2019 has been a packed year for PS4 Games, with some heavy hitters and some big surprises from smaller teams. However, so many games are released every week that you can easily miss out on some great titles from smaller developers.
We have done all the work for you and compiled a list of some of the best games released in 2019 that have flown under-the-radar. From a stylish shoot-’em-up in the apartments of Hong Kong to a roguelike, card game to befriending a Falcon and making it your partner, this list has something for everyone.
So, without further ado here are the 2019 PS4 Games you might have missed from so far.
2019 PS4 Games You Might Have Missed
The Hong Kong Massacre
Vreski
Kicking this list off is an excellent game that released all the way back in January. The Hong Kong Massacre is an excellent twist on the frantic and deadly twin-stick shooter genre popularised by Hotline Miami. With the goal of emulating the classic John Woo action movies, Vreski offers a slick, challenging, and incredibly fun experience. On top of that, the game has some of the best visual effects and sound design of the year.
With the ability to slow down time, The Hong Kong Massacre allows you to feel like a true action hero and pull off stunts you didn’t even think were possible. If you are looking for a challenging game that rewards performance and asks you to get that ‘Perfect Run’ then The Hong Kong Massacre is well worth a play. You can check out our review for the game right here.
Genesis Alpha One
Radiation Blue, Team 17
Genesis Alpha One is a game that got buried by the big hitters of Resident Evil and Kingdom Hearts. Whilst some games take inspiration from a few genres, Genesis Alpha One combines multiple genres. The game is one part First Person Shooter, one part Ship Builder, and one part Roguelike. You are the captain of the Genesis starship and your mission is to build and manage the vessel to find a new home for humanity.
You will build up your vessel, farm resources, deal with alien invasions, and explore a procedurally generated universe over and over as you try to get the perfect run and find a new place for humans to thrive. Genesis Alpha One has a lot of quirks and it isn’t a game for everyone. But, you owe it to yourself to watch some gameplay and see what you think of it. You can check out our 9/10 review for the game here.
The Occupation
Do you know what type of games there aren’t that many of? Investigative Thrillers. In fact, The Occupation is one of the only examples from the last few years, that gained some traction. Set in North-West England, you play a Journalist who is investigating a catastrophic event. But, it won’t be easy, as every action affects how people react to you and making a mistake will cost you precious time.
The game has you being cautious and racing against the clock to achieve the main goal, making it one of the tensest experiences available this year. Without having to worry about health or combat, you have one path to focus on and it all rides on the decisions you make. If you are looking for a tense, nail-biting experience then The Occupation is the game for you. You can check out our review here.
Ghost Of A Tale
SeithCG
Ghost Of A Tale is a game that did not get nearly enough attention as it should have. In this action-RPG, you play as Tilo a small mouse who has to navigate dangerous areas and explore the Dwindling Heights Keep.
The game is easy to fall in love with, but by the end, you will discover a cinematic and heartwarming tale with some excellent stealth gameplay you will be thinking about for weeks to come. You can check out our review for the game here.
RICO
Ground Shatter, Rising Star Games
If you are looking for an arcade FPS then Ground Shatter’s RICO should be your next purchase. You and a friend must react to combat as and when it happens, making every action count. Extensive destruction and brutal fast combat ensure that you will get a surge of adrenaline when you play.
All of this action takes place with a gorgeous art style and the backdrop of being a member of an elite organised crime taskforce. If you want to spend some time causing destruction then RICO is the perfect option. You can check out our review for the game here.
The Messenger
Sabotage, Devolver Digital
The Messenger from Sabotage and Devolver Digital is a game best experienced without knowing much about it. There are tons of surprises that you should stay surprises until you come across them in the game. Taking inspiration from Ninja Gaiden, the game is an excellent addition to the beloved style of game.
If you like retro-style 2D Metroidvanias then The Messenger is something you should pick up without hesitation. You can check out our 9/10 review for the game here.
Falcon Age
Outerloop Games
Falcon Age is one of the most charming PS4 games released this year. Whilst perceived as a PSVR title, you can play the entire thing without the headset, normally on your PS4. Set on a dying colony planet that has been harvested for resources by a group of machines, Ara and the young Falcon she befriends set off to reclaim their freedom.
On top of a unique and interesting premise, the game possesses a lot of character with you being able to perform actions with your Falcon, like creating a heart symbol by placing your hand against its talon. If you are looking for a great family-friendly game that has some important themes woven into it, pick up Falcon Age. You can check out our review here.
Heaven’s Vault
Inkle
One of the most unique titles on this list is Heaven’s Vault from Cambridge-based studio Inkle, who developed mobile and PC sensation 80 Days. In this archaeological narrative-adventure, you will translate ancient inscriptions and contemplate every decision. Every move you make will have consequences and everything you decrypt will affect your relationships with other people.
Heaven’s Vault offers a unique style of gameplay for those looking for something fresh and a gorgeous art style to go along with it. If you want to play something unlike the majority of games out there today, Heaven’s Vault should be the next thing you boot up on your PS4. You can check out our review for the game here.
