Feature: Push Square Readers' Top 10 PS4 First-Party Exclusives of the Generation

Astro bot deserves more! Although I did vote Bloodborne, what can I say? It was a tough call.

These are all great games, but sadly this list is somewhat lacking with the omission of Horizon Zero Dawn, a game that helped define the PS4 and deserved a seat at the table alongside Sony’s other first-party titles.

Horizon Zero Dawn is, for me, the most important game of this generation. This was a brand-new IP that found success on PS4 and will now move to future generations. It had a great story and atmospheric setting, introduced new combat mechanics and, importantly, gave the world Aloy, a new female lead who has won the hearts of millions. Unlike many popular female characters, she isn’t some “busty babe”, but instead a woman displaying strength of character, intelligence and compassion. A beautiful role model in the gaming world.

The technicality given by PushSquare for not including HZD was that it was not exclusive to PS4 because it is on PC. However, they allowed games that were from PS2, PS3 and PS Vita. Remasters that defined those generations were allowed but not a new first part IP from Sony that helped define the PS4. I personally think this did a disservice to the memory of the PS4 that this list could have been (yep, I’m really trying to make PS feel guilty on this one).

Yes, this isn’t the biggest deal in the world. Heck, I probably shouldn’t even care. But I do. Sorry.

Anyways, we can’t change it now, but I just wish that PushSquare made an exception to the rule to honour this game and give it a place alongside Sony’s exclusives as it is one of PS4’s most defining games. You could have simply made the list being Sony’s first party titles or something. I would understand if it were a third-party game, but it is one of Sony’s own games whose sequel is being used to advertise the PS5 as such.

PushSquare, if you guys ever want to redo this poll, or make one similar, which includes Horizon Zero Dawn, then I and many others would appreciate it. I also think it would help anyone new to PlayStation who stumble across the article to see it as an honourable mention. Thanks.

#FreeHorizonZeroDawn
#JusticeForAloy

Isn't TLOU2 the third mention of Naughty Dog in the list?

Don't care if it went to PC, mine was Horizon Zero Dawn.

@Kienda It's not even on Sony's official list of PS4 exclusives, as I've said multiple times before. Raise your issue with Sony.

Do you think maybe it's time we revise the term 'exclusive' to primarily mean 'Console exclusive', and specify when we mean otherwise?

The meaning used here would imply that XBOX doesn't have any new exclusives, which seems like a disingenuous claim to make as I think the reason we review exclusive game libraries is to examine how games console libraries are poised in comparison to their competitors, which are other game consoles.

PC is an open source platform and as sure as the sun will set everything will make it's way to there, either by official release or emulation, so I don't think excluding those games that came to PC either at the time of release or simultaneously at launch accomplishes much at all.

TLDR; I would have liked to see Horizon and Death Stranding on the ballot.

I figured God of War would take the cake. It was between this and Bloodborne for me, with Bloodborne having the edge. I do wish Days Gone would have gotten some more love though, it’s a really great game.

I am playing number 2 (Last of us 2) on my PS5 now and still have God of War, Uncharted 4 (played the collection already), Ghost of Tsushima, and also Horizon Zero Dawn left.
I already own them so based on this list can look forward to some great games.

For what's its worth I'd have gone horizon zd also if the option was there. Along with nex machina 2 of my most enjoyed games this generation

@LiamCroft my feelings don’t care about your facts, Liam. I thought we established that already.

Also, your link was to PlayStation exclusives that included non PS4 exclusives. So my argument still stands. Your list broke the “PS4 exclusive” rule you set one way, so why not have re-titled it “Sony’s First Party PS4 games” to highlight both this generation and the fact they are Sony made/published games? It would have better represented the generation and kept all sides happy.

Anyways, keep this up and there will be reports of a mad man running around and screaming about “Pushing Square” in the Swindon area in tomorrow’s newspaper. Mark my words!

Glad to see God of War take the honor of 1st place, it's an amazing game and an incredible experience.

I agree, Horizon Zero Dawn should have been on this list, especially since the list includes a remastered PS2 game.

HZD still wouldn't beat out GoW for me, but it'd definitely be in spot #2. I'd probably give spot #3 to TLoU. I do feel it's sequel is far to high on this list though. 🤷‍♂️

I like god of war but the last of us remaster is my fav game this gen I think. After that god of war, uncharted 4 and ghost.

@AK4tywill No. "Exclusive" has been stretched and played with fast and loose for years now, diluting more and more every time. On more than 1? Multiplatform. Exactly why there is the saying "Xbox has no games" because there is nothing you NEED to buy an Xbox for when you can get it elsewhere. "Console exclusive" "console launch exclusive" "timed exclusive", it's all a joke.

