Despite a relatively quiet year for first-party releases on the PlayStation 5, with “Marvel’s Spider-Man 2” being the notable exception, the console witnessed one of its most successful years thanks to numerous high-quality third-party games. The array of third-party offerings more than compensated, establishing the PS5’s impressive game library.
High-Quality Releases Across the Board
Blizzard Entertainment’s “Diablo 4” faced post-launch criticism, yet its engaging gameplay, expansive open world, and deep customization for all classes created a solid foundation that resonated with fans. Sega’s “Like a Dragon: Ishin!” differentiated itself with its historical Japanese setting and maintained the franchise’s legacy of compelling storytelling and diverse side activities. Hexworks’ “Lords of the Fallen” offered robust Soulslike gameplay with intricate levels and formidable bosses, while the indie scene shone with titles like “SEASON: A Letter to the Future,” an introspective game about documenting a world on the brink of destruction.
From Indie Gems to Triple-A Blockbusters
Unique experiences like “Viewfinder,” which leveraged photograph manipulation puzzles, stood out in the indie landscape. Meanwhile, “RoboCop: Rogue City” and “Jusant” from Dontnod showcased the potential of beloved IPs and genre experimentation respectively. Mainstream titles like “Dead Island 2” succeeded despite a rocky development, while “Everspace 2” and “Wild Hearts” built upon their predecessors with improved mechanics and engaging gameplay.
