A lot of people will point to the Super Nintendo or the PS1 as the “Golden Era” of RPGs, and there’s certainly something to that. But the PS4 is full of so many excellent RPGs, and they run the gamut between big budget, AAA titles, smaller AA titles, and indie darlings that took the genre in unexpected directions.
With the PS4 presumably coming to the end of its lifespan, we decided it was time to honor the deep and varied lineup the console brought us. After multiple nominations and staff wide voting, we came up with a top 25, which we present to you today.
What titles did we miss? What’s ranked too high, or too low? Did your favorite PS4 RPG make the cut? Be sure to let us know on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Discord, Threads, or however you most enjoy interacting with us!
#25 Transistor
Writeup by Ben Love
The advent of a new console generation and a dearth of compelling games in the first few years of the PS4 saw Supergiant Games seize the opportunity to deliver one of the earliest RPG masterpieces on the platform. Transistor innovated on the foundation laid by Bastion, namely the isometric action RPG combat, colorful visuals, and musical duo of composer Darren Korb and vocalist Ashley Barret that made their breakout hit so memorable. Transistor’s defining feature was the Turn() system, which allowed the player to slow down time and queue up a bevy of abilities. I would fastidiously plan out the perfect route to clear out a room of enemies and then unleash the chaos, and it never got old. Supergiant brought back Logan Cunningham (Bastion‘s narrator) as protagonist Red’s unnamed partner whose soul resides in the massive sword she carries. His commentary on events and growing concern for Red as she fights through the streets of Cloudbank is deeply affecting, resulting in a far more memorable storytelling experience due to their bond. Hades may be their magnum opus, but Transistor proved Supergiant Games wasn’t a one-hit wonder.
#24 Dragon Quest Builders 2
Writeup by Mike Salbato
Given my minimal Dragon Quest experience and zero Minecraft experience, I didn’t expect Dragon Quest Builders to click for me as much as it did. Its charming presentation and satisfying building gameplay made for a game I couldn’t put down. I built a rail cart skyway, hollowed out a mountain to build a treasure cave (and restaurant), and anything else I could imagine.
Then Square Enix released Dragon Quest Builders 2 in 2019 and blew the first game out of the water — a phrase I’m not only using because of the sequel’s ability to craft with water opened up new possibilities.
It’s the rare sequel that is better in every conceivable way, with a wonderful cast, surprisingly emotional story, improved controls, fewer limitations on size and scale (seriously, the maps are gigantic), and countless new building options. I still go back to the game a few times a year when inspiration strikes. Dragon Quest Builders 2 built on what made the first game great, polishing it to an immaculate sheen.
#23 Divinity: Original Sin II
Writeup by Jimmy Turner
If you are looking for a prototypical formula for the brilliance of the mega-hit Baldur’s Gate III, you need not look further than Larian Studios’ preceding release, Divinity: Original Sin II. Both feature deep, immersive storytelling, multiple paths and choices, and challenging and strategic turn-based battles.
Most of all, DOS2 does an amazing job incorporating tabletop RPG concepts into a video game. The freedom of choice in every situation is something most RPGs (even those classified as open-world) cannot match. It truly enables players to immerse themselves in the world of Rivellon and role-play. The game’s multiplayer features also deserve praise. In an industry where local multiplayer has become a rarity, DOS2 allows you to experience the game from start to finish with a second player via split-screen or up to four players online. Playing with friends allows players to get the full role-playing experience. Whether you experience Divinity: Original Sin II solo or with an adventuring party, it truly is a divine experience.
#22 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim
Writeup by Gio Castillo
With 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim, the masters at Vanillaware proved once and for all that they write as well as they draw. Before the game’s release, some questioned whether George Kamitani and crew could pull off what was being advertised as an intricate sci-fi narrative told from 13 (natch) points of view. After all, Vanillaware’s most notable stories up to that point — Odin Sphere and Muramasa: The Demon Blade — were decent, but they weren’t exactly award winners. In the end, the studio did indeed execute one of the most complex, engaging, and emotionally resonant sci-fi adventure titles in years, plus a damn fun tower defense game to boot. Never doubt Vanillaware.
