For more than two decades, the Sony PlayStation has been a source of fun and entertainment, providing gamers with fond childhood memories to look back on. From the age of memory cards and CD booklets to having an extraordinary gaming experience with the PlayStation VR, one can’t help but feel nostalgic while paying homage to their beloved games.
Let’s take a trip down the PlayStation memory lane and check out how our favorite games have evolved over time.
God of War
First Release: God of War | PS2 | 2005
Latest Release: God of War | PS4 | 2018
The God of War franchise could easily be considered as one of the most popular titles among PlayStation gamers, with its current claim as the fastest-selling title on PS4 exceeding sales of 3.1 million copies in the first three days of its release. The title has produced a variety of main installments and several side games with the storyline, gameplay and of course, graphics, changing along the way.
One of the main developments in the latest release is leaving its Greek roots and moving on to the world of Norse Mythology. Its gameplay has also changed throughout the years: The PS4 God of War features a third-person camera viewed from over-the-shoulder compared to previous installments with a fixed camera perspective. A departure though from the PS3 installment Ascension, the latest release goes back to single-player mode similar to its early releases. The PS4 Pro edition of the game features commendable graphics with two modes: Performance and Resolution, which players can easily switch to and from.
Uncharted
First Release: Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune | PS3 | 2007
Latest Release: Uncharted: The Lost Legacy| PS4 | 2017
As a franchise that has spanned for almost a decade, Uncharted has seen four main installments plus a prequel, a card-game spin-off, and a standalone expansion. All four major installments of the series offer a single-player mode controlling its protagonist Nathan Drake. Each installment’s storyline takes gamers to a different setting following the action-packed journey of Drake as he seeks lost treasures and cities. Drake’s final appearance in the series (Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End) is marked by a number of accolades praising key elements such as graphics, character development, and storyline.
But how do you make an Uncharted game without Nathan Drake as your lead? Naughty Dog had an answer and made the right move passing on the torch. In the Lost Legacy, gamers got a pair of bad-ass women in the form of Chloe Frazer and Nadine Ross snapping necks and cashing treasure-endorsed cheques. The game featured all of the hallmarks of the celebrated Uncharted franchise, including a rich cinematic story, action-packed set pieces, exotic destinations, and intricate puzzles.
The standalone franchise also involved Filipino skills and artistry. Manila-based game development studio Secret 6 collaborated with Naughty Dog to produce the game, with the former being the brain and talent behind the Uncharted: The Lost Legacy’s assets. The 140-man team of Secret 6 made over 100 assets for the game including high-quality cinematic assets, hero assets like weapons and vehicles, and environmental props.
Gran Turismo
First Release: Gran Turismo | PS1| 1997
Latest Release: Gran Turismo Sport | PS4 | 2017
Since its launch in 1997, Gran Turismo has since become one of the most iconic titles in the PlayStation. This racing video game series has since released over 15 games, seven of which being primary releases, beginning from PS1 all the way to PS4.
Gran Turismo has two modes: arcade and simulation. Arcade allows gamers to choose any vehicle and inflict damage whereas Simulation Mode requires players to truly act like professional drivers – this means getting licenses as well as paying for vehicles and customization. From its debut to its current release, major changes include the expanded number and kinds of cars as well as the development of the game graphics. It has also since developed an online-aspect for the game in which players can compete with other users and race online.
Ratchet & Clank
First Release: Ratchet & Clank | PS2 | 2002
Latest Release: Ratchet & Clank | PS4 | 2016
A mascot-driven game featuring a humanoid and a robot takes center stage in Ratchet & Clank. Ratchet is a Lombax – a fictional species that come from the planet Fastoon – and has lived by himself as a mechanic on the planet Veldin. Clank is his robot partner who previously escaped from the war-robot factory in which he was created. Together they go on missions to fight evil forces in the universe.
The series has spawned eight major titles to its name, several spin-offs, and a reimagining of the first game as its latest release. For the most part, the series has stayed true to its roots in terms of gameplay. It has maintained its mix of platforming, action, and RPG elements with Ratchet being the main playable character.
In the 2016 version, the reimagined masterpiece places you in a world filled with colorful visuals that you don’t regularly see in most games. This beloved platformer was supposed to be a HD remake of the 2002 classic, but fans were pleasantly surprised to see that this Ratchet and Clank was a total reimagination of its predecessor. With new weapons, races, and upgrades, the latest version was a hit with gamers.
Spider-Man
First Release: Spider-Man | PS1| 2000
Latest Release: Spider-Man | PS4 | 2018
Last but not the least, from the makers of Ratchet & Clank comes another iconic title starring one of the world’s most well-known (and well-loved) superheroes. In its first launch in 2000, we saw Spider-Man going through different levels and battling various villains such as Venom, Carnage, and Mysterio to name a few. Gamers also got to experience the superhero’s capabilities as they crawl walls, swing distances, and shoot webs at opponents.
Fast forward to 2018, Sony Interactive Entertainment, Insomniac Games, and Marvel have teamed up to create a brand-new and authentic Spider-Man adventure. This isn’t the Spider-Man you’ve met or ever seen before. This is an experienced Peter Parker who’s more masterful at fighting big crime in New York City. At the same time, he’s struggling to balance his chaotic personal life and career while the fate of millions of New Yorkers rest upon his shoulders.
Some games become hits, some push the technology further, and some become legendary. The technology is different and the approach, not quite the same. But the goal stays the same: to be remembered and treasured by the gamers even as we see them grow with the world around them.
