Poll: What Was the Best PS4 First-Party Exclusive of the Generation?

God of War, easily. But man, what a generation it was for Sony. Just look at this list.

Jeez this is a tough one isn't it?

Where is Horizon Zero Dawn?

that was hard so many good games!!!

Where's Horizon? Also astro wasn't a PS4 game...

@MightyDemon82 That’s on PC.

Bloodborne for me because i never played any game as much, GoW stunning as well and loved Alien Isolation.

Pointless question. Astro Bot Rescue Mission. Obviously. One of the greatest platformers, and indeed games, of all time. If you don’t have PSVR you should by it for this game alone.

I mean, yes, it appeared on PC 3 years later, but the answer to this question is Horizon Zero Dawn. It's the best first party game has made in my opinion by miles.

The Last of Us Part 2.

Let the flaming begin!

I'd wager to say that Ratchet and Clank and Marvel's Spider-Man shouldn't really be on this list because Insomniac wasn't a part of Sony's Worldwide studios when those games launched.

Really tough but I'd go with God of War. TLOU2 would be runner up.

Bloodborne and God of War were probably the best exclusives of the ps4 generation and especially in the long run.

For me it's far and away Bloodborne. Nothing else comes close, not even God of War.

@LiamCroft fair enough I own/played the majority of these, many stellar experiences on PS4!

PS4 really smashed it this gen eh!

I so loved GoT, but after thinking about it for mere seconds, my vote goes to God of War, it just absolutely nailed it (for me anyway). GoT totally my runner up though.

God of War for me too.

@Turismo4GT that makes no sense games made that you can only play on Sony systems are exclusives. R&C has only ever been on Playstation.

That's an easy win for Shadow of the Colossus for me, followed by Bloodborne, Wipeout and Until Dawn.

from the list, God of War, but the answer is Horizon Zero Dawn. It was only on PS4 at the time of release, and was for 3.5 years. if sony is being that pedantic, then there are games listed that were on PS3 as well, so aren't exclusive to PS4.

Horizon Zero Dawn.

But since that's not an option. Ehhh... Gravity Rush 2? Maybe Shadow of the Colossus?

Nothing else in the list is grabbing me.

@Alexface Astrobot Rescue Mission was a PSVR exclusive. Are you thinking of Astro's Playroom?

So many great games, but for me it's Bloodborne all night long.

Bloodborne for me. The blend of gothic/Lovecraftean horror mixed with the intense gameplay was a match made in heaven.

@MightyDemon82 @David187 @leucocyte @LiamCroft come off it Liam. HZD is a PS4 console exclusive. It was published by Sony. It fits the criteria.

You can’t take it off just because it’s on PC also. It’s a first party exclusive.

That is my game of the generation. I’m not voting for anything else. Sorry, but that is frustrating to be denied voting my favourite first party game based on a technicality.

EDIT: Just a note. There are a number of games on this list that are remasters from PS2/PS3 era that are allowed as "PS4 Exclusives" while Horizon Zero Dawn (a first-party Sony title that helped define the PS4) is not allowed because it is on PC. I think this is wrong.

@David187 while you are right in saying that, my point is Insomniac was not a first party studio when either R&C or Spider-Man launched. They hadn't been acquired by Sony yet.

@LiamCroft it wasn't at launch though, nor was Death Stranding. Littlebigplanet 3 isn't even a PS4 console exclusive, nor is The Last of Us or Hustle Kings and a couple of others are bordering on technicalities and PS Now muddies those waters even more if we're counting PC

What a generation of games! Bloodborne for me with last of us 2 and God of war very close behind

I'm always torn between God of War and Bloodborne, both are so good I can't choose one over the other.

Half Life: Alyx. Its incredible.

RE7 in VR changed everything. Survival horror will never be the same .

Bloodborne closely followed by God Of War

I think it's between GoW and TLOU2 for me but that list is full of great stuff!

edit: decided to vote TLOU2

Ugghhhh this is a tough choice, especially with having to pick one single game.

Y'know, I loved God of War, Ghost of Tsushima, Spidey, Uncharted 4, Ratchet and Clank.

But my vote went to Gravity Rush 2.

Would have voted Nioh had it been there. Went with Last Guardian. I enjoyed God of War but still personally think 2+3 are better games overall.

Man, it’s painful to pick just one in this incredible list. I would imagine the opinions will vary wildly in this comment section.

In the end, there can only be one: Bloodborne

Simple because it got the best 💿

God of War is probably the best overall, but I voted for Bloodborne since it's by far my favorite.
Still though, Sony absolutely crushed it this generation.

Bloodborne, followed by God of War

Should have allowed us to choose 3 or 5 games, to get a better idea of the general consensus, just a suggestion.

@Hyperluminal Best PS4 First-Party Exclusive.

From the list, God of War.

I’d personally include Horizon Zero Dawn. Looking forward to both sequels.

@Kienda It's quite literally not a PS4 exclusive by very definition though.

Where’s horizon zero dawn? I’ve not voted because that was my favourite first party title last gen. god of war would be next.

Would have voted for Horizon!

Otherwise Spider-Man. Too much fun!

That is a crazy list of amazing games. What a generation. I went for Ghost of Tsushima, that game just blew me away. Was tough to pick it over God of war and the Uncharted games though.

@LiamCroft "@Kienda It's quite literally not a PS4 exclusive by very definition though"

Littlebigplanet 3 🤔

@LiamCroft it is a first party CONSOLE exclusive.

You cannot tell me “The Last of Us” is a PS4 exclusive because they slap “Remastered” on the end. It is still on PS3.

Just admit it should be on there (just as some other Sony published games) and either add it now or redo the poll. Otherwise remove the other iffy titles based on your own dodgy logic.

@carlos82 The Last of Us also. And any other title with “Remaster” on it.

@LiamCroft 3 years after launch. Come on, that's ridiculous.

Well done Sony, put your 'exclusive' onto PC and now we can't vote for it in a meaningless poll.

😉

I wasn't going to vote for it anyway, a year ago I would've but I played an even better game in 2020. I wonder what it could be?

