Ten PlayStation Games and Franchises that Need to be on PC

I’m the type of gamer that likes to have some of the latest hardware as it comes out, specifically with the goal of covering games on that platform. Due to the shortage of PS5 and Xbox Series X systems, I’ve recently picked up both controllers to play with on my PC. This has led me to purchase a few titles that I wouldn’t have otherwise, namely Horizon Zero Dawn and Metro Exodus; the latter of these supports adaptive triggers. This got me thinking, playing PlayStation franchises on PC is super cool but there are so many opportunities for Sony to provide for their players. Sure, PlayStation Now is functional on PC to an extent but being able to buy a few of these games on Steam or the Epic Store just makes it far more convenient. Here is a slew of PlayStation games that I think should be added to the PC platform.

BLOODBORNE

Bloodborne is a no-brainer for a PC release. This is probably one of the most discussed and played titles out of the entire, legendary Soulsborne series by From Software. Even though Elden Ring will be available on most platforms in January of 2022, Bloodborne would be the perfect gift for fans. A few features would be nice to see, such as unlocked framerate, better tools for cooperative play, and modding capabilities but even just a basic port would likely be celebrated.

RESISTANCE FRANCHISE

Before Insomniac was turning heads with their take on the famous web-slinger, they were experimenting in the first-person shooter genre with Resistance, their blockbuster series on the PS3. While this game definitely suffers in places from 2000s brown visuals, the gameplay and weapon design hold up extremely well. Being able to play those games with nicer graphics and keyboard/mouse support would be enough to bring PC players to it and maybe make enough new fans for another entry. It would be a bonus if Retribution on PSP and Burning Skies on Vita were also included but the trilogy would suffice.

LEGEND OF DRAGOON

This game should also be in the running for a multi-platform release but it fits nicely into this list. Legend of Dragoon was one of the more memorable RPGs on the PS1; it wowed players with stunning visuals and a world that was equal parts fantasy and alien with unique approaches to creature and world design. Revisiting the game now reveals some weaknesses in the game’s plot and pacing but it’s an RPG that’s requested often for a remake. Why not test the waters with a PC port? Throw in some quality-of-life features, a la Square Enix’s PS1 ports with the Final Fantasy series, and we’ve got something awesome. Even better would be for Sony to officially hire the group of fans making upscaled versions of the game’s backgrounds.

KILLZONE FRANCHISE

Killzone is the other big-budget FPS franchise that PS3 players rallied around. Unfortunately, the multi-platform juggernauts Call of Duty and Battlefield swallowed that market, but there are still some worthwhile elements to bring back. Killzone had some really awesome weaponry and the multiplayer was exciting. Judging by how successful just about any keyboard/mouse shooter can be, Killzone would be excellent on the PC. That first game is super rough, so if the trilogy was brought forward I’d probably skip playing that one.

RATCHET & CLANK FRANCHISE

There are about 15 Ratchet & Clank games to consider for a PC port. While the PS2 trilogy makes the most sense, I think that just about all of them would do well on the PC platform. This mostly comes down to mouse/keyboard play, something I fully enjoy with any type of shooter, but these are platformers that only exist on PlayStation systems and that’s a shame. Of course, the new cornerstone release of Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart on PS5 likely won’t see a PC release for many years due to the specific nature of that game taking advantage of the system’s fancy hard drive. That said, almost every game in the series is worth replaying and it has wide appeal.

THE LAST OF US PART I AND PART II

Judging by the release of Horizon Zero Dawn on PC, this one seems like the most likely choice for a PC port since both were hallmarks of the PS4. Naughty Dog has been a flagship developer for PlayStation and they really tried to do something different with the more serious Last of Us games. The sequel was one of the more controversial releases in PlayStation history but now that we’ve let those thoughts sit for better consideration it seems like a good time to offer the game to more players. In fact, Sony could take a more deliberate stance on PC play by releasing both of these at the same time, even if they went the route of making their own PC space outside of Steam or Epic.

RADIATA STORIES

Look, some RPGs are never forgotten. Radiata Stories hit at a really impressionable time of my life, early teens, and I found its world to be really enjoyable. The fantasy setting, art direction, and abundance of characters make for a fun, more casual experience and it’s one that I’d like to have again without dragging out the PS2. This is a game that wasn’t made available for download either like Dark Cloud or Wild Arms 3. Mostly, I just don’t want this delightful hidden gem to be forgotten, so a PC port would be great to see.

SHADOW OF THE COLOSSUS

Shadow of the Colossus was a technical achievement on PS2, a game that shouldn’t have been possible but Team Ico created a title that stands as one of the most artistic games of the medium. It’s a somber, awe-inspiring adventure that only PlayStation players have been able to experience. Considering just how influential this game has been, with countless homages in other games and even a whole indie game inspired by it called Praey for the Gods, it would be a damn shame if PC players weren’t able to play it eventually.

UNCHARTED FRANCHISE

Another big franchise that hasn’t left PlayStation is the epic tale of Nathan Drake in the Uncharted series. Big bombastic sequences, classic adventure movie themes, and some of the most gorgeous visuals in the medium make Uncharted a hard franchise to ignore when considering this list. Since the whole series was brought to PS4, a PC port of those five games would be incredible to see.

GOD OF WAR FRANCHISE

For most of my life, when I thought of PlayStation I thought of God of War. It’s an epic that showed the world the violent Kratos who later faced those demons as a father in the most recent entry. Each game in the series is worth playing but the core trilogy and the PS4 release would be excellent to have on PC. Kratos’ journey is one that I’ve enjoyed immensely, one that really matured alongside my own life. Being able to share that feeling with more people is something I’d like to see.

MORE PLAYSTATION GAMES ON PC, PLEASE

All in all, having games in more places is good for game preservation and expands the number of players capable of experiencing more games. Who knows, maybe one of these players could go on to create something even better. Porting to PC could also lead to the revival of a forgotten game. It may take a ton of effort to do right but there’s also emulation to consider, which could be an easier solution for some of these games. If only major publishers wouldn’t equate emulation so closely with piracy. . .

At the end of the day, there is no shortage of games that need to be in more places.

What other PlayStation games would you like to see on PC or even another platform? Let us know on social media or in the comments below.

Alex McCumbers

Twitter: @ACMcCumbers

Alex has been steadily shaping his writing, networking, and production skills for over a decade. He got into games journalism to keep his writing skills and habits in check as he has always wanted to create a novel or write a game's narrative. Sites that have published his work include Giga Geek Magazine, Marooners' Rock, Twin Galaxies, and Popular Mechanics. Several guest pieces have been uploaded on other sites. His work has also been physically published in both volumes of the SNES Omnibus where he contributed essays on several games. He grew up in rural West Virginia, surrounded by Appalachian music and culture.

Forever Classic was the branding that was invented during a faithful summer where he became absolutely fascinated by the world of Let's Play videos and video essays on YouTube. The Forever Classic brand name has always been at the back of his mind, tying it to projects here and there, but this website will be able to collect all of those efforts into a single place as Forever Classic Games LLC. 

"Welcome to Forever Classic Games, I'm Alex McCumbers."

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