Founded in 1993, Sony Interactive Entertainment has been making games for nearly 30 years.
From the days of the original PlayStation, with titles like Twisted Metal and Crash Bandicoot, to modern-day classics like God of War and The Last of Us, few companies can deliver unforgettable experiences like Sony.
They’ve released titles under several labels: SIE, SCEA, and others. One thing has always been clear; great video games. We will review some of the best Sony games based on Metascore to honor that heritage. We’ll touch on any game under any Sony publishing umbrella. Make sure you’re prepared for that when you see some games that surprise you.
Let’s begin!
Uncharted 2: Among Thieves is the Gold Standard for Third-Person Shooters
Metascore: 96
When talking about third-person shooters, bringing up Uncharted 2 is a requirement. While the entire Uncharted franchise is worth consideration, Among Thieves is the best of the bunch.
Uncharted 2 is one of the best third-person shooters, one of the best games developed by Naughty Dog, and one of the best Sony games of all time.
The second Nathan Drake adventure blends the best parts of a cover shooter, action title, and cinematic storytelling into one seamless package. Uncharted 2 isn’t just everything a sequel should be; it’s everything a video game should be, period. That’s why it’s arguably the best Sony game.
Gran Turismo Showed What’s Possible From a Racing Game
Metascore: 96
One of the best PS1 games showed the world what to expect from a racing game. This is more than just your typical arcade racer at the time; Gran Turismo is an authentic, definitive driving experience.
The experience here was, for its time, revolutionary and unlike anything else on the market. From this point forward, there were racing games, and then there was Gran Turismo.
Its innate ability to capture racing fans of all time has given Gran Turismo its legendary status. The series has been one of the best racing franchises of all time.
LittleBigPlanet’s Platforming and Customization Make It One of the Best Sony Games
Metascore: 95
Sackboy has become more than an iconic character in gaming. LittleBigPlanet’s perfect blend of personality, charm, and platforming makes it an all-time classic franchise.
First released on the PlayStation 3 in 2008, Media Molecule did more than deliver a great platforming adventure. They harnessed the power of user-generated content to introduce an impressive amount of replayability to the game.
It wasn’t just about beating levels that shipped with the game. Fans would work to create entertaining and challenging stages. Once you overcame a challenge, it was on to the next one, and you did it with a smile on your face.
LittleBigPlanet is a technical achievement that helped revolutionize what was possible with the power of fan-made levels and stages.
Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec Is the Best Selling Game in the Franchise
Metascore: 95
How do you improve on two nearly perfect Gran Turismo games? You utilize the potential of the PlayStation 2, that’s how!
The first two Gran Turismo entries on PS1 set the bar for what to expect with a simulation racer. A-Spec takes the bar and smashes it with a hammer, raising the stakes further. While the number of cars decreased, Gran Turismo 3 delivers more tracks, improved visuals, and the best handling the series has seen thus far.
There’s a reason why the series’ follow-ups are still chasing the mark set up A-Spec. The games have gotten bigger, but they haven’t always gotten better. Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec is the gold standard for the franchise.
For Some, The Last of Us Is Undoubtedly the Best Sony Game
Metascore: 95
Naughty Dog’s Uncharted series brought the blockbuster cinema experience to consoles. With The Last of Us, they do the same regarding gripping, mature, Oscar-worthy performances.
Sony’s faith in Naughty Dog as a premiere PlayStation studio pays off in spades. Last of Us is a game that built up nearly insurmountable hype. Talking heads didn’t appear in trailers or at media events to set the tone; the game did all the talking.
It turns out that the game did all the talking for a reason. Its ruthless, relentless, and brutal gameplay keeps you on the edge of your seat. Once you’ve finished the game, its story and characters will stay with you forever. Then you’ll want to play the PS4 remastered version and then the PS5 remaster, too.
Then you’ll want to watch the HBO series, too, because there is no such thing as too much of The Last of Us.
God of War Is a Nearly Perfect Reboot of a Remarkable Sony Franchise
Metascore: 94
2018’s God of War delivers an incredible experience on PC and PlayStation 4.
In our review, we rightfully called the game a modern masterpiece. From the second the game begins, God of War demands your attention. Between absolutely beautiful visuals, a mesmerizing story, and gripping action, Santa Monica Studios has developed an impressive game.
This is the soft reboot God of War needed, bringing the series back to its glory days from the original PlayStation 2 and PlayStation 3 trilogy. What are you doing with your life if you own a PlayStation or PC and haven’t played this game?
God of War: Ragnarok Is the Rare Occasion Where the Sequel May Be Better Than the Original
Metascore: 94
For some, 2022’s follow-up, God of War: Ragnarok, is even better.
