And now we’re on to part 2 (games ranked 17th through 9th on our list). A couple of series have multiple entries here, but each game is very different. Check them out!
#17 Undertale
Writeup by Tim Rattray
The PS4 has many great RPGs, but I’d wager that none were more influential—or more influenced—than Undertale. Toby Fox wears his love for the Mother series firmly on his sleeve, a comparison that could bury any lesser game than the masterwork he single-handedly developed (with sprite art by Temmie Chang, of course). But Undertale is so much more than a comparison to its countless progenitors. This meta-narrative adventure filled with oddball characters and non-sequiturs is equal parts subversive as it is heart-warming. This is to say nothing of the unique bullet hell battle system wherein you can kill or spare any enemy in the game, your choices having grave implications on how the story unfolds. These idiosyncratic stylings and subversive concepts formed the backbone for many games that came after, most notably Omori and the remaster of moon (the Western release of which was likely enabled by how it notably influenced Fox). Few games on this list can claim such influence while still remaining singular experiences. That’s what Undertale ultimately is: unlike anything else.
#16 Elden Ring
Writeup by Sam-James Gordon
I have a recipe for you, dear reader. Mix three parts Dark Souls with one part George R.R. Martin and one part [insert open world influence]. Set your timer for juuust longer than you’re comfortable with, and out from the infernal flames of your kitchen oven shall emerge a masterpiece. Elden Ring is a spiritual successor to the Soulsborne collective, but expands on those foundations while also being very bold in the new directions it takes. Most of these aspects are crafted to perfection, such as the rewarding exploration of the Lands Between and the refined combat mechanics. Miyazaki’s storytelling is perhaps an acquired taste, but the scope of this game’s greater narrative is mind-boggling. Some players may prefer the smaller, more focused approach of the Souls games, and others may find the repetition of non-Shardbearer boss fights to be a misstep. However, Elden Ring is a masterclass in creating atmospheric environments, highlighting a certain melancholic beauty that shines through despite its decaying world.
#15 Dark Souls III
Writeup by Zach Wilkerson
Dark Souls III is often accused of not really having its own identity. It lacks the tight level design of Dark Souls, the immersive atmosphere of Bloodborne, and the open spaces of Elden Ring. But, at least for me, it hits the sweet spot of everything I want in a Soulsborne title. Put simply, it cuts out the fat and does what the series does best better than any of the rest, namely, the bosses. Not only is there nary a weak spot with these incredible battles, but the DLC gives us not one, but the two best in the whole series in Friede and Gael. Dark Souls III leans into the series’ strengths but still retains the core of what makes a great Soulsborne title. It’s an excellent example of “lessons learned” and a high point for FromSoftware.
#14 Dragon Age: Inquisition
Writeup by Sam-James Gordon
Despite releasing relatively early into the console’s lifecycle, Dragon Age: Inquisition holds firm as one of the PS4’s standout titles. Thanks to their shiny new Frostbite engine, EA-owned developer BioWare was able to show us more of the world of Thedas than in the series’ previous two titles, Dragon Age: Origins and Dragon Age II. Fan-favourite characters such as Leliana and BROODMOTHER Varric returned in an overarching narrative much grander in scale than its predecessors. The cast of new characters are also a delightfully intriguing bunch, from Vivienne, the noble court mage, to Sera and her friends of Red Jenny. While Origins established the lore of the series’ eponymous Dragon Age and Dragon Age II set the stage for the conflict between mages and templars, Inquisition delved deeper than ever before into the connections between the realms of Orlais and Ferelden. The debate on what direction the combat system should take for The Veilguard will rage on, but at least in Inquisition, we had a castle.
#13 Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker
Writeup by Mike Salbato
At this point, what more can be said about Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker? We’ve praised its music in both end-of-year features and on Rhythm Encounter. The supporting cast and writing are second to none, FFXIV in general always fares well in Caitlin’s reviews, and the overwhelming positivity amongst the team here earned it a special page layout in our Review Card Collection book.
