The gaming world is always buzzing with anticipation, and as highlighted in the video above, 2023 is shaping up to be a monumental year for PlayStation 4 enthusiasts. We’re on the cusp of experiencing a fresh wave of incredible titles, from long-awaited sequels to innovative new IPs, all ready to redefine your gaming sessions. Whether you’re a fan of sprawling RPGs, spine-chilling horror, or strategic combat, the upcoming PS4 games promise something truly special for everyone.
This deep dive expands on the exciting announcements, giving you a closer look at the gameplay, stories, and unique features that make these titles stand out. Prepare your controllers; the next chapter of PS4 gaming is just around the corner, packed with adventures that will keep you glued to your screen.
Unforgettable RPG Journeys on PS4
Role-playing games are known for their immersive narratives and expansive worlds, and the upcoming PS4 games in this genre are set to deliver. These titles invite players to step into intricate stories, shaping destinies and exploring breathtaking landscapes. From classic turn-based combat to real-time action, these RPGs offer diverse experiences that cater to every taste.
Octopath Traveler II: A Symphony of Eight Tales
Building on the beloved foundation of its predecessor, Octopath Traveler II brings a refined experience to PS4 gamers. This new chapter introduces eight fresh adventurers, each with their own distinct path and captivating story. Imagine a world where every decision, every encounter, feels like turning a page in an epic novel, all rendered in a beautiful “almost 3D” visual style that blends retro charm with modern flair. The game’s innovative day and night cycles dynamically change how you interact with characters and the environment, ensuring a unique journey with every playthrough. For example, a merchant might only appear during the day, while a rogue could lurk in the shadows at night.
The Legend of Heroes: Trails Series Expands Westward
Fans of the intricate ‘Trails’ saga have much to celebrate, as Nihon Falcon is bringing two more localized titles to the West. The highly anticipated Legends of Heroes, Trails into Reverie, arrives in the summer, concluding the interwoven Crossbell and Erebonia arcs with thrilling turn-based combat and deep character development. Consider it the grand finale of a beloved series, tying up loose ends like a perfectly crafted tapestry. Before that, you might even see Trails to Azure launch earlier in the year, setting the stage for Reverie’s epic conclusion. However, the surprises don’t stop there. The Legend of Nayuta: Boundless Trails, a lighter, more whimsical adventure filled with fairies and seasonal magic, offers a refreshing contrast to the series’ traditionally serious tone. It’s like switching from an intense drama to a charming fairytale, all within the same beloved universe.
Diablo IV: A Return to Dark Roots
Blizzard is taking Diablo IV in a compelling new direction, emphasizing a grounded storyline and an interactive open-world environment. This upcoming PS4 game focuses on drawing players deeper into its grim, gothic world, where every decision feels weighty and consequential. With seamless cross-play support, you and your friends can join forces, battling hordes of demons and exploring vast, corrupted lands together. It’s like stepping into a living, breathing nightmare, but with the camaraderie of fellow adventurers by your side. The goal is to make Sanctuary feel like a truly dangerous, yet deeply engaging, place to inhabit.
Hogwarts Legacy: The Ultimate Wizarding World Fantasy
For every Harry Potter enthusiast, Hogwarts Legacy is poised to be the definitive game of 2023. Set a century before the events of the books, this open-world magic school experience allows you to live out your wizarding dreams. Attend classes, brew potions, master spells, and battle mythical beasts as you uncover an original story within the iconic corridors of Hogwarts. Managing mischief and exploring Diagon Alley become your daily tasks, transforming you from a mere fan into an active participant in a magical history untold. It’s truly like receiving your own acceptance letter, only this time, you’re free to write your own magical destiny.
Lies of P: A Dark Fairy Tale
Prepare for a challenge with Lies of P, an RPG set in a dark, steampunk open world. This game isn’t just about grim aesthetics; it promises brutal “Souls-like” combat, demanding precision and perseverance from its players. Meeting the mysterious Geppetto is just the beginning of a hard and intense journey through a world where mechanical horrors lurk around every corner. Surviving in this world is like navigating a treacherous maze where every enemy is a puzzle and every victory is hard-earned, but immensely satisfying.
Sea of Stars: A Love Letter to Classic RPGs
Channeling the spirit of beloved retro RPGs, Sea of Stars offers a vibrant world brought to life with stunning pixel art and a compelling turn-based combat system. This game is a true “love letter to the classics,” promising a narrative filled with both silly side quests and epic battles against formidable foes. It’s reminiscent of the golden age of RPGs, where exploration and story were paramount, offering a fresh yet familiar experience for fans of the genre.
