Rarest PS4 Games (& How Much They’re Worth)

Rarest PS4 Games (& How Much They're Worth)

As someone who’s been around the gaming block a few times, I must say, the world of rare and expensive PlayStation 4 games never ceases to amaze me. The prices these collectibles command are simply mind-boggling, especially when you consider what some of us paid for our first consoles back in the day.


Looking back over the incredible journey I’ve shared with my PlayStation 4 (PS4) these past years, it’s now time for the PS5 to take center stage. As a gamer, I’m thrilled to find that many of my favorite PS4 games are now available at unbelievably low prices.

On the PS4 platform, you’ll find a rich variety of limited edition games, as well as independent publishers who release small physical print runs of unique indie titles. This extensive library of rare games spans from collector’s editions to more mainstream Western releases. It’s noteworthy that while there are many PS4 games exclusive to Japan, the focus here is primarily on titles intended for Western markets.

In that particular decade, many games available on the PS4 have either become less popular or are no longer available. To address this, the list has been revised to include rare and expensive games, which are now arranged from least to most expensive. Each game in the updated list comes with a new pricing table based on data from PriceCharting.com. This makes it more convenient for readers to assess the cost of each game relative to the others.

14 Night Trap Collector’s Edition

From Upsetting Parents to Upsetting Grandparents

Rarest PS4 Games (& How Much They're Worth)

Loose $43.79
Complete in Box $46.36
New $61.19

Independent publisher, Limited Run Games, is widely recognized for its specialty in producing limited physical editions of games. However, they’ve faced some issues, including delayed shipments and cost-cutting during production. One notable instance was their re-release of the infamous FMV horror game, Night Trap, which, along with Mortal Kombat, sparked a significant controversy about violent video games that led to the formation of the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB).

In a different wording: “Night Trap, originally released in 1992, is not a typical game as it’s essentially an interactive movie. Players are given the role of monitoring a group of girls during a sleepover in a seemingly non-sinister old house that just might be haunted (but don’t worry, there are no vampires). The gameplay revolves around controlling cameras and activating traps to fend off any monsters. Although its gameplay didn’t resonate with everyone, it still found an audience, which is why the 2017 remaster, available in both standard and Collector’s Edition, fetches a price similar to that of its scarce 32X port.

13 Saturday Morning RPG

Remember When Games Cost $50?

Rarest PS4 Games (& How Much They're Worth)
Loose $51.20
Complete in Box $52.44
New $52.49

On Saturdays, you can get your hands on another physical version of a game, this time it’s “Saturday Morning RPG,” thanks to Limited Run Games. Originating from Mighty Rabbit Studios in 2012 for mobile devices, players embark on an adventure as Marty, a teenager who acquires magical abilities to combat monsters within the HOOD. This game offers a delightful RPG experience reminiscent of classic Saturday morning cartoons and shows, featuring a retro feel similar to “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” and “Mighty Max.

The cost might seem reasonable by itself, but when you take into account that it’s an eight-year-old version of a twelve-year-old game and only 1,980 copies were produced, the price is quite high. In fact, currently, this is the least expensive the game has been since its release, as new copies were selling for close to $140 in about 2017. Given its limited availability, it’s likely that the price will increase again soon.

12 Strafe

An Old Game for a Modern Price

Rarest PS4 Games (& How Much They're Worth)
Loose $35
Complete in Box $67.19
New $57.99

Strafe

Strafe, the first physical PS4 release from Special Reserve Games, has retained much of its value due to being their initial foray into the market. Similar to other independent publishers, Special Reserve specializes in limited physical editions of select games. Strafe is an exhilarating First-Person Shooter (FPS) that pays tribute to classic titles such as Doom and Quake, while incorporating rogue-like gameplay features.

It’s a fun and exciting title but gamers looking to purchase a physical copy will have to splash out nearly $70 for a boxed copy. Though surprisingly, the price of new copies has dropped to below regular boxed copies. Even complete in box (CIB) versions of Strafe‘s Limited Run edition go for a cheaper price at $54.99. Though getting the LR version all sealed up is still pricier at $71.

11 Rez Infinite Eco-Forward Edition

Trip the Light Fantastic, Then Pay the Price Extravagant

Rarest PS4 Games (& How Much They're Worth)
Loose $83.68
Complete in Box $99.99
New $112.57

Rez Infinite is a unique blend of music, rail shooter gameplay, and psychedelic visuals, serving as a remastered version of the original Rez from Dreamcast and PS2. Enhanced graphics, exclusive levels, and a VR mode for PlayStation VR were included in this release, further enhancing the already surreal rhythm-based shooting experience. This was iam8bit’s debut as a publisher, adding to its overall appeal.

The typical version of this game usually retailed between $65 and $85, with the new one costing more, but the standout item is the Eco-Forward edition. Initially, iam8bit offered this special edition for $41.99, which included the game, a poster, and a collectible slipcase featuring exclusive artwork by Cory Schmitz. However, due to limited production of only 5,000 copies, it quickly sold out. Now, interested buyers must spend at least $100 to acquire these bonus items, and with increasing demand, the price is expected to rise in the future.

