What Remains of Edith Finch Review
Edith Finch
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By Marty Sliva
Updated: Jul 20, 2017 12:10 am
Posted: Apr 26, 2017 11:04 pm
What Remains of Edith Finch sits alongside Kentucky Route Zero as one of the finest magical-realism stories in all of video games. A first-person, story-driven experience akin to Gone Home and Firewatch, it tells the incredible, tragic, and constantly surprising multi-generational history of the Finch family. As you explore the the gorgeous labyrinthine home, you’ll go on a guided history of each family member, delve into what may or may not be a familial curse, and ultimately learn how each one succumbed to it. Developer Giant Sparrow (known for The Unfinished Swan) has once again created something truly special.
In the two hours it took me to fully explore I ran the emotional gamut from feeling completely devastated to full of an energetic light to annoyed by noticeable performance dips, especially when I approached the house for the first time. The only challenge is finding a way into each locked room of the house, generally through the use of secret passages that make the whole thing exude the charm and imagination of a pop-up book. While exploring the house, the last living member of the Finch family, Edith, narrates with stories of the house, her family, and how the incredible lives they lived untimely came to an end.
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While the whole thing is pretty much devoid of any friction preventing you from progressing (there are even fewer puzzles here than in the aforementioned Gone Home), the joy of Edith Finch is in fully immersing yourself in the final moments of each Finch’s life. Once you find a specific momento in each of their rooms, you’re treated to a story of their death, told through fantastical allegories. Each one is presented through a completely different gameplay experience that continually subverted my expectations. With each one, nothing is safe when it comes to art style, perspective, or gameplay genre.
I don’t want to spoil them because I got so much joy out of never knowing where the next memory would take me. With the exception of one awkward sequence where you control animals from a first-person perspective, there’s a dreamlike nature to the way these sequences not only bend the rules, but completely obliterate them.
While each story is ultimately about death, it’s wonderful how full of life each and every tale is. Even something as heart-wrenching as the death of a child is presented with such exuberant creativity and magic. While experiencing the final moments of their lives is unquestionably tragic, they way they embrace it and welcome whatever might come next filled each story with light. The eccentric family themselves reminded me from The Tenenbaums from Wes Anderson’s The Royal Tenenbaums, or the Glass family from J.D. Salinger’s various works. Learning how they they were all related and how the various deaths impacted each surviving member is something that I won’t soon forget.
LoadingOne thing I absolutely love about the house itself is how incredibly lived-in in feels. It doesn’t come across as a set designed around the idea of a video game level, but rather a home that a dozen members of an impossibly creative family lived in over several generations. Part of this comes at the cost of interactivity – there’s very little in the house you can actually touch or manipulate. Like a museum, there’s a “look, but don’t touch” policy here. But honestly, this didn’t bother me given how much I enjoyed the act of meticulously looking at every beautiful detail of the world.
Though it only took me just under two hours to complete, the second the credits stopped rolling I immediately restarted What Remains of Edith Finch. Each of the vignettes is so distinct and surprising that I didn’t have enough time to absorb and dissect what I had just played before being whisked away to the next one. But after fully piecing together the threads of the family and sifting through the allegories of their final moments, I was left with a beautiful, heartbreaking mosaic that exudes life, even when mired in death.
In This Article
What Remains of Edith Finch
SIE San Diego Studio
Rating
ESRB: Teen
Platforms
Xbox Series X|SPlayStation 5iPhoneNintendo Switch
What Remains of Edith Finch Review
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What Remains of Edith Finch is a gorgeous experience and one of the finest magical-realism stories in all of games
Marty Sliva
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The best PS4 games for kids in 2022
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Written By
Harry Rabinowitz
Updated Dec 21, 2022 8:32 AM
As more and more popular AAA PlayStation 4 games feature themes and content made for adults, it may take a little care to find games that feel right for kids. Just a little, though: From long-standing hits like Minecraft and Rocket League to funny adventures like LEGO Star Wars, there are tons of great, kid-friendly games for kids and families on PlayStation consoles.
The best PS4 games for kids stand the test of time and are perfect for young PS4 and PS5 players alike.