Disgaea 7: The Antics Continue
The wildly popular Disgaea series returns with its seventh installment, bringing its signature over-the-top antics to a new, Japan-inspired world. Join a samurai and an otaku girl on a quest to overthrow a shogun and reclaim what’s rightfully theirs. Expect hilarious dialogue, absurd combat mechanics, and a strategic depth that only Disgaea can provide. While it will initially launch in Japan, the wait for its Western release will surely be worth it for fans of its unique brand of tactical RPG mayhem.
Thrilling Horror Experiences for PS4
If you prefer your games with a side of scares, the upcoming PS4 games in the horror genre are designed to send shivers down your spine. From intense remakes to innovative asymmetrical multiplayer, these titles explore the darkest corners of imagination.
Resident Evil 4 Remake: Reimagining a Classic Terror
Resident Evil 4, a game that has seen numerous ports since its GameCube debut, is being remade for a new generation of players. This highly anticipated title is expected to retain the original’s thrilling story and dynamic action, but with a modern polish. The recent ESRB rating hints at the return of graphic decapitations and even the possibility of multiplayer, escalating the horror further. Playing Resident Evil 4 is like stepping into a finely tuned horror machine, where every encounter is a tense dance with death, constantly pushing you to the edge of your seat.
Dead Island 2: Zombie Mayhem in the Golden State
After an almost decade-long wait, Dead Island 2 finally shambles onto the scene, bringing its signature zombie chaos to sunny California. Despite the extensive delays, the developers promise a game that stays true to the series’ simple, yet satisfying, formula of dismembering hordes of the undead. Imagine a vibrant, open-world playground overrun by zombies, where creative weapons and gory combat reign supreme. It’s like a tropical vacation gone horribly, hilariously wrong, and we’re ready for the blood-soaked fun.
Asymmetrical Horror: Killer Klowns and Texas Chainsaw
The world of horror on PS4 is expanding with unique asymmetrical multiplayer experiences. Killer Klowns from Outer Space: The Game recreates the campy cult classic, pitting three Killer Klowns against seven human survivors in Crescent Cove. It’s a chaotic game of cat and mouse where friends can swap roles, deciding who gets to hunt and who gets hunted. In stark contrast, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre offers a grittier horror experience, allowing players to embody either the notorious family of killers or their desperate victims. Each role comes with unique abilities, making the hunt and the escape equally exciting, with new additions to the franchise’s canon for an extra layer of surprise.
World of Horror: Pixelated Dread
For those who appreciate psychological horror and unique aesthetics, World of Horror presents an unnerving collision course with the Old Gods. Its distinctive 1-bit art style, reminiscent of old computer games, perfectly complements the Junji Ito-inspired storyline, creating a sense of dread that seeps into your bones. With turn-based combat, cryptic puzzles, and five playable characters, you’ll navigate a branching narrative where your choices determine your fate. It’s like reading a terrifying graphic novel that constantly pulls you deeper into its unsettling world.
Aliens: Dark Descent: Tactical Terror
Bringing strategy to the iconic Aliens franchise, Aliens: Dark Descent is a tactical action game akin to the beloved XCOM series. Set 20 years after Aliens 3, this title places you in command of a squad of Colonial Marines on Moon Lethe, leading them in a desperate battle against hordes of Xenomorphs. It’s a game where every decision matters, as you strategize your way through alien-infested environments, managing your troops and resources under intense pressure. This is a game about smart survival, not just brute force, offering a different kind of scare.
Dynamic Action & Fighting for PS4
Action-packed adventures and competitive fighting games are pillars of the PS4 experience, and 2023 delivers exciting new entries and innovative revivals.
Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty: Ancient China, Brutal Combat
From the creators of Nioh, Team Ninja, comes Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty, a challenging action RPG that plunges players into ancient China. Expect new combat styles and punishing gameplay, but with the added twist of divine beasts guiding your path. Friends can also join you on this quest, making the difficult journey a bit more bearable. It’s like stepping into a martial arts epic, where every strike and parry is crucial, demanding mastery and precision to overcome formidable foes. The game promises the same high-octane action and deep lore that fans have come to expect from Team Ninja.
Atomic Heart: BioShock in the Soviet Union
Step into a truly bizarre world with Atomic Heart, a shooter often described as “BioShock in the Soviet Union.” This game arms you with an array of unconventional weapons and unique powers to combat an array of creepy, robotic monsters. Its blend of FPS action, intricate world-building, and unsettling atmosphere creates an experience that is both thrilling and thought-provoking. It’s like a twisted retro-futuristic dream, where scientific progress has gone horribly awry.
