20. Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 (PS5)

Capturing the heart and soul of Warhammer 40k isn't easy, but Space Marine 2 is just about as good as it gets. This gory third-person action-shooter is a brilliantly robust adaptation, boasting a well-paced campaign (that can be played in co-op), a full set of online co-op missions, and even competitive multiplayer. In many ways it's a throwback to simpler times, when such shooters were so common, but it brings the brutality forward with some stunning visuals and a deeply satisfying, visceral combat system. A damn good time for everyone involved (except the Tyranids, obviously).

19. Cyberpunk 2077 (PS5)

Following a disastrous PS4 launch, Cyberpunk 2077 might as well have been a brand new game on PS5 over a year later. CD Projekt Red stuck to its guns, delivering a much improved version of the open world RPG on Sony's current-gen console, free of the game-breaking bugs and crashing issues that plagued the initial release. The result is memorable and often engrossing dark future title, peppered with great characters, punchy combat, and some excellent freeform mission design. Better late than never!

18. Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order (PS5)

One of the best Star Wars games in recent memory is Jedi: Fallen Order, and it's even better with its PS5 iteration. The action title charts the adventures of Cal Kestis, a character who undergoes secret Jedi training amid the Empire's crackdown. With a motley crew, you journey to various known and new worlds, engaging in simple environmental puzzles and intense melee combat. On PS5, the game benefits from improved framerate and higher resolution, giving you the best picture possible while cutting through Stormtroopers with your customised lightsaber.

17. Star Wars Jedi: Survivor (PS5)

Star Wars Jedi: Survivor is the direct sequel to Fallen Order, and it's a bigger and better game in every way. It builds upon the previous title's successes — engaging lightsaber combat, semi-linear environment design — while improving on areas that needed attention. The story takes some major steps forward, protagonist Cal's character is developed meaningfully, and his supporting cast is far more interesting overall. Throw on top a hub area that gradually changes over time, oodles of optional content, and one or two awesome set pieces, and you have a truly great game, whether you're into Star Wars or not.

16. DOOM Eternal (PS5)

If you like your first-person shooters fast, demanding, and bloody, DOOM Eternal is the peak. A fantastic gameplay loop means you're constantly on the move and playing aggressively, earning more ammo and health by getting right up in those demonic faces and literally ripping them a new one. On PS5, it's somehow even better, with three visual modes — including one with ray tracing — and DualSense support. A brilliant FPS that really sings on Sony's current hardware.

15. Control: Ultimate Edition (PS5)

Control pushed the limits of the PS4, delivering an intense third-person romp — but a technically flawed one. This return trip to the unorthodox Old House feels much more at home on the PS5, however, and while there are some strange difficulty spikes, Remedy’s unique brand of shooting shines throughout much of this engrossing outing. The oppressive setting, unnerving enemies, and wonderfully eerie atmosphere really come to life on Sony's current-gen machine, offering much improved visuals and performance.

14. Horizon Call of the Mountain (PS5)

The headline PSVR2 launch title, Horizon Call of the Mountain is a completely new entry in Guerrilla’s imaginative post-apocalyptic universe. While the story can be difficult to follow, the gameplay – which revolves around high-rise platforming – is expertly executed, making you feel like an elite climber in an often hostile world. Beautiful, sprawling vistas and a genuinely jaw-dropping sense of scale combine for an action packed thrill ride that explores the rich potential of Sony’s new headset.

13. Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy (PS5)

A superhero game from Square Enix is enough for hardcore PlayStation players to proceed with caution after Marvel's Avengers, but developer Eidos Montreal has done Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy proud with a faithful, funny, and thoroughly enjoyable campaign based on original storytelling. It's a meaty one too, lasting north of 20 hours. The characters of Drax, Groot, Rocket, and Gamora are just as you remember them from the Marvel movies, and even Star-Lord performs valiantly despite the lack of a Chris Pratt face scan. Combat is deep and engaging, exploration is limited but fun, and dialogue is top-notch.

12. Stellar Blade (PS5)

Console debuts simply don’t get much stronger than Stellar Blade, a throwback combat-centric adventure that channels retro PS2 energy in all the best ways. This sturdy single player campaign has a strong visual identity, a stunning soundtrack, and some outstanding art direction. It’s also bursting with unlockable, off-the-beaten-path content, like a bunch of outfits and accessories you can unlock.

11. Helldivers 2 (PS5)

Live service executed effortlessly, Helldivers 2’s success can be attributed to Arrowhead putting gameplay ahead of business models. The game’s systemic approach means cinematic moments unfold emergently, as part of the co-operative action and physics at play. Doing your part has never felt quite so good.