Nobody likes to admit it, but not every single video game out there is 100% perfect. Some of them, even the absolute best on the market, have high points and low points, meaning that their quality fluctuates throughout the adventure. This isn’t always the case, because many high-quality games keep getting better with every single hour of play.
Best PS5 Games That Get Better As You Play
Players who stick around for the long haul will be pleasantly rewarded when it comes to the following PlayStation 5 games.
Experiencing a video game that gets better and better with every hour and peaks at the very end is always extremely satisfying. It’s not always easy for developers to achieve this, but if it's pulled off, it can be seen as the epitome of game design. Naturally, many popular and iconic games follow this flawless structure, but the following ten are the most notorious examples.
Resident Evil 4/Resident Evil 4 Remake
Leon Kennedy’s Journey Through Rural Europe Is Both Scary And Thrilling
Resident Evil 4
- Released
- January 11, 2005
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Language
- Developer(s)
- Capcom
- Genre(s)
- Survival Horror
When it comes to 10/10 gaming classics, Resident Evil 4 is one of the titles that usually gets mentioned in the conversation. It totally deserves its accolades and reputation, as it basically introduced the over-the-shoulder third-person shooter gameplay style that many games nowadays utilize, while also implementing an ominous and disturbing atmosphere that stays faithful to its survival horror roots.
The story of Resident Evil 4 starts off quite entertaining, with Leon fighting against a bunch of infected farmers and cult members in the Spanish countryside. From there, it quickly evolves into a bombastic spectacle full of unhinged antagonists, terrifying monsters, and over-the-top set pieces in which every chapter is better than the last. Yes, even the one level in which players have to play as Ashley Graham adds a lot to the experience because it helps elevate the survival horror gameplay. Resident Evil 4 is a nearly flawless masterpiece, and fortunately, Resident Evil 4 Remake is just as good, if not better.
Kingdom Hearts 2
A Beautiful Disney Adventure From Beginning To End
Kingdom Hearts 2
- Released
- March 28, 2006
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- E10+ For Everyone 10+ Due To Mild Blood, Use of Alcohol, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Square Enix
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG, Hack and Slash
Truth be told, some gamers may not be too fond of Kingdom Hearts 2’s opening level, in which they have to play as Roxas in the virtual Twilight Town. However, not only is that moment deeply atmospheric and emotional (especially for those who appreciate the narrative of this franchise), but, if that is considered the game’s low point, then it can technically only get better from there.
Kingdom Hearts 2 works both as a fast-paced hack-and-slash game with one of the most impeccable combat systems in the industry and as a whimsical RPG in which players visit multiple worlds based on classic Disney movies. Both the combat and the story get better with every hour that passes, as Sora will keep unlocking new skills, keychains, and items that he can then use in exciting boss fights against Disney villains and Organization 13 members. In a fun contrast to its opening level, the final level and final boss of Kingdom Hearts 2 can easily be considered some of the best in the entire industry.
The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim
The Quintessential Western Open-World RPG
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
- Released
- November 11, 2011
WHERE TO PLAY
“Hey, you, you’re finally awake” is a memorable opening quote that has been passed down through generations. The moment players start their new campaign in The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim, it immediately becomes apparent that this will be a legendary open-world RPG like no other. The opening sequence is full of massive set pieces and the introduction of the infamous dragons, and it only gets better from there.
Ubisoft Open-World Games That Get Better As You Play
These Ubisoft games might not start off running, but they prove that some open-world games are better as a marathon, not a sprint.
Of course, Skyrim is a bit different from other titles on this list because, as an open-world game, its increasingly good gameplay depends on the options each player chooses. However, this massive map is full of so many interesting locations, quirky characters, excellent side missions, and a bunch of powerful weapons, items, and spells that their experience is bound to get better with each passing hour. Once they complete their adventure, they can simply start a new save file and switch things up by choosing another character class and making different decisions throughout their second adventure.
