The PlayStation 5 has seen its fair share of blockbusters—God of War: Ragnarök, Spider-Man 2, and Horizon Forbidden West dominate conversations. But beneath the surface lies a trove of exceptional titles flying under the radar. These are games that deliver polished mechanics, emotional depth, or innovative design but haven’t captured mainstream attention. For players seeking something beyond the usual recommendations, these hidden gems offer some of the console’s most rewarding experiences.
This list focuses on titles that may have launched quietly, suffered from poor marketing, or were overshadowed by bigger releases. Each one earns its place through craftsmanship, originality, or sheer fun—qualities that demand recognition.
1. Sackboy: A Big Adventure – More Than Just Cute
At first glance, Sackboy: A Big Adventure appears to be a whimsical platformer aimed at younger audiences. Its colorful aesthetic and association with the LittleBigPlanet series might lead some to dismiss it as lightweight. Yet this 3D platformer is one of the most technically impressive and creatively designed games on the PS5.
Leveraging the DualSense controller’s haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, every jump, slide, and swing feels tactile and responsive. The level design blends precision platforming with rhythmic challenges and puzzle-solving, often introducing new mechanics in clever ways. Co-op play supports up to four players locally, making it an excellent choice for shared gaming nights.
Tip: Try playing with headphones—the haptics sync with audio cues, enhancing spatial awareness during complex jumps.What truly sets Sackboy apart is its art direction. Each world draws from distinct real-world cultures—from Japanese-inspired bamboo villages to African savannahs—rendered with intricate detail and charm. The soundtrack, composed by Richard Jacques, blends orchestral arrangements with electronic beats, elevating the atmosphere.
“Sackboy proves that charm and polish can coexist with mechanical depth. It’s not just for kids—it’s a masterclass in accessible yet challenging platforming.” — Clara Mendez, Senior Game Designer at IndieForge Studios
2. Returnal: Roguelike Depth Meets Psychological Horror
Returnal was a launch title for the PS5, but despite strong reviews, it never achieved the cultural penetration of other exclusives. That’s a shame, because it remains one of the most ambitious and immersive roguelikes ever made.
Players control Selene, an astronaut stranded on a hostile alien planet that shifts with each death. The game combines fast-paced third-person shooting with permadeath mechanics, forcing players to adapt strategies on the fly. What elevates Returnal beyond typical genre entries is its narrative structure—a fragmented, looping story that unfolds nonlinearly, mirroring the player’s own cycle of failure and progression.
The use of the DualSense is integral. Adaptive triggers differentiate between hip-firing and aiming down sights, while haptic feedback conveys terrain changes—crunching gravel, squelching mud, even the eerie hum of alien structures. The 3D audio design further immerses players, with whispers and distant screams creating a constant sense of unease.
Why It’s Underrated
- High skill ceiling deters casual players
- Story is cryptic and demands attention
- Overshadowed by flashier sci-fi titles like Deathloop
Yet those who persist are rewarded with evolving weapons, branching paths, and a haunting mystery about identity and trauma. Returnal isn’t just a shooter—it’s a psychological journey disguised as a bullet hell.
3. Ghostwire: Tokyo – Urban Fantasy Done Right
Developed by Tango Gameworks (The Evil Within, Hi-Fi Rush), Ghostwire: Tokyo launched to mixed reactions due to performance issues and uneven pacing. However, after patches and a PC port, it emerged as a uniquely atmospheric action-adventure with a fresh take on supernatural combat.
Set in a mysteriously depopulated Tokyo, players wield ethereal powers to exorcise spirits using hand signs and elemental abilities. The core mechanic—“Ether” blasts combined with wind, water, and void spells—feels intuitive and visually striking. Combat emphasizes timing and positioning over button mashing, offering a refreshing alternative to standard melee systems.
Beyond combat, the city itself is the star. Shibuya and Shinjuku are recreated with obsessive detail, from glowing neon signs to ambient street sounds. Side quests often involve helping lingering spirits resolve unfinished business, delivering poignant mini-stories rooted in Japanese folklore.
| Feature | Ghostwire: Tokyo | Typical Open-World Game |
|---|---|---|
| Combat Style | Elemental hand signs, ranged spirit attacks | Melee combos, gunplay |
| Setting | Modern Tokyo infused with Shinto mythology | Fictional cities or post-apocalyptic zones |
| Pacing | Exploration-heavy with slow-burn horror | Mission-based, checklist-driven |
| Unique Mechanic | Soul scanning to uncover backstory | Mini-maps, objective markers |
The game struggles with repetitive enemy types and occasional mission design fatigue, but its strengths outweigh its flaws. For players tired of open-world bloat, Ghostwire: Tokyo offers a focused, culturally rich experience unlike anything else on the platform.
4. Kena: Bridge of Spirits – Artistry and Emotion in Harmony
Kena: Bridge of Spirits arrived with critical acclaim but limited visibility. As a character-action game inspired by Studio Ghibli aesthetics and Southeast Asian spiritual traditions, it stands out for its visual beauty and emotional resonance.