Bomb Chicken
Nitrome
Want a game where you can play as a bomb-laying chicken? Of course, you do! Therefore, Bomb Chicken is the only real option. One of the wackiest concepts on this list, you play through a selection of 2D levels aiming to discover the secrets of the fast-food giant, BFC.
We absolutely loved the game and found it incredibly entertaining. So, if you want a laugh, check out Bomb Chicken. You can check out our review here.
VA-11 Hall-A: Cyberpunk Bartender Action
Sukedan Games, Ysbryd Games
At first glance, you could mistake VA-11 Hall-A: Cyberpunk Bartender Action for some throwaway title. However, it is incredibly unique and a game that you have never seen before. It’s a retro-style bartender simulator, with a branching narrative where your decisions are made depending on which drinks you serve.
A beautifully stylised world and a great soundtrack makes this a game that will blindside you with what it has to say. If you want to take a chance on something unique and special then Va-11 Hall-A is an excellent choice. You can catch our review here.
A Plague Tale: Innocence
Asobo Studio, Focus Home Interactive
If you are a fan of exceptional narratives, loveable characters, and a dark fantasy world then A Plague Tale: Innocence is a title you must check out. Playing as Amicia, you must escape the Inquisition with your little brother, Hugo, who they are trying to kidnap. As you travel through the dismal and dishevelled streets of 14th century France, you will come across an inescapable force: swarms and swarms of rats.
That journey is a loving and gorgeous tale that should be experienced by anyone who is a fan of adventure games. With a fitting soundtrack, exceptional voice acting, and beautiful graphics, A Plague Tale: Innocence is an adventure like no other and one of the best games of the year. You can find our glowing review of A Plague Tale: Innocence here.
Observation
No Code, Devolver Digital
If you are a fan of science fiction and atmospheric thrillers then don’t pass up on Observation. The sophomore outing from developer No Code pits you as an AI called S.A.M controlling everything aboard a space station. Taking control of cameras, system controls, and tools, you will assist Emma as she tries to find out what exactly is happening to the station, the crew, and S.A.M.
Those who love a dose of environmental puzzle solving with their thrillers will find a lot to love in Observation. On top of the tension, you can enjoy gorgeous views from space and some of the most realistic graphics from an indie developer this year. You can check out our review for Observation here.
Slay The Spire
Mega Crit Games
Slay The Spire is a card battler, but also a roguelike? Yep, and it is great! Mega Crit Games manages to remove all the feeling of tackling a chore that so many card games suffer from. They make card battlers approachable, yet still tactical and deep. With multiple game modes to play and a multifaceted battling system, Slay The Spire is outstanding.
“A sublime, impeccably crafted roguelike card-battler that is absolutely without peer, Slay the Spire cements its place as one of the best games of this console generation. This. Is. Essential.” That is what our own John-Paul Jones stated in our Slay The Spire Review. You should check the game out.
The Last Door: Collector’s Edition
The Game Kitchen, Phoenix Online Publishing
If you want to revisit the Point and Click genre, then The Last Door: Collector’s Edition is the game for you. Set in the misty, cobblestone streets of Victorian England, you play as Jeremiah Devitt who receives a cryptic message from an old friend. On the way, he will re-discover a long forgotten secret from his youth and open doors that should have been left closed forever.
This horror title is the perfect way to experience a style of game that doesn’t get made much these days. Remastered sounds, enhanced graphics, and new puzzles ensure that you are getting the best experience. Our review for The Last Door: Collector’s Edition can be found here.
Effie
Inverge Studios
Effie is a gorgeous 3D action adventure that tells a charming tale of magic, curses, and witches. Meshing classic gameplay with an explorable open world. Inverge Studios have created one of the most visually striking games on this list and a game that can be played by anyone.
Mechanics like the Magic Shield allow for new activities and ways to traverse the crimson red grasslands. A great sense of style, a charming tale, varied gameplay and activities, Effie has a lot to love. You can check out our review here.
Riverbond
Cococucumber
Another great family-friendly game is Riverbond. This dungeon-crawler is simple, easy to get into, and forgiving, making it a great game to play with your children, especially seeing as there is co-op. The combat offers a variety of enemies and weapons to use, from lollipops that slap your enemies about to a gun that literally shoots rainbows.
On top of that, a variety of skins and crazy costumes allow you and your co-op partners to dress up however you want. There are also a number of indie-game crossover skins including Shovel Knight and Raz from Psychonauts. Riverbond is a relaxing and chill experience that you should pick up if you want a great co-op experience. You can check out our review here.
Samurai Shodown
SNK, Athlon Games
The newest game on this list is SNK’s reboot of Samurai Shodown. Utilising a unique brushstroke art style, a host of new and returning characters battle it out in this fresh take on a classic fighting game.
It is a fighting game that is easy to get into but incredibly hard to master, with slow, deliberate attacks. If you want a new style of fighter and a game that channels Japanese roots, Samurai Shodown is the one for you. You can check out our review here.
Keep an eye on this page as we update it with new games – while you’re here though, why not take a look at some of our other features: