Honorable Mentions
Yakuza 0 – PS4 – January 24, 2017
*** Read COGconnected’s review here ***
The Yakuza series has been in existence since 2005 and has garnered a devout following in the West. Despite being previously released in the West (albeit with long delays), Yakuza 0 provided players with the perfect starting point for the series, a prequel. With Yakuza 0 being well received, Sega is almost complete in bringing the whole series to contemporary consoles either remade or remastered, and decreasing localization delays as well. With its wacky substories, beat-em-up gameplay, and loads of things to do, Yakuza 0 is one for the ages. At the time of writing, Yakuza 0 has just been announced for a non-PlayStation console, but its significance to both the platform and series at the time remains important to note. Yakuza 0 was originally number 8 on our list, but its status as a PlayStation exclusive is no longer valid. In our review, we noted that “With such a dynamic and interactive interface, Yakuza 0 will keep you coming back for more and even catch you off guard when you least expect.”
Heavy Rain – PS3 – Feb 18, 2010
*** Read COGconnected’s PS4 review here ***
Released at the start of the decade, Quantic Dream builds upon their experience with Fahrenheit to craft a deeper, darker, and ultimately stronger narrative. Though Quantic Dream also developed Beyond: Two Souls and Detroit: Become Human in the 2010s, Heavy Rain is ultimate their best experience in the decade. Featuring an engrossing narrative that drives gameplay forward, Heavy Rain could be seen as a better story than it is a game. In our review of the PS4 remaster, we found that “this is a great game that still has the power to engross today’s gaming audience.”
Persona 4 Golden – PS Vita – Nov 12, 2012
Persona 4 Golden almost edged out Persona 5 in representing the series on this list, but its original PS2 release in 2008 ultimately made me question whether the title belongs on this list. Therefore, we honorably mention Persona 4 Golden for this list. Easily the most recommended title on the PS Vita, Persona 4 Golden is a strong JRPG that follows the series’ contemporary formula. Dungeon crawling, social links, and student life make Persona 4 Golden a PS Vita favorite. While the console is on its way out, there are some quality titles on the console that deserve attention.
Did we have any notable omissions? Let us know in the comments below!