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16 Best Puzzle Games On PS4 & PS5

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Key Takeaways

• Puzzle games on PS4 and PS5 offer a refreshing break from the typical action-packed titles, challenging your brain in unique ways.
• From mind-bending platformers to visually stunning adventures, there's a puzzle game on PlayStation for every player's taste.
• Whether manipulating time in Braid or shifting perspectives in Maquette, each game offers a fun and engaging puzzle-solving experience.

Puzzle games offer something a bit different from the over-the-top action that can be found in most triple-A titles that overpopulate the medium. They require you to stop and slow down as you use your brain to figure out the satisfying and tricky challenges that lie ahead.

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Luckily for PlayStation gamers, there’s a whole host of high-quality puzzle games available on the PS4 and PS5. They come in all shapes and sizes, from colorful sidescrollers, to refreshingly unique mind-bending platformers, and critically acclaimed classics. Whatever your pick, there’s a head-scratching puzzle game here that’s sure to test your brain as it fires on all cylinders.

Updated May 16, 2024 By Ben Jessey: Both the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 offer plenty of excellent options for fans of puzzle games. We put a bunch of the best on this list. However, there were still many good ones that missed out. As such, we've added more in this update.

16 Braid, Anniversary Edition

The original Braid was an exceptional puzzle-platformer that released before the PS4 and PS5. Yet, the remastered Anniversary Edition has come out on the later Sony systems. It features improved visuals and some new levels.

It contains the same high quality of platforming and puzzle-solving as the original. Most of the puzzles revolve manipulating time to create a path forward. While completing these well-designed trials, you get to appreciated the title's beautiful art-style and surprisingly deep story.

15 Human: Fall Flat

Human Fall Flat

In Human: Fall Flat, you are put in control of a very wobbly human-like creature. Along with waddling around, you can also grab things and pull yourself up on ledges. With these limited abilities and wacky physics, you must complete various different puzzles throughout the game.

What's interesting is how open the game is. You're simply placed into an area and told to reach the end goal. As such, you're free to complete the puzzles anyway you deserve. Sometimes, you can even climb over walls to avoid puzzles completely. This is seemingly allowed, as you're encouraged to be creative.

14 Little Nightmares 2

Little Nightmares 2

Puzzle games aren't tied to a specific visual style. Some puzzlers are bright and colorful, while others are dark and creepy. Little Nightmares 2 certainly fits into the latter group, as this is an unsettling puzzle-platform adventure.

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You play as a little protagonist, who journies through many dark places. Some of them include weird creatures that are trying to get you. So, most of the puzzles revolve around avoiding their gaze and grasp. If you are caught, you die instantly. Therefore, there is a bit of a survival element to this title.

13 Untitled Goose Game

Untitled Goose Game

The core concept of Untitled Goose Game is as simple as it gets. You play as an obnoxious Goose who roams around a village and torments the people living there. The village is split into a few different areas.

When you enter one, you're given a list of things to accomplish in that area. Most of the tasks involve stealing things or tricking people in some way. While it might not sound like it, these are actually puzzles that you must complete. Some are small and obvious, while others are a lot trickier. All of them are a lot of fun, and the game is very comical. It's also unique, as not many games put you in the role of a mischievous goose.

12 Superhot

While there are many first-person puzzle titles , there aren't many first-person shooter puzzlers. After all, the genres are complete opposites. Yet, the team behind Superhot has managed to meld them together in a clever way.

For every level, you're put into a completely white room that contains red enemies. Each one of them can kill you in one shot. You have to figure out a way to get them first. To do so, you have to make use of the fact that time only moves forward when you move. So, you have to figure out when and where to move at any given point so you can avoid their fire and get them with your own. This process is compelling and surprisingly challenging.

11 Unravel Two

Unravel Two

Unravel Two is one of the best puzzle platformers you can play on PlayStation systems. You control two adorable creatures that are completely made of yarn. The advantage of their strange biology is that they can use a bit of themselves as a rope to swing on.

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Most of the puzzling and platforming in the game revolves around swinging. You also need to push some things and do the occasional wall jump. It's all about progressing to the end of each colorful level.

10 Escape Academy

Escape Academy

Escape rooms have taken the world by storm, offering up a cerebral alternative to a more typical mid-week nighttime outing. It’s no wonder, then, that Escape Academy looks to capitalize on this global phenomenon.

Unlike your more ordinary escape room game , Escape Academy puts you in the shoes of a budding escape artist who must test their puzzle-solving skills in various challenging hand-crafted rooms, all designed by escape room experts. As with all escape rooms, they are better with friends. Escape Academy is no different in this regard as it, thankfully, has online and local co-op.

9 The Pedestrian

One of the most appealing aspects of The Pedestrian is its delightfully unique premise and aesthetic. You play as a stick figure as they navigate through various forms of public signage to traverse through a series of visually appealing urban environments.

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It’s a simple idea that ramps up in difficulty as you progress through the levels while rearranging and reconnecting various signs to get to the next stage. It’s extremely inventive, with a fantastic musical score and brilliant use of the PS5’s haptics on the DualSense.

8 Puyo-Puyo Tetris 2

Taking the classic gameplay from beloved puzzle classics, Puyo Puyo Tetris 2 is a puzzle game for true fans of the puzzle genre. The aim of the game is to clear lines or combine colours in Tetris and Puyo, or merge both classic gameplay elements in a cool fusing of the two vintage games.

There is a load of ways to play, including a meaty single-player offering and a variety of online and offline multiplayer modes to sink your teeth into. It makes for some awesome competitive fun and is especially a great game for couples .

7 Return Of The Obra Dinn

Return of the Obra Dinn

Return of the Obra Dinn is an incredibly unique adventure that’s chock-full of intrigue. You take the reins of an insurance investigator who must unravel the mystery of what happened to the Obra Dinn - a cargo ship that left five years prior and returned without its crew.

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It’s an intelligent adventure where you must use your wits to connect the dots. Equipped with a magic pocket watch that allows you to return to the moment of each crew member’s death, you need to put together the clues and use logic to solve the puzzle of each murder, and its simple 1-bit art style is a joy to look at, too.

6 Chicory: A Colorful Tale

Appealing to the crayon-wielding inner child within us all, Chicory: A Colorful Tale is a satisfying and colorful adventure that allows you to inject some life into a literal blank canvas. Chicory, the world’s most famous artist, is missing, and it’s up to her number one canine fan to pick up her magical brush and add color back into the world once more.

Each level is reminiscent of a page from a coloring book and gives you the freedom to color the world how you see fit. Much of the game’s puzzles need to be solved by manipulating the environment with paint, often revealing areas and opening up new possibilities. It’s vibrant and gorgeous, with an astoundingly beautiful original soundtrack from the legendary Celeste and Minecraft composer, Lena Raine.

5 Manifold Garden

You may need to brace yourself for a bit of perspective-shifting nausea when trying your hand at this mindbogglingly brilliant first-person puzzler. Manifold Garden has you navigate through a series of gravity-defying impossible architecture that echoes the disorienting brilliance of an M.C. Escher painting.

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Eventually, you'll be breaking the laws of physics with the best of them as you learn to master the game’s impossibly inexplicable perspective-based traversal to solve a series of extraordinary puzzles. The art style is so appealing, it could very easily be displayed in a modern art gallery, and no one would bat an eyelid.

Maquette is another mind-bending puzzler that plays with perspective and scale in extraordinary ways. Taking a page straight out of Alice in Wonderland, you can drastically change the shapes and sizes of the world’s objects, depending on your positioning and perspective.

What results is a reality-shifting puzzle experience that will mess with your sense of scale. You’ll come across gaps in the ground that appear as huge chasms as you get up close, as well as a tiny doll house that turns into a sizable mansion that would put Buckingham Palace to shame. It also has an interesting story beneath it all, voiced by Hollywood stars Bryce Dallas Howard and Seth Gabel.

The gorgeous visuals just keep on coming. Gorogoa puts its interesting story against the backdrop of thousands of beautifully crafted illustrations. Each painting in this vast collection was painstakingly hand-drawn by James Roberts - it’s absolutely breathtaking.

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Each scene will have a selection of these gorgeously designed panels, which you must arrange to solve the puzzle that presents itself. The art needs to be manipulated in inventive ways in order to progress and unfold the story. It’s one of the best-looking puzzlers out there and was influenced by some of the world’s most famous and celebrated illustrators.

2 The Witness

The Witness

From the same creator of the critically acclaimed sidescrolling platformer, Braid, The Witness takes Jonathon Blow’s brand of intellectual puzzle-solving to a fully explorable and open 3D space. From the get-go, you find yourself on an island with no memory of how you got there.

What stands between you and finding your way back home are roughly over 500 puzzles scattered about the vibrantly colourful island. Though deceptively simple at first, each puzzle builds upon what came before, and you must use your accumulated knowledge of each to help you solve what’s to come.

1 The Talos Principle

The Talos Principle

Though it seems like an age since it was first released, The Talos Principle still holds up as one of the best puzzle games ever made. It expertly blends intelligent puzzle design with a captivating and intellectually stimulating narrative, that will have you asking difficult philosophical questions throughout your journey.

You take control of a sentient AI who winds up on a strange island full of ancient ruins and futuristic technology. Your creator has given you the not-so-simple task of solving the many laser puzzles dispersed through the stunning environments - all while questioning your purpose and the very nature of your existence as you know it.

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The Talos Principle

My rec ommendation for the talos principle, my recommendation for the talos principle.

Difficulty ramp-up

Ending troubles.

Great storyline

Great original soundtrack

Obtuse puzzles, especially with optional content.

An uplifting experience

Rewards exploration and out-of-the-box thinking, lots of side content, a game for really smart people, the witness, my rec ommendation for the witness, my recommendation for the witness.

Thought provoking world

Some puzzles might be impossible for the colorblind and hearing impaired.

Cleverly designed puzzles

May cause nausea

Vivid graphics make you want to explore.

Non-linear gameplay

My rec ommendation for fez, my recommendation for fez.

Charming graphics and world

Loads of backtracking, clever 2d rotation game mechanic, very limited depth, mysterious world with lots of depth, slow gameplay, brilliant puzzles.

Guess-and-check instead of intuitive puzzles

Great atmospheric soundtrack, pen and paper absolutely required for full completion, minimal direction, my rec ommendation for limbo, my recommendation for limbo, manages to communicate circumstance and casualty in a unique way, relies too much on learning from failure.

Artistic puzzle

Ending comes somewhat abruptly, astonishing sound design, may be too dark for children, immerses the player fully, has some pacing issues, good for people who don't want to waste too much time on a game, somewhat short, unique black and white aesthetic, quite addictive, does not become frustrating even if you die a lot, thomas was alone, my rec ommendation for thomas was alone, my recommendation for thomas was alone, simple, peaceful gameplay, some puzzles can be difficult, great story, enjoyable professional narration, polished ethereal soundtrack, the last guardian, my rec ommendation for the last guardian, my recommendation for the last guardian, great variety of puzzles, control and ai issues, beautiful environments, captivating soundtrack, brothers: a tale of two sons, my rec ommendation for brothers: a tale of two sons, my recommendation for brothers: a tale of two sons, it's a short game worth your time, puzzles are on the easy side, meloncholy/beautiful artwork and atmosphere, the controls takes some time getting used to, uniquely tells much of the story through gameplay mechanics, innovative control scheme, the vanishing of ethan carter, my rec ommendation for the vanishing of ethan carter, my recommendation for the vanishing of ethan carter, immersive atmosphere, framerate drops from 60fps, gorgeous, state-of-the-art graphics, pacing feels unbalanced, very surreal and mysterious storytelling, horrible character models, heavily exploration based, not much dialogue, challenging and rewarding puzzles, simplistic gameplay, runs at 1080p and 60fps, repetitive puzzle solving, human: fall flat, my rec ommendation for human: fall flat, my recommendation for human: fall flat, can cause motion sickness due to camera shaking, playing co-op with your friends adds a whole new experience to the puzzle solving, oddly rewarding control scheme, not much visual appeal, fantastic physics, levels have multiple paths, encouraging discovery, you can personalize your avatar with colors and textures, good progression of difficulty, hilarious co-op mode, my rec ommendation for spelunky, my recommendation for spelunky, expanded gameplay through mods to improve replayability, difficult to the point of frustration, provides an interesting challenge by heavily relying on increasing your skill, co-op is boring and confusing, up to 4 player local co-op, quick sessions so you can play in short bursts, lara croft and the temple of osiris, my rec ommendation for lara croft and the temple of osiris, my recommendation for lara croft and the temple of osiris, online co-op with strangers can be frustrating, co-op play encourages strong teamwork and coordination, the story is generic and simple, good balance between action and puzzle solving, various loot adds a bit of an rpg element, boss fights incorporate puzzles, little big planet 3, my rec ommendation for little big planet 3, my recommendation for little big planet 3, charming visuals, occasional bugs, decent platforming gameplay, very fun co-op, nearly limitless content thanks to the level creator, my rec ommendation for unravel, my recommendation for unravel, beautiful environment, feels short, simple enough for children to play, awesome graphics, amazing soundtrack, never alone (kisima ingitchuna), my rec ommendation for never alone (kisima ingitchuna), my recommendation for never alone (kisima ingitchuna), collaboration of veteran gaming devs an educational group and alaskan natives, transition from game to videos feels disjointed, interactive folklore, difficulty spikes 90 minutes in, videos that tell true stories accompany sections in the game, valiant hearts: the great war, my rec ommendation for valiant hearts: the great war, my recommendation for valiant hearts: the great war, a game about war where you don't kill anyone, simple but satisfying puzzles, historical facts may become annoying, striking artistic style, zero escape: zero time dilemma, my rec ommendation for zero escape: zero time dilemma, my recommendation for zero escape: zero time dilemma, interesting puzzles, the story won't make sense without playing the previous 2 titles.

Suspensful atmosphere

My rec ommendation for q.u.b.e. 2, my recommendation for q.u.b.e. 2, minimal ui that allows the puzzle solving to take center stage, puzzles get repetitive, enticing, mysterious narrative, mistakes are overly punishing, great graphics, unique and immersive atmosphere, simple, but entertaining cube puzzle mechanic, road not taken, my rec ommendation for road not taken, my recommendation for road not taken, deepens the roguelike experience, progression can feel very slow at times, easier to learn than other roguelikes, bridge constructor portal, my rec ommendation for bridge constructor portal, my recommendation for bridge constructor portal, decent amount content for its price, can feel frustrating, can seem a little bland in its presentation, based off of a great puzzle game, q.u.b.e: director's cut, my rec ommendation for q.u.b.e: director's cut, my recommendation for q.u.b.e: director's cut, satisfying to solve puzzles, it is a very short game.

Great feeling of progression

The physics sometimes feel off, don't see your favorite option add it..

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Best Puzzle Games for PS4 That’ll Tickle Your Brain

Solving a puzzle game gives you a rush, unlike any other genre. It’s that moment when it finally clicks in your brain, where you use all the tools and rules given to solve a mystery of things that seemingly contradict each other. A great puzzle game would make you feel clever for figuring it out despite the developer being more. It can be addictive in a different kinda way, like the way you feel when you play Soulsborne and are craving for more challenging games. There’s plenty of amazing puzzle games out there but only a few actually have great puzzle level design all the way. PS4 has some of the best and I recommend these based on my experience and how good the games are with their mechanics, catch, learning curve and overall design. Let’s begin.

Also Read: 30+ Best Games for PS4 Beginners

Best Puzzle Games for PS4

1. the witness.

Jonathan Blow

After the Breakout hit Puzzle game Braid, Jonathan Blow quickly became one of the most recognizable Indie game developer for his lateral puzzle game with unique art and settings. His second Game The Witness is as beloved even if not more mainstream than Braid. It has simple rules with you having to trace a path in maze boxes but new elements are introduced which really gets you thinking. The game treats you with respect and lets you figure out solutions in a satisfying way. It also takes a non-linear approach to puzzle solving where you can explore and go other ways like the original Dark Souls.

Check out The Witness  ($39.99)

A spiritual successor to their first game Limbo, that is set in a 2.5D world where the character can interact with objects in a 3D environment but can only move in 2D. Unlike its inspiration, Inside is colorful and yet is eerily haunting at the same time. You mostly solve puzzles as you move forward. The cool thing about Inside is involved action with puzzles at times, which is rather rare in most games. You control bodies, move boxes and pull levers to solve puzzles and always has something to keep you on the edge. Get this Inside your head already, it’s not puzzling to get it on your PS4.

Check out Inside ($19.99)

Limbo, as mentioned earlier, is the OG puzzle game by play dead. It’s a black and white game with 2D graphics. You play as a child instead of a boy. You still die in gruesome ways of course. Conceptually it being the inspiration for inside, shares the same genre action puzzle platformer. Puzzles are harder in this as it was their first big title and they went all in on most mechanics. With subtle narrative, it sure is to keep you hooked until the end and the environments/atmosphere is fantastic.

Check out Limbo ($9.99)

Tequila Works

RiME feels like if Zelda had a love child with Journey. One of the most poignant stories in a video game in my opinion. You play as a boy (seriously what is with puzzles game developers and little boys?) along with a fox spirit who lands on an island and explores five large areas. It’s an unjustly underrated and underscored game by the critics. It tackles pretty heavy themes like grief and accepting loss which really is tugging at your heartstrings. Making you think both with your heart and mind along the way. Not every puzzle game can achieve something deep and real the way Rime did. If you’re in the mood for a cry sesh, you should totes give it a go.

Check out RiME  ($29.99)

5. The Swapper

Facepalm studios

You can clone yourself as a spaceman. If that got your attention, you will absolutely fall in love with this little Indie game. Made by Finnish developers in Helsinki (totally irrelevant information by the way) The Swapper keeps innovating on existing mechanics and ideas to keep the player’s interest piqued. You explore an abandoned research station and learn what happened to others. It is visually arresting the moment you boot it up and the quality of the puzzles only gets better as you reach the end. It also kinda feels like an undercover Metroidvania, which is amazing. If I could, I’d swap myself with you to play it all over again.

Check out The Swapper  ($14.99)

6. Unravel Two

Coldwood Interactive

Unravel and Unravel Two are amazing puzzle platformers but if I had to pick one it would be the second one. It released on the same day it was announced in E3 and the puzzles are a lot more challenging. You get to play with another player(local co-op) as a bonus.