- Best overall: Rocket League
- Best adventure: Sackboy: A Big Adventure
- Best for families: Overcooked! All You Can Eat
- Best racing: Hot Wheels Unleashed
- Best action: LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga
- Best survival: Minecraft
- Best story: Ratchet & Clank (2016)
- Best for older kids: Marvel’s Spider-Man (2018)
- Best free: Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout
How we picked the best PS4 games for kids
I’ve covered games and gaming hardware for many publications, including Popular Science, Popular Mechanics, and NBC Select. As an avid player and game designer, I’ve logged thousands of hours on titles ranging from big-budget blockbusters to the latest indie games on Nintendo Switch.
To pick the best PS4 games for kids, we leveraged our collective experience at PopSci, as well as reviews from professional critics. We considered how each title would sit with kids and parents, weighing elements like difficulty, accessibility, age rating, multiplayer options, and online content more heavily than usual.
Our favorite PlayStation 4 games for kids encompass a range of genres and styles. All of them are critically acclaimed and stand head and shoulders above cheaper games you might find on a smartphone or tablet. We’ve included the official ESRB age rating, as well as the age range we think would get the most out of each title.
Best overall: Rocket League
Psyonix
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Buy it used or refurbished: eBay
Why it made the cut: Easy to play yet hard to master, Rocket League mixes sports and racing to create endlessly fun.
Specs
- Number of players: Up to four (co-op)
- ESRB rating: Everyone
- Best for ages: 4-7
- Playtime: N/A
Pros
- Easy to understand rules and goals
- Local and online multiplayer
- Bite-sized matches
Cons
- Special cars available via in-game purchases
Even after 7 years, there’s no game quite like Rocket League. The basic concept is simple: It’s 1-on-1, 2-on-2, or 3-on-3 soccer, but you control rocket-powered cars instead of people. Each player controls their own car, speeding around to bump a giant, floaty ball into their opponent’s goal.
Rocket League’s cars have a unique driving feel, in large part because you can make your car jump and even flip around in the air, opening the door for precise shooting and passing … if you can get the timing right. Rocket League is pick up and play, but mastering the game can take hours and hours of practice.
Regardless of your skill level, though, it’s a lot of fun chasing down the ball, scoring goals, and making quick saves.
When the standard soccer game mode gets stale, there are a variety of alternate rules to keep things fresh. Kids and adults who play soccer or love cars will find something to enjoy in Rocket League. Best of all, you can download it for free through the PlayStation store.
Best adventure: Sackboy: A Big Adventure
Buy it used or refurbished: eBay
Why it made the cut: Sackboy is a vibrant platformer in a bright, friendly toy-box world that’s fun solo or with a group.
Specs
- Number of players: Up to four (co-op)
- ESRB rating: Everyone
- Best for ages: 4-7
- Playtime: ~15 hours
Pros
- Cute and creative world
- Non-competitive multiplayer co-op
- Joyful original and licensed music
Cons
- Repetitive platforming challenges
Sackboy: A Big Adventure is a platforming adventure where you run, jump, and slide your way through dozens of amazingly creative and imaginative levels.
With an arts-and-craftsy toybox aesthetic, evoking Sackboy’s origins in the game-creator series LittleBigPlanet, every inch of the game looks homespun and patched together. You’ll see characters spun from yarn, trees that look patched together, and obstacles that may be everyday objects like a large cardboard box. The end result is a toys-come-to-life world where creativity and imagination defeat the bad guys.
Sackboy can be played solo or with a group. We found its colorful levels, cartoonish villains, and pop music covers best enjoyed with a group on the couch.
Best for families: Overcooked! All You Can Eat
Buy it used or refurbished: eBay
Why it made the cut: Chaotic multiplayer in increasingly hilarious settings makes this game the most fun you can have cooking virtual meals.
Specs
- Number of players: Up to four (co-op)
- ESRB rating: Everyone
- Best for ages: 7-10
- Playtime: ~45 hours
Pros
- Fun and chaotic gameplay
- Hundreds of creative levels
- Local and online co-op
Cons
- Can be repetitive
No game series gets a family cheering and shouting like Overcooked.
Compiling both Overcooked games, All You Can Eat drops 2-4 players into the shoes of line cooks in some of the craziest kitchens you’ve ever seen, asking them to prepare food on top of moving trucks, in haunted castles, and other absurd scenarios. The “cooking” is very simple so it’s easy for even new players to pick up. Learning to communicate well and work fast, though … may be a challenge.
