PlayStation has become known for its exclusive games, and for good reason. Sony has ensured that the members of PlayStation Studios are consistently putting out quality games, with massiveAAA projects likeGod of WarandMarvel’s Spider-Manconsistently pleasing fans and critics alike. However, recently it has become clear that PlayStation exclusives of all sizes can deliver the expected level of polish that fans have come to expect from the platform.
While thePlayStation Studiosteams continue to deliver top-notch content that pushes the industry forward, likeThe Last of Us 2andGhost of Tsushima, Sony has also partnered with some talented indie studios to create unique PlayStation console exclusives. Studios like Sloclap and Ember Lab have already delivered some tremendous games that fit this description, and BlueTwelve’s feline-focusedStrayis the latest example of a wonderful PlayStation title crafted by a small team.
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Stray Continues PlayStation’s Indie Success
Strayis only available for PC and PlayStation users, and with the game also debuting through PlayStation Premium, Sony seems determined to makeStray’s connection to its line of consoles even clearer. Extra effort has gone into ensuring thatStrayfeels at home on PS5, with the DualSense functionality making purring and scratching far more immersive. Further, whileStrayis very much an indie game, it has a high level of polish and is a decently long adventure, ensuring that it earns its $30 price tag.
Strayis not the only indie game to fill this niche, though, as other PlayStation console exclusives have released that feel borderline AAA.Kena: Bridge of Spiritscomes to mindas one example, with the adorable Rot and Disney-like animation coming together to create an unforgettable adventure. Much likeStray, the game provides hours of content for completionists, and it too has earned itself an extremely passionate community since it made its debut. Featuring a good balance between combat and platforming,Kena: Bridge of Spiritsis a good middle ground betweenStrayand another title that finds itself within this new category of PlayStation exclusives.
Sifuis another exampleof an exciting indie game that console players can only access through PlayStation, with the timed exclusive also boasting a price tag that falls between a full-priced AAA title and a smaller indie release. Though it plays nothing like the two games mentioned above,Sifushares their quality. All three of these games have reviewed well, much like PlayStation’s big AAA exclusives. With all dropping so closely together, too, this success should be extremely encouraging for Sony. Clearly, the company should continue investing in the indie projects that it believes have potential, striking exclusivity deals to keep diversifying PlayStation’s lineup of games.
More PlayStation Indies Are on The Way
Fortunately, it seems like fans can look forward to this style of game continuing to be supported by PlayStation.Little Devil Insideis an intriguing timed console exclusivewith a standout visual style and promising sense of humor, and many fans have been waiting years to get their hands on the game. While gamers have not heard aboutLittle Devil Insidefor some time now, it is still set to release in winter of this year, so fans could have their hands on it very soon.
Another smaller PlayStation console exclusive is coming next yearin the form ofTchia, with the colorful game boasting a soul-jumping mechanic that allows players to control wildlife and random objects. With the next PlayStation Showcase expected to take place in September, hopefully some more projects in this style are revealed soon. Sony has a good thing going for it with its recent indie initiative, and it should strive to continue delivering great exclusives likeStray.
Strayis available now on PC, PS4, and PS5.
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