ThePlayStation 4launched in 2013, and it is one of Sony’s most successful consoles, with 106 units sold globally. The console’s success was boosted by Sony’s continuous support, as well as the avalanche of great games that were released on thePlayStation 4. Although it got off to a slow start, the PS4’s launch line-up was still fairly solid and provided enough to keep gamers occupied until the next wave of AAA games came around.
There was a great variety of games available to please players regardless of what genres they enjoyed. For gamers who want action,Infamous Second Sonwas on offer, while gamers who were looking for a colorful experience couldgrabResogun. There were also tried and tested franchises likeAssassin’s Creedavailable for gamers who craved something familiar.
At launch, the following PS4 games were available:
Infamous Second Son
AlthoughInfamous Second Sonwasn’t available on the day of the PS4’s release, it hit shelves within the release window, technically making it a launch title. Developed by Sucker Punch,Infamous Second Sonis a fast-paced action-adventure game that has players taking control of Delsin Rowe who can absorb the powers of other conduits. With the PS4’s technology, developers couldtake theInfamousfranchise to the next level. The game’s particle effects are still dazzling to this day, and speeding around Seattle as Delsin hasn’t gotten boring yet.Second Sonalso features a convenient photo mode, and it was one of the first games to sport this now-ubiquitous feature.
Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag
One of the most visually appealing games available at the PS4’s launch wasAssassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag. It differs from prior games by focusing more on piracy and ship exploration. The beautiful water physics showed off the console’s potential while the gripping combat proved thatAssassin’s Creedstill has plenty of creativity left. The game spawned a standalonepirate game titledSkulls and Bones, but it seems to be stuck in development hell, and it currently has no definite release date. Ubisoft would lead the charge again with the PS5’s launch by releasingAssassin’s Creed Valhalla, which has fared well with critics and gamers alike.
Knack
Knackwas developed by Japan Studio, and it was bundled with the console in some regions. The game centers on the titular Knack as he saves humankind from goblins. As a platforming beat ‘em up, the gameplay is relatively easy to get a hang of, and the environments are a visual treat. Knack is formed of a bunch of Relics, as the game was meant to show off the PS4’s physics capabilities. Though the game was praised for its graphics and physics, critics did note its surprisingly high difficulty. It spawned asequel titledKnack 2which was released in 2017.
Resogun
Housemarque’sResogunwas a PS4 exclusive shoot ‘em up released as a launch title. Gamers take control of a spaceship with access to a spectacular array of weapons that can be used against the waves of enemies. The game is visually stunning, and using the PS4’s power, it renders hundreds of thousands of voxels in real time.Resogunreceived positive reception, andHousemarque would go on to releaseReturnalon PS5 before being acquired by Sony in 2021.
The PS4 had a tough job at launch, as the console is not backward compatible, which greatly narrowed its library. However, developers managed to ship out enough to give gamers good reasons to head out and purchase the console. The PS5 arguably had a better launch line-up filled with titles likeDemon’s SoulsandMiles Morales, and thePS VR2 also has a jam-packed few months ahead.
MORE:Forspoken’s Dialogue is a Relic that May have Succeeded as a PS4 Launch Title