10 Blue Reflection (JP)

A Japanese RPG That’s Easier to Find in the West

Rarest PS4 Games (& How Much They're Worth)
Loose $74.67
Complete in Box $100.09
New $177.47

The game titled “Blue Reflection,” released in 2017, bears resemblance to the JRPG “Persona 5.” In this game, players assume the role of Hinako Shirai, a ballet dancer, and experience her everyday life, including attending school, socializing with friends, and engaging in typical daily activities. However, there’s an extraordinary twist – Hinako and her companions venture into different realms to fight monsters using traditional turn-based RPG combat. In essence, it’s a blend of ordinary life and extraordinary adventures.

In the U.S., you can find American copies of this game for a reasonable price between $40 and $50, not including shipping costs. However, European versions come with an extra $20 fee. Interestingly, the base PS4 game is more difficult to find in Japan, its home country, as it’s usually priced around $100 when you include the manual. This price point is comparable to that of its sequel’s Premium Collector’s Box for the Nintendo Switch. In fact, it’s less expensive to obtain its PS Vita version, which costs $33.52 complete – but keep in mind, this is if you understand Japanese.

9 The Messenger

That’s Honestly the Price.

Rarest PS4 Games (& How Much They're Worth)
Loose $110.98
Complete in Box $150.96
New $256.65

In “The Messenger”, a small ninja settlement is rescued from impending doom by a western hero, as foretold in their ancient prophecy. He presents a scroll to a ninja, designating him the ‘Messenger’ and instructing him to deliver it to the peak of a towering mountain. The game then transforms into an engaging blend of action and platforming, complete with time-travel elements, curses, and a thought-provoking tale that intertwines themes of causality and consequences.

This game is often better to purchase digitally because even though it costs $20, it’s significantly cheaper than its physical versions by about 12 times. Interestingly, the initial physical releases of this game are the most expensive, priced at a complete $150.96. Limited Run published their own physical version of the game, which is slightly less expensive at a total cost of $118. Although it’s more expensive than its original retail price of $34.99, this physical edition is still preferred by collectors of physical media due to its lower cost compared to the initial releases.

8 Gryphon Knight Epic

A Tall Price for a Little Game

Rarest PS4 Games (& How Much They're Worth)
Loose $140.49
Complete in Box $156.29
New $205.21

Hailing from Cyber Rhino Studios, the 2015 side-scroller Gryphon Knight Epic puts players in control of a knight soaring on a grand gryphon through the skies. This is an engaging shooter game, boasting creative enemy designs and stunning pixel art visuals. However, the seemingly straightforward mechanics have made it one of the hard-to-find PS4 games today.

In 2017, Strictly Limited Games, true to their title, manufactured only 999 copies of the game Gryphon Knight Epic, and these were exclusively available in PAL regions. With such a limited supply, the most expensive physical editions can fetch up to $156, with some even going for as much as $300. It’s quite a profit for a small indie side-scroller. If you’re more interested in playing it rather than collecting it, you might want to consider the cheaper Switch port priced at around $40.35 CIB.

7 The Legend of Sword & Fairy 6

AKA Chinese Paladin 6

Rarest PS4 Games (& How Much They're Worth)
Loose $149.06
Complete in Box $199.99
New $173.90

In much the same way that Dragon Quest is deeply cherished in Japan and Final Fantasy is iconic in the Western world, The Legend of Sword & Fairy holds a special place in the hearts of Chinese and Taiwanese gamers. This beloved series, developed by Softstar since 1995, offers immersive wuxia-themed adventures that have captivated Asian audiences for decades. Interestingly enough, it took 23 years for this cherished series to reach Western shores when The Legend of Sword & Fairy 6 finally arrived in North America.

The game gained enough popularity for a localized version of the 7th game to be produced, but it didn’t become widely available physically. Due to its limited release, the complete set sells for approximately $200, while the disc alone goes for around $150. If you’re into Chinese fantasy and games like Black Myth: Wukong, you might prefer the digital version priced at $14.99, unless you’re trying to expand your PS4 collection.

6 Godzilla

As Radioactive as the King of the Monsters Himself

Rarest PS4 Games (& How Much They're Worth)
Loose $213.34
Complete in Box $223.50
New $252.65

Contrary to popular opinion, the 2014 Godzilla video game, unrelated to the Monsterverse film, is currently fetching surprisingly high prices, with many listings priced above $200. Upon its Western release, it was universally criticized by critics, gamers, and Godzilla fans due to its repetitive gameplay, poor graphics, and abysmal voice acting. It was widely regarded as one of the worst games of that year.

It’s surprising that a game not widely favored has seen its price increase over time. The most plausible reason is that relatively few individuals purchased it initially, leading to a low supply for those who desired it. Even the prices in Japan and Europe aren’t any different, with loose PAL copies selling for $150, and loose Japanese ones going for $197. If only people in 2014 had known that it would become so valuable later on.

