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22 Video Games You Absolutely Have to Play, According to PlayStation's Godfather

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Ignacio Weil

Gaming - May 4th 2025, 13:00 GMT+2

Cropped About — About this gallery:

For this list, we focused on the games that Shuhei Yoshida – often hailed as the godfather of PlayStation – has personally called must-plays for any true gamer. Naturally, we decided to organize them chronologically because, well, we love a good timeline and actually ranking them based on personal beliefs? Yeah, we'll steer clear of that.

So, which of these games is your favorite? Think there’s one that *totally* doesn’t belong here? Let us know in the comments – we promise we won’t hold grudges (okay, maybe just a little).

| © Kiyoshi Ota / Bloomberg

Cropped Ape Escape — Ape Escape (1999)

If you ever wanted to feel the sheer joy of frantically chasing mischievous monkeys with a net, *Ape Escape* was (and still is) your game. This was the first PlayStation title that outright demanded you use the DualShock controller’s twin sticks, proving that analog control wasn’t just a gimmick – it was the future. The game’s wacky gadgets, vibrant worlds, and chaotic primate-catching antics made it an unforgettable ride. And let’s not forget that catchy, nostalgia-inducing soundtrack that still lives rent-free in the heads of ’90s gamers. Whether you played it back in the day or are just now discovering its charm, *Ape Escape* is pure, unfiltered fun. Now, where’s our modern remake, Sony? Seriously. We’re waiting. | © Sony Computer Entertainment

Cropped Shadow of the Colossus — Shadow of the Colossus (2005)

You. A sword. A horse. Sixteen towering, majestic creatures standing between you and a miracle. *Shadow of the Colossus* isn’t just a game – it’s an emotional journey wrapped in a hauntingly beautiful world. Every battle is equal parts puzzle and action, as you scale these awe-inspiring giants, desperately searching for their weak points while your heart pounds with guilt for even trying. With its minimalist storytelling and deeply atmospheric landscapes, this game proves that sometimes, less is more. And let’s be honest: no matter how many times you play it, that ending *still* hits like a ton of bricks. If you haven’t experienced this masterpiece yet, drop everything and do it now. No, seriously. | © Team Ico / Sony Computer Entertainment

Cropped Persona 4 — Persona 4 (2008)

A murder mystery, a fog-covered town, a squad of high school misfits, and a TV world where your deepest fears take the form of shadowy monsters – what’s not to love? *Persona 4* masterfully blends turn-based combat, social simulation, and a gripping detective story, all wrapped in a stylish, anime-infused package. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll agonize over who to hang out with after school. And once you step into this world, good luck pulling yourself away – because *Persona 4* isn’t just a game; it’s a full-blown lifestyle. Whether you’re uncovering the mystery or just maxing out friendships (and maybe a romance or two), this is JRPG perfection at its finest. | © Atlus

Cropped The Binding of Isaac — The Binding of Isaac (2011)

If you thought childhood trauma and biblical allegories couldn’t make for an addictive roguelike, *The Binding of Isaac* is here to prove you very, very wrong. This game throws you into the basement – literally – where you’ll fight grotesque monsters, collect bizarre power-ups, and cry (both literally and figuratively) as you try to escape a fate worse than bad parenting. Every run is different, every item combination is wilder than the last, and every boss fight is a test of skill, luck, and sheer chaos. Whether you’re a hardcore completionist or just looking for a quick, masochistic dungeon crawl, Isaac will hook you for hours... and then some. | © Edmund McMillen / Nicalis

Cropped Sound Shapes — Sound Shapes (2012)

Imagine if a platformer and a music sequencer had a beautiful, artsy baby – that’s *Sound Shapes*. This rhythm-based game lets you navigate minimalist, hand-crafted levels while the soundtrack builds dynamically around your every move. It’s part game, part interactive album, with music from artists like Beck and Deadmau5 shaping your experience in ways that feel almost hypnotic. The real magic, though, is in the level editor, where you can create your own sonic playgrounds and share them with the world. It’s like *Mario Maker*, but way cooler (and with more synth beats). If you love games that blur the line between play and creativity, this one’s a must. | © Queasy Games / Sony Computer Entertainment

Cropped Journey — Journey (2012)

