Biggest PS4 Games To Play In 2018

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Sony Interactive Entertainment’s PlayStation 4 enters 2018 with a strategically diverse software portfolio that builds upon its previous successes. The platform’s strength lies in its balanced approach, combining powerhouse first-party titles like Ghost of Tsushima and God of War with compelling third-party exclusives such as Ni No Kuni 2: Revenant Kingdom and Left Alive. Following the critical acclaim of Persona 5, the ecosystem expands with innovative spin-off titles that explore new gameplay dimensions.

This comprehensive gaming strategy ensures something appealing for every player demographic, from action enthusiasts to RPG purists. The year’s release schedule demonstrates Sony’s commitment to maintaining platform momentum through quality over quantity.

For gamers managing multiplatform libraries, strategic planning becomes essential. Our companion guides provide detailed analysis of Xbox One’s exclusive offerings, PC gaming’s evolving landscape, and Nintendo Switch’s unique portable experiences. Cross-platform comparison enables informed purchasing decisions and optimal gaming budget allocation.

The exclusives landscape reveals each platform’s unique identity. PlayStation 4 emphasizes narrative depth and visual spectacle, while competitors focus on different strengths. Understanding these distinctions helps players maximize their gaming investments throughout the year.

Dragon Ball FighterZ represents a quantum leap for anime fighting games, shattering the mediocre reputation that plagued previous Dragon Ball Z adaptations. Developed by Arc System Works—renowned for their work on Guilty Gear Xrd, BlazBlue, and Persona 4 Arena—this title achieves unprecedented authenticity in translating the series’ explosive combat to interactive entertainment.

The game’s roster spans the entire Dragon Ball Z universe, incorporating recent elements from Dragon Ball Super. The core gameplay revolves around intense 3v3 team battles that dynamically transform environments while testing combatants’ ultimate capabilities. Abandoning the 3D arena approach of Raging Blast and Xenoverse, FighterZ embraces traditional 2D combat planes, resulting in significantly enhanced visual clarity and strategic depth.

Combat mechanics showcase meticulously crafted animations where every frame serves purpose. Characters execute devastating screen-filling special moves and perform precision evasive maneuvers to gain tactical advantages. The attention to visual detail surpasses previous attempts to capture the television series’ distinctive aesthetic.

FighterZ masterfully integrates the franchise’s most memorable moments into its fundamental systems. With additional characters awaiting revelation and a surprisingly comprehensive Story Mode, the game promises substantial content beyond initial impressions. For Dragon Ball enthusiasts, this iteration delivers the definitive interactive experience they’ve long anticipated.

Pro Tip: Master the assist system early—proper team composition and timing on character switches can determine match outcomes more than individual combat proficiency.

The Inpatient delivers horror through dual psychological approaches. As a PlayStation VR exclusive, it employs binaural audio and subconscious fear triggers to create deeply personal terrifying experiences. The psychological manipulation techniques represent cutting-edge horror game design.

Narratively, the game serves as a prequel to Until Dawn, reuniting the original creative team. Set six decades before the events of its predecessor, players assume the role of an amnesiac sanitarium patient reconstructing fragmented memories. The narrative structure adapts dynamically based on player decisions and voice recognition inputs, creating personalized story trajectories.

The voice recognition system represents innovative horror gaming technology, affecting interpersonal dynamics with other asylum inhabitants and ultimately determining narrative conclusions. While January typically lacks horror releases, The Inpatient establishes itself as a standout psychological experience.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Don’t rush dialogue choices—the voice recognition system detects hesitation and uncertainty, which can negatively impact character relationships.

Optimizing your 2018 gaming experience requires strategic release window management. Consider creating a quarterly gaming calendar that balances must-play titles with discovery opportunities. Allocate time for both lengthy narrative experiences and shorter, intense gaming sessions.

For players interested in diverse gaming experiences, the PlayStation 4’s 2018 lineup offers exceptional variety. From fighting game mastery to psychological horror immersion, the platform delivers compelling reasons to remain engaged throughout the year.

