4) Ratchet & Clank
When Ratchet & Clank hit shelves back in May, nobody could quite have predicted the overwhelming interest and popularity the franchise would once again achieve. It wasn’t as if the game, based on the movie, based on the game wasn’t something we’d seen before, but the PS4 reboot feels like a culmination of everything beloved about the series over the years; entertaining gameplay, gorgeous CGI cutscenes and hilarious gags interwoven in a fun narrative. Indeed, among the plethora of shooters, fantasy RPGs and zombie games, what a breath of fresh air it has been to once again play a 3D platforming title that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
At the heart of Ratchet & Clank’s success is its stellar gameplay, in particular its awesome combat and addictive upgrading system. Thanks to a plethora of whacky weaponry that includes the ability to have your foes dancing to killer disco balls or transforming them to baa-ing sheep, gunplay never feels monotonous or same-y. The platforming sections, too, are a total hoot, especially the grinding and jet pack sequences that provide thrilling moments of traversal.
Even if Ratchet & Clank isn’t entirely new, the reboot does manage to feel fresh and relevant among other modern AAA games. It hardly puts a foot wrong, combining superb gameplay with both witty writing and an aesthetic that wouldn’t look out of place in a Pixar movie. In fact, it’s easily one of the PS4’s best experiences and a must own for owners of the console.
For our full thoughts on the game, read our in-depth review.
