10 Best Third Person Shooter Games On PS5

10. Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart (2021)

Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart crash lands on the PS5, offering a visually stunning and action-packed adventure through interdimensional rifts. But does it live up to the legacy of the franchise, or is it lost in another dimension of mediocrity? Buckle up, engage your wrench, and let’s find out!

A Bolts-Above Success:

A Next-Gen Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is a graphical showcase for the PS5. The worlds are bursting with vibrant colors and meticulously detailed environments, making every jump, grind, and hoverboard ride a visual treat.

Weaponized Wonder: The series’ signature wacky weaponry returns, and it’s better than ever. From the sheepinator that turns enemies into fluffy projectiles to the Topiary Shredder that transforms foes into topiary art, the arsenal offers a delightful blend of destruction and humor.

Ratchet & Rivet: This time around, you get two heroes for the price of one! Playing as both Ratchet and Rivet, a new Lombax fighter from another dimension, keeps the gameplay fresh and adds a layer of narrative intrigue.

Interdimensional Intrigue: The story, while lighthearted, is engaging. Traveling through alternate dimensions throws some interesting twists at the narrative, and the voice acting is top-notch, breathing life into both new and returning characters.

A Few Dimensional Rifts:

Same Formula, Shiny New Coat: The core gameplay loop of shooting, platforming, and collecting bolts feels familiar. While it’s still fun, a touch more innovation beyond the dimensional rifts would have been welcome for longtime fans.

A Short (But Sweet) Adventure: The campaign can be completed in around 15 hours, which might feel a bit short for some players. The inclusion of a robust challenge mode and collectible hunt helps extend playtime, but a bit more story content would have been appreciated.

Technical Hiccups (Though Rare): While the game is mostly polished, there can be occasional glitches and frame rate dips. These are infrequent, but can disrupt the flow of the action.

Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is a dimension-hopping delight! The stunning visuals, wacky weapons, and charming humor make it a joy to play. While the core gameplay loop feels familiar and the campaign is a bit on the short side, the addition of Rivet and the interdimensional twists keep things fresh.

Recommendation:

If you’re a Ratchet & Clank fan or a newcomer looking for a visually stunning and action-packed platformer with a healthy dose of humor, Rift Apart is a must-play. However, if you crave a longer campaign or groundbreaking innovation in the gameplay, you might want to temper your expectations. But overall, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is a stellar entry in the series, proving that sometimes, familiar territory can still be a blast to explore, especially when it’s coated in a layer of next-gen polish.

9. World War Z: Aftermath

Calling all zombie slayers and co-op enthusiasts! World War Z: Aftermath shambles onto the scene, offering an expanded experience of the original’s frantic zombie massacres. But does it deliver a fresh wave of thrills, or is it a reheated corpse of a game? Let’s grab our weapons, brace for the onslaught, and find out!

Standing Strong Against the Horde:

A Feast for the Zed-Slayers: World War Z: Aftermath excels in its core gameplay. Mowing down massive hordes of zombies with a variety of weapons feels satisfyingly chaotic. Working together with your team to strategically thin the ranks and hold the line is a blast.

More to See, More to Slay: The new locations, like Rome and Kamchatka, offer fresh environments to explore and defend. Each map presents unique challenges and opportunities for strategic zombie disposal.

First-Person Frenzy: The addition of first-person mode is a welcome change. It adds a new layer of immersion to the gunfights, making the zombie apocalypse feel even more intense.

Character Class Chaos: The expanded character classes offer diverse playstyles. From healing medics to bomb-wielding exterminators, there’s a role for everyone to fill in the zombie-slaying mayhem.

A Few Bites Out of the Fun:

Same Tactics, Different Day: While the new maps add variety, the core gameplay loop of shooting endless waves of zombies can feel repetitive, especially for veterans of the original game. A touch more innovation in objectives or special events would be welcome.