Our comprehensive gaming guides provide deeper insights into each title’s mechanics and optimal play strategies.

Initial gameplay footage of Metal Gear Survive has generated significant skepticism among longtime series enthusiasts. However, the title demonstrates compelling cooperative mechanics derived from Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain’s acclaimed systems. Supporting four-player squads, the game enables collaborative exploration across expansive environments and mission completion. While the expanded features show potential, questions remain about Konami’s ability to deliver an authentic Metal Gear experience without series creator Hideo Kojima. Despite these concerns, the cooperative framework suggests engaging gameplay possibilities, even if it diverges from traditional franchise expectations.

The highly praised PC exclusive Owlboy finally arrives on console platforms. While all console versions maintain the original experience, the Nintendo Switch edition deserves special attention for its portable capabilities. The charming 2D twin-stick shooter mechanics translate perfectly to on-the-go gaming sessions. Given the outstanding critical reception (including GameSpot’s 9/10 rating), this stands as one of 2018’s most anticipated indie re-releases for good reason.

For newcomers, Owlboy presents an action-adventure experience in a sky-based world where terrestrial regions were devastated by ancient cataclysmic events. Players control Otus, an owl-human hybrid embarking on a quest to rescue his community from pirate threats. This emotionally resonant adventure makes the upcoming console versions particularly noteworthy, especially for those who missed the 2016 original release.

As a pioneering title in the immersive simulation genre that inspired successors like Bioshock and Dishonored, the original System Shock established foundational principles for first-person exploration games. Assuming the role of a hacker confronting the malevolent SHODAN artificial intelligence, players gather abilities and weaponry while navigating a derelict space station infested with horrific creatures. Following Night Dive Studios’ 2015 enhanced edition, the development team successfully crowdfunded a comprehensive remake through Kickstarter.

While the 1994 release featured groundbreaking systems and mechanics, drawing inspiration from Ultima Underworld and similar first-person RPGs, many gameplay elements feel dated by contemporary standards. The forthcoming remaster maintains the original’s essence while incorporating modernized narrative and gameplay structures. Alongside returning System Shock 2 contributors, esteemed RPG writer Chris Avellone is crafting an expanded storyline with enhanced character backgrounds and additional crew documentation.

Despite the immersive sim genre’s evolution over decades, System Shock’s influence remains profoundly impactful. The 2018 complete remake enables genre enthusiasts to experience a revitalized interpretation of the hacker’s climactic showdown with SHODAN aboard Citadel Station.

Vampyr combines Dontnod Entertainment’s expertise in third-person melee combat from Remember Me with narrative-shaping dialogue systems reminiscent of Life Is Strange. These elements merge with intensive investigative exploration, creating a distinctive detective narrative with supernatural twists. Departing from cyberpunk Paris or Pacific Northwest high school settings, Vampyr unfolds in post-Victorian London populated by vampire societies.

An intriguing dynamic emerges where Spanish flu survivors coexist with vampires, though tensions inevitably arise. This conflict centers on protagonist Jonathan Reid, a physician transformed into a vampire. Dontnod emphasizes his internal conflict between medical ethics and bloodlust through pacifist completion options. This challenging approach becomes particularly difficult when confronting hostile vampire factions. Additionally, choosing non-lethal paths significantly restricts Reid’s ability progression and skill acquisition.

Notably, following two titles that established Dontnod’s reputation for time-manipulation mechanics, Vampyr appears to eliminate chronology-altering systems. However, given Reid’s persuasion abilities and proficiency with ranged and close-combat weapons, additional supernatural capabilities may emerge throughout the adventure.

Considering previous Far Cry locations, Far Cry 5’s rural American setting represents one of the few remaining frontiers that could maintain the franchise’s freshness. The fictional Hope County, Montana—with its vast farmlands and dense woodlands—is perfectly configured to leverage Far Cry’s signature open-world design and emergent gameplay systems. Far Cry 5 also continues the series’ legacy of memorable villains. As head of the apocalyptic Eden’s Gate cult, Joseph Seed combines Pagan Min’s strategic cunning with Vaas Montenegro’s fanatical intensity.

