The 34 Best Games On PlayStation Plus Premium Right Now

PlayStation Plus Premium might not have been the first game subscription service to hit the scene, but it's certainly shaping up to compete with other programs, like Xbox's Game Pass. Though the PlayStation Plus upgrade system caused an uproar when it was first introduced in mid-2022, the service ultimately gave fans what they really wanted: a combination of PlayStation Plus and PlayStation Now, which had featured older PlayStation titles via a streaming service. Gamers who opt in for the Premium tier of PlayStation Plus have access to both older classics in the PlayStation library and newer titles offered for a discount – or better yet, free – with the basic membership.

The Premium tier allows gamers to access a vast collection of titles from the PS4 and PS5, but they're not all winners. This list compiles the best of the best out of what's featured in PlayStation Plus Premium. If you have a membership (or are thinking of upgrading), here's what you absolutely have to play.

For gamers who might have missed out on "The Last of Us" when it debuted, PlayStation Plus Premium makes it easy to experience the classic Naughty Dog title. Although "The Last of Us" received a critically acclaimed remake in 2022, it first received a remaster for the PS4 back in 2014. This remaster is available as part of PS Plus Premium's free collection of titles, and it's worth the time you'll sink into it.

IGN gave the remastered version a stunning 10/10 back when it was first released. This review highlights some of the biggest improvements the remaster brought to "The Last of Us," including an increased frame rate, a photo mode, and some much-needed quality of life improvements. While the full remake might have snazzier graphics in 2022, the remastered version still looks gorgeous. And perhaps most importantly, it delivers the gut-punching narrative fans have adored from the very beginning.

• Release Date: July 29, 2014
• Genre: Action-adventure
• Game Modes: Single-player
• Metacritic Score: 95 (PS4)

"Death Stranding" is a difficult game to explain to people. It follows Sam Porter Bridges (Norman Reedus) as he makes deliveries across the wasteland of the United States, avoiding deadly rain and meeting a cast of ominous characters along the way. In many ways, "Death Stranding" is about balancing Sam's cargo as he walks across lush landscapes, but it's also about the ways in which people connect to each other, and why those links are so important. 

When "Death Stranding" initially released, it received a slew of low reviews because critics and fans alike weren't sure how to interpret the game's bizarre plot or slow-moving gameplay. Ultimately, director Hideo Kojima told the New York Times that he felt that Americans were comfortable with his previous "Metal Gear Solid" work, and expected "Death Stranding" to be more of the same. It was anything but — and that wasn't ultimately a bad thing.

"Death Stranding" is a strange game, sure, but it's also a game that teaches players how to slow down and think about their every move, while also learning how to be considerate for others (who can choose to leave items or structures for fellow gamers to enjoy in a sort of shared world). The "Director's Cut" edition adds a ton of quality of life improvements and some bonkers new modes, including racing segments and stealth action missions.

• Release Date: Nov. 8, 2019
• Genre: Action-adventure
• Game Modes: Single-player
• Metacritic Score: 85 (PS5)

Ever since the first "Assassin's Creed," audiences have wanted Ubisoft to produce an entry set in Japan and filled with ninjas. While that is finally happening in the near future, Sucker Punch essentially beat Ubisoft to the punch with "Ghost of Tsushima."

In "Ghost of Tsushima," players control samurai Jin Sakai during the Mongol invasion of Japan and decide whether he sticks to his honorable warrior upbringing or uses underhanded tactics to fend off enemy forces. These choices let gamers decide whether "Ghost of Tsushima" plays out like an action adventure or a stealth title. And when not slaying invading enemies, players have plenty of side activities to keep them occupied.

While "Ghost of Tsushima" excels in gameplay, it is also a masterclass in presentation. The game doesn't hold players' hands and lets them explore as they see fit. If audiences need a hint, the environment organically nudges them in the right direction without breaking immersion. Because of Sucker Punch's gorgeous work, the developers were made ambassadors of the real island of Tsushima. You can't ask for a better endorsement.

• Release Date: Aug. 20, 2021
• Genre: Action, Adventure, RPG
• Game modes: Single-player, Online multiplayer (up to 4)
• Metacritic Score: 87 (PS5)

"Final Fantasy 7" is arguably one of the most popular "Final Fantasy" games ever produced, as well as one of the most popular RPGs ever. If Square Enix could only pick one "Final Fantasy" game to remake, of course the company would choose "Final Fantasy 7." However, the end result was still unlike anything gamers expected.