🤔

God of war.bloodborne.ghost of tshushima.uncharted 4.days gone.are some of the best.word up son

@Kienda wasn't Until Dawn released on PC or am I thinking of Detroit Become Human?

It's a tad pedantic whichever way you look at it. Death Stranding should be on this list as well imo.

@carlos82 I didn’t realise LBP3 was also on PS3, that one has been removed from the poll.

@playstation1995 you only like games with male leads then?

😉

Also, Go Browns!

@LiamCroft I'd get rid of Hustle Kings as well, thats on PS3 and Vita

Just goes to show where Sony had their focus. It's all about the games. I'm gonna have to say Bloodborne. Bought a PS4 the day Bloodborne came out and it absolutely didn't disappoint. The struggle was real because I had never played anything like it before. And Old Hunters what an amazing expansion that was

Reading the comments it looks like being a battle between Bloodborne and God of War.

Shame.

Bloodborne. Amazing base game. Amazing dlc. Amazing music. I could go on.

Horizon: Zero Dawn was the best first Party game of the generation in my opinion - as its not an option, I am not voting!

anyone saying God of War doesn't understand gaming

@BAMozzy It should be on this list. It barely made a splash on PC anyway, a pointless exercise that was.

Sony games should remain on Sony hardware. If they release their own Game Pass equivalent then that's a different story but until that happens leave them where they belong.

Technicalities aside this is a very tough choice.

Uncharted 4 was a great experience, looked great, loved the story and it had some amazing set pieces, this was Naughty Dog at their very best.

Death Stranding was a very unique take on the open world structure and a very welcome departure from what has become a disappointing norm and travelling round a network of ziplines you'd built was so satisfying.

The Last of Us 2 was a huge improvement over the original from a gameplay standpoint and I really enjoyed the story, yes including his death and is simply the best looking game of the generation too.

Ultimately I'd go for Horizon Zero Dawn, even if it isn't here. Sadly this still suffers from the dull open world structure that has plagued this generation. However the world isn't unnecessarily large like so many of them, this is backed up by a very good story and some truly gorgeous visuals. The star of the show is its excellent combat that makes it a lot of fun to play, with plenty of options for ranged and melee encounters, an interesting choice of weapons and the machines with require a variety of tactics and I'll never forget my first encounter with a Thunderjaw

@Col_McCafferty. Definitely because male is the best😳🤔😱😃haha.pittsburgh Steelers will win the game.thats a fact dog.word up son

If you're talking 'best' in terms of technical achievement, then for me it's between Horizon Zero Dawn, Uncharted 4, or The Last of Us Part 2.

In terms of content, gameplay, and how much I enjoyed it, then it's easily Days Gone.

Also, if you're not including Horizon on the list because it's also on PC, as others have said, Ratchet & Clank shouldn't be on there either; Horizon wasn't on PC when it launched, and Insomniac weren't first-party when R&C launched, so you really need to add the former or remove the latter.

Then there are the remasters. If being on PC disqualifies Horizon, then being on PS2 and/or PS3 should disqualify those.

@LiamCroft I assume this level of finally admitting what is "exclusive" will be carried on in future? Good to see logic prevailing.

On topic, voted for TLOU remastered, if that wasn't in there it'd be Shadow Of The Colossus.

@MightyDemon82 On PC.

@playstation1995 Ha, be careful where you say that.

😝

Yeah I think so too but a bad call, a bit of good/bad luck, an injury or two, it's a one-off match so anything can happen.

I mean the Saints should beat the Bears but can't take anything for granted, lost to the Vikings last year and Patriots & Ravens were both turned over by the Titans.

@PressR2 I voted for God of War. Please tell me why I don't understand gaming.

@LiamCroft Sorry, but I don't understand why you're removing games rather than adding and the remasters being on there still doesn't make sense.

It would be easy just to add some first-party games that are also on PC and it wouldn't harm the list, just improve it.

@Col_McCafferty. Bears got a very good defense.but saints should win.but its a 1 game playoffs.anyone can win.word up son

Doesn't make sense to me HZD is not on the list because it released 3 years later on PC, but whatever....that would be my choice.

Uncharted 4 is next best, then Ghost of Tsushima.

Here's to the best Sony first party generation ever! Second to PSX for best overall console generation of all time!

@Kienda Sony themselves are agreeing that "console exclusive" isn't a thing. Do you need to buy a PS4/PS4 copy (since back compat) to play it? No? Not exclusive then.

Glad to see Sony putting this to rest and hoping the inconsistent and frequently inaccurate reporting of "exclusives" by PushSquare staff will be applied going forward.

@Menchi he says whilst picking a PS2 game and a PS3 game as his favourite PS4 exclusives 😉

Oh and Sony's own list of PS4 exclusives contains games they released on PS3 and Vita

you want people to kill themselves here? tough decision.

I went with boi

@LiamCroft It was exclusive for most of the time.
If God of War wasn't in there, would have voted for horizon... or I wouldn't vote

@carlos82 Well if you want to take a remake and remaster off the list, I've only played maybe 3 other games on thr list that are native PS4 games. I can't stand many Sony 1st party series games.

@Menchi So, if I didn't own a PS4, but I went and bought a PS5 tomorrow and bought "God of War" from the online store and played it on the PS5 without purchasing a copy of the physical disk, does that mean that God of War is no longer a PS4 exclusive?

What if I don't own a PS4, but I buy PlayStation Now on PC and I play Days Gone. Does that still make it PS4 exclusive?

@Kienda That's why I included PS4 copy. Because the digital copy on PS5 (and PSnow) are using the PS4 copy.

No Horizon: Zero Dawn on here? I know it’s in PC but it was still published by Sony.....would have been my vote. Welp I guess I will give my vote to Days Gone followed closet by God of War!

Bloodborne just kept me wanting more, even when i chose to grind it didn't feel like it. Gets my votes

@Col_McCafferty I think it's between bloodborne, god of war and horizon if it was an option. redo the poll @LiamCroft. You LITERALLY have to care you put ps3 games in there over hzd for being on pc for a few months before the gen ending

@LiamCroft Much later it did. It should have been included. No one thinks of it as a pc game. NOONE!

