Sony has always prided themselves with strong first-party line-ups, but even they’ve admitted that 2015 wasn’t exactly their best year. Especially getting close to the end of it, Sony was surprisingly lacking in the exclusives department for the holiday season, but that doesn’t mean the rest of the year was just a barren. On the contrary, some of the best games of this year could only be played on your PS4.
What makes them interesting is just how different our nominees were to your staple cream of the crop, showing that the PS4 is also a home to innovation as much as it is to blockbuster, Hollywood-like titles that you’ve come to know and love. But there was one title that simply overshadowed the rest, and it’s really no surprise when you sit down and think about it. And the ward for best PlayStation Game of 2015 goes to…
Bloodborne
From Software have been making excellent games over the years, and Bloodborne is just another example. Detaching itself mildly from the Dark Souls series in terms of theming, the tough as nails RPG retains everything that is good about From Software design. Compelling, grotesque and wildly varied bosses, a world thick with atmosphere and lore and some truly memorable moments created by none other than you, the player.
Bloodborne experience a more mainstream welcome too, in part thanks to its more aggressive nature when it came to combat. While Dark Souls titles implore you to be reserved, Bloodborne rewarded fast and sometimes reckless behaviour, making it a far more engaging game to understand from the get go. Make no mistake though, the game is still brutally difficult, coupled with the nuances of understand some of From Software’s more obscure design choices.
In many regards, it’s the Souls game for the gamer that didn’t like Souls to begin with, and it’s a good reason to still pick up a PS4. It’s simply the best game on the console this year, and might stay that way for months to come.
Honourable Mentions
Like I’ve already said, the PS4 exclusive library wasn’t teeming with games this year. But the ones that did launch exclusively on the console were generally outstanding, with most if not all demanding space on your shelf. Here are some of a few that just couldn’t edge out Bloodborne.
- Until Dawn
- Helldivers
- Tearaway Unfolded
Next year is already looking good for Sony’s first-party (in the first few months of the year too), so don’t let any lingering disappointment stay tenant for much longer.
Last Updated: December 14, 2015
Ottokie
December 14, 2015 at 13:02
Is that a crocodile-platypus hybrid on fire?
The Grand Admiral Chief
December 14, 2015 at 13:16
No, its what comes out of my butt after eating too much KFC dunked wings
Ottokie
December 14, 2015 at 13:17
After closer inspection it seems they mixed your dunked wings with zinger wings
Alien Emperor Trevor
December 14, 2015 at 13:19
You inspected it? O_O
Ottokie
December 14, 2015 at 13:22
The wings…not the after product
The Grand Admiral Chief
December 14, 2015 at 13:27
He is such a pervert!
Alien Emperor Trevor
December 14, 2015 at 13:28
Red Poop – Wings give it to you.
The Grand Admiral Chief
December 14, 2015 at 13:34
Otto likes to inspect the Rear Admiral
Ottokie
December 14, 2015 at 13:40
O.o
Captain JJ 4x
December 14, 2015 at 13:29
Well this is appropriate around lunchtime.
Or anytime.
Pieter Kruger
December 14, 2015 at 13:04
Looks like a good game, but it had no competition, literally none….????
Alien Emperor Trevor
December 14, 2015 at 13:13
You should point out Helldivers isn’t exclusive either heh.
Pieter Kruger
December 14, 2015 at 13:16
Console exclusive is fine…????
Hammersteyn
December 14, 2015 at 13:17
Looking at sales, it’s pretty obvious that the PS doesn’t need exclusives as much as you’d think. But don’t worry, next years a different story.
Pieter Kruger
December 14, 2015 at 13:21
LOL! Defending lack of exclusives…????????????, but seriously, I really hope Sony up their game in the 1st party division, all those customers deserve some gratitude!????
Hammersteyn
December 14, 2015 at 13:23
I hope so. Indie games are awesome but PS+ needs to spoil us a bit more every now and then. The quality has dipped since it was on PS3
Pieter Kruger
December 14, 2015 at 13:26
PS+ will never catch up with XBL now that Xbox One owners get 4 games a month, but even if they only release The Lost Guardian and it really turns out epic and really good it should be enough!
Hammersteyn
December 14, 2015 at 13:32
Yeah, no arguing there. Even if it’s crappy games they tick more boxes with four
Jonah Cash
December 14, 2015 at 15:37
I am still waiting on Knack as a free PS+ game… I thought we would have got it already this year?! How wrong I was!
Sageville
December 14, 2015 at 16:11
Why would you, of all people, hope Sony ups their game?
Pieter Kruger
December 14, 2015 at 16:21
Because competition is a brilliant thing! Just look at how great the Xbox One is these days and how lacklustre Playstation has become!
Sageville
December 15, 2015 at 13:37
LoL, so funny.
Captain JJ 4x
December 14, 2015 at 13:27
Bloodborne looks so cool.
And Until Dawn too actually
RinceThis
December 14, 2015 at 13:37
I couldn’t get into it, tired of having to really search for a story. Should be the main thing about a game.
Zubayr Bhyat
December 14, 2015 at 14:21
You like narrative, where From Software’s games don’t really give that much out. They focus ALOT on gameplay and you involve yourself the way you want to. It’s like reading Destiny’s grimoire cards.
oVg
December 14, 2015 at 14:24
Ive already seen everything Bloodborne had to offer with Dark Souls 5 years ago. I enjoyed Until Dawn more, that was Until I played Beyond 2 Souls last week. It has more gameplay than Until Dawn. WHY ALL THE HATE? Its fcking cool and looks more realistic 3 years ago than todays games.
Journey is my PS4 GOTY 2015 SO SWEEEEEEEEEEEEET.
Re-Masters were great for ex xbox owners.
God of War 3
Drake Collection 3 games
FFX-X2
Beyond 2 Souls
oVg
December 14, 2015 at 14:32
BEST PS4 GRAPHICS AND EMMERSION
Beyond 2 Souls
Dont believe me? PLAY IT.
P.S. Yes, I finished The Order 1886.
Francois Knoetze
December 14, 2015 at 16:26
The Order wasn’t actually a bad game. A lot of people are giving it too much flak. Hopefully a sequel could redeem it?
Original Heretic
December 14, 2015 at 14:34
Marvelous game. Epic game. Played the crap out of it. Almost wish I could have children with it, but if I did, they’d end up being horrible, twisted little bastards with a hankering for human flesh. And kittens.
Aries
December 14, 2015 at 14:35
And they will probably end up giving you a hiding
Original Heretic
December 14, 2015 at 14:37
With whips, chains, metal rods…. Well, pretty much with whatever they could get their hands on.
oVg
December 14, 2015 at 14:38
even crying babies
oVg
December 14, 2015 at 14:35
I got to level 125 before getting the sickle. New Game plus level 145. Its cool mindless hack n slash.
Original Heretic
December 14, 2015 at 14:40
Still want to finish my NG+. I made some mistakes in my first playthrough that I want to rectify in 2nd one. Like getting 3 Umbilical Cords so I can get the awesome end boss instead of the wheelchair hunter.
oVg
December 14, 2015 at 14:41
see, now how do you even know to do that? That was the problem with FROM SOFTWARE, too much Wiki reliance.
Original Heretic
December 14, 2015 at 14:45
After I was done with the game, I read up on it. My usual MO. First playthru totally solo, 2nd playthru, read up a bit to see what I missed.
I hate missing anything! The game developers put so much effort into their games, it seems almost insulting to rush through it without giving it a full explore that it deserves. Especially something like Bloodborne.
Darren Peach
December 14, 2015 at 14:45
Good Choice
Sageville
December 14, 2015 at 16:09
Not sure about this one.
Bloodborne had limited appeal, specifically, only to those who liked the Dark Souls series and basically that really unforgiving type of game-play. Personally not my cup of tea. it’s “Co-op” functionality was terrible, though I do agree about the atmosphere etc.
Also, what constitutes an “action game” these days….