20. Final Fantasy X HD Remaster (PS4)

Final Fantasy X HD Remaster (PS4)
Final Fantasy X HD Remaster (PS4)
Publisher: Square Enix / Developer: Square Enix
Release Date: 12th May 2015 (USA) / 15th May 2015 (UK/EU)

Final Fantasy has always had love stories, but few of them have resonated stronger than the one featured in Final Fantasy X. While the writing hasn't aged especially well — along with some of the voice acting — Final Fantasy X helped define the PS2 generation for a lot of people. It was something of a revolution for Square's series — a new combat system! Voice acting! Realistic looking characters! — and it remains a highly regarded fan favourite. Just don't get bogged down in trying to dodge 200 lightning bolts on your first try, okay?

19. Trails from Zero (PS4)

Trails from Zero (PS4)
Trails from Zero (PS4)
Publisher: NIS America / Developer: Nihon Falcom
Release Date: 27th Sep 2022 (USA) / 30th Sep 2022 (UK/EU)

Trails from Zero on PS4 is a remaster of the original PSP release from 2010. As such, it can certainly look a bit dated at times, but don't let the visuals put you off what is a fantastic JRPG. The first game in a two-part saga, Zero takes place in and around the city of Crossbell, as crime and corruption threaten to uproot the lives of its citizens. You play as rookie detective Lloyd Bannings, who, together with a ragtag investigation squad, is tasked with uncovering Crossbell's darkest truths. Excellent characters and a superb setting make for a Falcom classic.

18. Persona 4 Golden (PS4)

Persona 4 Golden (PS4)
Persona 4 Golden (PS4)
Publisher: Atlus / Developer: Atlus
Release Date: 19th Jan 2023 (USA) / 19th Jan 2023 (UK/EU)

Considered to be one of the most memorable Japanese RPGs of all time, Persona 4 Golden is an excellent video game. Set in the sleepy town of Inaba, you strive to solve a series of strange murders, all while exploring an abstract world that exists inside of TVs. Initially released on PS Vita, the excellent turn-based combat and a brilliant cast of characters will engross you just as much on PS4. The sheer style of Persona 4, along with its outstanding soundtrack, are just the icing on this deliciously golden cake.

17. Horizon Zero Dawn (PS4)

Horizon Zero Dawn (PS4)
Horizon Zero Dawn (PS4)
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment / Developer: Guerrilla Games
Release Date: 28th Feb 2017 (USA) / 1st Mar 2017 (UK/EU)
Available On: PS+ Extra

A role-playing game with action more fulfilling than most corridor shooters, Guerrilla Games’ heritage with first-person shooters means that Horizon Zero Dawn’s sizeable quest list is one you’ll actually enjoy clearing. The real surprise here, though, is the richness of the post-apocalyptic world that protagonist Aloy inhabits; this is a science-fiction story set against a tribal backdrop, and it marries these incongruent themes masterfully. An incredible effort from the Dutch developer.

16. Final Fantasy IV Pixel Remaster (PS4)

Final Fantasy IV Pixel Remaster (PS4)
Final Fantasy IV Pixel Remaster (PS4)
Publisher: Square Enix / Developer: Square Enix
Release Date: 19th Apr 2023 (USA) / 19th Apr 2023 (UK/EU)

Before Final Fantasy VI came along and made a whole generation realise that Japanese RPGs could tell mature stories with great characters, Final Fantasy IV basically set the standard. The plot focuses on Cecil, a warrior at odds with himself after his kingdom sparks the flames of war. Cecil's own character development is at the heart of events, but he's joined by a varied and delightful cast of characters as he seeks the truth of the world and its inhabitants. Still an expertly paced game with loads of memorable moments.

15. Horizon Forbidden West (PS4)

Horizon Forbidden West (PS4)
Horizon Forbidden West (PS4)
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment / Developer: Guerrilla Games
Release Date: 18th Feb 2022 (USA) / 18th Feb 2022 (UK/EU)
Available On: PS+ Extra

With Horizon Forbidden West, Guerrilla Games had to deliver something pretty special to top the beloved first game. Fortunately, by improving on its weakest areas and tightening the design, the sequel more than lives up to Aloy's debut adventure. A huge, varied open world is home to not only brilliant new machines to fight, but also some of the series' most interesting and fleshed out human tribes. Between beautiful settlements, old world ruins, and natural environments, the world is a pleasure to explore with Aloy's new traversal methods. The main story manages to pack in some big surprises while the supporting characters and missions are vastly improved, and there's more than ever to do outside of some of the best combat in any open world title. It's, somehow, a better game than Zero Dawn in almost every way.

14. The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel III (PS4)

The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel III (PS4)
The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel III (PS4)
Publisher: NIS America / Developer: Nihon Falcom
Release Date: 22nd Oct 2019 (USA) / 22nd Oct 2019 (UK/EU)

A leap forward from the first two Cold Steel titles thanks to a new engine, Trails of Cold Steel III sees a slightly older Rean Schwarzer return to his beloved Thors Military Academy as an instructor. Guiding an all-new Class VII in their special ops missions, it isn't long until old friends (and old enemies) start popping up in what is often an engrossing character-driven story. What's more, Cold Steel III makes some fantastic additions to the series' already great turn-based combat system, while larger environments offer so many opportunities for exploration. One of Falcom's finest.

13. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice (PS4)

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice (PS4)
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice (PS4)
Publisher: Activision / Developer: FromSoftware
Release Date: 22nd Mar 2019 (USA) / 22nd Mar 2019 (UK/EU)

Sekiro is a slight departure from the rest of FromSoftware's output this generation, but it's no less impressive. Dropping some RPG elements from the Souls series and focusing on intense swordfights, the game has a much more action oriented flow, and it's excellent. Every fight is a knife-edge battle of wits as you aim to parry every strike, and it makes for an adventure that's thrilling from start to finish. With some insanely good boss encounters, a beautiful world to explore, and a uniquely challenging combat system, Sekiro is among the best action games on PS4.

12. Persona 5 (PS4)

Persona 5 (PS4)
Persona 5 (PS4)
Publisher: Atlus / Developer: Atlus Persona Team
Release Date: 4th Apr 2017 (USA) / 4th Apr 2017 (UK/EU)
Available On:

Persona 5 is the game responsible for catapulting Atlus' role-playing series into mainstream success. Unparalleled in terms of style, it's a landmark RPG that perfectly fuses its various gameplay elements together. It's worth noting, however, that the original Persona 5 has been made pretty much redundant by Persona 5 Royal — a greatly enhanced re-release that turns an already superb title into a true masterpiece.

11. Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age (PS4)

Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age (PS4)
Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age (PS4)
Publisher: Square Enix / Developer: Square Enix
Release Date: 4th Sep 2018 (USA) / 4th Sep 2018 (UK/EU)

If you're into Japanese RPGs, they don't come much better than Dragon Quest XI. This modernised take on Square Enix's stone cold classic formula doesn't ditch the old school gameplay that the series is built upon. Instead, it expands on almost everything, resulting in the most ambitious Dragon Quest yet in terms of character depth, storytelling chops, and turn based combat design. An immensely charming adventure that'll keep you playing for 100 hours or more. Its enhanced re-release, Dragon Quest XI S, has even more story, if that's your thing.