The Complete List of PlayStation 4 Exclusives
This article is a direct copy and paste job from GameInformer, but since people in our country can’t access that site, I thought that it will be a good thing to have the entire list handy. So, here you are!
Many gamers lack the cash to purchase multiple consoles, forcing them to choose between the Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and Wii U based on the games available for each. Even if you do have them all, it’s always handy to know which games you can only play on any particular system. To make sure you’re getting the most out of what your PS4 has to offer, we’ve compiled an exhaustive list of all the exclusive titles for Sony’s console. Note: some games are also playable on PC, but their only console release is on the PlayStation 4. We will update this list periodically.
[Editor’s Note: This list was co-written by Alissa McAloon, Christian Belland, and Hershall Cook. We’ve also got similar Xbox One and Wii U lists in the works]
Abzu
Publisher: 505 Games
Developer: Giant Squid
Release: 2016
“Players can press a button to assemble and swim with schools of fish…or even ride larger, more solitary animals like this sea turtle – if they trust you. The game contains tens of thousands of fish of all kinds and through different eras, with possibly thousands onscreen at the same time. They have their own routines and exist in the game’s food chain – which the player can have a hand in. As you explore deeper into the game you’ll uncover different environments with their own puzzles.” – Matthew Kato
Alienation
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
Developer: Housemarque
Release: 2015
Apotheon
Publisher: AlienTrap Games
Developer: AlienTrap Games
Release: February 3, 2015
Rating: 9
“I’m glad someone had the idea way before me and had the skills to execute it so well; the characters and environments of Apotheon’s Metroid-inspired creation are beautiful and you can even see the subtle texture of a handmade pot on every screen. For me, the rich single-player experience was more than enough. Not only is Apotheon a tireless devotion to ancient Greek art and culture, it’s also a damn fun game and one of my surprise early favorites of 2015.” – Bryan Vore
Axiom Verge
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
Developer: Thomas Happ Games
Release: March 31, 2015
Rating: 9.25
“Metroid fans have been waiting in agony for a new 2D entry in the series since 2004’s Zero Mission on Game Boy Advance. In the meantime, several fans have gone into development and created their own Metroid-style games. There have been great attempts and bad ones, but no one has tried to capture the aesthetic of Metroid as closely as Axiom Verge. Handling programming, art, animation, and music, developer Tom Happ has created a stunning love letter to Nintendo’s classic without being a slave to its conventions.” – Bryan Vore
Basement Crawl
Publisher: Bloober Team
Developer: Bloober Team
Release: February 25, 2014
“It’s a game that draws on old-school gameplay, with a nice 2.5D visual update.” – Jeff Cork
Blacklight: Retribution
Publisher: Perfect World Entertainment
Developer: Hardsuit Labs (formerly Zombie Studios)
Release: November 15, 2013
“Blacklight: Retribution launched on PC a year ago to generally positive reviews, and Zombie Studios has been updating the game ever since with new missions, maps, and gameplay modes, including the popular co-op survival mode, Onslaught. In addition to the extensive weapon customization options (which can be purchased via microtransactions or earned by playing the game), Blacklight: Retribution shakes up the typical sci-fi shooter formula with a visor ability that allows players to temporarily see through walls, and mech-like Hardsuits that can be earned during matches and feature randomly generated weakpoints.” – Jeff Marchiafava
Bloodborne
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
Developer: From Software
Release: March 24, 2015
Rating: 9.75
“Bloodborne is a blood-drenched horror gem that has only the faintest of cracks in its façade. Bloodborne succeeds through sparse storytelling, lush atmospheres (conjuring up notions of the best of Lovecraft’s work), and tight combat that forces you to be aggressive. While this new IP doesn’t stray far from the established Souls franchise, it is a magical, wondrous work that admirably instills both terror and triumph in those brave enough to delve into it.” – Daniel Tack
Brawl
Publisher: Bloober Team
Developer: Bloober Team
Release: April 24, 2015
Broforce
Publisher: Devolver Digital
Developer: Free Lives Games
Release: 2015
“As we began each new level, we raced from left to right, shooting and generally making things explode into chunks of stone and flesh. It’s a cooperative game, but the funniest moments came when one of us accidentally dropped a ceiling on another player. The three of us were giggling the entire time as we killed terrorists, forced our way through the explosions, and murdered Satan at the end of each stage. After the Devil gets his due, a helicopter swoops in, and more often than not only one player makes it out. This creates a competitive environment in the last few moments of each level that drastically changes the dynamic for comical situations. By the time I finished playing Broforce, there were tears in my eyes and my face hurt just a bit from laughing.” – Mike Futter
