In November 2006 Sony launched the PlayStation Store alongside the PlayStation 3, opening a digital marketplace that would eventually host everything from massive blockbusters to tiny experimental projects. To commemorate the platform’s 20th birthday, the company invited a handful of developers—from internal PlayStation Studios to third-party teams—to name a single title from the last two decades that had caught them off guard.
Rather than listing personal favorites, each creator was asked to pinpoint a game that surprised them in an unexpected way, whether through its design, narrative depth, or sheer emotional impact. The answers span a wide spectrum, illustrating how even seasoned creators can be lured by a fresh mechanic or an unforeseen story beat.
Simple mechanics, endless hooks: the case of Balatro
Balatro (2024, PlayStation 4/5) landed on several developers’ radar because it turns the familiar rules of poker into a roguelike progression system. Naoki Hamaguchi, director of the Final Fantasy VII Remake series at Square Enix, explained that the title’s charm lies in the “satisfaction of watching scores climb as you discover new card combinations.” He added that the game reminded him of the pure pleasure that draws players to interactive entertainment in the first place. The blend of recognisable gambling logic with relentless score-building loops makes Balatro a perfect example of how a modest premise can become a compelling experience.
Stories that turned the expected on its head
Dragon Quest XI and the allure of unexpected twists
Jonathan Burke, senior director of technology at Santa Monica Studio, highlighted Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age (2018) as a title that repeatedly surprised him. He praised its “charming world, character designs, and the way the narrative shatters comfort zones with sudden twists,” turning a classic hero’s journey into something uniquely memorable.
God of War’s emotional reinvention
Ramone Russell, director of product development communications at San Diego Studio, was astonished by the 2018 God of War reboot. While the earlier installments focused on Kratos’s fury, the newer entry explored “fatherhood, grief, and identity,” giving the series a depth he never expected. Russell noted that the game succeeded in marrying “incredible gameplay with a profoundly compelling story,” a rare achievement in modern gaming.
Sayonara Wild Hearts: rhythm beyond the genre
Even a rhythm-driven title managed to break expectations. Bruno Velazquez, game director at Santa Monica Studio, confessed that he usually avoids music-centric games, yet Sayonara Wild Hearts (2019) captured his imagination with its vivid visual style, dynamic soundtrack, and emotionally resonant storyline. He described the experience as “an irresistible blend of colour, beat, and narrative that kept me playing until the final note.”
Indie experiments and classic legends that earned respect
Inscryption’s layered mystery
Arne Meyer, head of culture and communications at Naughty Dog, first thought Inscryption (2022) was “just a creepy card game.” The title’s depth, however, lay in the “complex interaction of cards and modifiers” and its willingness to trust players with an unfolding mystery. Meyer appreciated how the game layered new mechanics and story beats atop a seemingly simple foundation, rewarding persistence with fresh revelations.
Inside’s wordless guidance
Marcus Smith, creative director at Insomniac Games, chose Playdead’s Inside (2016) for its “invisible-hand” design. The game lacks a traditional UI or dialogue, yet it teaches players through subtle environmental cues, leaving a lingering impression that “keeps you thinking for weeks.” Its minimalist approach demonstrates how atmosphere and audio can serve as narrative drivers without explicit exposition.
Shadow of the Colossus: timeless heroic solitude
Nicolas Doucet, studio director of Team Asobi, recalled the 2005 Shadow of the Colossus as a masterpiece that still resonates. Riding a horse with only a sword, the protagonist confronts gigantic creatures in a desolate landscape, embodying a “David versus Goliath” struggle. Doucet highlighted the game’s austere world, epic battles, and iconic soundtrack as elements that solidified its status as a lasting legend.
Uncharted 2: a showcase of cinematic flair
Gregory Louden, creative director at Housemarque, selected Uncharted 2: Among Thieves (2009) for its “spectacular set-pieces, charismatic cast, and production value that felt ahead of its generation.” The title, he noted, exceeded expectations set by its predecessor and remains a reference point for narrative-driven action on the PlayStation 3.
All of the quoted developers’ selections appear in the ongoing 20 Years of PlayStation Store Showcase, which began streaming at 11:00 am local time on the anniversary date. The showcase features discounts on many of the highlighted titles, giving both longtime fans and newcomers a chance to revisit the games that once surprised the very people who helped shape them.