Ni no Kuni: Revenant Kingdom represents a substantial evolution from its predecessor, maintaining the enchanting atmosphere while implementing crucial gameplay refinements. The transition to a more dynamic combat system directly addresses previous criticisms of clunky mechanics, offering fluid real-time encounters that reward strategic positioning and timing. This overhaul significantly reduces the learning curve while preserving depth, making it more accessible to newcomers.

A standout innovation is the Pikmin-inspired companion system, where collected minions provide tactical advantages through specialized buffs and abilities. Strategic minion deployment becomes essential for overcoming challenging encounters, adding a layer of resource management to battles. While Studio Ghibli isn’t formally involved, the creative team includes key alumni like character designer Yoshiyuki Momose, ensuring visual continuity with the original’s distinctive aesthetic.

The musical score remains in the capable hands of Joe Hisaishi, whose compositions for Hayao Miyazaki’s films have defined their emotional impact. His continued involvement virtually guarantees the sequel will capture that magical Ghibli essence, despite the studio’s absence. The combination of these elements creates an experience that honors the original while standing as its own achievement.

Yakuza 6 marks a pivotal moment for the series, serving as the narrative conclusion to Kazuma Kiryu’s longstanding saga. After years of localization delays, Western audiences finally received simultaneous release, allowing global fans to experience Kiryu’s final confrontation simultaneously. The storyline centers on his protective mission for surrogate daughter Haruka and her infant son, confronting dangerous syndicates threatening their safety.

The visual presentation demonstrates remarkable advancement, utilizing a completely rebuilt graphics engine that eliminates disruptive loading transitions. This technical overhaul creates unprecedented immersion, with narrative sequences, combat encounters, and diversionary activities flowing together seamlessly. The environmental reactivity represents another leap forward – your actions generate tangible consequences throughout Kamurocho.

For players introduced through Yakuza 0, the transition to Yakuza 6 requires adjustment to refined mechanics and narrative continuity. However, the episodic structure allows reasonable accessibility for newcomers, though familiarity with previous installments enhances emotional payoff. The signature brutal combat remains intact, with improvised weapons and environmental interactions providing satisfyingly chaotic encounters.

Persona 3: Dancing Moon Night delivers an emotional reunion with beloved characters rendered in contemporary 3D animation. Seeing Yukari, Junpei, Aigis, and protagonist Minato animated with modern fidelity evokes powerful nostalgia for longtime series enthusiasts. The 2006 original established the franchise’s distinctive blend of social simulation and dungeon crawling, creating devoted fandom through memorable character relationships and strategic depth.

The musical component features both remastered classics and entirely new compositions. Tracks like “When the Moon Reaches for the Stars” and “Burn My Dread” receive fresh interpretations that honor their original emotional impact. Inclusion of Persona 3 Portable exclusive songs and the alternative female protagonist would significantly enhance content variety, catering to different player preferences within the fanbase.

Persona 5: Dancing Star Night builds upon the revolutionary soundtrack that defined its parent game. Composer Shoji Meguro’s fusion of Acid Jazz, funk, and J-pop created one of gaming’s most distinctive auditory experiences. The rhythm gameplay mechanics mirror Persona 4: Dancing All Night’s established systems, though the replacement of story mode with an undisclosed mystery format represents a notable structural departure.

The Phantom Thieves’ distinctive personalities and the game’s bold art direction translate exceptionally well to the rhythm genre. Character-specific dance animations for Makoto, Ann, and even the challenge of adapting Morgana’s unique physique provide engaging visual variety. These spinoffs successfully balance fan service with genuine gameplay substance, offering compelling experiences beyond mere novelty.

Following a remarkably successful Indiegogo campaign that raised over $2 million, Indivisible stands as a prime example of crowdfunding done right in the gaming industry. Originally funded back in 2015, the game’s journey to its 2018 launch demonstrates the patience required for quality development. Currently, eager players can access a prototype build across multiple platforms including PS4, Xbox One, PC, Mac, and Linux systems.

