Summary
PlayStation remains one of the most popular console platforms in recent history, and a big contributing factor to its success is its massive, high-quality library of titles.
There are great PS4 and PS5 games in every genre, but the genre that perhaps has the best range of titles on both is RPGs. There are some massively popular RPGs available on PS4, but because of this, a wide variety of them are pretty underappreciated. So, what are the best underrated RPGs available on both PS4 and PS5?
9Gravity Rush
When the PS Vita launched in the early 2010s, plenty of titles were advertised for the console, but one of the most unique was Gravity Rush. Due to the limited owner base of the Vita, the original was remastered for the PS4 and then received a sequel.
Despite the unique gravity-twisting mechanic that makes traversing the open world exhilarating, the short-running series remains pretty overlooked. Both entries in the series are a lot of fun and are great if you are looking for a fresh RPG with a unique angle.
813 Sentinels Aegis Rim
One aspect that many RPGs tend to thrive in is their storytelling, and one of the best narrative-focused RPGs on PlayStation is13 Sentinels Aegis Rim. This title features 13 protagonists whose stories you will dip in and out of to learn more about the overlapping overarching story of the whole game.
The heavy focus on narrative is balanced out by pretty approachable strategy mech gameplay that is easy to get into but hard to master. The story can be a little overwhelming, but the game provides plenty of tools to help you stay caught up.
7Ni No Kuni 2 Revenant Kingdom
The first Ni No Kuni title on the PS3, it gained a lot of attention for the crossover with Studio Ghibli that gave the game a magical look and a fresh design compared to other RPGs.
The game was successful enough to justify a sequel, and while this game was hardly unsuccessful, it was much more overlooked than the original. This is a shame since the sequel has a completely different gameplay style and narrative but still has the same charm with its world-building and storytelling.
6Code Vein
When it comes to anime-style RPGs on the PS4, there is plenty of choice, but this also means that it can be tricky for them to stand out, and plenty end up getting lost in the mix. This is a shame since titles likeCode Veincan end up getting skipped over for their style, which is a shame since its gameplay is a lot stronger than its presentation might suggest.
The gameplay uses a Soulslike style but has the same design sensibilities as an anime game, giving it a more extra style that helps make it flashier than other games.
5Persona 5 Strikers
Perhaps one of the most popular RPGs available on the PlayStation line of consoles isPersona 5, and for good reason. The long RPG has a fun cast of characters, an engaging extended narrative, and interesting gameplay.
So, if you have played the original, jumping toStrikersafterward is a natural move. It is a shame that some Persona fans miss out on Strikers because of the change in gameplay. The gameplay is more action focused, making it a refreshing change. However, it retains plenty of the style and character writing that made the original Persona 5 so gripping.
4Final Fantasy 15
With the launch ofFinal Fantasy16 being so successful, it is easy to forget the Final Fantasy game that preceded it, especially since the reaction to 15 was not as wholly positive.
This is a shame since 15 is one of the most unique titles in the long-running fantasy series, and it still holds up well. The title is incredibly open-ended, with a beautiful open world you may explore at your own pace. The modern fantasy setting is not to everyone’s taste, but if you enjoy that aesthetic and a masterfully told fantasy story,Final Fantasy 15is worth revisiting.
3Kingdom Hearts Dream Drop Distance
If you are a fan of action RPGs, then you are likely familiar with theKingdom Heartsseries. The main numbered entries in the series are all popular, and for good reason, with their fast-paced gameplay andunique approach to storytelling. However, the non-numbered entries in the series can sometimes get lost in the mix, with Dream Drop Distance being an example.
If you are not a fan of the series, the story can be a little intimidating. However, the gameplay is still a lot of fun! The title is quite overlooked on the PS4 since it is only available within the Kingdom Hearts 2.8 collection.
2Atelier Ryza
The Atelier series has been running for quite a while, but the titles still tend to avoid gaining full mainstream attention, which is a massive shame due to their high quality. A great entry point into the Atelier series is the Atelier Ryza trilogy. This trio of titles features three stories that overarch to create a grander narrative.
The gameplay is a standard RPG fare given extra depth thanks to the well-developed alchemy system. The alchemy can take a while to master, but it becomes massively satisfying when you understand it.
1Nier Replicant
One of the standout RPGs of the PS4 generation is Nier Automata, and this is for good reason, with the unique titlerevolutionizing the genrewith smooth gameplay and unconventional storytelling. In spite of how successful this title was, many didn’t know it was a sequel to the original Nier that launched in 2010.
This title was not too accessible, but it was remade withNier Replicanton the PS4. This remake is the perfect entry point to the series, whether you have played Automata or not!
