Underrated PS4 Games That Are Def Worth A Second Look

Diving into the chaotic world of Hong Kong's criminal underworld, Sleeping Dogs masterfully weaves a thrilling story of loyalty and betrayal. What sets this action-packed open-world game apart from its contemporaries is its focus on martial arts combat and an in-depth Chinese culture experience. Iconic characters such as the protagonist Wei Shen, a troubled undercover cop, create emotional depth as players navigate through the gritty but vibrant city. Engaging gameplay elements like thrilling car chases, illicit street races, and intense shootouts make Sleeping Dogs a criminally underrated gem that deserves a second chance to shine.

Embodying the chaos and desolation of its post-apocalyptic setting, Mad Max offers a vast and brutal open-world experience like no other. Surpassing the genre's standards, this action-adventure game features an extensive vehicle customization system, allowing players to build their dream war machines to dominate the wastelands. Not just for automotive enthusiasts, Mad Max's compelling narrative follows the iconic titular character on a personal quest for vengeance against a treacherous band of marauders. The game's tense and visceral hand-to-hand combat, combined with exhilarating high-speed pursuits, makes Mad Max a must-play for those seeking a wild ride.

While often overshadowed by other first-person shooters, Titanfall 2 stands tall with its innovative gameplay mechanics and gripping storyline. The game's unique blend of fast-paced, parkour-infused pilot gameplay and hulking Titan battles offers a refreshing take on the genre. Players are instantly drawn to the central relationship between protagonist Jack Cooper and his AI partner BT-7274, an unexpected pairing that forms the emotional core of Titanfall 2. All of this, coupled with brilliantly designed multiplayer modes featuring titanic teamwork and intense firefights, make Titanfall 2 a powerhouse experience that deserves more recognition.

Days Gone is an open-world action-adventure game that immerses players in a post-apocalyptic Pacific Northwest. As drifter and bounty hunter Deacon St. John, players navigate through a harsh world overrun by “Freakers,” battling for survival while uncovering the truth behind the global pandemic. The game combines intense combat, stealth, and strategic gameplay with a compelling narrative and character development.

Painting a vibrant vision of Seattle, Infamous: Second Son flawlessly combines a rich narrative with exhilarating superpowered gameplay. Players assume the role of Delsin Rowe, a young graffiti artist turned reluctant hero, as he discovers his newfound abilities and fights to free his city from a tyrannical regime. What sets this game apart is its morality system, which allows players to mold Delsin's character through their choices, resulting in unique gameplay experiences and outcomes. The sheer joy of exploring the city with a vast array of powers at your fingertips just can't be overstated, making Infamous: Second Son a genuinely electrifying experience.

Tackling themes of mental health and emotional turmoil, Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice delivers an intense psychological journey that's rarely seen in gaming. Stepping into the shoes of Senua, a traumatized Pict warrior, players navigate through hauntingly atmospheric environments while facing both their inner demons and supernatural foes. The game's innovative "perma-death" feature adds a layer of tension, as each failure brings Senua closer to losing her progress and sanity. With its striking visuals, captivating storytelling, and visceral combat, Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice deserves acclaim for daring to explore the darker depths of human experience.

Stealthily navigating the dark and treacherous streets of Dunwall, Dishonored offers a unique blend of supernatural abilities and lethal combat in a richly detailed steampunk world. Players take on the role of Corvo Attano, a falsely accused bodyguard seeking to clear his name, as they choose between stealth or slaughter. The game's innovative "Chaos" system adapts to players' choices, resulting in different outcomes and consequences based on their playstyle. Brilliant level design and the freedom to approach missions in various ways make Dishonored a captivating experience that shouldn't be overlooked.

Breaking the mold of traditional co-op experiences, A Way Out tells a gripping tale of two prisoners, Leo and Vincent, striving for freedom and redemption. This game's standout feature is its mandatory split-screen cooperation, forcing players to work together in real-time to overcome obstacles and progress the story. A Way Out explores themes of trust, betrayal, and camaraderie by allowing players to experience both characters' personal stories simultaneously. With its unique approach to multiplayer storytelling and engaging gameplay mechanics, A Way Out offers a bold and fresh take on cooperative gaming.

Immersing players in a haunting dystopian world, Inside tells a dark and enigmatic story through its beautifully minimalist art style and atmospheric sound design. As a young boy navigating through a dangerous and oppressive environment, players rely on their wits and timing to overcome obstacles and evade deadly enemies. The game's subtle narrative unfolds without any dialogue, keeping players gripped as they unravel the chilling mysteries within this bleak world. Inside leaves an indelible mark on those who play it, offering a deeply impactful experience that showcases the true potential of storytelling in video games.

