As a graphic designer, I know the importance of staying creative and inspired. That's why I turn to video games as a source of inspiration and entertainment. The PS4 has a huge library of games that offer stunning graphics, engaging gameplay, and unique experiences. In this review, I'll be sharing my favorite PS4 games that are perfect for fellow graphic designers.
Whether you're looking for a game that will help you unwind after a long day of work or something that will stimulate your creativity, there's a PS4 game out there for you. Let's dive in!
1. Dreams
Dreams is a game that was created by Media Molecule, the same studio behind the popular game LittleBigPlanet. In Dreams, you can create your own games, music, art, animations, and more. The game provides you with all the tools you need to bring your ideas to life in a virtual world.
The Creation Tools
Dreams has an incredibly intuitive and user-friendly creation system that allows you to create anything you can imagine. You can sculpt 3D objects, paint and draw in 2D, animate characters and objects, compose music, and create sound effects. You can also use pre-made assets that other players have uploaded to the game's network. The possibilities are endless!
The Community
Dreams has a thriving community of players who are constantly creating and sharing their creations. You can browse through thousands of user-generated games, art, music, and more. You can also collaborate with other players on projects or even join a team to work on a larger project. The community is incredibly supportive and welcoming, making Dreams one of the most unique and inspiring games on the PS4.
The Gameplay
While Dreams is primarily a game creation tool, it also has a number of pre-made games that you can play. These games are created by other players and range from simple platformers to first-person shooters. The gameplay is varied and engaging, and you can easily spend hours playing through the different games that the community has created.
2. Firewatch
Firewatch is a first-person adventure game that takes place in the Wyoming wilderness. You play as a fire lookout named Henry, who is responsible for watching out for fires in the forest. The game is set in 1989 and has a beautiful art style that captures the natural beauty of the wilderness.
The Art Style
The art style in Firewatch is one of the game's strongest points. The game's environments are rendered in a painterly style that gives the game a unique and beautiful look. The colors are vibrant, and the lighting is stunning. The game's art style is a testament to the power of video games as an art form.
The Story
The story in Firewatch is engaging and emotional. As you play through the game, you'll uncover a mystery that ties into the protagonist's personal life. The game's writing is top-notch, and the voice acting is superb. The story will keep you hooked until the very end.
The Atmosphere
Firewatch is a game that is all about atmosphere. The game's environments are so well-crafted that you'll feel like you're really in the wilderness. The game's sound design is also excellent, with the sounds of nature and the wind really immersing you in the game's world. If you're looking for a game that will transport you to another place, Firewatch is the game for you.
3. Abzû
Abzû is an underwater adventure game that was created by the same art director behind the game Journey. In Abzû, you play as a diver who explores the depths of the ocean. The game's art style is stunning, with vibrant colors and beautiful underwater environments.
The Art Style
The art style in Abzû is breathtaking. The game's environments are rendered in a way that makes you feel like you're really underwater. The colors are vibrant, and the lighting is stunning. The game's art style is a testament to the power of video games as an art form.
The Gameplay
The gameplay in Abzû is simple but engaging. You'll swim through the ocean and encounter different types of sea life. The game also has a number of puzzles that you'll need to solve to progress through the game. The game's controls are smooth and intuitive, making it easy to navigate through the underwater environments.
The Music
The music in Abzû is one of the game's strongest points. The game's soundtrack was composed by Austin Wintory, who also composed the music for the game Journey. The music is atmospheric and haunting, perfectly capturing the game's underwater environments. The music will stay with you long after you've finished playing the game.
4. The Witness
The Witness is a puzzle game that takes place on a mysterious island. The game's puzzles are all based on a simple concept: drawing lines. However, as you progress through the game, the puzzles become increasingly complex and challenging.
The Puzzles
The puzzles in The Witness are some of the best I've ever encountered in a game. They're challenging but never frustrating, and they always feel fair. The game's puzzles will keep you engaged for hours on end, and you'll feel a real sense of accomplishment when you solve them.
The Environment
The environment in The Witness is stunning. The game's world is beautifully rendered, with lush forests, rocky cliffs, and abandoned ruins. The game's art style is minimalist but effective, and the game's lighting is superb. The game's environment is a joy to explore, and you'll find yourself getting lost in the game's world for hours on end.
The Story
The story in The Witness is told through the game's environment and puzzles. As you solve puzzles, you'll uncover more about the island and its mysterious past. The story is subtle but engaging, and it will keep you hooked until the very end.
5. No Man's Sky
No Man's Sky is a game that was released in 2016 to a lot of hype and controversy. The game's universe is procedurally generated, meaning that every player experiences a unique universe. In the game, you explore a vast universe filled with planets, creatures, and other players.
The Universe
The universe in No Man's Sky is vast and beautiful. The game's procedural generation ensures that every player has a unique experience, and the game's environments are stunning. The game's art style is minimalist but effective, and the game's lighting is superb. The game's universe is a joy to explore, and you'll find yourself getting lost in the game's world for hours on end.
The Gameplay
The gameplay in No Man's Sky is varied and engaging. You'll explore planets, mine resources, and encounter other players. The game's controls are smooth and intuitive, making it easy to navigate through the game's universe. The game also has a number of base-building mechanics, allowing you to create your own home on a planet.
The Updates
Since its release, No Man's Sky has received a number of updates that have greatly improved the game. The updates have added new features, improved the game's graphics, and fixed bugs. The developers have been incredibly dedicated to improving the game, and it shows.
Conclusion
As graphic designers, we need to stay creative and inspired. Video games can be a great source of inspiration and entertainment. These five PS4 games are some of the best games for graphic designers. They offer stunning graphics, engaging gameplay, and unique experiences. Whether you're looking for a game that will help you unwind after a long day of work or something that will stimulate your creativity, there's a PS4 game out there for you.
| Dreams | Firewatch | Abzû | The Witness | No Man's Sky |
| Game creation tool | First-person adventure game | Underwater adventure game | Puzzle game | Procedurally generated universe exploration game |
| User-friendly creation system | Beautiful art style | Breathtaking art style | Challenging puzzles | Vast and beautiful universe |
| Thriving community | Engaging story | Simple but engaging gameplay | Beautiful environment | Varied and engaging gameplay |