The past decade has been a wild one for PlayStation. We’ve witnessed the end of the PS3, the birth of the PS4, and the rocky life of the PS Vita. All the while, there were many Playstation Exclusive titles to keep us hooked to this console family. And now with the new PlayStation 5 on the way, it’s only fitting to look back and highlight the top Playstation Exclusives of the decade.
Note: We understand that several of these games have had releases on multiple platforms in the years after their release, and are focusing on their exclusivity on the PlayStation in their release year.
2010 – Heavy Rain
Quantic Dream‘s Heavy Rain took decision-based gameplay to a new level with high stakes. Throughout the title, players take on the roles of several characters and must make choices that ultimately affect the narrative around them. Although Heavy Rain has become the butt of some gaming jokes over time (“Press X to JASON”), there is no doubt how impactful this game was for PlayStation exclusives and decision-based gameplay.
Heavy Rain is currently available to play on the PS4 and the PC through the Epic Games Store
2011 – Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception
The Uncharted series hit a high with Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception. What truly stood out in this title was not just it’s cinematic quality and voice acting, but it’s rich and thrilling story. In Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception, we see a lot of familiar faces from the previous two titles, in addition to a deeper look into Drake’s origins. This gripping game not only became a PS3 favorite but set the bar for Uncharted 4: A Theif’s End.
Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception is available to play on the PS4
2012 – Journey
Arguably, Journey is the most beautiful game of the decade. From the minds of Thatgamecompany came an artistic and emotional title about the journey of life, perseverance, and connection. Moreover, the simplicity and charm of its multiplayer gameplay is still praised to this day. Since it’s release, Journey has stood the test of time, and has been hailed as one of the greats.
Journey is currently available to play on the PS4, PC through the Epic Games Store, and on the iOS.
2013 – The Last of Us
Naughty Dog gave us a thrilling and heartbreaking experience in The Last of Us. With limited resources available, players must make creative choices while navigating past the Infected in this post-apocalyptic setting. Along with the gameplay, it’s the relationships and performances that shine in The Last of Us. Joel and Ellie’s journey is a harrowing one, and I cannot wait for the next installment in the new decade!
The Last of Us is available to play on the PS4.
2014 – Infamous Second Son
The third installment in the Infamous series quickly became a fan favorite and beloved PlayStation exclusive after it’s release. In Infamous Second Son, players control Delsin Rowe, who is a Conduit with the ability of Power Absorption. With this, players can switch between manipulating smoke, neon, video, and concrete to combat obstacles in the world around them. Not only does this game pack a punch with its creative gameplay, but the characters bring a lot of heart to this electrifying title as well.
Infamous Second Son is currently available to play on the PS4.
2015 – Bloodborne
Bloodborne took the world by storm in 2015! For many fans of the Dark Souls series, this game was an exciting and refreshing title from developer FromSoftware. As the Huter, it is your job to not only purge the world of beasts and enemies but also unravel the secrets of Yharnam. The environments are stunning, the combat is thrilling, and the enemies are challenging in this blood-soaked beauty of a game.
Bloodborne is available to play on the PS4.
2016 – Persona 5
The Persona series hit new levels with the release of Persona 5! Not only was this game a critical hit for returning players, but it’s popularity introduced a lot of new fans to the Persona series (including myself). This game beautifully blends the Heist film genre into the Persona JRPG framework, for an unforgettable playthrough experience!
Persona 5 is currently available to play on the PS4.
2017 – Horizon Zero Dawn
Horizon Zero Dawn transports players to a unique dystopian future where machines have evolved into living creatures, and humans have devolved back into ancient civilizations. It is the creative dichotomy that creates a game like no other. I was constantly in awe and on the edge of my seat while playing Horizon Zero Dawn. And if that doesn’t make for a top-tier game, I don’t know what does!
Horizon Zero Dawn is available to play on the PS4.
2018 – God of War
2018 was a year of masterful games, but God of War takes the PlayStation Exclusive cake. It was a close call between this title and Marvel’s Spider-man, but ultimately God of War‘s storytelling, gameplay, and single, unbroken tracking shot is what makes this game the best exclusive of the year. Santa Monica Studio did a fantastic job of taking a known IP, throwing new elements into the mix, and providing gamers with a unique take on the life of Kratos.
God of War is currently available to play on the PS4.
2019 – Death Stranding
From the mind of Hideo Kojima came a unique and cinematic gameplay experience. Death Stranding is packed with incredible performances (from notable actors), gripping open-world gameplay, and the exploration into a strange apocalyptic United States where creatures from the afterlife roam. Additionally, Kojima is currently working on his next big project, and we can only assume it will land on the next decade’s Top PlayStation Exclusives list as well!
Death Stranding is available to play on the PS4.
Honorable Mentions: Until Dawn (2015), Uncharted 4: A Theif’s End (2016), Marvel’s Spider-Man (2018)
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