Although it is essential to have individual opinions and enjoy things without seeking the approval of others, there is no doubt that a push in the right direction could save us a lot of time and money! This push sometimes comes in the form of game reviews. A game review is a usually objective source of experience and knowledge from an expert or а professional on a particular game. These reviews usually include the most important details about games, like graphics, sound, and characters. Although our guide is not a review per se, we know how frustrating it can be to pick a game based on a review and end up not enjoying it. It is for this reason we have compiled some of the factors you should consider when picking a PS5 game. We also included a pick of some of our favourite PS5 games. If this sounds like something that you would be interested in, then read on!
Key Factors to Consider in Game Reviews
There are hundreds of self-proclaimed experts on the internet, and they have littered the web with game reviews that are advertised to be ‘helpful and objective’. Some of these reviews do not live up to the hype, and it is for this reason we have compiled a list of factors that would help you when you’re scouring the internet in search of the great PS5 game reviews!
Gameplay and Mechanics
Although video games should be by no means treated as an ‘escape from reality’, it is always a great feeling to find one that completely captivates you and creates an enjoyable atmosphere almost immediately. Game mechanics and gameplay are directly responsible for how you engage with a game. While game mechanics have everything to do with the rules, systems, and interactions in a game that control player navigation, strategy, and progress, gameplay defines the fundamental activities and interactions players make throughout the game. These interactions could go from simple actions, such as shooting and jumping, to more complex ones such as puzzle-solving and resource management.
For game designers to provide the best experience possible to players, they would need to understand the core concepts of the mechanics that govern general gameplay, shape progression, and incite engagement from players. Game reviews should delve into game mechanics since this is what binds a game together. Players should be told if the gameplay is exciting enough for each of them to embark on a gaming journey and create an experience unique to them! Multiplayer modes should be explored and their impact on players’ social interaction with each other should be carefully considered.
Graphics and Visuals
First impressions are important, and this does not only apply to people. Let’s face it, the first thing you see when you start a game are the visuals and the attention to detail. Most players are sold when the graphics look like something out of a movie, so enchanting that you would believe you are part of the events of that universe. Graphics and visuals set the tone for the rest of your gaming experience. Although some people might not realise it, graphics and visuals have a great impact on gameplay and mechanics. In 2D or 3D games, clear-cut visuals give players more possibility to make quick decisions and keep up with the game action. Clear and appealing visuals also give players the possibility to understand the game a lot more easily and go through action quickly.
Game reviews should explore visuals, how they impact gameplay, and answer these questions. Do the cinematic scenes feel real enough? Are the details stunning enough to grab the player’s attention and make them want to engage with the game even more? Are the maps and units clear enough for players to grasp plot points and understand the objective of a particular mission?
Sound, Design, and Music
One red flag that a lot of players rarely pick up on when they are reading game reviews is the absence of any sound and music talk. We find this very short-sighted since sound and music have a great impact on almost everyone’s gaming experience. While an image of a hurt puppy might evoke feelings of sadness, there is no denying that this image alongside a sad instrumental will evoke those feelings a lot more easily and quickly! Music elevates gameplay and helps players navigate the game universe a lot better. Let’s say you are playing a Halloween-themed game and one part of this game requires your character to pass through an eerie mansion or haunted house. Scary music and occasional screams from the game might bring some shivers down your spine! Sound effects are also important because they help players find their way around the game, locate valuable items, and discover important information.
Storyline and Narrative
Every gamer knows how inherently important the storyline is to video games! Great graphics and sound are welcome, but if this is all a game has to offer, the experience will become very monotonous. On the other hand, a game with average graphics and an enthralling storyline is more likely to catch players’ attention and keep it. Although you can find games with little to no story line that are very entertaining and successful (such as Pac-Man and Minecraft), a lot of games rely on good storytelling and narratives to push the game. The difference between storytelling in games and in other forms of entertainment is the fact that the player is the protagonist. A well-written story makes the player even more connected to the gaming experience and makes them more eager to discover what is going to happen next.
We love game reviews that tell us everything about the storyline (while keeping some much-needed suspense, of course) and assess the plot. We need to know if the plot is fluid, if there are plot holes and if narration is coherent.
Replayability and Longevity
In game design, replayability and longevity are the things that will keep players coming back, and even encourage them to purchase newer versions of already existing games. Huge game franchises have been able to exist and branch out because they are constantly looking for ways to engage players and entertain them even more. One of the ways they do this is by creating multi-end and open-end narratives. These types of games have outcomes that depend on user choices, and it is the unpredictability of it all that keeps players glued to their screens. Post-game content (which usually includes extra characters or secret missions) also increases replayability. Game reviews should explore the replay value of games and assess how the plot, design and other factors might affect longevity.
Top PS5 Game Reviews
If you want to take full advantage of your console, we’ve got you! Here, we will discuss some of our favourite PS5 games and if we think they are worth it!