It follows two characters made of Yarn(Blue & Red yarns) as they traverse an island solving puzzles. The addition of a second yarn changes things up in how you solve a puzzle drastically along with the original mechanics. It works as a solo adventure but you can have a lot more fun with another person like a particular activity that we both are ‘winking’ about in our minds.

Check out Unravel Two ($ 19.99 6.99)

7. The Talos Principle

A narrative puzzle game about Greek mythology to put it simply. You play as a robot with consciousness and explore deserts, futuristic ruins, and lush environments. Collecting sigils that are tetromino (Tetris anyone?) and solving obstacles with them is a key mechanic. The Talos principle really makes you analyze the tools you have and expects you to solve them on your own with no hints and nudges. Flavour is naturally woven into the game with audio recordings, terminals, graffiti, and such.

Must Read: Best Upcoming Games for PS4 in 2019 and beyond

Check out The Talos Principle ($49.99)

8. Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons

Starbreeze Studios

A Game where you actually play as two characters on screen at the same time with the left and right joysticks. The elder brother is stronger and can help move, pull objects while the young can pass narrow bars. More narrative focused than most games on the list but deserves a spot because of how ingenious it is with mechanics. It understands what it means to communicate through mechanics like the last guardian and god of war. Emotionally strong and great puzzle designs made Josef Fares the man he is today (Screw the Oscars!!). You gotta give it to him for being bold and trying new things.

Check out Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons ($19.99)

Polytron Corporation

A 2D game in a 3D world where you rotate the levels to reveal the other dimensions. A sleeper hit as it was ported to the PS4. Fez has no enemies and you don’t die which is unheard of in most games. Beautifully crafted with pixel art that can stand the test of time. It catches you off guard as sometimes puzzles are just a red herring. It inspired most of the mobile games like Crossy Roads, Monument Valley which is very obvious. Play it now on the PS4 to see what all the fez is about.

Check out FEZ ($12.99)

10. The Last Guardian

Fumita Ueda cited as one of the most influential developers by many people the likes of Hidetaka Miyazaki of Dark souls and Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons. This was written off as a clunky unrefined game with terrible camera controls. In my opinion, all the mechanics were built with the purpose of building a bond between you and the creature Trico, which the game does through interaction rather than cutscenes. Getting Trico to do things is just as hard as getting any pet to do things. It might feel tedious as that is the intended experience. Not all critics get things right and this is one of them. If you hate pets, well you’re better off playing alone.

Check out The Last Guardian  ($19.99)

11. The Tetris Effect

Monstars Inc.

A Tetris game in VR is as surreal as it gets. With new mechanics like the Zone which lets you clear 16 blocks of lines at once becoming a DecaHexaTris is probably the best feeling, anyone could have while solving a puzzle. Amazing soundtrack and visuals that enhance the classic game making it feel like a love letter to Tetris. This is the kinda game that can stand through generations. A satisfying game where the music is tied to the gameplay with over 30 stages is where I’d put my money.

Check out The Tetris Effect ($39.99)

12. Shadow of the Colossus

Fumita Ueda’s masterpiece as it’s widely regarded as art rather than a video game. The puzzles here are 16 colossi that are spread across an open world. You play as a wanderer with a horse who hunts them down. The thrill is figuring how you defeat colossi, it might not be a traditional puzzle game but the scale and focus narrative puzzle solving is rather offbeat. Each colossus has its own theme and music tied to it. Built from ground up for the PS4, it looks better than ever.

Check out Shadow of Colossus  ($19.99)

13. Hitman Go

Square Enix Montreal

Turn-based puzzles are a niche and Hitman Go made them come back because of how well it was done. It boils the franchise down to its core elements and turned into a board game style puzzle game. The music and themes are still retained. Fundamentally it’s a different genre with familiar elements like stealth. Levels get more complex as you progress and new mechanics are introduced that sometimes are mixed with other elements. It was a massive Hit-man, go check it out.

Check out Hitman Go ($7.99)

14. Lara Croft Go

Similar to Hitman go, Lara Croft is a turn-based puzzle game but the action takes place with real-time animations rather than moving characters like chess pieces. It keeps the aesthetics and design of the older games rather than the reboot. Puzzles are a notch above any of the new mainstream Lara Croft games. It adds vertical and horizontal movement, unlike Hitman Go. There are about 40 levels in total which you should breeze through once you start playing it.

Check out Lara Croft Go ($9.99)

15. Q.U.B.E 2

Toxic games

A first-person physics-based puzzler much like portal 2 but it’s original. The puzzles feel rather Similar to portal 2 but have their own ideas to keep things fresh. It has a generous learning curve and introduces each concept before challenging you with harder puzzles. You play as an archeologist in space which is rather uninspired but makes up for an interesting game design decisions. Considering you have a PS4, this is probably your only portal to play this on.

Check out Q.U.B.E 2 ($24.99)

16. The Vanishing of Ethan Carter

The astronauts

A horror puzzler that does not hold your hand. You investigate and piece the story together of the eponymous carter family. The puzzles here take shape of memories of the dead. You explore and find objects that let you restore the events that lead to their deaths. Enjoyable puzzles and stunning visuals are noted by most people who’ve played this but it does come with a weird autosave system. The story is self-contained and direct for an open world game. Soon you’d be solving the vanishing of 20$ from your Wallet.

Check out The Vanishing of  Ethan Carter ($19.99)

17. Little Nightmares

Tarsier studios

Bandai Namco published this after FromSoftware left them (which shouldn’t have any bearing of this). Horror, puzzles, platforming come together in this adventure that’s quite haunting and horrifying, which horror fan will eat up. The giant monsters and the sheer scale of the world really give you the creeps like Jason with a hockey mask on the streets. There are images in this game that’ll be cemented in your brain for months to come. It truly is like little kids and let’s be honest they’re nightmares.

Check out Little NightMares ($19.99)

Wrapping Up Best Puzzle games for PS4

You’re probably excited about upcoming games in 2019 that challenging puzzle games or just enjoyable ones. If that’s the case, check out our article on the best upcoming PS4 games and beyond. Most of the ones above are quality over popularity and quantity as an experience that is visceral and innovative far outweighs to ones that are long and tedious. Do you think her story is a puzzle game or a detective game? I’m just as puzzled as you are, Send me your investigation notes in the comments below or on Twitter.

Read: Is PS4 still worth buying in 2019?

Vamsi Krishna

Video games junkie, Skateboarder, Content creator. He beat all of the souls-borne games. Techwiser’s unrivaled ping pong champion. Occasionally falls asleep while editing videos.

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The 10 best mystery games that'll make you feel like a true detective

This collection of the best mystery games and best detective games must be investigated

The best mystery games take you on a true adventure. Whether you're charged with solving a murder or putting a life back together, the best detective games ask you to put on your thinking cap and get to work analyzing the world around you. 

That's what you'll find here. Ten awesome games that'll have you chewing over clues, interrogating witnesses, and using your powers of deduction to help you through a case. Whether you're looking for a game that is narrative-focused or an experience full of puzzles – or maybe something between the both – you'll find something something to pique your interest here. So keep reading to find our ranking of the best mystery games you can play right now. 

10. The Wolf Among Us

Developer: Telltale Platform(s): PC, PS4, Xbox One

Telltale's signature formula of pairing deeply thoughtful stories to consequential decision-making is perfectly suited to the mystery genre, and The Wolf Among Us is ample proof of concept. Here you're tasked with a fairly singular goal: solving a captivating murder case in a fairytale version of New York City, meanwhile keeping fairytale characters and their hidden community a secret from the outside world.

A prequel set in the world of the Fables comics, The Wolf Among might surprise you with its grittiness. This very noir murder mystery kicks off with a decapitated prostitute setting into motion the events of the game. Decision-making and the resulting consequences can be agonizing, as often-times it's nigh impossible to determine the outcomes of your choices. But The Wolf Among us manages to surprise at every turn, making it a worthwhile adventure no matter where your decisions take you.

9. Paradise Killer

Developer: Kaizen Game Works Platform(s): Multi

Paradise Killer is a unique mystery game that's worth your time and attention. You're charged with trying to uncover the culprit behind a murder on Paradise Island, a pocket universe wherein a group of immortal beings – the Syndicate – are trying to create a perfect society. When the entire Syndicate Council is slaughtered, detective Lady Love Dies is brought out of exile to put an end to the carnage. 

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What's great about Paradise Killer is that nearly everyone within the game world has something to hide and could, therefore, be the killer. You can bring any character to trial at any time, but you'll probably want to spend a bit of time properly gathering evidence and following up on any info before dragging somebody in front of a jury. Paradise Killer is a must-play, if you can avoid the temptation to use Google for clues!

8. Heavy Rain

Developer: Quantic Dream Platform(s): PC, PS4, PS3

Heavy Rain is what solidified Quantic Dreams as a pioneer of the narrative-driven, interactive game experience. What would follow from the studio ranges from forgettable (Beyond: Two Souls) to genre-defining (Detroit: Become Human), but the since-remastered Heavy Rain remains a must-play for fans of dramatic storytelling and mystery-solving.

In Heavy Rain, the stakes couldn't be higher for protagonist Ethan Mars, who had just lost a son before having another taken from him by the mysterious "Origami Killer." With a fast-moving clock on his son's life, Ethan is forced to endure exhausting, increasingly horrific "tests" to prove his fatherly determination. Heavy Rain feels very real - one of my playthroughs resulted in an ending about as wretched as I've seen in a game. Needless to say, I've played through Heavy Rain more than a few times, and you likely will too.

7. L.A. Noire

Developer: Team Bondi Platform(s): PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch

When you think of mysteries and detective stories specifically, there's almost no better setting than L.A. Noire 's sepia-toned 1940s Los Angeles. A technical marvel for its time (2011), L.A. Noire still looks good today, but more importantly, it's also just as engrossing to investigate murders and climb the ranks of the L.A.P.D. Groundbreaking facial animations considered, L.A. Noire's greatest achievement is making you truly feel like an up-jumped cop in a moody film noir. 

The 2017 remaster on PS4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch features updated textures and a few convenience updates that make L.A. Noire an essential crime-drama mystery for aspiring detectives. Though, it's best to forget the precedent set by Rockstar's mainstay series, Grand Theft Auto and Red Dead Redemption. While it's technically an open-world game, L.A. Noire tells a laser-focused story without a lot of room for distraction. And believe me, that's a good thing, because you'll be too absorbed in rooting out the scum of L.A.'s underbelly to care about anything else.

6. Sherlock Holmes: Crimes and Punishments

Developer: Frogwares Platform(s): PC, PS4, Xbox One

How could a list of the best mystery games exist without the man himself, the prolific Dr. Sherlock Holmes? Though, Sherlock Holmes: Crimes and Punishments earns its spot on this list without relying on the famous name of its titular detective. Like the best detective games, this one will have you second-guessing yourself, as well as everyone you interrogate, as you work through the complex moral bargaining at its center.

Exploring the detailed environments, picking out clues, and piecing together conclusions is surgical in a way you might expect from a Sherlock Holmes game, but Crimes and Punishments adds a challenging ethical question to your choices that elevates it beyond its piers. This is Sherlock Holmes with a conscious, and Crimes and Punishments is a detective game that more than lives up to its legend.

5. Her Story

Developer: Sam Barlow Platform(s): PC, iOS, Android

Her Story is an interactive movie. There is no "gameplay" in the traditional sense, and even the visuals are live-action shots of actual actors through an actual camera. Now that that's out of the way, the reason Her Story qualifies as a game is that it's up to you to sort through various clues and decipher their meaning.

Clues exist in the form of archived clips from a police interview with a woman whose husband has gone missing and is later found murdered. The character and her relationship with her husband are fascinating to learn about, each new revelation a source of multiple new theories about whether Hannah Smith is culpable for her husband's murder.

4. What Remains of Edith Finch

Developer: Giant Sparrow Platform(s): PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch

For a stylish, lighthearted mystery or distraction, look elsewhere. But if you're in a mood to reflect, empathize, and become entirely absorbed in a touching, often heart-wrenching dive into loss and mortality, don't sleep on What Remains of Edith Finch. Giant Sparrow unleashed a mystery game that skirts so close to being a masterpiece, which is certainly one of the best games of the last generation . 

The story of a possible curse that leaves only one family member of each generation alive, is exactly that; a story. Some very light puzzling is all that hinders your pursuit of the mystery behind your relatives' deaths, and it'll only take a couple of hours for you to learn the truth of What Remains of Edith Finch. Like it or not, it'll probably take far longer for you escape its emotional grip.

3. Outer Wilds

Developer: Mobius Digital Platform(s): PC, PS4, Xbox One

While most mystery games are content with identifying the culprit in a small town crime, Outer Wilds seeks to solve mysteries on a much larger scale: the universe, or at least the solar system you're tasked with exploring and the infinite time loop in which it lives.

On its surface, Outer Wilds is a space exploration game about looking for clues and solving mysterious phenomena on diverse planets, but just beneath the crust lies an experience unlike anything I've ever played. Learning more about the extinct, intelligent species called Nomai compels your adventure, but the ways in which you uncover their secrets is what makes Outer Wilds so special, and I'd never forgive myself for spoiling anything.

2. Disco Elysium

Developer: ZA/UM Platform(s): Multi

If its numerous accolades, not to mention three BAFTAs, aren't enough to convince you to try out Disco Elysium, hopefully this humble little list of best mystery games will. A murder mystery and black comedy, the story kicks off with the player-character blurrily waking from a drunken stupor, only to be told he's in charge of investigating a grizzly murder. 

From an isometric perspective, you'll guide your detective through his booze-induced amnesia and toward the answer to the game's mystery by leveling up and upgrading his deductive skills and navigating different personality traits that develop based on character choice. It's an immensely complex, innovative ride that never fails to elicit both laughs and suspense.

1. Return of the Obra Dinn

Developer: 3909 LLC Platform(s): PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch

Return of the Obra Dinn's story of a ship that returns to port five years after having gone missing, now a mass grave for its occupants, is enthralling throughout its fairly brief run-time. Your job as an insurance adjuster is to figure out what happened to the ship's crew and passengers, who all died mysteriously or went missing en route.

The distinct monochromatic art style and wistful score offer the perfect setting to wrack your brain for clues to the Obra Dinn's ill-fated voyage, and you'll want to use every tool in your cerebral shed to find whodunnit. Return of the Obra Dinn never holds your hand, which only makes piecing together its many secrets that much more rewarding. It's undoubtedly one of the best mystery and detective games ever made, but you can really only play through it once – so do yourself a favor and go in blind, as it'll greatly enhance the experience. 

After scoring a degree in English from ASU, I worked as a copy editor while freelancing for places like SFX Magazine, Screen Rant, Game Revolution, and MMORPG on the side. Now, as GamesRadar's west coast Staff Writer, I'm responsible for managing the site's western regional executive branch, AKA my apartment, and writing about whatever horror game I'm too afraid to finish.

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The Best Detective Games for Playstation 4

• Disco Elysium: The Final Cut
• Hypnospace Outlaw
• Lost Judgment
• Chicken Police
• GHOST TRICK: Phantom Detective
• Inspector Waffles
• BROK the InvestiGator
• Sherlock Holmes: Chapter One
• Sherlock Holmes: Crimes And Punishments
• Release date: New first
• Review score: Best first
• IOS (iPhone / iPad)
• PS4 (Playstation 4)
• PS5 (Playstation 5)
• Xbox Series X
• Oculus Rift

Disco Elysium: The Final Cut (2021)

Disco Elysium - The Final Cut is a groundbreaking role playing game. You’re a detective with a unique skill system at your disposal and a whole city to carve your path across. Interrogate unforgettable characters, crack murders or take bribes. Become a hero or an absolute disaster of a human being.

Hypnospace Outlaw (2019)

Hypnospace Outlaw is a unique game that takes you to the world of the early internet circa 1999. As an assigned moderator of the Hypnospace community, you have to investigate unapproved commerce, strike down images and links with copyright infringement and page through personal blogs and projects. You will explore a web browser as well as a customizable desktop with programs and documents, while having to scan for references and redirects.

• Unique game setting in the early internet
• Investigative detective work
• Engaging storyline
• Eye-searing kitsch comedy
• Built with consistent world elements
• Limited color palette
• Grainy pixelated artwork

Lost Judgment (2021)

Lost Judgment is an action-adventure game set in a dark and humorous story full of twists, with great visuals and animations. Explore two amazing cities with tons of side quests, shops and places to eat, while fighting gang members, delinquent students and more. Switch between three different combat styles to upgrade your stats and skills. Enjoy detective inspired mini-games, the return of the drone races, plus a bunch of Master System games to collect and play.

• Amazing story with likable characters
• Fun side quests
• Smooth combat system
• Two immersive cities to explore
• Variety of mini-games and collectibles
• Some immersion breaking moments
• Limited skateboard tricks
• Some undertones may not be okay with everyone
• Mediocre lock picking mini-game
• Drone flies wonky at times

Chicken Police (2020)

Chicken Police - Paint it RED! is an off-kilter adventure game and visual novel that takes you to the city of Clawville as private detective Sonny Featherland and his partner, Marty MacChicken investigate a case. Follow them as they meet the denizens of the seedy underbelly, interrogate suspects and investigate crime scenes in this hard-boiled noir.

• Smoothly running game
• Excellent story supported by good voice acting
• No-longer weird seeing animal heads on human bodies
• Initial weirdness of seeing animal heads on human bodies
• Minimal action with only occasional minigames
• visual-novel
• point-and-click

Judgment (2018)

Fight for the truth and uncover the twisted crime running deep beneath the surface of Tokyo. In this legal thriller , the balance between justice and mercy teeters on the edge.

GHOST TRICK: Phantom Detective (2023)

In Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective, you're a ghost solving your own murder mystery before sunrise. With time manipulation, object possession, and mind-bending puzzles, you'll uncover a story full of twists and turns. This HD remaster offers an upgraded visual experience, new music arrangements, and a gallery of artwork, making it the ultimate version of this classic adventure.

• Engaging story with satisfying twists
• Endearing, unique characters
• Fantastic art style and graphic upgrades
• Fun voice acting
• Intriguing puzzle-solving mechanics
• Puzzles can be frustrating and require trial-and-error
• Unhelpful hint system
• Lack of bonus content
• supernatural

Inspector Waffles (2021)

Join Inspector Waffles, a jaded and witty feline detective as he attempts to solve the murder of Fluffy, beloved owner of Fluffy Box Furniture. Interrogate suspects, investigate leads and combine inventory items in the charming pixel art world of Cat Town. Enjoy sharp writing, a likeable cast of characters and enjoyable puzzles as you try to solve the case by any means necessary!

