Discover 50 PS4 hidden gems you probably missed: RPGs, adventures, and unique games that slipped under the radar but are absolutely worth your time. The ultimate guide to rediscover your PlayStation 4 in 2025.
The PlayStation 4 defined an era with masterpieces like God of War and The Last of Us Part II, but its library is so vast that many great titles inevitably slipped under the radar. Hidden gems—games full of creativity, bold ideas, and emotional impact—that didn’t get the spotlight they deserved due to poor timing, niche genres, or limited marketing.
This article gives those games the recognition they earned. We’ve gathered 50 PS4 hidden gems that stand out for their storytelling, gameplay, or artistic style. From tactical RPGs with classic soul to narrative adventures that linger in your mind long after you turn off the console, this list is your chance to rediscover the PS4—or enjoy them through PS5 backward compatibility—in 2025.
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PS4 Hidden Gems You Need to Know
The following selection highlights 50 games that may not have topped sales charts but deliver unforgettable experiences. Each entry includes a short synopsis, development details, and a critical look at why it went unnoticed—or how it became a cult favorite among players.
Stray
Release Year: 2022
Genre: Adventure, Platformer
Developer: BlueTwelve Studio
A stray cat—curious yet vulnerable—becomes the unlikely protagonist of Stray. After a sudden fall, it finds itself trapped in a cyberpunk underground city inhabited by robots longing for humanity and voracious creatures known as Zurks. The journey is as much about survival as it is about discovery, accompanied by B-12, a small drone that serves as both translator and ally.
French studio BlueTwelve made its debut with this project, surprising critics and players alike with a fresh concept: experiencing a decaying world through the eyes of a feline. Its melancholic atmosphere, intricate city design, and the empathy it evokes turned it into a cultural phenomenon—especially among cat lovers and fans of narrative-driven adventures.
Sakura Wars
Release Year: 2020
Genre: RPG, Simulation, Visual Novel
Developer: Sega
The return of Sakura Wars takes us to an alternate 1940s Tokyo, where theaters, spirit-powered mechs, and demons threatening peace collide. You play as Seijuro Kamiyama, a captain tasked with restoring the Flower Division—a troupe of warrior-actresses striving to reclaim the lost glory of the Imperial Theater. Romance, drama, and humor intertwine in a story with the soul of a visual novel and the heart of an RPG.
Sega managed to revitalize this legendary franchise with a vibrant visual style and a lighter tone. However, competition from giants like Persona 5 Royal and its niche appeal limited its visibility outside Japan. Today, it stands as a curious hidden gem that blends theatrical spectacle with mech combat—an uncommon mix in the PS4 library.
Fist of the North Star: Lost Paradise
Release Year: 2018
Genre: Action, RPG, Beat ‘em Up
Developer: Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio
Charismatic martial artist Kenshiro brings the Hokuto Shinken to a desert oasis city called Eden, in the midst of a post-apocalyptic wasteland. In his search for Yuria, he faces violent gangs, political intrigue, and a destiny marked by tragedy. The game stays true to the essence of the original manga, alternating between brutal combat and unexpectedly absurd mini-games like mixing cocktails or racing.
Developed by Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, the team behind Yakuza, the influence is clear in its open-world structure and the balance between drama and eccentricity. While it launched with solid sales in Japan, its Western reception was more modest—remaining mostly a treat for manga fans and those curious about a “Yakuza in the desert.”
Judgment
Release Year: 2019
Genre: Action, Adventure, Beat ‘em Up
Developer: Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio
In Judgment, the alleys of Kamurocho set the stage for a noir-inspired detective thriller. Takayuki Yagami, a disgraced lawyer turned private investigator, takes on a case involving gruesome murders where victims are found without eyes. Alongside his loyal ex-yakuza partner Kaito, he uncovers a web of organized crime, corruption, and secrets from his own past.
This Yakuza spin-off proved that Ryu Ga Gotoku could tell equally compelling stories with a completely different protagonist. Fast-paced combat, light investigation mechanics, and an engrossing narrative made it one of the studio’s most celebrated titles. While it didn’t break sales records, it carved out a special place among fans of narrative-driven thrillers on PlayStation.