What makes Indivisible particularly noteworthy is its foundation in diverse cultural mythologies and traditions from around the world. This approach potentially opens doors for meaningful representation rarely seen in mainstream gaming. While there’s always a risk of cultural misrepresentation when drawing from unfamiliar sources, the developers’ commitment to authenticity suggests they’ve done their research. For players seeking characters and stories they can personally connect with, Indivisible’s handling of cultural elements could significantly impact its reception and success.

Strategic Insight: When exploring culturally-inspired games, pay attention to developer transparency about their research process and consultation with cultural experts. This often indicates a more authentic representation approach.

Dissidia Final Fantasy NT continues the legacy of bringing together iconic heroes and villains from the Final Fantasy universe, though it’s certainly not the series’ debut. The original Dissidia launched on PSP in 2008 as part of Final Fantasy’s 20th anniversary celebration. However, NT represents a significant departure from previous entries, serving as a console adaptation of the Japanese arcade version while building upon the foundation established by Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy.

The combat system in this iteration has been completely rebuilt from scratch, though it retains certain recognizable elements from earlier titles. The most dramatic shift comes in the transition from 1v1 duels to strategic 3v3 team encounters. Players directly command one character while having the ability to switch between party members, with AI controlling the remaining two combatants.

The expanded roster introduces fan-favorite characters from recent Final Fantasy installments, including Y’shtola Rhul, Noctis Lucis Caelum, Ramza Beoulve, and Ace. Developers have ambitious plans to grow the character selection to approximately 50 fighters, though arcade versions will receive roster updates before they transition to the PS4 release. Dissidia Final Fantasy NT launches worldwide on PlayStation 4 January 30, 2018.

Team Composition Tip: Balance your 3-character team with at least one ranged attacker, one close-quarters specialist, and one support character to cover all combat scenarios effectively.

Detroit: Become Human represents the latest narrative-driven experience from acclaimed director David Cage and development studio Quantic Dream. The team previously delivered cult classic titles including Heavy Rain, Fahrenheit (known as Indigo Prophecy in North American markets), and Beyond: Two Souls.

The game’s script reportedly required over two years of dedicated writing effort from Cage. As the title suggests, the story unfolds in a technologically advanced future version of Detroit, following three distinct android protagonists. Kara achieves sentience and flees her manufacturing facility, while Connor is specifically designed to track down deviant androids like Kara. The third central character, Markus, emerges as a revolutionary leader committed to liberating his fellow artificial beings.

Similar to Heavy Rain’s innovative approach, major characters face permanent death based on player choices, with the narrative adapting dynamically to these decisions. Gamers who appreciate deeply developed, performance-driven characters in their interactive stories should absolutely monitor Detroit: Become Human’s development closely.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Don’t rush through dialogue choices – many consequential decisions have tight time limits, but pausing to consider character motivations leads to better outcomes.

Through their work on the superhero-themed InFamous franchise, Sucker Punch Productions demonstrated exceptional skill in crafting expansive, visually stunning open-world environments filled with engaging gameplay possibilities. Their upcoming project, Ghost of Tsushima, appears poised to leverage this accumulated expertise for a dramatic departure from their established style.

Set during the year 1274, Ghost of Tsushima places players in the role of one of the final surviving samurai warriors confronting the brutal Mongol invasion. The game’s most compelling concept revolves around the protagonist’s necessary abandonment of conventional samurai tactics and their governing codes in favor of stealth operations and strategic deception. This narrative framework essentially chronicles the origins of ninja warfare traditions, presenting an open-world stealth experience that should particularly excite enthusiasts of Metal Gear Solid V and those longing for a modern Tenchu revival.

Advanced Strategy: Master the transition between honorable samurai combat and stealthy ninja tactics based on situational requirements – some encounters reward direct confrontation while others demand subterfuge.

Shadow of the Colossus stands as a masterpiece that warrants conservation in its authentic form, imperfections included, since these elements fundamentally contribute to the game’s unique charm and memorable journey. While creator Fumito Ueda’s entire portfolio demonstrates artistic vision, this specific title continues to represent his most exceptional achievement. Fortunately, preliminary gameplay footage indicates the remake maintains the original’s spirit while benefiting from contemporary technical enhancements.