What makes Endwalker a stand-out experience goes beyond the expansion itself. Everything from its story to gameplay is a refinement and culmination of what came before. It represents the best Final Fantasy XIV has to offer by taking us to new heights (and sometimes, depths) yet always remaining faithful to what’s come before. In so many ways, Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker is a remarkable achievement and a beautiful finale to its ten-year tale.
#12 NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139…
Writeup by Zach Wilkerson
The original NieR is a narrative masterpiece. With a fabulous cast of characters, highlighted by the soft and thoughtful Emil and the brash and sensitive Kaine, the story dares to go places, ask questions, and push the player in ways that few other games are willing to do. There’s so much heart and so much feeling that each playthrough feels like a new gut punch instead of a tedious requirement. And the soundtrack is out of this world. But, on PS3 and Xbox 360, the game doesn’t play very well, and looks downright ugly. So, a lot of people just didn’t play it. Thankfully, along came NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139… to fix almost every issue people had with the original. It also brings some additions that make this not only the definitive version of NieR, but in many ways a spiritual sequel to its actual sequel with the new Ending E. It still might not match its successor, but it’s awfully close, and that’s an incredible accomplishment all on its own.
#11 Hades
Writeup by Michael Sollosi
Hades is a rogue-lite with several RPG elements and a shining design philosophy. There are dozens of weapons, boons, skill combinations, and strategies for players to sample in Hades, but the balance of risk and reward is so finely tuned that even for roguelike disdainers, Hades is excellent at teaching players how to succeed. But even better is how Hades expertly weaves story and gameplay together, with cascading interactions, side quests, and new characters appearing with each of Zagreus’s attempts to escape the ancient Greek underworld.
Hades is a splendid game for action RPG fans and hardcore speedrunners, but especially so for art connoisseurs. Jen Zee’s character designs are expressive, radiant, and (mostly) faithful adaptations of myth, and people are thirsty as hell for these gorgeous immortals. The Greek pantheon has never looked better in 4,000+ years. I can’t wait for Hades II for many reasons, but chief among them is developing peculiar romantic crushes on even more stunning gods and goddesses.
#10 Yakuza 7: Like a Dragon
Writeup by Abe Kobylanski
It seemed both a joke and a pipe dream when SEGA announced Yakuza would go the turn-based route. Moving away from Kazuma Kiryu, the beating heart of the series, could have been a disaster. But the capable writers at Ryu Ga Gotoku created a whole party of intricately written characters with their own quirks. These include the surprisingly sunny-natured main protagonist, Ichiban Kasuga, who is, in many ways, the stoic Kiryu’s polar opposite. Combat may feel like a work in progress, but the Dragon Quest-inspired job system, where your characters take up literal occupations people in Tokyo might have, offers plenty to play with. Everything is wrapped up in a story that’s easy to get attached to, humorous, and relevant in its explorations of modern social situations. Despite creator Toshihiro Nagoshi’s departure from SEGA, RGG showed the series may look different, but it still has the Song of Life inside. The seventh installment may be the end of “Yakuza,” but it still breathes fire Like a Dragon.
#9 Yakuza 0
Writeup by Tim Rattray
Yakuza 0 blew the doors open for the Yakuza (err… Like a Dragon) franchise. For newcomers like me, it was the perfect entry point, portraying Kiryu’s early days roaming the streets of Kamurocho while introducing the recurring cast and game mechanics without assuming familiarity. However, those with Yakuza familiarity were in for endless easter eggs and plot surprises across this prequel chapter. Whereas many prequels struggle to tell compelling stories in light of audiences already knowing what happens next, Yakuza 0 thrives by presenting believably different versions of qualities we’re used to and having them tussle around a stand-alone plot that may very well be the franchise’s best. Seriously, who would’ve thought that a dispute over a tiny empty lot would blossom into a gang war with far deeper stakes? On top of this, Majima’s arc took him from a silly side character to a gaming icon, and arguably the heart of this entry. There’s a reason we’re ranking this as the best Yakuza game (as PS4 had them all).