Instead of retreading the same ground in a turn-based JRPG with modern graphics, Square Enix opted for an action RPG that uses the original narrative as a skeleton. Combat has more in common with "Kingdom Hearts" than "Final Fantasy 7," but that change in genre injects adrenaline into each battle.

While the original "Final Fantasy 7" is a globe-spanning adventure, the remake sticks to the beginning city of Midgar. This lessened scope might seem like a downgrade at first glance but, it actually gives many characters more screentime and development — especially those who didn't appear outside Midgar in "Final Fantasy 7." Plus, the remake introduces a new meta side plot in which (spoilers) characters acknowledge the original game's events and actively try to avoid making the same choices. That's one novel way to use audience expectations against them.

• Release Date: April 20, 2020
• Genre: Action, RPG
• Game modes: Single-player only
• Metacritic Score: 87 (PS4), 89 (PS5)

The "Uncharted" series solidified Naughty Dog's reputation for creating cinematic adventures with relatable characters. Before the studio switched gears to create the post-apocalyptic "The Last of Us," Naughty Dog gave audiences one final globe-trotting adventure (its standalone expansion notwithstanding).

"Uncharted 4: A Thief's End" once again follows the treasure-seeking Nathan Drake, this time on an adventure to uncover the lost treasure of the pirate Henry Avery. Drake is aided by longtime partners in crime Victor Sullivan and Elena Fisher, but this time he is also joined by his presumed-dead brother Samuel Drake. As with previous "Uncharted" entries, mysteries, betrayals, and grand reveals ensue.

For the most part, "Uncharted 4" doesn't deviate much from the third-person shooting and platforming segments of the series, but it doesn't need to. The game polishes what already worked and adds in adrenaline-pumping action segments that blow other games out of the water, and everything is tied together by gorgeous graphics and pitch-perfect voice acting that stretch the limits of the PS4's capabilities.

• Release Date: May 10, 2016
• Genre: Action, Adventure
• Game modes: Single-player, Online multiplayer (up to 10)
• Metacritic Score: 93 (PS4)

An early release for the PS4, "Infamous: Second Son" was a stunning graphical showcase for the console (as noted by GameTrailers). The game takes place in a detailed rendition of Seattle, where superhumans known as "Conduits" are at odds with an agency known as the D.U.P. A first for the franchise, "Second Son" features a different main character. Delsin is the cocky star who wields the ability to absorb other powers.

There are similarities to other superhero games like the "Batman: Arkham" series and "Spider-Man," but "Second Son" is wholly unique. A near-endless skill tree makes building Delsin up feel immediately engrossing. Skill trees are available for the smoke, neon, video and concrete powers that Delsin acquires along the way.

Seattle is a massive area, and Delsin has to destroy enemy bases in order to minimize the occupancy level of the D.U.P. On top of that, there are plenty of collectibles, combat encounters, graffiti tags, and traversal options to keep things fresh and exciting. This Sucker Punch project is an essential experience for those into superheroes and action.

• Release Date: March 21, 2014

• Genre: Action-adventure

• Game modes: Single-Player

• Metacritic Score: 80 (PS4)

Just as odd as "Control," Housemarque's "Returnal" is a bullet hell shooter with some surreal story bits and roguelike progression. Selene is deserted on a mysterious planet after a crashed ship. Everything around her is alien, except for a few things that feel too close to home, including a haunting astronaut following her and a misplaced old house.

Housemarque developed "Resogun," a profoundly difficult PS4 game. Basically, these devs are used to making 2D overhead bullet hell games, and "Returnal" sees the team bringing some of the sensibilities from "Resogun" to a 3D space. Enemies are abundant and come with powerful projectile attacks that can be difficult to avoid. Dying means starting over with a fully rearranged map.

Selene does have a lot of tools at her disposal, though, including different weapons, and unlockable skills. The way "Returnal" handles progression is really interesting. Bosses function as checkpoints, and there are a few ways in which players can buy or earn an additional resurrection during a run. "Returnal" isn't for the faint of heart. It takes roguelike and Metroidvania mechanics and elevates them to greater, more complex heights. 

• Release Date: April 30, 2021

• Genre: Action, Roguelike, Metroidvania

• Game modes: Single-player

• Metacritic Score: 86 (PS5)

One of Ubisoft's most popular and long-running video game franchises is "Assassin's Creed," which follows characters reliving their assassin ancestors' memories as they stalked prey throughout history. The series really began hitting its stride with 2009's "Assassin Creed 2," set at the height of the Renaissance in 15th century Italy and introducing protagonist Ezio Auditore da Firenze. Ezio would go on to star in a full trilogy of "Assassin's Creed" games, remastered and compiled by Ubisoft in 2016 with "Assassin's Creed: The Ezio Collection."

