one. That's when I play it the most. During non event times is when I tackle other games.
Also you guys are turning up the heat, I am turning up the AC where I am at lol.
@kyleforrester87 no worries man, cheers though!
I've got two hot potatoes ready for mashing, MGS V and DS III
I'll be playing titanfall 2, rise of the tomb raider, world of final fantasy, and I still have odin sphere. Although there's no winter here, only holidays
Aah, the internet. Where the Southern hemisphere does not exist.
XCom 2. Perfect game to play at your own pace, one of the hardest game I have ever played. If you like strategy, check that out. Infinite replayability with its dynamic campaign. One of the best games of 2016
@chiptoon I went there once in Tomb Raider 3
Not the best place to ask but oh well - does Push Square intend to review PlayStation-exclusive Root Letter at some point in the future?
@chiptoon It's landmass only just about exists in real life
Skyrim, Titanfall 2 and Tokyo Mirage. I don't need to buy games for a long, long time.
Once I get through Xenoverse 2 all I'll be playing is FFXV & TLG. I might jump back into UC4 as well if the single player DLC is announced at PSX.
Rise of the Tomb Raider and Skyrim for me, such fun.
@Tasuki I was thinking of that too but then sometimes you'll need the currency accumulated prior to the event(s) just incase you aren't getting what you want from the event loot boxes.
It's great that we can now buy them the event items but on the other hand its disappointing that event duplicates only give you less than 7% currency instead of 20% of its value.
I know this website (like all others) needs to make ends meet, but it's becoming like a dedicated Amazon affiliate site around here
During the Holidays it will probably some kinda mix of DBX2, FF15 & finishing off plast on both PVZGW2 Skylanders Imaginators & Lego Star Wars the Force Awakens.
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