Five PS5 Games That Critics Failed to Understand

September 20, 2026 - 22:23

The PS5 remains the dominant force in the current console generation, yet the conversation around its library often misses the mark. While the war for market share continues, a quieter battle persists: the fight for critical respect that several standout titles never received. These five games prove that reviewers do not always get it right.

First, there is Deathloop. Many critics praised its style but complained about its structure, calling the time loop mechanic repetitive. In practice, that loop is the point. Learning enemy patterns and mastering each district turns frustration into satisfaction. The game rewards patience, not speed.

Next, Forspoken took a beating for its dialogue and pacing. Beneath the criticism lies a fast, fluid magic system that makes traversal genuinely fun. The parkour alone deserves more credit than it got.

Then there is Returnal. Some reviewers found its difficulty punishing and its roguelike loop unfair. Over time, players discovered a tight, rewarding shooter with a haunting atmosphere that few games match.

Saints Row, the 2022 reboot, was dismissed as a step down from its predecessors. Yet its sandbox chaos and customisation options offer hours of unscripted fun that reviews largely ignored.

Finally, The Callisto Protocol was written off as a Dead Space clone. Its combat is slower and more deliberate, and its visuals remain some of the best on the system.

Critics move fast. Players move slower. These five games reward the latter.