Best PS5 Exclusive Games of 2024: Death Stranding is Better Than Ever
The year is 2024, and the PlayStation 5 is truly coming into its own. We’ve seen a wave of fantastic exclusive titles, and it’s only getting better. From the mind-bending worlds of Returnal and Kena: Bridge of Spirits to the captivating narratives of Ghost of Tsushima and Horizon Forbidden West, PlayStation exclusives have truly raised the bar for gaming. But what about the titles released this year?
We’ve sifted through the plethora of releases, and the year 2024 has brought some truly exceptional titles to the PS5. While the landscape is rife with incredible games, we've decided to focus on the PS5 exclusive games that have truly captivated us. These aren’t just your average triple-A releases; these are games that have challenged, inspired, and, dare we say, even redefined what it means to play on the PS5.
Death Stranding: Director’s Cut – An Even More Compelling Experience
Hideo Kojima, the visionary behind Metal Gear Solid and Death Stranding, is a master of pushing the boundaries of gaming. Death Stranding is no exception. First released in 2019, the game was a divisive experience, with players praising its ambition and unique gameplay while others found its pacing and tone off-putting. However, Death Stranding: Director’s Cut released in 2024, represents a substantial refinement of the original experience.
The Director’s Cut builds upon the foundation of the original Death Stranding and enhances it in a way that feels both familiar and fresh. The game introduces a whole host of new features, including a variety of new missions, expanded combat mechanics, and even a new playable area.
The new missions are designed to immerse players further into the game's rich world and complex lore. These missions offer a greater variety of challenges and provide more context to the game's overall narrative. While the original combat in Death Stranding was certainly present, the Director’s Cut significantly expands upon it. New weapons and abilities, along with refined enemy AI, make combat engagements feel more dynamic and engaging.
Perhaps the most significant change in Death Stranding: Director’s Cut is the addition of a new playable area: the "Fractured Space". This area serves as a dedicated training ground for players to hone their skills and experiment with various gameplay mechanics. But it's more than just a training area; it's a beautifully crafted world that showcases the game's stunning visuals and immersive atmosphere.
Death Stranding: Director’s Cut is a masterclass in taking an already brilliant game and making it even better. While the core gameplay loop of delivering packages and building infrastructure remains the same, the Director’s Cut builds upon the foundation, adding new content and mechanics that further enhance the experience. If you haven't played Death Stranding yet, the Director’s Cut is the definitive way to experience this unique and compelling adventure.
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2: A Web-Slinging Masterpiece
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is a highly anticipated title for good reason. Following the critical and commercial success of its predecessor, Marvel’s Spider-Man, players have been eagerly awaiting the next chapter in this beloved franchise. And the wait was well worth it.
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 expands upon the open world mechanics and combat system of its predecessor, pushing the boundaries of what is possible on the PS5. The game's world is larger and more detailed than ever before, and the combat system is more fluid and engaging. The ability to seamlessly switch between Peter Parker and Miles Morales adds a new layer of strategy and depth to the gameplay, as each character possesses unique abilities and powers.
One of the most significant additions in Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is the introduction of the symbiote suit. This suit grants Peter Parker enhanced abilities and powers, but at a cost. The symbiote slowly corrupts him, leading to a compelling and morally gray narrative. This storyline adds a layer of complexity to the game's overall narrative and explores themes of power, corruption, and redemption.
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is a must-have title for any PS5 owner. It's a visually stunning game with a compelling story, tight gameplay, and a truly immersive open world. It's a testament to the power of the PS5 and a reminder that superhero games can be more than just mindless action.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth: A New Generation of RPG
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is the second installment in the Final Fantasy VII Remake project. This highly anticipated title builds upon the foundation laid by its predecessor, expanding the story and taking players on a new adventure in the iconic world of Midgar.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth introduces a new combat system that combines elements of real-time action and turn-based strategy. This blend of gameplay styles creates a dynamic and engaging combat experience that allows players to control the flow of battle. The game also features an expansive world that players can explore at their own pace, uncovering secrets and completing side quests.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is a visual feast, pushing the boundaries of what's possible on the PS5. The game's characters and environments are beautifully rendered, creating a truly immersive experience. The music is also a highlight, featuring both classic Final Fantasy VII tracks and new arrangements that bring the game's world to life.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is a must-play for any fan of RPGs. It's a visually stunning game with a compelling story, a fantastic soundtrack, and a dynamic combat system. The game's deep narrative and exploration are sure to keep players engaged for hours on end.
