The first of the new games for 2024 is just around the corner, but if you're looking for something to play while you wait for the New Year to kick into high gear, there are plenty of the best PS5 games available right now on PlayStation Plus.

These must-have titles range from tough action RPGs that have spawned a whole new genre of video games to visually stunning open-world games that let you battle robotic dinosaurs with a bow and arrow.

In my personal opinion, every PS5 game on this list is a must-play, but don't just take my word for it. All of the titles listed below have received high Critics' Recommendation scores on the review aggregation site OpenCritic. While this is not a perfect measure of quality, it is a good indication that these games are generally considered worth checking out to see if they can at least win your heart.

Just remember that you need a PlayStation Plus Extra or Premium account to access these games, and with apologies to PlayStation Plus Essential members, the monthly games We have no choice but to do so. To learn more, check out our PlayStation Plus breakdown.

The original Demon's Souls, released in 2009, was little more than a cult hit, but it set the stage for the famed sequel, Dark Souls, and ultimately changed the game's outlook Bluepoint Games' work on This stunning, complete remake brings the PS3 release of the title back to the modern age and takes it even further. Boasting gorgeous visuals and polished gameplay, the game retains the brutal challenge of the "Demon's Souls" original, but everything looks and plays better than ever. While some of the mechanical improvements added in From Software's later "Souls" series have been missed (the lack of bonfire checkpoints is rough), "Demon's Souls" is still a game worth experiencing, and this remake is the 2024 version of this immensely influential title It's the best and most obvious way to enjoy it.

Genre RPG Open Critics Score: 99 Play on PlayStation Plus

Inspired by the classic Super Nintendo RPG and winner of Best Independent Game at the Game Awards 2023, Sea of Stars is a lovable retro throwback. While the game lavishly draws inspiration from "Chrono Trigger" and "Super Mario RPG," this pixel-perfect game also includes plenty of modern elements to make it accessible to players who are less familiar with the games of yesteryear. Players play as Vale and Zale, two intrepid heroes who manipulate an ancient mystical force called Eclipse Magic. In order to stop the evil alchemists, they must fight off all enemies in turn-based battles and solve puzzles that hinder their progress. You'll also meet an impressive cast of side characters and add them to your party.

Genre RPG Open Critics Score: 97 Play on PlayStation Plus

Aloy returns in this sequel to the best-selling PS4 exclusive Horizon Zero Dawn (Horizon Zero Dawn is also available on PlayStation Plus). This time, hunters travel west into even more dangerous territory, filled with new robotic creatures to battle and forgotten mysteries to uncover. While the open-word activities are a bit routine, "Horizon Forbidden West" has a handful of main storylines and is one of the best looking games on the PS5. There's no denying that this is a fairly innocuous sequel, making few changes to the formula established in its predecessor, but if you're looking for a huge world to immerse yourself in for hours, "Horizon Forbidden West" is practically guaranteed to satisfy. Plus, shooting through the armor of a giant metal beast with an electrified bow and arrow to expose its glowing weaknesses is as satisfying as ever.

Genre Action/Adventure Open Critics Score: 96 Played on PlayStation Plus

Our reviewer described Ratchet & Clank as "Rift Apart": Rift Apart is "the game PS5 was born to play," and once you experience this vibrant action platformer Once you experience this vibrant action platform, you'll understand why. Featuring two of PlayStation's most beloved mascots, "Rift Apart" follows the lovable Lombax and his fellow robots on their biggest galaxy-spanning adventure to date. Weaving together all sorts of wacky weapons and a new dimensional rift that allows you to instantly traverse fully-rendered levels, this is the most explosive Ratchet & Clank game yet, and not only does it look phenomenal on PS5, but the console's lightning-fast SSD and innovative Dual Sense controllers also showcase their power. Plus, there's a fun storyline that pits you against your nemesis, Dr. Nefarious, with the help of your lovable new friend Rivet.

Genre Action/Adventure Open Critics Score: 95 Play on PlayStation Plus

2019's Devil May Cry 5 was seen as a return to the franchise that split the fan base in two with 2013's DmC reboot.Upgraded to take advantage of the power of PS5, Devil May Cry 5: Special Edition" is the best way to experience this adrenaline-pumping hack-and-slash masterpiece. This expanded edition adds new playable characters and includes all DLC content from the original version. Most impressively, "Devil May Cry 5" strikes the perfect balance between being accessible to beginners and providing just the right amount of challenge for veterans: the 12-hour campaign is highly replayable, encouraging you to learn each character's moves and push yourself to achieve higher scores. It encourages you to.

Genre Action Open Critics Score: 95 Play on PlayStation Plus