Unpacking the Best PS4 & PS5 Games of 2022: A Year of Gaming Excellence
The year 2022 delivered an exceptional catalog of PlayStation titles, offering a diverse array of experiences for every type of gamer. As highlighted in the video above, discerning which of these new releases truly warranted your valuable time was a significant challenge. This article delves deeper into some of the most compelling **PS4 and PS5 games of 2022**, exploring why they captured players’ imaginations and solidified their place as standout entries in the PlayStation library. We’ll unpack the genres, innovations, and immersive worlds that made last year a landmark period for console gaming.From breathtaking open-world adventures to innovative takes on classic formulas, 2022 showcased the incredible versatility of the PlayStation platform. Many developers pushed boundaries, offering unique narratives, refined gameplay mechanics, and stunning visuals. Whether you owned a PS4 or were among the early adopters of the PS5, there was an abundance of high-quality **PlayStation games** to explore.
Innovative Takes on Popular Genres
2022 saw several games take familiar genres and inject fresh ideas, creating memorable experiences for **PS4 and PS5 gamers**. Take, for instance, *Steelrising*, a unique Souls-like game set against the backdrop of an alternate French Revolution. While many Souls-likes are known for their opaque storytelling, *Steelrising* offered a surprisingly comprehensible narrative, allowing players to fully grasp the intricate plot unfolding around them. It’s an interesting contrast to the genre’s typical approach, making it more accessible to newcomers.
Another genre-bending title was *Cult of the Lamb*, a roguelike that masterfully blends cute aesthetics with dark themes. This game cleverly combines dungeon crawling with cult management, tasking players to indoctrinate new followers found in dangerous dungeons. The result is a highly replayable experience that carved out its own unique niche in the busy roguelike landscape. Similarly, *Thymesia* put its own spin on the Souls-like combat system, introducing a “wounds bar” that forces players to strategically alternate attack types. This innovative mechanic encouraged varied combat approaches, making every encounter more engaging and challenging for **PlayStation players**.
Expansive Worlds and Gripping Narratives
For those who relish immersive stories and vast landscapes, 2022 offered some truly spectacular **PS4 and PS5 games**. *Stray* captured hearts by letting players experience the world through the eyes of a cat in a highly detailed, melancholy cyberpunk city. Far from a simple simulation, *Stray* delivered a poignant narrative, proving that even the smallest moments can hold profound significance. Its unique perspective and atmospheric world design made it a standout.
*A Plague Tale: Requiem* continued the emotionally charged journey of Amicia and Hugo, expanding on the first game’s concepts with even more rats, bigger environments, and a deeper narrative. This sequel didn’t shy away from brutal storytelling, yet it presented a visually stunning world, especially on the PlayStation 5. Furthermore, *The Quarry* provided another compelling cinematic horror experience from Supermassive Games. Drawing inspiration from classic slasher films, it offered a different narrative twist compared to the studio’s earlier “Dark Pictures Anthology” titles, keeping the interactive horror fresh and engaging for fans of the genre.
No discussion of 2022’s top PlayStation games would be complete without mentioning *Horizon Forbidden West*. As a direct sequel, it took everything that made *Horizon Zero Dawn* great and amplified it, delivering a bigger, more beautiful, and incredibly detailed open world to explore. It refined tedious elements and provided an even richer experience, making it a must-play for fans of vast, visually stunning adventures.
High-Octane Action and Strategic Depth
Action enthusiasts had plenty to celebrate with the **best PS4 and PS5 games of 2022**. *Elden Ring*, the highly anticipated open-world Souls-like, lived up to every expectation. It successfully translated FromSoftware’s notoriously challenging and refined combat into a vast, sprawling world, creating an unforgettable epic. Its success demonstrated that a challenging difficulty curve can still appeal to a massive audience when coupled with masterful design.
*God of War Ragnarök* stood as arguably the most spectacular first-party title for Sony in 2022. Building upon its critically acclaimed predecessor, *Ragnarök* offered a perfectly balanced combat system, a compelling narrative, and truly gorgeous visuals across both PS4 and PS5. It’s an essential experience that exemplifies the peak of modern action-adventure storytelling.