@PressR2 you just said the equivalent of the n word because where you are writing atm

@Menchi Okay, but think about this...

Horizon Zero Dawn, in my opinion, is one of THE defining games of this generation. And it was exclusive to PS4, was published by Sony and the sequel was used as an exclusive to promote PS5. To say it is not a first-party exclusive is a joke (even if it is on PC).

On the other hand, this list has a bunch of games that are just mediocre. AND, it has TONS of games from previous generations... MediEvil, Wipeout Omega Collection, The Last of Us Remastered, God of War Remastered, Shadow of Colossus. Even Tearaway is on PS Vita but with a few tweaks for PS4.

Okay, all these games are "Remastered", but Shadow of Colossus and The Last of Us are EXACTLY the same as on the PS2/PS3 respectively in terms of the core game, they just have updated frame rates and graphics.

I think Horizon Zero Dawn not being on the list does a disservice to remembering the great games of the PS4 generation. HZD is the reason I bought a PS4. And it sucks I can't vote for it on a technicality while other games make the list even though they are less exclusive than HZD.

Edit: Copying in @LiamCroft so you can see my reasoning.

@Paranoimia - have to give you a nod here. Loved HZD and an playing Days Gone now (late I know). What a phenomenal title. It does so much right, from the weather to the pure survival loop out in the wild.

Can't wait for the sequel!!

I remember starting Bloodborne, and in the first room was some kind of ghost wolf. It just kept kicking my ass over and over, and the reloads were taking too long. I just got frustrated and quit. It's too bad, because I love that particular art style and mood. Would it be so hard for them to add an easy mode? It was a game I wanted to like, but I was getting beat so soundly, I figured I must be doing something horribly wrong.

@Menchi then why are u on a PlayStation site?

HZD easily tops the list, whether Aloy is here or not.

Game changer.

@LordSteev when u lose to the “ghost wolf” is when the game starts!🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️

@LordSteev I bought Bloodborne because EVERYBODY hyped it as being Incredible. Try as I might, I just can't get into it and God I've tried...! 🤷🏼‍♂️

My 10s are god of war, horizon, bloodborne and persona 5.

My least favorite would have to be sotc remake.

@Culjoseth Because there are a small few exclusive games (actual exclusives, unlike Horizon) that I enjoy. Was that not clear in my post? I literally said I played a few games. Do you need to play ALL of them or only be a hardcore fanboy to use a PS site?

@Kienda Horizon Zero Dawn was the game that made me plump for PS4 over Xbox One as well. It's a brilliant game and I played it during a difficult period of my life so it's very special to me.

@Culjoseth Where else could he troll?

🙄

@Kienda Sony themselves have clearly said it's not a 1st party exclusive game because it's natively on multiple platforms. Facts don't care about your feelings.

A tough one for me. I have many of those featured and on top of that I’ve played most of them too (still got Massive Backlog Syndrome though).

I settled on TLoU part 2, but very nearly chose Days Gone. Loved both; spent around 100 hours on DG and still to do the challenges and new game plus (which I’ll do on PS5 whenever I can get one).

I wanted to choose a whole bunch of PSVR games, Until Dawn and Resogun, but I went with the one which really hauled my emotions over the coals, from a few shrieks due to the jump scares, the “NOOOO!!!” when things happened to various characters, smiling at some of the more pleasant scenes; being aghast at some of the brutality. And nearly throwing the controller off the walls trying to beat THAT boss. Ahem.

@Culjoseth
What does that mean? Are you SUPPOSED to lose to it?

@billyboyblue666
You and me both, man!

For all I know, it may BE the best game ever, but I spent $50 just to see the first room, lol.

@Col_McCafferty If posting facts is trolling, I can't help you. PushSquare agree, Sony themselves agree. I can't help you if it hurts your ego tied to plastic.

@billyboyblue666 Yeah, those types of games aren't for everyone.

not seeing many spider man or ghost

GoT for me, I loved GoW but Ghost just edged it for me.

no knacks neither

@Kienda why does it matter if we all know Knack 2 is winning the poll, after Knack 1

@Kienda No, your logic is just flawed and you're speaking from feelings other than facts. Speaking facts is not trolling just because it hurts your feelings. Which is why as I and Sony have stated, HZD is a multiplatform non-exclusive game.

But resort to ad hominem because you haver no argument.

@LiamCroft Yeah, and spider-man is on PS5, LoU on PS3, etc. Years after, years after, it ended up on PC. For intents and purposes of the discussion, it should have been on the list. When everyone played it, it was PS4 exclusive.
I don't think it even comes close to deserving votes if you've played other games on the list, but this was a comprehensive list that's missing a high-profile exclusive. I think three years is enough of a gap to include it here.
Also, Immortal, Jade Legacy is on PC on Steam.
https://store.steampowered.com/app/1217220/Immortal_Legacy_The_Jade_Cipher/

Had to go for Days Gone. This game really needs more love.

@LiterallyDoNotCare I'd love it for them to come 1 and 2 even ahead of HZD, but still. I gotta fight my cause man. I'll be outside screaming at the sky soon.

@Menchi Listen to yourself. The article does not state "Playstation Exclusive" it states, "PS4 Exclusive".

By the reasoning of PushSquare, they have included PS2 and PS3 remasters, but not one of the defining games of THIS generation.

That's not "feelings over facts", it is a clear and logical argument based upon the rules that PushSquare, not Sony, applied to what is "exclusive" for the purposes of this poll.

@Rash I haven't play Days Gone. Explain why it's good. It just looks to me a running around like call of duty zombies mode type of game. Saw some animations and cutscenes and looked meh to me.
Also, a lot of people told at the start of it it's very tedious because of scarcity, and I had a problem with that with dying light

Went for Until Dawn. Days Gone in P2. If Horizon Zero Dawn was an option then that would have been P2.

@Kienda And it is still factually available on multiple platforms. On PC. That's where I plan on playing it anyway.

This really was tough for me, but I’ve gotta give it to Bloodborne. It’s just completely timeless. If I had to give an alien, with no objective idea of what a game is, one example from this generation of what a ‘game’ is capable of, this would be it.