Containing "Assassin's Creed 2," "Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood," and "Assassin's Creed: Revelations," this compilation showcases how each title evolved the series in its own way, from tower defense missions to running assassins' guilds worldwide. As Ezio travels from Florence to Rome and Istanbul, all of the historical settings are brought to life in immersive maps and the gameplay remains as intuitive and exciting as ever. For those looking to revisit the glory days of "Assassin's Creed," when everything in the series still felt new and fresh, "The Ezio Collection" presents one of the franchise's golden eras in one complete package.

• Release Date: Nov. 15, 2016

• Genre: Action-adventure

• Game Modes: Single-player

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• Metacritic Score: 72 (PS4)

Guerilla Games had trouble winning over audiences with "Killzone." This FPS franchise didn't quite live up to expectations, but when the studio switched genres and created a new IP around an open world action RPG, Guerrilla Games suddenly found its calling.

"Horizon Zero Dawn" is a unique take on a post-apocalyptic future. Humanity has regressed to cavemen technology and spirituality, yet hi-tech robot animals roam the land. This stark contrast makes "Horizon Zero Dawn" instantly appealing and also sets up a decent mystery. How did the world end up this way, and how is it connected to the main character Aloy? The game delivers a satisfying explanation.

Gameplay in "Horizon Zero Dawn" is essentially what you get if you turned "Monster Hunter" into a fully explorable open world game — in a good way. Players can use a variety of arrows and traps to hunt robots, dismantle them for parts, and use the scraps to create better items and equipment. While the narrative of "Horizon Zero Dawn" is captivating on its own, nothing quite beats the thrill of toppling a giant robot T-Rex with arrows and trip wires.

• Release Date: Feb. 28, 2017
• Genre: Action, Adventure, RPG
• Game modes: Single-player only
• Metacritic Score: 89 (PS4)

The first "God of War" released in 2005 and was a bloody, mature spin on hack and slash titles. That game introduced audiences to the anti-hero Kratos and turned him into a PlayStation icon. However, the soft reboot, also titled "God of War," was a transformation for the series that let longtime fans see a new side of the character.

2018's "God of War" is a huge departure for the series. While the action is still fast-paced and visceral, the series-standard isometric camera that let players see all the carnage has been traded for an over-the-shoulder perspective. This exchange makes every blow feel more impactful. Moreover, instead of slaughtering monsters and exploring locations based on Greek legends, the game's enemy roster and vistas are ripped from Norse mythology.

The reboot's most important additions are focused on narrative. Instead of pursuing revenge as in previous titles, the story revolves around Kratos trying to be a good father for his son. While this change provides plenty of room for character development and plot twists, it also gives "God of War" veterans an extra layer of appreciation, since they know what he was like before he settled down.

• Release Date: April 20, 2018
• Genre: Action, Adventure, RPG
• Game modes: Single-player
• Metacritic Score: 94 (PS4)

Getting stuck in development hell can lead to a disappointing final product. Some games have gone through such phases with nothing to show for it, like when "Duke Nukem Forever" took 15 years to develop. Somehow "Final Fantasy 15" was able to overcome adversity and deliver on a ten year promise.

What "Final Fantasy 15" wants to get across is a feeling of friendship and camaraderie. Noctis and his crew are in it for the long haul together. Rather than a globetrotting adventure like "FF7," "Final Fantasy 15" is more like a road trip with buddies. The story of "Final Fantasy 15" it told through multiple mediums, including an epic movie, but its themes are still strong in the game itself.

Gampelay is extremely snappy and quick-paced as Noctis can teleport across the battle field while slashing away in real-time battles. And since "Royal Edition" comes with all updates and content, players can switch to different characters mid-fight. The crew itself has a number of skill trees and powers, so you'll find yourself spending a good bit of time honing their abilities for maximum efficiency. 

• Release Date: March 6, 2018

• Genre: Action, JRPG

• Game modes: Single-Player

• Metacritic Score: 77 (PS4)

For many gamers, "Dark Souls" put FromSoftware on the map, but without "Demon's Souls," "Dark Souls" might not exist. The original "Demon's Souls" released in 2009 exclusively on the PlayStation 3 and introduced many hallmarks of the "soulsborne" sub-genre, such as tough-yet-fair enemies, stamina-centric combat, and setpiece bosses. "Demon's Souls" isn't quite as balanced as its spiritual successors, but it's still a fun adventure. But there's always room for improvement.