Games can be fun, games can be challenging, but *Journey*? *Journey* is transcendent. No words, no tutorials, just a silent desert trek where the only certainty is the mountain on the horizon. Every step, every gust of wind, every shimmering dune is an emotional gut-punch, and then – just when you think you’re alone – you spot another traveler. No usernames, no voice chat, just a stranger walking the same path as you. And somehow, that makes all the difference. Few games have captured the magic of discovery and companionship quite like this one. Play it once, and you’ll remember it forever. Play it twice, and you’ll probably cry all over again. | © Thatgamecompany / Sony Computer Entertainment

Cropped SUPER TIME FORCE — Super Time Force Ultra (2014)

Ever wish you could rewind time and fix all your mistakes? Well, in *Super Time Force Ultra*, that’s not just possible – it’s the entire gameplay loop. This absurdly over-the-top run-and-gun shooter gives you an army of ridiculous characters (including a skateboarding dinosaur, because why not?) and the power to create copies of yourself mid-battle. Think of it like *Contra*, but with time-travel shenanigans cranked up to 11. The game doesn’t take itself too seriously, and that’s exactly why it’s so good. One moment you’re dodging lasers, the next you’re saving the world with a pixelated version of PlayStation icon Shuhei Yoshida himself. Yes, *that* Shuhei Yoshida. | © Capybara Games

Cropped Bloodborne — Bloodborne (2015)

Imagine waking up in a gothic nightmare, armed with nothing but a transforming weapon and a thirst for vengeance. Welcome to *Bloodborne*, the game that took *Dark Souls*’ punishing difficulty and injected it with pure adrenaline. Here, you don’t get to hide behind a shield – dodging, counterattacking, and going full beast mode are the only ways to survive. With its eerie Victorian architecture, Lovecraftian horrors, and combat so fast it makes your heart race, *Bloodborne* is not just a game; it’s an experience. Every boss is a grotesque masterpiece, every alleyway hides something terrifying, and every death is a lesson (or at least, that’s what you tell yourself after dying for the 50th time). If you haven’t played it yet, you’re missing out on one of the greatest action RPGs of all time. No, really. *Play it.* | © FromSoftware / Sony Computer Entertainment

Cropped Let it Die — Let It Die (2016)

Picture this: a brutal, over-the-top survival game where death isn’t just expected – it’s the whole point. *Let It Die* throws you into a dystopian nightmare filled with crazy enemies, ridiculous weapons, and a skateboard-riding grim reaper named Uncle Death (who, by the way, is the best hype man ever). Every time you die, you lose everything and start again, but with a little more knowledge and a lot more vengeance. This game is equal parts rogue-lite grind and punk-rock insanity, and somehow, it all just works. Whether you’re slashing through foes with a machete or battling a shirtless boss wielding a giant hammer, *Let It Die* is a bizarre, brutal, and utterly unforgettable ride. | © Grasshopper Manufacture / GungHo Online Entertainment

Cropped crash bandicoot — Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy (2017)

Ah, *Crash Bandicoot –* the game that made an entire generation throw their controllers in frustration. The *N. Sane Trilogy* took the original three PlayStation classics and gave them a glorious HD makeover, proving that nostalgia and pain go hand in hand. With its pixel-perfect platforming, wacky characters, and surprisingly deep challenge, this remaster reminded us all why we fell in love with gaming in the first place. Whether you’re dodging boulders, riding polar bears, or rage-quitting on *The High Road*, *Crash* is back and harder than ever. And let’s be honest: we wouldn’t have it any other way. | © Vicarious Visions / Activision

Cropped Doki Doki Literature Club — Doki Doki Literature Club (2017)

Ah, a cute visual novel about poetry, friendship, and maybe a little romance? How wholesome! Or so you *think*. *Doki Doki Literature Club* starts off as your typical anime-inspired dating sim – until it doesn't. Without giving too much away (because seriously, you need to experience this firsthand), let's just say this game takes a horrifying turn that will leave you questioning your choices, your sanity, and possibly reality itself. With its fourth-wall-breaking horror and disturbingly clever storytelling, *DDLC* is one of the most unforgettable psychological experiences in gaming. Just remember: the game *warns* you right from the start. And it’s not kidding. | © Team Salvato

Cropped Dead Cells — Dead Cells (2018)