The Curse of the Glitching Dead: Technical issues can mar the experience. Bugs, glitches, and occasional frame rate drops can disrupt the flow of the action, especially during intense firefights.

The AI Apocalypse (Not in a Good Way): The friendly AI, while sometimes helpful, can be unpredictable and occasionally hinder your progress. Don’t rely too heavily on your bot teammates to save the day.

A Story More Bare Than a Skeleton: The narrative is bare-bones at best. It serves as a loose framework for the action but doesn’t offer much in the way of character development or emotional engagement.

The Verdict:

World War Z: Aftermath is a fun, albeit flawed, co-op zombie shooter. The core gameplay of mowing down hordes with friends remains addictive, and the new locations and first-person mode add some fresh thrills. However, a repetitive gameplay loop, technical issues, and a forgettable story hold it back from being a true standout.

Recommendation:

If you’re looking for a chaotic and action-packed co-op experience with endless zombie hordes to conquer, World War Z: Aftermath offers a decent bang for your buck. Just be prepared for some technical hiccups, a lack of story depth, and the occasional feeling of “been there, done that.” For solo players or those craving a more narratively driven experience, there are better options out there.

8. Sniper Elite 5

Sniper Elite 5 lands on the battlefield, offering a refined experience of long-distance Nazi takedowns with its signature X-ray kill cam. But does it hit the mark with a bullseye, or leave you with a case of sniper’s regret? Let’s grab our silenced rifles and zoom in for a closer look.

Sharpshooter Successes:

A World of Opportunities: Sniper Elite 5 boasts expansive and varied maps, each overflowing with assassination opportunities. From sun-drenched Mediterranean villages to imposing Nazi strongholds, the environments offer a playground for strategic elimination.

The Devil’s in the Details: The level of detail is phenomenal. You can meticulously plan your approach, considering factors like wind speed, bullet drop, and enemy patrol patterns. Every shot feels deliberate and satisfying, especially when rewarded with a gloriously gruesome X-ray kill cam.

Enhanced Elimination Options: The new invasion mode adds a thrilling twist. An Axis sniper can invade your single-player campaign, forcing you to be constantly vigilant and adapt your tactics on the fly. The co-op mode is also a blast, letting you team up with a friend for some coordinated Nazi takedowns.

A More Maneuverable Marksman: Improvements to movement and weapon customization make the player character feel more agile and responsive. Whether you’re scaling buildings or sneaking through foliage, navigating the environment feels more fluid.

Stray Bullets:

A Touch of Deja Vu: The core gameplay loop of sniping, sneaking, and taking down enemies can feel a bit repetitive, especially for veterans of the series. While new maps and mechanics add some variety, a touch more innovation wouldn’t hurt.

The Story Stumbles: The narrative takes a backseat to the action. While the historical setting is interesting, the plot itself is fairly predictable and doesn’t offer much in the way of character development.

Technical Tedium: Launch-day bugs and glitches can disrupt the flow of the game. From enemy AI quirks to occasional frame rate drops, these technical hiccups can be a minor annoyance.

The Verdict:

Sniper Elite 5 delivers a solid sniping experience with beautifully crafted environments, strategic opportunities, and the ever-satisfying X-ray kill cam. The new invasion mode and co-op features add replayability, while the improved movement and customization make the gameplay feel more polished. However, a repetitive gameplay loop, a forgettable story, and some technical issues prevent it from being a headshot.

Recommendation:

If you’re a fan of the Sniper Elite series and crave a new Nazi-filled playground to unleash your inner assassin, Sniper Elite 5 is a good choice. Just be prepared for a familiar formula with a few new wrinkles. For newcomers to the series or those looking for a more narratively driven experience, it might be best to wait for a price drop or check out other tactical shooters.

7. Returnal

 Returnal crash-lands on the scene, offering a punishing yet rewarding experience set on a hostile alien world. But is it a challenging masterpiece or a frustrating exercise in repetition? Grab your space suit, malfunctioning pistol, and let’s dive into the ever-shifting madness.