Chasm
Publisher: Discord Games
Developer: Discord Games
Release: Summer 2015
“Chasm is a platformer that takes inspiration from hack ‘n slash dungeon crawlers and exploration-based Metroid games. The unique twist here is that the game is procedurally-generated, which makes it different each time you play through. I was initially skeptical about this, but after playing through an early portion of the game, my fears subsided. Each room in the game has been hand-crafted, but the order with which you attack them will get mixed up each time you play the game.” – Ben Reeves
Daylight
Publisher: Atlus
Developer: Zombie Studios
Release: April 29, 2015
Rating: 6
“In the absence of more traditional action, first-person exploration games depend on their atmosphere and characters. Success stories like Dear Esther and Gone Home demonstrate how a compelling narrative can pull players in, even when the gameplay consists mainly of looking at stuff and reading. Zombie Studios makes a similar attempt using a horror setting with Daylight, but fails to create a world where you care about anything or anyone. Without a captivating hook or any real scares, Daylight leaves players lost in the dark.” – Joe Juba
Death’s Gambit
Publisher: White Rabbit
Developer: White Rabbit
Release: 2016
“Castlevania collides with Dark Souls in a brutal mashup filled with aggressive enemies, classic-yet-attractive visuals, and a demand for care when engaging in combat. The stamina bar, dodge roll, and parry mechanic will make Souls fans feel at home, while the 2D exploration with multiple paths gives the game the feel of an earlier Castlevania game.” – Ben Reeves
Deep Down
Publisher: Capcom
Developer: Capcom
Release: TBA
“…comparisons to Dark Souls are apt when discussing Deep Down’s combat. Battling the big, club-wielding ogres in the depths of the dungeons has a certain weight to it. Winding up to swing your javelin at foes requires a lengthy animation to complete, leaving you vulnerable to an attack. A short backwards dodge is available to evade incoming attacks. While we weren’t able to use a shield during the demo, a knight can be seen carrying on during the co-op demo, leading us to believe players are able to block.” – Tim Turi
Disgaea 5: Alliance of Vengeance
Publisher: Nippon Ichi Software
Developer: Nippon Ichi Software
Release: October 6, 2015
“This entry in the beloved strategy/RPG franchise is centered on revenge. Protagonist Killia is ready to take down Overlord Void Dark, and will stop at nothing to see his vengeance fulfilled. This installment has new features like alliance attacks, where your relationship with battle mates grants you special moves. In addition, a revenge mode provides your characters bonus stats when they’ve been hit more than they can bear.” – Kimberley Wallace
Distance
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
Developer: Refract
Release: 2015
“As the game showed me the ropes, I was surprised to learn there was a jump button. From a distance I saw the futuristic cars sprout wings and fly through the air, but the ability to jump still took me by surprise. As I was racing along the track, obstacles would appear that required a well-timed jump. It was like someone had placed some platforming elements into a racing game and I immediately began experimenting and enjoying it as I sped along.” – Kyle Hilliard
Dreams
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
Developer: Media Molecule
Release: TBA
“This new game looks more like a suite of creation tools that the studio hopes will allow players to create whatever they can dream and then share them with other people. These tools will allow people to craft and sketch things, populate rooms with objects, and animate everything in the room by simply moving a PS4 controller. The game has a cool, almost claymation art style. We don’t know how many gameplay possibilities this game has, but it seems like a fun tool for people to play with and create some fun videos.” – Ben Reeves
DriveClub
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
Developer: Evolution Studios
Release: October 7, 2014
Rating: 7.75
“DriveClub works as advertised, and despite the seamlessness of its single-player and online features, the game’s not wildly more captivating than most other racers out there. It captures the spur of competitive racing, but this is due more to the fact that its racing fundamentals (which are more sim than arcade) give it a good foundation rather than some groundbreaking feature set. Drive it fast and drive it hard, but don’t expect a miracle.” – Matthew Kato
Dungeon Defenders II
Publisher: Trendy Entertainment
Developer: Trendy Entertainment and Human Head Studios
Release: 2015