Best racing: Hot Wheels Unleashed
Buy it used or refurbished: eBay
Why it made the cut: Hot Wheels Unleashed captures the joy of toy cars with beautiful, accessible racing action.
Specs
- Number of players: Up to two (co-op)
- ESRB rating: Everyone
- Best for ages: 7-10
- Playtime: ~18 hours
Pros
- Fast and exciting racing
- Easy controls
- Robust track editor
Cons
- In-game loot boxes
Hot Wheels Unleashed captures the spirit of playing with toy cars beautifully.
Controlling the legendary toy cars, you race along the toy line’s familiar plastic tracks surrounded by giant living rooms, kitchens, and more. It’s an arcade-style racer, with plenty of larger-than-life speed boosts and loop-de-loop ramps. (Or are they smaller-than-life?)
You can play with the tracks, too, of course. An extremely detailed level editor gives you all the tools you need to make exciting new races. You could quickly lose hours building the race course of your dreams.
Best action: LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga
Warner Bros. Games
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Buy it used or refurbished: eBay
Why it made the cut: The biggest LEGO game ever tackles all three Star Wars trilogies with action and humor.
Specs
- Number of players: Up to two (co-op)
- ESRB rating: Everyone 10+
- Best for ages: 10-12
- Playtime: ~40 hours
Pros
- Story encompasses nine different Star Wars films
- Play as dozens of iconic characters
- Cute and funny
Cons
- Some co-op sections leave one player out
TT Games’ many Lego video games follow a simple, but effective formula: Take an iconic movie or TV property, and retell the plotline as a funny kids’ story using LEGO aesthetics and a healthy dose of slapstick.
LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga perfects the formula, telling the stories from all nine of the core Star Wars films, from Episode I – The Phantom Menace to Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker. Every level is immersive and action-packed, with lots of lightsaber and blaster fights, stealth sequences, puzzle-solving, and more.
Some of the story-focused cutscenes can fall a bit flat in co-op when one player controls an unnamed soldier, but these moments can’t spoil this funny, charming spin on one of pop culture’s most beloved stories.
Best survival: Minecraft
Buy it used or refurbished: eBay
Why it made the cut: Minecraft is the best-selling game of all time for a reason. It’s endlessly creative and incredibly approachable for kids and adults alike.
Specs
- Number of players: Up to four (co-op and online)
- ESRB rating: Everyone 10+
- Best for ages: 10-12
- Playtime: ~85 hours
Pros
- Endless variety in building and crafting
- Immersive and accessible visuals
- Play solo, co-op, or online
Cons
- Lack of tutorials can be confusing
With over 200 million copies sold across over a dozen platforms, Minecraft is a pop culture phenomenon that kids still love.
If you’ve never had the pleasure, Minecraft is a survival game where players explore a blocky, pixelated world and build all kinds of creations.
At first, Minecraft is mostly about defending yourself from hostile night-time creatures like skeletons and Creepers. But after a few hours, it opens up into the ultimate sandbox where you can build almost anything and explore a near-endless pastoral world filled with underground secrets to uncover.
Kids interested in real-life arts and crafts will find a lot to enjoy in Minecraft. Be aware that the game does have an online mode where you can play with friends and strangers.
Best story: Ratchet and Clank (2016)
Why it made the cut: Ratchet & Clank is an interplanetary adventure full of memorable characters, beautiful visuals, and wacky action kids will love.
Specs
- Number of players: One
- ESRB rating: Everyone 10+
- Best for ages: 10-12
- Playtime: ~13 hours
Pros
- Beautiful graphics
- Cinematic story
- Wacky weapons
Cons
- Short playtime
The PS4 chapter of a long-running action-platformer series, Ratchet & Clank (2016), is a beautified reboot of the series’ first chapter, which launched on the PlayStation 2 in 2002.
Much of the action revolves around cartoonish gunplay, with Ratchet and Clank pulling out absurd lasers, missile launchers, and wacky weapons like the Groovitron, which make enemies dance instead of fight.
With a story and visual presentation that aspires to Pixar-level cinematic excellence, Ratchet & Clank pulls you in with beautiful visuals and funny writing only rivaled by its PS5-exclusive successor, Ratchet and Clank: A Rift Apart. Immersive environments, memorable characters, and funny dialogue make this one of the best ways to introduce kids to more story-focused games.
