The Best PS4 Games For Kids

The PlayStation 4 offers an extensive library of titles suitable for younger audiences, ranging from creative sandboxes to challenging platformers. These games are selected based on their age-appropriate content, engaging gameplay mechanics, and critical reception among families. Parents can find various genres including racing, puzzle-solving, and cooperative adventures that encourage teamwork and motor skill development. This list highlights the premier experiences available on the console for children of different age groups, ordered according to their critical and user reception.

‘Knack II’ (2017)

Developed by SIE Japan Studio and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment, this game features a hero who can grow or shrink by absorbing relics. The gameplay involves platforming and combat with a heavy emphasis on family-friendly cooperative play. A second player can jump in at any time to assist with puzzles or battles. This title improves upon its predecessor with more varied mechanics and a refined skill tree system.

‘Team Sonic Racing’ (2019)

Sumo Digital developed this kart racer, which was published by Sega to bring a team-based twist to the genre. Players must work together in groups of three to share power-ups and boost each other’s speed. The game features characters from across the ‘Sonic the Hedgehog’ universe and various tracks inspired by iconic locations. It offers both a story-driven campaign and competitive online multiplayer modes.

‘Yooka-Laylee’ (2017)

This spiritual successor to classic platformers was developed by Playtonic Games and published by Team17. Players control a chameleon and a bat duo as they explore colorful worlds to collect “Pagies” and stop a corporate villain. The game emphasizes exploration, platforming challenges, and quirky character interactions. Its vibrant art style and humorous writing are designed to appeal to fans of retro 3D adventures.

‘LEGO DC Super-Villains’ (2018)

Developed by Traveller’s Tales and published by Warner Bros. Games, this title allows players to create their own custom villain. The story follows a group of iconic DC antagonists who must save the world when the Justice League disappears. Gameplay involves the signature ‘LEGO’ style of smashing objects, building tools, and solving environmental puzzles. It features a massive roster of characters and a lighthearted take on the DC universe.

‘Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare 2’ (2016)

PopCap Games developed this third-person shooter, which was published by Electronic Arts as a sequel to the original hit. The game pits plants against zombies in various objective-based modes and open-world exploration zones. It offers a variety of character classes with unique abilities, allowing for strategic team play. Despite being a shooter, the cartoonish art style and absence of realistic violence make it a popular choice for younger players.

‘Super Mega Baseball 3’ (2020)

Developed and published by Metalhead Software, this sports title combines arcade-style fun with deep simulation mechanics. It features an accessible difficulty system called “Ego” that allows players of all skill levels to compete fairly. The game includes various modes such as Franchise and Pennant Race, providing longevity for fans of the sport. While the characters are stylized and humorous, the physics and gameplay offer a realistic representation of baseball.

‘Hot Wheels Unleashed’ (2021)

Milestone developed and published this fast-paced racing game based on the iconic toy brand. Players can collect and race miniature versions of famous ‘Hot Wheels’ cars across tracks set in everyday environments like kitchens and garages. The game includes a robust track editor that encourages creativity by allowing players to build and share their own courses. It captures the nostalgic feel of playing with die-cast cars through high-quality graphics and realistic toy physics.

‘Minecraft Dungeons’ (2020)

This dungeon-crawler spin-off was developed by Mojang Studios and Double Eleven and published by Xbox Game Studios. Set in the ‘Minecraft’ universe, it focuses on combat and exploration rather than building and mining. Up to four players can team up to battle mobs and navigate randomly generated levels filled with loot. The simplified mechanics make it an excellent introduction to the action-RPG genre for children.

‘LittleBigPlanet 3’ (2014)

Developed by Sumo Digital and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment, this game introduces several new playable characters with unique abilities. The story follows Sackboy and his friends as they work together to save the planet Bunkum from a devious plan. A core feature of the game is its creative suite, which allows players to design their own levels and share them with the community. It emphasizes imagination and cooperative problem-solving through its physics-based platforming.

‘Tearaway Unfolded’ (2015)

Developed by Media Molecule and Tarsier Studios, this title was published by Sony Interactive Entertainment as an expanded version of the original handheld game. It features a world made entirely of paper, where players guide a messenger to deliver a unique message. The game utilizes the features of the DualShock 4 controller, such as the touchpad and light bar, to interact with the environment. It is praised for its creative art direction and inventive gameplay mechanics.

‘LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga’ (2022)

Traveller’s Tales developed this massive compilation, which was published by Warner Bros. Games to cover all nine core ‘Star Wars’ films. The game features updated combat mechanics, open-world hubs, and hundreds of playable characters from the franchise. Players can choose which trilogy to start with, offering freedom in how they experience the legendary story. It maintains the humor and accessibility that the ‘LEGO’ series is known for while providing a modern visual overhaul.

‘Concrete Genie’ (2019)

Developed by Pixelopus and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment, this game tells the story of a boy named Ash who restores a polluted town through art. Players use the motion sensors in the controller to paint living murals and create magical creatures called Genies. These Genies help Ash solve puzzles and navigate the environment while avoiding a group of local bullies. The narrative focuses on themes of bullying, creativity, and environmental restoration.