• Sharp writing
• Likeable cast of characters
• Charming pixel art presentation
• Enjoyable puzzles
• Clever hint system
• Short game length
• Can't just drag objects onto characters during conversations
• investigation

BROK the InvestiGator (2022)

BROK the InvestiGator is an adventure game set in a futuristic cyberpunk city where humans have been replaced by animals and robots. Join Brok, a former boxer turned private detective, as he attempts to uncover a sinister plot while struggling with parenthood and providing for his deceased wife's son. Experience the fusion of point-and-click adventure and beat 'em up gameplay styles as you explore your surroundings, talk to NPCs and solve puzzles.

• Fully voiced cast
• Seamless fusion of point-and-click and beat 'em up genres
• Relatable story with heartfelt moments
• Sherlock Holmes­-esque interrogation sequences
• Multiple endings for replayability
• Some puzzles are too simple to work out
• Some sequences drag on too long serving little purpose outside of padding out the runtime
• post-apocalyptic

Sherlock Holmes: Chapter One (2021)

In this story-driven detective thriller, a young Sherlock Holmes struggles to prove himself as he navigates an exotic, dangerous island in the Mediterranean to investigate the mystery of his mother’s death.

Sherlock Holmes: Crimes And Punishments (2014)

Become the most celebrated detective of all time: Sherlock Holmes! Use your impressive talents as a detective to solve six thrilling and varied cases: murders, missing persons, spectacular thefts and numerous investigations that sometimes lead you into the realms of the fantastic.

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Best PS4 Detective Games – The Best Mystery Adventures You Can Get On PS4

John-Paul Jones / October 13, 2021

Best PS4 Detective Games – When it comes to gaming on your PS4 (and PS5 ), there are fewer titles more enjoyable than detective games. The sensation of tracking down a criminal by uncovering clues and using interrogation techniques and then putting it all together, is exactly why the detective sub-genre has proven so compelling to gamers in recent years. Starting with five titles and to be updated on a semi-regular basis (i.e. whenever more decent detective games decide to appear), we’ll let you know what the best PS4 detective games are.

Best PS4 Detective Games

Best PS4 Detective Games:

The Occupation

The sinking city, return of the obra dinn, murdered – soul suspect, sherlock holmes – crimes & punishments, sherlock holmes – the devil’s daughter, the raven remastered.

Set in the North West of England in 1987, The Occupation casts players as an investigative reporter who is looking into a shadowy corporation that is seeking to undo a range of civil liberties that had been enshrined into law.

Before you go pointing fingers at the big wigs behind this conspiracy however, you need to have enough evidence to back up your claims and it’s here that The Occupation truly shines.

Players can rummage through offices to uncover incriminating files, sneak through air vents into forbidden areas and hack computers to gain useful information which can all be used in the final interview with the powers that be.

However, the kicker here is that time never stops and individuals will go about their own schedules and activities accordingly; forcing you to plan a lot more carefully as a result. The Occupation is well worth the price of admission (and especially now that a raft of patches have fixed many of the issues that were present at release ).

From the same folk that gave us the highly enjoyable Sherlock Holmes games, The Sinking City turns the substantial talent of developer Frogwares to the pages of Lovecraft.

As a 1920s private investigator sent to the mysteriously half-submerged eastern US city of Oakmont, players are tasked with getting to the bottom of grisly murders and overtly cultish behavior that many of its denizens seem to display.

With a massive open world for players to explore, a reworked combat system (that has improved greatly post release), and lashings of thick Lovecraft dread and horror, The Sinking City is an easy recommendation for anyone who would want to marry their love for sleuthing with Eldritch inspired horror.

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Return of the Obra Dinn is utterly unlike any other game in this feature. Set in deepest, darkest Falmouth in the early 1800s, Return of the Obra Dinn is a first person detective adventure that casts players as an insurance investigator for the East India Trading Company – and your task? To investigate the Obra Dinn trade ship that has come to rest in Cornish waters, and more importantly, what caused the death of all 60 crew members.

By using the Momento Mori, an arcane compass that allows you to venture back into the memories of the dead, you can identify not just who the crew members are against records, notes and conversations that you have heard, but also attempt to parse the manner in which they perished.

Where Return of the Obra Dinn really excels though, is in how it allows players a substantial degree of latitude when it comes to proclaiming judgement on the identities and fates of each of the crew members; placing a real premium on logic based investigation in the process. Throw in a stunning 1-bit, retro veneer that utterly separates Return of the Obra Dinn from anything else on the market, and you have a winner.

A spin-off from the famed Yakuza series , Judgment puts players in the shoes of Takayuki Yagami, a former high-flying lawyer who after his acquittal of a murderer results with him brutally re-offending, ends up setting up his own detective agency to pursue the unsavory sorts that lurk in the underbelly of Kamurocho. Though Judgment is broadly similar to the core Yakuza games in many ways, especially in regards to combat, minigames and balance of absurd and serious tones, it embraces a whole range of new mechanics that arguably make it far more of a more methodical, investigative affair.

During his investigation, Yagami will find himself having to talk to witnesses and suspects, use multiple dialogue choices to get the bottom of what they know (or what they don’t know), perform forensic searches, trail suspects and leverage evidence to prove culpability. Judgment then is a decidedly more action-packed affair than many of the other offerings in this list, but its Tokyo setting combined with its sleuthing mechanics all add up to make it utterly irresistible all the same.

Although Rockstar’s L.A. Noire has already done the rounds on the trusty PS3, it’s subsequent remastering on PS4 has opened it up to a whole new audience. A violent crime thriller set in the post-war boom of Hollywood’s Golden Age, L.A. Noire casts players as LAPD detective Cole Phelps; an ambitious sleuth who is gradually peeling back the glamorous splendor of Hollywood to reveal its seedy underbelly.

Mixing together third-person driving, shooting, clue finding and deep interrogation elements, L.A. Noire earns its place on this list not least because it is the only game on the market right now that manages to depict post-war Los Angeles in such a vivid light. With photo-realistic faces, detailed environments and excellent period atmosphere, L.A. Noire also looks the best it ever has too, with the PS4 Pro version of the game supporting 4K resolution.

If you can forgive the rough around the edges presentation of Murdered: Soul Suspect , you’ll find much to love in its grim and haunting tale of a detective seeking justice from beyond the grave. One of the most unique detective games available, Murdered: Soul Suspect has players trying to solve their own murder from the afterlife by affecting individuals and environments in the real world.

Set in present day Salem (an aptly chilling place if there ever was one for a supernatural detective yarn), players must possess the living to read their minds, uncover new clues and even speak to the dead to push the story on further. A highly enjoyable sleuthing adventure, Murdered: Soul Suspect is one for wannabe detectives who like their cases to have a nice dollop of supernatural flair.

It was only a matter of time until the pride of 221b Baker Street would make his way onto Sony’s home console, and in Sherlock Holmes – Crimes & Punishments his debut is one marked by a lofty caliber indeed. By leveraging the almost superhuman cognitive ability of Sherlock Holmes, players must solve six very different cases that take them across the width and breadth of Victorian London.

Every bit channeling the escapades of Arthur Conan Doyle’s famous detective, in Crimes & Punishments players must explore the nooks and crannies of Victorian London, looking for clues and interviewing potential suspects. Where things get especially neat however, is in the unique interrogation sequences which allow players to use Sherlock’s heightened sense of awareness and attention to detail to notice small details on their suspects, such as frayed thread on a shirt, or dirty fingernails for use in their questioning.

The second Sherlock Holmes title from Frogwares to be released on PS4, Sherlock Holmes: The Devil’s Daughter took the London detective on a supernatural jaunt as he investigates an occult mystery that has far-reaching ramifications for the people of the city.

Bringing back the core investigation and exploration systems from the previous game, Sherlock Holmes: The Devil’s Daughter separates itself from the first game by not only allowing players much more freedom to explore the streets of London, but also in the sheer amount of action sequences that it has on offer; encompassing everything from fistfights to a harrowing escape from a burning building. Oh, and for some reason, Sherlock looks *just like* Mad Men actor Jon Hamm , too.

A resolutely colorful and at times, positively cheerful detective adventure, The Raven Remastered throws players back to the 1960s and casts them as Swiss Constable Anton Jakob Zellner, a long tenured police officer who must track down the titular Raven – a murder and world-renowned master thief.

A leisurely, yet enjoyable offering, The Raven Remastered is an attractive title both for stalwart PS4 detectives and newbies alike that boasts a beautifully composed orchestral soundtrack, some great puzzles and a decent, lengthy mystery that possesses a great conclusion. If you fancy getting into detective games on your PS4, but aren’t sure where to start, you could do far worse than spending some sleepy weekend afternoons with The Raven Remastered .

What are some of your favorite PS4 detective games? Let us know in the comments below!

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The Best Detective Games on PS4

In one sense, the detective genre is a natural choice for games. Being a detective is one of those things that many of us would surely love to experience, but don’t want to have to deal with the reality of it; the stress, the long hours, the often boring work and, of course, the horrors you’d have to see first-hand.

Detective work, by its very nature, requires skills that run contrary to the straightforward solutions found in most video games. In the best detective games, solving a problem or progressing the plot is usually more complicated than shooting someone in the face or completing a fetch quest. It’s perhaps this which often prevents many of these games from truly gatecrashing the mainstream.

In considering the best detective games on PS4 then, we end up with an interesting collection of titles. Some are pure detective sims and some mix more cerebral activities with traditional videogame staples of shooting and beating up enemies. Either way, they’re all very much worth your time if you enjoy a bit of detective work.

This list was first published in August 2019 and has been updated and reposted since.

Agatha Christie – The ABC Murders

We start with a game that’s definitely a pure detective sim. The ABC Murders places you in the patent leather shoes of world-famous Belgian detective Hercule Poirot as you pit your wits against a fiendish killer known only as ABC.

To solve the case, you travel from crime scene to crime scene, observing people, interrogating witnesses and solving puzzles. There’ll be plenty of Sherlock Holmes-style deductions to be made from your observations, too. Having gathered the requisite information, you then use Poirot’s famous little grey cells and mentally reconstruct how the murder must have happened.

None of this is exactly revelatory in a gameplay sense, but it’s beautifully executed. The voice acting is strong, the plot compelling and the whole thing is rendered in a gorgeous, slightly cartoonish art style which really brings to life this vision of 1930s England. The cleverest touch in this detective game, though, is ego points; the game rewards you for acting like Poirot and gently encouraging you to forge a deeper relationship with the character.

Read our review of The ABC Murders

Sherlock Holmes – Crimes and Punishments

From one infamous literary detective to another, Crimes and Punishments is the most accomplished title in Frogwares’ long-running series of Sherlock Holmes games. In terms of gameplay, the approach is similar to The ABC Murders but the tone is rather different.  Sherlock Holmes – Crimes and Punishments has a more realistic visual style and this really brings home the brutality of some of the crimes you investigate.

As well as deducing, observing and interrogating, you’ll also be playing dress-up, with the game often requiring you to virtually go through Mr Holmes’ wardrobe and find outfits that suit particular circumstances. Many of the cases are based on the original tales written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle; as such, your investigations are varied and exciting. They cover everything from a former whaler who’s been impaled by a harpoon, to a train that’s mysteriously vanished. This is one of the best detective games on PS4, with a truly compelling protagonist, and there’s a real satisfaction when you figure out the key to the mystery.

Murdered: Soul Suspect

How’s this for an elevator pitch? In Murdered: Soul Suspect , you play a ghost detective investigating his own murder. Okay, the game doesn’t quite live up to the billing; its pretty much linear nature doesn’t give the opportunities for the paranormal sandbox fun you might expect. Despite that, this is still one of the best detective games on PS4 there is.

Incorporeally walking the mean streets of Salem, Massachusetts, you’ll do all the standard detective stuff but your ghostly abilities are far more interesting. You can possess people and read their minds, teleport, and use your poltergeist capabilities to make vending machines spew out coke cans and send papers flying off desks. You can even possess a cat and slink around for a new perspective on the world.

In tone, the whole thing feels like a supernatural noir B-movie, with a gruff-voiced protagonist uncovering all sorts of seedy goings-on. There are demons to fight and souls who need a bit of help getting to the after life; distractions that provide a nice change of pace from uncovering the identity of the mysterious bell killer and the circumstances that led to your death. Murdered: Soul Suspect is not a masterpiece, but its unique ideas mean it’s well worth seeking out.

Detroit: Become Human

Detroit: Become Human is far more than a simple detective sim. Its wide-ranging plot confronts issues about the nature of humanity, and its branching storyline often forces players to weigh up emotion vs logic and choose accordingly. There are three different characters to play as, but in the shoes of android policeman Connor is when Detroit feels most like a detective game. You’ll investigate crime scenes, analyse evidence and reconstruct timelines. The whole thing has been given the sort of high-end sheen that makes you feel you’re in your favourite sci-fi movie.

There’s also a beautiful sense of atmosphere to these scenes. Whether you’re trying to talk down a rogue android who’s taken a child hostage, or looking for clues at a grisly murder scene, the lighting, sound and often dazzling graphics combine to produce stunning sequences. You’ll also use what you learn in the environment when you confront suspects and the branching story means that there’s a real sense of jeopardy in these conversations. A wrong move leads to not a game over screen but, in many cases, the death of a character and the removal of a set of possibilities.  Detroit: Become Human may be more than a detective game but when it wants to be, it’s one of the best detective games on PS4.

Read our review of Detroit: Become Human

For our next entry, we head to the land of the rising sun. Judgment is produced by Yakuza devs Ryu ga Gotoku and the game practically pulses with Yakuza DNA. That means spectacularly over-the-top fight scenes, wacky minigames and a plot focusing on the Japanese underworld. However, this time, you’re not a yakuza but private detective Takayuka Yagami. Alongside his regular caseload, Yagami is trying to track down a serial killer who’s bumping off high-ranking members of Tokyo’s criminal fraternity. Of course, in grand Yakuza tradition, he uncovers a grand conspiracy along the way.

To make you feel like a private eye, you’ll spend lots of time doing detective stuff. Judgment ‘s main story is epic and serious, drawing you in and keeping you gripped until the dramatic conclusion. The side cases, though, are what really make Judgment feel like one of the best detective games on PS4. In keeping with the varied workload of a private eye, you never know quite what to expect; from finding a missing cat to dealing with a perverted panty stealer and keeping track of unfaithful husbands, it’s all here. It’s a wild ride that thrills from start to finish.

Read our review of  Judgment

Batman: Return to Arkham

The World’s Greatest Detective? If you ask DC Comics, that’s Batman. The Arkham trilogy of games does three things superbly; they let you fight like Batman, they let you fly like Batman and they let you detect like Batman. While Arkham Knight is the only one made for PS4 and is therefore the most technically accomplished of the three, it’s also the least cerebral, with long sections even involving the batmobile shooting down drones which sometimes feels more Call of Duty than Caped Crusader. It’s for this reason that Batman: Return to Arkham , which combines remastered versions of Arkham Asylum and Arkham City is on this list.

Asylum is relatively linear while City opens up the whole of Gotham, but they share an emphasis on exploration and deduction. Batman’s detective mode not only turns the world blue and lets you see enemies through walls, but also allows you to follow footsteps, track odours and figure out puzzles involving cables and code. And then there are the Riddler trophies. For example, Arkham Asylum  features 240 to collect, with the key generally being to locate objects that match the cryptic clues. It’s in these endeavours that you’ll need to prove that you can match Batman’s legendary detective skills and earn that famous title.

Read our review of Batman: Return to Arkham

The Wolf Among Us

Fairy tales are real and they live in New York City. That’s the first thing you should know about The Wolf Among Us , a Telltale game adapted from the Fables comic book series. As Sheriff Bigby Wolf, you’re tasked with keeping order in this hidden community and, as ever, bringing a murderer to justice.

Despite its unusual premise, The Wolf Among Us is noir to its core. Bigby is a hard-drinking, smoking, scowling tough guy who often lets the stress of being the personification of law and order get to him. There’s plenty of investigative work to be done too, with every inch of the gorgeous cel-shaded environments just begging to be explored, both for information on suspects and just to learn more about this unique world. Engage fully and The Wolf Among Us delivers an exceptionally vivid detective game. It powerfully illustrates the power and duty involved in occupying a position of such authority. Its story might be rather linear, but that doesn’t stop it being one of the best detective games on PS4.

Read our review of The Wolf Among Us

The Vanishing of Ethan Carter

Compared to the other titles on this list, The Vanishing of Ethan Carter is a minor game; a narrative adventure made by a small Polish studio. What makes it stand out, though, is the extent to which it forces you to figure things out for yourself.

At the outset, the game explicitly informs you that it won’t hold your hand and it lives up to this promise. There’s nothing telling you where to go, no HUD, and no map. You’re simply plonked in the middle of Wisconsin and told to investigate. This almost brutally minimalist approach really does make you feel like a detective; you’re given the odd hint but it’s up to you where you go when you find a clue. Early on, for example, you encounter a railcar standing on a track. An inspection reveals that it needs a crank to get moving but you’re given no indication where this might be; you simply need to go and look for it. This minimalistic approach gives a sublime sense of atmosphere and makes the story’s gradual plunge into the paranormal genuinely unsettling.

It won’t be for everyone, but The Vanishing of Ethan Carter is the purest distillation yet of what it actually feels like to be a detective. That alone makes it one of the best detective games on PS4.

Read our review of  The Vanishing of Ethan Carter

There may be times when Heavy Rain shows its age a little, but it’s still one of the best detective games on PS4. On the hunt for the infamous origami killer, you’ll play as both an ageing private investigator and a fresh-faced FBI agent. You’ll spend your time interrogating witnesses, tracking down suspects, looking for clues at crimescenes, and gaining multiple perspectives on the hunt for the killer.

It’s probably the FBI stuff that’s the most fun; you’ll don some snazzy AR goggles that give you a fancy way to track footprints and the like. There’s also a strange AR filing system that, should you so desire, lets you change your office so it looks like you’re on the surface of Mars. The best bit, though, is the way that the plot adapts to the choices you make in order to give a satisfying conclusion. No matter what you do, it’s never game over. Ultimately, there are multiple endings, ensuring that even once you’ve finished playing through this absorbing and genuinely emotional adventure, you’ll no doubt be itching for another playthrough.

