Nowadays, many video game companies have developed a rather unhealthy habit of releasing titles far too early. However, there are still several companies out there who do their utmost to avoid this trend, priding themselves on releasing finished products.
Despite the fact that most of the games that are coming out these days are released unfinished, there are plenty of existing titles that prove the gaming industry doesn’t have to be this way. As proof of that statement, here are 10 paid games that all demonstrate the importance of releasing a finished product.
God of War
Sony Interactive Entertainment hit a homerun with God of War. Since its release back in 2018, the game has sold over 20 million copies. That’s an astonishing figure when you consider the fact that God of War was a Playstation exclusive.
Not only is it the highest-selling PS4 game of all time, but it’s also one of the highest-rated games on Metacritic. Playing a Greek demigod in a Norse universe clearly makes for a compelling premise, and it certainly helps that the production value is through the roof.
Elden Ring
Have you ever played Dark Souls? If you haven’t, then Elden Ring may be a bit too challenging for your liking. That being said, if you can handle the unforgiving gameplay, Elden Ring will provide you with some of the best gaming experiences of this generation.
Although it came out relatively early in 2022, it’s already widely regarded as a worthy contender for the best game of the year. With hundreds of hours of content, captivating world design, and brutal boss battles, Elden Ring is most definitely worth its asking price.
Red Dead Redemption 2
Set during a period when the Wild West was coming to an end, Red Dead Redemption 2 is a touching tale of bravery and camaraderie. You play as Arthur Morgan, an outlaw trying to survive and struggling to come to terms with the end of his way of life.
Red Dead Redemption 2 is one of the most expensive games ever made. When you look at the incredible detail of the world and the expertly crafted characters, it’s evident that no expense was spared in making this game world as believable and immersive as possible.
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order was one of the surprise hits of 2019. After the cancellation of several promising Star Wars games and a mediocre Battlefront game, no one expected Fallen Order to be as good as it turned out to be.
Seeing that a sequel was announced quite recently, now is the ideal time to find out why critics and consumers have been raving about this game. If lightsabers and a new story in the Star Wars universe sound appealing to you, grab Fallen Order as soon as possible.
Resident Evil 7: Biohazard
Resident Evil 7: Biohazard is an expertly crafted survival horror that breathed new life into the Resident Evil series. It’s the first Resident Evil game to feature a first-person perspective, immersing the player in a world of creepy cannibals and supernatural horror.
You play as Ethan Winters, a young man desperately trying to find his long-lost wife. Drawing inspiration from classic movies like The Evil Dead, the storyline will take Ethan on a grueling journey through a terrifying swamp filled with unforgettable encounters.
Remnant: From the Ashes
At first glance, Remnant: From the Ashes seems like a typical action shooter set in yet another post-apocalypse. However, upon closer inspection, it becomes apparent that there’s far more to this game than just light RPG elements and a slick coat of paint.
As good as Remnant looks and plays, its capacity for near-infinite replayability is what truly makes it shine. Each character you create will go through the same overarching story, but the worlds and enemies you encounter will all be different in each playthrough.
Metro Exodus
Metro-Exodus is one of a rare few story-driven games that refuses to hold your hand throughout its 30-40 hour playtime. Each chapter takes place in a new map, players are given a single objective, and the rest of the time, the decisions are in your hands.
Praised for its high production quality across the board, this is one game you won’t regret playing. It’s got tense gameplay, exciting gun battles, scary mutants, and everything else you need to have the ultimate post-apocalyptic experience.
Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla
In Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla, players are given an almost overwhelming level of freedom. In fact, there’s so much to do in this game that many players simply don’t have the time to finish it all. Even completionist gamers will have their hands full trying to 100% the map.
Say what you will about the formulaic open-worlds of Ubisoft games, but there’s no denying how expansive and detailed those worlds have become. Combine that with stellar acting and stunning graphics, and it’s easy to see why Valhalla is so highly recommended.
Death Stranding
Death Stranding is an intense and thought-provoking game that deals with themes of life, death, and coping with loss. Instead of playing a superhero, you’re simply a delivery man trying to survive and make ends meet in a harsh but beautiful post-apocalyptic world.
Thanks to breathtaking visuals and a haunting soundtrack, the atmosphere of Death Stranding is what truly sets it apart from other video games. Hours fly by when you get lost in this game, and the captivating story will keep you coming back for more.
Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance
Looking for some over-the-top action? Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance may be the perfect game for you to try. You play as a cybernetically enhanced ninja that can shred a metal tank in a matter of seconds, and that’s just scratching the surface of your abilities.
Revengeance’s greatest strength is that it embraces the ridiculousness of its premise. It’s cheesy, but it knows it, leaning into the crazier aspects of its concept with reckless abandon. It’s pure, unadulterated fun, and a rollercoaster ride from start to finish.
