Regardless of how powerful or just plain awesome a gaming console is, let’s face it – they’re pretty much useless unless there are some premium titles designed for it. You know…the types of games that are really a cut above in terms of their graphics, sound, style, feel and overall creativity. Since the official release of the PS4 is just around the corner, we thought it might be a good idea to introduce you to some of the better examples which will also be coming your way soon (either as a launch title or soon-to-be-released). Before you think about games you’ll need the console it self, if you need advice about what you’ll need when buying the PS4, you should look at our ultimate PS4 buyers guide. The following 30 titles appear to be among the strongest offerings to be announced thus far and if you plan on becoming a proud PS4 owner this holiday you’ll definitely want to keep your eye out for one or more or them.
Anyway, without further ado and presented in no particular order, here are our initial PS4 picks…
Driveclub
Aside from its stellar visuals, Driveclub is an upcoming PS4 launch title that’s set to update the look and feel of video game racing. Billing itself as a sort of tribute to “car culture”, this game will dazzle many with its precision graphics, but perhaps one of the most interesting features will end up being its push toward forging a more socially-connected racing community.Check out the Driveclub game preview for more details.
Infamous: Second Son
Needless to say, the Infamous series is already…well, infamous among Sony devotees, so a new notch in the series was to be largely expected. This upcoming title (which is to hit the shelves sometime in February of 2014) is going to be a PS4 exclusive and will further elaborate on the winning formula that made the franchise a household name. The difference between the others and this one of course being that everything is being updated and looks to be extremely polished (as expected). It’s very likely to be one of the better open world / semi-open world titles with a focus on action and adventure initially available for the PS4.
Killzone: Shadow Fall
The Killzone series has been with Sony since the original which debuted on the PS2. Of course the franchise has certainly come a long way since then as evidenced by the amazing Killzone 3. Naturally, Killzone: Shadow Fall is going to take advantage of the immense power of the PS4 in order to treat gamers to an unparalleled action / shooter experience like no other. The game not only tells the story of Vektan and Helghast “cold war-like” segregation, it also manages to incorporate new features amidst those which fans are no doubt already familiar with. See the Killzone: Shadow Fall game preview for more details.
Knack
If there’s one thing you should know about Knack it’s that many will see it as something of a return to old-school platforming and cutesy characters. But don’t get the wrong idea, it’s a serious game with all the bells, whistles and features you’d expect from PS4 launch title. The story centers on a struggle between human and goblin forces when a third variable enters the equation, Knack – our protagonist who was created in a lab by scientists and has the ability, or “knack” for utilizing and developing specific powers which aid in toppling enemies and solving puzzles. See the Knack game preview for more details.
The Order: 1886
Coming off as a sort of steampunk shooter with leanings toward adventure, The Order: 1886 is perhaps one of the more unique offerings which is currently being developed for the PS4 and due for release sometime in 2014. It takes place in an alternate reality where things took a different turn around the time of the industrial revolution. The results are somewhat perplexing – old-fashioned trappings meet modern technology and firearms. All in all, it’s a fresh concept that will likely touch quite a few gamers who might have been waiting for something like this to come along for quite a while.
Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag
By now you’d be hard-pressed to find many devoted gamers who haven’t played one game in (or at least heard of) the Assassin’s Creed series. This most recent installment, ACIV: Black Flag is set to be the most graphically beautiful as well as open of them all. Moreover, Black Flag will also likely end up being one of the most well executed (no pun intended) pirate-themed titles to ever hit any console. Gamers will shift between the olden Caribbean setting and the modern day as part of an interlocking plot which will, without a doubt, leave them absolutely mesmerized and begging for more once everything is said and done.
Battlefield 4
First person shooter fans as well as Battlefield disciples are going to completely go bonkers for Battlefield 4. Touting simply incredible visuals and continuing the story established by its predecessor, BF4 builds upon the blueprint which made the series such a big success. It’s also worth noting that the multiplayer mode(s) is going to be fully loaded down with enough features to keep everyone coming back for more action months after the luster of the engrossing campaign has lost its initial appeal. See the Battlefield 4 game preview for more details.