Read our review of Heavy Rain

LA Noire is one of the best detective games on PS4 for two reasons. One, it’s genuinely great and shows a very different side to its developer, Rockstar. And two, it’s one of a tiny number of games where you actually play as a cop. While it eventually gets pretty gun heavy, it’s amazing how much of this game feels grounded in a believable reality.

You’re Cole Phelps, WW2 veteran turned rookie cop in a gorgeously recreated 1947 LA. As Cole, you’ll climb the ladder from being a traffic cop to investigating serious and occasionally horrific crimes like homicide and arson. You’ll spend a lot of time searching crime scenes and observing key objects; all of which have a beautiful attention to detail and can be rotated for thorough examination. What really makes it stand out, though, is the interrogation scenes. Face scan technology was used to convey every nuance of the actor’s performance to help you work out whether they’re telling the truth or not. It’s a decision you’ll need to make after every answer you get; the game continually asks whether you want to believe, doubt or outright accuse whoever you’re talking to of lying.

You’ll also have to deal with side missions, like stopping a bank robbery or tailing a suspect to their hideout. But it’s LA Noire ‘s main story that really pulls you along. It’s full of great performances (Phelps for example is played by Mad Men alumnus Aaron Staton), a lively cast of well-written characters and some truly atmospheric settings; like a recently burned down family home or the notorious La Brea Tar Pits. If you’re looking for a great detective game on PS4, they don’t come much better than this.

Read our review of LA Noire

After first discovering gaming on a second-hand Sinclair Spectrum, Alec quickly moved onto Gameboys and PlayStations. It was Sony’s little wonder box that really kickstarted his passion though and he’s been a PS man ever since. He loves games with strong stories and loses a ridiculous number of hours every year trying to revive Sheffield United’s glory days on FIFA.

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13 (Secretly) Educational Video Games That Kids Will Actually Like

Yes, it's possible for video games to be fun and educational.

• She received the Renau Writing Scholarship in 2016 from the University of Louisville's communication department.

Games are a great way to keep kids entertained. It's an added bonus if they're educational. 

Video games have come a long way from the Super Mario Bros. games of the '80s and '90s -- and I'm not just talking about graphics. Developers have gotten super creative at sneaking in educational lessons where kids would least expect them. And one of the best ways to learn is when you're having fun .

In addition, an ongoing study published in the medical journal JAMA Network Open says that kids who play video games daily show improved cognitive skills in comparison with kids who don't play at all. 

Check out our list of mobile apps, PC and video games that can educate and entertain your kids.

What your kids will learn: creativity, problem-solving, collaboration, reading, math and more

Minecraft is available on multiple platforms.

World-building game Minecraft lets players explore, gather resources, craft tools and engage in some mild combat. The game has different modes -- survival, creative, adventure, spectator and multiplayer -- so players have flexibility in how they approach it. 

Creative freedom and self-direction isn't all that the game lends its players, according to iD Tech . Minecraft teaches teamwork and the motivation to improve reading and math skills. To get better at the game, parents told iD Tech that their kids started reading about biomes and calculating rations for adventures, dividing supplies and how many minutes until "night" in the game. Minecraft's educational benefits have also been packaged for the classroom . 

You can play the game on PC, mobile, console, Amazon Fire and Oculus. 

The Oregon Trail

What your kids will learn: historical events, critical thinking, problem-solving skills and more

Are you tough enough to survive blizzards, disease and snake bites in the retro "Oregon Trail" game?

The Oregon Trail came onto the scene in the '70s and has gone through quite a few changes since then. My 10-year-old self spent many an afternoon trying to get my digital wagon 2,000 miles west to safety. Before you start the trip, you pick a job (each has its own unique benefits), name your companions and purchase supplies. 

Recent updates to the game let you trade, upgrade your wagon and buy food and medicine to increase your group's chances of survival. Along the trip, your group encounters illness, obstructive rivers, highway bandits, food constraints and other complications of the time. Though the situations are a bit dramatic, players learn fast about pre-planning and making choices with the long term in mind.

I played (and described above) the 5th edition of the game, which you can order on Amazon. If you want a newer mobile experience, you can try The Oregon Trail: American Settler for iOS or The Oregon Trail from Gameloft on Apple Arcade .

What your kids will learn:  vocabulary

Wordscapes is a fun brainteaser game

Fans of Words with Friends and Scrabble (the app or the board game) may be drawn to Wordscapes, which allows kids to learn new words and practice logic skills. You get unlimited tries to solve crossword-style puzzles using only a handful of letters (with few free hints). The app challenges you on some levels by prohibiting three-letter words and offering daily puzzles that challenge you to guess all the words in a certain order. Wordscapes has a built-in dictionary that makes it easy for kids to add to their vocabularies. You can play on Android and iOS . 

The Little Big Planet series

What your kids will learn: logic, spatial orientation skills, design and problem solving

The Little Big Planet series.

This spunky little game follows the adventures of Sackboy and his friends. The first two games are mostly platform-jumping and avoiding obstacles to make it to the next level. Players can also create their own levels, customize characters or build complex contraptions in a level. Finally, players have the option to share their creations in the PlayStation Network.

The first game, Little Big Planet, was released in 2008  and the creators have released several entries since. Little Big Planet 3 is the newest installment , which introduced three new characters: Toggle, Swoop and Oddsock. The games are available on PSP, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita and PlayStation 3. You can also check out Little Big Planet Karting and the free Run Sackboy! Run app on Android and iOS .

Portal series

What your kids will learn:  logic, problem-solving, physics, math, science and spatial skills

Even though this mind-bending puzzle game has been out since 2012, it still feels fresh and inventive. 

Portal is along the lines of Little Big Planet, but it's a bit more mature. The first Portal got a Teen rating for the inclusion of some bloodstains, but Portal 2 is rated E. The games might be a bit scary or difficult for players under 9 , Common Sense Media suggests.

Portal places players in a secret research facility who is led through a series of dangerous tests by a humorously narcissistic AI called GLaDOS. The puzzles are solved by creating an entry portal in a wall, creating an exit portal somewhere else and walking through. Players advance by learning how to manipulate physics and spatial constraints. Just try not to fall forever. Portal and Portal 2 are available on PC, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. 

Kerbal Space Program

What your kids will learn : physics, the solar system, mathematics and basic aerospace engineering

Kerbal Space Program is a lot more than just cute aliens. 

Your kids don't have to play in a cardboard box in the yard if they want to be an astronaut. This rocket simulation game focuses on a space program for an alien race called the Kerbals. When you start a game, you'll be tasked with building a rocket that either works or doesn't work, based on " realistic aerodynamic and orbital physics ." Once you get your Kerbals into space, you can explore the solar system, build bases and construct space stations. The game got a lot of attention from NASA and the B612 Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to planetary science and planetary defense. 

The game has three modes -- Science, Career and Sandbox. Science mode lets players unlock new tech and advance the Kerbals; Career mode has players oversee every aspect of the Kerbal's space program; and Sandbox mode is more freeform play. Kerbal Space Program and its expansions -- Breaking Ground and Making History -- are available for PC and console.

What your kids will learn: trigonometry in its basest form, angles and critical thinking

Eloh is such an addicting, yet satisfying game.

This app is another example of teaching your kids without them knowing they're being taught. Eloh is a visually beautiful musical puzzle game that teases your brain without stressing you out. Each level features island spirits that you can move. Once you get them into the right spot, tap the red speaker and music will start. The goal is to bounce the "sound waves" off the spirits and hit the spiral icon. It's kind of like banking a shot in billiards. 

The levels get progressively more challenging, but there's no timer, ads or in-app purchases. The app costs $3 to download on Android or iOS . 

What your kids will learn: logic, patterns, data analysis and problem-solving skills

Zoombinis was a game I frequently played after school growing up.

If you grew up in the '90s, you might remember this game. Zoombinis kept me busy many an afternoon. In the game, you must guide the little blue critters out of the evil Bloats' clutches and home to Zoombiniville. Each of the 12 levels such as Allergic Cliffs, Stone Cold Caves and Pizza Pass get progressively more challenging, with kids using logic and pattern identification to win. Play on iOS , Android or PC. 

Where on Google Earth is Carmen Sandiego?

What your kids will learn: geography, the locations of historic events and other geographical facts.

Carmen Sandiego is globe-trotting on Google Maps. 

Google Earth and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt's Carmen Sandiego games -- The Crown Jewels Caper , The Tutankhamun's Mask Caper and The Keys to the Kremlin -- offer something new while paying homage to the original franchise. Players use the magnifying glass to interview witnesses in different cities and gather clues, learning about geography and history along the way. When you think you've figured out the next step, click the airplane icon to fly to the next city and continue unraveling the mystery. You can play on web browser , Android or iOS . 

Nancy Drew Interactive Mysteries

What your kids will learn:  historical events and important figures, critical thinking, foreign cultures, languages and customs, problem-solving skills and more

The Nancy Drew interactive mystery series is probably my favorite game franchise of all time. 

I will shamelessly say that I have played these games since they started making them in 1998 . Some are based on Nancy Drew books (The Secret of the Old Clock game, for instance, is based on the first four books in the series) while others are original mysteries. 

The point-and-click games let you play as Nancy, solving a mystery as the amateur detective would. Whether you play as a junior or senior detective, you'll question suspects, solve puzzles, discover clues and find your way out of multiple sticky situations to catch the culprit. 

The beauty of these games is that they teach kids without them knowing it. At 9 years old, I knew a ridiculous amount about the Mayan civilization after playing Secret of the Scarlet Hand, as well as the key players in the French Revolution after playing Treasure in the Royal Tower. There are 33 games to date for PC, mobile and certain gaming consoles.

Democracy series

What your kids will learn:  multiple layers of government functions like parties, funding, taxes, elections, policy changes, political capital, budgets, debts and more. In addition, they'll learn about compromise, cause and effect, strategy and conflict resolution.

Can you run a country? 

Has your kid ever wanted to be in politics? Now they can try their hand at it with the Democracy game series. In this government simulation game, you play as the president or prime minister of a democratic government and alter policies in the areas of tax, economy, welfare, foreign policy, transport, law and order and public services. The catch, like in real life, is that each policy affects other factors like voter happiness, crime rates and air quality, for example. Players also have to deal with situations like homelessness or protests and make decisions accordingly. 

You can play Democracy, Democracy 2, Democracy 3 and Democracy 4 on PC.

National Geographic Challenge

What your kids will learn: historical figures and events, geography and more

Trivia fans, anyone?

The National Geographic Challenge is a quiz game that lives up to the "challenge" part of its name. There's no shortage of questions that range from easy to hard and are divided into regions -- North America, Europe, Asia, South America, Africa and Australia. Start a game for up to four players and choose an avatar. You can try to answer 40, 60 or 80 of the game's timed questions. The games are complemented by impressive photography and video from the National Geographic archive.

The National Geographic Challenge will test kids' knowledge with questions like: In what year did Madagascar gain independence from France? In which country does the River Niger reach the sea? The game is available on Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii and PlayStation 3. 

World Rescue

What your kids will learn: geography, conservation and sustainability, global problems, healthy living and activism

World Rescue is one of the games offered by the institute. 

World Rescue was developed by ZU Digital with the help of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. Think of it as a 21st century Captain Planet, minus the superpowers. The game's levels are set in Kenya, Norway, Brazil, India and China. There, you'll help five heroes solve problems like displacement, disease, deforestation, drought and pollution, giving kids lessons on real-world issues. You can play World Rescue on Android or iOS . 

For more, check out our list of the best video games to play in 2021 ,  best online games to play with friends  and  seven great kid-friendly gifts that aren't video games .

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PS4 Puzzle Video Games

Puzzle games. In this category solving puzzles is the main purpose of gameplay. These titles usually don’t have any story or have it in a very simple form. Playing requires good perception and skills of logical thinking, strategic planning and recognizing schemes. more

PlayStation 4 is the 8th generation console from Sony. It was released on November 15th, 2013 in North America and two weeks later, on November 29th, in Europe. Other than its predecessor, PS4 has a PC-like architecture, with its ”heart” manufactured by AMD (8-core Jaguar CPU and 1,84 teraflops GPU) assisted by 8 GB of RAM.

Browse genres/themes ?

Browse the Encyclopedia by genre and tags. Each game has one main genre: Action, Fighting, Puzzle, Adventure, RPG, Sports, Strategy, Simulation, Party, Racing, Arcade. You can search multiple tags and filter games by platforms, scores, or release dates.

The Talos Principle

Puzzle 13 October 2015

A unique first-person puzzle game developed by the Croatian Croteam studio, the creators of the Serious Sam series. Our character wakes up in a world filled with ancient ruins and advanced technology, where he finds 120 puzzles prepared by a creator, employing various laws of physics and different mechanics. We travel across the game’s world nonlinearly, choosing our own path and completing the tasks presented to us, which consist of e.g.

The Talos Principle 2

Puzzle 02 November 2023

The Talos Principle 2 is a first-person puzzle game, in which we explore a megastructure in a robot-inhabited world. The game features many clever puzzles and an extensive, philosophical story.

The Witness

Puzzle 26 January 2016

A first-person adventure game with logic puzzles, developed by the creator of Braid – Jonathan Blow and his independent studio Number None. The game takes you to a large, mysterious island, whose all inhabitants vanished without a trace. Gameplay has you explore this vast world, solve logic puzzles, and search for clues that will help you solve the mysteries of this place. Game mechanics resemble the cult Myst series.

A Little to the Left

Puzzle 15 February 2024

A relaxing puzzle game aimed towards players fond of organizing space. A Little to the Left has us sorting items to keep them ordered - the actual order is up to us.

Puzzle 12 December 2023

Viewfinder is an FPP puzzle game developed by Sad Owl Studios, in which the player is tasked with manipulating perspective by various means, e.g. taking photos. The game is distinguishable by its surreal atmosphere.

Yu-Gi-Oh! Legacy of the Duelist: Link Evolution

Puzzle 24 March 2020

Extended edition of Yu-Gi-Oh! Legacy of the Duelist, prepared for the Nintendo Switch console. The title offers all the additional content issued for the original edition and adds more than two thousand cards. In addition, it introduces the latest rules of the paper card game Yu-Gi-Oh!, including a completely new type of monster cards.

Puzzle 20 February 2024

A roguelike card game loosely based on the poker rules. Balatro has us participate in solo card duels, gradually unlocking new card decks and joker cards with unique abilities and effects. The game offers a story campaign, as well as various single challenges.

We Were Here Expeditions: The FriendShip

Puzzle 14 September 2023

The fifth game in the puzzle-adventure series We Were Here. We Were Here Expeditions: The FriendShip has us playing as two sailors, ending up in an abandoned amusement park on a deserted island while following a distress call.

The Turing Test

Puzzle 24 January 2017

A sci-fi FPP logic puzzle game by Bulkhead Interactive, a studio founded by the creators of Pneuma: Breath of Life. The story takes place an unspecified number of years in the future, when scientists discover a seemingly harmless alien life form on Jupiter's moons. You play as an astronaut named Ava Turing, whose task is to examine the new species, and who ends up finding more than she expected. The Turing Test is a part of the FPP logic puzzle genre, popularized by the Portal series.

Puzzle 13 March 2018

Q.U.B.E. 2 is a logic game, in which players observe the action from the first-person perspective. The game resembling the Portal series was developed by the Welsh Toxic Games and is based on Unreal Engine 4 created by Epic.

Gwent: The Witcher Card Game

Puzzle 04 December 2018

A stand-alone version of collective card game (CCG) that debuted in the bestselling RPG, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, by CD Project RED, and quickly became acknowledged as one of the best minigames in history. In Gwent: The Witcher Card Game players compete against each other with progressively collected decks of cards from five different factions. As in most CCG, the gameplay is turn-based, but quite unusually, the player’s objective is to gather more attack points than opponent.

Donut County

Puzzle 28 August 2018

A colorful logic and adventure game in which we control a hole that absorbs objects placed on small three-dimensional boards. The title was created for over five years and has been awarded many times at festivals of independent productions.

Untitled Goose Game

Puzzle 17 December 2019

A humorous sandbox sneaky game in which we play a malicious goose. Our task is to ruin a peaceful day for the inhabitants of a small village. Untitled Goose Game is the work of the independent Australian House House Games studio.

Pic-a-Pix Deluxe

Puzzle canceled

An enhanced and remastered version of Pic-a-Pix Color, in which the players have to paint boxes of diagrams to create pixellated pictures. The game offers both single player and local cooperation mode for three players.

We Were Here

Puzzle 09 February 2021

An unusual, first-person perspective logic game developed by Total Mayhem Games. The title is a game focused on cooperation mode. We Were Here takes place in a mysterious, abandoned castle in the middle of nowhere. One of the players assumes the role of a man imprisoned in a small part of the fortress. The second player has access to a much greater area and is tasked with finding and freeing his companion.

Escape Academy

Puzzle 14 July 2022

FPP puzzle game in which we play the role of a student of the academy and try to escape from successive escape rooms. You can play Escape Academy solo or in co-op mode (online or via split screen).

Inscryption

Puzzle 30 August 2022

The work of Daniel Mullins - author of the original Pony Island and The Hex - combining elements of card games, FPP adventure games and roguelikes. In Inscryption we get to the Leszy's hut and in order to leave it we have to fight a victorious card duel with him.

Tiny Brains

Puzzle 26 November 2013

Tiny Brains is a puzzle game by Spearhead Games team. It tells about the adventures of four experimental rodents, which gained parapsychic powers as a result of the experiment. Now they use them to solve tests prepared by a crazy scientist.

Unmechanical: Extended

Puzzle 10 February 2015

A puzzle platformer about a robot that tries to get out of a mysterious maze. The game consists of about 30 physical, mental or memory puzzles. Most of them are solved by interacting with the environment, e.g. moving objects. The production is distinguished by quite climatic graphics and music.

Teslagrad Remastered

Puzzle 19 April 2023

A remaster of a warmly received platformer with adventure and puzzle game elements. Teslagrad Remastered is set in the abandoned Tesla Tower, where as a young boy we must solve puzzles revolving around manipulating electricity and magnetism.

Puzzle 26 October 2023

An exploration puzzle game in a 3D environment reminiscent of The Witness. Memorrha is the debut production of the German studio StickyStoneStudio. Apart from puzzles, the game contains narrative elements that give depth to the game.

Wattam is a debut project of Funomena studio, for which the creator of the game Catamari Damacy is responsible, as well as people working on such hits as Journey. The subject of production is the process of combining different things.