Edit: As illustrated by this thread and the original thread, now you see why people meme on the whole "GOTY 10/10 BECAUSE PLAYSTATION EXCLUSIVE!11!ELEVENTYONE!!1"

A worthy winner. GoW and bloodborne were my favourite of the generation...

I approve.the g.o.a.t kratos god of war is number 1.word up son

RIP horizon. Pray for Aloy.

Damn. Ghost really that high? Surprised even with an 83 metacritic, manages to be above u4 and spidey. To me is a better assassin creed with bad ai and a good but not specacular story, open world repetitive checklist but damn.

Nice to see The Laat Guardian sneak in there. Not perfect by any means, but definitely memorable

@Kienda He hates Horizon. That thunderjaw beat his ass many times.

I mean technically they can all be played on PC via PS Now (Can’t they?).

@fR_eeBritney some but not all can, yes.

@Kang81 Of course you do.

🤦

For me The Last of Us Part II should be No.1, God of War is great but dare I say a tad overrated by many on here. If Horizon Zero Dawn counts (which it should) then this too would place ahead of God of War in my humble opinion.

But it doesn't and God of War wins out, at least on this site, and fair play. It is definitely a great game but I've played better.

😝

@playstation1995 There he is!

😁

Hopefully you're not feeling too down today mate, always next year. Word up son.

👍

@fR_eeBritney If DS and HZD count, bye bye astrobot and the last guardian.

Hell of a list! I voted bloodborne but really enjoyed God of war and TLOU2. I liked HZD, I platinumed it but it wouldn't change the top 3 for me if it was there. The human enemy ai just stops it from being top tier

@LiamCroft Honestly, tlou remastered is the best game in there. All of those games learn from that particular game, but I didn't pick it because for me it's a ps3 exclusive.

I would put nioh 1 and 2 and persona 5 too.

@Col_McCafferty oh please. gow goty goty babyyyy. rdr 2 in the trash bin!!! woooooooooooooooooooooooo

My favourite exclusive is Bloodborne, but God of War is a deserving winner.

@Logonogo I think it's a great game. I think Nioh 2 is a better samurai like game.

I am surprised it even got nominated.

God of War was the best of the generation for me. Horizon was a very close second. Astro Bot Rescue Mission in third.

@Col_McCafferty

I get what Naughty Dog was trying to do with the story and all, I just didn't enjoy the story once the big event early in the game happened. It killed it for me and after that, I just no longer cared about the game.

Then add in the character swap, and that just cemented it. I prefer the original anyway.

@Col_McCafferty. Yeah it was crazy from the beginning.i never seen them play as bad as that.its crazy.but they deserve it.thats my team.but we had to many injuries and mistakes.i believe packers or chief will win it all.word up son

Glad to see the voters have sense. #2 shouldn’t have even cracked the top 10.

Some people are confused, this poll solely related to PS exclusives and didn't include third party titles.

Some people also need to let go of their hate for a certain title released in June last year.

@playstation1995 Injuries? To be fair the Browns head coach didn't even attend and they won!

😝

Boo, it's going to be the Saints. Or the Chiefs. Or Bills. Or Packers or any of the teams left in it. Wide open imo.

@Menchi
So how about that timed exclusive joke on PlayStation. Like Final Fantasy 7 Remake, Deathloop and a few others or is it only a "joke" when Xbox does it.

@playstation1995 here hold my L better luck next year dude

@Col_McCafferty
Lol dont say it. let the 250 awards speak for themselves including the 65 players choice awards

@playstation1995 Better luck next year mate, you have to admit the Browns played well!

Bloodborne shouldn't be on this list if you are being pedantic - after all, the title is 'First Party' Exclusive so Death Stranding wouldn't count regardless either!!

We all know the Best First Party game of the Generation (or at least should of been considered) was Horizon: Zero Dawn...

@BAMozzy Bloodborne had help from Japan Studio, so I'm not sure to what extent, but it did have in put from a first party studio.

@Col_McCafferty You can go pretty much anywhere and people will say God of War was the best PS4 exclusive this Gen. It's far more than just the people on Push Square. It's the highest rated PS4 exclusive of the generation too.

The right game won. It's close between TLOU2 and God of War but God of War gets it for really having no flaws to speak of. TLOU2's pacing could be seen as a little off by some people.

@BAMozzy First party generally means everything published by said company. So Bloodborne would count in this case. Yes, it predominantly made by From Software (with help from Japan Studio iirc). You can say that doesn't count, but Sony paid for the game, and owns the franchise. Likewise, many games are often partially outsourced to third party companies. I doubt Santa Monica Studio made God of War on their own; third party companies also helped them out at various stages during development. And that counts as well (obviously).

Still, I agree that it's weird not having Horizon on the list. Sure, it's available on PC. But nearly every game is through PS Now. And it's definitely a first party Sony title, and that's what should count IMO.

