Phenomenal PlayStation Games Turning 10 Years Old In 2026

In 2016, Sony continued to support several consoles, including the popular PS4 and the handheld PS Vita. While the PS3 also received some support, mostly in Japan, the same was largely true for the PS Vita. Despite these older systems still being maintained, the PS4 continued to thrive after its 2013 release, driven by strong game sales.

In 2026, several PlayStation games will celebrate their 10th anniversary, and that’s what we’ll be focusing on. These include games made by PlayStation’s own studios, as well as titles that were exclusive to PlayStation but may have also come out on computers. We won’t be spending much time on games available on multiple platforms, such as Doom or Dark Souls 3. It’s surprising to think these games can already be considered retro after ten years!

Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End

Later, Nathan

Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End was designed to be the concluding chapter in Nathan Drake’s story as the main character of the Uncharted series. Although a standalone game, Uncharted: The Lost Legacy, followed, A Thief’s End felt like the true finale. Originally released exclusively for the PS4, it became available on PS5 and PC in 2022.

The movie delivered everything you’d expect from a grand finale – exciting action sequences, touching moments, and plenty of thrilling gunfights. Unlike many other series, Uncharted ended on a high note.

Ratchet & Clank (2016)

A Big Reboot

The 2016 Ratchet & Clank game was a fresh start for the series, released alongside a movie. Although the original game came out on the PlayStation 2 in 2002, this version isn’t a direct sequel – it’s more of a remake that retells a familiar story. Even now, the game looks fantastic on the PlayStation 4, and its gameplay is just as enjoyable as any other Ratchet & Clank title.

This game features creative weapons, lighthearted humor that both kids and adults will appreciate, and excellent platforming. The only downside is that it’s based on a fairly weak movie.

The Last Guardian

Took Forever And A Day

Originally revealed in 2009 as a PlayStation 3 game, The Last Guardian was intended to be the next chapter after Ico and Shadow of the Colossus. However, the game faced many development challenges before finally being released on the PlayStation 4 in 2016.

This game tells the story of a boy and a giant creature who become friends while exploring old ruins. It has a similar look and feel to other games made by Team Ico. Players need to work together with the creature – which acts intelligently – to solve puzzles and escape. Like Team Ico’s previous games, it’s both beautiful and emotionally powerful.

Final Fantasy 15

Ten Years In The Making

Man, it’s crazy to think about how long it took to make Final Fantasy 15! It actually started as Final Fantasy Versus 13 way back in 2006. After tons of delays, they finally released it as a proper numbered Final Fantasy game – and it was the first one to really let you roam around a huge open world, which was awesome. It did come out on Xbox One, but honestly, Final Fantasy always feels like a PlayStation game to me, you know?

Final Fantasy XV was a fresh take on the series, being the first major game to move away from traditional turn-based battles to a more action-focused style, which felt fantastic when playing as the agile hero, Noctis. Although the story had some problems towards the end, it’s a game people still remember fondly, and it improved with updates. Also in 2016, fans on PlayStation 4 and Vita could enjoy World of Final Fantasy, a charming spin-off similar to Pokémon that doesn’t get enough recognition.

Street Fighter 5

Remembering Ken’s Banana Hair

When it first came out, Street Fighter 5 wasn’t considered one of the best games in the series, largely due to a very difficult launch. It was available on PlayStation 4 and PC, and surprisingly, it never appeared on any other consoles except for arcades in 2019 – a departure from the many console ports seen in previous Street Fighter games.

While the core fighting mechanics in Street Fighter 5 were good, the initial release felt incomplete, especially with the lack of a full story mode. Fortunately, like many games today, it improved significantly over time with updates and additions. This is important because Capcom learned from the initial reception and then delivered a fantastic follow-up in 2023 with Street Fighter 6.

No Man’s Sky

A Blemished Promise

No Man’s Sky had a very unusual release on both PlayStation 4 and PC, particularly because Sony heavily promoted it beforehand. The initial version of the game didn’t live up to the expectations set by pre-release previews. Players were most disappointed by the absence of multiplayer and a clear sense of purpose or direction.

The game worked great on all platforms, but players quickly lost interest. Fortunately, the developers at Hello Games didn’t give up, and their dedication recently earned them an award for Best Ongoing Game at The 2025 Game Awards. Considering the game’s rocky start, that’s a remarkable achievement, especially nearly ten years after it first came out.

Alienation

Arcade Halo Action

Alienation is a shooter game developed by Housemarque for the PlayStation 4. Unlike their previous titles, it features a robust progression system where players earn loot during missions. This loot can be used to upgrade their character with new armor, weapons, and other gear, similar to games like Halo.

Similar to other games from Housemarque, Alienation is challenging to play by yourself, but much more manageable with friends in co-op. Had it been released on other platforms like PC or other consoles, it likely would have gained a similar level of popularity as Helldivers 2.

I Am Setsuna

Final Fantasy Rebirth

I am Setsuna was the debut game from Tokyo RPG Factory, a studio created by Square Enix to release games in a classic style. The game, available on PS4, PS Vita, and PC, drew inspiration from titles like Chrono Trigger in its gameplay.

The game let you see enemies while exploring dungeons, and skills could hit multiple targets during battles. Characters could also team up for special combo attacks. While the story was serious and the game had a quiet, snowy atmosphere with a gentle piano soundtrack, this turn-based RPG is still a fantastic experience.

Odin Sphere Leifthrasir

Norse MytholoRPG

Originally released for the PlayStation 2 in 2007, Odin Sphere was a beautiful game developed by Vanillaware and published by Atlus. Odin Sphere Leifthrasir is a remastered version with significantly improved combat and is now available on PlayStation 3, 4, and Vita.

The game features several different storylines and lets you play as various characters, all exploring 2D dungeons. Combat is fast-paced and action-oriented, and characters get stronger by eating food – a unique system that sets it apart from typical RPGs, but makes for a really exciting experience.

Dragon Quest Builders

Building Upon The Original

Dragon Quest Builders came out on PlayStation 3, 4, and Vita, and it’s essentially a sequel set in an alternate version of the world from the very first Dragon Quest game. Without giving away any spoilers, the original game has a negative ending, and Dragon Quest Builders shows what might have happened if things had gone that way.

Players take on the role of a silent protagonist, journeying between villages to rebuild and improve them. The game’s style and gameplay are very similar to Minecraft, featuring building and crafting elements. Though the second game in the series is an improvement, fans of the original Dragon Quest will likely enjoy this title.

2025-12-15 23:08