An Ever-Evolving Nightmare:

Die and Retry, But Better: Returnal embraces the roguelike genre with open arms. Each death throws you back to the beginning, with a procedurally generated world and randomized items ensuring a fresh experience every time.

Embrace the Challenge: The combat is demanding but satisfying. Mastering weapon recoil patterns, dodging enemy attacks, and utilizing your temporary power-ups is key to survival.

A Feast for the Eyes (and Ears): The alien world is a visual and auditory treat. From neon-drenched biomes to haunting soundscapes, Returnal creates an atmosphere that’s both beautiful and unsettling.

A Story Unfolds, Piece by Piece: Scattered clues and cryptic messages slowly reveal a deeper narrative. Piecing together the mystery of the planet Atropos and Selene’s (the protagonist) past adds a layer of intrigue to the gameplay loop.

The Beauty Can Be Brutal:

Rage-Inducing Repetition: While the ever-changing world adds replayability, it can also lead to frustration. Dying right before a boss fight or losing valuable upgrades can feel like a punch to the gut.

The Grind is Real: Unlocking permanent upgrades and weapon traits takes a significant amount of time and can feel like a slog, especially for more casual players.

A Lonely Journey (Mostly): While online co-op exists, Returnal is primarily a single-player experience. Those craving a constant companion might find the isolation a bit daunting.

The Verdict:

Returnal is a challenging and rewarding love-hate relationship. The gorgeous visuals, demanding combat, and ever-evolving world offer an addictive gameplay loop. However, the brutal difficulty, repetitive grind, and lack of a strong narrative can be turn-offs for some players.

Recommendation:

If you’re a skilled gamer who thrives on challenge and enjoys unraveling cryptic narratives, Returnal is a must-play. However, if you’re easily frustrated or prefer a more forgiving experience, you might want to wait for a significant price drop or consider a different title. Just be prepared to leave your ego (and maybe your sanity) at the door.

6. Uncharted Legacy of Thieves Collection

Calling all thrill-seekers and adventurers! Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection has arrived, remastering two of the greatest cinematic action-adventures of the PlayStation era: Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End and Uncharted: The Lost Legacy. But does this collection merely polish old gems, or unearth a new adventure for players to plunder? Let’s grab our grappling hooks and swing into the review!

Unearthing Buried Treasure:

A Visual Feast: The remastered graphics are a revelation. From the lush jungles of Madagascar to the snow-capped peaks of Nepal, the environments are breathtakingly detailed, making you feel like you’re right there alongside Nathan Drake and Chloe Frazer.

A Genre-Defining Adventure: The Uncharted series is known for its perfect blend of action, puzzles, and witty dialogue. These remastered titles deliver that experience in spades, offering a thrilling rollercoaster ride from start to finish.

Two Adventures, Twice the Fun: The collection includes both Uncharted 4 and The Lost Legacy, offering a hefty amount of content for your buck. Each game features a unique story and a distinct cast of characters, ensuring variety and replayability.

Improved Perfomance: The buttery smooth 60fps frame rate on PlayStation 5 makes the action sequences even more exhilarating. Dodging bullets and swinging through the air feels incredibly responsive.

Not Every Artifact Gleams:

A Familiar Fortune: For those who played the originals, the core gameplay remains largely unchanged. While this is great for preserving the experience, it might feel a bit repetitive for returning players.

Multiplayer Mayhem Missing: The multiplayer mode, which was present in the original Uncharted 4, is absent from this collection. This might be a disappointment for some fans.

A Pricey Pillage?: The collection’s price tag might be a bit steep for those who already own the original games. Consider if the visual improvements and smoother performance justify the cost.

The Verdict:

Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection is a treasure trove for both newcomers and longtime fans of the series. The stunning visuals, exhilarating action, and captivating stories make these remastered adventures a must-play. However, the lack of significant gameplay changes and the absence of multiplayer might give some returning players pause.