Persona 5 Strikers
Release Year: 2021
Genre: Action, RPG, Musou
Developer: Omega Force, P-Studio
The Phantom Thieves return, but this time action replaces the traditional turn-based system. Persona 5 Strikers begins as a summer vacation, until Joker and the crew discover that corruption is once again invading the minds of Japanese citizens through mysterious “Prisons.” What follows is a road trip across Japan that expands the world and deepens the group’s dynamic.
The collaboration between Omega Force (masters of the Musou genre) and P-Studio exceeded expectations: massive battles without losing Persona’s narrative identity. With over a million copies sold, it was a notable success, though inevitably overshadowed by the phenomenon of Persona 5 Royal. For fans, it’s the perfect excuse to keep traveling with Joker and friends.
Unicorn Overlord
Release Year: 2024
Genre: Tactical RPG
Developer: Vanillaware
A fallen kingdom, an exiled prince, and a rebellion fighting to reignite hope—that’s the foundation of Unicorn Overlord. As Alain, you lead an epic crusade across five warring nations, gathering allies and making weighty decisions that shape the story. Its approach is classic, with strategic maps, layered characters, and dilemmas that add flavor to every battle.
Vanillaware reaffirmed its artistic brilliance with visuals that look like a living painting. While critics hailed it as one of the best recent tactical RPGs, its release alongside major blockbusters relegated it to cult status. A true gift for players who savor handcrafted strategy experiences.
Inside
Release Year: 2016
Genre: Platformer, Puzzle, Adventure
Developer: Playdead
A boy runs through a bleak world where freedom feels like a distant memory. Inside says nothing with words, yet speaks volumes through imagery: oppressive facilities, lifeless bodies, and experiments hinting at a chilling truth. Every step blends tension, puzzles, and silence that conveys more than dialogue ever could.
Following the success of Limbo, Playdead refined its style with this title, widely regarded as a masterpiece of minimalist storytelling. Its critical reception was stellar, earning numerous awards, though its experimental nature kept it from mainstream audiences. A short but hauntingly unforgettable experience.
13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim
Release Year: 2020
Genre: Adventure, Strategy, Visual Novel
Developer: Vanillaware
Time travel, giant mechs, and a cast of thirteen protagonists might sound chaotic, but 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim weaves them into a captivating narrative. Shifting between the 1940s, the 1980s, and an apocalyptic future, each character adds a piece to the puzzle of humanity’s fight against mechanical kaiju—and the identity and memory dilemmas that come with it.
Blending visual novel storytelling with tactical strategy, it’s elevated by Vanillaware’s signature hand-painted art style. Critics praised it as one of the PS4 era’s great narratives, though its niche nature kept it commercially modest. Over time, it has solidified its reputation as a must-play gem for story lovers.
Valkyria Chronicles Remastered
Release Year: 2016
Genre: Tactical RPG, Strategy
Developer: Sega
War in Valkyria Chronicles Remastered isn’t just about armies—it’s about prejudice, loss, and human bonds. As Welkin Gunther and Squad 7, you must defend Gallia from an imperial invasion in a fictional Europe inspired by World War II. Between strategic battles and intimate moments, the narrative balances wartime drama with humanity and hope.
This remastered edition brought back the PS3 classic in HD, preserving the charm of its watercolor aesthetic. While it didn’t achieve massive sales, it introduced new players to a tactical system still unique in the genre. A title that proves strategy can be both thrilling and deeply emotional.
Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice
Release Year: 2017
Genre: Action, Adventure, Psychological Horror
Developer: Ninja Theory
Senua’s journey is not only into the underworld but also into the depths of her own mind. Haunted by psychosis and loss, this Celtic warrior faces hallucinations, voices, and mythical creatures in a harrowing adventure that blends combat, puzzle-solving, and a brutally personal narrative. Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice is intense, immersive, and unsettling in equal measure.
Ninja Theory took a bold risk with a self-published project on limited resources, but the result was extraordinary. Acclaimed for its portrayal of mental health and emotional impact, it won awards and cemented Senua as an iconic character. While it didn’t reach the mainstream crowd, it became a cult classic essential to the PlayStation library.
Gris
Release Year: 2018
Genre: Adventure, Platformer, Art
Developer: Nomada Studio
Few works convey so much with so little like Gris. You play as a young woman navigating a crumbling world after a devastating loss—a space that mirrors her grief and gradual recovery. Without dialogue, the story unfolds through music and the colors that return to her dress, each symbolizing a step in the healing process. It’s an intimate, poetic, and deeply emotional journey.