Blacklight: Retribution
While Blacklight: Retribution might not be the most spectacular title out there being developed for the PS4, it certainly has one big advantage over a lot of other titles; namely, it’s going to be a totally free offering. This first person Sci-fi shooter looks pretty good and functions more like a diversion or training title than a big budget offering, but it’s also highly customizable, features a load of different weapons and even lets you build your own character. While it’s tough to say whether or not it might become a popular multiplayer title for the PS4 at this point, it’s possible that it could very well serve as a basic hub for a lot of players who might be looking to socialize over the PSN.
Call of Duty: Ghosts
As the 10th principal installment in the Call of Duty series, CoD: Ghosts is pushing boundaries where you’d expect, most notably in its visuals and gameplay. At the same time, the game is staying true to the core experience; meaning, everything will feel familiar to hardcore fans. When it comes to the multiplayer element though, expect to have a few new moves at your disposal. Likewise, the maps are going to feature dynamic elements which change during play. Regardless of whether or not you dig the story and its rather sad tale concerning the fall of the US and the rise of a subsequent “unseen” enemy, you have to admit, the game looks very enticing as far as first-person shooters go.
Carmageddon: Reincarnation
There really aren’t that many honest-to-goodness vehicular combat titles out there. Of those that exist, the Carnageddon series is perhaps the most highly visible and readily referenced by gamers. Carmageddon: Reincarnation is being developed for the next-gen consoles and is poised to deliver the sort of visual feast (as well as wacky experience) that people have come to expect from the series. This will be the 4th game in the series, with the last one dating back to the year 2000 so it’s safe to say that they’re due for another release.
Cyberpunk 2077
Not much is known about Cyberpunk 2077 at this time, but what we have found out only tantalizes us further. In short, the game will be set in an ultra-technological future where people have become a bit “depreciated”. Currently the game is set to contain a number of character classes and appears to be something of a bona-fide RPG. Moreover, there’s even a rumor that this title will feature both 3rd as well as 1st person perspectives. Add to that a dense city and a sprawling wasteland outside of that and you have a formula that’s somewhat familiar yet different enough to attract most RPG buffs. Don’t expect this one until well into 2015 though.
Daylight
Seriously, what good is a console if it doesn’t have at least a few good survival horror titles for it? Set to release in early 2014, Daylight is a game that might very well end up being one of the more solid initial offerings for the PS4. Rather than providing the player with a litany of weapons, they only have their cell phone – which also doubles as a light source. However, what makes this game truly interesting is the fact that all the levels are “procedurally generated”, meaning that you won’t encounter the same setting two times in a row. Needless to say, this concept has an incredible level of potential attached to it and if it’s executed properly, it might be truly amazing.
DC Universe Online
If you’re a fan of comics, brawlers or ambitious MMORPG games DC Universe Online will be right up your alley. Developer Sony Online Entertainment really wanted to make a different type of massive multiplayer title and turned their focus toward increasing the potential for interactivity. Of course all the standard features like a leveling system, story progression, inventories, and raiding are all there (including separate home bases for both the heroes as well as villains) too. While most of the combat will be angled toward the player (either solo or as part of a team) vs. the environment, there will also be plenty of opportunities for player vs. player encounters as well. Add to that a sprawling world which contains both Metropolis as well as Gotham City and you have a very interesting game on your hands.
Destiny
Developer “Bungie” is moving beyond the confines of the Halo universe and branching out to produce a truly breathtaking open-world Sci-fi experience called “Destiny”. Aside from its inherent visual beauty, the intent is to create an environment that truly feels alive and is dynamic enough that even the game’s creators won’t be sure what will happen at any given time. What’s interesting about this game though is that it’s going to be a true first person shooter as well as an “always online” MMORPG. Players will share this amazing world set seven hundred years in a post-apocalyptic future. Simply put, this title is probably going to change everything for console gamers.
Diablo III
Certainly Diablo is one of the preeminent series for computer gamers worldwide, and while it’s already out there it’s nice to see that developer Blizzard Entertainment is giving console gamers a chance to experience it as well. Possessing a highly convoluted and intricate storyline as well as near-infinite possibilities when it comes to questing thanks to random level and encounter generators, Diablo III offers players a very unique role-playing experience that’s at once strategic as well as steeped in action.
