I am not exaggerating when I say that this has been the worst console generation I have ever experienced. More so than the last generation, this console cycle is oversaturated with remakes, remasters, and especially cross-gen titles.
I’ve owned a PS5 since its release, but I’m still having trouble justifying its existence since there are so few “current-gen” titles available for the system. Things are even worse for the Xbox Series X, which has even fewer true exclusives, but that’s another conversation entirely. Anyway, this console generation has been a big disappointment for me.
Even though the PS5 didn’t blow me away, there have been a handful of exclusives that have kept the system from being a total failure. Sure, games made exclusively for PS5 are few, but most of the ones I’ve played have been solid, even if none have been a generation-defining experience. To that end, I want to list some of my favorite PS5 exclusives released so far.
The main rule I set for myself when putting together this list is that the games are only available on PS5. That’s why you won’t see titles like God of War: Ragnarok, Horizon Forbidden West, or Spider-Man: Miles Morales. I also excluded The Last of Us I Remake and The Last of Us II Remastered since you can play the PS4 versions on PS5.
Without further ado, here are 7 PS5 exclusives that have (almost) saved this console generation.
7 PS5 exclusives worth buying
As I said above, this list is limited to games that were originally released exclusively on PS5. Not only does this include Sony Interactive Entertainment’s first-party offerings, but you’ll also find some third-party exclusives. Not only are these games great on their own, but they also take advantage of the PS5’s powerful hardware.
Astro’s game room
Astro’s Playroom is a free game that comes included with the PS5. Don’t let that fool you into thinking this is a cheap, throwaway title, as it is a legitimate, fun, and engaging experience.
Astro’s Playroom is a wonderful showcase for the PS5’s DualSense controller. You’ll feel the sensation of walking on rough sand or swimming in thick water through the controller’s haptics. The game also uses the microphone and touchpad, along with gyroscopic functions.
Beyond its technical achievements, Astro’s Playroom is simply a fun platformer that is a huge love letter to PlayStation’s 25+ year history. It doesn’t matter if you’re young or old, a gaming expert or a newbie, Astro’s Playroom offers fun times for almost everyone.
demon souls
This is kind of cheating since it’s a remake of a PS3 game. However, I’m adding it because I can’t include Elden Ring, which is technically a next-gen game. Plus, Demon’s Souls is too awesome to ignore.
Demon’s Souls isn’t as vast and expansive as its successors, but it excels by offering tight, focused gameplay that tests you every step of the way. It’s just as difficult now as it was in 2009, which might come as a shock even to those who have mastered Elden Ring. But just like your spiritual followers, you will feel an immense level of pride after each hard-earned victory. Demon’s Souls is not for the faint of heart, and that makes it amazing.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
As I said in my review, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth delivers on almost every level imaginable. This sequel to the beloved. Final Fantasy VII Remake offers expansive environments to explore, strong customization options, exceptional presentation, and an engaging story that is both familiar and unexpected.
If you enjoyed the previous installment, you won’t find much fault here. While the sheer number of mini-games can sometimes distract from the central narrative, the sheer amount of content means you’ll get your $70. This is a game worth owning a PS5 for, even if you’ve never played a Final Fantasy game before.
Final Fantasy XVI
While we’re talking about Square-Enix’s most beloved RPG series, let’s look at another of my favorite entries: Final Fantasy XVI. I called it Final Fantasy for adults because of its mature theme. While its somber tone and diminished role-playing mechanics mark a radical departure from what people are used to, it contains series staples like over-the-top magic spells, malevolent gods, and chocobos. Yes, it’s dark, but it’s still very much a Final Fantasy game.
Final Fantasy XVI is not your father’s Final Fantasy. Hell, it’s not even his Final Fantasy. But the changes introduced make the franchise feel more relevant than it has in years.
Some have criticized the action-focused gameplay and mature tone, but as a long-time fan of the series, I find this entry ticks almost all the boxes. While I’m not in love with everything, the characters, story, and graphics help me overlook some of the not-so-good aspects. Final Fantasy XVI may not be perfect, but it’s the best installment in years. It’s also a visual showcase on PS5.
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
This was one of the first big first-party PS5 games released, but it’s still one of the best. Like its predecessors, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart features tight gameplay, gorgeous graphics, and a story that deftly balances humor and heart. And while it pays homage to the above, newcomers can have a good time too.
Rift Apart uses the PS5’s super-fast SSD to blast through multiple levels in seconds without any noticeable load. The only other game I’ve seen that does this is Spider-Man 2, which Insomniac Games also developed. Then we have the gorgeous graphics that do a stellar job of bringing the colorful alien worlds to life in stunning detail. Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is another technical marvel for PS5.
star sword
Stellar Blade is the most recent PS5 exclusive released, but it stands shoulder to shoulder with the other entries on this list. As I said in my review, it offers a refreshing change of pace from the onslaught of remasters, remakes, and sequels we’ve seen this generation. It has it all, including gorgeous graphics, exciting gameplay, and a captivating narrative. It doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it stands out as an incredible action-adventure game.
Stellar Blade has style and substance. Even if the stunning graphics and well-animated protagonist are what initially draw you in, the challenging combat, exciting story, and explorable environments will keep you hooked. This is exactly what a video game is supposed to be about: pure fun. It’s absolutely a reason to own a PS5.
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Last but not least is Marvel’s Spider-Man 2. As we said in our review, this game is almost perfect. That’s saying a lot considering the high bar Insomniac Games has set with the also spectacular Marvel’s Spider-Man on PS4. This incredible web sequel surpasses its predecessor with ease.
All of the best parts of the previous game are here, including a well-realized recreation of my hometown of New York City and instantly accessible combat. There are also dramatic improvements to the numerous side activities, and the central story ranks as one of the best Spidey stories ever told. Spider-Man 2 is more than just a fun love letter to the friendly neighborhood wall-crawler, it’s one of the best superhero video games ever made.
Honorable mentions
While they’re not my personal favorites, I wanted to give Returnal and Rise of the Ronin some love.
While the latter can be frustratingly difficult, I can’t deny its impressive graphics and expert use of the DualSense controller’s features. As for Rise of Ronin, I might add it to my personal list after I’ve played more, but the little I’ve played lets me know that it’s a great open-world adventure.
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