Created by Spanish debut studio Nomada, Gris stunned critics in 2018 and collected awards, including Best Impact Game at The Game Awards. Still, its contemplative and experimental nature kept it as a gem for a smaller audience—closer to art than mainstream spectacle.
Gravity Rush 2
Release Year: 2017
Genre: Action, Adventure
Developer: Japan Studio (Project Siren)
Kat returns with more style and freedom in Gravity Rush 2. The gravity-defying heroine finds herself in Jirga Para Lhao, a floating city full of mysteries and social contrasts. There, she helps its citizens while uncovering a conspiracy that threatens to consume the entire world, facing cosmic storms, cults, and a destiny that stretches beyond her reality.
Developed by Japan Studio, the sequel expanded on the original with larger environments and an even more dynamic gravity system. Critics praised its originality, but sales were modest, overshadowed by bigger 2017 releases. Today, it remains a unique adventure worth rediscovering.
Gravity Rush Remastered
Release Year: 2016
Genre: Action, Adventure
Developer: Japan Studio (Project Siren), Bluepoint Games
Before its sequel, Gravity Rush Remastered introduced PS4 players to Kat, the amnesiac girl who awakens in Hekseville with a mysterious cosmic cat as her companion. Amid shadowy creatures and strange storms, she discovers her role as the city’s protector while searching for her own identity.
Bluepoint Games successfully updated this PS Vita gem, preserving its unique style while enhancing visuals. Yet, as in 2012, its niche appeal kept it a well-guarded secret within the PS4 catalog.
Infamous Second Son
Release Year: 2014
Genre: Action, Adventure, Open World
Developer: Sucker Punch Productions
Seattle becomes the stage for a superhero rebellion in Infamous Second Son. Delsin Rowe, a young Native American, gains supernatural powers after an encounter with a “conduit.” Able to manipulate smoke and neon, he must face a military agency ruling the city with an iron fist. Your choices define his path: rebellious hero or feared villain.
As one of the first major PS4 exclusives, the game sold millions and cemented Sucker Punch’s reputation after Sly Cooper. Over time, however, it was somewhat eclipsed by larger open-world giants. Still, its urban atmosphere and spectacular powers make it a must-play for superhero fans.
Odin Sphere Leifthrasir
Release Year: 2016
Genre: Action RPG, Beat ‘em Up
Developer: Vanillaware
With the feel of an illustrated fairytale, Odin Sphere Leifthrasir tells the intertwined fates of five heroes in a world blending Norse mythology with classical tragedy. From the warrior Gwendolyn to the tormented Velvet, each story adds a new shade to a narrative marked by love, war, and the prophecy of the world’s end.
This remaster modernized the PS2 classic with stunning visuals and refined combat. Critics hailed it as a work of art, though its audience remained limited, overshadowed by more commercial releases. Today, it’s a hidden treasure for those who enjoy stylish, melancholic RPGs.
Dragon’s Crown Pro
Release Year: 2018
Genre: Action RPG, Beat ‘em Up
Developer: Vanillaware
Dungeons, dragons, and 2D art that looks like a living canvas—that’s Dragon’s Crown Pro. With a party of adventurers—knights, sorceresses, elves, and more—you explore a fantasy kingdom in search of the legendary Dragon’s Crown, while uncovering conspiracies involving gods and ancient powers.
This enhanced edition refined the PS3 version with 4K visuals and orchestrated music, reaffirming Vanillaware’s visual mastery. Its cooperative gameplay and retro charm won over critics, though sales were modest. A title made for those who love beat ’em ups with a unique artistic flair.
FAR: Lone Sails
Release Year: 2018
Genre: Adventure, Platformer
Developer: Okomotive
Silence, desolate landscapes, and a machine that feels alive. In FAR: Lone Sails, you drive an improvised vehicle across a ruined post-apocalyptic world, solving small mechanical challenges and braving storms as you move toward an uncertain destination. A wordless journey, yet full of emotion.
Swiss studio Okomotive embraced subtlety, and critics responded with praise. Despite its modest scale and contemplative tone, the game left a lasting impression on players seeking experiences closer to interactive poetry than traditional action.