Dragon Age: Inquisition
Due for release sometime in mid to late 2014, Dragon Age: Inquisition will be the 3rd title to emerge out of the series and of course the first for the next generation consoles. Being more of a slightly traditional or straightforward fantasy / role-playing game, DA: Inquisition is set to be much more open-ended than the previous entries from the franchise. The story involves “saving the world from itself” according to Creative Director Mike Laidlaw. You can also expect the gameplay elements from the 2 previous titles to find their way into this one, and customization and combat are also getting an overhaul, as are the graphics.
The Elder Scrolls Online
By now you’re probably already fully aware of just how amazing the Elder Scrolls series really is, perhaps after tackling Skyrim or Oblivion on the PS3. However, Bethesda Softwork’s Elder Scrolls Online is likely to push the envelope even further than anyone might have anticipated by aligning their winning formula with a true MMORPG setting. In short, this will be the first truly open world / open-ended installment associated with the legendary Elder Scrolls series and when you consider that it’s also going to be graphically upgraded as well…let’s just say that this game is going to take up quite a lot of your time in the near future. It’s due for a spring 2014 release.
The Evil Within
First off you should know that “The Evil Within” is being directed by none other than Shinji Mikami, the man that created the Resident Evil series. Apparently his goal with this title was to reinvent the survival horror genre for the next-gen consoles. If you’re a survival horror fan, this game is probably going to rock your world as it’s even rumored that it might end up being open world (due to the fact that Bethesda Softworks is involved). Regardless of whether or not it ends up being open or linear though, this title has enough star power attached to it to make it into a hit on its credits alone, luckily, it also looks absolutely terrifying as well. Expect it to hit store shelves some time in 2014.
FIFA 14
While FIFA 14 isn’t exactly going to be an exclusive title for the PS4 (it’s being released across a number of other platforms), it will offer gamers on newer consoles something to get excited about. Aside from delivering the evolved football gaming experience that’s taken multiple successive iterations to fully develop, FIFA 14 on the PS4 will also utilize the “Ignite” engine. Needless to say, this engine will update not only the graphics, but also the intelligence of the players; meaning, it will probably be seen as the most realistic football game out there. FIFA 14 debuts in September 24-26, in 2013. See the FIFA 14 game preview for more details.
Final Fantasy 15
The PlayStation franchise and the Final Fantasy series have a long and storied history together, so you’d expect to see a game emerge with the release of a powerful new console like the PS4. Well, to make a long story short, Final Fantasy XV is set to be the most visually appealing and ambitious installment of the series to date with some even saying that it’s something of a departure, what with its darker theme and move toward a more realistic atmosphere. While FFXV is definitely going to be an action role-playing game, it will also incorporate 3rd person shooter elements and destructive environments. Add to this some truly gorgeous graphics and you have a game that will set fans minds and hears afire.
Mad Max
Taking its cues directly from the “Mad Max” film series from the 1970’s and 1980’s, “Mad Max the video game” is going to be a true post-apocalyptic title with an emphasis on vehicular combat. The plot follows Max as he traverses a barren wasteland in search of a special car. However this is only the tip of the iceberg, we simply don’t know much about the game at this point. At any rate, this potentially intriguing title is due for a 2014 release, stay tuned for details.
Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain
If you’re a true Sony devotee then you’ve probably played at least one of the Metal Gear games (from the series) on whatever console happened to be your first. Given the incredible success of MGS4 on the PS3 it’s safe to assume the Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain is going to be nothing short of spectacular. Snake (Big Boss) is still delivering the stealth-oriented action we crave in the Phantom Pain, only this time you’ll have even more methods of infiltration including travel by helicopter, plane, or motorcycle. According to Hideo Kojima, they wanted to open things up to allow for increased freedom and are even including things like base-building as well as a feature which allows you to interact directly with the game via your smartphone.
Thief
In early 2014, the 4th installment in the “Thief” series is set to be released across multiple platforms which include the PS4. For those who might be unfamiliar with the series, it is centered on stealth-based theft where violence doesn’t necessarily factor into the equation. You might think of the protagonist in Thief as a sort of dark Robin Hood-like character who steals from the rich. Naturally, the game will be visually appealing and center on a steampunk / Victorian setting which is designed to encapsulate players.