Bluepoint Games was behind the "Demon's Souls" remake and added many of the upgrades you see in remasters. The studio completely overhauled the graphics and lighting engine, implemented better music and voice recordings (with the original actors when possible), and improved overall game performance. However, many of the original game's mechanics were kept intact. Bluepoint Games gave PlayStation 5 owners as authentic an experience as possible, albeit without low frame rates or long load times.

• Release Date: Nov. 11, 2020
• Genre: Action, RPG
• Game modes: Single-player, Online multiplayer (up to 6)
• Metacritic Score: 92 (PS5)

"Yakuza Kiwami 2" successfully remade the first "Yakuza" sequel and added in a ton of fun extras. In classic "Yakuza" fashion, the gorgeous return to Kamurocho is filled with memorable brawls, and goofy mini-games. Kazuma Kiryu, also known as the Dragon of Dojima, finally meets his match this time around in the form of Ryuji Goda, and the two begin to feud over territory. Mix in some unpredictable plot twists and bizarre humor and what the player gets is one of the more memorable storylines in the long-running franchise.

The word "remake" is thrown around a lot in the gaming industry, but "Kiwami 2" truly earns the title with its overhauled combat, reworked voice acting, and additional quests. One such exploit involves managing a construction team that gets invaded by enemies, but players can also partake in karaoke and arcade games. 

There are eight mainline entries in this legendary series, and "Kiwami 2" is easily one of its highest points. It's not only one of the best "Yakuza" games, but one of the best action games on PlayStation.

• Release Date: August 28, 2018

• Genre: Action, RPG

• Game modes: Single-Player

• Metacritic Score: 85 (PS4)

After the Ubisoft mascot duked it out with the Rabbids, in "Rayman Raving Rabbids," Rayman went back to his 2D roots. "Rayman Legends" was a critically acclaimed hit, boasting quirky cartoonish graphics, unlockable characters, and a variety of bizarre challenges. What's more is how the entire game can be enjoyed solo or with the friends.

Yes, the game is a run and jump side-scroller, but Rayman also packs some fighting moves. There's a spin move, a charge punch, a stomp, and even a hover move. Basically, Rayman has a lot in his artillery, but his toolset isn't the only diverse part of the game. Levels themselves are varied; stealth missions follow speedy chases, and epic boss fights are around ever corner. The real kicker is the addition of music-based levels, stages that are played to the beat of infectious popular songs. Players will almost never find themselves doing the same thing twice.

Completionists will also find a lot of reasons to go back, since doing so will unlock additional costumes and characters. There are even added levels from the game's predecessor, "Rayman Origins!" As side-scrollers go, "Rayman Legends" is easily in the upper echelon, thanks to its constant experimentation.

• Release Date: February 18, 2014

• Genre: Side-scroller

• Game modes: Single-Player

• Metacritic Score: 90 (PS4)

"Far Cry 3" reinvented "Far Cry" (for better and for worse). Ever since then, Ubisoft has tried to make each subsequent entry follow pretty much the same formula, but the franchise is arguably at its best when it doesn't take itself seriously.

"Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon" is, at its core, "Far Cry 3" with a neon 80s paint job. The main gameplay loop of "Blood Dragon," while simplified, remains the same: sneak around, shoot enemies and wildlife, upgrade skills, repeat. But instead of starring an affluent vacationer who needs to save his friends from pirates, the main character of this standalone DLC is a hardcore cyborg voiced by "Terminator" star Michael Biehn. Plus, in "Blood Dragon," players get to assault strongholds with the help of fire-breathing Godzilla tributes called blood dragons, which is as awesome as it sounds.

"Far Cry 3 – Blood Dragon" combines the best aspects of "Far Cry 3" with a healthy helping of tongue-in-cheek 80s cheese that gives the game a unique flavor.

• Release Date: April 30, 2013
• Genre: Action, Adventure, FPS
• Game modes: Single-player only
• Metacritic Score: 82 (PS3)

One of the best entries in the long-running series, "Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag" combines stealth with pirate action for a match made in heaven. The world of "Black Flag" is absolutely massive and offers multiple islands to explore, but what it does best is refine systems that have become staples in the franchise.

As Edward Kenway, players will have the ability to manage their own ship and crew in a giant RPG-like experience as they search for a mysterious treasure. Ship combat is crucial: Enemy forts can be taken out with some strategic cannon fire, while enemy ships can be boarded and conquered, leading to hectic fights and big spoils upon victory.

Of course, Kenway also has the typical assassination, parkour, and combat skills from older "Assassin's Creed" games. The "Assassin's Creed" series has explored a number of time periods, but there's something about the pirate-centric setting of "Black Flag" that just feels right.