Recommendation:

If you’ve never experienced the thrill of Uncharted or are itching to revisit these classic adventures with a visual upgrade, the Legacy of Thieves Collection is a golden opportunity. However, if you already own the originals and aren’t too fussed about the graphical improvements, you might want to wait for a price drop or dive into a different adventure.

5. Dead Space

Calling all space explorers and fans of sci-fi horror! Dead Space has clawed its way back onto the scene with a stunning remake, but is it a nostalgic spacewalk or a terrifying trip down a memory lane filled with jump scares? Strap on your RIG suit and let’s delve into the USG Ishimura!

The Necromorphs Are Back, and More Grotesque Than Ever:

Visceral Horror: The upgraded visuals elevate the terror to a whole new level. Necromorphs, the game’s monstrous enemies, are rendered in horrifying detail. Dismembering them strategically (the only way to put them down) feels gross yet strangely satisfying.

A Symphony of Suspense: The sound design is phenomenal. Creaking metal, dripping fluids, and the unsettling moans of the Necromorphs create an atmosphere so thick you can practically cut it with your plasma cutter.

No Time to Breathe: Dead Space masterfully builds tension. The limited ammo and strategically placed save points keep you on edge, forcing you to carefully manage resources and making every encounter feel like a desperate fight for survival.

The Voice of Reason (…ish): Engineer Isaac Clarke might not be the chattiest protagonist, but his grunts of exertion and muttered curses add a layer of realism and vulnerability to his struggle.

Not Quite Perfect (But Still Pretty Darn Good):

A Familiar Walk in the Dark: The core gameplay remains largely unchanged. While this is great for nostalgia, it might feel a bit repetitive for those who played the original.

The Clunky Past Creeps In: Some elements of the control scheme feel dated compared to modern games. Zero-gravity sections can be a bit tricky to navigate.

Story? We Have a Story…Kinda: The narrative is more interesting than a typical monster-bashing plot, but it’s not the main focus. Expect more atmosphere and dread than deep character development.

The Verdict:

The Dead Space remake is a fantastic return to form. The visuals and sound design are top-notch, the atmosphere is suffocatingly tense, and the core gameplay remains addictive. While some might find the story and control scheme a bit dated, Dead Space delivers a chilling and nostalgic experience that will have you blasting Necromorphs and checking over your shoulder every step of the way.

Recommendation:

If you’re a horror fan or a fan of the original Dead Space, this remake is a must-play. Just be prepared for some jump scares, some control quirks, and a whole lot of grotesque fun (or should we say, frights?). For newcomers to the franchise, Dead Space offers a fantastic introduction to a world of sci-fi horror that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

4. Resident Evil 4

Calling all zombie slayers and fans of classic horror! Resident Evil 4 makes a chilling return, this time with a fresh coat of paint. But does this remaster deliver the same thrills as the original, or is it a creaky coffin best left buried? Let’s grab a flashlight and investigate!

Still Scary After All These Years:

A New Threat Emerges: Resident Evil 4 ditches the slow-moving zombies for a faster, more aggressive enemy. These creepy villagers will keep you on your toes, forcing you to think strategically and conserve ammo (it’s not as plentiful as you might like!).

A Hauntingly Beautiful World: The upgraded visuals breathe new life into the spooky European setting. From the decaying village to the creepy castle, the environments are detailed and atmospheric, making exploration both exciting and terrifying.

Action Hero Leon: Gone is the clunky Leon of the past. The controls are smooth and responsive, allowing you to aim and shoot with ease. Taking down enemies feels satisfying, and the action sequences are genuinely thrilling.

The Merchant of Mystery: A fan-favorite character, the Merchant, returns to sell you weapons, ammo, and other goodies. His witty remarks and shady deals add a touch of dark humor to the tense atmosphere.