5 PS4 Console With P.T. Demo

Perhaps The Most Expensive Demo in History

Rarest PS4 Games (& How Much They're Worth)
Loose $425-$986.99
Complete in Box N/A
New N/A

This particular game stands out as it’s not a traditional physical game. First unveiled at Gamescom 2014, interested gamers could obtain a demo of the enigmatic horror title “P.T.” directly from the PlayStation Store. At first glance, it appeared to be an intriguing new horror game. However, those who persevered and completed it found that it served as a playable trailer (if you catch the pun – P.T.) for “Silent Hills“, a fresh installment in Konami’s renowned horror series, masterminded by Hideo Kojima of “Metal Gear” fame, along with Guillermo Del Toro, director of “Pan’s Labyrinth“, and starring Norman Reedus from “The Walking Dead“.

Due to Kojima’s abrupt departure from Konami, the project was terminated, causing Del Toro and Reedus to work on Death Stranding instead, and P.T being removed from online stores. Fans were left seeking similar chilling experiences elsewhere or purchasing a PS4 with the demo preloaded. Unfortunately, unless the data can be extracted and shared online, which seems improbable, it remains inaccessible. Given that the cheapest PS4 console with P.T preinstalled costs around $425, and many were sold for over $1,000, it’s a significant investment for a short glimpse into what could have been an exceptional game.

4 Final Fantasy 1-6 Pixel Remaster Collection

How to Make a Pricey Collection Even More Expensive

Rarest PS4 Games (& How Much They're Worth)
Loose $692.82
Complete in Box $807.51
New $945.63

Obtaining the Final Fantasy 1-6 Pixel Remaster Collection is quite pricey even in digital format, with most platforms selling all six reworked versions for $74.99. Surprisingly, Square-Enix produced a limited edition of physical copies, which have seen a steep increase in price over time. They range from around $400-$500 (loose) to $807 (complete) and even up to $946 (new). Despite the legendary status of the Final Fantasy series, these are remastered versions of games originally released on the NES and SNES. It might be more practical to play older ports of the games instead, if not the original ones themselves.

There’s some exciting news for FF fans! Square-Enix is planning a second round of physical releases for October 8th, 2024, through their online store and selected retailers. This could potentially lower prices by offering an affordable alternative or reducing current rates due to increased supply. Regardless, these reissued classics will be available on disc, so fans should start saving up now!

3 Tamashii

A Platformer With Some Spirit

Rarest PS4 Games (& How Much They're Worth)
Loose $810.34
New $931.89
Complete $1,212

As a gamer, I find myself drawn to the eerie, unsettling world of Tamashii, a puzzle-platformer that lures you into a shrouded temple with its eldritch abomination lurking inside. Stepping too close to its traps, hazards, and foes could make me just another one of its haunting victims. This game is perfect for those who appreciate the unsettling tales of Junji Ito and horror that leaves you questioning reality. You can grab a copy of its digital edition at budget-friendly prices on Steam and various online stores.

This specific game has a physical version, but here’s the catch: it was produced by a specialty company called Limited Rare Games (not to be mistaken with Limited Run). It was exclusively released for Halloween in 2020 and quickly sold out. Now, your best bet to find one is through used versions, where even disc-only copies can go for around $1,000, while sealed ones can reach as high as $1,212. Interestingly, these prices are lower than its peak in April 2022, when new copies were going for a whopping $2,100!

2 1,001 Spikes

As Priceless as Indiana Jones’ Treasures

Rarest PS4 Games (& How Much They're Worth)
Loose $885.50
Complete in Box $941.83
New $1,490

8bit Fanatics collaborated with Nicalis, renowned for games like Cave Story, VVVVVV, and re-releases of The Binding of Isaac, to develop 1,001 Spikes. This is an old-school side-scrolling puzzle-platformer. In it, Aban Hawakins embarks on a global quest, starting from the frigid Antarctic tundra and venturing into the dense South American jungles. His mission: to find his missing father Jim, who was searching for a treasure hidden behind the Golden Door of Poko-Mum.

Digital editions of this game can be purchased at significantly lower costs. However, Nicalis did release some physical copies as part of a promotional offer (with a handful appearing online prior to its initial release), making them quite scarce now. In the best-case scenario, you’d need around £1,000 to obtain a $15 Steam game in a PS4 disc format, which is quite an investment for a simple game.

1 Poop Slinger

As Fun as It Sounds

Rarest PS4 Games (& How Much They're Worth)
Loose $849
Complete in Box $976.35
New $2,307.76

As the name implies, Poop Slinger is a game centered around flinging fecal matter at characters for scores. The more you chuck, the more game modes, customizable features, and additional content become accessible. You can purchase it digitally for $4.99, though some may argue that’s too expensive considering its mediocre quality. However, Limited Rare Games saw fit to produce 84 physical copies of the game and offer them for sale on their website.

I’ve stumbled upon a mind-blowing fact, mate! Turns out that rare copy of “Super Rare Feces Flinger” for PS4 has become quite the treasure hunt. Loose discs are fetching around $850, while sealed ones can reach up to $2,307 on various platforms. Some lucky sellers have even flipped their copies for a whopping $4,000 or even $17,000 on eBay! Can’t help but wonder if we’ll ever see such high-value gaming novelties again. Here’s to hoping humanity can reach those heights someday!

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2024-09-10 12:56