5 PlayStation 4 hidden gems you should play

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It’s been a spell since our gathering for a list, dear readers. Wishing you a joyous holiday season! The last time I compiled a “hidden gems” list, I began with the Game Boy Color. That one was quite straightforward. Then, I thought: Let’s switch things up and choose something modern for the second spot. Turned out to be a misstep! Not only are there more than 3,000 PlayStation 4 games, fewer than 60 are exclusive to it. Most of those games don’t meet my criteria for a “hidden gem.” I’m not implying any disrespect towards Gravity Rush 2. So, I had to make some adjustments. In this list, there is one game truly exclusive to the PS4, while the others are titles I played on PS4. And since this is my list, let’s pretend they count as “PS4 games.” Next time, we’ll pick a less challenging platform.

Metal Max Xeno

Among the numerous unusual games I’ve encountered, Metal Max Xeno stands out as one of the strangest played on a modern console. The game exudes a subtle yet unsettling atmosphere, with each character appearing as some form of degenerate and half of them speaking in a similarly degraded manner. Despite being a turn-based RPG, venturing into the desert to battle monsters will result in your immediate defeat. Instead, you’ll find yourself driving tanks, unveiling that this gritty, seedy-feeling RPG, featuring a man brandishing multiple swords on its cover, is actually centered around discovering awesome tanks, customizing them, and blasting bugs and robots. The customization aspect is impressive; various weapons and parts work harmoniously together, allowing even basic attacks to transform into over-the-top chain reactions. Upon returning to base, the characters engage in heated debates about who should lead the repopulation of humanity. In essence, this game offers an unusual blend of action, strategy, and a touch of humor.

Fist of the North Star: Lost Paradise

Many people seem to enjoy Yakuza and Like a Dragon games, but did you know that Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio temporarily stepped away from the Yakuza series to create a game based on an 80s manga/anime about a man who can explode opponents with his fists? This game, being from RGG, combines absurd violence with some unique features like driving through a post-apocalyptic desert while listening to Super Monkey Ball music in your dilapidated sand buggy. You might also find yourself working part-time as a bartender, where you’ll encounter some of the most extravagant drink-mixing sequences ever made. And then it’s back to crushing skulls, something Kiryu would never do.

Death Mark

Absolutely, I couldn’t resist adding a first-person dungeon-crawler to my collection. If you’ve been following my posts at Shacknews, you know I have a knack for this kind of thing. But this time, I chose something unique and chilling. Titled Death Mark, it’s not your typical Wizardry-style RPG filled with goblins and treasure traps. No, this game is a bone-chilling horror adventure, and let me tell you, it’s downright terrifying!

The dungeon-crawler elements serve as a thrilling ride from one spine-tingling setpiece to another. The way these mechanics are repurposed for a completely different genre is nothing short of genius. Honestly, there’s nothing else quite like Death Mark, except perhaps its sequels.

Crystar

Among all the games I’ve ever played, Crystar undeniably stands out as one of my absolute favorites, falling into the peculiar category of “I can’t decide if this is enjoyable or not, but I’m utterly captivated.” This game is essentially an action-RPG with straightforward combos and tedious gear upgrading. Yet, its atmosphere is exceptional, unlike anything I’ve experienced before.

Crystar is a game that delves into the depths of profound depression, the kind that makes you feel stuck, unable to move or think beyond the persistent reminder of your misery. Each aspect of the game, from equipment to combat shouts, mirrors this theme, creating an almost overpowering experience. The game even uses the “can you pet the dog” meme in a way that’s downright sinister.

Despite its raw and unapologetic portrayal of depression, Crystar ultimately aims for catharsis. It encourages players who find the story resonant to seek out healthy solutions for their emotional struggles.

Mad Max

Hey there fellow gamer! Can you believe it? Here’s a game that isn’t your typical anime style! It’s Mad Max, an exhilarating adventure that I found myself completely hooked on, despite usually disliking the open-world checklist genre. This game manages to take something I normally can’t stand and make it unputdownable. The atmosphere perfectly mirrors the iconic movie series (pre-Fury Road), while the combat system offers a satisfying blend of genres that keeps me engaged whether I’m fighting hand-to-hand or commandeering a post-apocalyptic war rig.

You might think a Mad Max game would have been a massive success, but it’s been consistently discounted to just $5 for years now. Seems like something didn’t go as planned at launch. Still, give it a try!

Given the vast number of games available on PS4, five titles might seem insufficient for an exhaustive list highlighting hidden gems. After all, from indie creations to diverse niche genres, this endeavor could be seen as overly ambitious or driven by hubris. However, I believe these five games offer a tantalizing glimpse into the cool and unusual across various game categories, so let’s consider them a promising beginning. I intend to expand on this concept in future posts, and it’s quite possible we’ll encounter similar challenges again. Yet, in a way, having such an abundance of potential choices is a desirable problem, isn’t it?

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2025-01-19 19:27