FAR: Changing Tides
Release Year: 2022
Genre: Adventure, Platformer
Developer: Okomotive
The sequel trades deserts for endless oceans. In FAR: Changing Tides, you play as Toe, a boy sailing an improvised ship through a flooded world. The vessel becomes your silent companion as you explore submerged ruins and survive sea storms, always moving toward the unknown.
Keeping the minimalist, emotional style of the first game, Okomotive delivered another captivating experience—though equally modest in sales. It’s a game for those who want to drift with atmosphere and soundtrack, a contemplative escape from gaming’s usual chaos.
Disco Elysium – The Final Cut
Release Year: 2021
Genre: RPG, Adventure, Visual Novel
Developer: ZA/UM
Being a detective has never been as complex as in Disco Elysium. You play as a broken investigator, ravaged by alcohol and amnesia, tasked with solving a murder in a city torn apart by politics and poverty. Every conversation is a battle—against others and against yourself—as your inner voices argue, lie, and philosophize.
ZA/UM revolutionized the genre with this text-driven RPG, where writing is the true engine of the game. The Final Cut brought full voice acting and technical improvements to consoles. Though dense and unconventional, it’s essential for players who love deep storytelling and classic role-playing pushed to the extreme.
Titanfall 2
Release Year: 2016
Genre: First-Person Shooter, Action
Developer: Respawn Entertainment
Few shooter campaigns have left as strong a mark as Titanfall 2. The bond between rookie soldier Jack Cooper and BT-7274, a sentient Titan, creates an adventure filled with action, impossible jumps, and moments of camaraderie that stand out in a genre dominated by adrenaline.
Respawn Entertainment perfected its formula, but the game was unlucky to launch between Battlefield 1 and Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare. The result: modest sales at release, though it later became a cult classic. Today, it’s remembered as one of the best shooters of its generation—and a gem many missed at the time.
The Evil Within
Release Year: 2014
Genre: Survival Horror, Action
Developer: Tango Gameworks
Detective Sebastian Castellanos never imagined that a routine investigation at a psychiatric hospital would spiral into an impossible nightmare. After a brutal attack, he awakens in a world where logic collapses: grotesque creatures, lethal traps, and a man named Ruvik who seems to manipulate reality itself. The experience is a descent into psychological terror, filled with fragmented memories and horrors that feel as mental as they are physical.
Founded by Shinji Mikami, the father of Resident Evil, Tango Gameworks crafted a tribute to classic survival horror. Its atmosphere was widely praised, though clunky controls and a confusing story divided critics. Still, for genre fans, it remains a gem that captures the raw essence of fear.
The Evil Within 2
Release Year: 2017
Genre: Survival Horror, Action
Developer: Tango Gameworks
Three years later, Sebastian returns with a far more personal mission: rescuing his daughter Lily, whom he believed dead. This time, he must enter Union, an artificial city created within STEM, a system linking human minds. What appears to be a refuge quickly becomes a hell of psychopaths, monsters, and distorted memories.
The Evil Within 2 improved on everything the first game struggled with: clearer storytelling, semi-open design, and a stronger emotional core. Though praised by critics, its release alongside Resident Evil 7 and other heavyweights limited its sales. Over time, it has earned recognition as one of modern survival horror’s most solid experiences.
Until Dawn
Release Year: 2015
Genre: Interactive Drama, Horror
Developer: Supermassive Games
A group of friends isolated in a remote cabin, a killer lurking in the shadows, and legends that seem to come alive. Until Dawn begins with the clichés of a teen slasher but transforms them into an interactive experience where every decision can save—or doom—the characters. Who survives until morning depends entirely on you.
With its cinematic style, realistic performances, and twist-filled narrative, Supermassive Games won over critics and more than a million players. While it never reached the media spotlight of other PS4 exclusives, it laid the foundation for a genre the studio would continue to explore in later titles.
Kena: Bridge of Spirits
Release Year: 2021
Genre: Action, Adventure
Developer: Ember Lab
Kena is a spirit guide, someone who helps lost souls cross to the other side. Her journey takes her to a village devastated by tragedy, where the Rot—tiny magical creatures—become her allies. Amid enchanted forests and ruins, the story explores grief, empathy, and the power of letting go.
Ember Lab, a studio with roots in animation, surprised everyone with its debut: a visually stunning game that felt like a playable Pixar film. Though well-received and successful for an indie, it was overshadowed by larger productions. Today, it’s remembered as a brilliant debut and a charming adventure.