Gotta be Bloodborne for me. Awesome combat, lore, bosses, environments, level design, OST. Great to see folks giving it some love, hell, what a great game!

@Tchunga
I second this bloodborne is an amazing game I too loved God of war but bloodborne the best game full stop

Being forced to pick between Bloodborne, Ghost of Tsushima and Uncharted 4 (and many others) is like being made to choose a favourite child.

And much as it's a great game, is TLOU remastered really an exclusive? It's basically the original game with updated specs, DLC, and a word added into the title, not really a new game exclusive to PS4.

Definitely Horizon Zero Dawn. Aloy FTW!!!

@Menchi well, I can't say anything else to you. You're clearly missing my point, willingly or not.

@Bentley-Ma- I would like a poll where they put all of sony's game throughout the generations. People should take consideration the generation the came out from

@LordSteev 👀 Ur kidding right?? As soon as u die u wake up in or at the Hunters Dream. The hub area.

@Culjoseth
So you are supposed to not beat the wolf? Man. I just kept reloading because I wanted to see and fully explore the house you start in. If that wolf beats you no matter what, I'll have to seriously consider a reinstall. I'd like to see why everyone praises this game. Thanks!

Kinda not seeing how any of these are PS4 exclusive if you can play them all on PS5.

Bloodborne is the only (in)sane choice, but I agree on the stupendouse generation that Sony had with PS4/PSVR.

Oh c'mon no explanations can justify HZD not being in there. And if there's ever a poll where we need to choose 5 games, it should be this.

@LordSteev 😳😳😳👀👀👀
Ur welcome..........

@Menchi When u say u can’t stand most or many or whatever u said, that usually means that u are not a fan of the console. I know no one that buys a console for 2 or 3 games. No one in their right mind that is. If u do, good on u for having that much money. For us normal folk, we only buy consoles for games that we actually like to play. I can’t say every game I’ve bought is a gem but the majority are and they are mostly 1st party!!! The console u buy usually ends up being the one with the exclusives u support! Just sayin’!
@Col_McCafferty Trolls be trolls!

Knack 2 Baby! 4 outta 5

@LordSteev I wouldn’t believe you if I didn’t have a friend who went through this exact situation haha.
It’s without question in my top 3 games of all time, just know that it’s a game where you get out of it what you put into it. Nothing is explained clearly, but all of the answers are there if you’re willing to look and let your imagination fill in the gaps. World building is best in class, but be prepared to read and to stick with it. Dying is a teaching tool, not a failure. This is key. You seem like a smart guy, I genuinely hope you can get something out of it.
Also, if you’re even a small fan of H.P. Lovecraft’s work, it’s a love letter of the best kind. Have a good one!

@Arugula I'd say if you can buy it, put it in your PS5, and play it - it's for sale for PS5.

I'd also say I'm being ridiculously semantic but hey, if we're claiming HZD's not a PS4 exclusive well... none of them are.

Horizon Zero Dawn wasn’t on the list (as frequently previously mentioned) so I had to vote Uncharted 4 (though TLOU was a close second/third choice for me).

@Culjoseth This is but a small list of only 1st party games. Plenty of others outside Sony's copy and paste template.

@Jimmer-jammer
Thank you my friend! I used to think I was smart, too, but after reading this thread, I'm losing faith!

I love Lovecraft, and I love reading, too, so it sounds like I need to reinstall. If I remember right, because it's been a few years, but when I bought this game I had also bought 2 others. I just remember dying about 5 times in the first room, and moving on to one of the others.

Yours is one of the opinions I respect on this site, and I saw you call this the finest example of what a game can be. I've got it, just have to find the disc.

It's like having a new game! Thanks for replying and making me feel a little less stoopid.

God of war..by far..probably my no1 game of 30 years of playing videogames

Bloodborne was on the list, so that was an easy vote!

@ThroughTheIris56 If I had a choice of children and one of them was Bloodborne, well....sorry kids, hahahah....

@LiamCroft This is a pretty bad take bud.

Last of us 2. God of war was incredible but I was not invested with those characters like lou2. Last of us 2 is only game that stuck with me months later all others were great times in moment but didn’t wake up weeks later thinking about them like I did with last of us 2

@Nepp67 Not even Sony itself considers Horizon a PS4 exclusive, as per the link in the article 🤷‍♂️

God of War for me, Clive.

For me, it would have to be horizon zero dawn. It was the reason I got a ps4. Last gen, i rocked a xbo first. That's where the homies were. Then I got a switch, because of botw. Then I got a ps4 solely for hzd. Every game i picked up after, was icing. I do not care that it's "on pc" HZD for the win.

@LiamCroft I'm sorry man, but you've chosen to be stubborn and double down on your selective logic and leave out one of the most important games on the system that helped define the PS4 whilst leaving in PS2/PS3 remasters.

I'm sure Sony would also not list some of them as PS4 exclusives either.

It doesn't hurt to add HZD into the mix (although now it wouldn't get the votes it deserves now), it is clear people would appreciate it and don't agree with your reasoning.

Let’s have a new poll where we vote on whether or not Horizon Zero Dawn should be considered an exclusive 😋

While i really like many of those exclusives, one look at the game statistics shown in the PS5 menus, and, as the Highlander motto said "there can be only one".

Bloodborne

450h spent playing that game say it all
I dare Sony and From Software to do a better game than that for PS5.

@Kienda Well you pretty much said all I wanted to say.

@LordSteev
Play, play, play and enjoy!

I'm actually a little jealous you've got the whole of Bloodborne in front of you as a new game.

My advice, pretty much the whole area up to the first boss is a disguised tutorial that will teach you to hone your skills. Oh and choose the Saw Cleaver if it's your first proper go. Enjoy the Hunt!

@Futureshark
Thanks for the tips! I'm sort of getting excited to try it again. So many people with so much admiration for it can't be wrong!

I vote for the last of us remaster, god of war, uncharted 4, and bloodborne is a great game but in the end, I really like the gameplay and especially the story of the last of us remaster.