You ever play a game that makes you feel like a sword-swinging, bow-shooting, dodge-rolling god – until you die 10 seconds later? Welcome to *Dead Cells*, a roguelike Metroidvania that kicks your teeth in and somehow makes you love it. Every time you die (and you *will* die), you get sent back to the start, but with a little more knowledge, a little better gear, and a lot more determination. The fast-paced combat is fluid, the randomly generated levels keep things fresh, and the sheer variety of weapons lets you create all kinds of insane builds. Whether you're spamming fire grenades or dual-wielding giant hammers, *Dead Cells* is the kind of game where "just one more run" turns into a six-hour session. | © Motion Twin

Cropped Hades — Hades (2020)

What if dying wasn’t the end, but just part of the story? *Hades* takes the roguelike formula and injects it with Greek mythology, lightning-fast combat, and more personality than most AAA blockbusters. You play as Zagreus, the rebellious son of Hades, fighting your way out of the Underworld while being cheered (and occasionally roasted) by the gods of Olympus. Every run is a chaotic ballet of dashes, slashes, and godlike power-ups, and the more you play, the deeper the story unfolds. And let’s talk about the characters – because *damn*, is this one good-looking cast. Whether you’re flirting with Thanatos, arguing with your dad, or bickering with an undead skeleton trainer, *Hades* makes every moment count. | © Supergiant Games

Cropped Ghost Of Tsushima — Ghost of Tsushima (2020)

If you ever wanted to live out your samurai fantasy, *Ghost of Tsushima* is *the* game. This open-world masterpiece drops you into feudal Japan, where you take on the Mongol invasion as Jin Sakai, a warrior torn between honor and survival. Do you fight like a noble samurai, facing enemies head-on in duels worthy of a Kurosawa film? Or do you embrace the shadows, taking down foes like an unseen ghost? Either way, the combat is some of the most satisfying in any game, and the world – wow. Rolling fields, golden forests, tranquil shrines – every frame is a work of art. It’s like stepping into a living painting, only with way more sword fights. | © Sucker Punch Productions / Sony Interactive Entertainment

Cropped Genshin Impact — Genshin Impact (2020)

Some called it *Breath of the Wild* with anime waifus. Others called it an endless gacha money pit. But *Genshin Impact* proved itself to be more than just a clone – it’s a massive, beautifully crafted open-world RPG that keeps players coming back for more. The combat is flashy, the elemental combos are satisfying, and the world of Teyvat is packed with secrets to uncover. Sure, the gacha mechanics can be *painfully* addictive, but let’s be real – who doesn’t want to roll for their favorite character just *one more time*? Whether you're climbing mountains, fighting gods, or just enjoying the ridiculously good soundtrack, *Genshin Impact* is an adventure that never seems to end. And honestly? We’re not complaining. | © miHoYo

Cropped Fall Guys — Fall Guys (2020)

Ever wonder what would happen if you combined *Wipeout*, *Mario Party*, and a bunch of jellybeans in costumes? Well, *Fall Guys* answered that question in the most chaotic way possible. This online battle royale throws 60 players into a colorful, physics-driven obstacle course where survival is determined by your ability to jump, grab, and flail your way to victory. It’s ridiculously fun, hilariously frustrating, and somehow always finds a way to make you say, *“Okay, just one more round.”* And let’s not forget the outfits – because let’s be real, nothing feels better than winning while dressed as a hot dog. Whether you’re griefing opponents at the finish line or getting absolutely bodied by a giant spinning hammer, *Fall Guys* is pure, unfiltered joy. | © Mediatonic / Epic Games

Cropped Nioh 2 — Nioh 2 (2020)

If *Dark Souls* and *Devil May Cry* had a baby, and that baby was raised by samurai demons, you'd get *Nioh 2*. This game takes the brutally difficult combat of its predecessor and dials it up to absurd levels, adding deep RPG mechanics, weapon variety, and a combat system so tight it makes other action games look sluggish. Oh, and did I mention you get to *turn into a yokai*? Because you do. Every enemy encounter feels like a test of skill, patience, and sheer willpower, but when you finally land that perfect parry or unleash a devastating spirit attack, it’s so worth it. If you love a challenge and don’t mind dying *a lot*, *Nioh 2* will reward you with one of the most satisfying action RPG experiences out there. | © Team Ninja / Koei Tecmo

Cropped Inscryption — Inscryption (2021)

