5 Best PlayStation Exclusives of All Time

Every year, PlayStation looks to excite it's player-base with new exclusive games for the console. The better the exclusives, the more likely gamers will switch to or purchase a PS5 console. And now that we're over halfway through the year, we wanted to take a look at the five best PlayStation exclusives of 2023 so far. Obviously, this list is bound to change with the second half of PlayStation exclusives that are projected to release before the end of the year, such as Marvel's Spider-Man 2 and Stellar Blade. However, until then, these are the games that currently make up the rankings.

5. Forspoken

Forspoken was the first PlayStation exclusive to release in 2023 and that obviously comes with some added pressure. There were a lot of mixed reviews right off the bat, but the general consensus was that the game flopped. Particularly in terms of graphics, world-building, and role-playing gameplay. Aside from that, it offered up some exciting and flashy gameplay that consisted of casting spells and fighting off ungodly enemies. However, we doubt that's enough to keep it on this list, especially given what's to come.

All in all, many people, including ourselves, expected more from Forspoken. So you may be questioning why it's on this list. That's ultimately because it's only competing with six other PlayStation exclusives this year, two of which are for the PlayStation VR2. Furthermore, given that many other games have had far worse launches than it this year, we'll give it a small token of credit for the time being and place it on the fifth spot of the best PlayStation exclusives of 2023, so far.

4. Horizon Call of the Mountain

2023 also saw the release of the PlayStation VR2. So far, it has received two exclusive VR games: Horizon Call of the Mountain and The Dark Pictures: Switchback VR. Given that there have only been four PlayStation 5 exclusives released this year,  one of those two titles has to make its way onto this list. Of course, we can't say no to Aloy in the Horizon Call of the Mountain VR spin-off.

It's a lengthy game for the PlayStation VR2, clocking in at around eight hours. However, it managed to deliver a complete story, as well as some pretty well-designed action VR gameplay set in the Horizon universe. Overall, it was exciting to see new content for the series, particularly one that provided us with a more immersive and interactive experience. So, despite the fact that it's built for the PlayStation VR2, it is still a PlayStation exclusive at the end of the day. And, considering what we're working with so far, we would have to consider it one of the best PlayStation exclusives at this point in the year.

3. Horizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores (DLC)

We don't think many people were aware that Horizon Forbidden West received DLC this year. Given that all eyes were on the PS VR2 and the Horizon Call of the Mountain spin-off, the Burning Shores DLC slipped under the radar. Nonetheless, the DLC arrived in April of this year and was received with a lot of praise. One of the main reasons why is that the Burning Shores DLC picks up right where Horizon Forbidden West's story left off. As a result, it's a direct epilogue to the game and has a lot of ties to the story.

So, if you're a fan of the series, we'd say Horizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores (DLC) is a must-play. It's about 10 hours long and tells the unheard-of story about Aloy and her new ally Seyka. It's surprisingly refreshing while remaining relevant to previous games' events. We just can't discredit a good DLC and as a result, it's easily one of the best PlayStation exclusives of 2023 so far.

2. Season: A Letter To The Future

Just as we can't discredit good DLC, we can't dismiss an innovative and upcoming Indie game. And so far this year for PlayStation, that upcoming indie is Season: A Letter To The Future. This third-person meditative exploration game developed by Scavengers Studio casts you as a young woman from a small village who travels and documents the world before a mysterious cataclysm comes and washes everything away. As you ride your bike to new locations, you come across beautiful scenery, meet people, and unravel the mysteries of the world around you.

It's one of those unique and beautiful videogame concepts that only appear once in a while and never truly receive the recognition it deserves. However, its brilliance will not go unnoticed by us, as we have it ranked second among the best PlayStation exclusives of 2023 so far. On that note, we expect it to remain on the list until the end of the year. So, if you're looking for a unique experience, Season: A Letter To The Future is one of the best PlayStation exclusives.

1. Final Fantasy 16

Right now, one game is deciding the rat rate between Xbox and PlayStation for which console has the best exclusives in 2023. That exclusive game is Final Fantasy XVI (16) for PlayStation 5. Going back to its roots and delivering on every aspect that makes the series great, Final Fantasy 16 is widely regarded as the best game in the series to date. And we're talking about a franchise with a lot of titles. At the same time, it's already got its name in the hat for Game of the Year.

So it's no surprise that it ranks first among the best PlayStation exclusives of 2023 so far. In fact, we're confident enough to say it's the best PlayStation exclusive of 2023. That is unless Marvel's Spider-Man 2 has something to say about it.

So, what's your take? Do you agree with our top five? Are there other PlayStation Exclusives you think are best? Let us know in the comments below or over on our socials here!