Finally, we’ve reached the conclusion of our PlayStation 30th Anniversary series with the PlayStation 5… Sony’s flagship console that revolutionized next-generation gaming.
Thirty years of PlayStation innovation culminated in this powerful machine. It introduced gaming at 60fps and 4K, setting a new standard for consoles. With its PRO model, games have never been clearer or faster.
The PlayStation 5 represents a significant technological leap in hardware, thanks to its SSD, controller haptic feedback support, and seamless backward compatibility. It is a worthy upgrade that combines the best features of previous console generations into one robust piece of engineering.
The console launched during the challenging COVID-19 pandemic. Despite a notorious shortage exacerbated by scalpers, gamers–including myself—unanimously agreed that scalpers are the worst.
As we wrap up this 30th PlayStation Anniversary series, here are my five picks for the best games that left a lasting impact on this remarkable console.
Demon’s Souls
The game that convinced me to buy a PlayStation 5 wasn’t the new God of War. Instead, it was Bluepoint Studios’ remake of FromSoftware’s beloved Demon’s Souls. When it comes to high-quality reimaginings, Bluepoint deserves all the praise.
With Demon’s Souls, it’s essentially the same game as the 2009 PlayStation 3 original. Yes, it’s still difficult and punishing, but it laid the foundation for Hidetaka Miyazaki’s future Souls series. We have to give him credit for that. Our suffering has always been his creative joy (see: Elden Ring).
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+ 6This remake is a stunning achievement that not only preserves the core mechanics of the original but also completely overhauls the visuals. Everything is extraordinarily detailed, from the first dragon you encounter to the final boss. Now, you don’t have to worry about the wonky camera system or the ridiculous bugs.
The Demon’s Souls remake was Sony’s first showcase of the PlayStation 5’s enhanced hardware capabilities. You could feel every hit from your DualSense and every movement your character makes. Even the respawn times after dying are faster—a much-needed improvement, given how often that happens.
Returnal
Another standout among the PlayStation 5’s launch titles was this lightning-fast roguelike: Returnal. Housemarque skillfully built on their experience with Resogun and Matterfall, crafting a game that feels like Hades or Dead Cells but with the polish and scale of a triple-A title. That’s Returnal.
One of my favorite aspects of the game is its intuitive controls. It demands quick reflexes as you dodge and weave through relentless Lovecraftian creatures. Thanks to the DualSense controller, every movement and action feels incredibly satisfying. The adaptive triggers add weight to every shot, reminding you to make each bullet count.
click to enlarge + 6Most of my time in Returnal was spent surviving the many horrors that awaited Selene. But I didn’t mind, as it’s all part of the roguelike experience. Even after my 200th death, I found plenty of reasons to push through the nightmare again, refining my skills and chasing better loot rolls.
As for the Platinum trophy? I gave up. The RNJesus isn’t on my side, and I didn’t have the patience for it.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
It’s hard not to commend Square Enix for their ambitious reimagining of an iconic classic. Final Fantasy VII is one of the most celebrated JRPGs ever; you might recall how much I praised it in my PlayStation One retrospective.
Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth is the sequel to Remake, Tetsuya Nomura’s clever way of revisiting Cloud and the gang’s adventures as they face off against the silver-haired antagonist, Sephiroth.
This modern reimagining of VII has given new life to the timeless story, which is now divided into three massive parts. While Remake focuses on the gang’s struggles in Midgar against Shinra, Rebirth picks up the journey with a globetrotting quest to find Sephiroth.
click to enlarge + 6The Disc 2 section from the original is one of my favorite moments, and Rebirth perfectly captures that expansive, open-world feeling. Despite the improved combat and fancy new graphics, I couldn’t help but feel nostalgic, especially when exploring the overworld and hearing that iconic theme again.
While Rebirth has some pacing issues and an overabundance of mini-games (most of which are optional), the main story impacted me profoundly. As the credits rolled, I found myself wondering where Part 3 would take us, even as someone who’s played the original.
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is Insomniac’s way of showcasing the PlayStation 5’s SSD. Everything about Ratchet and Clank’s adventures thrives thanks to the console’s improved hardware. Jumping from one portal to another is seamless, and loading times are virtually nonexistent as you breeze through the fantastic campaign.
click to enlarge + 6One of the best aspects of every Ratchet & Clank game is the expansive variety of weapons. Experimenting with Nefarious’ goons using the Topiary Sprinkler gun– turning them into plants and leaving them vulnerable, is endlessly entertaining. It’s a blast to see how overpowered most weapons are, to the point where even boss fights become trivial once you master their use.
It’s not a particularly lengthy game, which feels fitting for the series. I’m excited to see where Ratchet and Clank’s story goes next.
Astro Bot
Despite what some might say online, Astro Bot fully deserves all the accolades it has received. It stands as a testament to how video games have evolved over the years while staying true to the core principle of what makes a game fun. Everything about Astro Bot is built around joy, and throughout its 20-hour campaign, I found myself grinning every time I discovered a new ability or met familiar faces.
click to enlarge + 6When I wasn’t bouncing off planets or zooming past enemies with Astro Bot’s tools, I marveled at its special Bots. Astro Bot is a true celebration of games packed with Easter eggs and cameos from various gaming franchises.
During my playthrough, I spotted characters like Crash Bandicoot, Lara Croft, or even Jaster from Rogue Galaxy, which brought a wave of nostalgia. These games defined my childhood, and Astro Bot reminded me of their impact. Cheesy as it may sound, it made me smile.
click to enlarge + 6Astro Bot is truly a love letter to video games, and what better way to close out our PlayStation 30th Anniversary retrospectives than with this heartfelt tribute?
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