Chorus
Release Year: 2021
Genre: Action, Space Combat
Developer: Fishlabs
Nara was once the deadliest warrior of the Circle, a cult that subjugated entire civilizations. Now, haunted by guilt, she seeks redemption aboard Forsaken, a sentient starship. Chorus blends fast-paced space battles with an introspective narrative, as the protagonist fights both enemy fleets and her own past.
Fishlabs earned praise for polished gameplay and spectacular environments, though the story itself didn’t break new ground. Sales were modest, but for fans of space sci-fi, it’s a journey worth taking.
The Order: 1886
Release Year: 2015
Genre: Action, Adventure
Developer: Ready at Dawn
An alternate London, blending industrial revolution with mythology. In The Order: 1886, you play as Sir Galahad, a member of the legendary Round Table, now battling werewolves, vampires, and political conspiracies with advanced weaponry. Its story unfolds through intrigue, betrayal, and a richly imagined steampunk world.
Ready at Dawn aimed for a near-cinematic experience, with visuals that bordered on photorealism at the time. However, its short length and linearity drew criticism, limiting its commercial success. Today, free from launch expectations, it’s better appreciated as a unique narrative-driven entry in the PS4 library.
The DioField Chronicle
Release Year: 2022
Genre: Tactical RPG, Strategy
Developer: Square Enix, Lancarse
On the island of DioField, war is fueled by a magical mineral coveted by rival empires. You lead the Blue Foxes, a band of mercenaries caught between political intrigue, betrayal, and a threat beyond human conflict. The game mixes real-time strategy with a touch of classic fantasy and military drama.
Square Enix and Lancarse attempted to refresh the tactical RPG formula, but the result received mixed reviews: solid mechanics, yet lacking the charisma of genre standouts. Sales were modest, leaving it as a title that flew under the radar—though still worthwhile for strategy enthusiasts.
Ghostrunner
Release Year: 2020
Genre: Action, Platformer, Cyberpunk
Developer: One More Level, 3D Realms, Slipgate Ironworks
Cyberpunk distilled: impossible skyscrapers, neon lights, and a protagonist living on the edge of a blade. In Ghostrunner, you are Jack, a cybernetic warrior climbing the massive Dharma Tower to overthrow the tyrannical Keymaster. Speed, precision, and reflexes are everything in this blend of parkour, katana combat, and unforgiving difficulty.
One More Level and its partners crafted an experience as demanding as it is addictive, quickly earning prestige among players who thrive on extreme challenges. With over 2.5 million copies sold, it became an indie success—though always aimed at a niche audience.
Planet of Lana
Release Year: 2023
Genre: Adventure, Platformer
Developer: Wishfully
On a dreamlike planet, peace shatters when invading machines abduct Lana’s sister. With Mui, a small feline-like companion, she embarks on a journey that blends tenderness and tension, exploring jungles, deserts, and ancient ruins. Its wordless narrative speaks of connection, courage, and hope.
Wishfully debuted with a handcrafted, visually stunning work accompanied by a powerful score. Like other atmospheric indies, sales were modest, but it earned praise at festivals and from critics. A title designed for those who value calm and beauty over frantic action.
Mad Max
Release Year: 2015
Genre: Action, Open World
Developer: Avalanche Studios
The wasteland never forgives. In Mad Max, you embody the iconic road warrior, stripped of his car and forced to rebuild it from scratch with the help of Chumbucket, a mechanic as eccentric as he is useful. Between gang raids, dusty fortresses, and the shadow of warlord Scrotus, Max chases an improbable dream: finding peace amid chaos.
Avalanche Studios successfully translated the essence of the Mad Max universe into a brutal, action-packed open world. Unfortunately, its release coincided with Metal Gear Solid V, pushing it into the background. Years later, it’s regarded as a cult classic, with one of the most immersive post-apocalyptic settings in gaming.
Oxenfree
Release Year: 2016
Genre: Adventure, Supernatural Thriller
Developer: Night School Studio
A late-night trip among friends turns into an unforgettable paranormal experience. Alex and her group arrive at Edwards Island for some fun, but when they tune a radio, they unleash supernatural forces that distort time and memory. Between echoes of impossible conversations and portals to other planes, the protagonist confronts both the island’s ghosts and her own emotional ties.
