Hidden Gems You Missed on PlayStation Exclusives

2 December 2025

When you think about PlayStation exclusives, what comes to mind first? Probably titans like God of War, The Last of Us, or Spider-Man, right? They're huge, groundbreaking, and frankly, they deserve all the love they get. But, here's the thing—underneath those AAA blockbusters sits a treasure trove of hidden gems that most players either gloss over or totally miss.

These are the games that didn’t have massive marketing budgets, didn’t make noise on launch day, or simply got overshadowed by bigger titles. But trust me, once you crack them open, they offer an experience just as rewarding—sometimes even more so.

So, if you’re looking to fill your backlog with pure PlayStation gold that slipped under the radar, buckle up. Let's talk about those underrated PlayStation exclusives that deserve your attention.

Why Hidden Gems Matter

Let’s be real—gaming isn’t cheap or time-abundant. With so many hyped games out there, it’s easy to stick with the well-trodden path. But by doing that, you risk missing out on the quirky, offbeat titles that dare to be different.

Hidden gems aren't just underplayed—they're often where developers take creative risks. You might not get the polish of a triple-A budget, but you’ll often find original mechanics, unique narratives, and unforgettable moments that mainstream games tend to play safe on.

1. Gravity Rush Series – A Vertigo-Inducing Masterpiece

Let’s start with one of my absolute favorites: Gravity Rush and its sequel Gravity Rush 2. Not many people talk about these games—and honestly, it’s criminal.

What Makes It Special?

You play as Kat, a mysteriously superpowered girl who can manipulate gravity. Think flying, but instead of flapping wings, you fall… on purpose… in any direction you choose. It’s a little disorienting at first, but the freedom is unmatched. Combine that with a stunning watercolor art style, engaging combat, and an emotionally rich story, and you’ve got a game that deserves way more spotlight.

Why Was It Overlooked?

The original was launched on the PS Vita, which didn’t do so well globally, and even though the remaster made it to PS4, it got buried under a tonne of noise from bigger releases.

2. Puppeteer – A Theatrical Action Platformer With a Twist

You know those games that feel like nothing else? Puppeteer is exactly that.

What's It About?

Picture a puppet show on steroids. You play as Kutaro, a boy turned puppet in a magical world, armed with a magical pair of scissors (yes, you read that right—scissors!). These aren’t your regular school scissors though. They let you cut through objects, scenery, and even enemies.

Why It’s a Hidden Gem

The game unfolds like a stage play, complete with curtains, audience cheers, and scene changes. It's brimming with creativity, both in narrative and gameplay. But despite its originality, it got lost in the shuffle and never caught mainstream heat.

3. Concrete Genie – Painting the Town With Emotion

This little beauty is more heart than hype, and it’s an emotional ride that’s as much about healing as it is about gameplay.

What’s the Story?

You’re Ash, a bullied kid who brings his dull, polluted town back to life by painting magical creatures on walls. These aren’t just for show—they help solve puzzles and light up the world, literally and metaphorically.

Why It Deserves More Love

Not only is Concrete Genie visually stunning, but it also explores themes of bullying, emotional trauma, and redemption. It even includes a surprisingly fun VR mode, if you’re rocking a headset.

4. The Order: 1886 – A Visual Powerhouse with Underrated Storytelling

Yeah, yeah—I hear you. “Wasn't that the short game with the pretty graphics and meh gameplay?” Hear me out.

Here’s the Deal

Yes, it’s a bit short. But The Order: 1886 offers a deeply immersive, cinematic experience set in an alternate Victorian London filled with werewolves, advanced tech, and secret societies. Think steampunk meets supernatural. The production values are through the roof, and the world-building? Chef’s kiss.

Why You Should Give It Another Shot

It got panned mostly because it didn’t meet mismatched expectations. Go in knowing it’s more interactive film than full-blooded action game, and you’ll likely walk away impressed.

5. Until Dawn – The Horror Movie You Control

While this one did get some love, it still didn’t quite make it into the PlayStation exclusive Hall of Fame, which is a shame.

What’s the Vibe?

Imagine a playable teen horror flick. Think Friday the 13th meets a choose-your-own-adventure book. Every choice you make influences who lives and who doesn’t. Butterflies, baby—the Butterfly Effect system is no joke.