Ghost of tsushima is also really great, but I still prefer the first last of us as a ps4 game of the generation. The sequel however, sigh 😕

Horizon: Zero Dawn!!
Released on PC now, but that honestly doesn't count. I see that move as community service more than anything.

HZD is by far the best game I played on PlayStation.

@Arugula
Yea, it's really cool! Great community here. I'm gonna give it another go as soon as I wrap up Cyberpunk. I need a game I can sink some big hours in, as most of the new stuff I want to play on ps5, which I can't get yet. Nothing like many peoples greatest game of all time to fill the void with!

Probably God of War from that list. Strangely, I’m not actually feeling 99% of that list. I think GoW, Bloodborne, TLOU and Uncharted 4 are the only games that I’d say that are good that I’ve played on there. And yes, I know I don’t really rate Bloodborne but it’s a good game. Just not as good as Dark Souls 1 or 3.

Since Horizon isn't here, gotta go God of War

@Arugula I forgot about Spider-Man, that was pretty decent but again, didn’t rise above the sum of its parts. A lot of the exclusives this gen were good games that just didn’t have that timeless quality.

For me it was a toss-up between Bloodborne, God of War, and Uncharted 4. All three offer something special, whether it be Bloodborne's boss fights, God of War's redemption of it's main character, or Uncharted 4's closure of its main character's journey. Personally, I'd have gone for all three if I had the choice, but since I can only pick one, I ended up going for Bloodborne, simply because it differs from the others in being less character/narrative focused, but still managing to turn out a unforgettable experience nonetheless.

God of War, hands down no question about it was my PS game of the generation. Followed by Horizon Zero Dawn.

@Tasuki We like the polls on here being accurate and reflective of what the community thinks. I mean he has Immortal Legacy: The Jade Cipher which is on PC even. There's isn't a good reason for a the list to messed up as it is. We just want the usual quality content we get from this site.

I voted for Knack, but if I get a second vote later give it to knack 2.

God of War is my pick. However it’s worth pointing out people tend to have a recency bias & there’s way too many games on the list IMO so it probably could’ve been broken up into 2 or 3 separate sections by grouping years together (i.e. 2014-2016) or allowing a top 3 for more accurate results.

Since Horizon doesn't count, my pick would be Ghost of Tsushima despite not finishing it yet. It does a lot similar things that Horizon did which made me pick that as the definitive PS4 title: An engaging story with a lead that the game does a great job with trying to get me to be the character, a world that makes me want to explore it, tightly controlled gameplay that's superbly executed, visuals that look amazing with great art direction, a better example of a lower key soundtrack, everything I feel PlayStation wants in it's exclusives exists in these two games more than others.

Fear the Old Blood!

God of War helped define this generation for me. However Bloodborne is the entire reason I decided to keep my PS4. I can't explain in words how that game made me feel. I stopped 700+ hours later while farming blood rocks in the Chalice Dungeons. If we cannot have a proper sequel I pray that remaster is real. Fear The Old Blood

So have to ask, how long does it take to get into and like Bloodborne? Got if free with my PS5 and after what felt ages of customisation to my guy, started the game. About after half an hour of game play , I turned it off and have never gone back. Clearly people love it so really keen to know how long to stick with it until it starts getting good?

@Emperor_Rusty It gets good on the second boss fight which is Gascoigne. Keep playing until you get there.

Shame Death Stranding and HZD got PC releases in a sense, as they'd have been my No. 1 & 2. It's good to share the quality around though.

But wow, what a generation.

Astro bot rescue mission. By a country mile.

Is there any question? Knack babyyyy!!

God of War easily.

@PressR2 WTF? I don't understand your comment. Please explain.

Uncharted 4. What an incredible sent off.
I struggle to think how anyone could put together a better conclusion.

Uncharted 4, Horizon Zero Dawn and Bloodborne

@Emperor_Rusty Half an hour? I guess you didn't manage to beat the whole mob patrolling at the beginning, is it?
What drives ppl forward in this game is the thrill of the fight, the feeble chances of success and the strong feeling of accomplishment you get when you pass a big "hurdle" in the game.
Which is usually a boss.
Or, in a beginner's case, the encounter with the mob at the start. That's where you'll get the first taste of this.
It'll take about 1-2 hours to get through it once or twice without dying.
Once you beat them all the first time, you'll be left with joy, a bit more confidence, and curiosity to see what follows.
It will take another 2-3 hours to explore Yharnam well.
You can test your skills on the Cleric Beast (first boss, but optional).
Level up a few times (the more you can, the better).
Farm the whole Yharnam a few times for health vials that drop from enemies.
Discover all secret areas.
All of those will prepare you for the first mandatory boss, and the second big hurdle: Father Gascoigne.
This will feel like the mother of all fights up to that moment.
It's fast, faster than any fight you've been in before in this game
It will fill you with a lot of adrenaline and keep you on the edge of your seat the entire time.
Once you finally manage to beat him?
Oh the joy and sense of accomplishment will peak out!
That's when you'll truly understand what this game is all about.
What gets so many ppl to play it over and over even after 5-6 years since launch.
There are so few games like this out there.

@Emperor_Rusty
And to start you off, here are some pointers.

Lesson number 0 - Read. Learn. Apply
Beafore you start playing, read up, prepare.
There are tons of beginner's guides around the web, text or video.
This will gain you knowledge. And as the saying goes, "knowledge is power". It will get you prepared, it will ease the initial jitters.
Learn about the world, the lore, the reason for what's happening around you.
Learn about the weapons so you can choose one that fits your playstile
Learn what's required of you to do in order to level up, and in which stats to spend your echoes.
This game doesn't hold your hand!
So don't be shy to read guides.
Almost every expert at this game started off the same way.
No one learned everything about Bloodborne by himself/herself.
Remember that "A Hunter is never alone".

Lesson number 1 - Be prepared to die
What does THAT mean?
It means to mentally get used to the idea that you'll die a LOT in this game!
And the fact that that's normal in Souls-Borne games!
That's the way those games are played, it's part of the experience.
Remember that if you die, it's NOT a failure!
It's just one more lesson on how to approach and defeat the foe that decked you, and how to play and progress through this game.

