The video game industry has a level of inherent competition built into it. Even though there are many titles that get multi-platform releases, one of the biggest ways in which consoles can stand out from their competition isthrough console exclusivesthat can’t be found anywhere else.
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ThePlayStation 4and theXbox Onehave a number of fundamental differences, but they’re familiar similar when it comes to their hardware power. Sony and Microsoft have entered the next generation of gaming where console exclusives might prove to be even more important, but the previous era also resulted in some excellent exclusives for both consoles.
10PS4: Astro Bot: Rescue Mission (Score: 90)
PlayStation’s adorable Astro Bot mascot has become increasingly popular in the past few years, with the PlayStation 5’sAstro’s Playroombeingone of the biggest surprises of the next-gen console.Astro Bot: Rescue Missionis a PlayStation 4 title thatdepends on VR capabilitiesand it’s easily the best example of what this immersive technology can achieve.
The game is a simple platformer, but it makes beautiful use of VR technology and is like nothing else on the console. It’s the one PlayStation 4 VR title that deserves to be played by anyone who’s skeptical of virtual reality.
9Xbox One: Halo 5: Guardians (Score: 84)
The originalHalois largely responsible for making Microsoft’s first foray into the console market a success.Halohas practically become synonymous with the Xbox and the amount of titles in the series has hit the double digits over the years.
A return to form for the series,Halo 5: Guardiansis an entry worthy of the Xbox One’s hardware. While the Xbox Series X’s upcomingHalo Infinitehas beendelayed to 2021, fans can still turn toHalo 5: Guardiansfor a very satisfying FPS experience.
8PS4: Shadow Of The Colossus (Score: 91)
Some video games are just so iconic and groundbreaking that new versions of them are turned out every generation in order to take advantage of the advancements in technology. The ambitiousShadow of the Colossuswas initially released on the PlayStation 2 before being upgraded for the PS3 and then receiving another massive update years later for the PlayStation 4.
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The PS4’sShadow of the Colossuscaptures the artistry of the original with more detail than ever before. It’s a fitting tribute to the PS2 title.
7Xbox One: Gears 5 (Score: 84)
TheGears of Warfranchise is another property that’s been around for a while and is one of the pillars of the Xbox brand. Even though Microsoft has branched into also catering towards the PC market with the last few releases,Gearsremains a console exclusive for the Xbox and one of its best.
Gears 5is an action-packed follow-upthat course corrects a lot fromGears of War 4.The shift in perspective that the game takes works in its favor and Kait Diaz proves to be a magnetic hero. Chaotic alien locust annihilation has never been more fun.
6PS4: Bloodborne (Score: 92)
The high fidelity and frame rate that video games now operate at has given audiences a higher capacity for punishingly difficult games that require precision timing and gameplay mechanics. TheDark Soulsgames have become some of the best and most grueling examples of these styles of games.
Bloodborneis reminiscentof the coreDark Soulsseries,but it provides an even more satisfying and exaggerated take on this dangerous world. It’s a title that’s guaranteed to challenge gamers well into the next generation.
5Xbox One: Forza Motorsport 7 (Score: 86)
The Xbox One has a number of exceptional racing titles for fans of the genre. For people torn on whichForzaentry to try out,Motorsport 7should be the priority for those that prefer realistic racing physics and environments than the more arcade-style setup ofForza Horizon 4.
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Forza Motorsport 7is one of the most detailed and comprehensive racing games of all time and it’s going to be extremely difficult to top whenever the next entry comes around. The game has also gradually revised and improved itself since its initial release.
4PS4: Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End (Score: 93)
Any series that runs for many titles that are spread across multiple generations runs the risk of diluting a property or hitting diminishing returns. It’s for this reason thatUncharted 4: A Thief’s Enddeserves so much credit for ending Nathan Drake’s story on asatisfying and fitting note.
A Thief’s Endis a love letter to the whole franchise and it’s incredible to see just how epic these games have become since their debut on the PlayStation 3.Uncharted 4: A Thief’s Endis how to go out on top and with class.
3Xbox One: Killer Instinct: Definitive Edition (Score: 86)
Rare’sKiller Instinctfighting series started as an arcade title before it migrated over to the Super Nintendo, but it’s been doing excellent work on the Xbox for the past generation. Other fighting franchises likeMortal KombatorStreet Fighterget more attention, but Rare, Double Helix Games, and later Iron Galaxy managed to create something special with their reinvention of theKiller Instinctfranchise.
Killer Instinct: Definitive Editionpacks together all of the content that’s been released over the years and it’s an entertaining alternative to the more mainstream fighters.Killer Instinctis in hibernation,but the Xbox Series X would benefit from moreKiller Instinctmayhem.
2PS4: God Of War (Score: 95)
It’s encouraging to see how many of the PlayStation 4’s most celebrated exclusive titles are properties that have been on PlayStation consoles for years. Kratos has become an unofficial mascot for Sony and all of theGod of Wartitles from the past generations seriously helped move hardware.
2018’sGod of Waris one of the more successful examples of a reboot that improves upon the themes of the original. The gigantic game rises to the occasion and partners Kratos with his son, Atreus, a development that works out brilliantly for the series.
1Xbox One: Forza Horizon 4 (Score: 92)
TheForzaseries has become a mainstay for Xbox consoles and the different racing franchises have become so acclaimed that they’re some of the best titles on Xbox consoles.Forza Horizon 4is packed with an absurd amount of content.
The game prides itself on its ultra-realistic atmosphere, which includes dynamic seasons.Forza Horizon 4has over 450 cars and so much customization available that most people will never make their way through all of the content that the game has to offer.
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