You play as Kena, a young spirit guide tasked with helping lost souls find peace. Accompanied by the Rot—adorable, creature-like beings that assist in combat and exploration—the game blends light puzzles, environmental storytelling, and dynamic combat. The Rot aren’t just cute; they’re functional, moving objects, charging barriers, and swarming enemies in battle.
The environments evolve as you restore balance—wilted forests bloom, rivers flow again, and ruins transform into sacred spaces. This visual transformation provides tangible feedback for your progress, reinforcing the game’s theme of healing and closure.
“In Kena, every mechanic serves the narrative. The Rot represent community; restoration reflects empathy. It’s rare to see gameplay and message so tightly woven.” — Dr. Arjun Patel, Game Studies Lecturer at Edinburgh University
A Mini Case Study: One Player’s Journey
Jamie, a 32-year-old teacher from Manchester, picked up Kena during a difficult period of grief. “I wasn’t looking for therapy,” he says, “but the way the game handled loss—quietly, respectfully—resonated deeply. Helping spirits let go mirrored my own process. I didn’t expect a video game to help me heal, but it did.”
This anecdote underscores the game’s quiet power. While not marketed as therapeutic, its themes of compassion, memory, and renewal create space for reflection—an increasingly rare quality in modern gaming.
5. Demon’s Souls (2020) – The Forgotten Reimagining
It’s ironic to call a FromSoftware title “underrated,” given their cult following. But Demon’s Souls (2020), Bluepoint Games’ remake of the PS3 classic, often gets overlooked in PS5 discussions—overshadowed by Elden Ring and Dark Souls nostalgia.
This isn’t just a remaster; it’s a ground-up reimagining. Every location—from the fog-drenched Boletarian Palace to the nightmarish Shrine of Storms—is rebuilt with photorealistic detail. Enemy animations are smoother, lighting is dynamic, and sound design amplifies dread. Crucially, the core gameplay remains intact: deliberate combat, high stakes, and minimal hand-holding.
What makes this version special is fidelity without compromise. Bluepoint preserved the original’s punishing difficulty and cryptic storytelling while enhancing accessibility through improved UI and load times (virtually nonexistent on SSD). The DualSense integration adds subtle immersion—feeling the creak of a drawbridge or the rumble of a colossal foe.
Tip: Don’t rush upgrades. Early-game materials are scarce—prioritize weapon upgrades that match your build.Step-by-Step Guide to Conquering Demon’s Souls (2020)
- Start with the Royal class—balanced stats make early progression easier.
- Explore thoroughly before advancing. Hidden paths often contain crucial items or warp points.
- Learn enemy patterns. Most foes telegraph attacks—observe before engaging.
- Use soul arrows sparingly. They’re powerful but limited until mid-game.
- Join a covenant early. The Maiden’s Assistance provides healing buffs and guidance.
- Don’t fear death. Each failure teaches mechanics and map layout.
Despite its acclaim, Demon’s Souls (2020) remains underplayed, possibly due to its reputation for difficulty. But for those willing to invest time, it offers one of the most satisfying progression arcs in gaming—a true test of patience and skill.
FAQ
Are these underrated games worth playing if I already own popular PS5 titles?
Absolutely. Many of these games offer unique mechanics or storytelling approaches absent from mainstream hits. If you’ve finished the big-name exclusives, these titles provide fresh challenges and emotional depth.
Can I play these games with a regular controller, or do I need DualSense features?
All are fully playable with standard controllers. However, titles like Returnal and Sackboy leverage DualSense haptics and adaptive triggers for enhanced immersion. You’ll miss some sensory details without it, but gameplay remains intact.
Are any of these games family-friendly?
Sackboy: A Big Adventure and Kena: Bridge of Spirits are suitable for ages 10+. The others contain intense violence, horror elements, or mature themes and are recommended for older teens and adults.
Checklist: How to Discover Hidden PS5 Gems
- ✅ Browse “Critically Acclaimed” sections on PlayStation Store
- ✅ Follow indie-focused outlets like IndieGamesPlus or NoClip
- ✅ Check Metacritic lists filtered by “PS5” and “High User Score, Low Sales”
- ✅ Join PS5 subreddits and ask for underrated recommendations
- ✅ Try free demos when available—many hidden gems offer trial versions
- ✅ Watch developer interviews to understand a game’s vision beyond marketing
Conclusion
The PS5’s library extends far beyond its headline acts. Games like Kena: Bridge of Spirits, Ghostwire: Tokyo, and Returnal may not have topped sales charts, but they represent the creative diversity and technical ambition that define next-gen gaming. They challenge conventions, evoke emotion, and reward curiosity.
Next time you’re browsing your library or the PlayStation Store, skip the algorithmic suggestions. Seek out the quiet titles, the ones with modest trailers and passionate fanbases. You might just find a new favorite—one that deserves far more attention than it’s received.
💬 Have you played any of these underrated PS5 games? Share your thoughts, favorite moments, or hidden gems we missed in the comments below. Let’s give these titles the spotlight they deserve.