Santa Monica Studios isn’t content to rest on its laurels, instead looking to improve on the original in nearly every possible way. While it doesn’t always quite hit the marks, don’t let that mistake you; God of War: Ragnarok is worthy of its praise.
Ragnarok is an example of risks being rewarded. Santa Monica gave it their all, delivering an experience that not only meets the hype but makes people wonder how it could ever be topped. The newest God of War earned every nomination for the 2022 Game Awards.
The Original God of War Ranks Among the Best Sony Games
Metascore: 94
Before the cinematic and larger-than-life scope of the PlayStation 4 release, as well as its PlayStation 5 sequel, God of War was a PS2 action adventure.
Its humble beginnings feature a homage to the best hack-n-slash titles on the market while still carving out its own niche.
Best of all, God of War does all this while tapping into every ounce of graphical horsepower the PlayStation 2 offers. This game delivers the goods in terms of gameplay and visuals.
Gran Turismo 2 Goes Bigger and Better Than The Original
Metascore: 93
If the first Gran Turismo delivered the ultimate driving experience onto consoles, then the second expands it in ways that were thought unimaginable.
This is the rare occasion where bigger is indeed better. Gran Turismo 2 doesn’t rest on the laurels of the original. Instead, it adds more cards, more tracks, and more gameplay.
When we say more, we mean it; nearly 500 more cars and over double the playable tracks.
The one thing that holds Gran Turismo 2 back was an iffy launch; a little more time in the garage, and this would have been at the top of our list of best Sony games.
The Last of Us Part II Isn’t Afraid to Play it Safe and Is Better For It
Metascore: 93
When you have a breakout hit on your hands, it’s easy to go the safe route. Why risk alienating your core audience when you can instead expand on the characters and themes of a critically acclaimed and best-selling game?
In The Last of Us Part II, Naughty Dog says, “Nah, we’re going to tell the story that needs to be told.”
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Decisions and choices that seem controversial today will be praised as genius down the road. Sony’s irrevocable trust in Naughty Dog helps deliver experiences that stand the test of time.
The Last of Us Part II is a game about facing your demons, the ones that come racing at you on-screen, as well as the ones that silently haunt your thoughts and memories. Its theming and messages are important and can land successfully on the strength of the cast’s performance.
Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End Is a Satisfying Conclusion to One of the Best Sony Games Ever
Metascore: 93
Every story has an ending. Every character must say goodbye. With A Thief’s End, we say farewell to Uncharted and Nathan Drake.
Their sendoff is a wonderful capstone to the Uncharted franchise. Naughty Dog squeezes everything it can from the PlayStation 4’s hardware, delivering one of the best looking games you’ll ever see.
Thankfully, the game’s writing and gameplay are equally as impressive. It’s not often you get to stick the landing, but with Uncharted 4, Naughty Dog and Sony get a perfect ten from the judges.
God of War II Is An Incredible Improvement Over An Already Fantastic Game
Metascore: 93
After delivering an impressive debut for the franchise, God of War II gets polished to an immaculate shine.
Sony’s Santa Monica Studio locks in on what works in the original. Instead of reinventing the wheel, they perfect it. Krato’s character becomes far more fleshed out, resulting in a larger attachment and investment from the player. This is important as the game’s scope continues to grow; we need a reason to care, and we’re given one.
Combat retains the foundation from the original while successfully building on everything that worked. The game’s clever when introducing new ideas, ensuring you’ll feel right at home once you dive in.
God of War III Is a Satisfying Conclusion and a Showcase For the PlayStation 3
Metascore: 93
The biggest reason why God of War III is one of the best Sony games is its pacing. Its ability to perfectly balance spectacle setpieces while giving time for the game to step back and relax is impressive.
Santa Monica Studio finds its stride by allowing the player to become an unstoppable force. There are few things more enjoyable in a video game than becoming an overwhelming and powerful god; that’s what Kratos becomes in God of War.
As impressive as the PlayStation 2 games are, God of War III couldn’t have been made without the power of the PS3. It took its time getting here, but it was worth the wait.
Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception Is An Iconic Title and One of the Best Sony Games
Metascore: 92
If there’s one thing you recall about Uncharted 3, it’s the game’s signature setpiece. You know the one I’m talking about: Nathan boards a plane as it takes off, only to be thrown out of the cargo bay in flight as enemies are shooting at him.
For most games, there’s no turning back; it’s all downhill from there. When it comes to Uncharted 3, it’s just another unforgettable moment in a game of special moments.
These larger-than-life setpieces are well-balanced thanks to, and I’m sure this is a broken record for a Naughty Dog game, a wonderful cast of characters. We become emotionally invested in the action setpieces because we’re invested in the story. Few studios can match Naughty Dog in this regard.