Best for older kids: Marvel’s Spider-Man (2018)
Buy it used or refurbished: eBay
Why it made the cut: Swinging around New York City as Spider-Man is a joy like no other.
Specs
- Number of players: One
- ESRB rating: Teen
- Best for ages: 13+
- Playtime: ~35 hours
Pros
- Swinging around NYC is incredible
- Dramatic and well-told story
- Beautiful graphics
Cons
- Supervillain fights are more flash than substance
If LEGO Star Wars is like a Saturday morning cartoon, Marvel’s Spider-Man is akin to a marquee movie.
In Sony’s version, Spider-Man is slightly older and wiser than his teenage onscreen counterpart, while Peter Parker has to deal with bigger responsibilities.
What sets Marvel’s Spider-Man apart from other versions of the story, or other comic book games, is how playing really makes you feel like Spider-Man. You can swing on webs all around Manhattan, stopping street crime and saving civilians. Technically, you can take the subway to immediately reach your destination, but Spidey’s gravity-defying, high-flying moves feel so good that you’ll probably opt for a scenic swing along Central Park.
Kids who love superheroes and action games will definitely enjoy Marvel’s Spider-Man. That said, it’s worth noting that this game is rated T for Teen and features some themes that may not be right for very young kids.
Best free: Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout
Epic Games
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Why it made the cut: Fall Guys is one of the easiest games for kids to pick up and play, but stays exciting thanks to its winner-takes-all format.
Specs
- Number of players: Up to four (online)
- ESRB rating: Everyone
- Best for ages: 4-7
- Playtime: ~28 hours
Pros
- Very easy to play and enjoy
- Colorful characters and levels
- Free to play
Cons
- Lots of in-game purchases available
Fall Guys is a chaotic online party game where up to 100 pill-shaped characters compete in obstacle courses and minigames, whittling down the number of players until one is crowned champion.
In a bright, bouncy, and colorful world, you run, jump, and dive through pastel, candy-coated landscapes while racing to the finish line, or playing wacky takes on soccer, keep-away, and other games for large groups.
Fall Guys is a great option for kids who play with friends online rather than in-person. Only one person can play at home, but you can form an online group of up to four people to play with.
It includes an option to voice chat but it’s turned off by default.
The game is free-to-play but includes a wide variety of in-game items that can be bought with real money. Be sure to set a spending limit on your PS4 through the console’s parental controls.
Shopping for video games as a parent is hard, especially if you aren’t an avid gamer yourself. Most coverage from dedicated games publications focuses on what’s coming next, so it may be difficult to look back and find great games that are even a few years old if they’re no longer top search results. When looking for games to play with kids, keep the following in mind:
What kinds of games does the kid like to play?
When picking a game to play with another person, you want to make sure you’re getting something that they’ll like. Pay attention to what games really grab their attention when they play and/or watch on platforms like YouTube and Twitch. Often, you’ll find patterns emerge, even if many of the games look completely different at a glance.
For example, Fortnite and Among Us look wildly different but they are both competitive, multiplayer games that allow players to speak to each other online.
If nothing else, it never hurts to ask. In fact, picking a game with them may help both of you get more excited about playing together.
How to tell if a game is appropriate for your child
All games carry an age rating from the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB), ranging from “Everyone (E)” to “Adults Only (AO).” The ESRB website features a database of every game it has rated, which includes the rating and some basic information about its content—such as whether it includes graphic violence or “sexual themes.” You can also find the ESRB rating and some basic info on the back cover of physical game boxes.
ESRB ratings are a good starting point but don’t give you the full picture. We recommend looking up any game meant for kids before purchasing. You can learn a lot more information about any game by reading reviews and checking parent-focused media sites like Common Sense Media.
How many players does the game allow?
It’s one thing if you’re a solo gamer hunched in front of a great gaming TV or monitor. If you’re picking a game for a household with many gamers, however, you want to make sure and pick a game with “local” multiplayer, which means that multiple players can play together on a single console at once. Many multiplayer games only allow you to play with friends online, which isn’t ideal for a group of kids or a family sitting around one TV. That said, plenty of games let two, three, or four people play from the same console.
Also, keep in mind that some multiplayer games offer cooperative multiplayer modes, where you work together, and others focus on competitive multiplayer, where you work against other players. Many competitive multiplayer games also have cooperative elements, but it’s always a good idea to know exactly what you’re getting into.