Beyond these titans, games like *Evil West* offered a nostalgic blast of “gamer’s game” energy, blending elements of *Devil May Cry* and *God of War* with a unique Western-meets-supernatural aesthetic. Its fast-paced combat and familiar yet fresh feel resonated strongly with players seeking pure, unadulterated action. *Sniper Elite 5* continued its legacy as a premier sniping series, refining its mechanics and delivering satisfying slow-motion kills in meticulously designed levels. Its focus on detailed environments and weapon customization provides a deep tactical experience for a specific type of player.
*Marvel’s Midnight Suns* surprised many by offering a deep, Persona-influenced story mode alongside an extensive card-based combat system. It was a refreshing departure from typical superhero game formulas, proving that strategic RPG elements could seamlessly integrate with beloved comic book characters. Meanwhile, *Sifu* captivated players with its challenging martial arts beat ’em up gameplay, where death brought both aging and enhanced skills, creating a truly unique and intense roguelike experience for PlayStation users.
Revitalized Classics and Unexpected Gems
The year also saw a strong presence of remakes, remasters, and reimaginings that brought beloved titles to a new generation or enhanced them significantly. *The Last of Us Part 1* received a comprehensive remake, rebuilding the game from the ground up to incorporate elements from *The Last of Us Part II*. This wasn’t merely a graphical overhaul; it enhanced character models and performances, offering a more realistic and immersive experience, particularly for those who hadn’t played the original extensively.
*Crisis Core Final Fantasy 7 Reunion* served as a welcome update to the PSP classic. While maintaining much of the original’s gameplay, it introduced significant refinements and visual upgrades, making it far more enjoyable on modern consoles. Crucially, its accessible price point of $49.99 made it an attractive offering for both long-time fans and newcomers to the Final Fantasy 7 universe on PS4 and PS5. Even older fighting games like *JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: All-Star Battle R* received visual upgrades and minor tweaks, allowing a new audience to appreciate its unique pace and vibrant celebration of the anime series.
On the more unexpected side, *Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga* delivered a massive, humorous take on all nine mainline Star Wars films. While retaining the familiar Lego game charm, it offered a fresh perspective and endless comedic moments, making it a delightful experience for fans of all ages on both **PlayStation 4 and 5**.
Beyond the Main List: Additional Highlights
2022’s rich library extended even further, with several other titles making a significant impact:
- *MultiVersus*: A free-to-play crossover brawler reminiscent of Super Smash Bros., featuring an eclectic roster of characters from various Warner Bros. franchises. Its engaging combat and accessibility made it a hit on PS4 and PS5.
- *Gran Turismo 7*: The latest entry in the legendary racing simulation series, delivering stunning visuals, unparalleled car detail, and a challenging yet rewarding driving experience. Despite initial controversies, it became a beloved title for racing enthusiasts.
- *Dying Light 2 Stay Human*: An ambitious open-world zombie survival game that significantly expanded on its predecessor with parkour mechanics, meaningful choices, and a dynamic day-night cycle influencing zombie aggression.
- *Rollerdrome*: A stylish single-player game that ingeniously combined Tony Hawk-style skating and grinding with bullet-time gun combat. Its unique concept and addictive gameplay loop made it a true standout.
- *Stranger of Paradise Final Fantasy Origin*: This title offered a more action-oriented take on Final Fantasy lore, blending Nioh-style combat with the traditional Final Fantasy job system. It received mixed initial reactions but found a dedicated following for its combat depth.
- *Sonic Frontiers*: Against expectations, this title delivered what many consider to be the best 3D Sonic game to date. It introduced an “open zone” concept, a surprisingly poignant story, and refined characterizations.
- *Ghostwire Tokyo*: A distinctive PS5 exclusive that presented a mysterious detective story in a spectral, empty Tokyo populated by spirits. Its unique aesthetic and narrative made it a memorable, if sometimes repetitive, experience.
In addition to these, 2022 also saw the release or significant updates for games like *Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection*, *Inscryption*, *The Callisto Protocol*, *Persona 5 Royal* (on new platforms), *The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe*, *Destiny 2: The Witch Queen*, and *Need for Speed Unbound*. Each contributed to a truly vibrant year for PlayStation gaming, offering varied genres and fresh experiences across both console generations. The breadth and quality of **PlayStation games of 2022** ensured that every player found something to love.