Night School Studio surprised with this indie adventure defined by fluid dialogue and sharp writing. It wasn’t a blockbuster, but it surpassed one million copies sold and earned awards within the indie scene. An intimate, melancholic thriller that still shines as a reference point in narrative-driven adventures.
Guacamelee! Super Turbo Championship Edition
Release Year: 2013
Genre: Platformer, Metroidvania, Action
Developer: DrinkBox Studios
From farmer to masked hero: Juan Aguacate dies fighting villain Carlos Calaca, but returns from the underworld with luchador powers to save his beloved Lupita. With humor, pop culture references, and settings inspired by Mexican folklore, Guacamelee! is a celebration of color and action.
Canadian studio DrinkBox created one of the freshest Metroidvanias of its generation. Initially overlooked due to its digital-only release, it gradually built a following and became a cult classic. A vibrant platformer that blends agility, style, and laughs.
MediEvil (Remake)
Release Year: 2019
Genre: Action, Adventure
Developer: Other Ocean Interactive
Sir Daniel Fortesque was clumsy in life, but death gives him a second chance: resurrected as a skeleton, he must defeat the evil Zarok and save Gallowmere. Between macabre humor, puzzles, and combat, his story is a gothic fable of redemption and second chances.
The 2019 remake, developed by Other Ocean Interactive, sparked nostalgia among those who grew up with the PS1 classic. Visually renewed but with somewhat stiff controls, it divided critics. It didn’t dominate sales charts, but it succeeded as a heartfelt love letter to fans of the original.
Little Nightmares
Release Year: 2017
Genre: Horror, Platformer, Puzzle
Developer: Tarsier Studios
Six, a small and fragile girl, tries to escape The Maw, an underwater place inhabited by grotesque figures: nightmare chefs, deformed janitors, and a mysterious lady who stalks her. Without dialogue, the story conveys unease through imagery and silence, a dark metaphor for childhood and hunger.
Tarsier Studios delivered an indie hit with a personality of its own. Its disturbing atmosphere and artistic design captivated players, selling millions alongside its sequel. Though not fully mainstream, it became a benchmark for atmospheric horror.
Little Nightmares II
Release Year: 2021
Genre: Horror, Platformer, Puzzle
Developer: Tarsier Studios
This time, the perspective shifts to Mono, a masked boy navigating a decaying city alongside Six, the first game’s protagonist. Together they face monstrous adults and the eerie Thin Man, whose control over television signals is as terrifying as it is symbolic. The story remains wordless, but more ambitious in scope and psychological tension.
The sequel refined everything that worked in the first: polished mechanics, more varied level design, and a finale as poetic as it is disturbing. It sold well, though it competed with major 2021 releases. A niche experience, yes, but unforgettable for those seeking narrative horror with a unique style.
What Remains of Edith Finch
Release Year: 2017
Genre: Adventure, Interactive Narrative
Developer: Giant Sparrow
Edith Finch returns to her family home to uncover the curse that seems to haunt every member of her lineage. Each room tells a life—and a death—through mini-stories that range from heartwarming to heartbreaking. An interactive anthology about the fragility of existence and the need to remember.
Small studio Giant Sparrow delivered a work that won numerous awards, including a BAFTA for Best Game. Sales weren’t spectacular, but critics placed it among the finest interactive stories of the decade. A short yet profoundly moving experience.
Nioh
Release Year: 2017
Genre: Action, RPG, Soulslike
Developer: Team Ninja
Inspired by historical events, Nioh places Englishman William Adams in 17th-century Japan, transformed into a samurai amid the chaos of the Sengoku era. Between battles against rival clans and yokai demons, the story blends reality and mythology in a dark, frenetic tale.
Team Ninja crafted a demanding, addictive soulslike that sold over 3 million copies. Released alongside 2017’s heavyweights, it was partly overshadowed, but today it’s regarded as one of the most complete and challenging entries in the genre.
NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139…
Release Year: 2021
Genre: Action, RPG
Developer: Toylogic, Square Enix
A young man seeks to save his sister Yonah from an incurable disease, accompanied by a talking book and unlikely warriors. What begins as a simple mission becomes a story of sacrifice, empathy, and what it means to be human. Each ending reveals new layers that reinterpret everything before.
