Best Games On PlayStation Plus Premium & Extra

On June 13, 2022, Sony launched its new PlayStation Plus in North America. Split into three tiers, this model combines the previous version of PS Plus with PS Now; depending on which level someone subscribes to, they will gain access to certain services and games.

• PlayStation Plus Essential ($9.99/month): This tier is the equivalent of the old PS Plus. A subscription includes online access, monthly free games, and discounts.
• PlayStation Plus Extra ($14.99/month): Along with the Essential tier benefits, Extra provides access to hundreds of PS4 and PS5 games.
• PlayStation Plus Premium ($17.99/month): Along with the Essential and Extra tier benefits, Premium includes a library of classic games (PS3, PS2, PSP, and PS1), trials, and cloud streaming in certain regions.

PS Plus Premium has over 700 games covering more than two decades of PlayStation history. Such a huge collection can be overwhelming, and the PS Plus app does not make it very easy to browse through the library; as such, it can be useful to know this tier’s highlights before investing in a subscription. What are the best games on PS Plus Premium and Extra?

Each entry states whether the game is also accessible with a PS Plus Extra subscription.

Ghost Of Tsushima: Director’s Cut

Insomniac’s Ghost of Tsushima ended the PS4’s life as Sony’s main console on a high, and the Director’s Cut is just a better version of that already fantastic game. Taking place during the Mongolian invasion of Japan, This samurai epic tells a tale of revenge as Jin Sakai seeks to protect Tsushima Island.

Ghost of Tsushima might be the most beautiful game on PS Plus Premium, and it is not just a looker. The hack and slash combat system is a great deal of fun, managing to be deep and also cinematic. Narratively, the title does not do anything too out of the ordinary, but the unique setting helps set GOT apart from the many other open-world games on the market.

Marvel’s Spider-Man

One of the most exciting launch titles for PS Plus Premium (and Extra), Marvel’s Spider-Man is a contender for the best superhero game of all time. Insomniac crafted a gorgeous and realistic open-world tailor-made to allow players to swing to their heart’s content as the iconic Web-Crawler. The combat system is fast-paced, reasonably challenging, fluid, and stylish; it is a fun twist on the Arkham formula.

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Although the side content is a bit lacking, Marvel’s Spider-Man‘s main story is pretty good in its own right, producing a number of epic set-pieces along with some quieter character-driven moments. Marvel’s Spider-Man Miles Morales is also part of PS Plus Premium and Extra, both the PS4 and PS5 versions.

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla

Prior to the launch of the new PS Plus tiers system, Sony announced that Ubisoft games will be joining the service. Assassin’s Creed Valhalla was the biggest title to make the jump, both in terms of sheer map size and reputation. This open-world game follows the Viking invasion of Britain and focuses on Eivor, a raider who gets dragged into the never-ending conflict between Assassins and Templars.

Valhalla is absolutely massive and could easily keep someone busy for more than a hundred hours. The combat system is probably the best in the franchise, offering a good variety of weapon types and customization options.

Returnal

Housemarque is well represented by PS Plus Premium, with games like Resogun and Alienation being included in the service. As great as those releases are, the studio’s crowning achievement is Returnal, a sci-fi PS5 roguelike that delves into horror territory. The third-person shooter centers around Selene, a pilot who becomes stuck on a planet and within a time loop.

As tends to be the case with this genre, death means going back to square one, although Returnal dives its story into halves that serve as respawn checkpoints. One of the best PS5 games on PS Plus Premium and Extra, Returnal justifies a subscription on its own.

Outer Wilds

Added to PlayStation Now as part of the April 2022 line-up, Outer Wilds is a gem of a game with precious few peers, both in terms of content and quality. The sun is set to explode in 22 minutes and take out the solar system with it; fortunately, the protagonist is stuck in a time loop that resets whenever everything is wiped out. Furthermore, the player character happens to be an astronaut who can quickly travel to an array of planets in search of knowledge pertaining to the sun’s destructive future.

Outer Wilds is an open-world game that focuses on exploration and puzzles, the latter of which also take the form of the overall mystery that needs to be pieced together through careful research and discovery. Outside the central plot, the game comes with quite a bit of secondary content and smaller stories that are just waiting to be heard.

Shadow Warrior 3

Shadow Warrior 3 was a unique addition to the PS Now library since it was basically unheard of that a new game launches on Sony’s former subscription service. While this could prove to be nothing more than an exception, Flying Wild Hog’s first-person shooter might be an indication that Sony plans to compete with Xbox Game Pass more directly in the future.

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As a game, Shadow Warrior 3 is a fun corridor/arena shooter similar to 2016’s Doom and its sequel. In terms of structure and gameplay, this entry is closer in spirit to the first Shadow Warrior reboot rather than its looter-shooter successor; however, it is also considerably shorter. For those looking for an awesome way to spend a few hours, Shadow Warrior 3 gets the job done.

