Sony launched its next-generation console, the PlayStation 5, last November, meaning it's been about four months since it was released. Scalpers, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and other issues have kept many people from getting their hands on a PS5 console, but early adopters know that the system already has an impressive library of games.
In fact, the PS5 has a number of games that have earned an 80 or above average score from critics, and even one title that's managed to cross the 90 mark. This is impressive for such a young console, and those who own one or are hoping to pick one up soon may want to know which games they should prioritize over others.
Here are the 10 highest-rated PlayStation 5 games four months into the console's lifespan, according to review aggregate site Metacritic.
1. Demon's Souls - 92
The PlayStation 5 didn't launch with many pure exclusive games, as most of its library so far is comprised of cross-gen releases. However, one launch title that is a pure PS5 exclusive is the Demon's Souls remake from Bluepoint Games, and it sets the bar high for future system exclusives. Demon's Souls takes the classic 2009 PS3 game and vastly improves the graphics, resulting in one of the best-looking video games across any platform.
Bluepoint Games has also made a number of quality of life improvements for Demon's Souls on PS5, resulting in a smoother experience for players than what they may remember from the game's PS3 days. It will likely hold the spot as the top-rated PS5 game for some time to come, and it will be very interesting to see what project Bluepoint Games tackles next.
2. Devil May Cry 5: Special Edition - 88
Devil May Cry 5 was one of the highest-rated video games of 2019, and so the Special Edition was a surefire hit. Like Demon's Souls, Devil May Cry 5: Special Edition was a PS5 launch title, giving early adopters the option to play one of the best action games in recent memory. Devil May Cry 5: Special Edition is more or less the same game as the 2019 title, but with improved performance and some post-launch content baked-in, like the Vergil DLC. It's the most complete way to experience Devil May Cry 5, and definitely worth checking out, even for those who already played the game extensively on last-gen consoles.
3. Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate - 88
The original Mortal Kombat 11 was a highly-rated fighting game on its own, but Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate takes things to the next level. It includes all of the content from the base Mortal Kombat 11 game, but with a vastly expanded roster of fighters. All of the DLC characters are available in Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate, which includes notable guest characters like The Terminator and RoboCop, plus fan favorite Mortal Kombat originals like Mileena and Sindel.
Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate also gives fans access to the Aftermath expansion. For the uninitiated, Aftermath is new story content that shows what happened after the events of Mortal Kombat 11's main story. Anyone that missed out on the original release should definitely consider giving Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate a go on PS5, as it will give them countless hours of fighting game entertainment.
4. The Nioh Collection - 88
Team Ninja may be best known for its Ninja Gaiden games, but in recent years, it has carved a new reputation for itself with Nioh and its sequel, Nioh 2. Essentially a combination of Team Ninja-style games with the Dark Souls formula, the Nioh games provided high octane action and a high-level of difficulty, with both games earning acclaim from fans and critics alike. Those that have yet to check them out can do so in one convenient package through The Nioh Collection on PS5.
5. Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time - 86
After a slew of misguided spin-offs, the Crash Bandicoot franchise went dormant. Activision finally brought it back with a vengeance with Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy, and the success of that game directly led to Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time. A direct sequel to Crash Bandicoot 3: Warped that ignores the other games in the series, Crash Bandicoot 4 is considered a return to form by many, with a lot of praise given to the game's tight platforming gameplay and stellar graphics.
The PS5 version of Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time launched just recently, and it is mostly the same experience as the original release. However, there are some PS5-exclusive bells and whistles with Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time that fans should be aware of. The next-gen version of the game includes 3D audio support, faster load times, 4K resolution at 60 frames per second, and support for the DualSense controller's unique features. It's the best way to play Crash Bandicoot 4 by far.
6. Control: Ultimate Edition - 85
Remedy Entertainment's Control was a huge hit in 2019, winning multiple Game of the Year awards and being hailed as one of the studio's best games. However, the last-gen version of Control admittedly suffered from some performance issues, especially when the action on the screen got particularly hectic. Control: Ultimate Edition on PS5 fixes those issues and bundles it with the post-launch DLC, allowing the game to truly reach its full potential.
7. Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales - 85
Marvel's Spider-Man from Insomniac Games is considered one of the best PS4 exclusive games, and so Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales had a lot to live up to. While Spider-Man: Miles Morales is much smaller in scale when compared to Spider-Man on PS4, it's still quite impressive, with eye-popping graphics that take good advantage of the PS5's superior hardware. It also makes great use of the DualSense controller's features and features an engrossing story to boot. Combine all of this with an open world that's fun to explore and it's easy to see why Spider-Man: Miles Morales is one of the PS5's top-selling games to date.
8. Hitman 3 - 85
IO Interactive's Hitman trilogy has come to a conclusion with Hitman 3, which allows players to access all of the stages from the Hitman reboot and Hitman 2 along with new levels built specifically with Hitman 3 in mind. On PS5, Hitman 3 utilizes next-gen technology to provide the most immersive assassination experience possible, plus players also get access to the PS4 version. The PS4 version of Hitman 3 includes PlayStation VR support, allowing fans to play the Hitman games in a way they never were able to before.
9. Assassin's Creed Valhalla - 84
Speaking of assassins, Ubisoft's long-running open world Assassin's Creed franchise has been available on PS5 from almost the start of the console's life, giving players a massive open world to explore that is sure to keep them busy for quite some time. Assassin's Creed Valhalla is one of the highest-rated Assassin's Creed games in recent years, with many impressed by its viking-themed story and gameplay mechanics. Ubisoft plans to release plenty of DLC for Assassin's Creed Valhalla, which should go a long way in ensuring that the game has serious legs.
10. Overcooked! All You Can Eat - 84
When it comes to the 10 highest-rated PS5 games so far, a common theme is that many of the games are actually from last-gen consoles, but upgraded to take advantage of the PS5's more powerful hardware and other capabilities. The same can be said for Overcooked! All You Can Eat, which is a collection of the first two Overcooked games and all of their DLC, plus vastly improved performance, graphics, and DualSense support. A must-have game for local co-op gaming enthusiasts, Overcooked! All You Can Eat is one of the PS5's most hilarious and content-rich experiences.
Source: Metacritic