Tom Clancy’s “The Division”
Specially designed for the next-gen consoles, Tom Clancy’s “The Division” is a 3rd person tactical shooter with a focus on role-playing elements and online play. Aside from its amazing visuals and lighting effects, “The Division” also allows gamers to incorporate peripheral devices which will directly aid them while in combat. The plot follows a messy collapse of the US following a Black Friday event, members of the SHD, or Strategic Homeland Division are tasked with “saving what’s left”.
Warhammer 40,000: Eternal Crusade
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine was something of a sleeper hit amoung PS3 Xbox 360 owners, looking to further cement their franchise, developer Behaviour Interactive (in tandem with publisher Activision) is bringing Warhammer 40,000: Eternal Crusade to the next-gen consoles. We simply don’t know much about the game right now in terms of specific details, however it is an MMORPG based in a sci-fi setting, so what’s not to love? Look for it in 2015.
War Thunder
Sure, there are plenty of MMO’s out there which feature sprawling worlds you can explore on foot, but how many of them allow you to take to the air? In November of 2012, “War Thunder” entered its beta test phase and is now being further refined for a 2013 holiday release on the PS4. If the notion of a combat flight simulator strikes your fancey, “War Thunder” probably going to be right up your alley.
Warframe
If you’re into cooperative 3rd person shooters and are also extremely budget-conscious, “Warframe” is a game for you. While it’s already out on MS Windows, this title is also coming to the PS4 (TBA) as a free-to-play game. You assume the role of a member of the Tenno, a race of ancient warriors awoken from cryo-sleep to deal with merchants (The Corpus) and militarized humans (Grineer). Your armor, called “warframes” is there to help you surmount these challenges and topple your enemies. Enjoy 4 player cooperative play in “Warframe” centered around completing missions.
Watch Dogs
Simply put, “Watch Dogs” is very likely to be one of the most alluring PS4 / next-gen / multi-platform titles to be released this year (or perhaps during the next few years). It’s a truly open-world game that takes interactivity and freedom to a whole new level. You are placed in a future alternate reality version of Chicago where information warfare has become the order of the day. Your character, Aiden Pearce is like a cross between a computer hacker and Jason Bourne – part vigilante, part hero. While the game is technically a 3rd person shooter, there’s also a heavy emphasis on stealth-based play as well as the inclusion of parkour-like elements. “Watch Dogs” is a PS4 launch title and is likely to be one of the more successful / sought after games. See the Watch Dogs game preview for more details.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Due for release some time in 2014, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is an open world fantasy title that RPG fans are probably going to go bonkers for. According to the developers, this game is set to introduce players to “a living open world larger than any other in modern RPG history”. If that doesn’t get you interested then perhaps the amazing graphics, story, and overall level of detail will. See the The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt game preview for more details.
Wolfenstein: The New Order
The original Wolfenstein 3D was perhaps one of the first true engrossing first-person shooter experiences to emerge in video gaming and certainly served to spark the creative imaginations of more than a few developers. The latest impending installment in the franchise, “Wolfenstein: The New Order” is a single-player only game that places you in an alternate reality during the 1960’s where the premise is that the Nazi’s actually defeated the allies during WW2. This emerging first person shooter will also utilize the same engine which was used for Rage as well as Doom 4, so it’s likely to be visually stimulating to say the least. Wolfenstein: The New Order is due for a release in 2014 across multiple platforms including the PS4.
With plenty of great games to look forward to, let us know which games you’re most looking forward to in the comment box below.
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3 Comments
What a fantastic list of games. We PlayStation fans have a lot to look forward to come November / December! Call of Duty: Ghosts, Battlefield 4, The Order: 1886, Killzone: Shadow Fall, Infamous: Second Son and Driveclub are all on my pre-order list.
I’m a big sports fan, so I’m looking forward to NBA Live 14 and EA Sports UFC as well. FIFA 14 looks amazing for sure. I’m also interested to see if MLB 14: The Show will be out for PS4. That will be amazing!
Assassin’s Creed is my favorite series. Black Flag should be a lot of fun. Can’t wait to see it.