If you’re among the millions of PlayStation Plus subscribers, you’re likely already enjoying your collection of monthly free games. However, for those of you on the PS Plus Extra tier and above, there’s a treasure trove of additional value awaiting discovery through an expansive catalog of titles.
This catalog includes a blend of blockbuster hits like Uncharted, Doom, and Bloodborne, alongside indie sensations such as Celeste, Undertale, Dead Cells, and Dave the Diver. Notably, some of the finest PlayStation titles are accessible for players to enjoy.
For those in search of hidden gems or less mainstream titles, the PS Plus Extra offering is brimming with engaging alternatives that deserve your attention. Let’s dive into some standout games that might have flown under your radar but are definitely worth exploring.
Animal Well
A Masterful Metroidvania Experience
Among the numerous Metroidvania games available today, Animal Well manages to stand out by offering a fresh experience within the genre. As I guided my character—a curious orange blob—through the eerie maze of the well, the constantly shifting ambiance kept me enthralled, eager to uncover what lay ahead.
This title has sparked discussion about its status as the premier Metroidvania on PS Plus, and it’s indeed a 2024 Game Awards nominee for Best Independent Game, showcasing its growing acclaim among players.
Children of Morta
A Rogue-Lite, Family-Centric Adventure
Children of Morta presents an enchanting blend of stunning visuals and captivating storytelling. Players navigate the lives of the Bergsons, a family of unique characters who unite to shield their homeland from a malevolent force known as The Corruption.
The game boasts intricate combat mechanics, allowing for skill and weapon progression for each character while featuring procedurally generated dungeons that ensure no two gameplay sessions are alike. This engaging title combines a heartfelt narrative with rogue-lite mechanics and thrilling gameplay—ideal for anyone who appreciated the intensity and storytelling of games like Hades.
Grime: Definitive Edition
An Engaging Sci-Fi Side-Scroller
Diving into Grime: Definitive Edition invites players into a familiar yet uniquely challenging experience reminiscent of Souls-like games that have gained popularity recently. Players level up stats like strength and dexterity, mastering their abilities through precise parries while managing health and stamina effectively.
This game’s abstract narrative, combined with slick side-scrolling mechanics and an alien world filled with bizarre creatures, provides a distinctive experience that marries the aesthetic of FromSoftware with engaging platforming elements. Discovering new gear and weapons adds further intrigue, enhancing the overall dynamic gameplay.
Metal: Hellsinger
Where Metal Meets Mayhem
Metal: Hellsinger takes the symbiotic relationship between metal music and the Doom series to new heights. Featuring contributions from iconic metal bands like Lamb of God, Trivium, and System of a Down, this rhythm-infused shooter allows players to deal bonus damage through timed attacks synced to the pulsating beats of its in-game soundtrack.
Assume the role of The Unknown as you embark on a brutal quest through hell, reclaiming your voice and memories. Even non-metal fans will find the gameplay electrifying and immersive.
Traitor
A Retro-Inspired, Frantic FPS
At first glance, Prodeus appears reminiscent of classic 2.5D doom shooters, but it is much more than a mere homage. This game serves as a meticulously crafted tribute that explores themes of artificial intelligence and corruption within its high-octane, chaotic FPS gameplay.
Blending retro aesthetics with a modern twist, Prodeus excels in delivering a frenzied, relentless shooter that is visually captivating while challenging players to master its fast-paced mechanics—while I still found the shotgun a trusty mainstay of brutality!
Roguebook
Roguebook invites fans of strategic board games into a captivating world where deck-building mechanics blend seamlessly with adventure exploration. Influenced by the deck-building of Slay the Spire, this game introduces a more intricate overworld that unfolds between intense card battles.
Players accumulate ink from confrontations to unlock new routes and narrative elements in a captivating storybook universe. As an avid fan of Slay the Spire, I found the familiarity of combat comforting while the unique mechanic of controlling multiple characters added depth to the strategy of combat.
Sakuna: Of Rice And Ruin
A Stunning Blend of Platforming and Agriculture
In Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin, players follow the journey of a goddess who is initially carefree but soon finds herself on a mission to save her homeland. Following an unfortunate incident, she teams up with a motley crew of humans to eradicate evil from an island and restore the rice fields for a sacred offering.
This game cleverly intertwines engaging side-scrolling combat—featuring an inventive grappling hook mechanic—with tranquil rice farming back at the homestead. The gameplay’s rhythm oscillates between action and resource gathering, creating a cozy atmosphere enriched by smooth traversal and dynamic combat mechanics.
The Forgotten City
An Intriguing Time-Loop Mystery
The evolution of The Forgotten City is compelling; it began as a mod for Skyrim before transitioning into a fully realized, standalone title due to its immense popularity. As you awaken with memory loss by a riverside, you quickly find yourself drawn into a narrative laden with murder, enigma, and time manipulation within a beautifully recreated Ancient Rome.
What sets this game apart is its humorous writing, as exemplified in your early encounters, creating a light-hearted tone amidst the complex narrative that leads to multiple possible endings.
The Pedestrian
A Truly Unique Puzzle Experience
The Pedestrian stands out in the puzzle genre as one of the most inventive experiences on PlayStation. Take control of a stick-figure character, leading them through an array of street signs and TV screens to solve intricate puzzles.
This title focuses heavily on rearranging signage to forge new pathways, connect ladders, locate keys, and manipulate switches, resulting in captivating gameplay that is as charming as it is challenging.
Tiny too
A Delightful Pikmin-Inspired Adventure
If you’re a fan of Nintendo classics, Tinykin might be right up your alley. Players assume the role of Milo, a character who crash-lands on a vibrant planet populated by adorable creatures called Tinykin. This game invites you to lead your Tinykin to solve puzzles, collect human artifacts, and mediate disputes within the bug population.
The fluid gameplay features skateboard-style movement on everyday objects like bars of soap while hovering in bubbles to traverse gaps, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience. Coupled with its visually stunning Cartoon Network-esque art style, Tinykin is a charming addition to your gaming library.
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