Love them or hate them,digital-only video gamesfor home consoles are here to stay. While it has been commonplace in the PC gaming world, it is slowly creeping into the home console market, especially with thePlayStation5 Digital andXbox Series S.
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But digital-only console games have started popping up en masse since the 7th generation, and have gained more acceptance among gamers with the subsequent consoles. While the shelf may look barren in real life, it doesn’t mean folks should skip out on these greatPlayStation 4games only available only in the PSN store. While some of these games do have physical releases in other regions (mainly Japan), they are accessible to everyone digitally.
7Dynasty Warriors: Godseekers
Dynasty Warriors: Godseekersis a spin-off fromDynasty Warriors8 Empires. Unlike the traditional hack-and-slash gameplay from the latter,Godseekerscombines that with a strategy RPG elements. The game layout is similar to anotherKoei Tecmogame,Romance of the Three Kingdoms. It also borrows some elements from other popular strategy RPG games,such asFinal Fantasy Tactics.
Fans of the mainline series will feel right at home as the game heavily features other characters from the universe. It expands into the storyline of some of them, such as Zhao Yun, who is the main character ofGodseekers. This game only saw a physical release for the Japanese market, while the rest of the world saw a digital release. It is also available for the PlayStation 3 and Vita.
6PaRappa The Rapper Remastered
PaRappa the Rapper Remasteredas the name suggests, is the remastered version of the hit PlayStation 1 rhythm game. For those who aren’t too familiar with the game, it tells the story of a beanie-wearing dog named PaRappa ashe tries to win the heartof Sunny Funny. But he has some competition along the way, so he has do various activities to prove he is worthy.
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Visually for being a PlayStation 1 game, it still holds up to modern-day standards. It is still as bright and colorful as ever. There are some shortcomings, such as the inability to calibrate the game. In-game lag is an issue, especially with a rhythm game. Despite some technical issues, this remains a great way to experience the game for the current day.PaRappa the Rapper Remasteredsaw a physical release for Japan, while it is only available for the rest of the world.
5Earth Defense Force 4.1: Wing Diver The Shooter
Another spin-off game on this list,Earth Defense Force 4.1: Wing Diver The Shooteris a shoot ‘em up (also known as a shmup) based onEarth Defense Force 4.1: The Shadow of New Despair.In this game, players take control of the Wing Diver and guide her through six stages. Like other shmups, the goal is to shoot your way through the stage while avoiding projectiles. It is all done through a vertical aspect. There is a new storyline, but the enemies and bosses from the mainline games carry over to this title.
While this may seem like a stark departure from the third-person shooter gameplay the main series is known for, it provides a new experience for fans. This game is also available on Windows.
4Sound Shapes
Sound Shapesis a platformer with a rhythm game twist. The game is minimalistic compared toother platformers, but that shouldn’t prevent gamers from experiencing the game. The game features something new with each level, such as enemies and mechanics that keep engaging the player to push on further.
The use of music in the game is unique. Depending on how someone progresses through a level, the music is played differently.Sound Shapesfeatures a vast amount of genres and beats. There is also a level creator mode where up until the server shut down in 2018, everyone could upload their own level for all to experience. This game is also available for the PlayStation 3 and Vita.
3LocoRoco Remastered
In 2017, Sony released a remastered version ofLocoRoco, a2D platformerreleased for the PlayStation Portable in 2006. There are five worlds with eight levels each. The main overall goal is to have several LocoRocos at the end of the level. It is done by eating fruits throughout the stages, resulting in one large LocoRoco that could split up into individual ones.
Unlike a traditional platformer, players have to manipulate how the world tilts, this is how the LocoRoco progresses throughout the level. Apart from the main platforming section, there are some mini-games. One of them is based on a crane game. One of its sequels,LocoRoco 2has also been remastered.
2Resonance Of Fate 4K / HD Edition
The original release ofResonance of Fatewas for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 in 2010. The game received saw an HD in 2018. It was developed by Tri-Ace, who is best known for theStar Oceanseries. Set on Earth in the future where much of humanity has died due to an environmental hazard
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The game was known for its blend of real-time and turn-based RPG mechanics. The actions are done in real-time but are limited by the number of action points. Those who playedLightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIIImight be familiar with this system as it uses something similar. The weapon of choice is guns. Those living in South Korea can buy a physical release while it was released digitally everywhere else. It is also on Windows.
1Taiko No Tatsujin: Drum Session!
Taiko no Tatsujin: Drum Session!is a drum-based rhythm game. Up until the release of this title, the series has been mostly confined to the Japanese market. The gameplay is relatively simple. Notes come from right to left, and players hit a corresponding button. There are only two notes, red which is the face of the drum, also known as Don. Blue is the other note, the rim of the drum, known as Ka. Two of the main characters of the game are aptly named Don-chan and Katsu-chan.
The game boasts a large music library. They range from originally made tracks to classical music. Prominent Japanese artists such as GARNiDELiA and CRANKY are also featured, andtracks from anime hitssuch asTHE iDOLM@STERare available.
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