For optimal appreciation, approach the game with patience—the deliberate pacing and minimalist storytelling require investment but deliver profound emotional payoff. Common mistakes include rushing through encounters rather than appreciating the environmental storytelling and atmospheric world-building that define the experience.

The Castlevania franchise has undergone significant transformation across decades, yet there existed a golden era where successive installments perfected a consistent blueprint with outstanding outcomes. Koji Igarashi, widely acknowledged as the creative force behind the series’ peak excellence, currently develops Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night, a spiritual successor honoring classic Castlevania titles.

Initial assessments from major industry events including E3 and Tokyo Game Show indicate promising quality. Igarashi’s distinctive design philosophy manifests clearly, featuring exploration through 2D gothic settings while combating supernatural foes, and acquiring new capabilities to expand navigation possibilities and unlock previously inaccessible routes.

This represents the established “Metroidvania” framework (alternatively called “Castleroid” by enthusiasts), but the involvement of the visionary who originally refined this formula in Castlevania: Symphony of the Night (building upon Super Metroid’s foundational work) alleviates worries that Bloodstained merely capitalizes on nostalgia. Igarashi’s extended absence from game development following his Konami departure raises intriguing possibilities—his time away from 2D action gaming may have inspired meaningful enhancements and creative breakthroughs. Numerous developers have explored this sub-genre during his hiatus, creating anticipation to witness whether Igarashi can revitalize his creative spark considering the exceptional titles his pioneering work influenced.

Advanced players should master ability sequencing—certain power-ups provide exponential progression advantages when obtained early. Expect approximately 15-20 hours for initial completion, with mastery requiring 35-50 hours depending on completionist goals.

Following Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag’s 2014 launch, a dedicated fan community emerged passionately requesting the series revisit or build upon that title’s exceptional naval warfare mechanics. Although Assassin’s Creed Rogue somewhat developed these systems, it failed to deliver the comprehensive follow-up enthusiasts desired.

Introducing Skull & Bones, Ubisoft’s dedicated continuation of Black Flag’s maritime combat legacy. Beyond featuring a conventional story-driven campaign, the game incorporates 5v5 competitive modes where coordinated teams battle player-controlled vessels for valuable resources.

While Skull & Bones’ announcement marks an encouraging advancement toward a new franchise continuing Black Flag’s tradition, it simultaneously signifies the separation of naval combat from future Assassin’s Creed installment expectations. Observing Ubisoft consciously choosing to divide these elements into distinct series represents one of the most compelling characteristics of Skull & Bones.

Strategic positioning proves crucial—experienced captains utilize wind patterns and environmental hazards to gain tactical superiority. Common errors include neglecting crew management and underestimating ammunition conservation during extended engagements.

You might not have observed, but musuo games—those extensive combat experiences most frequently associated with Koei Tecmo’s Dynasty Warriors franchise—are finally gaining critical respect. After prolonged dismissal as simplistic combat titles with appeal confined to a niche audience, recent successful musuo crossovers like Hyrule Warriors and Fire Emblem Warriors have revitalized this sub-genre.

Who anticipated that next year’s forthcoming Dynasty Warriors 9 (nearly 18 years following the debut of the inaugural genuine musuo experience in Dynasty Warriors 2 during the PlayStation 2 generation) would generate excitement? Certainly, Dynasty Warriors 9 appears to make substantial progress for the series by implementing a genuine, expansive open-world environment for exploration. Naturally, the fundamental gameplay will probably remain consistent—single commanders confronting multitudes of readily-defeated troops—but that established framework has never appeared more appealing than currently.

Optimization involves mastering combo efficiency and character switching—certain hero combinations create synergistic effects that dramatically increase combat effectiveness. Average session duration ranges from 45-90 minutes for optimal engagement without fatigue.

