You Won’t Believe Which PlayStation 4 Games Dominated gamers in 2017—Must-Play Classics! - Coaching Toolbox

Understanding the Context

1. God of War (2018 Adjustment for PS4 – Yet Dominant in Retro Influence)

Though technically released in 2018, God of War’s development began in 2017 under the guise of a streamlined PS4 version that paid homage to its legendary roots. Its brutal Norse mythology, emotional narrative, and masterful combat set a new standard for action-adventure games. While technically launched the following year, its impact echoed deeply into 2017, fueling resurgence in critical acclaim and setting the bar for storytelling-driven PS4 exclusives.

2. Inara Shepherd: A Wild One

Key Insights

Yes, you read that right—a standout indie gem from 2017! Inara Shepherd blended heart-pounding survival horror with a minimalist 3D art style rarely seen on mainstream consoles. Set in a desolate, war-torn Arizona frontier, it emphasized atmosphere and tension over flashy graphics. The game’s slow-burn narrative and memorable companionship left players breathless. Though modestly released, it became a cult favorite for its unique voice and emotional depth—proof that innovation often comes from smaller studios.

3. Bloodborne

Rising from the shadow of Dark Souls’ legacy through PS4’s enhanced power, Bloodborne arrived in late 2017 as a seismic shift in action RPG design. From FromSoftware, it offered heart-pounding exploration, gothic horror, and precise combat mechanics. Its intricate world design and challenging difficulty captivated gamers, cementing PS4 as a platform for immersive, punishing yet rewarding experiences. To this day, Bloodborne remains one of the most cherished titles of the era.

Final Thoughts

4. Horidio: Chrono Traces

Not to be confused with Horidio: Coast Guard (which landed later), Horidio: Chrono Traces emerged as a hidden gem in 2017—a time-travel stealth-action experience blending tactical precision and atmospheric storytelling. Its sleek PS4-exclusive presentation and unique mechanics made it a memorable police-defying title that stirred excitement among indie fans.

5. The Division 2 (Early Access, PS4 Expected Impact)

While The Division 2 officially launched in 2017 but reached early access in select regions, its PS4 rollout set flames of anticipation across gamers. This open-world military shooter embraced cooperative play deep into 2017, offering vast dynamic environments and mission-driven depth. It quickly became a benchmark for teamwork-focused PvP and PvE convergence on console.