PUBG
PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds, more commonly referred to as PUBG, is a multiplayer battle royale game. So, if fast-paced action is your thing, then this game is for you! This game puts players against each other, and up to 100 players can take part of the action. PUBG can be played from a third-person or first-person perspective and starts off with players parachuting to an island where they search for weapons. The objective is to kill other players while avoiding getting killed. So, basically, you have to outlive your competitors. This game was inspired by a 2000 Japanese film “Battle Royale” where 12 people get lost in a jungle and have to kill each other to survive. Unlike the film, PUBG has 100 players in competition and each of them starts off with no weapon. To survive, you have to find weapons and shield yourself from other players’ attacks. There is no particular storyline or NPC. Understanding and playing PlayerUnknown’s Battleground is easy. There are five types of firearms on the island: pistol, shotgun, submachinegun, assault-rifle, and sniper-rifle. When it comes to graphics, PUBG offers true-to-life images for all players. To help with aesthetics, all guns and armour have glossy sheen to them under certain lighting conditions. Explosions have a visual flair and weather conditions add to the grimy image the game is trying to portray. Action is accompanied by sound effects that let players know where the other players are. Considering visuals, sound, and overall game mechanics, we would rate this game a solid 4/5.| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Improves problem-solving | Extremely addictive |
| Enhances memory retention | Affects eyesight |
| Improves brain speed | |
| Improves social skills |
Minecraft
Minecraft offers ‘infinite wonders and endless possibilities’ to players through a sandbox-style game that encourages creativity. To most people, it might seem like a silly block game with no purpose, but it is so much more than that. First of all, the graphics stand out quite a bit. It is not your usual 3D animation. Instead, you have a virtual sandbox that puts resources at players disposal. With these resources, they can explore a world of opportunities and build nearly everything possible they can imagine! The game starts off with soft and cool music when you arrive at the shore of the beach.
There is no particular storyline in Minecraft. It is your world, and you are free to do whatever you want to do with it. You craft your own stories and use your space as you deem fit. It would feel aimless if there were no achievements. So, you get rewarded when you reach milestones such as catching a fish or opening your inventory for the first time. If you play for a really long time, you might even get to find the elusive Ender Dragon.
Th graphics can only be described as ‘retro’, but we find them endearing. The simplistic aspect of these graphics is what has attracted a larger part of the Minecraft audience. The pixelated world is yours to mold and build. Out of 5, this game is a solid 4.5 for us.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy online and local multiplayer | Limited world size |
| Infinite possibilities to create a world | Not free to play |
| Allows for creative expression | |
| Improves social skills |
Apex Legends
First things first, Apex Legends is free! This royale battle game does not require players to purchase a login. However, microtransactions and loot boxes cost money. Since its 2019 launch, Apex Legends has only been getting better and even more engaging. Think of this game like an Avengers reunion, but with shooters known as Legends. The game features squads of three players. These squads are made of Legends and each Legend is assigned a unique design, personality, and ability. Generally, an Apex Match features about 20 three-player teams. The members of the surviving team are crowned the ‘Apex Champions’ of the match.
What we loved most about Apex Legends is the fact that you start the game off with players who have predefined set of special abilities and strengths. There are 16 Legends and each of them is unique in their own way. Although the sound is nothing special, we love the graphics! Our Apex Legends rating is 4.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Free to play | No solo mode |
| Smooth gameplay | Expensive microtransitions |
| Unique playable characters | |
| Improves social skills |
Fortnite Battle Royale
If you escaped the Fortnite Battle Royale craze, then we are here to influence you! This game is a near 5, from the graphics to the sound. This game is categorised into chapters and each chapter has an objective. Fortnite Battle Royale is a little more complicated than just aiming your weapon at your opponent. The game starts off like most other battle royale games: up to 100 players dropped into a field where they have to fight for their survival. Unlike the other games, the players are not dropped from a plane or any military vehicle. Instead, they are launched from a party bus. In addition to this, instead of dreary and stormy weather, players are in a beautifully coloured island making you to think you are in some kind of vacation game - except you have to try not to get killed.
The entire graphics system was impressive to us, and it was mostly about the little things. You can build stairs to get to the roof a building or build around an injured player to protect them. Gameplay is smooth and sound effects warn you when the enemy is getting closer. Our rating for this game would be 4.5⁄5.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Mobile play available | It can be addictive |
| Encourages critical thinking skills | Not free to play |
| Constantly updated with items added | |
| Free to play |
Hearthstone
Hearthstone is one of those games that you do not need to play a hundred times to understand. No need for any complex rules to create engaging gameplay. This strategy-based game where you have to defeat your opponent through critical thinking and quick moves. This game is actually a spin-off to the Warcraft franchise where players are assigned a deck and a character for each boss. Unlike the other Warcraft games, you know exactly who you are playing, who you are facing, and their corresponding decks. Visual effects are a large part of the storytelling. For example, a giant shadow descends to the board and picks a minion card up.
Card effects have different functions. For example, Fireball deals six damage, Assassinate destroys a minion, and Chillwind Yeti is a minion with 4 attack and 5 health. You choose to do with your cards what you want. The thrill of the game is making the right decision at the right time. Our rating for this game is 4⁄5.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Increases critical thinking | More entertaining than efficient |
| Lots of depth | Ranked mode feels difficult to progress in |
| Immersive and attractive graphics | |
| Free to play |
Comparison of Top PS5 Games Reviewed
| PUBG | Minecraft | Apex Legends | Fortnite Battle Royale | Hearthstone | Final Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gameplay | 4.5 | 4 | 4 | 4.5 | 4 | 4/5 |
| Graphics | 4 | 4 | 4.5 | 4 | 4 | 4.5/5 |
| Sound | 4 | 4 | 3.5 | 4 | 4 | 4/5 |
| Storyline | 4 | N/A | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.5/5 |
| Replayability | 3.5 | 4.5 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4/5 |
Conclusion
Consumerism is at an all-time high and it is easy for players to choose games based on internet recommendations and enthusiasm! Reviews from experts and other players alike are a great way to filter out the nonsense and choose games based on important factors, such as gameplay, graphics, and replayability. It would be pretentious to say that our game reviews are factual and impartial, but we tried our best to present the games to you as objectively as possible. These games are different from each other and we believe that these differences is what will endear you to each of them!