And what about the visuals, Vanillaware’s claim to fame? From the nostalgic ’80s Japan backdrops to the delicately expressive sprite work, the art is at least among the best the developer has ever made. For this reason, I recommend the PlayStation 4 version (by way of a PlayStation 5 and a 4K TV) as the ideal way to experience 13 Sentinels.
#21 Fallout 4
Writeup by Jono Logan
Fallout 4 might be the “most Bethesda” game ever made.
Taking everything they learned from their previous titles, Todd Howard finally realized the post-apocalyptic open world promised in previous Fallouts, with countless places to explore, characters to meet, and side quests to complete. And all that would be fantastic if the critical path didn’t constantly remind you to look for your lost baby. While exploring abandoned Vaults or fighting pirates with the robot crew of the USS Constitution, there is always the voice of your conscience saying, “Shouldn’t we be looking for Shaun?” Leave me alone, voice in my head; I want to fight crime as the Silver Shroud!
Sure, there are the usual Bethesda quirks of mediocre FPS combat, simplified RPG mechanics, and bugs that can leave you falling through the world map at any second. But you also get tight systems-driven gameplay, wonderful characters, and unparalleled environmental storytelling. Fallout 4 does some things wrong, but so many other things right. And if anything bothers you about the game, there is likely a mod out there that can fix it!
#20 Tales of Arise
Writeup by Kyle Cantelon
Tales of Arise is as anime as all get-out. No, seriously:
- A main character with amnesia who can’t feel pain? Check.
- Said character meets a love interest and, through legitimate plot developments, pulls a burning sword from her breast? You bet.
- And let me guess… our hero then uses the aforementioned burning sword to serve as the tip of the spear for a grassroots resistance movement to free his oppressed people from the shackles of slavery? Wait, have you already played this one?
For all its JRPG quirks, Tales of Arise features charming characters, snappy combat animations, strong side content, an extremely polished presentation, and one of the best soundtracks the Tales series has to offer.
Yes, Tales of Arise is anime to the utmost conceivable degree, but even if that is something you generally avoid, we implore you not to miss this stellar game that won our Best Action RPG of 2021 award.
#19 Monster Hunter: World
Writeup by Michael Sollosi
Monster Hunter suffers from an accessibility problem. Anyone can admire the beautiful savagery of these wyverns, elder dragons, and fanged beasts, but the series remained niche worldwide because of dense mechanics, obtuse explanations, unfair hit detection, and unforgiving difficulty. Then, in early 2018, Monster Hunter: World happened.
The visual presentation and fidelity of models were the first things I noticed, followed by the (still overwrought, but improved) menus and quest design. Next was the contiguous hunting grounds teeming with activity. Then, the best-in-series multiplayer. New monsters like Anjanath and Odogaron competed with classic cryptids like Rathalos and Diablos to be my favorite hunts in the game.
The series I’ve loved since its busted PSP incarnations kept everything great about the mission-based hunting, gathering, and crafting multiplayer RPG gameplay, but now I could recommend it with far fewer caveats and easily find a game online. Monster Hunter finally left its handheld niche to thrive on a global stage, all thanks to its PS4 version.
#18 Final Fantasy XV
Writeup by Audra Bowling
Final Fantasy XV is something of a conundrum. It has a little bit of everything, so while you might not enjoy every aspect, there are bound to be things you like. I enjoyed FFXV‘s attempts at giving players more choice through its dialogue, photo-taking, and journal-sharing elements. I found the battle system incredibly addictive, and the dungeon exploration and camping segments especially entertaining.
Of course, FFXV isn’t without narrative hiccups (Lunafreya, anyone?), but let’s not ignore that the game had some standout moments and characters: Aranea is a great dragoon, Ardyn is a fascinating antagonist, and both Ignis’ and Noctis’ character development are worth a playthrough alone. Arguably, the strongest narrative element is the focus on a group of guy friends out on a road trip. The RPG is enthralling whenever it leans wholeheartedly into this conceit, making its powerful final moments all the more harrowing. Despite all its weaknesses and wasted potential, FFXV‘s strengths still shine brightly.
