PlayStation Plus is the PS5’s subscription service that offers games at a bargain price. Everybody knows that Game Pass is cheaper than PlayStation Plus, but there’s something about Sony’s exclusives that gamers can’t do without. That said, PlayStation Plus games are always on rotation, giving players the chance to try out newer titles. If you’re interested in some racing games, you can check them out here. Games that you don’t grab now may not be offered at discounted prices again. So, it may take you months to find a deal on them.
To that end, here are the best games that you can check out on PlayStation Plus, courtesy of the gamers at Player.com. They span different genres, including action, adventure, and puzzles. Also, these titles feature unique game mechanics and detailed sandboxes. Believe it or not, we’re fast approaching another golden age of video games. So, the visuals are strong for these titles: That and the compelling protagonists and side characters.
Also Similar: Exciting Announcement: 14 New Games on PS Plus Extra and Premium This November
The 9 Games We Hate to See Leave PlayStation Plus
We hate to see these games leave PlayStation Plus because they’re entertaining enough to buy at full price. Don’t get us wrong, we love a good deal but for £7 per month, you’ll play a lot of games. Just make sure you’ve got fast Wi-Fi at home to download these games and the storage space for them on your PS5 and PS4. Yes, PS4 owners can also explore the wonders of PlayStation Plus.
#1: Yakuza: Like a Dragon
Yakuza: Like a Dragon is a role-playing video game that was developed by Ryu Ga Gotoku Studios and published by Sega. It’s the first entry in the Yakuza franchise and it features a turn-based combat system. In previous iterations of the game, you’ve controlled protagonists who seek to escape the Yakuza lifestyle and curse. Yakuza: Like a Dragon instead places you in the shoes of Ichiban Kasuga, who has been imprisoned for 18 years. Following a betrayal, Kasuga and his companions go on a quest to uncover his former boss’ reasons for backstabbing him.
To do that, you control four characters to whom you give direct commands to beat up enemies. Your fighters have different styles and unique powers, so it’s up to you to exploit their strengths. You can also use the environment to your advantage, such as by beating goons with bicycles and any nearby object. Likewise, you’ll be able to pick your preferred classes, which are called Jobs in the game. These Jobs allow you to customise your team’s combat style and prowess.
Naturally, the game isn’t only focused on beating thugs up since it also introduces activities and missions in an explorative, although cartoonish, manner. So, the characters are true-to-life with compelling backstories. Visually, the characters, NPCs, buildings, landmarks, and others are detailed down to facial expressions and frown lines.
#2: Yakuza 6: The Song of Life
In Yakuza 6: The Song of Life, players embrace the life of a Yakuza, which is both violent and poetic. You’ll control Kazuma Kiryu, whose daughter was involved in an accident. The events of the game take players through a journey of redemption. Kiryu attempts to unravel the events that led up to his daughter’s accident and confirm whether or not foul play was involved. Other features that made the game memorable are:
- Experience Dragon Engine: Discover one of the best game engines, Dragon Engine. The world of Yakuza has never been more alive due to the detailed textures, lifelike animations, and overhauled physics engine.
- Experience a Brawler-Style Combat System: Kiryu is a badass who has been hardened by Yakuza wars and battles. He’s a proficient street fighter who can deal out as much damage as he can take. Unleash killer combos and pull off bone-breaking Heat Actions with your fists or any object nearby.
- Explore Kamurocho and Onomichi Reborn: Hypnotic lights, opportunistic NPCs, and hedonistic affairs are more intimate than ever. There are many spots to relax, such as Cat Spas, RIZAP Gym, batting cages, karaoke bars, and more.
- Fully Voiced in Japanese: This is a first for the series but every character speaks Japanese. The humour is even better and more immersive in a foreign language.
#3: The Escapists 2
The Escapists 2 is a game about four inmates who want to break out of prison for one nefarious purpose or another. So, it’s a multiplayer game where you can team up with three of your friends or lovers. This game is composed of the biggest prisons in the game franchise, boasting many underground tunnels, floors, vents, and rooftops. However, before your escape, you’ll have to perform a variety of inmate duties, such as answering roll calls and doing prison jobs.
In multiplayer mode, gamers will enjoy the versus mode, which pits you against a friend. The first person to escape the prison wins the match. Alternatively, you can settle the rivalry with your fists in the prison courtyard. To escape the prison, you’ll craft different weapons and tools to engineer your escape. Soaps, socks, forks, and duct tape — Nothing is off-limits. Some of the remaining features we love about the game are:
- You can customise your inmate however you want with over 300 options.
- Innovate on the fly to escape even the toughest of prisons.
- Use the Prison Map Editor to construct custom prisons.
- You can visit the gym to gain muscles for prison fights and brawls.
- There are 11 prisons to conquer.
