We got a PlayStation 4 for Christmas last year and the quality of games didn’t disappoint (especially coming from a PS2 and Wii). Like anyone I have my favorite games, and if any gamer sees this list they’d probably say it’s the worst list of best games they’ve ever seen. And they’re probably right — there are clear omissions if you were compiling a “real” best games list, but I’m pretty picky when it comes to games.
I’ve always loved video games, but as a father in his mid-40s I don’t have hours and hours of free time to spend on games. So here are some things I don’t like:
- First-person shooters. I used to love Wolfenstein, Doom and Marathon back BITD, but I don’t enjoy FPS like I used to. Part of it is because I suck at them now and don’t feel like spending a lot of time “training” to get better at them, but also because they often fall into one or more of the next 3 categories…
- Long/drawn-out stories. If I want to watch a movie, I will do that. When I want to play a game, I want to play. For me, there’s nothing worse than sitting through 20 minutes of introductory scenes before I even get to start playing. (I know there’s a place for these types of games, but that place is not my PS4.)
- RPGs. Again, I usually don’t have a lot of time to play, so games that take a long time to build up your character’s skills before you can really do anything is out.
- Online games. I don’t have time to deal with punk-ass teens calling me names (who legitimately tell me I suck because, well, I do) so forget anything that requires a headset.
- Graphic adventure games, like the story-based Telltale Games. I don’t want to decide what to say, I want to play.
- Sports. The only major sport I follow is baseball (and I did play MLB15: The Show a decent amount) but I’m not interested in football, soccer, or hockey, so those games are out, too. (I used to love the Tony Hawk Pro Skater games, but the latest versions have gotten bad reviews.)
That pretty much eliminates most any gaming website’s top games. So what do I like? Typically my favorite games are those that:
- are easy to join, learn and play,
- are challenging but not insanely difficult,
- have unique graphic style,
- are one-player,
- are original or different,
- have a puzzle aspect to them,
- have a distinct ending,
- and (most importantly) are actually fun.
(Sounds like I should probably have a Wii U, huh?)
That eliminates most AAA games, so I tend to enjoy more smaller-studio indie games. So if you’re old and lame and like to have fun playing original games, this might be the list for you…
Child of Light
OK, this is an RPG game, but it’s not your everyday overly complex violent game. I liked the turn-based fighting mechanics, the characters, the graphic style, and the overall feel of this game. My favorite PS4 game to date.
Never Alone
Puzzle game based on Alaskan indigenous stories, where you swap between playing as an Iñupiaq girl and her Arctic fox. Beautiful, fun, and educational!
Valiant Hearts: The Great War
Great-looking and moving game set in WWI.
Towerfall Ascension
Great, chaotic, and fun multiplayer arrow-battle game in an 8-bit style. Best played with 2 or 3 other people sitting next to you.
The Unfinished Swan
Explore by shooting paint around the “invisible” world.
The Swapper
Interesting space-based puzzle game with a clone-creating body-swapping twist.
Need for Speed: Rivals
I also like a good driving/racing game — this is one of the best on the PS4.
Unmechanical: Extended
You’re a helicopter robot thing trying to escape a 2D world.
Injustice: Gods Among Us
Since the days of Tekken I’ve always liked a good fighting game. Fighting with superheroes and villains is fun, and the super power moves are crazy.
I have a list of games I want to try soon (Journey, Escape Plan, Tearaway Unfolded, Shovel Knight, Everybody’s Gone to the Rapture, Don’t Starve) but if you know of any games that you think I’d like, please recommend them!