Are there any online interactions?
Online games like Fortnite and Minecraft are very popular, but allow you to speak with strangers online.
These interactions receive only the slightest bit of moderation, so it’s up to you to figure out whether or not your child is ready for it. You can find out whether a game offers the ability to chat with strangers on the product packaging and the product listing for the game on the PlayStation Store.
Are there additional in-game purchases?
Many games, particularly online multiplayer titles, allow you to purchase access to digital clothing and items for your character, as well as new content. We recommend talking to kids about digital storefronts before giving them access to a new game, as well as setting up parental controls for in-game purchases.
FAQs
Q: What PlayStation is good for kids?
The PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 are both great consoles for players of all ages. Both consoles have lots of great games for kids and adults. If you’re buying a new console, we recommend looking for a PS5, as it is the current active console and can play all but a handful of PS4 games, plus many exclusives.
That said, with limited supply making PS5s hard to find, it may be easier and cost less to buy a PS4. Since many companies still release PS4 versions of their games, it still feels like an active console ecosystem.
Q: Does the PS4 have educational games?
We wouldn’t recommend the PS4 specifically for educational games. Many kids’ games on PS4 have educational elements, but games that help teach academic skills like reading and math are more common on computer and mobile devices.
Q: Are there any free games for kids on PS4?
There are many free games for kids on PS4, including Fortnite, Fall Guys, Rocket League, and more. These games are often called “free-to-play,” because you can download and play them without spending money, but they feature lots of in-game purchases, most of which revolve around new cosmetic options for your characters.
Q: What is the minimum safe age for a child to play PS4?
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children under the age of two should not engage in any screen time and kids between two and five should only look at a screen for up to one hour per day.
Based on that recommendation, we’d recommend waiting until they’re at least age 5 to introduce them to games. In terms of content, there’s no hard and fast rule. There are many games made for young children, so you could theoretically start showing kids how to play games at a very young age.
Final thoughts on the best PS4 games for kids
The best PS4 games for kids are a mix of colorful adventure games, high-octane racing games, and story-focused action titles. Kids of all ages can find something to love on PS4. Adults with PS5s can also enjoy these titles, as all of them are available for both PS4 and PS5.
Best ps4 games
10/18/2018
Since its release 4 years ago, PS4 has been considered one of the best gaming consoles. And, of course, during this time a lot of game projects have come out under it, among which there are the usual “passers”, and just good games and real must play, which no real gamer has the right to pass by.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
The Witcher is rightfully considered one of the most atmospheric games of recent years and one of the most elaborate RPGs in combination. The characters here are worked out to the smallest detail, the world is made as realistic as possible, and your every action will definitely find its reflection in it. If you haven’t completed it yet, be sure to buy The Witcher 3 and do it! You will find driving music, a cool combat system, excellent locations, serious battles and characters who outdid their book ancestors.
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Grand Theft Auto V
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Release date: November 18, 2014
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System Requirements (Platform): PS4
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Genre: 3D shooter, Action
GTA has always attracted attention with a completely open realistic world, as well as charismatic characters.
Yes, the universe here is quite peculiar, but if you are attracted not only by fantasy projects, but also by the harsh realism of our time, you should definitely go through it. Even if you played on PS3, because there are new features, new modes and even more drive. In general, Grand Theft Auto V is definitely worth buying!
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Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End
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Release date: August 22, 2017
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System Requirements (Platform): PS4
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Genre: Action-adventure, third-person shooter
Are you attracted by the adventures of Indiana Jones, the brave Nathan Drake? Welcome to the world of Uncharted! A simple, but very exciting plot is complemented by an open world with incredibly beautiful graphics, well-designed locations and characters, as well as spectacular battles and very interesting puzzles.
Of course, you can buy Uncharted 4 from us.
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Well, for those who have already got hooked on this game and have gone through it up and down, we suggest paying attention to the Uncharted: The Lost Legacy add-on, in which the main characters are by no means fragile representatives of the weaker sex.
Diablo III: Ultimate Evil Edition
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Release Date: May 15, 2012
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System Requirements (Platform): PS4
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Genre: Action/RPG, Hack and slash
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There is hardly a gamer in the world who has not heard of Diablo. And its third part is a completely logical continuation — no less hurricane and atmospheric than the very first part. At the same time, entertainment, realism, cool graphics, as well as many new features were added to it.