@playstation1995 I'm a Steelers fan too! that was brutal

@PSfan4Life22 You be a sheep mate, I'll form my own opinion and in my opinion both The Last of Us Part II and Horizon Zero Dawn were even better than God of War.

Edit - also God of War won with 'only' 28% of the vote so 72% of the people that voted didn't think it was the undisputed No.1.

@Kang81 I agree. Cliffhangers are bad and that was a 9 hours one. It worked because I understood Abby and felt empathy, but it came at a cost

@Logonogo yes it was.i never seen them play like that.hopefuy we will it next year.word up son

@Gaming365247. They aint going anywhere.the chiefs is going to stump them.steelers still the better team.word up son

@Col_McCafferty .steelers still the better team.from the get go they was making mistakes.chiefs is going to blow them out.yes packers and chiefs will win it all.word up son

God of War? Really? Hmm. 🤔

@nessisonett. Hopefully they sign bud dupree back.and others.its crazy.but they should be back.word up son

@Gaming365247 It's a joke when Sony do it, a joke when Microsoft do it and a joke when Nintendo do it.

Horizon Zero Dawn would have been my top choice as well.

I‘m playing God of War now and while it‘s good fun, I don’t feel like it should top this list (or any for that matter)
Might be because I‘m coming from FF7R which is probably one of my favorite games ever so GoW feels like a let-down

Considering I only played 4 games on that list, I don't think I have any right to complain, especially since the game I voted for cracked the top 5.

Not very high, but it's nice that The Last Guardian is at least on this list. Uncharted 4, Bloodborne and GoT were all my picks. And I don't seem to like it quite as much as everyone else, but GoW was an excellent game. I just disliked the unnecessarily close camera and removal of regular jumping to make it more cinematic,

Horizon Zero Dawn is easily my number one. Uncharted 4 and Shadow of the Colossus are also at the top of the list for me.

Just started Horizon Zero Dawn this morning

My top 3 would be God of War, Ghost of Tsushima and Spider-Man but I also love games like Gravity Rush 2, Concrete Genie and The Last Guardian

indeed, list doesn't make any sense, first party console exclusive would make more sense but never mind, Kratos probably still wins for most

@Col_McCafferty Im sorry but how is he being a sheep? You just sound butthurt that TLOU2 didn't get chosen as #1.

Hi there fellow gamers.
So the God of Dads won. A very good choice indeed.
Shame Horizon: Zero Dawn couldn´t be on the list.
Not only it is a fantastic open world game, it is also one of the new IPs that came to life on PS4.
And even though I´m super excited for the HZD sequel, it would be nice if Guerrilla Games made another attempt on the Killzone franchise. Or something brand new for that matter.
So many awesome gaming experiences the PS4 was able to provide to all kinds of gamers and I was, and still am, a very satisfied customer.
May PS5 bring us even more and new amazing videogames for us to play and enjoy.
Cheers, stay safe and happy gaming to us all

So funny to see people getting so riled up about a casual poll that means very little. Chill out.

So you put in remasters which are ps3 titles when it's about PS4 exclusives but dont put in HZD? What strange logic from Liam.

You seriously think Leviathan Axe is better than Blades of Chaos?

@Col_McCafferty looks like you don’t understand how percentages in a poll work

@Kienda You are right, it was silly not to include it.

@Arnna The please explain, break down what I have missed. I'm only going by the actual posted results.

Bottom line is that poster above claimed one can go pretty much everywhere and the consensus will be that God of War is the best exclusive, like it's some indisputable fact but going by the number of votes other titles received it doesn't look as clear cut as that.

Anyway, it won. It's not my favourite but I'm definitely a fan and enjoyed it immensely. I'm entitled to my opinion without being constantly attacked. I'm not riled up at all, rather it seems that I'm not allowed to post without receiving some snarky comments in return. Not cool, man.

As we’ve been crying out in the United States voter fraud!!!😂. Last of us part two #one!

@everynowandben I hope you enjoy it.

@zeppray yeah, who’d have thought this would be the real rigged vote? Hehe

PushSquare I think it'd be great if you guys sometimes admit some polls like this one are flawed and must be redone. No matter it went to PC or whatnot - HORIZON ZERO DAWN should've been in, end of story!

@Tasuki because I wanted it on the main site for all of us to vote on and I feel it was the right thing to do.

What’s wrong with voicing an opinion? They won’t change their mind, but I’m free to express myself and clearly others agree.

@Kienda oh no, voicing your opinion? How dare you!

😉

@Col_McCafferty I'm not a sheep. It's just my personal #1 as well because out of any of Sony's games this gen it has the least flaws. The highest highs with none of the lowest lows. Sorry you're so butthurt that people don't think that TLOU2 and Horizon are the best of the best.