‘Kingdom Hearts III’ (2019)

Square Enix developed and published this long-awaited conclusion to the “Dark Seeker” saga. The game follows Sora, Donald Duck, and Goofy as they travel through various Disney and Pixar worlds to stop an ancient evil. Players explore locations from ‘Toy Story’, ‘Frozen’, and ‘Monsters, Inc.’, interacting with iconic characters from these films. The combat is fast-paced and visually spectacular, featuring “Attraction Flow” attacks based on theme park rides.

‘Untitled Goose Game’ (2019)

Developed by House House and published by Panic, this slapstick stealth game puts players in control of a mischievous goose. The objective is to complete a checklist of tasks that involve bothering the inhabitants of a quiet English village. Players can honk, flap their wings, and steal items to create chaotic situations. Its simple controls and humorous premise make it accessible and entertaining for players of all ages.

‘Dreams’ (2020)

Media Molecule developed this ambitious game creation platform, which was published by Sony Interactive Entertainment. It provides players with a comprehensive set of tools to create games, music, art, and animations. Users can also explore the “Dreamiverse” to play thousands of unique experiences created by other community members. It serves as both a powerful creative outlet and a nearly endless library of user-generated content.

‘Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled’ (2019)

Beenox developed this remake of the classic kart racer, which was published by Activision. It features all the tracks and characters from the original ‘Crash Team Racing’ along with content from ‘Crash Nitro Kart’. Players can customize their karts and participate in various modes, including a challenging Adventure mode. The game is known for its high difficulty ceiling, though it includes options to make it more accessible for younger racers.

‘Fall Guys’ (2020)

Developed by Mediatonic and published by Devolver Digital, this massively multiplayer party game became a global phenomenon. Players control bean-like characters as they compete in a series of chaotic mini-games and obstacle courses. The goal is to be the last one standing to claim the crown in each match. Its bright colors and physics-based humor provide a fun, competitive environment without the intensity of traditional battle royale games.

‘Sonic Mania’ (2017)

Developed by PagodaWest Games and Headcannon in collaboration with Sega, this title is a celebration of the classic 2D ‘Sonic’ era. It features reimagined versions of iconic levels from the original trilogy alongside brand-new zones. The gameplay focuses on high-speed platforming and collecting rings, maintaining the physics that fans loved in the 1990s. Its vibrant pixel art and energetic soundtrack appeal to both new players and those looking for a retro experience.

‘Kena: Bridge of Spirits’ (2021)

Ember Lab developed and published this action-adventure game that features animation-quality visuals. Players guide Kena, a young spirit guide, as she helps restless spirits move on to the afterlife. The game includes the “Rot,” small cute creatures that Kena collects to help her solve puzzles and defeat enemies. While the combat can be challenging, the story and character designs are deeply reminiscent of high-end animated films.

‘Abzû’ (2016)

Developed by Giant Squid and published by 505 Games, this title offers a peaceful underwater exploration experience. Players control a diver who discovers the secrets of a vast ocean filled with diverse marine life. There is no combat or threat of failure, allowing players to focus on the beauty of the environment and the fluid movement. It is designed to evoke a sense of wonder and connection with the natural world through its orchestral score and art style.

‘Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy’ (2017)

Vicarious Visions developed this comprehensive remake of the first three ‘Crash Bandicoot’ games, published by Activision. It brings the classic platforming challenges to modern hardware with completely rebuilt assets and improved save systems. Players must jump, spin, and slide through various levels to stop the evil Doctor Neo Cortex. The trilogy is famous for its precise gameplay and challenging secrets, providing a rewarding experience for fans of the genre.

‘Spyro Reignited Trilogy’ (2018)

Toys for Bob developed this remake of the original ‘Spyro’ trilogy, which was published by Activision. It features the purple dragon Spyro as he rescues fellow dragons and collects gems across many fantastical realms. The graphics were completely overhauled to look like a modern animated film, while the gameplay remains faithful to the original PlayStation releases. It is widely considered one of the best entry points for children into the 3D platforming genre.

‘Rocket League’ (2015)

Psyonix developed and published this unique sports game that combines soccer with rocket-powered vehicles. Players drive cars to hit a giant ball into the opposing team’s goal in fast-paced matches. The game features a deep customization system for vehicles and various modes, including basketball and hockey variants. Its “easy to learn, hard to master” gameplay has made it a staple in both casual and competitive gaming circles.

‘Ratchet & Clank’ (2016)

Insomniac Games developed this reimagining of the original 2002 title, published by Sony Interactive Entertainment alongside a feature film. The game follows a lombax mechanic and his robot friend as they attempt to join the Galactic Rangers and save the galaxy. It features a variety of imaginative and over-the-top weapons that can be upgraded as players progress. The high-definition visuals and cinematic storytelling provide an experience that feels like playing through a big-budget animated movie.

‘A Hat in Time’ (2017)

Developed by Gears for Breakfast and published by Humble Bundle, this “cute-as-heck” 3D platformer follows a space-traveling girl named Hat Kid. She must collect “Time Pieces” scattered across several unique worlds to power her ship and return home. The game features inventive level design, charming characters, and various hats that grant special abilities. It was heavily inspired by classic Nintendo 64 platformers and has received praise for its personality and gameplay variety.

Share your favorite family memories or suggest other great titles for younger players in the comments.