One of the biggest selling points for many gamers when it comes to the PlayStation 4 is its versatile list of RPGs. The console has a fantastic range of Japanese RPGs, classic CRPGs, action RPGs, and more to choose from. For a genre that was once considered niche or too time-consuming for the average gamer, upcoming RPGs like Cyberpunk 2077 still have fans more excited in anticipation of their release than the yearly release of the next FIFA or Madden game.

Additionally, these games tend to score higher with critics and find themselves at the top of Metacritic scoring averages than games that hit the shelves every year. Let’s take a look at where Metacritic places some of the best RPGs of a generation.

10 Final Fantasy VII Remake (88)

One of the most hotly anticipated remakes of all time is the Final Fantasy VII Remake. Released in 2020, the expectations for a remake of what many gamers consider to be the greatest Japanese RPG of all time was impossibly high. It’s true that fans of the Final Fantasy VII Remake only have the first act to play until its inevitable sequel arrives. It is still an incredible love letter to fans and a great way to introduce a new generation of gamers to its universe.

9 Horizon Zero Dawn (89)

Released in 2017, Horizon Zero Dawn is an open-world action RPG from the developers of the Killzone series Guerrilla Games. Nearly three years on, and it is still one of the most beautiful games of a generation.

Furthermore, Horizon Zero Dawn is an epic action RPG with some fantastic boss battles that require thought, ingenuity, and creativity from the player. Every battle with the giant robotic dinosaurs looks like a big-budget set piece from a Hollywood action movie

8 Dark Souls III (89)

Released in 2016, Dark Souls III is the final installment in the Souls series and one of the best action RPGs of all time. The graphics and incredible art design are some of the best of a generation and typical of the studio that brought gamers Bloodborne and Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice.

Just like its predecessors, Dark Souls III features some of the best boss battles ever seen and the series’ staple of illusive environmental storytelling pulls gamers into its atmospheric universe.

7 Monster Hunter World (90)

Developed by Capcom and released in 2018, Monster Hunter World is the most recent game in the long-running action-RPG series. It is also the first game in the series to become a mainstream smash hit for the studio becoming one of its most popular titles.

Monster Hunter World is a massive action title where every battle the player encounters is a boss fight that requires thought and strategy. The monster designs are superb, the environments are a joy to explore and there’s a massive amount of customization on offer.

6 Diablo III: Ultimate Edition (90)

Released on the PlayStation 4 in 2014, Diablo III: Ultimate Evil Edition is the successful console port of Blizzard’s epic action RPG series that originated on the PC. The developers did an amazing job of making the game feel like it belonged on a console with excellent and responsive controls.

Furthermore, it still offers action-RPG fans some of the best couch co-operative gameplay that’s available on any console. The Ultimate Evil Edition includes all of Diablo III’s expansions and offers amazing value for money.

5 NieR: Automata – Game Of The YoRHa Edition (91)

Released in 2019, NieR: Automata – Game Of The YoRHa Edition is the expanded version of NieR: Automata that released in 2017 and it includes all of the game’s DLC in one package. Developed by PlatinumGames and part of the Drakengard universe NieR: Automata is one of the most unique, bizarre, and original action RPGs of all time.

It’s huge in scope and offers more replayability and story content than most games in the genre. Additionally, the haunting story is one that will likely stay with its players for a long time.

4 Divinity: Original Sin II Definitive Edition (92)

Released in 2018 for the PlayStation 4 and other platforms, Divinity: Original Sin II Definitive Edition is an RPG of epic proportions developed by Larian Studios. Original Sin II is one of the most open and expansive RPGs ever released.

It is one of the few games that really does live up to its goals of allowing players to truly role-play in a game world that feels like it is without limits. The environment, people’s perceptions, and the consequences of one’s actions develop in some of the most realistic and organic ways and every playthrough really can feel different.

3 The Witcher 3: The Wild Hunt (92)

Released in 2015 on the PlayStation 4 and other platforms, The Witcher 3: The Wild Hunt and its massive story expansions are still regarded as some of the best role-playing experiences of all time. The choices that players make in the game in seemingly inconsequential side-quests can have significant ramifications for its lead character Geralt as the game’s main story progresses.

The role-playing mechanics and the expansive story are only rivaled by the likes of Divinity: Original Sin II and Pillars of Eternity II but The Witcher 3 feels and looks like a big-budget epic that stands above its rivals.

2 Bloodborne (92)

Released exclusively for the PlayStation 4 in 2015, Bloodborne is another dark action RPG from the creators of the Dark Souls series FromSoftware. It is regarded by many fans as the studio’s best game and one of the PS4’s best exclusives to date.

Instead of the dark medieval horror setting of the Souls series, Bloodborne takes its inspiration from Gothic horror and the works of H.P Lovecraft. The level design is some of the best in the Souls-like genre and the monster designs are easily the most horrific and creative.

1 Persona 5 Royal (95)

Released in 2020, Personal 5 Royal is an expanded version of the excellent Persona 5 which still holds a Metascore of 93 that was released in 2017. However, while it may be easy to assume that it’s a remaster or a remake it would be safer to label Persona 5 Royal as more of a director’s cut.

There is enough new content, characters, and features in the game to make it worthwhile for veterans. For newcomers, it’s a bigger more expanded game with tons of quality of life improvements to make it a better overall experience and better choice.

NEXT: Persona 5 Royal: The 5 Best Personas For Kaneshiro’s Bank (& 5 You Should Avoid)