There's no denying that the PS4 is one of the most successful gaming consoles in history. This system easily beat its rival from Microsoft, thanks to an excellent choice of exclusive games. When making this top ten list, we decided to list only true PS4 exclusives (all backward compatible with PS5 console), meaning they aren't available even on PC. This rule excludes God of War, Ghosts of Tsushima, Uncharted: The Lost Legacy, or Horizon Zero Dawn. The same goes for remasters, such as the Nathan Drake Collection. However, we did include remakes, as they were built from the ground up, offering enough fresh content to call them new. So, let's start!

10. Driveclub

Some PlayStation exclusives are moving to PS5 and other systems, but this won't happen with the Driveclub. Unfortunately, the game was removed from the PlayStation Store in 2019, and the developer Evolution Studios is no more. While you can buy a physical copy, you can't access tons of DLC content that transformed it from unfinished to polished release.

That's a shame, as this is a unique racer with stunning graphics and attention to detail you won't see anywhere else. While the driving model is more arcade than simulation, it's still fun and challenging. However, AI tends to be way too aggressive. Now, if only Sony would patch it, it would look like native PS5 games! Yet, it's highly doubtful it will ever happen.

9. Gravity Rush 2

The original Gravity Rush was a surprise hit on PS Vita and was later ported to the PS4 console. In this sequel, we control Kat, a young girl trying to help oppressed citizens. This title lets you manipulate gravity, which you must do to advance. Obviously, that's a fun mechanic and makes the experience unique. The more powerful system also enables much better graphics, but there are further improvements.

Thankfully, the story is much more refined than in the original, with well-developed characters. Additionally, the main character received new abilities, making the experience even more fun. Unfortunately, Gravity Rush 2 was the last game by Team Gravity before its closing. Hence, that might be why it may never move away from PS4.  

8. Until Dawn

When Until Dawn was announced for PS3, we were disappointed. The game was supposed to work only with PlayStation Move controllers, and honestly, we never cared about them. Luckily, the developers figured out that most gamers felt the same way, so Sony gave them a blessing to make changes.

Initially met with skepticism, Until Dawn brought interactive movies back to life. This beautiful teen slasher is about eight friends stuck in a cabin far away from civilization. How many will survive is up to you! The game also has a solid prequel, The Inpatient, but you'll need PlayStation VR to experience it.

7. Sakura Wars

Despite being extremely popular in Japan, Sega always hesitated about bringing their Sakura Wars series to the world. That's a shame, as these games represent a unique blend of visual novels and action role-playing. The series returned in 2019 when the Shin Sakura Wars was released in Japan. Luckily, only half a year later, it was available worldwide as Sakura Wars. Still, as the game lacked promotion, you might not have even heard about it!

As 14 years have passed since the last Sakura Wars game, there are plenty of changes. The biggest one is that the action is now real-time, instead of the traditional tactical RPG mechanics. This works great, as the gameplay is fast, with plenty of ways to defeat your enemies. Yet, you'll spend 80 percent of your time exploring the Ginza district in Tokyo. The most important activity is to connect with the girls you're taking to combat, so carefully choose your words! The presentation and mechanics are the best we've ever seen in a visual novel. Combine those excellent graphics and a gorgeous soundtrack for a fantastic experience!

6. Dreams

Since NES and Excitebike, many games have allowed us to create content inside of them, including Forza Horizon 5. Yet, Dreams takes this concept to another level, as you can make whole games! This means you can build racers, platform adventures, action titles, and more! Furthermore, you can create game assets, music, and even animated movies. Therefore, the default resources are just one option.

Of course, building games still takes a lot of time, and there's so much to learn before you make something meaningful. Yet, you don't even have to, as you can download tons of creations made in Dreams. Many are so polished and pretty that you won't believe they are possible! Oh, and update the game, as it adds PlayStation VR support, while promised online multiplayer won't come.

5. The Last Guardian

Even though the development started in 2007, it took almost ten years before The Last Guardian was completed. This epic action adventure is a unique PS4 game focusing on exploration and puzzles. As an unnamed boy, you need to survive a hostile environment, helped only by the giant mythical creature, Trico. Their relationship is the key, and as the story progresses, you'll become very attached to them.

Despite being initially developed for the PS3, the game looks stunning on PS4, even though it suffers from frame rate issues. Nonetheless, on the PS5 console, it runs at a smooth 60 fps, so you can experience it the right way. The Last Guardian is not for everyone as it's slow and requires lots of patience. Still, you'll love this one if you appreciate other classics like Ico or Shadow of the Colossus.

4. Ratchet & Clank

The Ratchet & Clank series produced over a dozen games for PS2 and PS3, but PS4 got a single sequel. However, this is more of a reboot of the initial chapter in the series, improving it immensely. The first thing to notice is the phenomenal graphics, as this is one of the prettiest and best PS4 exclusives. The worlds look gorgeous, and there's plenty to explore.

Furthermore, the game encourages you to do so, as you'll gain abilities to reach the initially unavailable platforms. While you'll constantly face tons of enemies, the powerful arsenal will keep them at bay. Ratchet will make his weapons more destructive by using them, but you can also upgrade their range and capacity. Traditionally, you also have some puzzles to solve, usually involving the nimble Clank. Even though the story is the weakest part of this experience, brilliant humor will drive you through this 15-hour interplanetary adventure!

3. Shadow of Colossus

The original Shadow of Colossus for PS2 was a masterpiece, but tragically, it never sold well. Honestly, we could predict this since this was all but a mainstream title. After a decent remaster, the game was remade from the ground up for the PS4 console, using all its power. This is a unique visual experience, proving that video games are an art form.

The developers decided to keep the original gameplay, so you have to beat truly massive colossuses by climbing on them. Controls work better than in the original (including dealing with your sidekick), and the story is still unique, with a remarkable ending. Again, Shadow of Colossus is not for everyone, but you should try it. Play it on PS4 Pro or PS5 console for 60 frames per second mode.

2. The Last of Us Part 2

We loved The Last of Us, the best-ever PlayStation 3 game. We also loved the remastered version for PS4, which still looks beautiful. While being the second-best PS4 exclusive is a considerable achievement, it still might sound a bit disappointing for a sequel that was so eagerly awaited. Don't get us wrong, The Last of Us 2 should be experienced by everyone who played the original.

The partially open-world gameplay is expanded, the post-apocalyptic presentation is beyond fantastic, and all beloved characters are back. Still, there's a big chance that you won't like the story, and this doesn't have much to do with Naughty Dog forcing diversity at all costs. This is a dark game, and while it's not hard to get the point, you don't have to agree with it.

1. Bloodborne

While the Dark Souls trilogy charmed gamers, FromSoftware wanted to try something new. Thus, Bloodborne was born, and it immediately became a hit. Calling this a radical departure would be too much, but it's also not a spinoff. The game takes you to a Victorian-inspired world where you fight monsters and infected human characters.

Like Dark Souls, this is an action game with strong RPG elements. Still, it's also a much faster experience that introduces many new gameplay elements. We love the horror atmosphere, although some grotesque creatures were too much for our taste. This is an incredibly challenging title, but those who aren't giving up easily will be rewarded! It's crazy that the best PS4 exclusive still isn't remastered.

While we have no doubt that your top ten list would look different (Infamous Second Son, anyone?), the titles mentioned here should be in your PS4 collection. They are perfect showcases of what this console is and why we'll always find reasons to return to it. Even though console exclusivity remains controversial, there's no doubt it is so crucial for Sony.

Have you played some of these games? What are some of your most treasured PlayStation exclusives, and why? Make your list in the comments below!

Cover photo: Remy Gieling/Unsplash