Street Fighter 6: Expanding the Arena
Capcom is opening up its acclaimed fighting series to a wider audience with Street Fighter 6. While classic fighting campaigns remain, the game introduces a robust multiplayer hub and a single-player journey where you can explore with your very own custom character. This approach means both seasoned veterans and newcomers can find their footing, whether they prefer traditional head-to-head combat or a more expansive, personalized adventure. It’s a fighting game that’s truly evolving, providing multiple entry points without sacrificing its core competitive spirit.
Hollow Knight: Silksong: Hornet’s New Challenge
The much-awaited sequel to the critically acclaimed Hollow Knight, Silksong, sees Hornet, Hallownest’s princess protector, face a whole new set of challenges. Players will explore an unfamiliar, yet strangely beautiful world, mastering Hornet’s new moves and skills for exhilarating boss fights. This game promises the same intricate world design, compelling combat, and atmospheric storytelling that made the original a masterpiece. It’s like diving back into a beloved fable, only this time, the heroine has her own epic tale to tell.
Assassin’s Creed Mirage: Back to Basics in Baghdad
After the magical realism of Valhalla, Assassin’s Creed Mirage hints at a more grounded story, focusing on Basim, a companion from AC Valhalla. This installment takes players to the Golden Age of Baghdad, promising a return to the series’ stealth-focused roots. While glimpses of jinn might appear, the developers aim for a more historically accurate and less fantastical narrative. It’s a chance to experience the thrill of parkour and assassination in a rich, vibrant setting, feeling more like a classic Assassin’s Creed experience.
Like a Dragon: Ishin!: Edo Period Remaster
Relive the glory days of the PS4 with Like a Dragon: Ishin!, a Yakuza spin-off that was once a launch title for the console. This historically accurate Edo period adventure has been remade with the Unreal Engine 4, making its gorgeous environments and intense combat even more spectacular. It’s a unique opportunity to experience a piece of Yakuza history, now enhanced for modern systems, blending dramatic storytelling with over-the-top action in feudal Japan.
Strategic New Worlds & Unique Adventures for PS4
Beyond traditional genres, the PS4 also welcomes games that push boundaries, offering unique strategic gameplay and captivating narratives that defy easy categorization.
One Piece Odyssey: Grand Adventure on the PS4
Finally, One Piece fans get a game that feels as grand as the manga and anime itself. One Piece Odyssey is an open-world RPG with an original story crafted by creator Eiichiro Oda. The latest trailers showcase familiar sites like Water Seven, alongside new dungeons and special moves to collect. It’s an opportunity to truly roam with the Straw Hat Pirates, embarking on an epic adventure that feels authentic to the spirit of One Piece. Consider it the definitive interactive saga for fans.
Oxenfree II: Lost Signals: Choices That Matter
The award-winning adventure Oxenfree receives a follow-up with Oxenfree II: Lost Signals, a coming-of-age story interwoven with a paranormal twist. Your choices will carry even more weight as you explore Camena and investigate the mysterious phenomena plaguing it. The game excels at building atmosphere and character relationships through its innovative dialogue system, where every response shapes the narrative. It’s like being the protagonist in a gripping supernatural thriller, where your decisions genuinely steer the plot.
The Wolf Among Us 2: Fabletown’s New Case
Telltale Games brings back its popular episodic adventure series with The Wolf Among Us 2, based on the Fables comic series. The sequel picks up six months after the events of the first game, with Bigby Wolf tackling a new case that threatens the stability of Fabletown. Known for its gripping narratives and impactful choices, this game promises another layer of mystery and intrigue in a world where fairy tale characters live in secret among humans. It’s a chance to revisit a beloved cast and dive into a noir-style investigation.
Minecraft Legends: Strategic Block Battles
Mojang and Blackbird have put a new spin on the beloved voxel game with Minecraft Legends. This action strategy title leverages Minecraft’s vast world to create exciting arenas for strategic battles. It’s up to you to protect the Overworld from a Piglin invasion, building defenses and leading your armies in dynamic, large-scale conflicts. It transforms the creative freedom of Minecraft into a compelling tactical experience, proving that even blocks can wage war.
GrimGrimoire OnceMore: A Unique RTS Experience
Fans of RTS games and Vanillaware’s distinctive art style will rejoice with GrimGrimoire OnceMore. Previously exclusive to Japan, this unique title lets you play as a trainee witch who, with her familiars, destroys enemy bases in a side-scrolling arena. It’s a blend of real-time strategy with a charming, hand-drawn aesthetic, offering a fresh take on the genre. It’s like stepping into a magical storybook where your strategic prowess determines the outcome of mystical battles.
