Sony's new console has enjoyed one of the most successful launches ever. Having already shifted more than four million units, the company will have to keep plying the fledgling system with quality titles to carry the momentum well into 2014 and beyond, and exclusive games are key to this. Luckily, we're already aware of a number of promising AAA titles that you can only play on Sony's next-gen console in 2014.
InFamous: Second Son
InFamous is one of the system's post-launch flagship titles and from what we've seen so far, it's certainly one to get excited about. The third instalment in developer Sucker Punch's critically acclaimed franchise, Second Son is a next-gen only title that boasts impressive looks and some great gameplay mechanics.
The game looks set to follow the franchise's established formula, with an open world, effective morality system and a host of impressive looking super powers. That said, there are some significant changes this time around, most notably a new protagonist (voiced by the excellent Troy Baker) and a change of locale, with the franchise doing away with fictional settings and moving to real-world Seattle.
Considering the quality of past installments, Second Son looks to be a must-buy for PS4 owners in 2014.
Release date: March 21, 2014
Driveclub
Evolution Studios' title is a team-based online racer that rewards players for working together against other "clubs" around the world. Unlike most simulation racers, Driveclub isn't all about straightforward racing. A large part of the game is about setting and completing challenges such as time trials, watching as competing teams attempt to best each other's performances.
Racing purists will be pleased to learn that the title is designed to be played from the first-person perspective, and the game's cars are extremely detailed and accurate clones of their real-life counterparts. Driveclub is also visually potent, matching up to competing titles like the Xbox One-only Forza Motorsport 5.
Release date: Q1 2014
The Order: 1886
The Order is one of the more intriguing titles set to hit the PS4 this year. A third-person action game from developer Ready at Dawn, the title presents an alternative history version of late 19th-century London, putting the player in the shoes of a member of an elite order of knights, fighting a mysterious supernatural enemy.
We're yet to see much of the game past the in-engine E3 reveal, but the glimpses that we have seen are promising. The title's art style is great and the visuals are looking decidedly "next-gen." Given the strength of the game's setting, the quality of its story is likely to be a big factor in its potential success.
Release date: Expected Q3 2014
Uncharted 4
Sony has a few big franchises that are arguably deserving of the "system seller" moniker, and Uncharted is chief among them. With three strong PS3 entries and a surprisingly excellent PS Vita game, developer Naughty Dog has created an impressive pedigree for the franchise.
Uncharted 4 is still shrouded in mystery, but thanks to an unapologetically tantalizing teaser trailer, we do know it exists. It's likely the developer has been working flat-out on the game since completing The Last of Us, and in light of inevitable pressure from Sony, it's very likely we'll see Uncharted 4 before the year's out.
Release date: Expected 2014
Honorable Mentions
The above provides a mere glimpse of exclusive titles coming to Sony's new platform, but there's plenty more to look forward to in 2014. Sony's own massively-multiplayer shooter Planetside 2 will hit the system some time this year, as will MLB 14: The Show and Capcom's intriguing and beautiful dungeon-crawling RPG Deep Down. As always, there's also a wealth of multiplatform content on its way, meaning PS4 owners have a lot to look forward to in 2014.