Journey Is An Experience Unlike Anything Else
Metascore: 92
Sometimes the most impactful stories are told without a single line of dialogue.
2012’s Journey, from Thatgamecompany and Sony, is a perfect example. Not only is your experience in Journey what you make of it, but you feel its impact regardless of how you play.
The game’s ability to make you feel small and insignificant yet tall and powerful simultaneously pushes Journey over the edge. Its blank canvas storytelling allows players to relate to the game’s themes and messages in their own way, helping to land a more emotional and impactful blow.
Bloodborne Is a PlayStation Exclusive Masterpiece by FromSoftware
Metascore: 92
An absolute Souls-like gem from FromSoftware, Bloodborne is the best Sony game for many fans of the action RPG franchise. While not a direct sequel to the Dark Souls series, Bloodborne still has obvious similarities and inspiration.
One key difference is the encouraged aggression for players. Instead of playing defensively, Bloodborne rewards the attacker. The game’s combat and enemy behavior follow suit, too. This experience is fast, furious, and as brutally difficult as you’d expect from FromSoftware.
Releasing on the PlayStation 4, fans have desperately been waiting for a remaster to release on PC and/or PlayStation 5. What do you say, Sony? You’ve indicated a desire to release more games on PC. How about one of your best?
Final Fantasy VII Is One of the Most Influential JRPGs of All Time
Metascore: 92
Final Fantasy VII makes our list of the best Sony games thanks to its publisher credit; Sony Computer Entertainment published the game’s worldwide release.
A major exclusive for the original PlayStation, Final Fantasy VII delivers a story and gaming experience that defines the word “epic.” It may not be the best Final Fantasy, but it’s the most popular.
There’s a lot to love with FFVII. There’s an emotional investment made in the game’s characters that makes the plot’s twist and turns that much more impactful. Combat benefits from the introduction of Limit Breaks. Its graphics take full advantage of what the PlayStation console is capable of.
Few games have made a long-term impact like Final Fantasy VII. Its media spin-offs, remakes, follow-ups, and lasting legacy make it one of the greatest games ever.
PaRappa the Rapper Wants To Know If “U Rappin”
Metascore: 92
The original music rhythm game, PaRappa the Rapper, lets you flow through the lyrics.
Not literally; the game’s controls are all about timing with the rhyme and beat of the music. We all know that you still sang along with the game, though.
PaRappa the Rapper combines iconic style and a beloved character to deliver an experience unlike any other. The genre may have since passed it by, but we’re always up for a trip down memory lane.
The PS4 Remake of Shadow of the Colossus Is the Definitive Way to Play a Masterpiece
Metascore: 91
As incredible as the PS2 release of Shadow of the Colossus is, this game was always meant for something bigger.
2018’s PS4 remaster, developed by Bluepoint Games, lets this epic masterpiece reach its full potential. Not only does the PS4 version do the original justice, but it improves upon it.
Beautiful HD visuals and a reworked control scheme make this one Sony game you cannot miss.
LittleBigPlanet 2 Is More LittleBigPlanet Goodness
Metascore: 91
Sony’s first-party studios have a knack for honing in on what makes a game special and perfecting it. The same is true with LittleBigPlanet 2, a sequel that takes what makes the original work and adds a bevy of new creative tools.
If you thought the first game let your imagination run wild, you’ve seen nothing yet. LittleBigPlanet 2’s customization and creation tools are the gold standards for the genre.
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The one thing holding it down on our list of the best Sony games is Media Molecule’s failure to address the original’s control issues. They’re not flawed, but Sackboy feels floaty and takes a little getting used to. In a sequel where everything else is near perfection, it’s the only blemish.
Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal Is the Highest Rated Game in the Series
Metascore: 91
One of the most iconic franchises for the PlayStation brand, the PS2’s Rachet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal is one of its best.
Everything that makes the series enjoyable is here. Over-the-top weapons, humor and personality, and satisfying gameplay. Up Your Arsenal also introduces online multiplayer, adding countless hours of replayability.
While later entries add fancy bells and whistles, shiny graphics, or new hooks, Up Your Arsenal stands tall. Sometimes you don’t need to do an elaborate song and dance.
Twisted Metal: Black Is the Crown Jewel of an Iconic Sony Franchise
Metascore: 91
From the moment the iconic “Paint It Black” guitar notes start playing, Twisted Metal: Black has you hooked.
It doesn’t get much better than this, between the fleshed-out storylines for each character, iconic combat, and creative destruction. Doubly impressive is that this is one of the original PlayStation 2 games.
Releasing a year after the PS2’s debut, we’d later see games expand and utilize every ounce of power Sony’s console could muster. Somehow, most of them couldn’t keep pace.