Lesson number 2 - How to engage a single enemy
Engage and retreat, engage and retreat, that's the way.
What does this one mean?
Don't charge in a fight without thinking, especially as a beginner.
It will be like starting to car race before you learned how to drive.
Some enemies will be held in place while you hit them.
BUT... others will hit you back after you swing your weapon 2-3 times, even if you try to keep hitting them.
So... what's to do then for those stronger foes?
Land 2-3 hits, take a few steps back or dodge away from their hits.
Land another 2-3 hits, take a few steps back or dodge way from their hits.
Engage enemies cautiously, especially new ones, about which you know nothing about (how they move, how they fight).
"Dance" around them (lock onto them with R3 and quickstep repeatedly with circle), stay away from their hits so you can study their moves, their timings and behaviour.
Read up on the guides to find their weaknesses.
For example beast type enemies are weak to fire and serrated weapons.
Kin type enemies are weak to fire/bolt and thrust weapons.
Most enemies have blind spots, usually from behind them, especially bosses.
Most bosses are weak to a type of damage: fire, bolt, arcane, physical, bloodtinge etc.
Before fighting a boss read up about it's weaknesses, so you can properly equip and prepare your gear before going in.

@Emperor_Rusty
Lesson number 3 - How to engage multiple enemies at once
When dealing with multiple enemies, like the mob at the start, stand afar.
Lure 1-2 away from the crowd with pebbles or bullets, kick their ass. Rinse and repeat.
It's so damned simple!
But you'd be surprised how many ppl give up the game in the first hour.
Because they are used to "throw themselves at the wolves", to paraphrase an NPC you'll encounter later in the game.
Which unavoidably gets them dead, frustrated, and finally to rage quit.
Every encounter is a lesson about the game.
So what does the mob at the start teach? How to engage many enemies at once.
This is where From Software's magic thinking comes in.
Right from the start of the game, they want to get you to let go of the way you played games until now.
Because Bloodborne, is NOT Assassin's Creed! or God Of War (pre 2018)
If you charge in like a berserker, you'll see that red text "YOU DIED!" in 5 seconds flat.
No enemy in this game is to be taken lightly. Even a rat or a small worm can kill you in 2-3 hits.

Lesson number 4 - Master the Parry timers
Parrying an enemy with your gun, will leave it open for a visceral attack.
That attack does a ton of damage, and once you level up you can 1hit many enemies if you pull it off right.
Most enemies can be parried while they are attacking you.
You just have to find the right timing, that differs from enemy type to enemy type.
Read more about it in guides, it's very much worth the time invested in mastering it.

Lesson number 5 - Explore and learn the lore
The game has a lot of secrets, scattered lore pieces, hidden areas.
Each area has shortcuts that make your life so much easier when you have to replay that portion because you died somewhere along the way.
So get off the beaten path as many times as you can, that's when you'll discover a lot of interesting, wonderous and useful stuff.

Lesson number 6 - play online (requires PS+)
Aside from the multyplayer part (into which i won't get here, too much to say) people leave messages on the ground.
Sometimes malicious, but many times useful. Like warnings about ambushes or hidden areas.
You can do the same, using a notebook you'll receive once you get your first insight.
Also, you can summon other hunters into your world, that can help you get through a rough area or tough boss.
And you can invade other players (once you get more experience in the game).

Lesson number 7 - don't give up!
You're not the first or the last to die and lose blood echoes!
The most important thing is to not let it get to you.
If it gets too frustrating, close the game. Take a break.
Try again after a few hours or days, with fresh eyes and a new perspective.
Read a guide, learn, get prepared, go back in, try again. Perseverance is rewarded in the end in this game, you'll see.
There's NOTHING like finally defeating a foe that beat you up good a few times in a row
Aside from that, remember that you DON'T have to beat all the enemies each time you play through an area.
Most have a limited aggro range.
Meaning that if you run past them and get far enough away, they'll soon give up and turn back.
This way you can quickly run back to the spot where you died in, recover your echoes (it they're on the ground) and try again to go forward.

That's all for now, without getting into spoilers.
I know it's a lot to take in, but it takes more to read about it here than it is to actually implement.
Play, fight, die, try again. This game is WORT IT! It's an absolute blast to play and master
Don't forget to get the Old Hunters DLC too, it's at least as good, if not better than the main game!
Good hunting!

God of War and I’ll fight anyone who disagrees 😂 Amazing game.

A close second would be Bloodbourne.

God of War, for sure. Bloodborne is amazing, but it's still another Souls game. HZD was probably the best open world games of the last few years, but GoW is just a phenomenal reimagining of the series that has massively matured.

Bloodborne for me, one of the best games I've ever played.

@LordSteev I'm with you here. Bought it because of reviews and could never get passed the first werewolf. Gave up and was annoyed at all the praise for it thinking there should be an easy mode. Tried again years later and was the same.
After buying the PS5 I tried it again thinking the long loading times would disappear and I have to say, it took a while but once I got passed the first monster it slowly grew on me and is now the game I voted on this list. I love it. Yes its hard, but its not evil, you just need to persevere.
And I finally get why it shouldn't have the easy mode as it would lose something in the process. The joy I felt after finishing the first boss wouldn't be replicated if I could just walk through the game without dying.

Bloodborne for me! My first From game, and it drew me in more than any other on the list. Loved absolutely everything about it, from the atmosphere through to the score and the bonkers lore, that I really enjoyed reading up on.

Runner up would be between GoW and UC4.

@LordSteev You'll come back and kick that wolves arse later.

@StonyKL
Thanks for replying!
Normally, I'm not against a hard game, and if I'm enjoying the game but feel things are getting too easy, like in an open world epic where I'm so leveled nothing feels like it has a chance against me, I'll raise the difficulty level.

That first wolf was killing me so easily it was crazy. The idea that I couldn't win against it never crossed my mind. I'd heard these games were tough, so I just figured I was horrible at combat in this, despite decades of 'combat experience.'

Learning that the wolf killing you is how the game starts has given me a whole new lease on life! When I'm done with Cyberpunk, I'm going to reinstall Bloodborne and give it a real chance.

