10 best PlayStation exclusive games ranked

5. Ghost of Tsushima

One of the most common complaints you'll hear about PlayStation exclusives is that many of them could feel the same. They're third-person action-adventure games with an over-the-shoulder camera, an open world filled with conventional side activities, and many markers or indicators on the map leading the way. So whenever a game like Ghost of Tsushima comes, and innovates even on the smallest of details that many developers take as a given, it's always a joy to see.

Sucker Punch Productions' latest title puts you in the shoes of Jin Sakai, an experienced samurai who lives on Tsushima Island. But since it would be very un-samurai-like to see colorful beams of light in the sky telling players where to go, Sucker Punch came up with the perfect solution. What if the direction the wind is blowing indicates the path forward? I know it's rather a small change but also one that makes the whole game feel completely different from most other AAA titles.

On the same page, following foxes and yellow birds leads you to collectibles around the world which is a breath of fresh air from just having a big icon on the map marking the spot to go to. Playing the flute also changes the weather around you as well, instead of just giving the world a set weather pattern. Many side activities are tailored specifically for a Samurai to complete (like having to cut bamboo with a sword), and instead of increasing the maximum life of Jin Sakai by leveling his character up in a menu, you need to find hot springs hidden around the world to do so.

Sucker Punch proved you don't need to completely overhaul common game mechanics found in open-world video games. It can be more than enough just to break the mold in terms of presentation and design. Better yet, all of these small changes serve the setting of a Samurai-themed adventure, resulting in a more immersive experience. Add to that amazing combat mechanics, great voice acting, jaw-dropping graphics, a beautifully crafted open world, and a thrilling soundtrack, and it's easy to see why Ghost of Tsushima is one of the best PlayStation exclusives ever made.