Mortal Kombat 11

NetherRealm’s Mortal Kombat 11 serves as a vicious continuation of the good work done by Mortal Kombat 9 and 10. Unlike its immediate predecessor, MK11 comes with an enjoyable single-player campaign that delivers the type of over-the-top action and silliness that fans of the franchise have come to expect. It should do a decent job of introducing players to the game’s mechanics, although newcomers should definitely spend a few hours in MK11‘s tutorial mode. It is one of the best in the genre.

Mortal Kombat lives and dies by its multiplayer scene, and the 2019 entry is still very much active all these years later. Supporting co-op and online play, the multiplayer includes plenty of customization options for those looking to add a touch of personality to their chosen fighter.

Marvel’s Guardians Of The Galaxy

After the disappointing Marvel’s Avengers, one would have been forgiven for being skeptical that a superhero game published by Square Enix could deliver the goods. Thankfully, Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy proved doubters wrong with a awesome single-player experience that captures the magic of both the comics and the MCU. The space-traveling heroes find themselves dragged into a conflict that could have dire repercussions for the cosmos, instigating a journey that includes voyages to quite a few different planets.

GOTG has a fun storyline that balances humor and drama quite well. More importantly, the game gets the banter between the characters just right, and all the Guardians are given their moment to shine. The combat is probably GOTG‘s weakest link since only Star-Lord is playable, which feels like a missed opportunity, but it is by no means awful either.

Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 – Road To Boruto

PS Now’s May 2022 games consisted of two fighting titles (Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 and Soulcalibur 6) and a Souls-like (Blasphemous: Wounds of Eventide), all of which are still park of PS Plus Premium. All three games are highly regarded in their own spheres, although they very much target niche audiences. Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 is likely to be ignored by most people who are not familiar with or interested in the manga or anime source material, which would be a shame as the game is otherwise quite accessible. The story mode features such high-quality cutscenes that they are entertaining on a purely visual level.

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Combat-wise, Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 is style over substance, but the former is done so well that the trade-off is worth it. The gameplay is streamlined, frantic, and exciting; sure, it might not have too much depth, but the ride is a joy regardless.

Celeste

Celeste is a highly regarded side-scrolling indie game with a steep learning curve and an absorbing narrative. As Madeline, players climb the Celeste mountain, taking on seemingly impossible challenges and dangerous foes in the process.

Celeste‘s campaign guides the character and players on an emotional journey of self-discovery. This voyage is not meant to be easy, and the game makes sure that it is not. The fantastic story is accompanied by precise gameplay and a soundtrack that ranks among the best of the late 2010s.

Victor Vran: Overkill Edition

Plainly put, Victor Vran is fun. Nothing more, nothing less. At face value, this game might seem like a Diablo clone, but that’s not really the case. Rather than loot and customization, this release focuses on skill-based gameplay; basically, it is a mix of isometric RPGs and stylish hack and slash games like God of War. This combination produces an adventure that absolutely flies by, even if it lacks the replay value of some other action RPGs.

Victor has access to a range of weapon classes and demon powers that can be swapped as necessary, resulting in a flexible combat system that can be tweaked to match a player’s preferences. Victor Vran can be completed within a few days or a long weekend, so it is the perfect PS Plus game to throw on between more time-consuming projects.

God Of War

There are a handful of games that anyone with a PS Plus Premium or Extra account should definitely play, and it’s arguable that 2018’s God of War should be at the top of that list. This “reboot” of the series sees Kratos living in a different part of the world, far from the Greecian roots players are used to seeing him in.

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Kratos’ move to Midgard gave developers a chance to shine a spotlight on some different gods, tapping into the deep Scandanavian folklore surrounding the Norse Gods and their mythology. With RPG elements, an incredible story, breathtaking visuals, and some stellar combat mechanics, God of War is a must-play PS Plus Premium game.

Darksiders 2: Deathinitive Edition

All the Darksiders games are available on PS Plus Premium, and each entry is its own beast. Darksiders: Warmastered Edition plays like a mix of God of War and The Legend of Zelda, Darksiders 3 takes a few pages from Dark Souls‘ manual, and Darksiders Genesis is a co-op twin-stick shooter. Lastly, Darksiders 2 seems inspired by hack and slash games like Devil May Cry, offering faster and more vicious combat than any of its peers.

Darksiders 2 is also an action RPG, one that incorporates a smallish open-world and a robust loot system. Players can even complete secondary quests, some of which contain boss fights that are harder than anything in the main storyline.