Challenging the boundaries of storytelling in video games, What Remains of Edith Finch takes players on an emotional and surreal journey through the tragic history of the Finch family. The game's vignette-style structure allows for diverse gameplay experiences, with each family member's story offering unique mechanics and perspectives. From Edith's perspective, players uncover the beautifully melancholic intertwined stories that make up the Finch family's past. The game's artful narrative, combined with its innovative gameplay, makes What Remains of Edith Finch an unforgettable and deeply moving experience that shouldn't be missed.

Set during World War II, Sniper Elite 4 thrusts players into the largest, most advanced sniping experience in gaming history, offering a thrilling combination of strategy and marksmanship. Taking control of elite marksman Karl Fairburne, players navigate through diverse environments across wartime Italy, executing strategic assassinations and sabotage missions. The game's iconic "X-Ray Kill Cam" provides a cinematic and visceral visual representation of successful shots, making each kill all the more satisfying. With expansive maps, customizable weaponry, and intense multiplayer modes, Sniper Elite 4 delivers an immersive and thrilling sniping experience like no other.

A true testament to the power of exploration and discovery, No Man's Sky offers an unparalleled open-world experience set in a procedurally generated universe teeming with diverse planets, lifeforms, and mysteries. The game's ambitious "Infinite Worlds" concept allows players to traverse an almost limitless galaxy, gathering resources, upgrading their ships, and encountering various alien races. Though criticized upon its initial release, No Man's Sky has evolved significantly through updates and expansions, offering new features such as base-building, multiplayer, and virtual reality support. Those seeking a truly immersive and vast sci-fi adventure need look no further than No Man's Sky.

A whirlwind of creativity and artistic wonder, Tearaway transports players into a vibrant world crafted from paper and imagination. Taking on the role of a plucky messenger, players embark on an epic quest to deliver a message to the "You," the omnipotent presence watching over the game's world. Tearaway's standout feature is its seamless integration of the PlayStation's touch controls, allowing players to directly interact with and manipulate the papercraft environment. Bursting with charm and ingenuity, Tearaway offers a delightful adventure that warms the heart and ignites the imagination.

Blending a thought-provoking narrative with strategic action RPG gameplay, Transistor immerses players in a stylish, cyberpunk world brimming with intrigue. Players assume the role of Red, a singer who has lost her voice, as she wields the mysterious Transistor weapon against the sinister robotic force known as The Process. The unique, real-time combat system allows for various power combinations and strategic approaches, ensuring each battle remains engaging and challenging. Vibrant visuals, an atmospheric soundtrack, and a deeply emotional story make Transistor an unforgettable journey that deserves more than just a single playthrough.

Putting players into the shoes of the world's most famous detective, Sherlock Holmes: Crimes & Punishments offers a riveting adventure filled with perplexing mysteries and moral dilemmas. Six captivating cases await investigation, each with its unique cast of suspects and branching consequences resulting from players' choices. The game's meticulously crafted deduction system allows players to piece together clues, interrogate suspects, and ultimately determine guilt or innocence, proving once more that the Devil is indeed in the details. Immaculate storytelling, coupled with superb environmental design and intuitive gameplay, make Sherlock Holmes: Crimes & Punishments an unmissable experience for fans of detective fiction and puzzle-solving enthusiasts alike.

Set during Japan's Edo period, Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun combines tactical stealth gameplay with a rich and immersive historical setting. Players command a team of skilled ninjas and samurai, each with their unique abilities, as they undertake deadly covert missions against their enemies. Challenging level design and gripping strategic combat demand careful planning and execution, ensuring a rewarding sense of accomplishment with every mission completed. With its masterful blend of history, tactics, and espionage, Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun is an essential title for fans of strategy and stealth games alike.

Combining chaotic top-down shooting with addictive loot-based progression, Alienation delivers an exhilarating cooperative experience that keeps players coming back for more. As Earth is under siege by a devastating alien invasion, players choose from a variety of classes and join forces to battle their extraterrestrial adversaries. The game's various weapon types, abilities, and loot offer a satisfying degree of customization, giving players countless options for dispatching their foes. With its frantic combat, diverse gameplay mechanics, and intense multiplayer action, Alienation stands out as an explosive and highly entertaining addition to the world of shoot 'em up games.

