The top-ranked PlayStation franchises

      When compared to Nintendo franchises, it may seem like PlayStation hasn’t existed for very long. However, the PS1 was released 30 years ago, and with each console generation, Sony has introduced newer and better exclusive titles as they have built and acquired more first-party studios. While there aren’t as many long-standing franchises as Mario or Zelda, PlayStation has made a significant impact on the gaming industry and its audience. Most of the top PS5 titles are major PlayStation franchises, and the most anticipated upcoming PS5 games are new entries in these cherished series. Reflecting on all exclusive franchises, both active and retired, which ones stand out as the best? We’ve revisited all the older systems to rank every significant PlayStation franchise.

      10. Killzone

      Guerilla Games

      PlayStation features several notable shooters, but only one was pitched to compete directly with the powerhouse that was Halo. Ultimately, the Killzone series wasn’t able to dethrone Master Chief as the top console FPS character, yet it did cultivate a loyal fanbase. The franchise is noted for its grim narrative centered around a war between the Interplanetary Strategic Alliance and the Helghan Empire, which is rebelling after being banished to a nearly uninhabitable planet. There are evident Nazi influences in the ideology and appearance of the Helghast, with the glowing red eyes becoming a distinct symbol. While the shooting mechanics were consistently good, they never transcended the average, and the storyline, despite encompassing four main games and two spinoffs, never quite captured a wider audience.

      9. Resistance

      Insomniac

      One could argue that Killzone enjoyed more popularity than Resistance, but we believe the latter delivered superior games. Developed by Insomniac Games, famed for its creativity in titles like Ratchet & Clank, these shooters broke from traditional firearms. Yes, machine guns, pistols, and snipers make an appearance, but each weapon features a unique twist. The story offers an alternate history where an alien species called the Chimera emerges in the 1950s, effectively blending historical and sci-fi shooter elements. Unlike Killzone, Resistance excels at building characters and establishing stakes in its intriguing world. Each game enhances the previous one mechanically, with the final installment leaving numerous unanswered questions that may never receive resolution.

      8. Sly Cooper

      Sucker Punch

      The PS2 was filled with fantastic 3D platformers, and even among PlayStation exclusives, the competition was fierce. The Sly Cooper series had to provide something unique to rise above the standard mascot platformer. It succeeded by adopting a cell-shaded aesthetic and utilizing comic book panel cutscenes to weave a deceptively dark tale of a master thief, garnering a broad audience. The subsequent games improved upon the first with a larger array of thieves, unique stealth abilities, and increasingly intricate heists that were immensely satisfying to execute after significant preparation and character development.

      7. Jak & Daxter

      Naughty Dog

      The Jak series began as a reliable collect-a-thon set in a distinctive world with witty characters, but it quickly evolved into something much different. While the series remained a 3D platformer, the second installment adopted a darker tone, introduced an open world, and emphasized combat more heavily. Jak 3 further transformed the series into an almost Mad Max-like experience, yet managed to maintain its enjoyment and coherence throughout. This series exemplifies Naughty Dog’s growth into the renowned studio it is today. While it may not be their greatest work, it holds a cherished place in fans’ memories.

      6. Ratchet and Clank

      Insomniac

      Among the primary PS2 franchises, Ratchet not only boasts the highest number of games but also the most robust lineup. While Jak and Sly eventually waned in popularity, Ratchet remains PlayStation’s leading game for kids and young adults, while still entertaining players of all ages. The games are largely iterative, primarily focusing on new weapons and abilities, yet the core third-person shooting and platforming experiences within contained worlds are finely tuned. Each installment radiates charm, from its environments and characters to its quirky weapons, offering pure and simple enjoyment, a quality that is increasingly rare among PlayStation titles.

      5. Horizon

      PlayStation Studios

      Horizon has the potential to ascend higher on this list, but it currently sits in the middle due to having only two main entries thus far. Nevertheless, what impressive games they are. After spending years developing Killzone titles, Guerilla Games took a bold leap into open-world RPGs with Horizon: Zero Dawn and excelled. The premise of battling robot dinosaurs with primitive weapons would have been sufficient to ensure success, but the intriguing lore explaining the world’s current state elevates the mystery even further. The sequel features some of the best graphics on PS5, introduces more enemies, and presents additional twists in the storyline that we eagerly anticipate resolving in the concluding chapter