The vehicular assault genre of games hasn’t made much news in the past decade-plus. Maybe it’s because Twisted Metal: Black is the top of the mountain.
Spyro: Year of the Dragon Is The Last Spyro Game From Insomniac
Metascore: 91
The fact that Insomniac Games was the original studio behind one of the best Sony games is a fun nugget of PlayStation history.
Spyro had already delivered two solid games on the PS1. Year of the Dragon, the conclusion to the original trilogy, bests them all. Launching alongside the PlayStation 2, Spyro: Year of the Dragon sticks to the basics and utilizes the new PS2 hardware.
This is the same Spyro you know and love; it’s bigger, better, and prettier, too.
God of War: Chains of Olympus Is One of the Best PSP Games
Metascore: 91
We could talk all day about the issues with the Sony PlayStation Portable. One thing that wasn’t an issue was Sony’s ability to deliver authentic games from their best franchises.
God of War: Chains of Olympus proves that we can get a true-blue God of War game in handheld form. Despite potential issues with the PSP hardware and the lack of a second analog stick, Chains of Olympus still soars.
The combat and beautiful graphics you know and love from God of War are all still here. It’s a game that made owning a PSP worth it.
MLB: The Show Is One Of The Best Sports Games You Can Play Today
Metascore: 91
MLB: The Show 10 is the highest series entry on Metacritic, but we can lump the entire franchise here. Even in down years, the series still delivers some of the best sports games on a regular basis.
Even when the games don’t deliver the goods, losing yourself to the game is incredibly easy. Between an enjoyable baseball video game experience, the Road to the Show mode, and everything in between, MLB: The Show is one of the best sports franchises you can play today.
Killzone 2 Kickstarted the PlayStation 3 Hype
Metascore: 91
While it never lives up to its splashy entrance, Killzone 2 is still a fantastic FPS and one of the best Sony games.
Developer Guerilla Games expertly navigates stellar-level design and truly next-gen graphics. As the shooter genre began to lean heavily on tropes set by Call of Duty, Killzone 2 sticks with its old-school roots. It delivers a brutal campaign that’s satisfying as it is challenging.
Multiplayer is icing on the cake; it may not have had the street cred of Call of Duty or Halo, but don’t let that fool you. This was a game with a healthy community and addictive multiplayer.
Crash Bandicoot: Warped Is an Incredibly Challenging Platformer
Metascore: 91
Before the days of Uncharted and Last of Us, Naughty Dog was known for their work on the Crash Bandicoot series. The franchise features platforming so challenging it will make you pull your hair out.
The third game in the series, Crash Bandicoot: Warped, is arguably the best in the series.
Naughty Dog’s penchant for delivering gorgeous graphics and top-notch levels is on full display. Few platformers can compare with what Crash Bandicoot can pull off. The ability to combine 2.5D platforming with an impressive amount of pizzaz is an amazing feat.
Flower Is One Of The Best Experiences In a Sony Game
Metascore: 91
Thatgamecompany delivers two of the best Sony games, with 2009’s Flower making the list alongside Journey.
Flower’s strength comes with the freedom to do anything you’re up for. The gameplay echoes the life of a flower petal as it gently glides through the air, traveling wherever the breeze will take it. While being less of a game and more of an experience, Flower can still evoke emotion in ways other games can only dream of.
Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy Raised the Bar For Naughty Dog
Metascore: 90
With the move to new hardware, Naughty Dog ups the ante. Moving on from the Crash Bandicoot series, their new franchise starts with Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy.
The move from the 2.5D platformer to a 3D platformer is coupled with an increased focus on character development, world-building, and narrative. While still a platformer at heart, the game feels more like an action-adventure, as if it blends in the best of Super Mario and Legend of Zelda.
Naughty Dog has always been at the forefront of cinematic experiences, and Jak and Daxter is no exception.
ICO Is an Incredibly Unique Experience
Some of the best Sony games focus more on the experience than actual gameplay. It’s not just about entertaining but captivating the audience and delivering a unique experience.
Ico is the perfect example of this.
Its simplistic take on gameplay allows for an incredible amount of freedom, expression, and innovation when it comes to Ico. There wasn’t anything else like it on the market upon its 2001 release. Since then, its impact has been felt throughout the next two decades of gaming.
Metascore: 90
Wrapping Up
That does it for our list of the best Sony games according to Metacritic. Unfortunately, some modern classics, like Marvel’s Spider-Man and the Horizon franchise, missed the cut. Other cult classics, like Ape Escape, SOCOM, and Sly Cooper, came up just short.
What are some of your favorite Sony games? Let us know in the comments below, and keep the conversation going.