“Playing through the five waves was extremely enjoyable thanks to the frequent and useful communication among our team. There were tense moments as a troll lumbered toward our defenses and celebration when we (barely) took it down before it breached our line. Dungeon Defenders II is, so far, a more polished and enjoyable experience than the original. I remain cautiously optimistic though, as Trendy has yet to explain how its free-to-play model will be implemented.” – Mike Futter
Enter The Gungeon
Publisher: Devolver Digital
Developer: Dodge Roll
Release: Q3 2015
“A quick glance at Enter the Gungeon might lead you to believe that it’s a simple, 2D roguelite with procedural elements. While it brings with it characteristics of Binding of Isaac, Enter the Gungeon is a brilliant application of the roguelite elements that have become so common. Dodge Roll has created a system that produces ‘Zelda–like’ dungeons. Studio founder Dave Crooks says that the goal is to get maps to loop around logically, minimizing random dead ends and odd procedural construction. Part of the success in this comes from building the rooms by hand, but letting the A.I. place them systematically. The studio has also created its own approach to meta-progression. Players won’t carry skills between runs in the Gungeon. Rather, accomplishing goals will add more items and guns to the loot table. Currently there are about 200 guns in the game and over 100 different items.” – Mike Futter
Escape Goat 2
Publisher: Double Fine Productions
Developer: MagicalTimeBean
Release: October 21, 2014
Ether One
Publisher: White Paper Games
Developer: White Paper Games
Release: May 5, 2015
Everybody’s Gone to the Rapture
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
Developer: The Chinese Room and Sony Computer Entertainment Santa Monica
Release: August 11, 2015
“When we talk about post-apocalyptic settings, we often think of the wasteland. Desolation, destruction, and desperation punctuate games set after global cataclysm. Everybody’s Gone to the Rapture is different. Set in the English countryside in a small village, The Chinese Room has created a haunting, lovely exploration experience. The Chinese Room says it wants to create emotional moments, but will leave discovery up to the player. The story can be uncovered in any order, and there are a number of ‘passive events’ that recreate memories or conversations from before the event.” – Mike Futter
Fairy Fencer F: Advent Dark Force
Publisher: Compile Heart
Developer: Compile Heart
Release: TBA
Fat Princess Adventures
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
Developer: Fun Bits Interactive
Release: 2015
Final Fantasy VII Remake
Publisher: Square Enix
Developer: Square Enix
Release: TBA
“In an interview with GameSpot, director Tetsuya Nomura revealed that new version could potentially deviate from the blueprint set down in the 1997 PlayStation classic. Referencing the eventual release of the upscaled original, Nomura questioned the need to have two versions that tell the same tale. ‘You’ll have this extremely, very, very pretty FFVII existing on the same plane,’ says Nomura in the interview. ‘We feel that if that happens, it’s like, why have the same exact game?'” – Joe Juba
Firewatch
Publisher: Panic
Developer: Campo Santo
Release: 2015
“Firewatch is my favorite game from GDC. It immediately hooked me, and I never knew what I would find next. The game will play out over the course of Henry’s job [fire ranger]; you start day one, but after a few consecutive days, the plot jumps forward in time. This allows you to see how Henry and his relationship with Delilah progresses. I can’t wait to see where it all leads. I’m already looking at everything desperately. During the demo, I noticed Henry was still wearing a ring. I wondered if it represented his hope to save his marriage or his denial that it’s over. I’m still thinking a lot about my time with Firewatch, and that says something.” – Kimberley Wallace
The Forest
Publisher: SKS Games
Developer: SKS Games
Release: 2015
Galak-Z: The Dimensional
Publisher: 17-BIT
Developer: 17-BIT
Release: August 4, 2015
“Galak-Z’s mech mode makes perfect sense given the game’s roots – what self-respecting anime-inspired shoot ’em up wouldn’t let you transform into a towering robo-suit of doom? However, Mech mode is more than just a limited power-up; players can slip into the overpowered alternate form with the press of a button at any time. Once you’ve transformed, you have a whole new suite of abilities at your disposal, including the ability to dice enemies with your sword or grab and throw enemies with your extendable arm.” – Jeff Marchiafava
Gauntlet: Slayer Edition
Publisher: Warner Bros. Interactive
Developer: Arrowhead Game Studios
Release: August 11, 2015
Rating: 7 (PC)
“While Gauntlet offers higher difficulty modes and some cool looking gear unlocks after you finish the three area hubs, my group wasn’t inspired to continue further. There’s definitely a charming old-school spark to this reboot, but without anything beyond the constant monster mashing and levels that seem to blend together, you may find yourself needing excitement badly.” – Daniel Tack