• Release Date: November 12, 2013

• Genre: Action, Stealth

• Game modes: Single-player

• Metacritic Score: 88 (PS3), 83 (PS4)

A weird one for sure, "Control: Ultimate Edition" is unlike anything before it. While it may seem like a standard third-person shooter, its story and the lead's various abilities turn it into something pretty extraordinary. Developed by "Alan Wake" creator Remedy Games — and set within Remedy's connected universe — this title packs in action, horror, and sci-fi vibes all at once.

Searching for her brother, Jesse Faden comes across the FBC, an agency that may have a connection to his disappearance. Things are definitely not what they seem, and Jesse quickly encounters an enemy force called The Hiss, which is essentially haunting the building. As she progresses, Jesse unlocks more abilities and gun customizations. Her telekinetic abilities allow her to float or force-push objects, while her "service weapon" gun can transform, changing its stats and uses.

Third-person shooters are a dime a dozen, but "Control" is something more. It wears its weirdness on its sleeve and welcomes players to explore and learn about its incredible world.

• Release Date: February 2, 2021

• Genre: Third-person shooter

• Game modes: Single-Player

• Metacritic Score: 85 (PS5)

The original "Final Fantasy 12" released in 2006 for the PlayStation 2 and played like a mix of classic "Final Fantasy" and the then-recent MMORPG "Final Fantasy 11." Combat took place on the game map and removed some of the busy work by letting characters auto-attack and follow preset behaviors called "gambits." Critics and fans alike praised the worldbuilding and narrative of "Final Fantasy 12," but the game was far from perfect. Instead of remastering "Final Fantasy 12" as with older "Final Fantasy" titles, Square Enix improved the experience.

"Final Fantasy 12: The Zodiac Age" provides all of the upgrades fans have come to expect from remasters, such as better graphical fidelity, widescreen support, and faster load times, but the biggest and most important changes are the completely reworked license board and job system. Instead of giving each character the same board and starting them off at different positions, the game implements classes, each with their own abilities and boards needed to unlock them. Players can also mix and match classes and skills. Instead of making all characters essentially play the same by the endgame, "The Zodiac Age" makes characters feel more varied.

• Release Date: July 11, 2017
• Genre: RPG
• Game modes: Single-player
• Metacritic Score: 86 (PS4)

Many fighting games pride themselves on being bigger and better than their older counterparts, but "Granblue Fantasy Versus" takes a different approach, instead feeling more like a modern spin on classic arcade fighters like "Street Fighter 2."

Similar to "Street Fighter 2," "Granblue" is all about footsies and timing. Waiting for your opponent to whiff an attack so you can punish them is the age-old strategy employed here. Many fans have noted the direct parallels between the two seres, but "Granblue" still feels fresh due to its flashy anime art style.

Another highlight is the way special moves are done. Inputting control stick patterns can get tricky. Special moves are also a breeze to pull off, making battles even more exciting and explosive. "Granblue" alleviates the pain of inputting complex patterns by incorporating an optional control scheme that IGN compared to "Super Smash Bros." With this enabled, players can throw out a projectile by just moving the stick in one direction, rather than in different patterns.

Overall, "Granblue Fantasy Versus" is a straightforward fighting game that is great for entry levels and veterans. It implements tried and true mechanics from classic games, but also puts a fun updated spin on things.

• Release Date: March 3, 2020

• Genre: Fighting game

• Game modes: Single-Player, Online multiplayer (up to 64)

• Metacritic Score: 78 (PS4)

Before "Skyrim," fans of Bethesda's acclaimed "Elder Scrolls" fantasy series had "Oblivion" to point to as the series' high point. Following the assassination of Tamriel's emperor, the kingdom falls into chaos as fiery portals open across the realm, each unleashing fiendish monsters from a hellish dimension known as Oblivion. The player character scrambles to find a way to relight Dragonfires around Tamriel and install a new emperor to prevent the forces of Oblivion from completely overwhelming the kingdom.

With a completely open-world environment and loads of side quests, "Oblivion" is a completely immersive experience that allows players to explore Tamriel and address the main quest at their own pace. "Oblivion" offers full customization of characters — more than just in regard to physical appearance, but also in the ability to learn and improve upon a myriad of skills and progress through various guilds. A fantasy world easy to get lost in, "Oblivion" still retains a certain charm and its presentation and gameplay hold up after a decade since its initial release.

