Relive the Classics: The Definitive List of 2014 Games for PS4

So, the PlayStation 4 came out, and it was pretty cool. But honestly, some of the best games you could play on it weren’t even new. A bunch of older games got a fresh coat of paint, and let me tell you, it made a difference. Better graphics, smoother gameplay – it was like playing them for the first time again. We’ve put together a list of some of the most notable 2014 games for PS4 that got this treatment, so you can relive those classics.

Key Takeaways

• Grand Theft Auto V was a massive hit, and its PS4 version added a whole new perspective with first-person mode.
• Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection brought three beloved PS3 adventures to the PS4 with updated visuals.
• Halo: The Master Chief Collection offered a huge package for fans, bundling the first four Master Chief games.
• God of War III Remastered let players experience Kratos’ epic conclusion with a smoother framerate and sharper look.
• Borderlands: The Handsome Collection packed in two full games and a ton of extra content for shooter fans.

1. Grand Theft Auto V

When Grand Theft Auto V first hit the scene, it was a massive deal. Even though it originally came out in 2013, Rockstar decided to give PS4 players a treat by releasing an updated version in late 2014. This wasn’t just a simple port; they really went back and polished things up.

The biggest change for the PS4 version was the addition of a first-person mode. It sounds like a small thing, but it completely changes how you experience Los Santos. Suddenly, you’re not just controlling a character; you’re in the world. You can see the details of the streets, the interiors of cars, and the expressions on people’s faces in a way that just wasn’t possible before. It made the already detailed world feel even more alive.

Beyond the new perspective, the graphics got a significant boost. Textures were sharper, lighting was improved, and the overall visual fidelity was a big step up from the previous generation. It made driving around, exploring, or just causing chaos feel that much more immersive. Plus, they added new activities and wildlife to make the world feel even more dynamic. If you missed out on it the first time around, or even if you played it to death on PS3, the PS4 version offered a fresh way to play what many consider a landmark title in open-world gaming. It’s a game you could easily sink hundreds of hours into, just exploring and seeing what kind of trouble you could get into. It really set a high bar for what a next-gen upgrade could be. You can find out more about its release on November 18, 2014.

2. Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection

Okay, so if you somehow missed out on the Uncharted series during the PlayStation 3 era, or maybe you just want to replay these adventures with a fresh coat of paint, the Nathan Drake Collection is pretty much a must-have. This package bundles the single-player stories from Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune, Uncharted 2: Among Thieves, and Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception.

Think of it as your all-access pass to Nathan Drake’s early globetrotting escapades. You get to follow this treasure hunter as he gets into all sorts of scrapes, usually involving ancient artifacts, shady villains, and some pretty spectacular set pieces. It’s like an action movie you can play.

What did they actually do to make it better for the PS4?

• Sharper visuals: Everything just looks cleaner and more detailed. The environments pop a bit more, and the character models are smoother.
• Smoother performance: The games run better, which makes the fast-paced action feel more fluid.
• Photo Mode: This was a big deal for a lot of people. It lets you pause the action and take some really cool screenshots from all sorts of angles.
• New Trophies: For those who like to collect them, there are new trophies to chase after in each game.

It’s a solid way to experience the beginnings of one of PlayStation’s most beloved franchises. If you’re into cinematic action-adventure games with a charismatic lead, you really can’t go wrong here.

3. Halo: The Master Chief Collection

Released in late 2014, Halo: The Master Chief Collection was a pretty big deal for fans of the iconic shooter series. It bundled together the first four main Halo games, giving players a chance to experience Master Chief’s story from the beginning on their PS4. This wasn’t just a simple port, though. The collection brought significant visual upgrades to each title, making them look much better than their original releases. Think sharper textures, better lighting, and smoother frame rates.

Here’s a quick look at what was included:

• Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary
• Halo 2: Anniversary
• Halo 3
• Halo 4

Beyond the campaigns, the multiplayer was a huge draw. You got access to the multiplayer for all four games, which was a massive amount of content. While the initial launch had some hiccups, especially with online matchmaking, the collection has been patched and updated over the years. It really became the definitive way to play these classic Halo games, especially if you missed out on them the first time around or wanted to revisit them with a fresh coat of paint.

4. God of War III Remastered

Released in July 2015, God of War III Remastered brought Kratos’ brutal revenge saga to the PlayStation 4. This wasn’t a complete overhaul, but rather a significant polish of the original PlayStation 3 title. The main draw was the jump to 1080p resolution and a smoother frame rate, making Kratos’ bloody rampage feel more fluid than ever before. It’s the same epic conclusion to Kratos’ rampage of revenge, packed with outrageous spectacle and brutal combat that fans loved.

While the core gameplay remained intact, the remaster did add a few nice touches. One of the most notable additions was the inclusion of a photo mode, allowing players to capture the most dramatic moments of Kratos’ descent into madness. This was a popular feature in many other remastered titles of the era, and it fits right in here.

Here’s what you could expect from the package:

• Visual Upgrade: A crisp 1080p resolution.
• Performance Boost: Smoother frame rates for more fluid combat.
• Photo Mode: Capture and share your favorite epic moments.
• All DLC Included: Access to all previously released downloadable content.