Gran Turismo 7
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
Developer: Polyphony Digital
Release: 2016
“Yamauchi didn’t dive into the feature set of GT 7, but it’s ambitious. ‘For GT 7, myself and my staff have a clear vision: to do everything we couldn’t do in GT 6,’ he said. ‘We want to make it very Gran Turismo. By that I mean it’s going to be a game that matches the very era that we live in, in 2015 or 2016.'” – Matthew Kato
Grand Ages: Medieval
Publisher: Kalypso Media
Developer: Gaming Minds Studios
Release: September 29, 2015
Guns of Icarus Online
Publisher: Muse Games
Developer: Muse Games
Release: 2015
“Guns of Icarus looks and plays like a first-person shooter, but in the big picture, it’s really a ship combat game. You are part of the crew of a floating airship, and your class dictates your job. You can be an engineer, running around repairing broken engines, a captain piloting the ship and giving orders, or a gunner manning the turrets that you fire at competing ships. You won’t be firing weapons at other players or even taking damage from flying bullets. The win scenario is you keep your ship floating in the air, and the competing ships don’t.” – Kyle Hilliard
H-Hour: World’s Elite
Publisher: SOF Studios
Developer: SOF Studios
Release: TBA
H1Z1
Publisher: Daybreak Game Company
Developer: Daybreak Game Company
Release: 2015
“A swarm of zombies during a scavenging run was dispatched with an assault rifle, but the noise from the gun just brought more ghouls to the party. High-power weapons like the assault rifle are not available through crafting, so they must be found. These weapons (and their bullets) are a limited and precious resource, so players must resort to throwing spears or using hatchets and other basic weapons to deliver death to the undead – and each other.” – Daniel Tack
Heart and Soul
Publisher: Reach Game Studios
Developer: Reach Game Studios
Release: TBA
Hellblade
Publisher: Ninja Theory
Developer: Ninja Theory
Release: 2016
“Hellblade puts you in third-person perspective as Celtic warrior Senua to explore a hellish world. Senua, left traumatized after a Viking invasion, is grappling with mental illness and you’ll experience her hallucinations and delusions while she tries to triumph over it.” – Kimberly Wallace
Hollowpoint
Publisher: Paradox
Developer: Ruffian Games
Release: 2015
“Hollowpoint, a game introduced late last year, has received a new trailer that dives into the backstory of the corporation-owned dystopia once known as Earth. Fifty years of war and poverty gave birth to a world ran entirely by mega-corporations. In the game (developed by Ruffian Games and published by Paradox Interactive), players will lead a team of mercenaries, called Hollowpoints, and carry out missions for whichever mega-corporation is willing to pay the most.” – Alissa McAloon
Horizon: Zero Dawn
Publisher: SCE
Developer: Guerilla Games
Release: 2016
“Horizon stars Aloy, a young woman from a tribal heritage living in a world many centuries after the fall of civilization. Her vibrant natural surroundings are filled with ancient ruins overgrown with plants, and humans have regressed to a primitive and less technological state of life. Amid the detritus of a fallen society, humans share the world with massive robotic creatures of many shapes and forms.” – Matt Miller
Hot Shots Golf
Publisher: SCE
Developer: Clap Hanz
Release: 2015
The Hum: Abductions
Publisher: Totwise Studios
Developer: Totwise Studios
Release: 2016
Hunger
Publisher: Tarsier Studios
Developer: Tarsier Studios
Release: 2016
“Hunger follows a little girl named Six as she tries to navigate a terrifying facility called The Maw. Tarsier is calling the game a ‘suspense-adventure’ title and a spiritual successor of sorts to an unreleased game the studio worked on called City of Metronome. The trailer recalls games like Limbo and is unnerving to watch in the best way.” – Kyle Hilliard
Infamous First Light
Publisher: SCE
Developer: Sucker Punch Productions
Release date: August 26, 2014
Rating: 8
“Infamous First Light lacks some of the punch of Second Son in its campaign battles and familiar narrative marks, but is still a welcome addition to the series. Fetch is a fantastically written character, and the conclusion to her origin story is worth seeing in its entirety – even if you already know what happens. Sucker Punch did a phenomenal job with the finale.” – Andrew Reiner
Infamous Second Son
Publisher: SCE
Developer: Sucker Punch Productions
Release date: March 21, 2014
Rating: 8.5
“I like the way that Infamous Second Son splinters off from the first two entries in the series. Delsin’s conduit ability creates uncertainty in the gameplay mechanics, and the choices he makes apply similar levels of ambiguity to the narrative arc. I never really grasped what was coming next from this tale, outside of knowing that the open world activities and encounters would be repeated ad nauseam.” – Andrew Reiner
Inferno Climber
Publisher: Arc System Works
Developer: Arc System Works
Release date: 2015
Invisible Inc.
