Fantasy Art

Best games for your new PlayStation 4 console

It's not every year that the gaming world changes completely, but 2013 was that year. We got a new Xbox and a new Playstation, with more power and more features than anything we've ever seen before — but that means every game you've played for the last decade is now woefully out of date. If you got a new console this year, or unwrapped a slightly smaller package with a Nintendo 3DS or a PlayStation Vita, what you need next is to find something to play. Here's where to start.

-Resogun

-Knack

-Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag

-Need for Speed: Rivals

-Fifa 14

Resogun

There are few greater joys in life than a good arcade shooter. Resogun, from the creators of Super Stardust HD, is the latest to tackle the long-running genre, and it does so with wonderfully tuned gameplay and some of the most spectacular next-gen visual effects so far.

Knack

Every console needs a platformer, and the PS4 has Knack. It may not be as wildly creative as the adventures of a certain plumber, but it’s enjoyable action nonetheless, with a DreamWorks-style level of polish that makes it instantly charming.

Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag

Previous Assassin's Creed games confined you to ancient cities, but Black Flag finally sets you free. You're able to explore the vast oceans of the Caribbean, where there's much more to do than just assassinate people. You can even harpoon a whale if you're that kind of person.

Need for Speed: Rivals

Gran Turismo-style racing sims are great, but sometimes you just need to let loose with an unrealistic burst of speed. Need for Speed: Rivals lets you reenact the Fast and Furious moments of your dreams, with insanely fast, ridiculously fun cars. Better yet, you can race with friends, though you won't be able to bet pink slips.

Fifa 14

The FIFA games only change slightly from one year to the next, but the move to next-gen consoles represents a satisfying visual leap for the series. The players not only look better, but move and react in convincingly realistic ways as well. It's harder than ever to keep Messi away from the goal.