If you missed out on Kratos’ final stand on the PS3, or just want to experience it with a fresh coat of paint, this version is a solid way to relive the action. It’s a great way to experience God of War III in its full glory on modern hardware.

5. Borderlands: The Handsome Collection

Alright, let’s talk about Borderlands: The Handsome Collection. This package bundles up two of the most popular entries in the series: Borderlands 2 and Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel. If you’re a fan of over-the-top action, a ridiculous amount of guns, and a healthy dose of humor, this is definitely one to check out. It’s basically a treasure trove of content for anyone who loves a good shooter with RPG elements.

What you get here is a massive amount of playtime. Not only do you get the full campaigns for both games, but all the downloadable content that was released for them is included too. That means tons of extra missions, characters, and gear to keep you busy for ages. It really is a great way to experience these games if you missed them the first time around or just want them all in one place.

Here’s a quick rundown of what’s inside:

• Borderlands 2: The game that really cemented the series’ popularity. Expect a sprawling story, memorable characters like Handsome Jack, and that signature loot-driven gameplay.
• Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel: This one fills in the story between Borderlands 1 and 2, showing how Handsome Jack rose to power. It introduces new mechanics like low-gravity combat and oxygen management.
• All DLC: Seriously, all of it. This includes story expansions, character packs, and cosmetic items. You won’t be wanting for more content.

The collection also brings some technical improvements, like better performance and updated visuals, making the already vibrant worlds look even better on your PS4. Plus, if you’re into playing with friends, the co-op is as chaotic and fun as ever. It’s a solid package that offers a ton of bang for your buck, especially if you enjoy the unique loot system and co-op gameplay the Borderlands series is known for.

6. Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin

Alright, let’s talk about Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin. This isn’t just a simple coat of paint for the original game; it’s a pretty substantial upgrade that bundles in all the DLC and throws in some significant gameplay tweaks. If you were a fan of the original Dark Souls II, this is definitely the version you want to own.

What makes this edition stand out is how it refines the experience. From Software really listened to feedback and made changes that make the world feel more connected and the challenges more fair, while still keeping that signature difficulty that the series is known for. You’ll find new enemy placements that will surprise even seasoned players, and the overall flow of the game feels more polished.

Here’s a quick rundown of what you get:

• All DLC Included: This means you get the three massive expansions – Crown of the Sunken King, Crown of the Old Iron King, and Crown of the Ivory King – right from the start. That’s a ton of extra hours of gameplay.
• Gameplay Enhancements: Expect changes to enemy AI, item descriptions, and even the introduction of new mechanics that alter how you approach combat and exploration.
• Improved Visuals and Performance: While not a complete graphical overhaul, the PS4 version offers sharper visuals and smoother frame rates, making the already atmospheric world of Drangleic even more immersive.

It’s a game that demands your attention and rewards patience. You’ll die, a lot, but each death is a lesson. Learning enemy patterns, managing your stamina, and choosing the right gear are all part of the puzzle. Scholar of the First Sin makes that puzzle more complete and satisfying.

7. Devil May Cry: Definitive Edition

Ninja Theory took the reins for this reboot of the stylish action series, and they definitely went in some interesting directions. While the story might have been a departure for some fans, the core combat remained as sharp and satisfying as ever. This Definitive Edition isn’t just a fresh coat of paint; it includes a bunch of combat tweaks and rebalancing that make the whole experience feel even better. Plus, you get all the downloadable content, like those cool costumes and the extra scenario featuring Vergil, thrown in for good measure. It’s a solid package for anyone looking to get their demon-slaying fix on the PS4. If you’re new to the series, this is a great entry point, and for veterans, it’s a polished way to revisit a classic. You can find more about the series’ history in the Devil May Cry HD Collection.

8. Dishonored: Definitive Edition

Alright, let’s talk about Dishonored: Definitive Edition. This one landed on PS4 in August 2015, bringing the original stealth-action gem to a new generation of consoles. You step into the shoes of Corvo Attano, a bodyguard framed for the murder of the Empress he was sworn to protect. What follows is a journey of revenge, where you can choose to be a ghost or a whirlwind of destruction.

The ‘Definitive Edition’ part means you get the base game plus all the downloadable content that came out after the original release. This includes extra missions like "The Knife of Dunwall" and "The Brigmore Witches," which really flesh out the story and give you more opportunities to play around with Corvo’s powers. It’s a pretty solid package if you missed it the first time around.

What’s cool about Dishonored is how much freedom it gives you. You can sneak through levels without anyone even knowing you were there, or you can go in loud and cause a ruckus. The game doesn’t really judge you for your choices, but your actions do have consequences that ripple through the world. It makes replaying it pretty interesting because you can try completely different approaches.

Here’s a quick look at what’s included:

• The Outsider’s Mark: Gain supernatural abilities like Blink (short-range teleportation), Possession (take control of rats or people), and Dark Vision (see through walls).
• Stealth vs. Action: Decide whether to be a silent assassin or a brutal force. The game is designed to accommodate both playstyles.
• World Design: Explore the grimy, industrial city of Dunwall, filled with unique characters and secrets.
• All DLC: Get the full story with "The Knife of Dunwall," "The Brigmore Witches," and the "Void Walker’s Arsenal" pack.