Publisher: Klei Entertainment
Developer: Klei Entertainment
Release date: May 12, 2015
Rating: 8
“Invisible, Inc. rewards successive playthroughs by giving you access to new agents complete with a variety of different skills, as well as more specialized hacking programs that make it easier to work your way out of tough situations. Invisible, Inc. doesn’t always feel like it’s playing by the rules, but clever thinking and a good loadout empower you to fight from the shadows.” – Ben Reeves
Ironclad Tactics
Publisher: Zachtronics
Developer: Zachtronics
Release date: September 18, 2013
Jamestown+
Publisher: Final Form Games
Developer: Final Form Games
Release date: March 17, 2015
Kerbal Space Program
Publisher: Squad
Developer: Squad
Release date: TBA
Rating: 8.5
“Kerbal Space Program provides something for everyone: players who will never see a return voyage from “the Mun,” and those who delve into special resource gathering, landing, docking, and crew-out-of-ship activities. If you are a creative type who loves to fool around with physics, you’ll probably love Kerbal Space Program. If you’re just looking to create unbelievable, ridiculous rockets with an impractical number of fuel pods, you can still have plenty of fun. Whatever your level of engagement, you can enjoy shooting these little green Smurfs into space – or into the nearby scenery.” – Daniel Tack
Kill Strain
Publisher: SCE
Developer: SCE San Diego
Release date: 2015
“Sony is billing Kill Strain as a 5v2v5 top-down, action shooter; a MOBA-like game that pits three teams against each another. Two of the teams are rival human factions, both composed of five players. The humans are at war with each other for resources. The third team is a mutant legion consisting of just two players. The mutants are stronger than the humans, and are driven by bloodlust. The death they deal can greatly affect the tide of battle.” – Andrew Reiner
Killing Floor 2
Publisher: Tripwire Interactive
Developer: Tripwire Interactive
Release date: 2015
Killzone Shadow Fall
Publisher: SCE
Developer: Guerrilla Games
Release November 15, 2013
Rating: 8
“When you look past the gorgeous visuals, Killzone: Shadow Fall is a competent shooter in terms of both campaign gameplay and multiplayer offerings. It may not be the most innovative title on the market, but it’s certainly one of the top stars of the PlayStation 4’s launch lineup.” – Andrew Reiner
Kingdom Under Fire II
Publisher: Blueside
Developer: Blueside
Release: 2015
“Kingdom Under Fire II was originally announced in 2008 and aimed at a 2009 release for consoles and PC, but suffered from numerous delays. The game will be a return to the Kingdom Under Fire series’ strategic roots, featuring direct troop control, multiple playable characters, and large scale battles.” – Harry Mackin
Knack
Publisher: SCE
Developer: SCE Japan
Release date: November 15, 2013
Rating: 8.25
“Though it’s a launch game for a next-gen system, Knack is almost nostalgic; it’s the kind of game they don’t make that often anymore. As such, it’s not the most innovative or the most visually dazzling game. This won’t be the one you put in to show off your new console to your friends. However, when you’re done with the prettied-up versions of the big franchises, you’ll find yourself wanting to return to Knack. It’s got charm and heart, and offers a whole lot of good gameplay. Ultimately, that’s still what’s important – no matter which generation we’re in.” – Matt Helgeson
The Last Guardian
Publisher: SCE
Developer: Team ICO
Release date: 2016
“Earlier in the demo, Ueda said he wants to create “psychological stress” for players with the game’s vertical environments. Well, with sequences like the near-death of the boy and his companion, The Last Guardian should create similar tension as the pair continue to try and escape their confines and their bond grows. Ueda says this is the fundamental center of the game, and it’s clear that even through the game’s long development process has kept us waiting, gamers’ own affection for the title has only grown as well.” – Matthew Kato
The Last Tinker: City of Colors
Publisher: Unity Games
Developer: Loot Entertainment
Release date: August 19, 2014
“Released on PC back in May, The Last Tinker: City of Colors follows hero Koru in Tinkerworld as he attempts to save a collection of color-coded districts using action platformer mechanics – a genre we don’t see very often these days.” – Kyle Hilliard
Let it Die
Publisher: Gungho Online Entertainment
Developer: Grasshopper Manufacture
Release date: 2015
“You never quite know what to expect from a new Suda51 game, but these screens and trailer give us a tease of his new PS4 exclusive Let It Die.[…] Not much is known about it, but given’s Suda’s track record with games like Killer7 and No More Heroes, it will probably be quite unique.” – Matt Helgeson
Loadout
Publisher: Edge of Reality
Developer: Edge of Reality
Release date: December 16 2014
“As the trailer and screenshots below demonstrate, the competitive online multiplayer title emphasizes weapon creation and customization, character progression, and fast-paced, over the top action.” – Harry Mackin
Magicka 2
Publisher: Paradox Interactive
Developer: Pieces Interactive
Release date: May 26, 2015
Rating: 7.25