• Release Date: March 20, 2007

• Genre: Action RPG

• Game Modes: Single-player

• Metacritic Score: 93 (PS3)

Capcom's "Street Fighter" franchise has been a pioneering force for the entire fighting game genre for decades, with 1999's "Street Fighter 3: Third Strike" closing out the fast-paced and technical "Street Fighter 3" trilogy. The game was remastered for PlayStation 3 in 2011 and given an array of new features, including online play, in the game's aptly subtitled "Online Edition." Even after "Third Strike" has been re-released in subsequent "Street Fighter" collections, "Online Edition" remains the definitive way to experience the classic fighting game.

Along with beautifully updated sprites and environments, "Online Edition" also includes a training mode for players to hone their skills, a tournament mode to host larger competitions, and a spectator mode for those online matches. "Online Edition" also includes a trophy system and a vault filled with unlockable concept and promotional artwork, as well as rocking music tracks from the entire "Street Fighter 3" trilogy. "Street Fighter 3: Third Strike Online Edition" represents the "Street Fighter" series at its very best.

• Release Date: Aug. 23, 2011

• Genre: Fighting

• Game Modes: Single-player, two-player local/online multiplayer

• Metacritic Score: 86 (PS3)

"Final Fantasy" is one of the franchises that helped elevate the original PlayStation over its competitors in the mid '90s with the success of "Final Fantasy 7." Then the iconic RPG series was brought to new heights on the PlayStation 2 with "Final Fantasy X." Square Enix remastered the instant classic game and its 2003 direct sequel "Final Fantasy X-2" in high definition for the PS3 — and later, the PlayStation 4 — in a single, well-received compilation. With its technical presentation dramatically improved and new features added, "Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD" is the definitive way to experience both games.

"Final Fantasy X" and its sequel take place in the fantasy world of Spira, following a young athlete named Tidus who is whisked away from his home to this mystical realm. "Final Fantasy X-2" follows Tidus' girlfriend Yuna as she sets out to ease tensions between the factions of Spira in the tumultuous period after the villainous Sin's defeat. Both games feature a combat system that revamped the previous games' mechanics and a dazzling story that has stood the test of time.

• Release Date: May 12, 2015

• Genre: RPG

• Game Modes: Single-player

• Metacritic Score: 84 (PS4)

The culmination of developer Rocksteady Games' "Batman: Arkham" storyline is 2015's "Batman: Arkham Knight," which saw the Dark Knight confront the Scarecrow and other supervillains in an overrun Gotham City. Expanding upon the open world gameplay introduced by 2011's Batman: Arkham City," this game refined the series' combat mechanics and introduced the Batmobile to make citywide navigation even more exciting. "Arkham Knight" is easily the most ambitious game in the series, taking some major narrative and mechanical swings, and fortunately most of these swings solidly connect.

Initially released for the PlayStation 4, "Arkham Knight" took advantage of the console's technical capabilities to create much more detailed environments, character designs, and A.I. behavior. The PlayStation Plus Premium subscription offers all the DLC content for "Arkham Knight," including the "Season of Infamy" chapters that added several sub-missions linked to iconic Batman supervillains. The triumphant end to Rocksteady's acclaimed trilogy, "Arkham Knight" closes out this particular video game saga's take on Batman on a high note.

• Release Date: June 23, 2015

• Genre: Action-adventure

• Game Modes: Single-player

• Metacritic Score: 87 (PS4)

"XCOM" is easily one of the best and most-loved turned-based tactical RPG franchises, but one installment stands above the rest. 2016's "XCOM 2" follows the 2012 reboot of the series by developer Firaxis Games and ups the already-challenging difficulty from its predecessor by making the game's battles even more unpredictable. Through the slight revisions to its combat and new weapons and enemy types added to bolster the game's content, "XCOM 2" became a masterclass of the genre.

Set 20 years after the events of "XCOM: Enemy Unknown," "XCOM 2" reveals that the governments of Earth eventually submitted to the extraterrestrial invasion from the previous game. Forced to go into hiding and on the run, the elite fighting force of XCOM engages the alien overlords in guerilla warfare in a desperate battle to retake their planet. With a surprising amount of variation and gameplay depth in each mission, "XCOM 2" offers plenty of replayability for players who can handle the challenge.

• Release Date: Sept. 27, 2016

• Genre: Tactical RPG

• Game Modes: Single-player, Two-player online multiplayer

• Metacritic Score: 87 (PS4)

"Pathfinder: Kingmaker – Definitive Edition" is an extremely deep CRPG for players to explore. Based on the tabletop RPG system "Pathfinder," "Kingmaker" has a wide range of classes, feats, spells, and gear for players to experiment with across its vast storyline. Combat is played out in tactical turn-based engagements that push players to think on their feet to overcome a massive cast of enemies, each of which challenge players in unique ways. These allow players to extensively explore the deep rule system of "Pathfinder," which has captivated players for years. 

