[AnimeGamer]

5 Best Korean PlayStation Games 2025

In the wider gaming world, Korea hasn’t always been known for making legendary games as its neighbor across the sea Japan. But recently it seems that Korean developers have started to make an earnest effort toward game development and while they are still many decades behind other countries, with recent advancements it seems that won't be the case for long. This is due to the recent stock of games that have made their way to the flagship console of Sony. These games not only represent the new age of Korean developers but also present a dynamic shift in the stale video game development industry. These games are as follows:


Table of Contents

1. Eternights
   
2. BURIED STARS
   
3. DNF Duel
   
4. Tokyo Psychodemic
   
5. DJMax Respect
   

Eternights

Figure 1-1. Eternights

First, on our list, we have a game that draws inspiration from not one but two different Japanese games and somehow manages to outdo them both in those aspects. It is none other than Studio Sai’s recently developed game Eternights. A truly unique game as it merges the social sim aspects of the Persona games with the combat fluidity of a Y’s game. It also does these aspects far better and somehow it manages to craft a narrative that allows for the game to not only hold the player's interest but to also immerse them into a world where the apocalypse has arrived. In the game, we take control of a self-named protagonist as he and his friend try to sign up for a mysterious online dating app, only to find themselves at the end of the world soon after. As for the combat, it focuses more on skill and rhythm-based combat as compared to raw brute force. Something that is achieved with the help of optimized game mechanics that play into each other. So if you wish to experience this modern take on the action RPG genre then do give this game a chance, as it is available on the PS4 and PS5 with improved visuals and performance for the latter.

Figure 1-2. Eternights Gameplay

BURIED STARS

Figure 2-1. BURIED STARS

Next up we have a game from an industry veteran Studio Largo, yes the very same developers of the masterpiece adventure series Panic Room and City of Mist in Korea, along with LINE Games Corporation. And just like their previous games this new one is also a mystery game but with some major plot twists and mechanics which will leave the players wanting for more. In Buried Stars the players will be witness to a mysterious building crash, where there is a live showing of your run-of-the-mill survival audition show, or is it? Because the people stuck inside the building soon come to realize all is not as it seems. But how can all of this be linked with the collapse of the building and what fate awaits those who are stuck? These are two of the major questions the game asks, and as the narrative unfolds with intuitive mechanics the players will start to peel away the layers of this mystery. A truly beautiful and suspenseful game that is a must-play for any fan of mystery games. It is also available for all major platforms and runs exponentially well on the PS4. Sadly there is no news on whether the game will be available for the PS5 or not.

Figure 2-2. BURIED STARS Gameplay

DNF Duel

Figure 3-1. DNF Duel

Now for the last pick of the list, we have a truly special game, as it is neither an original IP nor a continuation of a long-running one. But rather it is a spin-off of a lesser-known Korean MOBA. The difference is that the game was not developed by the main studio of the MOBA but rather by the industry-famous Arcs Systems Works. Who in recent years has become synonymous with the word quality 2D fighter. With due reason, as DNF Duel brings to life the original world of the game with such fanfare that one has to wonder if it would be better for the game to be an original IP. But alas I digress, as the game is exactly what a modern 2D fighter should be. With refined core game mechanics and a roaster of the balance of characters each with their specialties and weaknesses. It also features a rollback net code which allows for seamless online battles no matter where you are, granted you have a somewhat stable internet connection. So if you wish to experience this new fighting game world, then do give this one a chance, as it is available on all major Sony platforms with the PS5 version boasting better visuals and performance.

Figure 3-2. DNF Duel Gameplay

Tokyo Psychodemic

Figure 4-1. Tokyo Psychodemic Cover Art

If you’ve always wanted to be a detective in real life but fate had other plans for you, no worries. In Tokyo Psychodemic, a Korean PlayStation game, you can now relive your detective fantasy thanks to the courtesy of Gravity Corporation, the developers of this game which is available to play on PS4, PS5, Switch, and even Windows! 

Oh, while the title might make you think the game is a Japanese PlayStation game, but the developer of this game, Gravity Corporation, is actually a Korean company, thus it is a Korean PlayStation Game.

While the game takes place in present-day Tokyo, the premise dates back to 2019 when a new novel virus infected all of Japan. Unfortunately, as many as 200,000 people succumbed to this deadly outbreak, effectively putting Tokyo under lockdown. Not even government officials were spared.

Figure 4-2. Evidence Board in Tokyo Psychodemic

After a cure was discovered and the infection purged, life was nothing like before. Paranormal activities take place every now, resulting in the death of civilians, and several cases related to it remain unsolved to this day.

In Tokyo Psychodemic, your job is to analyze the crime site, collect evidence, use your detective tools, draw conclusions, link together relevant details, and consult your colleagues among many other detective-related activities. Will you be able to solve all these mysterious cases? Let’s find out!

DJMax Respect

Figure 5-1. DJMax Respect Cover Art

If Tokyo Psychodemic proved too much to handle, we also have yet another Korean PlayStation game that is exactly opposite to the top-notch detective game: DJMax Respect! Based on the popular DJMax series, it is a rhythm game by Neowiz which is available to play on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Windows.

DJMax Respect is primarily designed for players liking light-hearted and playful games. While it's easy to play, DJMax Respect is hard to master. In the game, you have to be very precise in order to match your button presses with music notes on the screen.

Figure 5-2. DJMax Respect Gameplay

There are different gameplay modes available, catering novice to seasoned players. So it doesn’t matter whether this is your first time or not, DJMax Respect has a tutorial mode to guide you through the basics as well as a FreeStyle gameplay mode where you can practice and hone your in-game rhythm skills.

You can play DJMax Respect with friends too. In online competitions, you compete to see who can accurately press the buttons on time and build strong combos to gather more points and climb up the leaderboard rankings.

[AnimeGamer]

article updated as of Feb 3rd, 2025.