The PlayStation brand holds a significant position in the gaming realm, emerging as a formidable rival to Nintendo and Xbox. Sony's array of exceptional home consoles and handhelds have served as the ultimate platforms for experiencing a plethora of extraordinary video games.
While PlayStation's franchises differ from Nintendo's, with some major ones like Crash Bandicoot and Spyro The Dragon not owned by Sony, there are iconic PlayStation franchises with a substantial number of games under their belt. These franchises have left a lasting impact on the gaming community.
7 LittleBigPlanet
Total Games: 10
During the PlayStation 3 era, the LittleBigPlanet franchise featuring Sackboy emerged as a prominent mascot for the brand. These colorful and engaging platformer games allowed players to unleash their creativity by crafting their own levels. With a simple yet captivating concept, this franchise spawned multiple titles, including sequels and spin-offs, captivating fans with its charm and potential for more adventures.
6 Wipeout
Total Games: 12
The Wipeout series, known for its high-speed futuristic racing games, was once a flagship franchise for PlayStation. Despite a decline in popularity due to various factors, including the closure of the original developer, Psygnosis, this series boasts over twelve different entries across various PlayStation platforms. Fans eagerly await a revival of this iconic franchise on the PlayStation 5.
5 Everybody's Golf/Hot Shots Golf
Total Games: 12
Alongside Wipeout, Everybody's Golf (formerly known as Hot Shots Golf) has also seen twelve game releases. This franchise, with its anime art style and accessible gameplay, has rivaled the likes of Mario Golf and incorporated fun cameos of other PlayStation characters, captivating gamers with its unique golfing experience. With the last game released in 2017, fans eagerly anticipate the next installment.
4 Gran Turismo
Total Games: 13
Setting itself apart from the competition, Sony excels in developing first-party realistic sports simulators, exemplified by the renowned Gran Turismo racing franchise. Since its inception in 1997, this franchise has consistently delivered dynamic and realistic racing experiences across various PlayStation consoles, culminating in a live-action movie adaptation.
3 Ape Escape
Total Games: 14
Among the classic platforming mascots of the PlayStation 1 era, Ape Escape stands out as a Sony-owned gem. Featuring inventive gameplay mechanics centered around catching cartoon apes, this franchise captured the hearts of players, leading to numerous sequels and spin-offs across PlayStation consoles. With its creative concept and lovable characters, fans eagerly await the return of Ape Escape in future PlayStation titles.
2 God Of War
Total Games: 16
The God of War franchise made a significant impact on the PlayStation 2, revolutionizing the hack & slash genre with its violent and epic gameplay. With a series of successful sequels and prequels across home consoles and handhelds, God of War continues to be a flagship franchise for PlayStation. While not as numerous, the franchise's releases, including remasters and collections, underscore its enduring popularity and potential for future growth.
1 Ratchet & Clank
Total Games: 17
Following the departure of iconic mascots like Crash and Spyro, Sony introduced the beloved Ratchet & Clank series for the PlayStation 2, becoming a cornerstone of PlayStation gaming. Combining 3D platforming with engaging third-person shooting mechanics, this series, known for its humor and top-notch graphics, has garnered a dedicated following. With multiple sequels and spin-offs across PlayStation platforms, including the recent success of Rift Apart on PS5, Ratchet & Clank continues to be a cherished PlayStation franchise.