In June 2022, Sony revitalized its PlayStation Plus service in North America. The subscription now comes in three distinct tiers, each offering varying degrees of services and access to games. From the monthly free games in the Essential tier to the vast library in the Premium tier, the value proposition differs significantly. Given that the PS Plus Premium library alone contains over 700 games, the process of selecting titles can be overwhelming. This guide aims to elucidate the standout games for PS Plus Extra and PS Plus Premium subscribers as of October 2023.
The Tiers: A Quick Overview
PlayStation Plus Essential ($9.99/month)
The Essential tier maintains the fundamental features of the old PS Plus, granting online access, monthly free games, and several discounts.
PlayStation Plus Extra ($14.99/month)
In addition to Essential benefits, the Extra tier allows access to an extensive collection of PS4 and PS5 games.
PlayStation Plus Premium ($17.99/month)
Premium extends the benefits of both Essential and Extra tiers by including a library of classic games, free trials, and cloud streaming in select regions.
Highlighting PS Plus Extra Games
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart (Metascore: 88)
This title remains a top-tier choice for PS5 users, showcasing the prowess of Insomniac Games in both technology and storytelling.
Sea of Stars (Metascore: 88)
Sea of Stars marks a milestone as a day-one PS Plus game, receiving critical acclaim despite not being a mainstream title.
Kena: Bridge of Spirits (Metascore: 81)
As an AA game, Kena stands out for its rich storytelling and visual appeal, developed by a relatively small team.
Wolfenstein 2: The New Colossus (Metascore: 87)
Among the modern Wolfenstein titles, The New Colossus gains the upper hand for its intricate villain portrayal and action-packed sequences.
Tchia (Metascore: 77)
Directly launching on PS Plus Extra, Tchia combines vibrant visuals with a straightforward yet compelling story.
PS Plus Premium: Spotlight on Classic Titles
Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection (Metascore: 87)
This collection for PS5 owners aggregates the pinnacle of Naughty Dog’s action-adventure offerings, although not altering much in terms of graphics.
Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales (Metascore: 85)
This spin-off captures all the essence of its predecessor while focusing on Marvel’s popular Wall-Crawler, Miles Morales.
Horizon Forbidden West (Metascore: 88)
This sequel refines many of the original game’s mechanics, making it a compelling narrative and gameplay experience.
Devil May Cry 5 (Metascore: 89)
The most recent entry in the franchise, added to PS Plus Extra in January 2023, impresses with its special edition for PS5.
The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim – Special Edition (Metascore: 81)
The Special Edition is considered the definitive version of this decade-old game, available for both Extra and Premium subscribers.
Exceptional Titles Across Both Tiers
Destiny 2: The Witch Queen (Metascore: 87)
While Destiny 2 is free-to-play, the Witch Queen expansion brings in an enhanced experience, worthy of your attention.
Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade (Metascore: 89)
This game serves as a treat for action JRPG fans and remains a significant addition to the PS Plus Extra library.
Ghost of Tsushima: Director’s Cut (Metascore: 87)
This edition enhances an already excellent game, retelling the story of the Mongolian invasion of Japan.
Yakuza: Like a Dragon (Metascore: 86)
The game marks a transition in the Yakuza series, introducing turn-based combat and a new protagonist.
Middle-Earth: Shadow of Mordor (Metascore: 84)
Set before the events of The Lord of the Rings, this game provides an action-packed venture into Tolkien’s universe.
Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege (Metascore: 73)
A leading title in first-person shooters, this game has managed to sustain a large player base since its release in 2015.
Returnal (Metascore: 86)
This PS5 exclusive by Housemarque is a sci-fi roguelike that delves into horror elements, making it a must-try for fans of the genre.
Rocket League (Metascore: 86)
Despite its age, Rocket League remains relevant and a fixture of eSports culture, showcasing the staying power of unique gameplay mechanics.
Conclusion: Tailoring Your Experience
As the details herein elucidate, PlayStation Plus offers a wide array of titles across its tiers, making it a valuable service for different categories of gamers. While the Essential tier provides basic amenities, Extra and Premium tiers bring forth an enriched gaming repertoire, filled with both modern classics and iconic titles from yesteryears. As a subscriber, you can shape your gaming experience depending on your interests, from narrative-driven single-player experiences to adrenaline-filled multiplayer matchups.
Also Read:
- Ghost of Tsushima Sequel, Ghost of Yotei, Announced for PS5
- PS Plus Premium Adds 3 Exciting Games for 2024, Including Dino Crisis
- PS Plus Free Games for October 2024: WWE 2K24, Dead Space, and More
- Mortal Kombat 1 Reveals Peacemaker’s Epic Animality in Khaos Reigns DLC
- Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii to Be Larger Than Gaiden