You sit down at a candlelit table, facing a shadowy figure. You draw a card. The game begins. *Inscryption* starts as a creepy, roguelike deck-builder but quickly reveals itself to be so much more. Without spoiling too much (because trust me, this game is full of mind-blowing surprises), it morphs into something far deeper, darker, and more disturbing than you ever expect. The mix of eerie atmosphere, clever puzzles, and psychological horror makes *Inscryption* one of the most unique and unforgettable gaming experiences in recent years. If you think this is just another card game, oh boy – you have *no idea* what you’re getting into. | © Daniel Mullins Games / Devolver Digital

Before Your Eyes (2021)

Few games can make you cry within the first 20 minutes, but *Before Your Eyes* does it effortlessly. This isn't just a game – it’s an emotional gut-punch wrapped in one of the most innovative mechanics in modern gaming. Played entirely with *your real-life blinks*, it tells the story of a soul reliving its past, with every blink pushing the narrative forward. It’s an intimate, deeply personal journey through love, loss, and the fleeting nature of life, and by the end, you’ll be left sitting in silence, processing what just happened. It’s short, but *oh man*, does it leave an impact. If you’re looking for a game that reminds you why storytelling in gaming is special, this is it. Just make sure you have tissues nearby. | © GoodbyeWorld Games / Skybound Games

Cropped Returnal — Returnal (2021)

You crash-land on an alien planet. You explore. You die. And then you wake up, back where you started. Welcome to *Returnal*, a mind-bending, adrenaline-fueled roguelike where the only way out is to fight through relentless waves of cosmic horrors, over and over again. The combat is pure arcade bliss – fast, fluid, and ridiculously satisfying – and the game’s haunting sci-fi narrative keeps you questioning what’s real and what’s just part of the nightmare. With every loop, you get stronger, uncovering more about the eerie world of Atropos and the mysteries lurking beneath the surface. It’s equal parts *bullet hell shooter* and *psychological thriller*, and it never stops being exhilarating. | © Housemarque / Sony Interactive Entertainment

Cropped Sifu — Sifu (2022)

Revenge stories are nothing new in gaming, but *Sifu* takes that classic martial arts tale and turns it into something *brutally* special. You play as a skilled fighter on a mission to hunt down the five assassins who killed your master, but there’s a twist – every time you die, you get older. With each defeat, your character gains wisdom and power, but also loses resilience, making every fight a high-stakes battle between skill and mortality. The combat is a beautiful blend of precision, fluidity, and sheer brutality, making you *feel* like you’re in a high-octane kung fu movie. The game doesn’t hold your hand – every fight demands perfection, and when you finally master its mechanics, there’s no greater feeling. If you ever wanted to live out your *Ip Man* or *John Wick* fantasies, *Sifu* delivers in every way. Just be prepared to get *very* old before you get good. | © Sloclap

Cropped Nine Sols — Nine Sols (2024)

Take the stylish, fast-paced combat of *Sekiro*, blend it with the eerie, hand-drawn beauty of *Hollow Knight*, and throw in a cyberpunk-infused ancient Chinese setting, and you get *Nine Sols*. This action-platformer from Red Candle Games (yes, the folks behind *Detention* and *Devotion*) delivers a world dripping in rich lore, where Taoist cyber-warriors battle against forgotten deities in a dystopian sci-fi fantasy. The parry-heavy combat is razor-sharp, rewarding aggression, precision, and quick reflexes. And let’s talk about the art – every frame of this game looks *hand-painted*, making it one of the most visually stunning indie games in recent memory. If you're looking for a game that fuses myth, cybernetic mysticism, and brutal swordplay, *Nine Sols* might just be your next obsession. | © Red Candle Games

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When it comes to video games, few voices carry as much weight as Shuhei Yoshida, the legendary former president of Sony Interactive Entertainment’s Worldwide Studios. Known for his deep passion for gaming and his influential role in shaping the PlayStation legacy, Yoshida has spent decades championing some of the industry’s greatest titles.

So, when he handpicks 22 must-play games, you know they’re something special. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or just starting your journey, this list is a roadmap to some of the most groundbreaking, memorable, and downright fun experiences in gaming history.

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When it comes to video games, few voices carry as much weight as Shuhei Yoshida, the legendary former president of Sony Interactive Entertainment’s Worldwide Studios. Known for his deep passion for gaming and his influential role in shaping the PlayStation legacy, Yoshida has spent decades championing some of the industry’s greatest titles.

So, when he handpicks 22 must-play games, you know they’re something special. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or just starting your journey, this list is a roadmap to some of the most groundbreaking, memorable, and downright fun experiences in gaming history.