So, did the ps5 end up helping with the load times? I think I could really get into the From games if it was a quick load back from death.

All this talk of BB is making me want to replay it. I never did finish it.

@PossibLeigh
Hehe, thanks man, good to know...I definitely feel he's got it coming.

A lot of fine stuff, but a Gravity Rush game is a Gravity Rush game. One of the most Nintendoesque Sony franchises and one of the most loveable PlayStation protagonists in history. Granted, it takes some nerve to mean specifically the sequel here without playing it myself yet - but Gravity Rush Remastered was never a PS4 exclusive.

Which, incidentally, is why Tearaway Unfolded barely belongs on the list as well... but then again, they did expand the content and added a few mechanics, so hey.

@LordSteev Yeah the trick is once you die you make sure you get a weapon before you return to the beast.
The rest of the game is all about learning how each enemy behaves and accepting you will die a lot while figuring it out.

Regarding the load times, yes they are massively better and definitely not an issue at all. Just the range of hating on this game for wasting my time and money, to being one of my favourites ever makes me want people who struggle like I did to get through it. The reward has been massively worth it.

@StonyKL
I like the effort=reward factor, too. I still can't buy a ps5 where I live until at least May according to the local GameStop guy, so I'll have to hit it on the 4. But after I finish Cyberpunk, I was wondering what to play anyway, since I kinda want to wait till I get a 5 before investing heavily in more games. Seems like a good time to get into Bloodborne, without the self inflicted pressure of trying to complete other games. I can give it my full focus. Thanks for the tips! Have a good weekend!

GOW was phenomenal but Bloodborne will always hold that one special place in my heart. It is not only my favorite ps4 game but my favorite game of all time! I replay it once a year and it never gets old. A sequel would be amazing

@Slippship Really? Going by the comments it's between Bloodborne and God of War but maybe lots of voters are keeping silent.

😉

Tough one. I wanted to vote for Tearaway, but God of War was simply out of this world good!

Bloodborne, obviously.

@nhSnork I wish Sony would put more effort into their "Nintendoesque" games. They're quite rare and very poorly marketed.

@Ridwaano Hi there friend.
A person with a good taste, just like me 😜
It is so hard to just pick one, But I had to vote on my most played game on my PS4 and that is Hidetaka Miyazaki masterpiece Bloodborne.
Followed by Ghost of Tsushima, Horizon: Zero Dawn,
The Last of Us part 2 and God of War.
Best games I´ve ever played on PS4.
It may be difficult for PS5 to surpass PS4, but I hope at least it will be able to match it´s predecessor.
Cheers, stay safe and happy gaming to us all

God of War is the correct answer, you're welcome

Horizon Zero Dawn was the immediate choice for me. No idea why its not on the list.

I had to say Ghost of Tsushima. It was amazing. Of course I had fun with God of War, Spider-Man, and The Last of Us. I was even tempted to say MediEvil because it felt like a love letter to my memories of the PS1.

My favourite game of the gen however has to be Persona 5 Royal without a doubt.

@Unlucky13
Because it's not an exclusive anymore, Sony published it on Steam last year.

Too easy. It's Bloodborne.
And GOW come next.

@RaZieLDaNtE
Well you in for a treat! The ps5 will beat the ps4 generation! For sure!.
If you look at the machine and what they achieved.! And the ps5 is going to move the gaming generation forward. Mark my word! Hard to see it fail..! Even against streaming games!

God of war and I’m sticking to my guns!

@GADG3Tx87 shrug I don't count the PC when I think of console exclusives. I mean, there are obviously XBOX games that are on the PC but aren't on the Playstation or Switch, and those count for them, right?

IMO, if it isn't on the XBOX or Nintendo system, its exclusive.

God of War but not an easy choice at all.

@Unlucky13
I understand your point of view but as I say to many people PC is a platform, PlayStation is a platform, Xbox is a platform.

Whether we like it or not a game that appears on more than one platform despite if we consider to include it or change the definition it is a multiplat.

It is for this reason that I also say that Xbox has no exclusives because literally all of their games are on PC. No matter how much they try to claim otherwise Xbox is a platform, Windows is a platform, Steam is a platform, EGS is a platform, Switch is a platform and PlayStation is a platform.

Unless a game is confined to a single platform despite who's name is involved it's a multiplat and that is a fact. Even though I too personally hate to admit it there is no denying it.

Nothing really came close to God of War.

Persona 5, Bloodborne and Uncharted 4 would definitely be my runner-ups though.

@Ridwaano I really hope you are right. As a gamer who have started playing videogames on an Atari system playing Pong and Street Fighter 2 to games like God of War and Demon´s Souls on PS4 and PS5 and many, many others to list, it has been an awesome journey watching the evolution of gaming on so many different platforms, from Sega Mega Drive, to Nintendo Game Cube, to Xbox 360, just to name a few, all the way to the present Sony PS5 and Nintendo Switch.
It has been quite the ride.
Man, I love videogames!
Cheers, stay safe and have a good one

@GADG3Tx87 That's why I don't care about the term "platform exclusive" . I don't really care that PC games exist. I only use or care about "console exclusive".

Ridiculously tough choice, but in the end I went for The Last Guardian. My runners up would be Bloodborne, The Last of Us 2, Uncharted 4 and God of War.

Not voting, but intrigued to see which game wins.

Ghost of Tsushima, hands down. And No. it most certainly is NOT worth buying a PS4 now. I okayed XBox One X for last 3 years then came back to PS4 for the superior controller..... BUT. The hardware is sooooo slow, painful and lacklustre, it was painful.

I toyed with getting a PS4 Pro just to make playing PS4 bearable, but paid a bit more and got the purely PS4 compatible PS5 and couldn’t be happier.

An amazing controller, awesome hardware and 3 years of games I missed out on and can now play how they’re ideally intended.

Do NOT buy a PS4 now.
DO buy a PS5 and DO enjoy the PS4 back catalogue however. I’m playing PS4 on my PS5 right now more than I’ve played PS4 ever.

@sajoey software, was actually above average. Hardware, it was garbage.