The Last of Us Part I: A Remaster for the Ages
The Last of Us Part I is a complete remake of the original The Last of Us game, released in 2013. This remaster brings the critically acclaimed game to the PS5, offering a stunning visual upgrade and improved gameplay.
The game features a completely rebuilt engine and updated graphics, which results in a game that looks and feels better than ever before. The environments are lush and detailed, and the characters are incredibly expressive. The game's gameplay has also been refined, with improved controls and smoother animations.
The Last of Us Part I isn't just a visual upgrade; it's a love letter to one of the greatest games of all time. The game's story, characters, and atmosphere are as impactful today as they were in 2013. It's a must-play for any PS5 owner and a great way to experience the game if you missed it the first time around.
Beyond: Two Souls: A PS5 Remaster
Beyond: Two Souls, originally released in 2013, is a narrative-driven adventure game that tells the story of Jodie Holmes, a young woman with a supernatural connection to a mysterious entity named Aiden. Beyond: Two Souls is a unique and engaging game that offers a compelling story, beautiful visuals, and a variety of gameplay mechanics. The game's focus on emotional storytelling and complex characters sets it apart from other action-adventure titles.
The game was released in 2024 as a PS5 remaster, taking advantage of the console's power to deliver stunning visuals and improved performance. While the core game remains the same, the PS5 remaster brings Beyond: Two Souls to life in a way that was previously unimaginable.
Beyond: Two Souls is a unique and compelling game that's worth experiencing for anyone who enjoys narrative-driven titles. The game's focus on emotional storytelling, coupled with the beautiful visuals and improved performance of the PS5 remaster, makes it a truly special experience.
Conclusion
2024 has proven to be an exceptional year for PlayStation 5 exclusives. We've seen some truly innovative and captivating games that have pushed the boundaries of gaming. From the emotional journey of Beyond: Two Souls to the heart-pounding action of Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, there's something for everyone on the PS5. And of course, the exceptional remake of The Last of Us Part I and the groundbreaking Death Stranding: Director’s Cut are not to be missed.
These games have redefined what it means to play on the PS5, and they've left us excited for what's to come. As we move forward, we can only expect the PlayStation 5 exclusives to continue to evolve and push the boundaries of gaming.
FAQs
Q: What are some other notable PS5 exclusives released in 2024?
A: While we focused on the games that we feel were the best, there are many other great PS5 exclusives that came out in 2024. These include titles like Stray, God of War Ragnarök, Forspoken, and Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty.
Q: Are any of these games available on other platforms?
A: While these games are available on the PS5, they are all exclusive to PlayStation consoles. This means they are not available on other platforms like Xbox, PC, or Nintendo Switch.
Q: What is the difference between Death Stranding and Death Stranding: Director’s Cut?
A: Death Stranding: Director’s Cut is an expanded version of the original Death Stranding. It features new missions, expanded combat mechanics, a new playable area, and many other improvements. If you're new to the game, the Director’s Cut is the best way to experience this unique title.
Q: Are these games worth playing even if I'm not a fan of their respective genres?
A: Absolutely! While some of these games focus on specific genres, they all offer unique experiences and captivating stories. Even if you aren't a fan of action-adventure, RPGs, or narrative-driven games, there's a good chance you'll find something to appreciate in these titles.
Q: What are the best ways to enjoy these games?
A: The best way to enjoy these games is to experience them on a PS5 with a high-quality TV or monitor. A good headset is also highly recommended, as it will enhance the immersive audio experience.
Q: What is the future of PS5 exclusives?
A: The future of PS5 exclusives is bright. We're already seeing a wave of exciting new titles in development, and Sony is committed to supporting the PS5 with high-quality exclusive games. We can only expect the future of PS5 exclusives to be even more amazing.