2023 was an eventful year for the gaming industry. A wide range of video games were released, yet game developers were challenged to the core with layoffs. Not a week went by without some big news circulating online, but it also always seemed as if there was something new to play. And truth be told, there was indeed, especially for the PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 players with massive backlogs.
Since Sony is not releasing any new major titles in 2024 (reportedly until April 2025), there’s no time like the present to start checking games off your backlog. Every player has a backlog, which only increases with each passing moment. Therefore, we’re looking at 20 games on the PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 consoles that are constantly pushed to the side for one reason or another. For this list, it’s worth remembering that not every entry is explicitly tailored toward the PlayStation consoles; some appear on other platforms like Xbox and PC.
The Last of Us Part 2
The Last of Us Part 2 seems to be a widely popular title, yet it gets left on the backlog from multiple sources. Even with the emergence of the remastered edition in 2024, it’s not a pressing game to attend to. Could it be because of its increased cast of characters, Joel’s fate in the game, or the various narrative twists? It’s hard to tell, yet fans of the series stand by it.
Moreover, the acclaimed HBO series adaptation of The Last of Us is picking up steam with the revealed cast, including newcomers like Kaitlyn Dever as Abby, Isabella Merced as Dina, Ariela Barer as Mel, and others joining season 2. With a third entry on the way, it’s an excellent time to dive into Naughty Dog’s gritty world and cross The Last of Us Part 2 off your backlog.
Red Dead Redemption 2
An extensive gaming title that requires hours upon hours of gameplay, Red Dead Redemption 2 is something adored by many fans. This is due to the incredible narrative of the Van der Linde gang and protagonist Arthur Morgan, which feels like an authentic and interactive Western experience that reminds us of so many gunslinging tales of the past. That said, embracing its moments is essential to get through the heavy tale of Western tragedy.
Moreover, Red Dead Redemption 2 was one of Dan Houser’s final projects before leaving Rockstar Games. This adds a layer to the presentation of the open-world Western game, where themes of change, family, and individual morality play throughout the story. Some might say that Red Dead Redemption 2 is Rockstar Games last hoorah from the bad boys from video gaming before turning over to corporate responsibilities.
Yakuza 0
Considered a staple in the Yakuza and Like a Dragon franchise, Yakuza 0 is a recommended title for all action seekers hungry for bombastic combat. It has an engaging story and bizarre encounters that transpire throughout Japan. But with the new and more significant titles released over the last few years, it’s easy to lose this one in the crowd. The reviews speak for themselves; it’s time for players to take on the roles of Kazuma Kiryu and Goro Majima before another Like a Dragon title takes over your PlayStation library.
Bloodborne
Often overlooked for being a PlayStation exclusive, Bloodborne is FromSoftware’s bloodiest weapon in its digital arsenal. Fans are forever praying for a sequel to be announced, but it’s starting to feel like a pipe dream. Regardless of its status, fans of the Armored Core and Dark Souls series, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, and Elden Ring will delight in the terrifying layers of macabre spilled throughout the Gothic city of Yharnam. This game is likely hiding somewhere in a dark corner of your backlog after so much time has passed.
Control
The reminder that Remedy Entertainment can launch an instant classic like nothing comes from its Control entry in the Remedy Connected Universe, which includes well-known properties like Alan Wake and Quantum Break. However, with titles like Alan Wake 2 and the upcoming Max Payne remake to look forward to, it’s easy to overlook Control. Moreover, it’s a game with mindblowing gunplay and fantastic narrative interconnectivity with other Remedy properties.
In short, Control is an absolute blast to play through. Why is this one appearing on players’ backlogs? Who truly knows: the shared universe, the new characters, the insane action? Whatever the case, Control is fantastic to play through and rewarding to finish.
Death Stranding
Death Stranding is a walking simulator to some players; to others, it’s an adventurous masterpiece, but to all, it’s a Hideo Kojima game that’s impossible to ignore. Even from afar, one can assume Death Stranding will be unique, and it truly is, depending on who you ask.