@andreoni79 bloodborne is quite possibly one of the poorest games ever made.

@LiterallyDoNotCare I was thinking the same, till I gave it a go on the PS Plus collection and now I'm hooked on my second run on ng+. I wouldn't compare it to Call of Duty, even though I don't play those games myself. I would say, it has more inspiration from Red Dead Redemption and even Easter eggs that tie it to the same universe.

The story definitely grabs you with all the characters and backstories. Gamplay wise, as you progress, constantly unlocking new mechanics, you eventually have so much freedom taking on every encounter, that it never gets repetitive. The AI is the most dynamic I have ever seen in a game. Nothing like Dying Light. Days Gone is way more fun.

If you do get the PS Plus collection, I'd say give it a go yourself and see what you think. You might change your mind, like I did. Now I'm more hyped for this game to have a sequel, than any other PlayStation exclusive.

Bloodborne easily.

@LordSteev an easy mode would be the worst thing imaginable for Bloodborne.
You need to play the game on its own terms and be patient.

@Rash Yes. i am thinking of trying days gone and death walking when I get a ps5 with ps collection

@Arnna
Not sure if you read all the posts after that, but if not, I'll clarify the depth of my stupidity. I thought you were supposed to beat something that instead is supposed to kill you to start the game. It's my nature to want to check out every nook and cranny in games, so I kept reloading this scene so I could explore the starting location.

Normally, I like a challenge in my games, but this seemed unbeatable, which indeed it was. Many have explained my error, and I'm ready to approach the game now in the spirit it was intended.

@Penultimatewarrior I've printed your comment and hung it in my bathroom to help me in case of obstinate constipation.

God of War or Bloodborne, can't decide. Amazing generation of exclusives.

Bloodborne without the slightest doubt :3

#Justice4Horizon

@Ridwaano Hahaha.
I voted GoW but I wish I'd voted for this now.

Such a tough call for me between my two favourite games of all time (Bloodborne and God of War). Ended up going with Bloodborne 'just...

Haven't even tried The Last of Us 2 nor Ghost of Tsushima yet... and I have a feeling they would also figure in my thoughts if I had.

@andreoni79 because it reminds you of how crap Bloodborne really is?

Oh I voted Days Gone of course.

Edit
About the 'let's not mention this or that game because it's also on PC is ridiculous semantic about exclusivity.
For that matter, most of those games are ALSO ON PS5. (Or on PSNOW) Duh
Admit it.

@Penultimatewarrior

I may have enjoyed other exclusives more and some VR experiences may have been totally transformative (if I could vote for the most impacting and groundbreaking way we play games on PlayStation, PSVR would be it) but I voted for God of War. Not only because it was a great game but because it magnificently resurrected a true blood PlayStation franchise.

That said, for me, the game of the generation (on any and all platforms) spot has to be a shared win between Zelda BOTW and RDR2.

@andreoni79 you like the Sims too?

@Danny_C Can't be bothered sorry

This is a PlayStation website? Bloodborne isn't a first party game and Horizon Zero Dawn isn't even on this list.

Bloodborne for me.
Got as far as NG+4/5, I don't quite remember back in 2017, and I never will understand why I had 'a tidy up' of my saves and deleted it.
As I could be sitting here playing it on me PS5 with my level god-knows-what.
Oh well, I'm not gonna start again, maybe, roll on the sequel or PS5 remaster. Fingers and toes crossed.

I voted for Dreams, only because HZD wasn't on the list...

@LordSteev Same for me and do not care what other people thank !

Why and how the hell Horizon Zero Dawn isnt on the list??? Not voting with it missing.

I'm sure i'm not alone, it feels that way though, in thinking that God Of War just wasn't that great?! Obviously all down to opinions of course, but I just found it a bit tedious, slow and labouring. I maybe haven't given it enough chance, although I had played for 10 hours or so, but I just didn't like it that much.

Horizon Zero Dawn was very good and probably top 2 PS4 exclusives.

Uncharted 4 I haven't finished yet, but will get round to it. In my top 3, definitely.

Bloodborne was good, but i'm not really a big souls player, but i enjoyed it for the most part. The thrill of beating a boss is something most games don't get close to.

Last Of Us 2 - I'm waiting for the PS5 upgrade before playing, but I suspect this will have been very high on my top PS4 exclusive game.

The one game exclusive I've probably spent most time on would be Days Gone. It might not be the "best", or "most original" but it was a great game.

@Ralizah 2017 was honestly an overrated year for gaming imho, but Horizon Zero Dawn and Gravity Rush 2 weren't, so I'd definitely agree with you there. That year started off well but ended disastrously for me, and it was thanks to these two games that I was able to keep some sanity still. Imho the two games demonstrated alot of creativity in game world design and Gravity Rush 2 especially was unique gameplay wise. Like HZD however, I'd like to see a PC or at the very least, a PS5 port for Gravity Rush 2 as the game definitely needs some powerful hardware to smooth out the rough edges.

@Shinnok789 hey, that's gotta be the most useful contribution I've seen in a forum in a long time!
I've never played BB myself but I read through it and will keep in mind for when I finally do!
Mad props to you mate!

@ISD1982 to be perfectly honest I've never played GOW 2018 to completion, I've mostly watched the story when my flatmate played it and got a hang of the gameplay playing it myself from time to time; so yeah, for a full assessment I'd need to replay it to completion, but I was surprised at how lackluster I found it to be.
The combat in particular has got to be among the worst and most unreliable systems I've ever tried in a game of this ilk.
I don't know who had the idea of Kratos and the enemies snapping towards one another when attacking, it's just fundamentally broken as it destroys all pretense of strategic positioning.

There's a fantastic 40-minute video by Matthewmatosis where he explains all of this and then some, making me realize and articulating into words feelings I got when playing but couldn't actually pinpoint. Hope I was helpful!

@clvr Yeah, it just felt a bit lacking. A game that they threw into that same formulaic engine that Sony have used in most of their action games, but without the fluidity of something like Uncharted. I usually agree with the award winning games, like HzD, Spiderman, LOU, Uncharted, Metal Gear etc, but I couldn't even finish GoW.