We Were Here Forever

Puzzle 31 January 2023

We Were Here Forever is the fourth part of the puzzle adventure game for two people. This time the action takes us to the disturbing dimension of Castle Rock, and our task is to get out of it in cooperation with another person.

The Room VR: A Dark Matter

Puzzle 26 March 2020

Another main part of the series of puzzle games from Fireproof Games. The Room VR: A Dark Matter tells the story of a London police investigation into the disappearance of a well-known Egyptologist in 1908.

20 Video Games To Play If You Love Solving Mysteries

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7 Video Game Heroes Who Rely On Their Wits

8 mystery games to sleuth to, 6 best isekai anime & manga where the protagonist is a detective, key takeaways.

• The video game mystery genre evolved from early text-based games, offering complex problem-solving experiences.
• Sought-after mystery games often intertwine with different genres such as adventure, action, and horror.
• Crime-solving video games like Disco Elysium and The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles offer unique narratives and immersive gameplay.

The mystery, police procedure, or detective genre of video games has an impressive library, and its evolution can be traced to the earliest "walking simulator" games that used only text commands. Players had to explore the area, gather clues, and collect certain important items. Puzzles, mystery solving, and collecting clues were part of the earliest games to exist, right after sports.

15 Twisty Mystery Games On PC

These twisted, nerve-wracking puzzle games are among the best mystery-oriented titles PC gamers should check out.

Many of these kinds of games often use the same concepts of investigating, gathering clues, and the powers of deduction that are similar to the daily activities of a police officer or private investigator. Games that focus on solving mysteries can and often do overlap with other genres including adventure, action, role-playing, and even horror.

Updated April 13, 2024 by Kristy Ambrose: Video games about solving mysteries or crime dramas continue to be popular, so there are a lot of new options to choose from along with vintage titles that have been released or remastered for present-day audiences.

Complex problem-solving can be more rewarding than a big explosion or a dramatic boss fight, and the best mystery games can be role-playing, story-based, or adventure games. This library is so vast that it's easy to find a variety of games for any port or format, and that includes phones, tablets, and consoles, along with conventional desktops.

1 Disco Elysium

Metacritic score: 89.

Disco Elysium

This video game's art style, which mimics a surreal oil painting, is one of the features that sets Disco Elysium apart from other RPGs. It also features an unconventional progression system that includes skill checks and dialogue trees determined by Perception and pain threshold, which experienced RPGers might refer to as Fortitude.

The setting is a city in the aftermath of an apocalypse, and the main character is in the depths of amnesia, so there are a few more mysteries here other than the murder he's trying to solve. Even though he's missing most of his past, every main character still has a set of distinct character traits and a Thought Cabinet, which unlocks more backstory depending on the player's dialogue choices.

2 Her Story

Metacritic score: 86.

An interactive film that's also a video game, and one of the best modern examples of how the genre has evolved from the CD-ROM days. Her Story is independently developed and created by Sam Barlow, who formerly worked at Climax Studios, the same company that made Silent Hill : Origins and Silent Hill: Shattered Memories .

The story is structured around police procedure , using a mix of different kinds of evidence that the protagonist has to examine, sometimes using forensics. The game includes a lot of live-action footage that Barlow created after studying real police interrogation videos.

3 Outer Wilds

Metacritic score: 85.

Outer Wilds

An action-adventure mystery video game that uses deep space as the setting, Outer Wilds is more about exploration and problem-solving than fighting. The premise of the game is that the universe is stuck in a 22-minute time loop that ends in a supernova, which the main character will get caught in several times before they finish the game. Luckily they gain the ability to retain their memories beyond death during the first part of the story.

8 Hidden Secrets Many Still Haven’t Found In Outer Wilds

Although hidden secrets in open-world games are common, these secrets in Outer Wilds haven't been found by "many" players since the game's debut.

The player spends most of the game learning about an ancient race called the Nomai and their ultimate project, planned on a galactic scale, which is the source of the time anomaly. No pressure, but the protagonist has to piece together the clues from various logic puzzles to discover what happened and find a way to save the entire universe.

4 The 7th Guest

Metacritic score: 68.

• Platform(s): macOS, DOS, CD-i, PC, Linux, Mobile
• Released: April 28, 1993
• Developer: Trilobyte
• Genre(s): Puzzle, Adventure

The 7th Guest is a point-and-click mystery video game classic originally from the CD-ROM era that was remastered and re-released as a 25th Anniversary Edition in 2019. It was one of the first "haunted mansion" games, and also one of the first to integrate video graphics into a computer game in a way that contributed to the plot rather than just being silly.

This was also at a time that horror games actually started to emerge as a genre, and The 7th Guest didn't shy away from the sordid or the mysterious. This game looks fun and colorful, and it is, with the graveyard cake puzzles and wacky characters. As the story unfolds into one of the best mystery games ever made, it becomes clear this isn't a game for kids.

5 Paradise Killer

Metacritic score: 81.

Paradise Killer

The more concise summary of this game is that it's a sci-fi adventure with a murder mystery as the focus of the plot. A more detailed description would include that the whole thing is set in a pocket universe called Paradise Island, which has been constructed by aliens to trap and house humans.

It's used to lull them into a false sense of security before sacrificing their souls to construct the next incarnation of the same island. That's a whole lot of lore for a game that's relatively small in comparison, and the detailed narrative of Paradise Killer is what makes it better than average when it comes to mystery-solving games.

A survival horror game that includes solving mysteries, Signalis is designed as a third-person shooter and has a two-dimensional perspective. It was critically acclaimed and players gave it high praise, recognizing that it was inspired by similar resource-collecting and puzzle games like Resident Evil .

The sci-fi setting features a spaceship and a mysterious government known as the Nation of Eusan, at war with an even larger galactic empire. The game features androids called Replikas, which the nation of Eusna uses as soldiers, miners, and other grunt work. A few different endings are possible, depending on the progression of the story, and the Artifact Ending is the secret one that requires the player to collect three hidden keys.

7 The Vanishing Of Ethan Carter

Metacritic score: 82.

The Vanishing of Ethan Carter

The Vanishing Of Ethan Carte r relies on stunning artwork and a compelling story to draw in aspiring detectives. This is one of the best mystery video games that combines an open-world environment with little guidance for how the mechanics work, and learning is part of the game.

The player follows a mystery through an impressive collection of artistic settings and immersive locations. It's the atmospheric quality of The Vanishing of Ethan Carter that most people cite as what elevates it from other mystery-solving games.

8 Grim Fandango

Metacritic score: 94.

Grim Fandango

An adventure game first and foremost, because this is LucasArts after all, Grim Fandango is also about solving a mystery. On a technical level, this is one of the first times that a 3D-rendered video game looked good, using an unconventional animation style that mixed film noir with calaca-like characters. The main character is a travel agent, but one who dwells in the afterlife and helps transport souls.

The 7 Most Mysterious NPCs In Gaming

It's hard to ignore the fact that some NPCs will never be fully understood due to their inherently mysterious natures.

Despite the critical acclaim that Grim Fandango received and the fanbase that follows it today, it was a commercial failure in its time. The game was re-released in 2015 with improved graphics, a new orchestral soundtrack, and a director's commentary.

9 Sam And Max Hit The Road

Metacritic score: 91.

• Developer: LucasArts
• Genre: Graphic Adventure
• Platform(s): MS-DOS, Mac OS, Microsoft Windows
• Released: 1993

Sam and Max, also known as the Freelance Police, have a lot of wacky adventures solving crimes and this title is still one of their most popular. The plot is set in motion when a Sasquatch goes missing from a carnival. The intrepid heroes have to use their perception and deduction skills as they visit several popular American tourist attractions looking for clues.

Sam And Max Hit The Road is part of the impressive library that LucasArts amassed when point-and-click adventure games were all the rage. It's distinctive for its humor, clever dialogue, and the best voice talent for games at the time.

10 Pentiment

A narrative adventure that's mostly text, the 2D animation fits the medieval aesthetic perfectly. Pentiment is the best mystery game for players who are interested in solving a mystery along with those who appreciate a unique and beautiful art style, which is used seriously here as opposed to a cartoony joke like in some other games.

The main character is Andreas Maler, a journeyman artist who gets mixed up in the murderous drama of 16th-century Upper Bavaria. Players can build this character's skills and backstory through choices they make in the dialogue. Set in the fictional town of Talsing in the Alps, the timeline of the game spans 25 years, and solving these mysteries becomes a lifetime commitment.

11 The Wolf Among Us

Metacritic score: 80.

The Wolf Among Us

Fans of mystery-based video games who also like comic-book adaptations would probably enjoy The Wolf Among Us . It's intended as a prequel to the Fables comic book series, which was created and written by Bill Willingham and has been running since 2002.

This is a graphic adventure game that mostly works on point-and-click mechanics as the player explores a variety of different settings and environments. The player controls the main character, Bigby Wolf, formerly known as the Big Bad Wolf and now the mayor of Fabletown, who is tasked with solving a series of murders. A sequel to the game is scheduled for launch in 2024.

12 Heavy Rain

Metacritic score: 87.

An interactive drama and adventure mystery video game, Heavy Rain received numerous accolades from both players and critics for the play style, story, and overall design. There are four different protagonists involved and the player gets to control all of them at different points, and any number of choices causes the storyline to branch off into another direction.

The story begins with a tragedy and goes downhill from there. It's dark, visceral, and sometimes bloody, so be advised it's not for the faint of heart. Follow the clues left by a serial killer to save the protagonist's son before it's too late. This is a game where the player's actions do matter , so choose wisely as the dark streets of Philadelphia start to close in.

13 Sherlock Holmes: Crimes & Punishments

Metacritic score: 73.

• Platform(s): PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One
• Released: September 30, 2014
• Developer(s): Frogwares
• Genre(s): Adventure

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's depiction of Sherlock Holmes was partly autobiographical. His use of forensics was new for its time, but the modern age has the same fascination with his skill for finding and interpreting clues. Many of the games in this series could also be likely candidates, but this game also includes moral choices that affect the gameplay.

10 Sherlock Holmes Mysteries You Should Read If You Love The Games

Sherlock Holmes is one of the greatest detectives in literature. With his new game out now, fans of the character should check out these stories.

On a more technical level, this is the first game in Frogwares' Sherlock Holmes series that uses Unreal Engine 3 to create an intense and immersive first-person POV. The written portions are intended to resemble the novels, and each game includes a variety of cases to solve, from murders to thefts to disappearances.

14 L.A. Noire

Noted for some stunning artwork and a realistic storyline , L.A. Noire takes place in Los Angeles in 1947. The protagonist is Detective Cole Phelps, and the story follows his rise through the LAPD. When Phelps takes on a case involving morphine distribution and some of his old World War II buddies, the plot thickens.

Aside from the main plot that is focused on cracking the case, there's a lot to keep the player busy in the form of car chases, gunfights, and hand-to-hand combat. Motion-capture technology was used to capture realistic human expressions for the interrogation sequences.

15 Professor Layton And The Curious Village

• Developer: Level-5
• Genre: Puzzle, Adventure
• Platforms: Nintendo DS, mobile, iOS, Android
• Released: February 10, 2008 (North America)

Solving a mystery doesn't always have to be about sordid crimes and dark alleyways. For those looking for something more lighthearted that's also great for the kids, some of the best mystery games can be found in the Professor Layton franchise. It has a familiar format that includes finding clues and solving puzzles.

Best Professor Layton Games, Ranked

Professor Layton is about to make his grand return, and it's the perfect time to revisit some of the best games in the franchise.

There are a total of seven games in this series, and this is the first. Professor Hershel Layton and his apprentice, Luke Triton, are looking for an artifact called the Golden Apple in a quaint but enigmatic little hamlet called St. Mystere. It's not just for fun and profit either because the holder of this special item will inherit the vast fortune of a local monarch.

16 Until Dawn

Metacritic score: 79.

It's the "teenagers lost in the woods" trope that never seems to get old, and although it's primarily a horror game, the main characters in Until Dawn have to hunt for clues regarding the mystery of the dangerous mountain wilderness and stay alive while they do it.

Until Dawn is a narrative and exploration game with little or no combat that relies on scenes and quick time events to progress. The story is intended to mimic the same suspense and terror as a slasher movie, with every decision affecting the future lives of the group, and everyone can live or die depending on what choices are made.

17 What Remains Of Edith Finch

Metacritic score: 88.

What Remains of Edith Finch

The genre is part of a category of adventure games called "narrative-focused walking simulators," and even though the term is new, the concept is not. Myst was a game like this, and What Remains of Edith Finch has also received critical praise for its artwork and story. The setting is a mansion on an island off the coast of the Pacific Northwest and the time frame is the 1930s, so be prepared for a lot of marine and seaside themes . Although it sounds realistic, even dull, the elements of magical realism in the design keep the game immersive and compelling.

The player is the titular character, Edith, a teenager who is the last surviving member of her family. She is visiting her ancestral home for the first time in years and putting together the clues to reveal what happened in the time that she was gone.

18 The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles

The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles

A wildly successful franchise that gave the whole storybook design some clout, The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles is two of the games in the franchise neatly collected under one title. The Great Ace Attorney 2: Resolve and The Great Ace Attorney: Adventures both use the same courtroom drama and investigative structure as they collect clues and cross-examine witnesses to solve the mystery.

Brute force isn't the only way through, and these video game characters who rely on their smarts know that well.

The game takes place in the late Meiji Period of Japan, which lasted from 1868 to 1912, and the clothing, customs, and environment of the game reflect the overall aesthetic. That gives it a "period piece" charm that adds to the game's overall audience appeal.

19 Return Of The Obra Dinn

Return of the Obra Dinn

The year is 1807, and the protagonist is an insurance agent for the East India Company. Their mission is to determine what happened to the passengers and crew of the Obra Dinn, with the aid of a mysterious pocket watch. The ship went missing off the coast of Good Hope, and after no sight or communication for some time, the ship drifted into port with nary a soul aboard.

For the investigative gamer out there, these mystery games are perfect to sleuth in and uncover many secrets that lurk within.

It's not exactly a rollercoaster ride, but for those players who like a story filled with suspense, mystery, and a touch of psychological horror, Return of the Obra Dinn is one of the best mystery games. It's based on investigation, information, and deduction, and Return of the Obra Dinn 's distinctive style has set it apart from other games in the independently-made category.

20 Hotel Dusk: Room 215

Metacritic score: 78.

• Developer(s): Cing
• Genre(s): Adventure, Mystery
• Platform: Nintendo DS
• Released: January 22, 2007

It's not a widely-known title because it's only available on one platform, the Nintendo DS , but Hotel Dusk: Room 215 is a highly-rated adventure mystery with design and artwork inspired by the film noir genre. Its success prompted a sequel, Last Window: The Secret of Cape West , which was released in 2010.

Kyle Hyde is the main character of the story, and keeping with the usual stereotype he's a cynical private eye with a five o'clock shadow and a chip on his shoulder. The protagonist has to solve puzzles along with searching for clues to solve, and each chapter of the game ends with an intense interrogation instead of a boss fight.

These isekai anime and manga feature detectives at the helm of their narratives, turning fantasy settings into a backdrop for solving mysteries.

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Top 25 Best PlayStation 4 Crime Games

Live a life of crime or put some criminals away in these PlayStation 4 classics.

#25 Hidden Agenda

#24 sherlock holmes: crimes & punishments, #23 murdered: soul suspect, #22 sherlock holmes: the devil’s daughter, #21 mafia 3, #20 watch dogs: legion, #19 empire of sin, #18 payday 2, #17 serial cleaner, #16 grand theft auto: the trilogy – the definitive edition, #15 saints row: the third remastered, #14 mafia: trilogy, #13 hotline miami, #12 l.a. noire, #11 sleeping dogs, #10 sherlock holmes chapter one, #9 judgment, #8 lost judgment, #7 watch dogs 2, #6 grand theft auto online, #5 yakuza: like a dragon, #4 yakuza kiwami, #3 a way out, #2 red dead redemption 2, #1 grand theft auto v.

There are so many great stories told in video games, and many of the greats allow us to step into the shoes of someone we could never be. From titles made for little kids to those written with a more mature audience in mind, if you’re after a game featuring a protagonist living a life of crime or one on the hunt to solve a case, we have you covered. These are our picks for the best PlayStation 4 crime games. These are in no particular order–they’re all a great time. If we missed any of your favorites, reach out and let us know!

PlayStation

Supermassive Games found their niche making some fantastic horror adventure games. With the launch of Until Dawn , players were able to progress through a narrative that adapted to the player’s choices. The simplistic gameplay was mainly based around exploration, making choices, and quick-time events. This genre of game continued with the developers bringing out The Dark Pictures Anthology , featuring the same overall visual style and gameplay mechanics.

Hidden Agenda  sees players take control of Becky Marney and district Attorney Felicity Graves who are currently searching for the serial killer known as The Trapper. This is a short title, but it does offer a PlayLink feature where other gamers can join in and vote on decisions that would alter the title’s outcome. This thriller will keep you on the edge of your seat. After all, there’s a serial killer on the loose.

PC | Xbox | PlayStation | Nintendo

There are many Sherlock Holmes games out there if you were to want to try them, but Sherlock Holmes – Crimes & Punishments might be one of the more unique.

Mainly because in this game you’ll have six very different cases for you to go and solve. The twist is that how you solve them is very much dependent on how you wish to handle Sherlock.

In this instance, you’ll be able to use 14 different skillsets of his to follow your own path of inquiry and see where it takes you. Get clues, then interrogate suspects to find out whom the culprit is, and how to punish them.

Your choices will affect future cases, so beware.

PC | Xbox | PlayStation

What is the hardest kind of murder to solve? Your own. Because usually you aren’t “around” to go and do the solving. But in Murdered – Soul Suspect, you’ll be the one who has to bring the killer down.

You’ll play a detective who was killed in a robbery by a ruthless murderer. Now, you’ll have to use your detective skills and new supernatural abilities to find clues to who this person was, and find out the truth about why you died.

The living and the dead all have a role to play in this mystery, including fighting off spirits who are trying to take your soul before you solve the case.

Do what you need to and learn the truth so that you can move on in peace.

If you’re up for more Sherlock adventures then Sherlock Holmes – The Devil’s Daughter might be another to look into. This time around you’ll have to solve a case that isn’t just a fight for truth, but for the very soul of people.