Whichever the case, Death Stranding is still as popular as ever, thanks to an upcoming film adaptation (with A24 co-producing) and sequel. These points alone make Kojima Productions’ 2019 action game an ideal title to check off your backlog.
Stray
Developer BlueTwelve Studio blew gamers and cat lovers alike with the futuristic adventures of a feline protagonist in Stray. The idea of playing as a cat is inviting, and players are challenged to prevail and land on their four paws. With a film adaptation in the works, checking Stray off your PlayStation backlog is better now than never.
To traverse an environment inspired by the real-life Kowloon Walled City requires ample patience, tremendous skill, and an affinity for meows. Stray shouldn’t be missed by those who want to see what the industry offers.
Persona 5 Royal
Considered one of the greatest RPGs to be developed in recent memory, players can’t get enough of Persona 5 Royal. With memorable gameplay elements of a life sim and dungeon-crawling encounters, Persona 5 Royal is one of those rare JPRGs that comes up now and then.
However, enhanced versions of the other games and the sequels to Persona 5‘s original launch continue to be released. There’s a lot to catch up on in the Persona universe, leaving Persona 5 likely to be on the top of your backlog.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
CD Projekt Red‘s massive open world of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt seems almost limitless, with endless quests to complete and sights to explore. It’s one of those digital experiences that require dozens upon dozens of hours of gameplay, even hundreds for those who seek every nook and cranny of the Continent in The Witcher 3. Even with a dedicated playthrough, reaching the endgame demands commitment and hundreds of potions to boost Geralt’s flair and execution in combat. Forget about tossing coins; toss some hours to your Witcher instead.
Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy
When Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy was announced in 2021, some speculation of an Avengers repeat began circulating online. It would be déjà vu of Square Enix’s attempt at developing a respectable Marvel gaming experience. But when it finally launched later that year, players were surprised to find themselves diving into an action-packed ride of intergalactic peril. However, sales expectations fell below, with many players putting this title aside.
Luckily, Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy is one of those games that pop up in certain gaming subscriptions, giving players plenty of opportunities to pick and play as Star-Lord. It recently was a part of the Xbox Game Pass subscription service, though there’s a chance it can sprout once more soon. It might already be sitting in your backlog.
God of War: Ragnarok
While God of War: Ragnarok is a recent tile, it launched toward the end of 2022, before 2023 could bombard all platforms with many new games. With such an epic narrative to tackle, patience is a virtue when stepping across the nine Realms of Norse Mythology. It’s spectacular to take in, leaving it as a known title that some players haven’t finished yet.
In the same vein as Naughty Dog’s The Last of Us television series adaptation, God of War (2018) is receiving the same treatment. Development for the show is still underway, giving players plenty of time to explore the franchise’s first and second entries in the Norse setting. There’s no time like the present to join Kratos, Atreus, Mimir, and others, especially with the memorable Valhalla expansion that further explores the pathos of Santa Monica Studio’s epic duology.
Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, developed by Insomniac Games, is an extravagant superhero entry in the gaming world. Yet, the game’s previous installment is often pushed to the side when players accumulate various games in their backlogs. Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales is frequently mentioned in backlogs, and it could be for several reasons.
Perhaps it’s because it’s a shorter game set in the same New York backdrop? Is it because some players must complete the first Spider-Man game from 2018? Who knows? Regardless, it’s a must-play for all PlayStation and Spider-Man fans. It’s only a matter of time before Insomniac officially announces its next Marvel title for the PlayStation platforms.
Ghost of Tsushima
Developer Sucker Punch Productions blew critics and players away with Ghost of Tsushima when it launched in 2020. The captivating tale of Jin and his efforts to sabotage the Mongol Empire is told across the beautiful landscapes of Tsushima Island (along with Iki Island as part of the game’s expansion). It’s another PlayStation and Sony Interactive Entertainment property receiving the film adaptation treatment, prompting fans to finish Jin’s story whenever possible.
