Summary
The PlayStation brand is extremely strong, and even some uncharacteristic missteps during this generation haven’t stopped Sony from making major waves in the industry. The PS5 has sold a ton of units and is full of quality titles, even if the lack of first-party releases is something that irritates fans.
Throughout its legendary run in the video game industry, there are some PlayStation games with creative gameplay loops and other engaging elements that have not received the success or accolades they deserve. It’s a shame, but fans can always give these titles a shot to see why they’re some of the most underrated titles to ever release on a PlayStation console.
Days Goneis the poster child of an underrated PlayStation game. The technical issues upon launch, coupled with a slow beginning and a rather unlikable protagonist, allcontributed to this title’s middling reviews.
Eventually, after the bugs and glitches were fixed, more and more players have come around to appreciate this title’s muted brilliance. It has its issues, butDays Gonedoes enough unique things to stand out and is one of the most underrated PlayStation games that zombie/open world fans should definitely check out.
It’s a shame that the PlayStation’s audience isn’t too keen on platformers. As a result,genuinely creative games likeSackboy: A Big Adventureend up getting lost in the shuffle as more mature games dominate the mainstream instead.
Sackboy’s imaginative levels are great to overcome, especially with this cute eponymous character at the helm. Unfortunately, theSackboybrand failed to make a major impression, and this character was phased out in favor ofAstro Botas the PlayStation’s mascot.
For a rhythm game, it’s amazingjust how funPaRappa the Rapperis. The tunes are genuinely catchy and will keep players invested, even if this title can be ridiculously hard and unforgiving with its timings.
Thankfully, the timeless visuals and inherent charm of this title will make it easy to power through the many failures to eventually pass a stage. This helpsPaRappa the Rappershine, and it’s a shame that this character didn’t get more time in the spotlight as Sony’s strategy for the PlayStation evolved to cater to a mature audience.
The very name of the studio (Team Ico) should make it clear just how important their first game was. This subsidiary of Japan Studio crafted an amazing and beautiful game that somehow turned a prolonged escort mission into a riveting experience.
Ico’s beauty is what inspired bothShadow of the ColossusandThe Last Guardian. So, it’s a shame that this title has seemingly been forgotten, while its other games have received either modern releases or remakes to attract more fans.
WhenThe Order: 1886came out, most fans couldn’t help but deride the game’s short lengths and its archaic QTE system. This made it hard to justify the game’s price tag, turningThe Order: 1886into an early PS4 failure that never managed to make a comeback.
Now, with this title being available for peanuts, fans have slowly come to appreciate the title’s brilliance and potential. Even now, the visuals look amazing, and the crunchy third-person shooting gameplay will keep fans engaged for its short yet entertaining runtime.
Players who think thatMarvel’s Spider-Man 2is the best superhero game on the PlayStation with a great sense of traversal have clearly not triedbothGravity Rushand its sequel. Most people findGravity Rush 2to be one of the most underrated games associated with the PlayStation brand.
It shone on the PS Vita and eventually received a port to the PlayStation 4, but while it amassed a passionate fanbase,Gravity Rush 2never quite pulled in enough interest to garner additional games in the series (yet, at any rate).Gravity Rush 2deserves more attention for its imaginative take on traversal, world design, and combat, all of which enhance the game’s unique allure.
2Tokyo Jungle
A Bizarre Yet Charming Title that Players Will Have a Great Time With
Tokyo Jungleis one of the most bizarre PlayStation video games, which is perhaps why many people haven’t checked out this unique title. Players control various kinds of animals in a version of Tokyo ruined by a mysterious apocalypse that led to humanity’s demise.
It’s an interesting premise, with the hilarious gameplay seeing players controlling either herbivores or carnivores as they struggle to survive in this overgrown world. Players who love animals and want to check out one of the weirdest and most engrossing PlayStation games ever made need to giveTokyo Junglea shot.
In an age when video games attempt to integrate as many gameplay systems as possible to keep fans engaged,Heavenly Sword’s simplicity will serve as a breath of fresh air. Players control the fated warrior Nariko, who fights against the heinous forces of King Botan.
Thestylish combat ofHeavenly Sword, coupled with Andy Serkis' stand-out performance as King Botan, will make for a great experience that doesn’t overstay its welcome. It may be more challenging to playHeavenly Swordnowadays, but players who get their hands on a copy of this game will have a great time with this hack-and-slash title.