"Kingmaker" also boasts a massive world filled with stories and decisions for players to explore. There are hundreds of hours' worth of content, and the story's various decisions keep multiple playthroughs interesting. There are countless characters to learn about and interact with, an entire kingdom for players to run, and enough customization to allow for every playstyle.

• Release Date: September 25, 2018

• Genre: RPG

• Game Modes: Single-player

• Metacritic Score: 74 (PS4)

"Hollow Knight" is one of those rare indie games that crossed over with mainstream audiences. Now that it is part of PlayStation Plus Premium, there is no reason for subscribers who are fans of platformers or metroidvanias to not check it out for themselves. Players will be rewarded with a deep and beautiful world full of hand-drawn graphics, loads of charm, and a ton of creativity in its atmospheric environments. "Hollow Knight" also has a somber story buried in its mysterious world and unique characters. 

For players who want a challenge, "Hollow Knight" also has plenty to offer. The game's 2D take on stamina-based combat is highly reminiscent of the "Dark Souls" series. To explore the world and slay the vast cast of unique enemies throughout the game, players have to master an array of mechanics and abilities. The game is difficult but fair, and overcoming the game's myriad challenges is extremely challenging for players who manage to persevere through the hardships and toils of the world of Hallownest.

• Release Date: February 24, 2017

• Genre: Action, Metroidvania

• Game Modes: Single-player

• Metacritic Score: 85 (PS4)

"Dead Cells" is a 2D rogue-lite with action platformer elements that follows a prisoner attempting to escape a labyrinthine complex. Runs in "Dead Cells" are all about speed, decisive action, and adapting on the fly to randomized layouts, gear, and enemies. Players are pushed to master the game's massive array of weapons, abilities, and perks to form builds that can defeat massive bosses and survive environmental hazards. Every run is different as players choose their own path through a web of procedurally-generated locales, each with their own challenges and theme. 

As players defeat enemies, they collect currencies that can be spent to purchase a wide range of unlocks that include new powers, weapons, and equipment that can help make their next run easier. This helps "Dead Cells" stay fresh no matter how many hours players invest. There are always new challenges to find, new builds to attempt, and better completion times to race for. "Dead Cells" has something for nearly every rogue-lite fan, delivering it all with some fun tongue-in-cheek humor. 

• Release Date: August 7, 2018

• Genre: Action, Rogue-lite

• Game Modes: Single-player

• Metacritic Score: 87 (PS4)

While having very little to do with the original title it was rebooting, "Prey" from Arkane Studios challenges the player with surviving on a space station besieged by a hostile alien race with strong psychic abilities. While exploring the station and uncovering the history of the player's character and the station itself, players also have to manage resources, upgrade weapons, and even take on the aliens to survive. 

In true Arkane fashion, players are then able to combine all of these disparate elements with one another to navigate the game world and overcome challenges in whatever way they want. This makes "Prey" feel extremely open, as the game's engine is built to allow for freedom and player expression through how they interact with the space station and the enemies that are trying to hunt them down at every turn. The game also features a lot of survival horror elements, with limited resources serving to heighten the tension.

• Release Date: May 5, 2017

• Genre: Action, Horror

• Game Modes: Single-player

• Metacritic Score: 79 (PS4)

"The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited" is a sprawling MMORPG set in the "Elder Scrolls" universe. Only its base game is included in PlayStation Plus Premium, but even that release has a ton of content to play through either alone or with a group of friends. The game does an excellent job of integrating the DNA of the main "Elder Scrolls" series into its MMO formula, making it more accessible to franchise fans. Players can use any weapon or armor, regardless of their class, and are able to adventure anywhere in the world without worrying about their character level. 

The game boasts modes for every type of MMO player. There is an in-depth housing system for players to show off their achievements, as well as various types of PvP matches, dungeons, and countless hours of quests to embark on. "The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited" is a game that's packed with new things to discover and it rewards faithful players constantly. Even better, it is always expanding, with enough content on the way to keep fans busy forever.

• Release Date: April 4, 2014

• Genre: MMORPG

• Game Modes: Online multi-player

• Metacritic Score: 74 (PS4)

Players looking for a deep and involved grand strategy game need look no further than "Stellaris," which places players in control of a galactic empire led by one of a multitude of alien races. Players then have to grow and manage their empire across numerous solar systems, all while building fleets of starships, researching new technologies, and navigating tense politics with outside forces. 