Not Quite Perfect:

A Blast from the Past (Literally): While the controls are improved, they still feel a bit dated compared to modern shooters. You might need some time to adjust if you’re used to newer games.

Inventory Tetris: Managing your inventory can feel like a chore. The limited space forces you to make tough decisions about what to carry and what to leave behind.

The Case of the Creepy Crawlies: Some of the original’s more frustrating elements, like the swarms of bugs in the swamp area, are still present. Be prepared for some moments of pure panic (and button mashing!).

The Verdict:

Resident Evil 4 Remake is a fantastic update to a beloved classic. The new visuals are stunning, the action is intense, and the atmosphere is still dripping with dread. While some dated elements remain and the inventory management can be a pain, the overall experience is a thrilling blast from the past.

Recommendation:

If you’re a horror fan or a curious newcomer, Resident Evil 4 Remake is a must-play. Just be prepared for some control quirks, limited inventory space, and a whole lot of creepy crawlies!

3. Outriders: Shoot, Loot, Repeat (But in a Good Way!)

Outriders blasts onto the scene, offering a thrilling blend of shooting, RPG elements, and co-op action. But is it a must-play masterpiece, or a repetitive grind disguised as a sci-fi adventure? Let’s grab our guns and dig in!

The Good Stuff:

Pow! Pow! Outriders’ combat is its bread and butter. Shooting a variety of enemies with powerful weapons feels satisfying, and using your character’s unique abilities adds another layer of strategic depth.

A World of Loot: The game showers you with loot, from new guns and armor to special mods that enhance your abilities. The constant stream of rewards keeps you engaged in the hunt for the next big upgrade.

Team Up, Outlaws! Outriders shines brightest in co-op. Mowing down enemies and reviving fallen comrades with your friends is a blast. The teamwork and strategy add a whole new dimension to the gameplay.

Classy Characters: There are four distinct classes to choose from, each with its own playstyle. From the teleporting Trickster to the earth-manipulating Devastator, there’s a perfect class for every gamer.

The Not-So-Good Stuff:

Story? We Kinda Forgot: The narrative is a bit weak. While the world-building is interesting, the plot itself feels like an afterthought.

Samey Settings: The environments can get a bit repetitive. Exploring similar areas over time can lead to a feeling of deja vu.

Technical Hiccups: The game can suffer from occasional bugs and performance issues. These can disrupt the flow of the action, especially during intense firefights.

The Verdict:

Outriders is a fun and frenetic co-op experience with great shooting mechanics, a constant stream of loot, and diverse character classes. However, a weak story and repetitive environments hold it back from greatness.

Recommendation:

If you’re looking for a loot-filled shooter to play with friends, Outriders is a solid choice. Just be prepared for a focus on action over story and some technical bumps along the way. For solo players or those craving a deeper narrative, there might be better options out therer.

2. Remnant 2

Calling all monster hunters and loot lovers! Remnant 2 blasts onto the scene, offering a wild ride through creepy alien worlds filled with deadly bosses and even deadlier loot. But is it a triumph or a repetitive slog?  Let’s grab our guns and find out!

The Good Stuff:

Monster Mayhem:  Remnant 2 shines in its combat.  Blasting away at grotesque creatures with a variety of guns, mods, and abilities is a satisfying thrill.  Dodging giant swipes and unleashing special attacks keeps the action intense and engaging.

Worlds of Wonder (and Weirdness):   Each procedurally generated world feels unique, offering stunning landscapes and strange biomes to explore.  You never know what bizarre enemy or hidden treasure awaits around the next corner. 

Sweet, Sweet Loot:  The game showers you with loot, from powerful weapons to armor that lets you customize your playstyle.  Experimenting with different gear combinations adds another layer of fun to the monster-slaying mayhem.

Co-op Camaraderie:  Team up with friends for some epic co-op action.  Taking down monstrous bosses together is a blast, and reviving fallen comrades adds a layer of teamwork and strategy to the experience.

