Best AA Games On The PS5, Ranked

As the latest installment of Sony's popular console trajectory, the PS5 has everything a gamer needs. Responsive controls, powerful graphics hardware, tons of entertaining games to play, and interesting stories to explore. While many of the most acclaimed PlayStation titles, like God of War and Horizon Zero Dawn, are developed by multi-million dollar AAA studios, there are also many AA games developed by smaller studios with tighter budgets that deserve more praise than they get.

AA studio titles typically don't have all the flashy details their more expensive AAA counterparts do, but they shine in other aspects, such as game mechanics and story, as they're usually granted more freedom to explore different creative options.

6 The Pathless

Metascore: 77

• The absence of a map makes exploring more interesting
• Eye-pleasing art style

When a curse from an ancient island in the far reaches of the sea threatens the world, The Hunter, master archer, and brave warrior must travel to the island in an effort to end the curse and save the day. The Pathless is a criminally underrated PS5 adventure game with a massive open world where players can encounter various obstacles as they explore.

With no map for guidance, The Hunter will have to find its own way across cold tundras, high mountains, and green meadows. This game shines thanks to its endless excitement, challenging bosses, and cartoonish art style that elevates the gaming experience. And while it sometimes feels reminiscent of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, it's also different enough to stand out doing its own thing.

5 Oddworld: Soulstorm Enhanced Edition

Metascore: 79

• Simple, easy-to-follow story
• Great platforming game mechanics

Like its predecessors, Oddworld: Soulstorm is set on the planet Oddworld, specifically on the Mudos Continent. As the ruling species, the Glukkons use the Mudokons (a fellow alien species) as slaves for various industries. Oddworld: Soulstorm is set directly after the events of New 'n' Tasty, in which Abe, the lead character, manages to free several hundred Mudokons, becoming the trusted leader of the resistance.

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This game is as old as the original PlayStation, as the franchise's first installment, Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee, was released way back in 1997. With much more modern graphics, fun platforming gameplay, and an overall simple, yet compelling story, Oddworld: Soulstorm is one of those AA games on the PS5 that everyone must play.

4 Stellar Blade

Metascore: 81

• Fast-paced combat
• Punishing yet fair bosses

While many people argue that Stellar Blade isn't a JRPG, but rather a classic hack & slash game, one thing's for sure, playing it is a lot of fun. The story centers on EVE, a member of Earth's special forces, who has been sent to the planet in an effort to fight the Naytiba, a species of merciless monstrous creatures.

This AA game on the PS5 has everything players need for fun, as it's full of fast-paced combat, carefully designed enemies and bosses, and a 30-50-hour completion time for those who want to explore every area and get every achievement and collectible. Stellar Blade also features a New Game Plus mode, ideal for players who've already beaten the game and want a more challenging experience.

3 Kena: Bridge Of Spirits

Metascore: 81

• Colorful, lively environments
• Responsive combat controls
• Clever take on spirituality

Kena: Bridge of Spirits takes on the concept of death and manages to turn it into something beautiful and peaceful. As a Spirit Guide, Kena's job is to help any lingering spirits move on and let go of whatever's keeping them in the realm of the living. Throughout the game, she'll have to travel across a mystical land full of wonders and dangers.

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By  Ben Grindle

All in all, this AA PS5 title is a visual masterpiece, with environments that seem full of life and are reminiscent of older classics such as Tak and the Power of Juju due to its lush vegetation and woodland theme. Combat feels responsive and exciting, which is not always the case for games of this type.

Although there's still no official word of a sequel, many players are already counting the days until an announcement is made.

2 A Plague Tale: Requiem

Metascore: 82

• Beautiful open environments
• New story to build on the franchise

Set just 6 months after the events of Innocence, A Plague Tale: Requiem continues building on the story of Amicia and Hugo de Rune. Still in the middle of their endless struggle to survive and cure Hugo's blood disease, they'll have to traverse the open fields of Southern France in late medieval Europe.

With slightly upgraded graphics, new combat mechanics, and a whole new story to tell, this AA game on the PS5 is perfect for players who love games set in medieval times and have played the previous installments of the franchise. Although some players have said that A Plague Tale: Innocence was better, it's strongly advised to give this game a try for an informed opinion.

1 Disco Elysium

Metascore: 91

• Heavy RPG-based experience
• The game's theme and art style are coherent

Disco Elysium's story begins with the main character, Harrier "Harry" Du Bois, waking up with amnesia. In his confusion, he can't remember who he is, where he is, or what year he's living in. As the game progresses, it becomes more and more obvious to Harry that he needs to solve a case to prevent the death of innocents as he races against the clock lest blood be spilled.

This game is not the typical action-packed detective story but rather an RPG based on dialogue, strategy, and deep analysis of events surrounding the main plot. However, even with its combat limitations, Disco Elysium manages to deliver a well-rounded, enjoyable experience with a unique art style and an original take on an existing concept.