Pokemon Black 2 And White 2
An Excellent Mainline Pokemon Game That’s Full Of Content
Pokemon Black 2 and White 2
- Released
- June 23, 2012
The varied nature of the famous “Pokemon formula” is what separates the Pokemon franchise from other turn-based RPGs. Yes, these games may start a bit slow and “hand-holdy,” but as trainers keep advancing through a region, they’ll slowly start finding stronger Pokemon to catch and more skilled trainers to face, which makes the experience increasingly more challenging and exciting. This applies to most (if not all) mainline entries in the series, but it becomes especially evident in the absolute best ones, Pokemon Black 2 and White 2.
Both Generation Five Pokemon game pairs feature a perfect blend of fast-paced gameplay and rich narrative, but the sequel is slightly better because it has both a bigger Pokedex and more playable content. Players may start as a weak trainer who has to defeat a Normal-type Gym Leader, but they’ll eventually grow into the region's new Champion. Not before stopping Team Plasma and their villainous leader, Ghetsis, from using the legendary Pokemon Kyurem to freeze the entirety of Unova, though. It’s a truly fantastic and perfectly-paced Pokemon adventure that gets even better when the player gets access to other optional side modes, like PokeStar Studios and the Pokemon World Tournament.
Bayonetta 2
Every Chapter Of This Hack-And-Slash Game Is More Bombastic Than The Last
Bayonetta 2
- Released
- October 24, 2014
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ due to Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Partial Nudity, Strong Language, Suggestive Themes
- Developer(s)
- Platinum Games
- Genre(s)
- Action
Nobody does action games better than PlatinumGames. After all, this famed studio specializes in developing thrilling, over-the-top gaming experiences, with 2014’s Bayonetta 2 arguably being its absolute best creation so far. The original Bayonetta was also an excellent hack-and-slash game, but it did unfortunately have a few boring and/or frustrating levels, whereas its direct sequel is a flawless adventure from start to finish.
The fact that Bayonetta 2’s opening chapter — in which the titular witch has to slay a bunch of dangerous angels on top of a flying jet before fighting a giant Kaiju-like demon on top of a skyscraper — can be considered its tamest level is a testament to this game’s progressively bombastic nature. Every single chapter is full of unique weapons, powerful enemies, and incredible multiphase boss battles that elevate its impeccable combat system.
The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild
The Open-Ended Design Keeps The Open-World Gameplay Engaging
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
- Released
- March 3, 2017
WHERE TO PLAY
Much like Skyrim, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is a huge open-world video game, meaning that each player’s level of enjoyment will heavily depend on what choices they make. However, its world is so unique and so fascinating, and its gameplay is so brilliant, that it’s downright impossible for their individual experiences not to get better with every passing hour.
As most gamers know, Breath of the Wild single-handedly revolutionized the open-world genre by implementing an innovative open-ended gameplay design that not only allows players to go wherever they want, whenever they want, but also to solve puzzles and defeat enemies in a wide variety of ways depending on what items and abilities Link currently possesses. Whether they are seeking to tame the Divine Beasts in a specific order, trying to defeat Calamity Ganon as quickly as possible, or want to explore Hyrule at their own leisure, Breath of the Wild players are always going to find something fun and engaging to do, which explains why this game is so incredibly addictive.
Monster Hunter World
Overcoming The Difficulty Curve Leads To An Unforgettable Experience
Monster Hunter World
- Released
- January 26, 2018
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T for Teen: Blood, Mild Language, Use of Alcohol, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Capcom
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
Monster Hunter games are infamous for the crushing difficulty curve that makes them difficult for newcomers to get into. However, Monster Hunter World overcame this problem by introducing many quality-of-life changes, which helped it become the most accessible and most beloved entry in the entire series.