#4: Legends of Ethernal
Legends of Ethernal is similar to The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom but it’s a 2D action-adventure game instead of being 3D. Like Link, you’ll solve puzzles that are handcrafted while beating powerful beasts along the way. Your goal is to uncover the mysterious disappearance of our protagonist’s parents. The gameplay is ever-evolving with the weapons and tools that you discover. Also, you’ll beat many dungeons and as is the norm, there are bosses at the end of the dungeons.
Moving forward, there’s a great crafting system at the heart of the game that lets you build on the go. However, you’ll need Ether to craft the majority of items that you need to progress in Legends of Ethernal. The best part is that the experience is available in 4K and despite being a 2D game, it’s extremely detailed. To complement your journey, you’ll also listen to a beautifully crafted music score by William Gough, a veteran and well-known figure in the music industry.
#5: Middle-earth: Shadow of War
Middle-earth: Shadow of War is a 2017 action-adventure title that’s developed by Monolith Productions. At the core of the experience is the award-winning Nemesis system, which keeps track of your allies, enemies, spies, and possible threats. In-game, you’ll craft a new Ring of Power to subjugate Mordor; You conquer one fortress at a time with your army of Orcs.
The visuals are also well-detailed, with great lighting, shadows, weather systems, and realistic animations. Also, combat is free-flowing, allowing players to easily transition from offence to defence in a heartbeat. However, the game isn’t perfect because it does seem bloated due to the lack of activities filling up that space.
#6: Caladrius Blaze
Caladrius Blaze starts by shooting missiles at enemies at a fast pace so it’s evident that this is a shoot ’em up. The game plays like an arcade title but the visuals rival the best console games out there, such as Red Dead Online and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. You’ll also control multiple characters and experience their storylines in a gothic world. To that end, there’s a co-op mode that allows two friends to crush opponents together. Naturally, these aren’t the only features of the game. Others are:
- Great Voice Acting: Each of the characters and bosses has superb voice actors and actresses behind them. So, the game is much more immersive due to the characters’ responsiveness.
- Exquisite Ranking System: The ranking system is diverse, allowing players to compete in different ranking fields.
- Addicting Shooting Mechanics Await: There are different types of weapons to pick from and each weapon can be further customised.
#7: Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor
Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor is the titular prequel to Middle-earth: Shadow of War and it’s every bit as fun. The characters, Orcs, weapons, and abilities are entertaining and sleek. What’s more? The fast-paced combat with Batman-style counters and dodges is addictive. In this game, the protagonist is encouraged to explore the origins of the Rings of Power, build an army, and confront Sauron with the help of the spirit that’s compelling them. Some features are better than the rest and they include:
- Possess Enemies Using Your Wraith Abilities: You’ll be able to possess enemies with Wraith abilities and compel them to fight for you.
- The Nemesis System: The Nemesis System keeps track of your foes, allies, and more. So, when you see them once more, you’ll know where their loyalties lie.
- Traverse Using a Variety of Options: Players will be able to ride monsters such as Caragors, Dire Caragors, Graugs, and Horned Graugs to get to their destinations. You can also parkour your way to victory or simply fast-travel to your destination.
#8: Friday the 13th: The Game
Friday the 13th: The Game is a survival horror game that stars Jason Voorhees, a prolific serial killer with an insane aptitude for injuries. You can control Jason himself or one of the counsellors at Camp Crystal Lake for the opportunity to kill or be killed. Besides Jason, there are six other characters to pick from and thankfully, the developers have made the necessary provisions. You’ll find the tools to survive, escape, or even fight back at your oppressors, though Jason is immortal.
As Jason, you’ll be able to stalk your prey, scare them and watch them scurry away, or kill them in the most brutal ways you can imagine. Jason is a hunter who is at the top of his game so you’ve got a variety of skills to accomplish your kills. Heck, the darker the night gets, the more powerful Jason becomes. He’s simply put; A monster who feeds off of the fear of his victims. You’ll be able to play as different versions of Jason from movies such as:
- Friday the 13th, Part II
- Friday the 13th, Part III
- Friday the 13th, Part VI: Jason Lives
- Friday the 13th, Part VII: New Blood
- Friday the 13th, Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan
- Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday
#9: El Hijo: A Wild West Tale
El Hijo: A Wild West Tale is a stealth game with no elements of violence since you played it as a child. Naturally, you’re as cunning and mischievous as any child can be, easily blending into the shadows to pull off dastard acts. The game’s plot is also original, placing you in the shoes of a six-year-old who is looking for his mother. You’ll explore deserts, dark monasteries, and boomtowns in a spaghetti-western world. Along the way, you’ll inspire other kids to take their freedom.
Our Final Say: You Should Play Friday the 13th: The Game At Least Once
If you don’t play games like Middle-earth: Shadow of War and Yakuza: Like a Dragon, play Friday the 13th: The Game. Unlike other horror games, you’ll also be able to control the infamous killer, Jason Voorhees. So, you don’t have to be scared anymore. Instead, this is your chance to scare the living daylights out of your friends, lovers, and rivals. PC owners can check out the best PlayStation games for the platform here. They’re all action-adventure games.