Simply put, this is the coolest Diablo you can imagine.
Well, in addition, this game has received a calling as one of the coolest co-op games on the Play Station 4.
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Bloodborne
Hurricane action in the style of Demon’s Souls and Dark Souls, with a thick, complex and rich atmosphere, well-developed characters and a very good plot for this genre. In addition, Hidetaka Miyazaki took part in the creation of the game, and this in itself indicates that the player is waiting for a cool hurricane gameplay and something really interesting. You definitely shouldn’t miss this, so we recommend buying Bloodborne right away.
The Last of Us: Remastered
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Release Date: June 14, 2013
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System Requirements (Platform): PS4
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Genre: Action-adventure, Survival horror
A simple re-release of the good old The Last of Us for PS4.
If you played it on the third Play Station, you can pass by, well, everyone else should definitely pay attention to it and buy it.
The game will take you to the world after the apocalypse, where you will have to make your way through the territory of the former United States in search of a vaccine against a mutated virus. It sounds simple, but it’s really not easy to survive in this world, and in itself it turned out to be very atmospheric — so much so that you simply don’t want to emerge from it.
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Rise of the Tomb Raider: 20 Year Celebration
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Release date: November 10, 2015
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System Requirements (Platform): PS4
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Genre: Action-adventure
Well, someone who, and Lariska Croft needs no introduction for sure, and it’s definitely not worth passing by her current adventures.
If you missed Rise of the Tomb Raider: 20 Year Celebration for some reason, be sure to download it. In this version, the developer has returned all the coolest features of the series, flavoring them with well-designed locations, plots and a hurricane combat system.
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You can buy the «holiday edition of Rise of the Tomb Raider» right now at the Funduk online store.
Batman: Arkham Knight
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Release Date: June 23, 2015
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System Requirements (Platform): PS4
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Genre: Action-adventure
Another gaming must have, which is praised by all game journalists without exception — both ours and foreign ones. The new adventures of Batman turned out to be cool in terms of character development, gameplay, content, locations, and even atmosphere.
At the same time, the plot, which in such games is rather secondary, is worked out to the smallest detail. So buying Batman: Arkham Knight is worth not only for fans of DC comics, but also for everyone who loves heroic sagas and high-quality adventure games.
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Fallout 4
Falllout is not just a game, it’s a real legend, which can be forgiven for minor shortcomings. A completely open post-apocalyptic world, excellent video inserts in the game, the ability to build your own house, a partner dog and many other captivating little things — in general, you simply do not have the right to be called a gamer if you have not completed Fall.
Deus Ex: Mankind Divided
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Release Date: August 23, 2016 -
System Requirements (Platform): PS4
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Genre: Action/RPG, stealth action
This game is worth playing for three reasons.
The first is the continuation of the legend of the last decade. The second is the coolest cyberpunk that has just come out, regardless of the platform. Third, you can easily go through it over the weekend, and on Monday, with a clear conscience, go to work or study. Isn’t that a reason to buy Deus Ex: Mankind Divided?
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Final Fantasy XV
If we talk about legends, it’s simply impossible to pass by Final Fantasy in general, and Final Fantasy XV in particular. This is a game for which it is really worth buying a console and sitting down on it closely. The most beautiful part in the series, the most beautiful game on PS4 — this is how experienced gamers speak about the latest numbered «Fantasy», and they are really right.
But here everything is much cooler than just beauty.
Final Fantasy XV has a great story, an incredible amount of exciting tasks, the ability to drive a car and very charismatic characters that you will not want to leave.
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Well, if you end up addicted to FF, you should also play Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age, a remastered version of Final Fantasy 12 that was released ten years ago.
Divinity: Original Sin — Enhanced Edition
For RPG fans, there is another incredibly cool world — not as hurricane as Diabla, but very atmospheric, beautiful and thoughtful. Such a modern analogue of Baldur’s Gate, which rightfully became one of the best RPGs immediately after the release and still holds this title. In general, if the most important thing in the game for you is the story and atmosphere, you simply cannot pass by Divinity: Original Sin — Enhanced Edition.
