40. Yakuza 6: The Song of Life (PS4)

Yakuza 6: The Song of Life concludes the story of long-standing protagonist Kazuma Kiryu. Now nearing 50, a tired-looking Kiryu is once again forced to take action when his loved ones are placed in danger. When it released in 2016, Yakuza 6 was easily the best looking game in the series, thanks to the all-new Dragon Engine. However, unlike Yakuza 4 and Yakuza 5, Yakuza 6 does not feature multiple protagonists. Instead, it focuses solely on Kiryu, in what is an intensely personal conclusion.

39. Monster Hunter: World (PS4)

The Monster Hunter series has always been popular, but it never properly resonated with a Western audience. That is, until Monster Hunter: World arrived. This action RPG puts the focus on defeating larger-than-life creatures, creating better gear from the loot they drop, and repeating this forever, and it's an incredibly compelling formula. World streamlines the process a little, lowering the barrier to entry just enough that it was an enormous hit worldwide. With a wide selection of weapons to master, a near endless gameplay loop, and super fun co-op excursions, this is an incredibly addictive, consistently satisfying game.

38. Undertale (PS4)

Undertale might not look like much, but it tells one of PS4's most memorable stories. You've fallen into the sealed-off land of monsters, and embark on a quest to get home, but you also hold the key to breaking the barrier between worlds. The story is carried by a brilliant supporting cast of characters that help and hinder you on your journey, and the unique combat turns the RPG formula on its head. Subversive, ingenious, and dripping with personality, Undertale is not to be missed.

37. Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue (PS4)

Before you dive into the big third entry, consider playing this essential game for the Kingdom Hearts plot. The gameplay remains much the same, but Kingdom Hearts III assumes you have knowledge of 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue, so you'll want to soak up everything this shorter title has to offer.

36. Diablo III: Reaper of Souls - Ultimate Evil Edition (PS4)

When it comes to endless character progression and loot, very few games measure up to Diablo III: Reaper of Souls - Ultimate Evil Edition. An action RPG that offers what is in theory an infinite amount of stuff to do, it's a blast whether you're playing with friends or you're grinding through the demon hordes all on your own. Supremely polished and intuitive, it's hands down one of the tightest titles on PS4.

35. Final Fantasy IV Pixel Remaster (PS4)

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.

34. Yakuza: Kiwami 2 (PS4)

Yakuza: Kiwami 2 is one of the strongest instalments in SEGA's series — arguably the strongest, depending on how heavily you value certain elements of this action RPG package. Yakuza 2 on the PS2 was where the franchise truly found its footing, and Kiwami 2 is a straight remake in the stunning Dragon Engine. Crunching combat, expert storytelling, and an absolutely mad range of minigames and side activities make Kiwami 2 a near faultless Yakuza experience.

33. Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch Remastered (PS4)

A remaster of what many consider one of the PS3's finest RPGs, Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch Remastered provides a perfect excuse to experience — or re-experience — this charming adventure. With an eye-catching art direction (and animated cutscenes crafted by renowned Japanese outfit Studio Ghibli), Ni no Kuni is still a delight to behold, and although it can be a bit of a grind, its gameplay also offers a lot of enjoyment through turn based combat and fun characters.

32. Elden Ring (PS4)

Elden Ring may not be at its best on PS4, but that doesn't take away from what is an utterly essential trek through The Lands Between. Far and away FromSoftware's best game to date, the developer has expanded on the Souls formula with an open world setting that almost feels like three of its past titles all jam-packed into one gigantic offering. With hundreds of locations to explore, numerous bosses to beat, and build lists off the charts, Elden Ring is the Dark Souls swansong as FromSoftware raises its game all over again. You absolutely must play this.

31. Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana (PS4)

A real high point in what is a consistently solid action RPG series, Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana is a certified Falcom classic. This time around, series protagonist Adol finds himself shipwrecked on a mysterious island — but it's not long before he's recruiting fellow survivors and exploring every inch of this forgotten kingdom. Fast, fluid, and addictive combat is the crux of the experience, but there's also some engaging two-pronged storytelling to keep you invested. Life on an abandoned island has never been so fun.