While Marvel currently dominates longtime competitor DC regarding cinematic universe achievements, the situation reverses completely in gaming contexts. DC characters have enjoyed an remarkable sequence of quality gaming experiences recently, with standout titles comprising Rocksteady’s exceptional Batman Arkham series and the acclaimed Injustice fighting games. Conversely, Marvel enthusiasts have possessed minimal boasting rights concerning premium, high-production-value games on consoles/PC (excluding Capcom’s Marvel vs Capcom franchise).

For those transitioning between character universes, understanding mechanics differences becomes essential—DC titles often emphasize stealth and environmental interaction while Marvel games traditionally focus on combo-driven combat mechanics. Understanding these Class Guide principles can help adapt to varying gameplay styles across different superhero titles.

Dragon Quest XI initially launched in Japan during July 2017 for PlayStation 4 and Nintendo 3DS platforms, though the forthcoming global edition marks a significant milestone by introducing the beloved franchise to Nintendo Switch users. This doesn’t automatically dismiss the value of previous platform iterations, however. The 3DS adaptation presents an innovative dual-display approach where the bottom screen mirrors the primary 3D gameplay experience while reimagining it through nostalgic, pixel-perfect retro aesthetics that honor the series’ origins.

Should this main series installment achieve commercial success internationally, it potentially opens doors for the Dragon Quest massively multiplayer online game to eventually reach North American shores! Admittedly, that scenario might represent an overwhelming amount of Dragon Quest content for western audiences to absorb simultaneously.

Recent Monster Hunter releases on the 3DS have delivered exceptional quality, introducing entirely new player demographics to one of Japan’s most dominant gaming franchises. However, Monster Hunter World stands ready to propel the series to unprecedented heights. Available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and personal computer platforms, the game naturally showcases superior visual fidelity compared to earlier iterations, yet the most transformative improvements involve gameplay refinements and online cooperative features that could finally establish it as a mainstream phenomenon.

For the inaugural time in series history, players can seamlessly join ongoing hunting sessions mid-mission, enabling you to assist allies or request backup during critical moments without navigating complex preparatory steps. An optimized training facility allows effortless weapon experimentation while clearly demonstrating various combo sequences and tactical approaches. Most importantly, the title features global multiplayer connectivity (though lacking cross-platform compatibility). Considering the generally supportive and collaborative nature of the Monster Hunter community, locating compatible adventurers for cooperative monster engagements should prove straightforward.

Make no misconception, Monster Hunter World appears destined to remain an intricate, sophisticated gaming experience. Yet as demonstrated by titles like Dark Souls and Bloodborne, substantial player bases actively seek demanding challenges provided they receive commensurate rewards. With this franchise evolution, novice hunters will possess superior opportunities to comprehend what inspires such passionate dedication among veteran slayers.

Among all forthcoming 2018 releases, Rockstar’s successor to Red Dead Redemption arguably represents the most monumental. The developer’s alternative flagship property, Grand Theft Auto, constitutes a cultural powerhouse, and even throughout 2017—over four years post-launch—Grand Theft Auto V persistently ranks among monthly top-selling titles in American markets.

The original Red Dead Redemption achieved critical acclaim, powered by an emotionally resonant narrative and captivating open-world design. The most compelling question involves discovering how Rockstar will incorporate elements that rendered GTA Online so ubiquitous. Maintaining garages filled with exotic vehicles and advanced weaponry aligns logically with GTA’s urban settings, but what comparable expenditure opportunities exist within the Old West environment? Alternatively, might Red Dead Redemption 2 function as an independent single-player narrative attempting to surpass the emotional intensity of its predecessor?

This sequel confronts enormous expectations, and regardless of ultimate success or failure, the Red Dead Redemption narrative warrants close observation throughout 2018.

Accelerating along interstate highways, convertible top retracted, wind rushing through your hair, watching rival racers disappear in your rearview… Does anything embody coolness quite like high-performance automobiles?

Apparently superior alternatives to fast cars exist: rapid watercraft and swift aircraft, with The Crew 2 incorporating all three vehicle categories. Beyond mere inclusion, it enables instantaneous transitions between each type—making it perfectly feasible to materialize as a racing boat perched atop a metropolitan skyscraper, creating genuinely amusing gameplay scenarios.

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