The biggest PlayStation exclusive titles all have one thing in common

PlayStation exclusive titles enjoy an excellent reputation among video game enthusiasts. This is because Sony's various studios have focused on delivering emotionally gripping single-player narratives with well-crafted characters and incredible worlds. While the console offers a diverse selection of exclusive titles across various genres, all the most popular franchises on Sony's consoles share more than just a high level of polish and quality. PlayStation exclusive titles are distinguished by their outstanding collectibles, which make exploring their worlds truly rewarding. Whether they are usable items or simply sources of background story information, the collectibles in PlayStation games have significantly contributed to what makes each game so unforgettable.

One type of collectible that prominently features in many games is cosmetic items. While not unique to PlayStation exclusive titles, Insomniac Games' Spider-Man sets the standard for collectible costumes. The game includes nearly 30 suits, ranging from the classic Spider-Man costume to more obscure ones like the Spider-Punk suit. Each of these costumes possesses unique attributes and pays homage to different eras of the beloved superhero. Spider-Man: Miles Morales continued the trend of its predecessor by offering outstanding costumes for its hero as well. In both games, the suits were unlocked by completing various tasks, making the process of acquisition just as enjoyable and diverse as the costumes themselves.

Ghost of Tsushima's Collectibles Raised The Bar for Future PS Titles

Ghost of Tsushima by Sucker Punch offers a variety of collectibles. The collectible banners and swords found at the honor shrines complement the wide range of cosmetic items in the game, while other checklist tasks, such as completing haikus, contribute more to character development than tangible objects. With over ten different types of collectibles and activities to discover and complete, Ghost of Tsushima utilizes this mechanic to expand the samurai fantasy, explore Jin's character, and present players with its stunning world. Although on a slightly smaller scale, God of War and its successor, God of War Ragnarok, also employ collectibles to grant the player new abilities and expand the lore.

The collectibles in God of War consist of world lore, chests, artifacts, and much more. Similar to Ghost of Tsushima, these collectibles are often utilized to encourage the player to explore a portion of the map they haven't visited yet or to interact with the environment in new ways. God of War Ragnarok features Kvasir's verses, which frequently reference other PlayStation exclusive titles. "Afterlife Abandonment" is a clear nod to Death Stranding, while "Tool and Bang" serves as a tribute to Ratchet and Clank. These verses contain numerous other references, making them enjoyable Easter eggs. What sets Kvasir's verses apart is their far-sighted and creative manner of paying tribute to other PlayStation titles that seamlessly fit into the game world and lore.

The Last Of Us Has Players Collect Stories

Naughty Dog's use of collectibles is one that tells stories and expands its world. The most ambitious application of this is the narrative of Ish in The Last of Us. Ish's story is simultaneously heartwarming and utterly devastating, and it is exclusively told through collectible notes. While the game's collectible artifacts contribute the most to the narrative and world-building, all types of collectibles are integrated into the world and its characters. The collectible comics make sense because Ellie reads them. The Firefly pendants are intertwined with the plot as players strive to reach a Firefly base. The combinations of safes and supplements, though utilitarian, seamlessly fit into the world.

The collectibles in PlayStation games have set a high bar for the rest of the industry. The Last of Us has seamlessly integrated collectibles into its narrative, making them inseparable from the overall experience. Meanwhile, games like Spider-Man and God of War utilize collectibles to provide fans with entertaining experiences and fan service that go beyond the ordinary. All of these games, along with many other PlayStation exclusives, employ collectibles not merely as items to be found, but as integral parts of the gameplay experience. Collectibles in PlayStation games excel because they enhance and amplify the player's journey, rather than simply extending the duration of each game.