God of war was also my first choice. Besides great gameplay grapics, awesome story, voicecasting and pacing it was also a small technical wonder with the 1 shot camera. I truly admired that on my second playtrough. I also recommend watching 'raising kratos' on YouTube.

@LiamCroft curious: will this vote be re-held every time one of these games get a windows port?

Omitting one of the biggest and best first party exclusives of the PS4's generation, regardless of whether it got a PC port or not, pretty much renders this poll meaningless. A game getting a PC port shouldn't matter as it still originated as a PS4 exclusive and not a timed exclusive. I still would have voted for Spider-Man, but Horizon Zero Dawn was still a huge deal and deserves to sit right next to the other amazing games from last generation.

As others have said, this poll isn't a big deal or anything, but it's still incomplete either way.

It's gross to me that a nauseatingly poor game like The Last of Us II could rank so highly.

Uncharted 4, is without any doubt the best game Sony ever put out. Just an incredible ending to one of gamings greatest icons.

@Dreman99 I kinda agree, a game with a lot of positives but a flawed story and some pacing issues.

@Dreman99 Haha, sure. It's kinda sad that you don't get to enjoy one of the best games of the generation.

I'm curious about the criteria for 'first-party exclusives of the generation'. It would be nice to analyse the different qualities of a video game.
I understand that the whole is more than he sum of its parts but there needs to be some logic.
I'd say GOW is fantastic regarding the gameplay and combat.
Bloodborne the atmosphere and challenge.
TLOU 1 for characters story telling (intelligent, relatable, likable)
TLOU 2 maybe the graphics , animation?
GoT maybe story, historical background and open world

Days Gone for many reasons I cant name because I'm completely biased about it being so enjoyable.
Edit again.
Yes that's it Days Gone is so enjoyable. Best quality for a video game.

Great list and can't argue, I really need to get around to Bloodborne which I am looking forward to on the PS collection.

@PSfan4Life22 Again, not upset or annoyed merely expressing an opinion for which I was attacked.

But let's leave it as I'm getting bored of this argument now. Like what you like and I'll do the same.

God of War is my no. 1 as well, just barely ahead of Horizon: Zero Dawn but since the latter apparently doesn't count it changes my list a little bit (also never played Bloodborne and won't be counting remasters otherwise The Nathan Drake Collection and TLoU 1 would be on the list).

1. God of War
2. Spider-Man: Miles Morales
3. Spider-Man
4. Ratchet & Clank
5. Ghost of Tsuhsima
6. Uncharted: The Lost Legacy
7. Gravity Rush 2
8. inFamous: Second Son
9. Uncharted 4: A Thief's End
10. The Last of Us: Part II

Titan Fall 2 campaign was also one of the absolute best games on the ps4 and lest forget UC: the lost legacy, great game!

@LiamCroft

Given that all of these are timed PS4 exclusives because they all play on PS5, plus because they will all be emulated on PC eventually anyway, I find it strange that Horizon wasn’t included simply because it was similarly a timed exclusive at the time of release, before becoming playable on PC and PS5.

Maybe you should have titled it “Best First Party PS-Something exclusives that stayed exclusive up to this Point in time (if you don’t include streaming from a data centre to PC) but Will Likely be Playable natively on PC after an Indeterminate Period”

Doesn’t matter much to me because Astro Bot Rescue Mission is the best game by far, perhaps on any Sony console ever; but I certainly would have placed Horizon higher than GoW

@Col_McCafferty - "Edit - also God of War won with 'only' 28% of the vote so 72% of the people that voted didn't think it was the undisputed No.1."
Sure, but to be fair, if you look at from another perspective, it also got 434 (or 9%) more votes than the second place game, meaning it beat out it's competition by a pretty decent margin.

An interesting result. It's funny that Ghost of Tsushima and The Last of Us II are still hovering among the top spots on the list, but I guess it shows just how much reverence these two games got; they're not only considered the two best games of the year, but two of the best games of the generation.
Personally, I'm just glad Bloodborne got 3rd; it's not a story/character-driven game like GoW, TLoU II or Uncharted 4, nor is it a genre that's particularly popular (action-horror), so I kinda figured it'd be a bit lower on the list (certainly below Uncharted 4); that it not only beat out Uncharted 4 and GoT, but narrowly lose to TLoU II was a pleasant surprise. Here's hoping a PS5 remaster/Upgrade is in the works that allows the game to be played at 60 FPS so more people can play it (at least until a sequel or successor shows up).

Sonys been killing. Absolutely love the exclusives. Just platinumed demons souls!

It’s funny to see how differently people react to games. There’s so much love for HZD in these comments and I think it’s great. But I truly couldn’t stand it. On paper it felt like the kind of game I would love but I found myself so bored I couldn’t even finish it.