As a dedicated subscriber to PlayStation Plus and an avid gamer who enjoys exploring various genres, finding disappointing titles among the offerings of this subscription service is relatively rare. However, the reality is that many players are generally open to trying new games, particularly when they come as a part of a subscription that they have already invested in.
The excitement of a monthly surprise selection can sometimes lead gamers to genuine gems, even within genres they may not typically gravitate towards. Unfortunately, there are instances where Sony’s selections leave subscribers feeling more than just underwhelmed; they can feel outright cheated.
This leads us to highlight some of the most disappointing PS Plus Monthly games released during the PS5 era – starting from November 12, 2020, with Bugsnax being one of the first. Despite being free, these titles have disappointed many players, making even the prospect of free games feel like a letdown.
10 Alone In The Dark
A Disappointing Reboot
Let’s kick off our list with Alone in the Dark, a game featured in this month’s PS Plus Monthly offerings as of the time of writing. Historically, this franchise has been a name associated with respect in the horror gaming genre. However, it has struggled to find its footing in modern gaming landscapes.
The latest installment, marketed as a reboot, has not resonated well, failing to meet the expectations set by its predecessors. It feels more suited for a clearance sale than as a premium title within Sony’s lineup.
9 Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League
A Letdown from Rocksteady
Next, let’s talk about a surprising misstep from the creators of the beloved Arkham trilogy: Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League. This title’s addition to the PS Plus roster felt like a reluctant farewell for a game that had such potential.
Regrettably, this half-finished looter shooter failed to capture the quintessential charisma of its developers, buried as it was under layers of corporate influence. It has since become another cautionary tale in the saga of live-service games that regrettably missed the mark.
8 AEW: Fight Forever
A Mediocre Wrestling Experience
Returning to the ring with enthusiasm, I hoped AEW: Fight Forever would bring a fresh perspective to wrestling games compared to WWE titles. Unfortunately, what was expected to be an exhilarating experience turned out to be a disappointing affair, characterized by uninspired gameplay and an overall lack of content.
While it is aimed at wrestling fans outside WWE’s realm, the game fails to deliver a compelling enough alternative, especially against the backdrop of more polished wrestling titles.
7 Hello Neighbor 2
A Lackluster Horror Adventure
While quirky horror games can enjoy popularity despite their flaws, Hello Neighbor 2 demonstrates how execution matters. Although designed as a family-friendly horror game, it ultimately fails to provide genuine thrills or intricate puzzles, resulting in an experience that feels superficial.
The simplified mechanics and obvious jump scares contribute little to its horror appeal, making it a title that even free of charge falls short of being worthwhile.
6 Hood: Outlaws and Legends
A Cautionary Tale of Live Service
Hood: Outlaws and Legends exemplifies the quick demise often seen in live service games, having shut down its servers in February 2025. Despite embodying character-rich themes of Robin Hood, the game lacks unique gameplay elements necessary to differentiate itself within a crowded genre.
With uncreative game modes and an uninspired setting, it struggled to maintain relevance and ultimately became just another casualty in the gaming landscape.
5 WWE 2K Battlegrounds
An Underwhelming Departure
While my critiques may seem biased against wrestling games, I believe they deserve to meet high expectations. WWE 2K Battlegrounds promised a fun shift from the realistic simulations but instead delivered frustratingly simplistic gameplay that felt like a cash grab.
With most of the favorite characters locked behind paywalls and the core experience feeling shallow, it resembled more of a mobile game than a console title, compromising its credibility within the gaming community.
4 Stranded Deep
An Unsatisfying Survival Experience
In a sea of outstanding survival games available, Stranded Deep serves as a stark reminder of missed opportunities. Unlike its contemporaries, it offers little engagement, feeling tedious and lacking the essential thrill that defines compelling survival gameplay.
Characterized by unbalanced mechanics and a grinding progression loop, it seems to offer a mediocre experience that pales in comparison to others, ultimately making it a forgettable inclusion on PS Plus.
3 Biomutant
A Misguided Open World
Framed like an ambitious open-world title, Biomutant ultimately falls flat even if considered in any gameplay format. Its environment feels lifeless and uninspired, while repetitive tasks make progression feel like a chore rather than an adventure.
This mishmash of gameplay elements results in a diluted experience that fails to capitalize on its potentially engaging aesthetic, leaving it more confusing than fun.
2 Predator: Hunting Grounds
A Missed Opportunity
When leveraging a franchise as thrilling as Predator, one would expect a gripping PVP experience. Unfortunately, Predator: Hunting Grounds failed to deliver on that promise, suffering from outdated mechanics and boring gameplay loops that quickly became monotonous.
Despite having potential for engaging combat scenarios, the lackluster execution and limited content significantly hindered enjoyment for players.
1 Five Nights at Freddy’s: Security Breach
A Confusing Addition to the Franchise
Although the Five Nights at Freddy’s franchise boasts a devoted fanbase, Security Breach highlights how fraught the series has become. This installment, characterized by problematic AI and poor navigation, fails to engage players or advance the franchise’s lore meaningfully.
Rather than welcoming new players, it risks alienating them with a confounding storyline and lack of coherent gameplay, further emphasizing the decline of quality within the series. For those tempted by the franchise, perhaps the film adaptations might serve better than the latest entries in the game series.
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