“Magicka 2 delivers more of the magi-mayhem that the series has become known for, but doesn’t really take things in any new or particularly interesting directions. If you enjoyed the first game you will probably enjoy this new journey. If it’s your first outing, it’s a unique gameplay experience, but the mechanics and playstyle are not universally enchanting.” – Daniel Tack
Mercenary Kings
Publisher: Tribute Games
Developer: Tribute Games
Release date: April 1, 2014
Rating: 8
“Mercenary Kings is a testament to the idea that you can get too much of a good thing. The slick art, old-school shooting, and deep customization options are immensely fun, as are the stages that you play through – the first few times. As it is, this style of shooting action feels like it’s stretched thin over such a lengthy campaign, and some of the missions might have been more fun if I hadn’t already explored the maps so thoroughly. That tedium certainly isn’t enough for me to warn people away from such a richly illustrated tribute to the roots of the shooter.” – Matt Miller
N++
Publisher: Metanet Software
Developer: Metanet Software
Release date: July 28, 2015
“Last year at GDC, Metanet Software announced that it was working on another N game. N+ was one of the better platformers this generation, and you can see how it might have influenced the development of games like Super Meat Boy. Watch this tiny ninja dance across explosives and avoid other pitfalls in the trailer below.” – Ben Reeves
NieR New Project
Publisher: Square Enix
Developer: Platinum Games
Release date: TBA
“Platinum Games is developing a new Nier game with Square Enix. Atsushi Inaba, who is notable for his work on Ōkami, Viewtiful Joe, and Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance, is on Nier New Project as a producer.” – Brian Shea
No Man’s Sky
Publisher: Hello Games
Publisher: Hello Games
Release date: TBA
“During our month of No Man’s Sky coverage, we’ve been focusing our attention on the game’s unfathomably large scale. We haven’t spent much time talking about the various creatures that players will be seeing while planetside. Like the worlds they inhabit, each species has been procedurally generated. We talked with Hello Games’ art team to learn about how they’re populating the galaxy with a massive menagerie of unique animals.” – Jeff Cork
Nom Nom Galaxy
Publisher: Q-Games
Developer: Double 11
Release date: May 12, 2015
“Soup-based video game fans rejoice! Q-Games’ upcoming strategy/platformer hybrid is coming to PlayStation consoles. In Nom Nom Galaxy, your goal is to create the best soups possible by exploring distant planets and gathering unique ingredients. Those planets all feature dangers of their own, however, so you will be platforming, base building and defending, and – of course – making delicious soup.” – Dimitri Gedevanishvili
Omega Quintet
Publisher: Idea Factory International
Developer: Deve Compile Heart
Release date: April 28, 2015
“Idea Factory International announced today that its musical RPG/idol simulation game Omega Quintet will be making its way West some time in the Spring of 2015, exclusively on the PlayStation 4. In the game the player will take the role of a manager leading a team of five idols (known as the Verse Maidens) as they battle against an evil force that threatens to wipe out humanity.” – Sam Stewart
Onechanbara Z2: Chaos
Publisher: D3 Publisher
Developer: Tamsoft
Release date: July 21, 2015
Orcs Must Die! Unchained
Publisher: Robot Entertainment
Developer: Robot Entertainment
Release date: 2015
“Robot Entertainment’s MOBA–style take on the Orcs Must Die series is starting to come into focus. I had the chance to play the latest version of Unchained at PAX East, and it’s about to become a much different game from the one I spent time with at Gamescom.” – Mike Futter
The Order: 1886
Publisher: SCE
Developer: Ready at Dawn
Release: February 20, 2015
Rating: 7.75
“The Order: 1886 is a triumph of world building, ripe to be explored by players who enjoy that sensation of confusion and discovery as the pieces of the fiction fall into place. Ready At Dawn’s first original IP is also a masterpiece of cinematic immersion. Environments feel gritty and authentic, characters exhibit genuine emotions, and every scene looks like it could be a still cut from a thoughtfully crafted film. The technical and artistic talent on display is astounding, but it comes at a price. The clear desire to embrace the cinematic experience comes at the cost of player agency; The Order: 1886 often places you in the passenger seat instead of letting you steer.” – Matt Miller
Planetside 2
Publisher: SOE
Developer: Daybreak Game Company
Release: June 23, 2015
Rating: 7.75
“First-person shooter fans have played the role of the sole, galaxy-saving hero countless times before. PlanetSide 2 is not that experience. On these chaotic battlefields, you are not a master chief or legendary guardian who can expect to have an unlosable war served up to you on a silver platter. Instead, you are a grunt among hundreds, and your job is to serve the war effort until you die (usually a matter of minutes), hopefully taking down a few members of the opposition with you.” – Jeff Marchiafava
Ratchet & Clank
Publisher: SCE
Developer: Insomniac