Toylogic and Square Enix updated a cult classic, finally giving it a deserved place in the modern catalog. Not a blockbuster, but with over 1.5 million copies sold, its impact was undeniable. Its blend of drama, unforgettable music, and fragmented storytelling makes it essential for players seeking intense emotions.
NieR: Automata (Game of the YoRHa Edition)
Release Year: 2019 (YoRHa Edition, original 2017)
Genre: Action, RPG
Developer: PlatinumGames
In a future where humans live exiled on the Moon, androids like 2B and 9S fight alien machines on a devastated Earth. Their mission of survival soon transforms into an existential journey, raising questions about identity, sacrifice, and the meaning of life.
PlatinumGames delivered a masterpiece that surpassed 8 million copies sold. While not exactly a “hidden gem,” its mix of stylish action and philosophical narrative set it apart from conventional blockbusters. A title that left a lasting mark on the decade.
Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch Remastered
Release Year: 2019 (Remastered, original 2013)
Genre: RPG
Developer: Level-5
Oliver, a boy scarred by loss, travels to a magical world accompanied by the charismatic Drippy. There, he must face the sorcerer Shadar and save a kingdom that mirrors his own fears and hopes. The story is a fairytale of friendship, courage, and second chances.
Level-5, in collaboration with Studio Ghibli, created a heartwarming RPG beloved for its aesthetic and fairytale tone. The 2019 remaster gave it new life, though it never reached blockbuster numbers against modern rivals. A delicate, luminous gem for those who seek the warmth of a beautifully told story.
Detroit: Become Human
Release Year: 2018
Genre: Interactive Drama, Narrative Adventure
Developer: Quantic Dream
Detroit, 2038. Androids are part of everyday urban life, but a glitch in their routines opens the door to something unexpected: consciousness. Three stories intertwine—Kara, fleeing to protect a child; Markus, rising as the leader of a revolution; and Connor, a detective designed to hunt them down—in a narrative that raises uncomfortable questions about freedom, empathy, and what it means to be human.
Quantic Dream, masters of interactive storytelling, delivered their most ambitious project here. With over 8 million copies sold and strong critical reception, it wasn’t exactly hidden in terms of sales, but it remains a gem for players who prefer deep narrative experiences over the constant barrage of traditional action games.
Beyond: Two Souls
Release Year: 2015
Genre: Action, Adventure
Developer: Quantic Dream
Beyond: Two Souls tells the story of Jodie Holmes, a young woman marked since childhood by her bond with Aiden, an invisible entity that never leaves her side. The narrative shifts across different stages of her life: a childhood under government surveillance, a troubled adolescence, and an adulthood pulled into covert missions against both human and supernatural threats. Players alternate between controlling Jodie in her daily struggles and Aiden in ethereal sequences where the unseen becomes weapon or tool, in a journey exploring loneliness, identity, and the weight of the unknown.
With Ellen Page and Willem Dafoe in the lead roles, Quantic Dream aimed for a cinematic, non-linear narrative. The PS4 remaster polished visuals and added a chronological mode, but reception was divided: praised for ambition and performances, criticized for limited gameplay and scattered storytelling. Still, with over 2.8 million copies sold by 2018, it remains a unique PS4 experience—an interactive drama that resonates with those seeking emotional storytelling.
Valkyria Chronicles 4: Complete Edition
Release Year: 2018
Genre: Tactical RPG, Strategy
Developer: Sega
The Atlantic Federation wages a desperate war against the Empire, and in the midst of the conflict, Squad E—led by Claude Wallace and his childhood friend Riley—must march toward the enemy capital. With watercolor aesthetics and turn-based tactical combat, the story balances camaraderie with the scars of war.
Sega preserved the spirit of the saga, delivering a title praised by critics and beloved by fans. It surpassed one million copies sold, a respectable feat for a tactical RPG, though overshadowed by 2018’s blockbusters. A demanding yet heartfelt experience that deserves recognition.
Yakuza 0
Release Year: 2017 (West, original 2015)
Genre: Action, Adventure, RPG
Developer: Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio
Before becoming a legend, Kazuma Kiryu was a young yakuza caught in a conspiracy, while Goro Majima sought to reclaim his honor from the confines of a nightclub. In the vibrant Japan of 1988, their paths cross in a story of crime, loyalty, and ambition, spiced with mini-games and side activities as absurd as they are unforgettable.