Set against the tumultuous backdrop of 1968 New Bordeaux, Mafia III weaves a gripping tale of crime, revenge, and the American Dream gone awry. Players assume the role of Lincoln Clay, a Vietnam War veteran seeking vengeance against the ruthless Italian mafia who betrayed him and his surrogate family. With its immersive open-world design, nuanced storytelling, and meticulous attention to historical detail, Mafia III offers a gritty and engaging experience unlike any other crime drama. If players are craving a richly realized period piece with a strong narrative drive and brutal action sequences, Mafia III should be at the top of their list.

Taking backyard battles to a whole new level, Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare 2 injects a fresh and vibrant twist into the multiplayer shooter genre. Building upon the foundation of its predecessor, the game introduces new classes, expansive maps, and engaging gameplay modes, pitting the quirky plant and zany zombie factions against each other in colorful showdowns. The game's cooperative hub world also provides an enjoyable space for players to explore and interact with fellow fans. Perfect for players looking for a light-hearted yet competitive alternative to standard shooters, Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare 2 delivers an action-packed experience that's fun for all ages.

Capturing the essence of nostalgia, friendship, and small-town life, Night in the Woods offers a charming yet poignant narrative-driven experience. Players follow college dropout Mae Borowski as she returns to her hometown of Possum Springs, only to find that things have changed for both her town and her childhood friends. With its endearing cast of anthropomorphic characters, the game delves into themes of mental health and the struggles of growing up. Night in the Woods' captivating storytelling and beautiful hand-drawn visuals make this unconventional coming-of-age tale a must-play for fans of heartfelt indie games.

A breathtaking journey through a mysterious, sun-soaked island, Rime weaves a stirring tale of loss and redemption told entirely without words. As a young boy guided by a helpful fox, players solve intricate environmental puzzles and unlock the secrets of the island's ancient civilization. The game's lush visuals, enchanting soundtrack, and emotive storytelling give it a dream-like quality that leaves a lasting impression on players' hearts. Those who appreciate thought-provoking narratives and mesmerizing artistry should not miss the captivating experience Rime has to offer.

An intricate and mind-bending journey through an enigmatic island, The Witness challenges players with over 500 meticulously crafted puzzles that interweave seamlessly into the environment. Exploring the island at their own pace, players uncover subtle narrative clues and solve increasingly complex puzzles to unlock new areas. The game's stunning art style, immersive atmosphere, and masterful puzzle design create an intellectually stimulating experience that transcends traditional gaming boundaries. The Witness is a finely crafted triumph in both storytelling and game design that will leave players pondering long after completion.

Merging the classic charm of the Dragon Quest series with the limitless creativity of sandbox gameplay, Dragon Quest Builders offers a delightful adventure brimming with exploration, crafting, and building. Players are tasked with restoring the world of Alefgard after an evil force has left it in ruin, using their wits and resources to construct unique towns and structures. The game's charming aesthetic, endearing characters, and intuitive crafting system make it an accessible and enchanting experience for both newcomers and fans of the Dragon Quest series. Dragon Quest Builders masterfully blends familiar RPG elements with the joy of creating and designing, resulting in a captivating gaming experience that's hard to put down.

A captivating exploration of family, identity, and personal discovery, Gone Home invites players to unravel the intimate stories hidden within the walls of an empty house. Returning after a long journey abroad, players navigate the darkened halls of their abandoned family home, piecing together clues through found objects and journal entries. The game's immersive environmental storytelling offers glimpses of both joy and heartache, presenting a deeply moving narrative experience. Profoundly affecting and powerfully resonant, Gone Home is a masterfully crafted interactive story that lingers long after the credits roll.

Paying homage to the classic arcade shoot 'em up genre, Nex Machina offers a fast-paced, visually stunning experience that tests players' reflexes and skill. In a futuristic world where humanity is on the brink of extinction, players pilot a powerful mech to eliminate waves of relentless robotic adversaries. The game's tight controls, vibrant voxel graphics, and intense cooperative multiplayer make it an adrenaline-fueled ride from start to finish. Those who crave a challenging yet gratifying arcade-style shooter should not pass by Nex Machina.

From the creators of Bastion and Transistor, Pyre offers a dazzling fusion of rich narrative, strategic gameplay, and mesmerizing artistry. Players guide a group of exiles through a mystical purgatory known as the Downside, competing in high-stakes rituals to cleanse their souls and earn their freedom. The unique, fast-paced gameplay blends elements of strategic RPGs with the intensity of sportslike competition, creating an addictive and rewarding experience. Accompanied by a sumptuous visual style and evocative soundtrack, Pyre delivers a spellbinding journey that shouldn't be missed by fans of imaginative storytelling and innovative gameplay concepts.