Summary
- The ninth console generation has delivered numerous exceptional games with high OpenCritic scores, with top titles exceeding players' expectations.
- Some of the highest-rated games of the ninth generation include God of War Ragnarök, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, Forza Horizon 5, Balatro, and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.
- Elden Ring, Baldur's Gate 3, and Astro Bot are the top three highest-rated games of this generation so far, each acclaimed as GOTY in its release year.
Launched in fall 2020, the ninth generation of video game consoles, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, has already seen an incredible array of great games across various genres, catering to different player tastes. One of the highlights of this generation has been the notable reduction in single-console exclusives, bringing more flexibility to gaming than ever before and allowing players to enjoy the majority of games on their preferred platform. Almost every year since 2020 has produced true masterpieces — games that have joined the pantheon of the highest-rated video games of all time. Below are some of the best of these titles.
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This game ranking is based on OpenCritic average scores for games released during this generation, meaning only titles launched after November 2020 for PS5 or Xbox Series are included. For that reason, we won't include any Nintendo Switch games (which bridge the eighth and ninth generations) or PC-only exclusives. Additionally, while highly rated full-fledged remakes are listed, we'll exclude “fresh coat of paint” titles such as remastered games, re-released editions of older games, and expansions that require the base game.
12 God Of War Ragnarök
Average Score: 92
God of War Ragnarok
- Released
- November 9, 2022
WHERE TO PLAY
- Steam User Score: 87%
- Last-Gen Supported (PS4 only)
Modern God of War's first chapter was an undisputed masterpiece that managed to snag 2018's GOTY award from Red Dead Redemption 2, so expectations were high for God of War Ragnarök. Even if it wasn't possible for the sequel to reach the same earth-shattering level of greatness, essentially delivering more of the same, the follow-up brought a satisfying conclusion to another chapter for Kratos and Atreus.
The scope of the game expanded significantly, with more worlds to explore, characters to meet, and enemies to face. While some tweaks like combat were definite improvements, the more ambitious and broader focus slightly hampered the game's personal side. Additionally, Ragnarök's final act might feel a bit too rushed — a result of the studio's goal to complete the saga in two games rather than stretching the story into a trilogy.
11 Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Average Score: 92
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
- Released
- February 29, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T For Teen Due To Blood, Language, Mild Suggestive Themes, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco, Violence
- Genre(s)
- RPG
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
- Steam User Score: 77%
The first remake on the list, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, is the second chapter of the remade trilogy of the original FF7, significantly expanded in every aspect. Following Final Fantasy 7 Remake, fans knew what to expect from Rebirth, yet Square Enix went all-in with the sequel, delivering an open-world RPG brimming with content, emotional roller coasters, and gameplay variety.
Rebirth initially launched to glowing reviews on PS5, but its PC version faced technical issues, resulting in Steam player reviews being notably lower than critics'. However, with most issues now resolved, players can expect a truly absorbing experience on their preferred platform.
10 Demon's Souls Remake
Average Score: 92
Demon's Souls
- Released
- November 12, 2020
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Violence
- Genre(s)
- RPG
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
- PS Store User Score: 87%
Thanks to the unparalleled efforts of Bluepoint Studios, the groundbreaking action RPG that laid the foundation for one of today's most popular genres has been spectacularly brought back to life, welcoming a new generation of players to its unforgiving combat. Demon's Souls Remake launched to glowing reviews, marking a promising start for the PS5.
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Demon's Souls Remake was released as a PS5 launch exclusive and remains one of the best showcases of the console's capabilities, with stunning visuals, immersive audio, and refined gameplay that honors the original. Additionally, Demon's Souls is one of the few games yet to be ported to other platforms, remaining exclusive to the PS5.
9 Forza Horizon 5
Average Score: 92
Forza Horizon 5
- Released
- November 9, 2021
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- E for Everyone // In-Game Purchases, Users Interact
- Genre(s)
- Racing, Open-World
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
- Steam User Score: 88%
- Last-Gen Supported (Xbox One only)
Following the roaring success of its predecessor, Forza Horizon 5 unsurprisingly brought more of the same, plus an entirely new, vast, and beautiful Mexican playground. While some long-term fans might find the game's core formula a bit too familiar, there are no real competitors for the title even years after its launch, allowing Forza Horizon 5 to remain hailed as the king of open-world arcade racing.
Just this year, Forza Horizon 5 was released on PS5, marking a notable expansion for the once Xbox-exclusive racing series and welcoming a new group of PlayStation players who can finally experience the car paradise for themselves.