What began as a prequel became the perfect entry point to the saga. With 2.7 million copies sold and enthusiastic reception in the West, Yakuza 0 transformed from niche title to cult phenomenon. It wasn’t immediate, but it laid the foundation for the franchise’s global expansion.
Somerville
Release Year: 2022
Genre: Adventure, Puzzle, Science Fiction
Developer: Jumpship
An alien invasion devastates Earth, and a man, separated from his family, embarks on a silent journey across ruined landscapes. With no dialogue or explanations, the narrative unfolds through atmosphere and gestures, in a melancholic tone reminiscent of Limbo and Inside, with which it shares creative DNA.
Jumpship debuted with an atmospheric, visually striking project, though hampered by clunky controls and an ambiguous ending. Its commercial impact was modest, but for those who enjoy minimalist adventures rich in symbolism, it remains a valuable discovery.
Cocoon
Release Year: 2023
Genre: Adventure, Puzzle
Developer: Geometric Interactive
A winged being explores worlds within worlds, carrying orbs that reveal impossible landscapes and biomechanical guardians. Everything in Cocoon is told without words, an abstract journey into the unknown where each puzzle is also an act of discovery.
Geometric Interactive impressed in 2023 with brilliant puzzle design and a hypnotic aesthetic. Its success was more critical than commercial, but it earned a place among the best recent indie titles. A brief yet meticulously crafted experience.
Sand Land
Release Year: 2024
Genre: Action, RPG
Developer: ILCA, Inc.
In a scorching desert where water is a luxury, Beelzebub, a young demon prince, sets out in search of the Legendary Spring. He’s joined by Thief, his inseparable rogue companion, and Rao, a human sheriff with a complex past. Together they face bandits, tanks, and secrets that reveal how greed dried up the world.
Based on Akira Toriyama’s manga, Sand Land blends humor, action, and vehicle exploration. ILCA crafted an RPG full of visual personality, warmly received by fans though with moderate sales. A faithful, heartfelt adaptation that celebrates the legacy of its creator.
Star Ocean: The Divine Force
Release Year: 2022
Genre: Action RPG
Developer: tri-Ace, Square Enix
A space accident strands Raymond, captain of a merchant ship, on Aster IV, a planet embroiled in medieval war. There he meets Laeticia, a princess fighting for her kingdom. Together they discover that the local conflict is only the surface of a much greater threat among the stars.
Veteran studio tri-Ace delivered an action RPG with dynamic combat and large-scale exploration, though its story didn’t convince everyone. Sales were modest, reflecting a saga that has always lived on the genre’s margins. Still, it’s a title sci-fi RPG fans shouldn’t overlook.
Days Gone
Release Year: 2019
Genre: Action, Adventure, Open World
Developer: Bend Studio
Deacon St. John roams a devastated Oregon on his motorcycle, facing hordes of “freakers” in a world that seems to have lost everything. His journey, marked by the search for his wife and the struggle to survive, blends intense action with a narrative about loyalty, loss, and second chances.
Though it sold over 7 million copies, Days Gone launched with bugs and constant comparisons to The Last of Us. Over time, however, it built a loyal fan base that champions its open world and tense horde encounters. A gem that went from underestimated to finding its place.
The Last Guardian
Release Year: 2016
Genre: Adventure, Puzzle
Developer: Japan Studio, genDESIGN
A boy awakens trapped in mysterious ruins alongside Trico, a massive creature with the innocence of a puppy and the strength of a titan. The adventure focuses less on action and more on building a bond: trust, fear, tenderness, and sacrifice between two beings destined to escape together.
Fumito Ueda and genDESIGN delivered a game that divided opinion: clumsy controls, yes, but also moments of raw emotion few titles achieve. It didn’t reach the massive success of other PS4 exclusives, but for those seeking unique experiences, it’s a work that leaves a lasting mark.
Hidden Gems You Need to Play
The PS4 is much more than its blockbuster hits—its catalog is filled with hidden treasures that deserve a second chance. These 50 PS4 hidden gems prove that even years after its release, there’s always something new to discover on Sony’s beloved console.
If one of these titles caught your attention, share in the comments which one you’ll try first—or which is already one of your personal favorites.