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Until Dawn
Do you like horror stories and want to throw adrenaline into your own blood? Play Until Dawn! The plot here is not too complicated — a kind of analogue of the popular «Scream», with the only difference being that the player will have to manage the lives of the heroes — it is you who decides who will die next. And believe me, this is done in such a way that it really scares. Do you want horror stories, but more realistic? Buy Until Dawn!
Resident Evil 7
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Release Date: January 24, 2017
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System Requirements (Platform): PS4
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Genre: Survival horror
Without breaking away from the legends, we move on to Resident Evil, which still continues to be the coolest zombie game and which has finally returned to its horror roots.
At the same time, she became a first-person game, and her plot was very far removed from the events of the previous parts. But this should not scare you away, on the contrary — believe me, everything has only become cooler, and buying Resident Evil 7 is really worth it.
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Gran Turismo Sport
With racing games, everything is simple — there is no plot, no charisma of characters, or anything like that. But there is a huge world with a variety of tracks, a lot of game content, a pleasant atmosphere and a well-developed multiplayer. What else do you want from racing? Therefore, take the GTS, and no questions asked :-).
Most importantly, buy a good steering system to get the full feel of the track.
God of War 4
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Release Date: April 20, 2018
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System Requirements (Platform): PS4
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Genre: Action-adventure
Another legend in our top and the coolest game of this year.
If you are not afraid of immersion in the virtual world for many tens of hours, plunge into it! An incredibly fantastic beautiful world awaits you, with carefully crafted characters, realistic graphics and an original atmosphere. The battles also did not let us down — neither in terms of entertainment, nor in terms of the combat system, nor in terms of their hurricane. So be sure to get a high-quality game controller, here it will definitely come in handy.
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Spider Man
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Release Date: September 7, 2018
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System Requirements (Platform): PS4
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Genre: Action-adventure
Comic book fans got a great gift this year in the face of Peter Parker’s fresh adventures — Spider-Man 2018 turned out to be the most spectacular, coolest and brightest part in the series, and along the way also the best game with Marvel characters in the entire existence of the gaming industry.
It is simply impossible not to buy Spider Man!
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Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey
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Release Date: October 5, 2018
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System Requirements (Platform): PS4
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Genre: Action/RPG, Stealth, Open World
The adventures of the Assassins have always been cool and acclaimed by gamers around the world, but they lacked in spectacle, play time and scale. All this is in the new part of Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey. This is the most beautiful, longest and most intense part in the Assassin’s Creed family, so it’s definitely worth buying, even if you were not completely delighted with the last games in the series.
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Well, if you have already managed to play all these cult games, we recommend that you pay attention to these, albeit not so bright, but very good games:
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The Last Guardian
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World of Final Fantasy
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Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice
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Dragon Quest XI
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Ratchet & Clank
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Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain
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Life is Strange
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Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare
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FIFA 18
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Just Cause 3
TOP 25 best open world games for PS4 and PS5.
Part 2
So here are the main open world games that have the highest official ratings.
DON’T MISS: The Best Open World Games for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 Part 10006 12. Final Fantasy XIV Online: Realm Reborn
- Published by: Square Enix / Created by: Square Enix
- Year of publication: 2014
As expected in an MMORPG, Final Fantasy XIV expects a huge open map, but the genre’s expectations don’t make the world of Eorzea any less amazing. The diverse and aesthetically designed terrain is full of adventure, no wonder so many players lose hundreds and hundreds of hours because of «Reborn Realm». Traveling from one side of the map to the other on the back of your trusty mount really opens your eyes to just how much effort has been put into each superbly designed location.
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11. Spider-Man: Miles Morales
- Published by: Sony Computer Entertainment / Created by: Insomniac Games
- Year of publication: 2020
This genre means a lot to Spidey and Insomniac Games. The developer created a detailed version of Manhattan, which is a pleasure to explore. It may not promote the open world itself, but the quests make for a wonderfully immersive atmosphere. Just getting around in this game is endless fun, and even when you’ve exhausted your list of things to do, you’ll still have fun flying over the rooftops of New York. nine0003
10. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim — Special Edition
- Published by: Bethesda Softworks / Created by: Bethesda Game Studios
- Year of publication: 2016
There are many Bethesda game titles, but Skyrim is one of their best creations.