Shadow of the Colossus
Shadow of the Colossus is one of those PlayStation titles that every player should experience in some way. It first arrived on the gaming scene in 2005 for the PlayStation 2 console, cementing itself as an extraordinary interactive work of art. It is a game for the ages, as some would say.
With the emergence of the 2018 remake by Bluepoint Games, its popularity soared again, giving players of the modern day a chance to dive into an epic tale of danger against the colossi. Shadow of the Colossus is a breathtaking experience that can be overshadowed by other games demanding your time and attention.
Until Dawn
Before The Dark Picture Anthology, The Quarry, and sequels to the Little Nightmares series, there was Until Dawn. Developer Supermassive Games dials the terror levels up to 11, delivering a horror ride of gore and consequences that reminds us of classic terrifying tales on film and other video games. Moreover, with good sales numbers, a spin-off, and a prequel, Until Dawn influenced the horror genre.
However, it’s a game that we often see on players’ backlogs. Fortunately, a remake is set for a 2024 release, which could entice horror fans to indulge in the anxiety-inducing atmosphere of Blackwood Mountain. Just be sure to make the right decisions this time to save your favorite characters from a surprise death.
Horizon Zero Dawn
It’d be a crime to neglect Horizon Zero Dawn for this list, yet it’s another PlayStation (and PC) exclusive many recommend playing. Not only did it birth a sequel in 2022, but it also spanned a VR spin-off experience for the PlayStation VR2 headset. There’s also a Horizon Netflix series in the works. With this in mind, playing through Horizon Zero Dawn seems incredibly imperative.
Hogwarts Legacy
With exclusive content and multiple quests to complete, PlayStation magic users were initially treated to some extra goodies in Hogwarts Legacy. Now that everyone can be admitted into Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, it appears that PlayStation students are taking their time with finishing coursework, helping fellow students, and rescuing magical creatures.
The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim
Whether you’re hearing about it for the 15th time, exploring a new dungeon in VR, or stuck on a lengthy quest with the Blades, The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim is another video game that some players probably won’t complete. Could it be because of the expansion packs that extend the Skyrim experience? Was it the substantial objectives that see players traversing from one part of the map to the next? Or is it because Skyrim first launched in 2011, and there isn’t enough time to walk in the shoes of the Dragonborn?
However, everyone seems to remember Skyrim in one way or another. One thing is sure: you don’t usually hear players accomplishing their questlines to the end, leaving it on the backlog. And when you do, they’re embarking on another journey across Skyrim.
Any of the Resident Evil Remakes
PlayStation folks might be stuck on Resident Evil 2 or simply embracing some nostalgia in Resident Evil 4; some players have unfinished adventures in Capcom’s horror franchise. It would make sense, though, with Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 3 being released back-to-back in 2019 and 2020, respectively. At one point, it seemed these games were getting pumped out one after the other.
Now that Resident Evil 4 is included in 2023’s jampacked year, adding another title to the backlog feels almost heartbreaking. It’s only a matter of time before Resident 5 and Resident 6 receive the same treatment. Has Capcom considered remaking all of the spin-offs as well? At this rate, it’s very possible.
Cyberpunk 2077
A lot can be said about Cyberpunk 2077. CD Projekt Red delivered a broken game due to delays leading to a botched launch, game-breaking bugs, lawsuits, etc. Players, critics, and investors were disappointed to witness a discouraging crash and burn for such a highly anticipated game.
Now, after the famous 2.0 launch coinciding with the Phantom Liberty expansion, the game is entirely different. It’s the RPG players have been hoping for, and it only needed a couple more years of development to achieve that. Therefore, it’s reasonable to wonder why PlayStation players would push this one to the side in favor of other games. Let’s not forget when the game had to be pulled from the store because of the botched launch, but hey, let the past be the past.
Undoubtedly, many other games might be sitting on your backlog. From untouched indie gaming gems to massive RPGs with only a dozen invested hours, it’s a good time to start checking off those unfinished games from the backlog before the next big release.