Monster Hunter World starts as a fun action RPG with a vast open world, but it may feel like nothing special at that stage. However, as players keep joining forces with other hunters to take down stronger and stronger monsters, they’ll be able to use the remains they gather to craft more powerful weapons and more durable armor, which in turn allows them to confront even bigger and more dangerous monsters. This is a truly fascinating (and downright brilliant) gameplay loop that eventually leads to unforgettable encounters against some of the most terrifying and best-designed creatures in the history of both the Monster Hunter franchise and gaming in general.
Hades/Hades 2
The Roguelite Gameplay Is Designed To Gradually Increase The Player’s Enjoyment
Hades
- Released
- September 17, 2020
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T for Teen: Alcohol Reference, Blood, Mild Language, Suggestive Themes, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Supergiant Games
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG, Roguelite
Many great roguelite games that could easily be on this list, but very few of them are better than Supergiant Games’ Hades and its 2025 sequel, Hades 2. For starters, both titles feature a unique and beautiful art style, excellent music, and a cast of lovable characters based on Greek mythology, so it’s easy to understand why this Indie masterpiece has amassed such a giant following.
Best Pokemon Games That Get Better As You Play
These Pokemon games may test players' patience in the early goings, but if they stick with it, the reward is well worth the effort.
However, what makes both Hades and Hades 2 special is their roguelite gameplay. Players have to try and advance through each game's levels and get as far as possible by collecting various boons, items, and and buffs, and using them to defeat different enemies and bosses before dying, losing everything, and restarting from scratch. It’s a fascinating gameplay loop that encourages and rewards constant experimentation, while also keeping the gameplay both diverse and addictive.
Final Fantasy 16
It May Not Be A Perfect Action RPG, But It Certainly Gets Better Every Hour
Final Fantasy 16
- Released
- June 22, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood and Gore, Partial Nudity, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Square Enix
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
Like Kingdom Hearts 2, Final Fantasy 16 is another Square Enix action RPG that starts relatively slowly because it spends a lot of time introducing the player to the wonderful world of Valisthea, the powerful giant creatures that inhabit it, the Eikons, and the eight humans that were chosen to wield their powers, the Dominants. The story of Final Fantasy 16 is deep, emotional, and fascinating. It’s also kind of a slow burn, so it’s important that the player becomes accustomed to its various narrative elements.
However, the game’s pace picks up shortly after the first time skip, and it gradually gets better when Clive Rosfield starts absorbing new Eikon powers. Not only do his new abilities keep adding depth to the game’s excellent combat system, but they also allow him to confront other Dominants in what are some of the most epic and cinematic boss fights ever created. Final Fantasy 16’s only real drawback is its collection of slow and tedious side quests, but they’re entirely optional, so it’s recommended that players avoid them altogether if they feel their attention slipping.
Astro Bot
An Inventive 3D Platformer With Many Aces Up Its Robotic Sleeve
Astro Bot
- Released
- September 6, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- E10+ For Everyone 10+ Due To Crude Humor, Fantasy Violence
- Developer(s)
- Team Asobi
- Genre(s)
- Platformer
Many gamers were shocked when Astro Bot won Game of the Year at the 2024 Game Awards, but those who have experienced this flawless PS5 exclusive agree that it deserves all of its accolades. This may seem like a run-of-the-mill 3D platformer at first, but it is highly impressive, unique, and creative, and players will slowly but surely discover its true nature as the game gradually reveals all the aces up its sleeve.
The reason Astro Bot works so well is that it borrows some of the best elements from the platforming classics that inspired it (like the Mario games) and perfectly implements them in a collection of entertaining and expertly designed levels. Every part of this game is unique and has its own brilliant gimmick that will keep players glued to their controllers. If that's not enough, Astro Boat also boasts a huge collection of cameos from other beloved gaming IPs that encourage players to explore every level (optional or not), and complete the game up to 100%.
RPGs That Start Slow But Become Masterpieces
Discover RPGs that reward patient players with epic narratives, deep characters, and unforgettable finales after deliberately slow beginnings.