You’ll get to explore London in order find clues and suspects, and how you conduct the investigation will send out ripples that can affect you down the line. Play Sherlock and Watson how you want them in order to get the crime to be solved.

Will you be able to prove once again that you are indeed the world’s greatest detective?

In Mafia 3 , you take on the role of Lincoln Clay, a man who has recently returned from the Vietnam war and is looking for a place to belong. As a result, Lincoln ends up with his old crew and mentor though, as you can imagine, things don’t align very well, leaving our protagonist on a quest for revenge.

There’s plenty to like about this game, as it offers a unique ‘crime documentary’ vibe as you’ll be pulled from gameplay and thrown into a clip from the present day. This is used as a means to set up the next plot point, but these little details give the game an incredible amount of charm. There’s plenty to do outside of the campaign as the map is broken up into territories. These areas are dived up and given to different factions that you’re aligned with. Of course, who you give these locations to will matter, and it could cost you alliances if you slip up.

Watch Dogs has been around for three installments now with the latest release being Watch Dogs: Legion in 2020. This game is similar to previous titles in which players are tasked with fighting off a strict regime that invades the privacy of its citizens. While the first two installments put players into the shoes of a single protagonist attached to a hacker group known as DedSec, this game makes a pretty drastic change.

Watch Dogs: Legion takes place in London with DedSec looking to free the citizens from a tyranny-controlled private military group. Players take on the role of a variety of characters rather than a single protagonist. A big part of this game is actively recruiting citizens to aid you in your fight against the regime. You can freely roam around the world and hack info about any citizen to learn more about them such as skills that could prove useful in the fight. Afterward, you’ll have to convince the NPCs to join DedSec which, if successful, will add that character to your playable roster. This goal of grabbing up recruits allows for future missions to be completed in a variety of different ways.

The 1920s was a start of an era that allowed gangs to thrive. With the nation undergoing prohibition, there was a new means of making some big money. With bootleg booze and territory wars, cities like Chicago were transformed into ruthless battle zones, and while we’ve seen several games focusing on gangs and organized crime, Empire of Sin does a particularly good job. The game puts players into a role of a gang that’s slowly attempting to become the top dog in the city. 

This is a strategy game that tasks players with becoming a gang leader and working their talents in the hopes of leading an underground criminal empire. This means managing your group, defending your territory, expanding your casinos and speakeasies, and either charming or intimidating anyone who attempts to stop your hustle. With that said, there are plenty of moments where things may get physical such as when another gang doesn’t respect your territory lines.

If you enjoy a good heist, it doesn’t get much better than Payday 2 . While the title may be a bit older at this point, it’s still a solid game that’s enjoyed by veterans and newcomers alike. It also helps that the developers are still bringing out new updates to give players more content to enjoy. Overall, this is a game that’s played best with friends as you participate in four-player heists across different locations. Before you jump into that crime spree to make a quick buck, there’s plenty of planning to go through. After all, you’ll want some insight as to what you’re walking into– everyone needs to be aware of their job and each heist needs to be seamless and free from any law enforcement intervention.

Payday 2 was released back in 2013 and was launched on the PlayStation 4 in 2015. If you’re going to attempt this FPS heist game again or for the first time, it’s worth looking at the Payday 2: Crimewave Edition which makes some overall improvements to the game. We know that there’s a third installment being developed, but at the moment we’re not sure when the game is expected to release.

Criminals only get away if they keep their wits about them and ensure that all of their bases are covered. If a job gets messy, that’s where a cleaner comes in and makes sure that everything is removed from the crime scene to ensure that there’s nothing left behind for law enforcement to use. Instead of diving into this game as a criminal mastermind looking to make a score or eliminate the competition, you’re the guy responsible for cleaning up the mess.

Set in the 1970s, players will go through this stealth game from a top-down perspective. Players will collect all the evidence left behind while avoiding police officers. You’ll need to carefully maneuver around the area and stay away from the police officer’s field of view while grabbing everything you need to dispose of, and while it’s a simple game to understand, each level will become more difficult.

Rockstar Games is largely known for the stellar Grand Theft Auto franchise. While fans have been waiting on more information about Grand Theft Auto 6 , Rockstar Games opted to give players something to tide them over. Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition is a remastered collection of Grand Theft Auto III , Grand Theft Auto: Vice City , and Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas . The narrative is intact here, but players are receiving some overhauls in visuals and modern mechanics.

If you’ve never played these installments in the past, each features a unique protagonist and overall storyline plot. For Grand Theft Auto III , players take on the role of Claude, who is on a revenge quest in a New York City-style location called Liberty City. In Grand Theft Auto: Vice City , we’re taken to the late 1980s in a Miami-inspired area. Here you’ll be stepping into the role of a mobster named Tommy Vercetti who is building up his own criminal empire. Lastly, with Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas , you’re playing Carl Johnson, who ends up back in his hometown where he’s drawn back into a life of crime and corruption. If you’ve played the latest Grand Theft Auto installment, Grand Theft Auto V , you know what to expect in these games. While the title was released with countless bugs and issues, many of these have been fixed, either by Rockstar or by modders–so go enjoy a little nostalgia.

The Saints Row games are typically viewed as Grand Theft Auto clones. However, they are a whole lot wackier and over-the-top with their gameplay mechanics and narratives. We haven’t seen a new mainline installment in a good while for this franchise, but one of the titles that has proven to keep fans entertained is Saints Row: The Third . This is a third-person action title that takes place five years after the events of Saints Row 2 . 

Within this game, players will follow the Saints street gang that has become a worldwide phenomenon. The gang moves some serious merch and entertainment media for fans to enjoy. While promoting their upcoming film, the Saints end up enduring a bank robbery gone wrong which puts them behind bars. Now the Saints must face off against new law enforcement that’s seeking to end this street gang’s activities once and for all. Again, it’s quite a bit like the Grand Theft Auto franchise but with the narrative being more loose and comical.

The Mafia franchise’s third installment was mentioned earlier, but it’s worth adding this collection as well. If you’ve never played any of the Mafia games, you might find Mafia: Trilogy to be the better deal, as you get all three remastered installments in one package. These remastered editions are all handled well, but the first installment shines, showing just how much work went into these enhancements. The game follows a city cab driver that gets involved in a the life of crime when the money turns out to be too good to pass up. 

Mafia II takes place in the mid-1940s and features another criminal that needs money and uses his wits and street smarts to handle some ugly business. All three of these games are played in the third-person perspective and include a number of memorable missions that involve everything from high-speed chases to brutal gunplay. 

Hotline Miami was one of the breakout indie titles to come out in 2013. This top-down shooter was an intense and brutal action game set in Miami in 1989. Players step into the shoes of a protagonist who’s been getting nonstop messages on his answering machine telling him to go out and massacre Russian mafia members. From there, it’s a nonstop action title full of destruction and death. With the game set up to look like a retro title with a dash of neon, Hotline Miami sticks out on this list. The slew of weapons you’ll pick up along the way makes the game even more chaotic. 

We’d be doing a disservice if we didn’t make mention of the sequel, Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number . This game keeps up with the same top-down shooter mechanics and takes place both before the events of the first game and after.

PC  |  Xbox  |  PlayStation  |  Nintendo

Chances are you’ve already played L.A. Noire if you enjoy crime titles. This game throws players into the late 1940s where they take on the role of a detective named Agent Cole who’s slowly working his way up through the various divisions within the LA police department. Throughout the game, players will follow Cole through a series of criminal cases in which they’ll need to explore, ask witnesses questions, collect evidence and slowly solve the crime. The gameplay is similar to the Grand Theft Auto franchise where players are in a third-person perspective and can freely roam the open world. 

An interesting aspect of the L.A. Noire franchise is that the developers were able to use motion capture technology that could capture the intricate facial expressions of the actors. It’s through this technology that players are able to tell if a person is lying –by seeking out cues in the actor’s performance, players are able to navigate through questions or bring up evidence that chips away at the suspect’s guilt, forcing them into a confession. 

Sleeping Dogs is a game that didn’t take off, but still has a decent following with newcomers still discovering the neglected IP today. The game was also similar to the Grand Theft Auto franchise, but here, players stepped into the role of law enforcement attempting to invade a criminal organization. The title takes place in an open-world Hong Kong with the combat thriving on melee smackdowns. There’s even a definitive edition available that enhances the gameplay and audio for fans that are wanting to give this game a try on the PlayStation 4.

There hasn’t been much of a shortage in Sherlock Holmes games. In 2021, we saw the launch of Sherlock Holmes Chapter One , a prequel title that put players into the role of Sherlock Holmes before he became the renowned investigator. In this game, players get their first big case and must track down the suspect responsible for the death of Sherlock’s mother. Because this is your first big investigation, you won’t find Sherlock’s faithful companion Watson around, but you’ll be busy enough seeking out clues and figuring out how to deal with problems. This could mean using your wits or relying on brute force.

Xbox | PlayStation

Judgment is a game that takes place in the same universe as the Yakuza series, so if you’re familiar with the franchise then you’ll know what gameplay mechanics to expect. Overall, Judgment follows a lawyer that most have written off. To climb back on top and get redemption, our protagonist Takayuki Yagami begins private detective work in order to investigate the believed-corrupt Red Light Distract of Kamurocho. As you can imagine from the developers behind Yakuza, this game features not only an over-the-top storyline but beat-’em-up style gameplay. With that said, this is still a game focused on solving crimes rather than committing them.

Since Judgment is on our list, we also can’t leave out its sequel, Lost Judgment . If you enjoyed the first game, you’ll find that the sequel doesn’t disappoint. The title puts players back into the role of a private investigator with harsh new crimes to deal with. While the Yakuza franchise has turned into a more turn-based RPG with the latest installment, Lost Judgment still provides over-the-top melee combat. Now, you can jump right into this game without playing Judgment . However, some characters are returning from the first game, so it’s likely best to go through the first installment if you want to understand everything.

Ubisoft brought out Watch Dogs 2 in 2016 as a means to deliver a new experience featuring the hacking group DedSec. This time around, you’re taking the role of Marcus Holloway in San Francisco. The game is a means to improve on the foundation Ubisoft laid out with the original title. With that said, this game is certainly not a title where you can just jump in and be a badass. You’ll need to rely on stealth and hacking to do some real damage, making it much more challenging. Instead of going out and defeating enemies with brute force, you’ll be using your tools and gadgets to explore areas, plan, and execute missions in a way that draws little to no attention.

There’s also a big open world for players to explore with activities to check off, though we’re likely going to see this improved upon even further with the upcoming Watch Dogs: Legion . For now, if you haven’t dived into the franchise yet, Watch Dogs 2 could be a great starting point.

Grand Theft Auto V was a behemoth of a video game title and it’s a game we’ll be diving into more below. However, we felt that the online component for Grand Theft Auto V deserved a spot on our list. With Grand Theft Auto Online , players are once again able to explore Los Santos freely. However, there is a new slew of missions, heists, and trouble to get into with friends or alone. This game mode is full of content and the developers have continued to add more, from missions and in-game items to different events. Everything you would expect to find in a Grand Theft Auto game is present, but there’s a whole lot more chaotic gameplay to be had here with other players jumping into the mix. 

The Yakuza series is well-known as an over-the-top brawler series. However, this was changed with Yakuza: Like A Dragon . The development studio opted to give players a new protagonist, storyline, and even new combat mechanics this time around, stepping away from what the series was known for. In this installment, players step into the role of Ichiban Kasuga, a low-ranking Yakuza family member that ends up taking the fall for a crime that he didn’t commit.

From there, our protagonist is thrown into jail where he’s forced to live out an 18-year sentence. After getting out of prison, Ichiban finds no one waiting for him–his family has been killed, prompting him to discover what happened. As mentioned, the series was known to be a third-person brawler, but in Yakuza: Like A Dragon , players are instead given a classic turn-based RPG which has proven to be just as popular.

The Yakuza franchise has been around for years and there are quite a few installments available. Jumping in at any given point may not be the easiest thing for newcomers and going back to the original installments can feel somewhat dated. Thankfully, the franchise has been receiving remakes with the Kiwami series. Yakuza Kiwami is the first installment in the Yakuza franchise, giving players a chance to enjoy this series for the first time and inviting veterans to return to the fun with a new coat of paint along with some newer mechanics.

Overall, this franchise follows different Yakuza organizations and players take on the role of Kazuma Kiryu. After being falsely accused of killing a high-ranking Yakuza member, Kiryu is stripped from the family and sent to prison. After serving his time, Kiryu begins a new quest to find out the member responsible. It’s a game full of investigation, though this is broken up with plenty of brawls thrown in for good measure.

A Way Out  takes some big cues from the cinematic hit  The Shawshank Redemption . This particular game is a bit unique as it requires two players to enjoy the campaign.  A Way Out  follows two men that were incarcerated, and in hopes of escaping, the duo work together to sneak around the prison in order to acquire the different tools required to make a successful escape.

As a result, the display is split into two halves to see where each character is in order to help complete tasks. This could be something as simple as distracting a guard while the secondary player is able to head into an off-limits area. With puzzles that require both players to complete unique tasks to complete a single goal, this game can be quite a hectic and thrilling experience.

Rockstar Games has delivered some iconic titles in the past, with the obvious choice being  Grand Theft Auto . However, when they first announced that they are bringing out a western timepiece called  Red Dead Redemption , fans immediately labeled it as a subpar  Grand Theft Auto  clone, yet when it was released, fans quickly flocked to the stores and couldn’t get enough of living life in the  old west . This was such a massive hit that it was clear that Rockstar Games would be delivering another installment down the road.

Atmospheric, insanely well-detailed, and widely regarded as a landmark in terms of open-world game design,  Red Dead Redemption 2  is a masterpiece. The game is set in a fictionalized environment based on the Western, Midwestern, and Southern United States of 1899. The world maps are huge, as the setting is meant to span the entirety of five fictional American states. In Red Dead Redemption 2 , your exploits as outlaw Arthur Morgan take place across an array of environments, from sweeping valleys, mountain wildernesses, and cattle towns to lake, bayous, and port towns, to name a few.

PC  |  Xbox  |  PlayStation

GTAV  was originally released  nine years ago  and still shows no signs of slowing down. With one then-next generation upgrade under its belt, it can only get better with the upcoming improvements. Exploring Los Santos again as Michael, Franklin, and Trevor looks to be every bit as fun as it did back in 2013.

Focusing on the crime aspect, the possibilities are endless in Grand Theft Auto V . As the trio tries to get a big score, they’re forced to complete a series of heists to help different characters or agencies. From robbing a jewelry store, breaking an individual out of the pen, or taking out rival drug empires, a life of crime is a never-ending journey. As mentioned, there’s also an online component offering its own unique missions and tasks.

About Dennis Patrick

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The best puzzle games for PS4 and PS5

Stimulate the brain with some of the most puzzling games on PlayStation consoles.

Thanks to all of the creative and technological advancements in the gaming world, we're seeing some of the most dynamic and innovative puzzle games hit our screens. New concepts are constantly being developed and executed in a way that we can effortlessly enjoy.

The catalogue of puzzle games available on PlayStation consoles is an exciting one, and we've picked out the most imaginative and well-thought-out titles out there.

All of the games listed are available on PS4 and PS5, except for Deathloop which is a PS5 exclusive. The games listed below that are only available on the PlayStation store are digital-only - if you're gifting one of these games, you can buy a PS Gift Card !

Best PS4 and PS5puzzle games in 2022

Unbound: worlds apart.

Unbound: Worlds Apart is a uniquely-designed puzzle-platformer game, where the worlds are connected by portals and each world has its own unique properties. The hand-drawn and visually-stunning worlds that you explore offer challenging game mechanics and a deep, mysterious narrative.

You play as Soli, a mage who is able to open portals between worlds. This allows the player to control the properties of each world, such as time manipulation or inverse gravity, to solve puzzles and progress through the game. The portals can effect other elements of the game however, like how dangerous the enemies are or the shape of the terrain, creating an immersive mental challenge that'll surely test you.

It Takes Two

It Takes Two is the winner of an impressive number of video game awards from Best Design to Game of the Year, celebrating its original approach to gameplay. The critically-acclaimed platformer is a two-person game only, where the challenges are designed to test your ability to work together.

Each level reveals new ways for the two characters to interact, whether it's bobsleighing through a magical snow globe or DJing at a nightclub. The story revolves around the playable couple Cody and May - two humans who were transformed into dolls by a spell.

• Buy now for PS4 and PS5 from GAME ( £34.99 )

Described by the developers as 'a painting that lives,' Hoa is a puzzle-platformer featuring beautiful landscapes of hand-painted art. The game is made to be a relaxing experience - it has a peaceful atmosphere and an original soundtrack that was composed and recorded live.

The game uses subtle storytelling and exploration-based puzzles to provide the player with a gentle but compelling gameplay flow. It invites the player to follow their curiosity and discover the little details within the game, from an array of magical creatures to the stories of other characters.

Maquette has found an interesting way to play with perspective, where every object in your environment is both tiny and huge. Depending on where you are, these objects can become the ground that you walk on, or can be as small as a key.

It may sound confusing, but the Maquette gameplay walkthrough video shows you just how fascinating this game can be.

• Buy now for PS4 and PS5 from Playstation ( £14.99 )

Looking to gift a digital-only game from the PlayStation store? A PlayStation Gift Card is the way to go - you can set your chosen amount at GAME.co.uk .

It's rare to find a puzzle game that utilises the format of a first-person shooter, but Deathloop combines the two in an exciting and dynamic way. The concept revolves around two rival assassins that are trapped in a timeloop repeating the same day over and over, until you assassinate eight key targets to break the loop.

Each time the day resets you can move forward with your new, learned experience of the environment. This can help you sneak past certain enemies while shooting your way through other situations.

You play as Colt in the main story while your rival Julianna hunts you down. Julianna can be played by another player online or, if you wish, you can become the enemy and play as her in somebody else's campaign. Only available on PS5.

A Juggler's Tale

Drawing inspiration from the worlds of fairy tales, A Juggler's Tale lets you play as Abby, a puppet who's trying to find freedom. The player must use the puppet's strings to solve puzzles, traverse around obstacles and evade the enemies that chase you down.

The emotional story is narrated by the puppet master Jack, following Abby's journey from escaping a circus and venturing into a mystical world.

• Buy now for PS4 and PS5 from Playstation ( £11.99 )

Bugsnax has a simple concept: to find and collect all of the half-bug-half-snack creatures in the world. The game is said to be puzzling, as well as being a casual adventure game with a charming story and emotional depth.

