Sony's continuous support for narrative-driven single-player games has had a significant impact on their popularity in recent years. Sony has shown the gaming industry that there was and will always be a place for single-player games in the medium, even with the surge in popularity of the multiplayer genre. From the PlayStation 4's era, right up till now with the focus on the PlayStation 5, Sony has built a solid lineup of games showcasing some of the most gripping stories ever seen in games.
From samurais to superheroes, there are some incredibly well-written stories waiting to be experienced on Sony's consoles. First-party exclusives aside, there have been many decent narrative-heavy outings from third-party developers on the PlayStation 4 and 5 as well. Here are some of the best games that players can enjoy on the PlayStation 4 and 5 with a heavy focus on narrative.
5 What Remains Of Edith Finch
Developed by Giant Sparrow, What Remains of Edith Finch is a strange yet beautiful story about the last surviving member of the Finch Family, who returns to her family home to find out what happened to every single one of her relatives. With gorgeous visuals and captivating narration, What Remains of Edith Finch is an incredible game that succeeds in absorbing the players into its narrative right from the start.
As you uncover the mysteries surrounding the deaths of each member of the Finch family, players will be met with strange occurrences, making it hard for them to tell what really happened. But that only adds to the beauty of the game as it leaves things to the imagination of the players. The game has a Metascore of 88 for the PlayStation 4.
4 Life Is Strange 2
Don't Nod's Life is Strange 2 is a harsh tale about two brothers trying to survive a wild America following the murder of their father at the hands of a Cop. Like its predecessor, Life is Strange 2 mixes in superhuman abilities with a very grounded story that makes for an excellent blend. Players take control of Shawn and Daniel working their way through life's adversities and finding a way to escape to Mexico.
Over its five-episode run, the game provides many twists and turns that will keep players on the seat of their edge. As the boys are constantly on the move, players also get to meet a lot of different characters along the journey. Life is Strange 2 has a Metascore of 78 for the PlayStation 4.
3 Detroit Become Human
Quantic Dream Studios really outdid themselves with their most reecent narrative-driven adventure, Detroit Become Human. Set in the futuristic city of Detroit, the game follows three humanoid androids who after experiencing certain events become deviants. Conner is a police investigator in charge of dealing with deviant androids, but the more he faces them, the more he starts to question his own actions.
Markus is a caretaker turned freedom fighter who was shot by the police for trying to override his code. Lastly, Kara is introduced as a housekeeper android, but when she suspects that her owner may be abusing a child she decides to take matters into her own hands. The game follows the three protagonists on their personal journeys, which eventually overlap if the right decisions are made. Detroit Become Human has a Metascore of 78 for the PlayStation 4.
2 Marvel's Spider-Man
With all the hype surrounding superheroes in recent years, one would think there would be more quality superhero game outings, but alas the genre still remains underutilized in the gaming medium. But if there is one superhero game that has succeeded in exceeding all expectations, it has to be Marvel's Spider-Man, developed by the famous Insomniac Games. Marvel's Spider-Man is not just a good Spider-Man game, it may just be the best. With a magnificent combat system, slick web-swinging, and stellar voice acting, Marvel's Spider-Man has it all.
What really drives it to be the best is its heavy emphasis on its narrative, which sees Peter go up against many of his vicious nemeses. By the time the credits roll, players would have experience, fun, excitement, loss, betrayal and so much more, and will surely be left wanting more. Marvel's Spider-Man has a Metascore of 87 for the PlayStation 4 and even received a remake for the PlayStation 5.
1 Ghost Of Tsushima
Developed by Sucker Punch, Ghost of Tsushima is an open-world action-adventure game that follows a lone Samurai, Jin Sakai, as he tries to save the Island of Tsushima from the invading Mongols. After witnessing the fall of his Samurai brothers at the hands of the Mongolian mercenaries, Jin decides that sticking to the traditional Samurai ways will not be enough to lead them to victory. Thus, he embarks on a personal journey to redefine what being a Samurai means to him by doing whatever it takes to defeat the Mongols. Even if it means abandoning all his previous training and going against his uncle's teachings.
Aside from breathtaking visuals, and incredibly fun boss fights, Ghost of Tsushima's story is what helps the game stand out from other open-world adventure games. The game succeeds in delivering a brutal tale of loss and betrayal that is bound to keep fans intrigued until the very end. Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut has a Metascore of 87 for the PlayStation 5.
