The most perfect PlayStation games

It was a miracle that the PlayStation was ever made, but it did, and now the rest is history. From the PS1 to the PS5, Sony has in-house developed some of the best games of all time, along with publishing some great titles for its systems. What would the world look like if Nintendo and Sega still dominated the console market?

Hard to say, but what is certain is that PlayStation, as a brand, has helped shape the gaming community. Let's go through some of their best titles that were near perfect when they were released and remain incredible today with minor caveats. If they were published or developed by Sony studios, they're fair game.

Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back

Crystal Grabbing Bandicoots

The first one Crash Bandicoot the game had humble beginnings, but that was it Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back who got things on track. There was more of a story comedically delivered, the level variety was better, the music got a bump in quality and it just played better too.

While the nice remastered version part of The Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy the collection looks better, there's something about the quality of the low poly characters that just controls harder. It's the only game worth keeping on an old PS1.

Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec

The first of many

Racing games always get better visually, like the current ones Gran Turismo game. As said, Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec nailed every aspect of its package when it launched on the PS2, making it a must-own game to showcase it harder, even for non-racing fans.

The visuals are comparatively dated, but for a PS2 game it's still stunning to look at, and it steers like a dream. The locations are top-notch and varied, the cars are pristine and the sound design is immersive, presenting the very best of what the PS2 was capable of early on.

Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal

Concluding a trilogy

Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal was the end of the first trilogy, giving players more action than ever before. Like the previous title, this entry gave players RPG elements to increase Ratchet's health and level up weapons. With repeated use, a regular pistol-style gun could become as deadly as a rocket launcher, and each new level was a surprise.

One of the fun, inventive weapons, the Qwack-O-Ray, can turn enemies into ducks. The planet variant was just as usual, as was the comedy. It's a great PS2 platformer, which unfortunately isn't easy to play these days, despite Insomniac being part of Sony.

Trip

Beyond words

Trip is a game that needs to be played to be understood, and with just two hours of playtime, there's no excuse not to play it. Plus, while it was a PS3 exclusive in 2012, it isn't anymore.

The basic premise follows a red-clad stranger through the desert, and players have a chance to meet another player on their journey from the desert to the snowy mountaintop. Players can't communicate with each other, but that's the beauty of this game. Just two strangers who meet like passing ships in the night and help each other.

The last of us

Unknown territory

The last of us is horror done right, tells a gripping story that drives the medium forward. The opening act alone is a 10/10 experience from the slow roll to the breakout to the final incident regarding Joel and his daughter.

It's a gut feeling, and the game is sure to remind players that this post-apocalyptic zombie-like world isn't good to live in, but it sure looks good, thanks to Mother Earth reclaiming buildings. The fantastic writing, impeccable atmosphere, solid stealth and shooting mechanics, and a dedication to always surprise make this an easy Hail Mary for PS3 and beyond.

Blood borne

Castlevania Reborn

Blood borne stands out among all Soulslike games developed by FromSoftware in several ways. The gothic fantasy reminded many players Castlevaniaexcept darker and more brutal in the combat department.

The interconnected zones and the sheer fear of each encounter added to the horror elements. The best part was the weapons that transformed like the Kirk Hammer, which turned a basic sword into a killer hammer. It's just a shame this PS4 game hasn't been ported elsewhere yet.

God of War (2018)

Lone wolf and cub

Each God of war the game is a masterpiece of epic cutscenes and stories from PS2 and later, but in 2018 God of war the semi-reboot is when the series became more prestigious. Kratos finally stopped his endless screaming and wanted to be better for his son, Atreus, but like all good stories of redemption, the past didn't let him go, even in a new kingdom of gods.

The combat was just as visceral as previous games, except heavier, as Kratos was beefier than ever before. The Nordic lands players traversed were imaginative, the characters gripping, and the boomerang-like quality of the Leviathan Ax was fun to slash enemies with or throw around.

Shadow Of The Colossus (2018)

There may be giants

Shadow of the Colossus started life on PS2 before being remastered on PS3, and then, in 2018, this remake was practically done in a 1:1 fashion. Ambition aside, the update is good enough to make this the recommended version on PS4, thanks to the graphical overhaul and improved controls.

The core gameplay is timeless, with a young warrior, Wander, traveling through an empty open world looking for high bosses called Colossi. Each encounter was different, as players had to approach these behemoths with caution before climbing them, stabbing their weak points and then absorbing their powers. While there are other boss-focused games, Shadow of the Colossus is the OG example.

Astro Bot

Platforming Heaven

Astro Bot is a 3D platformer to end all 3D platformers, serving as a collection of PlayStation nostalgia while being creative in its own right. As the titular bot, players will enter imaginative worlds filled with platforming puzzles, all hiding bots to rescue from normal to video game themed ones from Castlevania to Resident Evil.

One of the big highlights lets players take control of older characters, but as bots, in fully themed levels that play differently, like the action-heavy God of war level or arresting antics of Ape Escape. With a surprise around every corner, Astro Bot is nostalgia done right on PS5.

Death Stranding 2: On The Beach

Kojima And Beyond

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is a huge improvement over the original and a must have for all PS5 owners out there. The graphics are out of this world, the story is weird but more cohesive, and it's just easier to get around more on deliveries.

The open world environments of Mexico and Australia aren't as densely populated with locations or objectives as most games, but the discovery of hidden locations makes the journey more rewarding. The asynchronous multiplayer is still intact as well, giving players a common goal to make their worlds better. Stumbling upon a rebuilt road or shelter at just the right moment can be a connection. Thanks to Hideo Kojima's help, this game is peak PlayStation right now.