Relive the Golden Era: Top PlayStation 4 Games You Need to Play Again!

The PlayStation 4 era, spanning roughly from 2013 to 2020, is fondly remembered by gamers as a golden age of innovation, compelling storytelling, and rich, immersive worlds. While many classics dominate this era, there’s a treasure trove of unforgettable titles waiting to be relived. Whether you’ve revisited these games years ago or are discovering them for the first time, playing the best PlayStation 4 games today offers a perfect chance to experience nostalgia with fresh eyes—and sometimes, gripping gameplay that’s timeless.

Why Relive the PS4 Golden Era?

Understanding the Context

The PlayStation 4 brought powerful hardware, improved controls with DualSense (though more iconic on later consoles), and a vibrant online community. Games from this period often blended storytelling with open-world exploration, intricate mechanics, and unforgettable characters. Many of these are perfect for modern play—complete with PS Plus access, frequent discounts, and excellent backward compatibility.

Whether you’re a veteran who grew up with God of War, The Last of Us, or Uncharted, or a newcomer curious about what made PS4 stand out, diving back into these top-rated classics is emotion and excitement merged.

Your Must-Play Playlist: Essential PS4 Hits You Should Relive

1. The Last of Us Part II (2018)

A masterclass in narrative-driven, emotionally charged gameplay. The cinematic storytelling, intense moral choices, and breathtaking visuals make it a modern playoff staple—though it’s also a timeless masterpiece to revisit anytime.

Key Insights

2. God of War (2018) & God of War: Ragnarök (2022)

Kratos returns, but this time with a father’s complex bond with Atreus. The mythic Norse adventure blends brutal combat, heartfelt storytelling, and stunning hand-crafted worlds—highly recommended for both first and second play.

3. Horizon Zero Dawn (2017)

A bold sci-fi Western where you play Aloy, a hunter in a world scraped clean of humanity. Stunning visuals, engaging combat, and a deeply layered world make Horizon Zero Dawn a must-play—easily replayable for its exploration and mystery.

4. Bloodborne (2015)

From the creators of Dark Souls, Bloodborne delivers a fast-paced, wealthy exploration nightmare set in gothic medieval Fantasy Island. Its challenging difficulty, rich lore, and relentless combat make it perfect for revisiting—especially if you crave intense action.

5. Spider-Man (2018)

Web-slinging nostalgia at its finest. This Sony title blends superhero story, New York exploration, and intuitive controls. The later Beyond DLC expands the experience with intense heart-pounding sequences. Perfect for both original and modern hardware.

6. Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End (2016)

The emotional and thrilling finale to Nathan Drake’s legendary journey. It balances humor, character development, and gripping treasure-hunting adventures. One of PlayStation’s greatest achievements in narrative games.

Final Thoughts

7. Persona 5 (2016)

Blending rich storytelling with stylish combat and deep RPG systems, Persona 5 offers an immersive urban fantasy experience. Reliving its stylish setting and branching choices feels like stepping into a cool, vibrant anime dream.

8. SSX Tricky (2018)

A revival of the parkour classic, SSX Tricky offers high-energy, free-flowing gameplay inspired by snowboarding and freestyle tricks. Its energetic soundtrack and vibrant world make it an underrated joy for replay.

9. Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales (2020)

If the first Spider-Man game was iconic, the sequel deepened character and atmosphere. Miles Morales introduces fresh combat mechanics and a gripping narrative—well worth revisiting alongside three-and-a-half decades of the Spider-Man legacy.

10. Astro’s Playroom (2022) – PS4 Learn & Play Edition

Not just a launch title, but a delightful homage to PS4’s capabilities—optimized for DualSense controls and designed as a showcase title. Great for both beginners testing the console and veterans appreciating polished gameplay.


Where to Play Again

Thanks to PlayStation Plus—especially the Online Imperative tier—many of these games are easily accessible today. Many titles are also available via Steam, Epic Games Store, or direct PS4 downloads, often with generous discounts especially during holiday sales.


Final Thoughts: Experience the Magic All Over Again

The PS4’s golden era was defined by unforgettable storytelling, innovative mechanics, and emotional highs—elements that still define modern gaming. Stepping back into these iconic titles not only reignites old passions but introduces a new generation to experiences that shaped a generation of gamers.