Why It’s Worth Revisiting

The tension is real, and the writing is actually pretty solid for a horror game. Plus, it features motion-captured performances by legit Hollywood actors like Hayden Panettiere and Rami Malek before he became Freddie Mercury. It’s a banger for a weekend gaming sesh.

6. Tokyo Jungle – Animal Apocalypse, Anyone?

If quirky is your jam, Tokyo Jungle is going to blow your mind.

What’s Going On Here?

Humans are extinct. Animals rule Tokyo. And you—yes, you—play everything from Pomeranians to lions, fighting for survival in a post-apocalyptic city. It's like The Walking Dead, but with pets.

Why It’s a Must-Play

It’s weird. It’s hilarious. And it’s surprisingly deep, with mechanics around life cycles, territory, and survival. Plus, where else can you see a beagle challenge an alligator for turf?

7. Infamous: Festival of Blood – The Bite-Sized Spin-Off with Fangs

The Infamous series isn't exactly unheard of, but this vampire-themed standalone title flew under the radar.

What’s the Deal?

Cole MacGrath turns into a vampire. That’s it. That’s the tweet. It’s a short, self-contained adventure that doesn’t require completion of the main games and leans hard into the Halloween vibe.

Why It’s Cool

It’s stylish, fast-paced, and dripping with attitude… and blood. It’s also the perfect size for one or two sittings.

8. Folklore – PS3’s Forgotten Fantasy

If you're into folklore, fairy tales, and Celtic mythology, this one’s got your name written all over it.

What's It About?

Two characters—Keats and Ellen—journey between a quiet Irish village and a dark netherworld filled with spirits, mysteries, and bizarre monsters. You capture these creatures to use in battles, kind of like Pokémon, but way darker.

Why It’s a Hidden Classic

The dual-narrative structure, unique monster collection system, and moody atmosphere make Folklore unforgettable. Sadly, it was a PS3 exclusive that never got a sequel or much press.

9. Heavenly Sword – The Precursor to Modern Action Epics

Before God of War (2018) shifted to a narrative-driven style, Heavenly Sword was out there doing something similar.

What’s the Backstory?

You play as Nariko, a fierce warrior wielding a mythical sword that’s slowly killing her. It’s all high drama, intense combat, and emotional story beats.

Why It Matters

It helped pave the way for cinematic storytelling in games. Plus, the villain (voiced by Andy Serkis!) is one of the most unforgettable antagonists in any PlayStation game.

10. Sir Daniel Fortesque’s Medievil (Remake) – Bones of Nostalgia

Sometimes the dead really do come back to life.

What’s the Hook?

You play as Sir Daniel Fortesque, a resurrected knight trying to save his kingdom from the evil sorcerer who killed him. The remake brought back all the charm of the original PS1 game with updated visuals and tight controls.

Why It’s Special

It’s a delightful mix of action, humor, and good old-fashioned spooky fun. Perfect for fans of Tim Burton-esque gothic vibes.

What Makes a Gem Shine?

So, what ties all of these together? Heart. That’s it. These games weren’t crafted to rake in billions—they were made with passion, storytelling, and originality at their core. And that’s exactly why they stick with you.

Sure, they may not be trending on Reddit or breaking Twitch viewership records, but fire one up, and you’ll see what you’ve been missing.

How to Find More Hidden PlayStation Gems

When you're done exploring these, don’t just go back to the big-name games. Try this:

- Keep an eye on PlayStation Plus indie offerings.
- Sort games by “Lowest Downloaded” in PS Store (yes, seriously).
- Join smaller subreddits and forums for recommendations.

Basically—dig deeper. You’re bound to find more diamonds in the rough.

Final Thoughts

One of the best parts of gaming is discovering something unexpectedly great. These PlayStation exclusives may not be in the spotlight, but they shine in their own quirky, heartfelt, and creative ways. So next time you fire up your PS4 or PS5, skip past the blockbusters for once. You might just stumble onto your new favorite game.

Happy gaming, and hey—don’t forget to share your own hidden gem discoveries. Who knows, maybe your overlooked favorite will make someone else’s day.