Genre Breakdown: PS4 and Xbox One Launch Games

When it comes to a new console release, it’s usually the games that determine which console people buy. While the launch lineups for the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One are fairly similar, there are a few differences. If you’re looking for games within a specific genre, we’ve broken down the notable launch titles to give you a quick and easy look at what games are available for each console at and around launch in each genre.

Racing

PlayStation 4: DriveClub, Gran Turismo 6
Xbox One: Forza 5
Multi: Need for Speed: Rivals

If you’re looking for your racing game fix as soon as you get your new console hooked up, your only option on both consoles is Need for Speed: Rivals. If you’re not into the arcade-style racing games, then you’ll have to go with the Xbox One for Forza 5. However, if you can wait a few months, the PlayStation 4 will have both DriveClub and Gran Turismo 6 for racing game fans. Both consoles offer solid offerings for their respective fan bases, so it’s really just a matter of what style of racing game you prefer and how long you can wait to get your fix.

Action-Adventure

PlayStation 4: Knack
Xbox One: RYSE: Son of Rome, Dead Rising 3, Crimson Dragon
Multi: Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag, LEGO Marvel Super Heroes

It’s hard to categorize some of the games in the launch window for the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, so many games that could fall into multiple genres we’ve played in the action-adventure genre. Both consoles offer several titles that have appeared on almost every console, including Assassin’s Creed IV and LEGO Marvel Super Heroes.

When it comes to console exclusives, at launch the PlayStation 4 only offers Knack. However, it’s a unique title that will offer a new experience to most gamers. Meanwhile, the Xbox One offers three exclusive titles, but the originality isn’t as strong as Knack. Dead Rising has a long history with the Xbox, while Crimson Dragon is the spiritual successor to Panzer Dragoon. Both games are solid, but not exactly original. So that leaves RYSE as the sole original title, which is based considerably on quick time events and doesn’t appeal to everyone.

Shooters

PlayStation 4: Killzone: Shadow Fall
Xbox One: Titanfall
Multi: CoD: Ghosts, Battlefield 4

It seems that with every new console release, there are equivalent shooters to go with it. The PS4 has Killzone and the Xbox One has Titanfall. However, Killzone is a launch title while Titanfall won’t be releasing until early next year. In addition, both consoles have Call of Duty and Battlefield at launch. So no matter which console you go with, your first-person shooter needs are taken care of. The only difference is that Titanfall is the only original title in the group, but you’ll have to wait for it.

Sports

Xbox One: Powerstar Golf
Multi: FIFA 14, Madden NFL 25, NBA 2K14, NBA Live 14

When it comes to sports games, almost every single game is multiplatform. The only one that isn’t is Powerstar Golf for the Xbox One, which also happens to be the only golf game available at launch. So if you like golf, the Xbox is the only console with a title available at launch, but for every other sports game,  you’re covered on both console fronts.

Fighting

PlayStation 4: Injustice: Gods Among Us
Xbox One: Killer Instinct, Fighter Within

Oddly enough, this is one of the first console launches that doesn’t really have a strong fighting game presence. The biggest fighting game is the revival of Killer Instinct, which is exclusive to the Xbox One. You’ve also got Fighter Within, which is a Kinect-exclusive fighter from Ubisoft, but it’s not a traditional fighter to some gamers.

On the PlayStation front you’ve got Injustice: Gods Among Us. While it’s not a new fighter, the PS4 version is the only next generation port, and includes all of the DLC that has released since the original launch of the game. So both consoles can fill your fighting game fix, but neither console really has a strong showing, especially when compared to previous console launches.

Other

Beyond the genres listed above, there are a few other games releasing for both platforms. For MMORPG fans, the PlayStation 4 has DC Universe at launch, with Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn coming early next year. The PlayStation 4 also has quite a large indie game scene with a good number of smaller downloadable titles. The Xbox One has Project Spark, a free to play title, along with Minecraft and Peggle 2. So there’s really something for everyone no matter which console you choose to go with. Of course, the best course of action is to simply own both consoles for the best of both worlds.