The Not-So-Good Stuff:

Déjà Vu Dungeons:  While the worlds are varied, the overall level design can feel repetitive.  Exploring similar corridors and fighting similar enemies over time can get a bit monotonous.

Story? What Story?:  The narrative takes a backseat to the action.  Vague clues and environmental storytelling might leave some players wanting a more fleshed-out plot.

Difficulty Cliffhanger:  The game can be brutally challenging, especially early on.  Solo players might find themselves facing some serious frustration before they get the hang of things.

The Verdict:

Remnant 2 is a monster-mashing good time with a heavy focus on action and loot. The combat is fantastic, the worlds are interesting (if a bit repetitive), and the co-op is a blast. However, a lack of story and a steep difficulty curve might turn some players away.

Recommendation:

If you’re looking for a challenging and action-packed co-op experience with cool loot and creepy monsters, Remnant 2 is a great choice.  Just be prepared for a bumpy ride, especially if you’re going it alone.

1. Helldivers 2

Calling all trigger-happy marines (and masochists in training)! Helldivers 2 has crash-landed onto consoles and PC, bringing back the over-the-top, squad-based action of the original with a healthy dose of new features. But is it a glorious victory for democracy, or a friendly fire fiesta gone wrong? Let’s suit up and drop into the trenches, soldier!

Glorious Deployments:

Bugpocalypse Beauty: Helldivers 2 boasts a significant graphical leap, showcasing the nightmarish beauty of alien worlds teeming with creepy-crawlies and hostile robots. Witnessing a giant ant explode in a shower of chitinous shrapnel has never been so visually pleasing (in a morbid way).

Class Warfare: A wider range of soldier classes allows for more strategic squad composition. From nimble jetpack troopers to heavy-weapons specialists, there’s a role for every kind of gung-ho warrior (or accidental team-killer).

Planetary Peril, Expanded: The procedurally generated maps ensure endless replayability. Each drop zone throws new challenges your way, keeping you on your toes and testing your squad’s ability to adapt to the battlefield chaos.

The Arsenal of Democracy (and Friendly Fire): A cornucopia of new weapons and gadgets lets you rain hellfire (and sometimes friendly fire) upon your enemies. From experimental plasma rifles to orbital bombardments that can level a city block (and potentially your squadmates), the options for creative destruction are delightfully vast.

Less Glorious Deployments:

A Bug (or Two) Too Many: While the visuals are improved, launch-day jitters can disrupt the experience. Occasional bugs and glitches can turn a tactical retreat into a hilarious (or frustrating) descent into digital pandemonium.

The Price of Democracy: Unlocking new weapons and equipment can feel like a grind, especially for casual players. The reliance on microtransactions might leave some feeling like they’re nickel-and-dimed for peak pew-pew potential.

Still a Learning Curve: Helldivers 2 retains the original’s steep difficulty curve. Newcomers might find themselves face-planted in the dirt (or vaporized by friendly fire) quite frequently before mastering the art of strategic mayhem.

The Verdict:

Helldivers 2 is a love letter to cooperative carnage. It’s a game that thrives on its frantic action, dark humor, and the sheer joy (and occasional frustration) of coordinating (or accidentally disintegrating) with your fellow marines. While technical issues and a potential paywall hold it back slightly, the core gameplay loop remains addictive, especially for those who crave a challenge and a good laugh (at their own expense or their teammates’).

Recommendation:

If you’re looking for a hilarious and challenging co-op experience that throws you headfirst into a chaotic alien meat grinder, Helldivers 2 is a blast. Just be prepared for a steep learning curve, some technical hiccups, and the ever-present danger of being vaporized by your own side. For solo players or those seeking a more polished experience, it might be best to wait for a price drop or see if the developers squash those pesky bugs. But for the truly dedicated soldier, Helldivers 2 offers an unforgettable descent into planetary pandemonium.