9. Darksiders II: Deathinitive Edition

Okay, so Darksiders II got a second life on the PS4 with this "Deathinitive Edition." If you missed out on the original adventure, this is a pretty solid way to jump in. You play as Death, one of the Four Horsemen, on a quest to clear his brother War’s name. It’s a big action-RPG with a lot of exploration and combat, kind of like a Zelda game but with a much darker, grittier vibe and a focus on loot.

This version bundles the original game with all the downloadable content that came out later, which is a nice chunk of extra stuff. You get new gear, new quests, and even a whole new playable character in some modes. They also spruced up the visuals a bit, so it looks sharper on the PS4 than it did on the older consoles. The frame rate is smoother too, which really helps when things get hectic.

Here’s a quick rundown of what you get:

• The Full Story: Play through Death’s journey across various realms.
• All DLC Included: Access to the "Argul’s Tomb," "The Maker’s Armor," "The Black Death," and "Death Rides" expansions.
• Visual Improvements: Better textures and a higher resolution make the world pop a bit more.
• Smoother Gameplay: Expect a more consistent frame rate, especially during intense combat sequences.

It’s not a total overhaul, but if you’re looking for a lengthy action game with a cool story and plenty of things to collect, Darksiders II: Deathinitive Edition is definitely worth checking out.

10. Final Fantasy Type-0 HD

Originally a PSP exclusive in Japan, Final Fantasy Type-0 HD finally brought this unique entry in the long-running series to a global audience. It tells the story of Class Zero, a group of students at a military academy caught in the middle of a brutal war. The game shakes up the traditional Final Fantasy formula with its real-time combat system and a focus on squad-based missions. You’ll command up to 14 different characters, each with their own distinct abilities and fighting styles, switching between them on the fly during intense battles.

This HD version significantly spruced up the visuals from its handheld origins, making the characters and environments pop with improved detail and a wider color palette. While it ditches the multiplayer features of the original, the core experience of leading Class Zero through a conflict-ridden world remains compelling. It’s a different kind of Final Fantasy, one that feels more action-oriented and less about turn-based strategy, which was a refreshing change of pace for many players back in 2015. If you’re looking for a Final Fantasy game that breaks the mold, this is definitely one to check out. You can find more details about its release and features on [f306].

Key features:

• Real-time, action-oriented combat system.
• Command a roster of 14 unique characters.
• Engage in squad-based tactical missions.
• Experience a mature storyline set against a wartime backdrop.
• Updated HD graphics and presentation.

Looking Back, Playing Forward

So there you have it, a look back at some of the standout games that made their way to the PS4 in 2014. It was a pretty solid year for the console, even if a lot of the big hitters were actually older games getting a fresh coat of paint. It just goes to show that a good game is a good game, no matter how old it is. Whether you’re diving back into a familiar favorite or trying something new from that year, there’s plenty of fun to be had. The PS4’s library only grew from there, but these 2014 releases are definitely worth checking out if you missed them the first time around.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a ‘remastered’ game?

A remastered game is basically an older game that’s been updated to look and play better on newer gaming systems. Think of it like giving an old favorite movie a fresh coat of paint with clearer pictures and smoother sound. Developers often improve the graphics, make the game run faster, and sometimes add new features or include extra content that wasn’t in the original.

Why are so many games from 2014 getting remastered for PS4?

The PS4 was a big step up in gaming technology. Many games that were awesome on older consoles like the PS3 still hold up today, but developers wanted to make them even better. Remastering them for the PS4 means players can enjoy these classic stories and gameplay with much nicer graphics and smoother performance, making them feel almost new again.

Are these games exactly the same as the originals?

Mostly, yes! The core story and gameplay are usually kept the same so you can relive the experience you loved. However, you’ll often notice big improvements in how the games look, like sharper details and brighter colors. Some remasters also add things like new game modes, extra challenges, or even include downloadable content that was sold separately before.

Is it worth buying a remastered game if I played the original?

That really depends on how much you loved the original game! If you’re a big fan and appreciate seeing your favorite games with updated visuals and smoother gameplay, then it’s often worth it. Plus, if you missed out on any extra content or the original game had some rough edges, the remaster can be a great way to experience it in its best form.

What’s the difference between a ‘remaster’ and a ‘remake’?

A remaster is like polishing up an old game, keeping most of its original parts but making them look and sound better. A remake, on the other hand, is like rebuilding the game from the ground up. Developers might use completely new graphics engines, re-record dialogue, and sometimes even change gameplay mechanics to fit modern standards, creating a fresh take on the old game.

Will these remastered games have new trophies on PS4?

Yes, most remastered games released on the PS4 come with a brand new set of trophies! This gives players a fresh set of challenges to complete and a new way to show off their skills. It’s a nice bonus for trophy hunters who want to earn those shiny digital rewards all over again.