8 Street Fighter 6
Average Score: 92
Street Fighter 6
- Released
- June 2, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T For Teen Due To Mild Blood, Mild Language, Suggestive Themes, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco, Violence
- Genre(s)
- Fighting
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
- Steam User Score: 84%
- Last-Gen Supported (PS4 only)
Following Street Fighter 5, the iconic fighting series desperately needed fresh blood, and Street Fighter 6 delivered ample, much-needed innovation while preserving its core essentials. Highly suitable for newcomers to the genre and core fans alike, Street Fighter 6 is a rare example of a game that satisfies both audiences with its execution and gameplay potential.
Combining near-perfect fighting mechanics, unmatched style, rich flexibility and customization, and unique features like an explorable open-world environment, Street Fighter 6 has rightfully earned its place as one of the best fighting games of this generation.
7 Resident Evil 4 Remake
Average Score: 92
Resident Evil 4
- Released
- March 24, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature 17+ due to Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language
- Genre(s)
- Survival Horror
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
- Steam User Score: 97%
- Last-Gen Supported (PS4 only)
The original Resident Evil 4 is already one of the most acclaimed games in history, so remaking such an iconic classic was a daunting task. Fortunately, following the successful remakes of RE2 and RE3, Capcom nailed it once again, producing arguably the greatest remake ever, improving the original in every possible aspect while addressing its few issues for a superior overall package.
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As a result, there can hardly be two opinions: Resident Evil 4 Remake is the gold-standard example of a modern gaming remake and the definitive way to play Resident Evil 4 today. It delivers stunning visuals, a thick atmosphere, flawlessly updated combat, and more fleshed-out characters.
6 Balatro
Average Score: 92
Balatro
- Released
- February 20, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- E10+ For Everyone 10+ // Gambling Themes
- Genre(s)
- Strategy, Digital Card Game, Roguelike
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
- Steam User Score: 97%
- Last-Gen Supported (PS4 and Xbox One)
An indie hit no one saw coming, Balatro took the industry by storm, emerging as one of the greatest modern games destined to endure. Blending poker rules with roguelike elements in an alluring, deeply captivating synergy, this card game is easy to learn yet capable of consuming one's free time like no other.
With a flawless gameplay loop, distinctive style and execution, and an array of tricky challenges and seeds to explore, Balatro has earned its place among enduring classics like Tetris, soon to be available on every platform imaginable. Easily one of this generation's most relentless time sinks.
5 Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Average Score: 92
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Released
- April 24, 2025
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- Mature 17+ / Blood and Gore, Strong Language, Suggestive Themes, Violence
- Genre(s)
- Turn-Based RPG, JRPG, Fantasy
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
- Steam User Score: 96%
A true phenomenon of 2025, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is the highest-rated game of the year so far, and deservedly so. The game has reignited the passion for the RPG genre for many, evoking the golden days of the genre. Expedition 33's bold and fresh approach to both combat and narrative delivers a truly unique experience — and a definitive front-runner for this year's Game of the Year award.
Sandfall Interactive's passion shines through in nearly every aspect. Despite a modest team size and budget, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 masterfully blends an emotional story full of twists, a layered combat system with tons of possibilities, well-written and complex characters, rich exploration, jaw-dropping visuals, and a gorgeous soundtrack, resulting in a journey that players won't forget.
4 Metaphor: ReFantazio
Average Score: 93
Metaphor: ReFantazio
- Released
- October 11, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
- Steam User Score: 91%
- Last-Gen Supported (PS4 only)
Another recent RPG triumph, Metaphor: ReFantazio may not be as groundbreaking as Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 for the genre, sticking closely to familiar worldbuilding and combat, yet it's a game of the highest caliber, blending the rich allure of Persona games on a grander scale, set in a wholly original world.
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Metaphor: ReFantazio's epic scope demands dedication, as players gradually unravel its mysteries, the rules of its complex world, and the secrets of its characters. The effort is rewarded with an emotionally charged RPG filled with brilliant plot twists and a keen sense of adventure, lasting over 100 hours.
3 Astro Bot
Average Score: 95
Astro Bot
- Released
- September 6, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- E10+ For Everyone 10+ Due To Crude Humor, Fantasy Violence
- Genre(s)
- Platformer
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
- Overall GOTY 2024
- PS Store User Score: 97%
A textbook example of how a smaller title can outshine more prominent competitors when crafted with passion and talent, Astro Bot was hailed as a universal Game of the Year in 2024, emerging as one of the best modern platformers to rival the finest Mario games. As spectacular in its technical achievements as in its gameplay variety, Astro Bot instantly transports players into a vibrant, out-of-this-world playground filled with boundless creativity and nostalgic nods.
Without reinventing the wheel, Astro Bot delivers pure joy from start to finish, consistently surprising players with its tight design, well-crafted mechanics, and technical marvels — from visuals to DualSense controls — with every element perfectly tuned to generate as much fun as possible.