Release: 2016
“Ratchet & Clank is a retelling of the galactic duo’s origin story from Captain Quark’s perspective, but considering its wealth of new content, even those familiar with the original origin may want to make a return trip to the Solana galaxy.” – Ben Reeves
Rime
Publisher: SCE
Developer: Tequila Works
Release: TBA
“The brief trailer for Rime shows a caped boy running across sandy beaches and billowing fields, climbing across ledges, and fending off shadowy creatures with a torch. The music strikes a somber tone, and although the visuals have their own distinct style, the game reminds me of some of Sony’s other artistic adventure titles, like Ico and Journey.” – Jeff Marchiafava
Rocket League
Publisher: Psyonix
Developer: Psyonix
Release: July 7, 2015
Rating: 9
“Play a few Rocket League matches and you see more than a few similarities between the game’s RC-car action and pre-K level soccer. A mass of players follows the ball wherever it rolls, teammates steal from each other, and accidental own-goal shots are almost expected. Even after your skill level advances and you’re able to make exhilarating mid-air saves and coordinated attacks, your car (and team) looks adorable in post-goal replays. Its game face may be set in a goofy grin instead of an intimidating snarl, but Rocket League’s beautifully balanced gameplay is one of the best competitive games I’ve played in ages.” – Jeff Cork
Secret Ponchos
Publisher: Switchblade Monkeys
Developer: Switchblade Monkeys
Release: December 2, 2014
Rating: 5
“The frantic action of the twin-stick shooter genre makes it a perfect fit for co-op, but rarely do developers tackle competitive multiplayer. Head-to-head gunslinging is the sole focus of Secret Ponchos, but while the short matches favor skill over twitchy reflexes, myriad drawbacks will run you out of town faster than a belligerent sheriff.” – Jeff Marchiafava
Shadow of the Beast
Publisher: SCE
Developer: Heavy Spectrum
Release: TBA
Shenmue 3
Publisher: SCE
Developer: Ys Net
Release: December 2017
SmuggleCraft
Publisher: Happy Badger Studio
Developer: Happy Badger Studio
Release: Spring 2016
Soma
Publisher: Frictional Games
Developer: Frictional Games
Release: September 22, 2015
“As you might recall from previous trailers and previews, [Soma] puts players under the water in an eerie station. There, players encounter robots that believe they are human.They have the memories and information processing as if they were in their flesh bodies. They lack the self-awareness of their situations though, and don’t understand that they are trapped in machine bodies.” – Mike Futter
Street Fighter V
Publisher: Capcom
Developer: Capcom
Release: 2016
“I spent much of my hands-on time with Street Fighter V trying to wrap my head around the variable system, but outside that initial struggle I had a fun time settling into the tried-and-true fighting gameplay. Pulling off shoryukens and throwing a turtled enemy with precise timing is still a treat. The moment-to-moment intensity and visceral impact of SF V’s fighting helps smooth over the rocky adjustment some players may have to deal with when transitioning to the new title. I still need more time to get used to the new changes, but so far SF V delivers on what I love about the series.” – Tim Turi
Super Impossible Road
Publisher:
Developer: Wonderful Lasers
Release: TBA
The Talos Principle
Publisher: Devolver Digital
Developer: Croteam
Release: August 25, 2015
Rating: 9
“While you could argue that all narratives strive to deliver some kind of moral, social, or psychological message, most games are more concerned with empowering the player or delivering an awe-inspiring spectacle than they are communicating any meaningful message. The Talos Principle, on the other hand, is a piece of art that manages to entertain while it challenges you to think introspectively about the world and your place in it.” – Ben Reeves
Tearaway Unfolded
Publisher: SCE
Developer: Media Molecule
Release: September 8, 2015
“In several ways, Media Molecule has extended the platforming challenge of Tearaway – adding new platforming sequences to a game that was already pretty great. In many ways, Tearaway feels like a brand new game, so even players who have already tackled the Vita version might find that Unfolded feels like a completely new experience.” – Ben Reeves
Tekken 7
Publisher: Bandai Namco
Developer: Bandai Namco
Release: TBA
“After 20 years of bad blood, Heihachi and Kazuya Mishima might finally bury the axe in the next installment of Tekken… Though we don’t get a glimpse of gameplay, this version of the trailer shows returning characters Miguel, Wang, and Leo mourning over those Heihachi has taken from them over the course of the series.”– Wayne Stainrook
The Tomorrow Children
Publisher: SCE
Developer: Q Games
Release: Q3 2015
“Q-Games described The Tomorrow Children as a network-based game where everyone in the world works to build a town at the same time. Set in a divergent future after a failed Russian science experiment breaks reality and threatens to destroy the universe, players control one of a number of “projected clones” who mine “islands” across a horizontal white expanse that seems to stretch on forever.” – Ben Reeves
Toren
Publisher: Versus Evil
Developer: Swordtales