It is remembered by many console players for its landscapes, from the vast plains of Whiterun to the seasonal forests of the Rift. Compared to more recent blockbusters, the 2011 release is starting to show its mettle when it comes to dynamic encounters and other minutiae we associate with the genre. And also the magic of the province of the northern part is open to the players. nine0003
9. Horizon Zero Dawn 2
- Published by: Sony Computer Entertainment / Developed by: Guerrilla Games
- Year of publication: 2021
Compared to some of its counterparts, the game’s world fills its vast open plains with something far more unique: vibrant varieties of machines that are out for blood.
In this post-apocalyptic adventure, new scenery lurks around every corner as you travel between the green of the Nora lands and the sun-hot sands that the Karja call home. Magnificent and thought out to the smallest detail, the world with a fantastic landscape can easily immerse yourself thanks to Guerrilla Games. nine0003
8. Fallout 4
- Published by: Bethesda Softworks / Created by: Bethesda Game Studios
- Year of publication: 2015
Who knew post-apocalyptic Boston had so much to offer? Fallout 4 boasts the first open world of the current generation from Bethesda, but its strongest point is the complex and thoughtful design of the world, which is infested with monsters. The state of America, according to the plot of the game, was destroyed.
Most intriguingly, there is something new and potentially deadly lurking around almost every corner, and it will all be complemented by settlements that you can build and expand, creating small pockets of hope in what is otherwise a hellish wasteland. It’s all beautifully dark. nine0003
7. Assassin’s Creed Origins
- Published by: Ubisoft / Designed by: Ubisoft
- Year of publication: 2017
The developer has achieved something really special with this game. The action takes place in Egypt, where the developer has created a completely incomparable world that has an insane amount of detail, it is so colossal. It combines old cities and beautiful deserts. This is definitely one of Ubisoft’s most successful open-world developments — which says a lot.
Dynamic wildlife, encounters with rivals and sandstorms all make you feel alive, and that’s without even mentioning how realistic it looks. Simply put, being a part of Origins is a pleasure. nine0003
6. Grand Theft Auto V
- Published by: Rockstar / Designed by: Rockstar North
- Year of publication: 2014
Well, you probably guessed that this game would be somewhere. Rockstar is the studio that’s done the dog on open world games. The place of events takes place in Los Santos — a wonderful place where life is seething. It’s a world where you can stand in one place for a few minutes and just watch the game play while people go about their business. Even now, several years after its release, Grand Theft Auto V impresses with its dynamism.
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5. Death Stranding (PS4)
- Published by: Sony Computer Entertainment / Created by: Kojima Productions
- Year of publication: 2019
The game offers an incredibly atmospheric and ultimately very lonely open world. She is completely unlike anything else on this list. It’s not crammed with enemy camps, and there’s no fighting around every corner — it’s a post-apocalyptic tale that perfectly describes a desolate yet surprisingly peaceful country. While the twisting, twisting and undeniably intriguing story keeps players hooked, Sam Porter is at the center of it. The world is rather strange, but this is what the players remember. nine0003
4. Assassin’s Creed Odyssey
- Published by: Sony Computer Entertainment / Developed by: Sucker Punch Productions
- Year of publication: 2020
Ghost of Tsushima is not only one of the most beautiful open world games you’ll ever play, it’s one of the best in design.
Jin Sakai’s journey goes adrift, so exploring the island is a pleasure. There is no minimap, so you will learn how to find landmarks and follow the wind to your next destination. And on top of that, Sucker Punch has created an excellent combat system that puts many of its open-world counterparts to shame. In short, Ghost of Tsushima is a triumph and without a doubt one of the greatest open world console games ever made. nine0003
2. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
- Published by: Bandai Namco / Developed by: CD Projekt Red
- Year of publication: 2015
The creators of the game didn’t care much about cards or rare items in the game. This is its main difference from other games. The dark fantasy atmosphere is great and filled with exciting missions, not to mention the story.
Wild Hunt is rightfully praised for its depth of challenge, and the challenges are really interesting, always providing a reason to travel through a land plagued by monsters and wars. The Witcher 3 strikes a perfect balance between storytelling and exploration. nine0003
1. Red Dead Redemption 2
- Published by: Rockstar / Designed by: Rockstar San Diego
- Year of publication: 2018
«Red Dead 2» differs from other games in that it does not pack its map with linear roads — you can always turn off the road and go to the desert, for example, even if there is nothing to do. And this kind of freedom of action really sets the game apart from others. This open world, with mysteries at every turn, constantly surprises with something.
