The PlayStation Plus received a facelift in June 2022. Three formulas are now available, each with their own advantages. The classic, now called Essential, offers access to multiplayer features in addition to the three monthly “free” games. The PS Plus Extra offers a whole catalog of games that continues to grow when the premium formula is accompanied by great classics and numerous trial versions, in addition to all the benefits mentioned.
Having a choice can be both a godsend and an ordeal. In total, more than 700 games are available with PS Plus Extra and Premium, with dozens of new additions every month. A list that is constantly evolving, with great games, current blockbusters, like little pearls of the independent scene. In the indie games department, the adorable Tchia could be the next nice surprise of the year. Players can discover this journey to New Caledonia as soon as it releases on March 21st as part of their PS Plus Extra and Premium subscriptions.
A choice of the ideal king to discover new experiences. And while there’s no shortage of recent big games, with a certain Horizon Forbidden West headlining, PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium subscriptions hide some of the best indie titles in recent years. To help you find that rare pearl, here’s our pick of 10 PS Plus nuggets not to be missed. Of course, this range is only a tiny part of the possibilities, because even the selection was difficult. Titles like Terraria, Hotline Miami 2, The Forgotten City or Child of Light were not selected for reasons of space, but they were not forgotten.
Before we get to the heart of the matter, we would like to point out that now is the time to crack. Sony has just launched attractive new promotions for all formulas. First for non-subscribers who can get 1 month of PlayStation Plus at a reduced price from March 3rd to March 5th, 2023. The PS Plus Essential costs $1 (instead of $8.99), the Extra $3 (instead of $13.99). and Premium for $5 (instead of $16.99). Existing subscribers receive a 35% discount when upgrading to Extra or Premium. However, the amount varies from user to user, with the transition to the next level being pro-rated. The bracket closed, space now for your future favorites.
Stray
A cat and cyberpunk, how not to include Stray in the list of PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium games not to be missed? The title follows an adorable, feral cat who is separated from her family and lost in the middle of a forgotten cybercity. Solving the mysteries of this place and returning home will not be an easy task as this inhospitable place is full of dangerous creatures and droids. He can count on his companion B12, a flying drone that’s as cute as it is practical. It won the coveted Best Indie Game title at The Game Awards 2022 not only because of its cute kittens and the viral videos that surrounded its release. Its unique and poetic atmosphere, well-rehearsed gameplay and endearing characters won over gamers and critics alike. An immersive ride that is a must-try.
Celeste
Celeste is one of those indie games that you rarely see. Behind its little retro face lies a title of unprecedented generosity, both in terms of gameplay and content. A must for lovers of platformer Featuring an adorable character with fiery hair who is plagued by anxiety attacks and must scale Mount Celestial to face his inner demons. In addition to its sympathetic narrative, touching story, lush tables and masterfully arranged levels, the game reaches heights largely thanks to its gameplay. Reflexes and demands will be required to complete these delicious trials. Do you have problems with movements that are too complex? No problem, Celeste offers climbing for the timid with many access options. No excuses to miss this incredible experience.
Chicory: A colorful story
If you’re looking for a cozy and relaxing game in your PlayStation Plus Extra or Premium subscription, Chicory A Colorful Tale is for you. Zelda-esque pure juice, the player must restore colors to the tiny kingdom of Picnic using only a magic brush as a weapon. An enchanting artistic adventure where ingenious puzzles, thoughtful boss fights, imaginative mechanics and touching writing come together beautifully for a sweet few hours. Behind her pretty childlike face, chicory has things to tell and conveys them with rare kindness. A calming, clever, accessible game with a real personality that will appeal to both adventurers and budding artists.
dead cells
Reference in the oh so competitive arena of rogue, Dead Cells is a little French gem. Play as a prisoner, a being who can take control of human bodies. An abundant resource on this stinking island plagued by endless torture that the newly resurrected being intends to exploit to escape from its prisons. Very demanding in the first few hours but never frustrating, Motion Twin’s gameplay intelligently combines a well-thought-out level design, framed procedural generation, epic bosses, an addictive progression system, nervy gameplay and sumptuous artistic direction. A divine marriage between villain
Outer Wilds
Another award-winning indie game in the PlayStation Plus Extra & Premium catalogue. Video game UFO, exceptional experience, superlatives galore to describe Outer Wilds. Upon waking up, the player learns that the solar system he is investigating will explode in about twenty minutes, destroying all surrounding planets at once. This is how a time loop full of secrets begins, which gets richer and richer with every reset. To say too much about this intriguing concept and what makes it such an outstanding experience would be to spoil some nice surprises. So we will only recommend it to fans of original games. For those who want stars in their eyes, do it!
The messenger
We don’t leave retro lovers on the floor. Ninja Gaiden lovers looking to rediscover its sweet flavors, The Messenger is for you. As a demon threatens to destroy his village, a somewhat dull ninja must deliver a parchment vital to his family’s survival to the most respected members of his homeland far to the east. As in the days of his illustrious role model, the hero runs, jumps, climbs and cuts with precision. Which starts very simply platformer The challenging quickly gives way to an epic through time that combines danger, humor and surprise. A little gem in 8 and 16 bit that arouses admiration with its well-oiled gameplay and wealth of good ideas.
What remains of Edith Finch
It’s hard to talk about the true gems of the PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium catalog without mentioning one of the biggest hits on the independent scene in recent years. What Remains of Edith Finch is a real gem that manages to break the codes of the genre thanks to its inventive game design. A short, poignant and tragic adventure that tells many little stories about the former residents of a haunted house. A game with brilliant storytelling and staging that never ceases to surprise and amaze. You won’t soon forget it.
Hollow Knight: Voidheart Edition
If you don’t understand why fans are feverishly waiting for Hollow Knight Silksong, even if that means beating their best Genkidama at every event, it’s time to release the first game: PS Plus Extra and Premium Catalog. Crafted with just six little hands, this goldsmith has become an absolute reference in the art of watchmaking metroidvania. Hollow Knight owes this success to its unique and immersive universe, its memorable 2D artistic direction, but also its catchy, edgy and unforgivable gameplay. A masterpiece of great generosity and gargantuan lifespan since it was inflated with expansions included in the Voidheart Edition.
Spirit Farer Farewell Edition
Touching, poignant and relaxing at the same time, Spiritfarer is a true cocktail of emotions. At the confluence of multiple genres, this cozy experience beautifully blends management, exploration, and platforming. We embody Stella, the new soul shuttle responsible for guiding a gallery of colorful deceased to their final home. Before they arrive at their destination, the new recruit needs to get to know them in order to be able to help them. There’s a slew of mini-games, upgrades to his craft, and beautifully written dialogue. Don’t be fooled by his small face full of charm and spirit, Spiritfarer will make you shed a few tears. Keep a box of tissues nearby, just in case.
moonlighting
Action RPG with pixel art of the most beautiful effects, Moonlighter had created the surprise when it was released in 2018. In this Spanish game, a simple adventurous merchant dreams of being the hero of his own story. Still, good old Will has to run his business, which is set in a small, quiet mining town where the heroes, the real ones, go to get supplies. Travel through multiple dimensions, explore dungeons filled with treasure and fight wilder creatures than the rest in this little gem that cleverly combines management sim and dungeon crawler. A game that harbors ingenious gameplay ideas, sustained by a clean and charming artistic direction. Since its release, Moonlighter has received numerous content updates and fixed bugs and balancing issues encountered at launch. A rich and enhanced experience that we highly recommend for fans of the genre.
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