A single match of "Stellaris" can take many hours to complete, but achieving victory is extremely rewarding. As noted in Polygon's review, is especially impressive just how well the console edition of "Stellaris" translates the grand strategy title to being playable with a controller. Dedicated players who want more options or challenge also have a library of expansions and DLC to choose from, which can drastically change and shape the game with the addition of numerous features.

• Release Date: May 9, 2016

• Genre: Real-time strategy

• Game Modes: Single-player, Online multiplayer

• Metacritic Score: 77 (PS4)

War is a common theme in games, but it is very rare for a game to take a perspective quite like "This War of Mine," which focuses not on soldiers, but on those impacted by a war. The game puts players in control of a group of civilians struggling to survive in a crumbling city under siege by a modern military force. Citizens of the city are forced to scavenge for food, fight amongst each other for supplies, and survive by any means necessary. 

The player's actions in "This War of Mine: The Little Ones" is full of these impossibly difficult choices, with the addition of a child survivor who must be cared for at all cost. Balancing the needs of the group and the members' tenuous grasp of their morality can be very dark and challenging for players. Those who can still play the game, however, are rewarded with a work of art that explores humanity in a way that few other properties do. Its difficulty and high stakes also make for a mechanically challenging survival game that even experienced players will have a hard time finishing.

• Release Date: June 1, 2016

• Genre: Survival

• Game Modes: Single-player

• Metacritic Score: 78 (PS4)

Sony boasts an impressive array of first-party exclusives, but few are as widely acclaimed and beloved as "Bloodborne." The game takes the groundbreaking combat systems of the "Dark Souls" series and makes it more fast-paced and aggressive. Combat is filled with guns, shape-changing weapons, and even magical artifacts that pull their power from a parallel dimension. Using their unique build players have to fight through streets infested with mutated monsters and slay horrifying boss creatures that tower above the player character. 

Like most FromSoftware games, "Bloodborne" presents players with a fully-realized setting filled with esoteric lore and hidden remnants of the lives that once flourisged in the fallen city of Yharnam. The world of "Bloodborne" is a beautiful gothic cityscape that is brimming with tragedy and sorrow. Its tone may not be for every player, but it offers a challenging, strange, and fascinating experience.

• Release Date: March 24, 2015

• Genre: Action, Horror, RPG

• Game Modes: Single-player, Online multiplayer (up to 5)

• Metacritic Score: 92 (PS4)

One of the most celebrated games from the PlayStation 2 era is 2005's "Shadow of the Colossus," developed by Japan Studio and Team Ico. A fantasy game that seamlessly blends action-adventure stakes and spectacle with engaging puzzle-solving gameplay, "Shadow of the Colossus" is one of the most beautifully rendered and unique games ever made. After remastering "Shadow of the Colossus" for the PlayStation 3 in 2011, developer Bluepoint Games rebuilt the game from the ground up in 2018 with ultra-high definition assets for the PlayStation 4.

The game follows a warrior called Wander, who embarks on a quest to slay 16 towering colossi in order to resurrect a maiden who was recently sacrified. Approaching each of these behemoths, Wander must employ different strategies to bring each of the giants down to size before finishing them off. "Shadow of the Colossus" is a marvel of visual design and innovative gameplay.

• Release Date: Feb. 6, 2018

• Genre: Action-adventure

• Game Modes: Single-player

• Metacritic Score: 91 (PS4)

Compared to some of his other superhero counterparts, Spider-Man has a surprisingly solid track record of quality video games that could give Batman a run for his money. The friendly neighborhood webslinger made a splash on the PlayStation 4 with "Marvel's Spider-Man," which was later remastered and packaged with its DLC as "Marvel's Spider-Man: Game of the Year Edition." Engaging, accessible, and just a lot of fun to pick up and play, this "Game of the Year Edition" is the definitive way to experience the game.

"Marvel's Spider-Man" takes place after Peter Parker has graduated from college. He's now a seasoned superhero, but still a relatively young man trying to make ends meet in Manhattan. As a super-powered street gang expands their activities around the city, familiar foes and new supervillain surface around town to challenge the wallcrawler. With its intuitive navigation, combat, and stealth gameplay mechanics, genuinely thrilling boss fights, and an exciting open-world environment, "Marvel's Spider-Man" is a knockout adventure title.

• Release Date: Nov. 12, 2020

• Genre: Action-adventure

• Game Modes: Single-player

• Metacritic Score: 87 (PS4)