Exploring the game's world will show you a diverse array of biomes and creatures, and there are 100 different species of bugsnax to catch using a variety of baits and contraptions.

Manifold Garden

Manifold Garden is a mind-bending puzzle game where the player must manipulate gravity to change their perspective, finding new ways to progress through the game.

It's designed as an Escher-esque world of architecture as geometry is repeated infinitely in every direction. The resulting gameplay experience is beautiful, allowing you to explore these expansive structures endlessly.

More gaming guides from Science Focus:

• Best PlayStation gifts
• Best sci-fi games
• Best racing games
• Best retro games consoles
• Best phone controllers for Android and iPhone

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The most common PS4 problems and how to fix them

After eight years and the launch of a new console , some of the most common PS4 problems are still around. Many of the most devastating problems — such as the dreaded “Blue Line of Death” — only apply to early manufacturing runs of the PS4. Small issues like discs automatically ejecting may show up, regardless of how new your console is. From the biggest to the smallest, we’ll walk you through how to solve the most common PS4 problems.

Get in touch with Sony

Malfunction: blinking blue indicator light, malfunction: blinking red indicator light, problem: damaged hdmi port and faulty hdmi cables, problem: damaged dualshock 4 analog sticks, bug: playstation network connectivity problems, malfunction: disc auto ejects or not at all, problem: running out of storage space, bug: disc read and application errors, problem: a game has ‘bricked’ your system, problem: loud fan noise, problem: headphones aren’t working.

There are three different PS4 models: The standard PS4, the PS4 Slim, and the PS4 Pro. Sony just calls the “Slim” model a PS4, which makes it more difficult to tell the difference between the original PS4. If you’re having trouble finding out which PS4 console you have, look at the edges. The PS4 has sharp edges, while the updated “Slim” model has rounded edges. Make sure to figure out your model before starting.

Also, completely turn off your PS4 — don’t use rest mode — and turn it back on to see if that solves your problems. A full power down can do wonders. Otherwise, continue reading.

First, here’s all the information you’ll need to get in contact with Sony if your particular issue is not resolved from our guide.

You can also search Sony’s error message library and follow the troubleshooting suggestions for the error that you encountered.

Eight years down the line, the “Blue Line of Death” remains the most crippling of all problems on the PS4. Taking a cue from the Xbox 360’s “Red Ring of Death,” the pulsing blue line indicates a technical problem that could mean your console is no longer functional. Unlike the red ring, the “Blue Line of Death” doesn’t automatically mean your PS4 is dead, but it does the same job as the ring: Letting you know that there’s a really big problem that a factory reset of the PS4 might not solve.

When booting up the PS4, the LED indicator light adorning the side of the console should quickly pulse blue before turning white. On consoles suffering from the “Blue Line of Death,” however, the blue light pulses continuously, indicating failed video output before inexplicably powering off. In this case, the console never sends a signal to the TV, essentially bricking the device and preventing normal operation. While the problem was more widespread at launch, it still crops up for a small portion of users and is more likely to be an issue if your console was manufactured between late 2013 and early 2014.

Potential solutions

As Sony outlined in the aforementioned troubleshooting guide, the blinking blue light could be indicative of several hardware or software issues. That said, there are several potential solutions you can try. If you do manage to isolate an issue with the PS4 hardware, contact PlayStation customer support, or take your console directly to an official Sony retail store, as they can sometimes provide on-site repairs or replacements. If there isn’t a store available in your area, you’ll likely need to ship your console to Sony. At this point, your console may not be under manufacturer warranty: If that’s the case, keep in mind that you may have to pay a repair fee.

• Update your TV’s firmware:  A handful of users have noted that updating television firmware has resolved the lack of audio-video signal. If you have a newer television, particularly one with internet connectivity, refer to the television’s instruction manual and update its firmware. Doing so may alter HDMI settings and fix device compatibility.
• Check the HDMI ports: Take a look at the HDMI port on both your TV and your PS4, along with your HDMI cable, for any blaring abnormalities or damages. If possible, try testing alternative HDMI cables.
• Check the power supply:  Touch the power button on the front of the PS4 for at least seven seconds, or until the system beeps twice and powers off. Afterward, disconnect the AC power cord from the electrical outlet and check the AC IN connector and power cord for any conspicuous damage or anomalies.
• Check the hard drive:  Make sure your PS4 is turned off, then disconnect the AC power cord and any other connected cables before sliding the HDD bay cover outward. Once removed, inspect the hard drive for any potential damage and ensure it is properly seated in the HDD bay.
• Controller reset:  Make sure everything is connected properly. Press and hold the PS button on your controller until the system light turns orange. Then, press and hold the PS button again until the light turns white. We have tested this method, and it can get your PS4 to boot properly.

Reports of the “Red Line of Death” aren’t as widespread as the aforementioned blinking blue light, but it is almost as serious. On consoles suffering from the “Red Line of Death,” the LED indicator light adorning the side of the console will flash red repeatedly, subsequently powering off after the system emits three distinct beeps. The issue is tied to overheating problems as outlined in the PS4 user guide and confirmed by Sony, possibly a result of a fan malfunction. Some users have reported the issue within minutes of powering up the console for the first time, however. Thankfully, it’s not the sign of a completely bricked unit.

If the problem persists and is not alleviated by either of the potential solutions below, contact PlayStation customer support or take your console directly to an official Sony retail store to arrange a repair/replacement.

• Give it a rest:  Touch the power button on the front of your PS4 for at least seven seconds, or until the system beeps and powers off. Then, disconnect the power supply and allow the console to rest for an extended period of time, or until it sufficiently cools down, before powering it up again.
• Give it ample space:  Place your PS4 in a well-ventilated area to ensure it has enough breathing room, avoiding carpet and similar services whenever possible. Additionally, some users have reported that placing the console vertically helps decrease overheating (though it shouldn’t, considering the position blocks access to either side vent).

It may not be PS4-specific or widespread, but some PlayStation players have reported issues stemming from a damaged HDMI port shipping on their PS4 units. The problem, which leads to a lack of audio or video output on the TV, is often caused by a connection obtrusion resulting from a bent piece of metal within the console’s built-in HDMI port. Although the reasoning for the bent component is unknown, it effectively renders the port incompatible since the bent piece can no longer properly connect with the HDMI cord. Additionally, there have been reports of faulty HDMI cables that simply don’t work for one reason or another.

While this issue was resolved in subsequent PS4 shipments after the console’s launch, if you purchase a pre-owned unit or you’re experiencing HDMI issues, you’ll still want to look for possible answers below.

If neither of the potential solutions below solves the problem, try contacting Sony. Although not confirmed, Sony will likely send you a free replacement cable in a matter of days once the problem has been confirmed.

• Check the HDMI ports:  Take a look at both the HDMI port on your TV and your PS4 for any blaring abnormalities or damages, along with your HDMI cable. If possible, try testing alternative HDMI cables.
• Bend back the metal:  If you can clearly see a piece of metal bent upward within the console’s HDMI port, bend the damaged piece down using a pin or small tool. Also, make sure the port didn’t knock out any teeth or cause any additional damage to the HDMI cable. If this is the problem, you may still want to contact Sony and ask for a replacement, even if the console begins to work.
• Use a different HDMI cable:  If you’re unfortunate enough to receive a faulty HDMI cable from Sony, simply use another on-hand cable or purchase a better HDMI cable .

We like a lot of things about the DualShock 4  as a PS4 controller , but the soft rubber padding on its analog sticks can tear quite easily when playing a game that requires quick movements, like Bloodborne or Dark Souls . But just because the rubber tears, that doesn’t mean you have to ditch the controller!

Potential solution

Analog stick covers, such as GelTabz — available in stores like GameStop and on Amazon — pop right over your analog stick, providing an even more comfortable gaming experience while also protecting the stick itself. They are slightly textured, so your fingers don’t slip despite their flat design, and four are included in every package. PlayStation-formatted GelTabz works with both DualShock 3 and DualShock 4 controllers.

You may just need to clean your controller, too. Dirt and grime work their way around the buttons and into the controller as you play, so if you’ve gone a few months — or years — without a cleaning, your DualShock 4 is due for one. We have a guide on how to clean your DualShock 4 from the inside out, so be sure to have that handy before you try to sync your PS4 controller again.

Network connectivity problems are the most persistent complaint with the PS4 and often manifest themselves as either NW-31201-7 and WV-33899-2 errors. The PSN goes down more often than we’d like, but luckily, it’s usually not down for long stretches. Typically, network errors can be attributed to the PSN undergoing service maintenance (error code CE-33991-5), and you will just have to wait it out. Outside of maintenance periods, however, there are several methods you can easily perform to get back online.

• Change DNS settings:  If all of your other devices are working on your home network, but you still can’t connect on your PS4, you can try altering your DNS settings. First, go to Network Settings and choose Custom for the type of connection you use, which is either Wi-Fi or wired. Select your network, choose the A utomatic IP Address setting, and select  Do Not Use  for DHCP Host Name. A prompt with two different DNS settings should appear — choose Manual . Afterward, set the primary DNS as “8.8.8.8” and the secondary DNS as “8.8.4.4.” The console should then cycle through its tests, and get you back online.
• Update your router’s firmware:  Outdated firmware can often result in connection issues. Typically, there is information on the bottom or back of your router/modem on how to check for a firmware update. Follow the steps provide, or contact your internet service provider for assistance. Once you’ve updated your equipment’s firmware, you may be able to connect. At the very least, you can rule it out as the cause.
• Unplug and re-plug: Power down your PS4, and unplug it from its power source. Then, unplug your modem and router. Wait a few minutes, and reconnect the modem and router to its power source. After both are completely booted up and back online, plug your PS4 back into its power source and turn it on. This fully resets both your PS4 and home network and could bring your PS4 back online.
• Re-learn your network:  Technology is funny sometimes, and one way to get your PS4 online is to teach it how to connect to your home network again. Simply tell your PS4 to forget your network, and then go through the necessary steps to reconnect your console.

If those steps don’t work, you’ll want to make sure the problem is not on Sony’s end. Go to the PlayStation Network service status website and you’ll see a list of all the features offered, as well as their current status. If they’re green, they’re working, while other colors mean there are issues. At the top of the page, you’ll also see a scheduled maintenance reminder, so you can plan for when PSN will be offline.

User reports regarding malfunctioning optical drives have been trickling out since the PS4 launched. Some consoles are seemingly unable to eject discs, while others automatically eject discs upon insertion. Some reports have even claimed that the console will continuously attempt to eject a disc when there is no disc inserted.

This issue mainly plagues early PS4 models, which featured touch-capacitive power and eject buttons. When you touch the eject button on these models, a piece of rubber helps eject the disc. The problem here is that overheating can cause the rubber to inflate, and discs to eject randomly. Sony addressed this hardware issue in later models by replacing the touch-operated sensors with mechanical buttons, but for those with the original model, the risk of auto-ejecting remains.

If the problem persists after performing the potential solutions below, contact Sony for additional support.

• Place the console vertically:  Some reports claim the issue happens most frequently when the PS4 is resting horizontally. That being the case, purchase a stand for the console and try placing the console vertically. If the issue persists, it may be a hardware issue and should be replaced.
• Manually eject the disc: If your console is unable to eject a disc, touch the power button on the front of the PS4 for at least seven seconds, or until the system beeps and powers off. Then, disconnect the AC power cord and any other connected cables, and slide the console’s front panel off before following the extraction tutorial outlined on the PlayStation site.
• Power cycle:  Power down your console, unplug all cords, and hold the power button down for 30 seconds. Then, let it sit for at least two minutes before reattaching all cables and powering on your system.

The newest PlayStation 4 systems, including the “slim” model and the more powerful PlayStation 4 Pro, both have increased internal storage of up to 1TB. This is plenty of space for several AAA games, so you can easily jump between a few of your favorites without having to delete anything. For those with a 500GB internal drive, however, you will find yourself running out of space with regularity, particularly as game updates make your file sizes even larger than they were at launch.

• Connect a USB  external hard drive to your console:  The PS4 works with any USB 3.0-compatible hard drive. Simply plug it into one of the PS4’s USB ports, and select the Format as Extended Storage option.
• Swap out your PlayStation 4’s internal storage:  Any 2.5-inch drive with storage between 160GB and 8TB will work with your system, and you can swap it without voiding the warranty on your PlayStation 4. You can also upload all your saved files to the cloud through PlayStation Plus or to a flash drive, so you can easily retrieve them once you’re done. Check out our full guide for a step-by-step walkthrough.

Disc read issues, which often manifest themselves as error code CE-35486-6, could mean your disc is damaged. While errors for undamaged discs are unfortunate and rare, they are possible. A similar issue with downloaded games also can occur (error CE-34878-0),  in which case similar steps can be taken to potentially solve the problem. If the issue occurs with a physical game you’ve purchased recently, the disc may be defective, and you may want to try to exchange or return it.

Possible solutions

• Power cycle:  Like the aforementioned auto-eject error, a simple power cycle can sometimes solve disc read errors. Power down your console, unplug all cords, and hold the power button down for 30 seconds. Then, let it sit for at least two minutes before reattaching all the cables and powering on your system.
• Reinstall: Even physical games are installed on your console. Eject the game, and navigate to its on-screen icon. Press the Options button on your controller, and delete the game from your hard drive. Insert the disc, and the installation process should automatically begin, signaling that your console is recognizing the disc. For digital games that are having issues running, uninstalling and reinstalling the application also can solve the issue.
• Rebuild the database: Remove the disc in question, and power down your console by holding the power button until you hear two beeps. Then, press and hold the power button again for about five seconds, which should boot your console in safe mode. Now, plug your PS4 controller into your console via USB and choose the rebuild database option. This may only take a few minutes, but it could take as long as a few hours.
• Install latest updates: Check for any system or application updates. If available, install the updates and restart your console.
• Initialize system: Sometimes a fresh start can help a console that’s continually failing to read discs and applications. First, make sure to back up all of your saved data on either a USB drive or to the cloud. Then, navigate to settings and choose initialization. Your system will return to its initial setup — meaning that you’ll have to reinstall all of your applications — but this could curb various disc and application errors.

In early 2019, Electronic Arts and BioWare released the online role-playing game Anthem , and PlayStation 4 players experienced issues with the game “bricking” their system, apparently causing it to cease functioning entirely. This isn’t completely accurate, however, and there is a way you should be able to get back to normal gameplay. Although reports are only for Anthem,  you should follow this same process regardless of the game you’re playing.

• If Anthem has crashed your system, boot your PlayStation console up again in safe mode by holding down the power button until it beeps twice.
• Once the console is back on, select the  Rebuild Database option. Your game save data will not be erased by doing this, and if the problem occurs again and you cannot access your data, repeat the steps to get it working.
• BioWare and Electronic Arts are actively working to uncover the underlying reason for the crashes, so make sure you keep an eye out for updates.

As games like The Last of Us Part II   and Ghost of Tsushima   demonstrate, the PS4 is on its last leg. The fans inside a properly-functioning PS4 are pinned with these late-generation titles, but if you’re experiencing excessive fan noise with less demanding ones, there’s a problem somewhere. If you’re not getting a red blinking light, your PS4, thankfully, isn’t overheating. That doesn’t mean the fans are running optimally, though.

• Clean with compressed air:  Fully power off your PS4 by holding the Power button for at least seven seconds, then unplug the HDMI and AC power cables. Inspect around the vents for any dust buildup. Using a can of compressed air, clean the vents, making sure to point the air stream away from the console. This is a little tricky, but you don’t want to blow dust deeper into the system. If you’re comfortable doing so, you can also open your PS4 and clean the dust out inside. Note, though, that this is an advanced process and will void your warranty, so we don’t recommend it for hardware novices.
• Elevate your console:  With the dust out of the way, move your console so it’s as high above the floor as possible. To keep your system dust-free, you want a hard, flat surface — read “not carpet” — and plenty of distance from the floor. If you have pets, the problem is usually worse, so keep your console well out of the range of animals.
• Give it space:  Like the blinking red light, excessive fan noise usually comes from too much dust and improper ventilation. Clean some space around your PS4 so the fan doesn’t need to work overtime to suck in air.

If you’re not hearing anything through headphones connected to your DualShock 4, there’s a problem. Bluetooth headsets are a little more tricky, so make sure to check out our guide on how to connect Bluetooth headphones to your PS4 . If you’re looking for an audio upgrade, there’s always our list of the best PS4 headsets , too.

• Unplug your headphones and plug them back in : As is the case with most hardware problems, a reset usually does the trick. Unplug your headphones and plug them back in, and see if that solves your issues.
• Configure headphone settings: If you’re still not hearing anything, you may not have audio routed to your headphones. From the home screen, follow Settings > Devices > Controllers,  then select  Output to Headphones,  then  All Audio.  If you can’t select  Output to Headphones,  your DualShock 4 isn’t detecting your headset. In this same menu, you can also set the headphone volume.
• Clean the headphone jack: If your DualShock 4 isn’t detecting your headphones, or if you’re still having issues, the headphone jack is the likely culprit. The 3.5 mm jack that headphones use is finicky, so try rotating your headphone plug inside to see if there’s audio pop-in. Then, unplug them and clean the headphone jack, and plug using a cotton swab and isopropyl alcohol. You don’t need much, just enough to free any grime stuck inside. You can also use a toothpick to free any crumbs or other debris that may have worked its way inside, but be careful. If you push too hard, you may ruin your headphone jack. If you’re looking to ditch your PS4 altogether and upgrade into the next-gen, then check out our comparison of the PS4 vs. PS5 console , or click here for our full review of the PS5 . Or, if you’re thinking of changing teams, check out our PS5 vs. Xbox Series X comparison . Unfortunately, as the next-gen rolls on, and PS4 consoles get older, users can expect issues to become more frequent . But that’s the case with any aging technology.

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• Sony PlayStation

When the PlayStation 5 first came out, it started off a bit rocky, especially with issues around being able to find stock and the fact that you couldn't buy any expandable internal hard drives. Luckily, a lot of that has been rectified, and along with a lot of better games available in the lineup, it's become an excellent console to have this generation. That said, much like the PlayStation 4, the PS5 does not come with internet connectivity as standard, and you'll have to grab yourself a PlayStation Plus membership to gain access to online multiplayer content. While that's not great and does put gaming PCs at an advantage on that front, there are several levels of PS Plus memberships you can grab, and a lot of them come with perks, like access to a library of games and new free games every month.

