Streaming games from the cloud to your PC will always be a sub-par experience to playing them natively, but it does have its benefits. For example, you can get involved on most Windows PCs and even some tablets, as opposed to needing a spec'd up gaming rig.
PlayStation Now has been available for a while but until recently you needed a Sony product to get the best from it. That all changed when it launched for the PC, opening up a vast library of titles that lots of people will have never played.
If you're thinking of giving it a whirl, here are the games you should definitely play.
1. Uncharted
Why you can trust Windows Central Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
The first three Uncharted titles are on PlayStation Now, but it'd be cheating to fill up three slots with them. Suffice to say if you want to see why so many people go nuts over this series, start with the original and go from there.
It's a little bit like Tomb Raider, if Lara Croft was more of a smart ass. It looks great, it's fun to play and there are hours of fun to be had. Embark upon epic adventures as Nathan Drake and uncover some of the finest discoveries the world has ever seen.
2. God of War
As with Uncharted, all the previous generation God of War titles are on PlayStation Now and again you should start at the beginning to get the ball rolling. God of War is what you'd term a "hack and slash," and it's a very good one at that. It's loosely based on Greek mythology and centers around Kratos, a Spartan fooled into killing his family by Ares, the God of War.
Kratos kills Ares, becomes the God of War and then all kinds of God-like shenanigans ensue. You take control of Kratos as he embarks on a mission of revenge. There are three main titles and a selection of side-projects to keep you entertained, and its a great opportunity to see what all the fuss is about.
3. The Last of Us
This action-survival horror title launched to rave reviews and while it's been remastered already for PS4, the original is available to play on PlayStation Now. It's also from the same developer as Uncharted, which should lend further to its credentials. You play Joel, tasked with delivering 14-year old Ellie to another quarantine zone in a post-pandemic, United States.
But when do things ever work out that easily? And so The Last of Us takes you on a journey of life, love, trust and bonding as you deal with infected, other survivors and general terror in such a world.
4. Killzone
The first three Killzone titles are all in PlayStation Now and while it's not exactly Halo, it's Sony's big, exclusive first-person shooter. It dates back to 2004 and the PS2 and is set in the 24th century. It depicts the war between the Interplanetary Strategic Alliance (ISA) and the Helghast, engaging on Earth's colonies as well as the planet Helghan. Visually Killzone has always been at the top of its game, but it's also a decent shooter, to boot.
If anyone still plays multiplayer on them, that's there too. But more likely you'll be diving into a campaign by your lonesome.
5. Journey
Journey is a critically acclaimed indie title and is a beautifully crafted experience. You take control of a robed figure in a vast desert. Your goal; head towards the mountain in the far off distance. You can meet and assist other players on the same journey, but you can't talk to each other or see each other's names. Your communication occurs through a musical chime.
If you want something that changes the pace from the high-octane shooters, Journey should be top of the list. It's stunning to look at in its own right and has an experience that sucks you in by your eyeballs and doesn't let go.
6. Heavy Rain
If story driven games that look incredible are your bag then Heavy Rain will be right up your alley. It's closer to playing an interactive movie than a 'traditional' game, which means it won't be for everyone.
But Heavy Rain is atmospheric, beautifully created and tells the tale centered around the Origami Killer. You'll play through the game by responding to on-screen prompts for interaction from the controller, with some actions taking a different path towards the end.
7. Motorstorm Apocalypse
Racing games don't have to be about order, and circuits, and glamorous cars with licensing up the eyeballs. Motorstorm Apocalypse is kind of the anti-racing game, and the second word in the title is a fair clue as to what it's all about.
Bikes, buggies, racing trucks, big rigs, you can pilot them all as you tear through a world of challenging circuits filled with things you wouldn't normally find on a race track. Boost, bump and wreck your way to the checkered flag!
8. Ratchet & Clank: Into the Nexus
There are many Ratchet & Clank games in PlayStation Now, but one of the later titles, Into the Nexus, is certainly one of its finer moments. As our intrepid heroes you're charged with escorted a villainous witch, Vendra Prog, to prison to serve a life sentence. But that'd be too easy and of course, she escapes.
Ratchet & Clank is a terrific example of a modern platformer style game with good looking graphics, exciting level design and a lot of fun for all ages. Into the Nexus will be a little short for some tastes, but there's plenty of other titles to get your teeth into as well.
If you've got any other must play suggestions, be sure to leave them in the comments below!