Release: May 12, 2015
Trans-Galactic Tournament
Publisher: Hibernum Creations
Developer: Kiz Studios
Release: 2015
Transistor
Publisher: Supergiant Games
Developer: Supergiant Games
Release: May 20, 2014
Rating: 9
“Not everything needs an explanation. I imagine some variation of that idea was in the heads of the team at Supergiant Games as Transistor took shape. From its surreal setting and enigmatic characters, to its surprising upgrade system and combat, Transistor is a game that is happy to let you discover its charms over time. For players willing to accept a slightly more opaque experience than many games, Transistor offers an escape into a strange and enchanting world.” – Matt Miller
Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End
Publisher: SCE
Developer: Naughty Dog
Release: Q1 2016
“Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End pushes players to unearth one of the greatest pirate treasures of all – Henry Avery’s stash, worth an estimated two to four hundred million dollars. For thrill-seeker Nathan Drake,Avery’s haul has been somewhat of a white whale. He’s chased it before, but has come up with nothing to show for his efforts. He abandoned his quest to find it, and recently put treasure hunting behind him altogether, settling into a life or normalcy with his other love, Elena.” – Andrew Reiner
Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection
Publisher: SCE
Developer: Naughty Dog
Release: October 9, 2015
“The package comes with the single-player campaigns for all three games, new trophies, and a photo mode. Multiplayer is not included, though purchasing this collection gets you “exclusive” access to the Uncharted 4 multiplayer beta.” – Mike Futter
Until Dawn
Publisher: SCE
Developer: Supermassive Games
Release: August 25, 2015
“At face value, Until Dawn is a combination of teen slasher flick and Quantic Dream jam. The title stars Hayden Panettiere (Heroes), as she and seven friends meet up for a vacation on a mountain. Until Dawn’s hook is the “butterfly effect,” an on-screen notification that appears when you’ve made a decision that has altered the story’s path. At the end of each section, you’ll see your current story path, of which there are hundreds, illuminate on the butterfly.” – Mike Futter
The Vanishing of Ethan Carter
Publisher: The Astronauts
Developer: The Astronauts
Release: July 15, 2015
Rating: 8
“While sections of The Vanishing Of Ethan Carter might hang up players who aren’t patient enough to scrub its environments for clues or destination markers, the experience rewards those who enjoy soaking in atmosphere and exploring every nook and cranny. The Vanishing of Ethan Carter won’t challenge your brain like it will challenge your daring, but it offers up plenty of thrills and tells a crafty story that fans of dark fantasy and pulp horror won’t want to miss.” – Ben Reeves
Viking Squad
Publisher: Slick Entertainment
Developer: Slick Entertainment
Release: 2015
“The game, which looks Castle Crashers-esque, stars a group of vikings as they retrieve treasure for their possessed leader by beating up an assortment of competing soldiers and monsters.” – Kyle Hilliard
VizionEck
Publisher: VizionEck
Developer: VizionEck
Release: 2015
Rating:
Wander
Publisher: Wander MMO
Developer: Wander MMO
Release: June 4, 2015
Wattam
Publisher: SCE
Developer: Funomena
Release: 2015
“Takahashi specializes in difficult to describe, strange games, and Wattam looks to be no exception. Takahashi said he came up with the game while playing with his two year-old, and the trailer featured a green square character with a bomb hidden under his hat. As long as he kept his hat on, the bomb was in no danger of exploding, but once the hat came off, the wick on the bomb started to burn away.” – Kyle Hilliard
What Remains of Edith Finch
Publisher: SCE
Developer: Giant Sparrow
Release: 2016
“What Remains of Edith Finch tells the story – or stories – of the Finch family. Players will explore the family home, including bedrooms that contain scraps of information about its previous occupants. The game is divided into stories based on family members, with a focus on their deaths. As you probably gleaned from the trailer, the home itself is a focus of the overall narrative, too. The studio says the Finches have lived there for about 100 years, and that it’s a “crazy” place. It’s meant to have a lived-in look that reflects the idiosyncrasies of the individuals who lived there. As family members lived and died there, they left their own marks on the home.” – Jeff Cork
Wild
Publisher: SCE
Developer: Wild Sheep Studio
Release: 2015
Without Memory
Publisher: Dinosaurum Games
Developer: Dinosaurum Games
Release: 2016
The Witness
Publisher: Thekla
Developer: Thekla
Release: 2015
“As the creative force behind Braid, no one can question Jonathan Blow’s credentials in the puzzle genre. For the last few years, Blow and his team at Thekla, Inc. have been working on The Witness, a first-person puzzle game focused on drawing lines on computer monitors. Of course, the scope expands beyond its seemingly simple premise, and you can get a taste of the areas and puzzle that await you in these exclusive screens.” – Joe Juba
Victor Dima
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