Also, while you're here, be sure to check out these excellent PS5 game deals and PlayStation deals that include some great games and accessories you can get for a great price. What is PlayStation Plus? Along with online multiplayer and other in-game network features, a PlayStation Plus Essential membership grants you access to exclusive discounts and other promotions. Perhaps the most notable benefit of PlayStation Plus is that every month, Sony gives subscribers one PlayStation 5 and two PlayStation 4 games that are free to download. You have one month to add these free PlayStation Plus games to your library.

The PlayStation 3 had a rough start. The price was high, and there weren't all that many great games compared to the best Xbox 360 games. However, Sony stuck with it and eventually managed to turn things around, leading to one of the most important generations in terms of new IP. Since that time, video game graphics and gameplay have only gotten more realistic with the best PS4 games and even better with the best PS5 games. 

Despite all the advancements and new consoles, you may sometimes be in the mood to revisit some of your favorite games that you played as a kid or teenager. Sifting through all the old PS3 games can feel overwhelming, but if you’re trying to figure out which games are still worth your time, we’ve compiled a list of recommendations. We've also gathered a list of the best PS1 games and best PS2 games for the sake of nostalgia. Action

If you love playing on the PlayStation 5 but don't want to be spending full price on games, then you'll probably want to snag some video game deals to save yourself a little bit extra. Of course, not all the latest AAA games go on sale, but there is a solid selection of older, highly-rated games that are discounted heavily, including some of the best PS5 games that have ever come out. As such, we've done our best to collect some of our favorite game deals below, although if you haven't bought a PS5 yet, you may want to consider these PS5 deals or these wider PlayStation deals for things like accessories. Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales -- $20, was $50

If you're a fan of Spider-Man, then you should absolutely grab yourself a copy of Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales if you haven't played it already. Not only is it one of the best Spider-Man games out there, but it's an absolute blast to play with a much more engrossing story with a deep narrative. The gameplay is also a lot more fun, with the spider-web swinging mechanic being very fluid and one of the best in any Spider-Man game, so it's well worth grabbing if you've always wanted to live the Spider-Man fantasy.

The best puzzle games on PS4 and PS5 

The numbers have been crunched, extensive notes kept and even a walkthrough or two peeked at to bring you this mathematically proven list.

First-person puzzle games

See the puzzles through your own eyes. Just remember it can often take a shift in perspective to uncover a solution.

Redefine reality in this puzzler where your pictures – photos, sketches, paintings – become real, providing new directions to explore, bridges to new areas and reshaping the world around you.

• Exploration is learning, and the player will uncover the secrets of the world, the reason why it exists, and the freedom to create, as they go deeper into the game.
• The game's player-driven narrative means you can experience as much of it as you want - or just enjoy the game for its puzzles.
• Accessible for any level of player, Viewfinder is a mind-bending experience offering hours of possibilities.

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The Talos Principle 2

First-person puzzles meet deep philosophical themes in this game which explores the very meaning of civilization through picking over the remains of it.

• Set in a world where robots live in cities left behind by now-extinct humans, The Talos Principle 2 sets its mind-bending posers around a mysterious megastructure.
• Use skills such as gravity manipulation and mind transference to find solutions, and answer questions about the cosmos and our place in it.
• Explore more than a dozen all-new environments, from a city on the brink of a paradigm shift to the varied landscapes of a mysterious island that holds the keys to the future.

The Witness

You wake up on a strange island with no memory of who you are or how you got here. The only way forward is to explore this place, and take on its many puzzles.

• Discover clues to your identity and location as you solve the island's puzzles - perhaps if you master enough of them, you can find your way home.
• Play through over 500 puzzles in an order that suits you, roaming an open-world setting with dozens of distinct locations.
• Every puzzle matters - there is no filler in The Witness, and the game aims to respect your time by only presenting content of significance to the overall story.

The Forgotten City

“The many shall suffer for the sins of the one.” The Golden Rule is about to be broken in this thrilling ancient Roman time-loop mystery.

• Unravel the goings on of a cast of colourful characters, exploit the time loop and make morally dubious choices.
• Combat is an option, but violence will only get you so far. Only by investigating the community and looping time back around, over and over, can you solve this epic mystery. 
• Grapple with moral dilemmas which have life-and-death consequences, and become entwined in the lives of richly detailed, deeply interactive characters.

Atmospheric puzzle games

Lose yourself in games with strongly styled visuals, sound design and music that evoke a palpable sense of place.

Manifold Garden

Simultaneously ascend and descend into a gravity defying slice of infinity in this M.C. Escher-inspired puzzler which blends the abstract with the logical.

• Master impossible rules and solve physics-defying posers as you navigate your way around and through mind-bending architectural structures.
• Manipulate gravity to change your perspective and see the world in new ways as you bring vegetation and life back to barren environments.
• Nominated for several industry awards, Manifold Garden is a surreal and unmissable treat for fans of imaginative, original puzzle games.

Howl is a turn-based tactical folktale set in medieval times. A sinister 'howling plague' has ravaged the land, turning all who hear it into feral beasts.

• Play a deaf heroine plunged into danger as she searches for a cure, learning new skills during the course of her journey to overcome wolf-like adversaries.
• Use turn-based combat, up to six steps at a time, to plan your own moves - and predict those of your enemies - across 60 levels split over four chapters.
• Enjoy beautiful, living ink visuals which vividly illustrate the threats of this unique experience.

Chants of Sennaar

Ascend a Tower of Babel-inspired structure in this game where translating language is the key to progression.

• Decipher each level’s unique writing, using non-verbal communication with characters to learn what each symbol represents, filling a notebook to aid your understanding.
• When necessary, use stealth to avoid unwanted attention and cross forbidden zones, navigating each beautiful scene with intelligence and purpose.  
• Uncover an ominous truth and unveil the mysteries of this fascinating universe where ancient languages are both the lock and the key.

This award-winning game from the designer of Inside and Limbo tasks the player with navigating strange, atmospheric worlds, warping between them using mysterious orbs.

• Carry a world with you within its own orb, and then combine these mystical spheres to leap between different locations.
• Reactivate alien machinery and interact with biomechanical devices to access new areas, and face off against monstrous guardians using brains, not brawn.
• A meditative, flowing experience with captivating art and enveloping music, COCOON gently points the way for any player to overcome its many obstacles.

Puzzle games for PlayStation VR2

You can’t get any closer to the problem-solving action than with PlayStation VR2.

Blending puzzles and platforming, HUMANITY is a surreal experience from director and celebrated visual designer Yugo Nakamura and famed game creator Tetsuya Mizuguchi ( Rez Infinite ,  Tetris Effect: Connected ) where you command massive crowds of human beings.

• Take on over 90 levels filled with obstacles and enemies, moving your humans around them however you can – then construct your own challenging scenarios in the Stage Creator, and share them online.
• Use VR Mode to get in close to the swarms of people as they march, leap and fly to the exit, and take on wild boss fights in the narrative campaign.
• Play as a magical Shiba Inu, whose barks humans simply have to heed. That's right, you're a dog, bossing people around. Just like real life.

Moss: Book II

Aid the furry adventurer Quill in her quest to end the merciless rule of the Arcane over the land of Moss, in a third-person game that melds action and puzzles with deliciously detailed fantasy dioramas.

• Take on twisted enemies and traverse dangerous terrain as you venture deep inside the hexed castle of the Arcane in this sequel to the award-winning Moss.
• Play the role of the Reader of this tale, helping Quill on her testing and treacherous journey, keeping the Glass she possesses away from evil hands.
• Make new allies and encounter old friends across a narrative filled with triumph and heartbreak.

Tetris Effect: Connected

Experience the classic puzzle game Tetris like you never have before, as reimagined by the makers of Rez Infinite and Lumines.

• Envelop yourself in a pulsating world of sound and vision, as music surrounds you and the iconic falling blocks move in time with the beat.
• Play with others in co-op or competitive matches, via online cross-platform multiplayer, or enjoy the flow state solo, across over 30 stages and 10 different game modes. 
• Enter The Zone, an all-new mechanic exclusive to Tetris Effect: Connected, where time can be frozen to allow for more relaxed thinking and avoid a game over.

Become an enormous but friendly tentacle monster in this game of fun physics puzzles that supports several PS VR2 comfort settings.

• Help the local population of La Kalma across an adventure spanning 50 levels of humorous situations.
• Use playful tools to construct bizarre contraptions, and smash apart structures using your squid-like limbs.
• Follow the game’s sweet and gentle story or play around in Tentacular’s sandbox mode to make your own emergent, immersive fun.

Charming puzzle games

Take on the role of a plucky puzzle solver with a range of fun indie titles with striking protagonists.

Chicory: A Colourful Tale

Paint a black-and-white world back into colour in this charming adventure that uses gentle puzzles and exploration to move its story onward.

• Paint to open new areas, and to investigate and solve puzzles, using a magical paint brush that turns the very world around you into a canvas.
• Unlock new abilities for the brush as you progress, such as glow-in-the-dark paint, and use these to discover hidden items in the landscape.
• Interact with the other inhabitants of Picnic Province to learn about their wants and needs - and how you can bring colour back into their lives.

Alter the world around you in this colourful puzzler where the young Carto manipulates the land, rearranging its pieces, to discover new paths and shortcuts.

• Use a unique puzzle and exploration mechanic: rearrange pieces of your map like it's a jigsaw, and watch the world change around you.
• Traverse strange lands, learn about different cultures, and enlist the help of new friends along the way in this hand-crafted adventure.
• Enjoy lush visuals across a variety of biomes, with the gentle action set to an original musical score running to over 30 tracks.

LEGO Builder's Journey

This atmospheric and geometric puzzler using the famous bricks asks that you follow its instructions - some of the time, at least.

• Experiment with pieces to find solutions to puzzles that form a surprisingly sweet story mode full of ups and downs, challenges and celebrations.
• Use Creative Mode to construct your own LEGO models - and then use Photo Mode to snap your build and share it online with friends.
• LEGO Builder's Journey uses accurately rendered elements from LEGO toys, making this an incredibly realistic looking and feeling experience. You can almost reach in and touch the bricks.

We Were Here Expeditions: The FriendShip

This co-op puzzler requires a friend to join online, and serves as a great entry point for a much-loved series (find previous entries here).

• This bite-sized entry in the We Were Here series presents several perplexing problems that can only be beaten by a pair of players.
• Investigate a distress call that leads the two of you to an abandoned amusement park on a deserted island - truly all the ingredients needed to kick off a mystery.
• Communicate to succeed across a series of asymmetrical puzzles that give players different perspectives, and keep trust in each other in this friendship-testing experience.

Discover more great games

Explore expertly curated guides to your favourite genres.

Couch multiplayer

Single player

Kids and families

Modern remakes

Platforming

Rhythm games

Puzzle games

Fighting games

Post apocalyptic

Super heroes

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How to Fix USB Storage Device Not Connected PS4 [7 Ways]

Is your USB storage device not connected PS4? Don’t worry, this post will guide you to solve this annoying problem in seven ways. In addition, it offers a data recovery tool in case of any data loss.

By Hedy / Updated on August 19, 2024

Fix 1. Check the USB connection

Fix 2. restart your ps4, fix 3. install/reinstall ps4 system software update, fix 4. format/reformat usb drive to fat32 or exfat, fix 5. initialize your ps4, fix 6. clear cmos memory, fix 7. ask playstation official for help, why my usb storage device is not connected to ps4.

It can be very annoying to receive the message "USB storage device is not connected" on your PlayStation 4 (PS4).

USB storage devices are essential for expanding the PS4's storage capacity, storing game data, updates, and other files. When this error pops up, it not only disrupts your gaming experience but can also lead to potential data loss.

This guide offers step-by-step solutions to resolve the "USB Storage Device Not Connected on PS4" error and introduces USB recovery software  to help you recover lost data.

Before we get into the answers, let's take a look at some common causes of this problem:

➳ Broken USB storage device, port, or cable:  If your USB drive, port, or cable is damaged, your PS4 may fail to connect. ➳ Electrical shortage:  Dropping your USB storage device, especially when connected to your PS4, can cause an electrical short or power surge, leading to the PS4 not recognizing the USB drive and displaying the CE-37857-0 error . ➳ Incompatible file system: The PS4 recognizes USB drives formatted with the exFAT or FAT32 file systems. If your drive is formatted with NTFS, the PS4 will not detect it. ➳ Outdated or improperly installed PS4 system software:  Sony regularly releases system software updates to enhance the PS4's performance and fix bugs. If your software is outdated or was improperly installed (e.g., interrupted during the update), it may affect the PS4’s ability to connect to USB devices. ➳ Incompatible USB drive: An outdated PS4 system can also cause compatibility issues with certain USB devices.

How to fix the PS4 USB storage device not connected issue

This part concludes with seven easy and useful methods to help you fix PS4 not recognizing USB issue. The detailed steps are as follows:

If you encounter the message "The PS4 USB storage device is not connected CE-30784-2/CE-37857-0", it means the PS4 system is unable to detect or recognize the connected USB storage device.

To troubleshoot this issue:

1. Make sure the USB cable is securely connected to the PS4.

2. Try plugging the USB device into a different port on the PS4 to see if that resolves the issue.

3. Verify that the USB device is compatible with USB 2.0 or 3.0.

4. Ensure the device has only one partition.

If possible, connect a different USB device to the PS4 to check if it works properly. This can help determine if the issue is with the USB port on the PS4 or the original USB storage device. If the new device also fails, the problem may lie with the PS4’s USB port.

Whether caused by an electrical issue or another problem, you can often resolve the "USB storage device not connected" error on your PS4 by simply restarting the system. Follow these steps:

Step 1. Click on the Power icon located in the bottom right corner.

Step 2. Go to Power Options  and select Restart PS4 .

It's important to keep your PS4’s system software up to date to ensure compatibility with USB storage devices.

If you encounter the error code “PS4 USB storage device not connected SU-41333-4,” it indicates a problem with the update process.

This issue isn't exclusive to the PS4; similar problems can occur with Windows updates. If you experience difficulties updating Windows, try resetting the Windows Update component to resolve the issue.

Step 1. Power off & disconnect the console > turn off the modem > turn it on after 5 mins > connect the console > restart.

Step 2. Notifications  > find the malfunctioned update file > Options  > Delete .

Step 3. Settings  > select System Software Update  > choose Update Now .

Once the update is successfully installed, your PS4 should function properly, and the "PS4 USB storage device not connected SU-41333-4" error should be resolved.

If your USB drive is formatted with the NTFS file system, it won’t be recognized by the PS4, as the console only supports FAT32 and exFAT file systems.

Additionally, if the file system on your USB drive is corrupted, the PS4 may not be able to recognize it. Reformatting the drive  can resolve this issue, but keep in mind that doing so will erase all data on the drive, so make sure to back up your files before proceeding.

Step 1. Connect the USB drive to your PC > right-click on the Start menu > select Disk Management .

Step 2. Find the USB drive > Format > choose the exFAT/FAT32 file system > OK .

You may want to know: How to recover files from the formatted hard drive .

If reformatting doesn’t work, you may need to initialize your PS4. This process restores the console to its factory settings, so it’s crucial to back up your game saves and other important data first.

To initialize your PS4, follow these steps:

Step 1. Press and hold the power off button > release and wait for two beeps to enter safe mode.

Step 2. Connect the DualShock®4 controller using a USB cable and press the PS button.

Step 3. Select Initialize PS4 (Reinstall System Software) > wait for the process to complete.

After initializing, update your PS4 to the latest system software version. Then, reconnect your external USB drive to the PS4 and check if the extended storage functionality is working properly.

Every PlayStation console is equipped with a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) battery, which stores the system's date and time information, keeps the real-time clock running, and saves BIOS settings.

However, issues with the CMOS battery can sometimes trigger the "USB storage device not connected" error on your PS4. While replacing the battery isn’t always necessary, disconnecting and reconnecting it can clear the CMOS memory, though this will reset BIOS settings to their factory defaults.

Given the complexity of this process, it's advisable to leave the removal and reconnection of the CMOS battery to professionals. The battery is located on the console’s motherboard, so disassembling and reassembling your PS4 is required, which involves technical expertise.

If none of the previous solutions have worked, it's best to reach out to PlayStation Support for further assistance. They can offer specialized guidance to help resolve the issue.

You can visit their Support site or contact PlayStation Network Support at 800-345-7669, available Monday through Friday. If you prefer messaging, PlayStation's live chat option is available on weekdays from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm and on weekends from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm.

How to recover data from PS4 not recognized USB flash drive?

The above solutions should help you resolve the "PS4 USB storage device is not connected" error. However, if you experience data loss during the process, there's still hope. You can recover your files from corrupted, damaged, or inaccessible USB devices using professional data recovery software called AOMEI FastRecovery . This tool stands out for its brilliant advantages:

★ Ease of use:  Recover lost or deleted data from external or internal HDDs, SSDs, USB drives, SD cards, and more in just three simple steps. ★ Convenience: Supports sorting and previewing by type, date modified, size, and more, with direct file recovery options. ★ Wide applicability: AOMEI FastRecovery is effective in numerous data loss scenarios, including accidental deletion, formatting, emptying the recycle bin , virus attacks, and system crashes. ★   Efficiency: Recover essential data such as images, videos, documents, and compressed files quickly and efficiently. ★ Compatibility:  AOMEI FastRecovery supports NTFS, FAT32, exFAT, and ReFS file systems, and works with Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, and Server.

With AOMEI FastRecovery, you can effortlessly recover lost files from various storage devices, including USB drives that the PS4 fails to connect with:

Step 1. Install and launch AOMEI FastRecovery. Choose the exact partition or disk where your data is lost and click Scan. If you don't know which drive keep the data before, you can check them one by one.

Step 2. Then, the recovery tool start to scan and search. lt will execute the “Quickly Scan" first for finding your deleted data fast, and then execute the “Deep Scan" for searching other lost data.

Step 3. Once the scan is completed, all deleted files, recycle bins and other missing files will be displayed. Please select the file you would like to recover and then click "Recover".

Step 4. Then, select a folder path to save your recovered files.

Step 5. Wait patiently for this process of recovering ends. 

Dealing with the "USB storage device not connected PS4" error, along with error codes like SU-41333-4, CE-30784-2, and CE-37857-0, can be quite frustrating. However, by following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this article, you can resolve the issue and get back to enjoying your games. If you experience data loss during the troubleshooting process, AOMEI FastRecovery can efficiently help you recover all lost data, offering a reliable solution for users.

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