Final Fantasy 9

Final Fantasy is synonymous with the PlayStation brand. Square’s JRPG franchise helped put Sony’s console on the map during the PS1 era, producing three huge releases (Final Fantasy 7, 8, and 9) that are all available on PS Plus Premium. Despite sharing certain fundamentals, all of these entries have unique elements that set them apart, be it FF7‘s steampunk aesthetic, FF8‘s romance, or FF9‘s throwback to traditional fantasy.

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The latter serves as something of a celebration of the franchise’s legacy, delivering the quintessential classic Final Fantasy experience. Offering lovable characters, an engaging narrative, solid turn-based combat, and charming visuals, Final Fantasy 9 is a JRPG masterpiece.

Fallout: New Vegas

While there is a trio of Fallout games available on PS Plus Premium, it feels right to feature New Vegas as the standout of the group. Although it might not feature the refined combat and gameplay experience of Fallout 4, it stands as one of the best story-driven RPGs ever made.

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Obsidian Entertainment spent a lot of time developing the world of New Vegas and then filled it with a wide array of entertaining NPCs, giving players a playground of story-based quests to interact with. There are so many small details to be found in New Vegas and the subsequent DLC released for the game added many more.

F.E.A.R. FIRST ENCOUNTER ASSAULT RECON

There have been a lot of amazing shooters produced over the years but some of them are much more unique than others and manage to stand out among a heavily saturated crowd. F.E.A.R. is a much different experience than the norm, branding itself as a First-Person Shooter/Horror hybrid, the release was definitely ahead of its time both visually and mechanically.

It may look a little dated now (although it still holds up pretty well in the modern age) but it’s still a blast to play. Slowing down time is an FPS gimmick that’s always amusing and there are some thrilling (and downright scary) moments in the first game.

Brothers: A Tale Of Two Sons

Feel like going on an emotional journey about family, sacrifice, and love? If the answer is yes, then Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons is a must-play. After their father becomes sick, two brothers head out on a perilous journey to retrieve water from the Tree of Life. Lasting just a few hours, this adventure packs in an impressive amount of depth, carefully developing both of the main characters while simultaneously exploring their bond. Although it appears to have all the makings of a co-op game, Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons is actually single-player, with each brother being controlled by a thumbstick.

The sequel to 2012’s fantastic XCOM: Enemy Unknown, XCOM 2 introduces an Earth that lost the war against the alien invaders. Now, players are part of a scattered resistance group that is fighting an uphill battle against an all-powerful regime.

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XCOM 2 improves upon its predecessor in nearly every way, an accomplishment that definitely didn’t come easy. The turn-based tactical combat is punishing but fair, and on higher difficulties, players must carefully plan each move or they will soon find themselves overwhelmed. While newcomers should consider starting with XCOM: Enemy Within that is also on PS Plus Premium, XCOM 2 is quite accessible for a sequel.

Abzû

Certain games sell themselves on the atmosphere they create rather than an overarching narrative. Abzû follows a diver as they explore underwater areas filled with life and beauty, along with a few puzzles to keep things interesting. Lasting roughly two hours, this game can be completed in a single session, and it is arguably best experienced in one go rather than over multiple days. Crafting a serene tone that immerses players in a world that feels very alien, Abzû is gorgeous, relaxing, and inspiring.

Detroit: Become Human

Quantic Dream’s interactive games are not for everyone, but they provide something different from the majority of PS Plus Premium’s other games. BEYOND: Two Souls is also on the subscription service, and while that title has plenty of great moments, it is quite inconsistent compared to Quantic Dream’s follow-up, Detroit: Become Human.

Set in an alternate reality where AI has become commonplace, Detroit: Become Human revolves around three androids who have very different roles in society. Throughout the engrossing campaign, players make choices that impact the story, determining who will survive or die. The sci-fi narrative is quite memorable, arguably Quantic Dream’s best up to this point, and the characters are interesting and likable.

Frostpunk

Those looking for a well-made Indie game should definitely check out Frostpunk. A very different type of game than most others on this list, Frostpunk is all about survival and making tough choices when faced with unfair circumstances.

It’s up to the player to keep their citizens warm amid a frozen wasteland, making seemingly impossible choices when presented with them and simultaneously trying to avoid mutiny while keeping people from freezing solid. Players who enjoy simulators and strategy games should put this at the top of their list.

The Last Of Us

While the PlayStation 3 had a somewhat slow start to life, the console bowed out in style. Naughty Dog’s The Last of Us is a haunting action-adventure game set in a post-apocalyptic world overrun with infected creatures. The narrative follows the grizzled Joel and the immune Ellie as they travel across the United States in search of a group rumored to be able to craft a cure.

The journey is tough, brutal, and unforgettable. Both of the main characters undergo a great deal of development, particularly Joel, while The Last of Us raises questions of morality through its ambiguous storyline.

Cities Skylines

City-building simulation games are heavily associated with the PC scene, and while that has started to change slightly in recent years, the shift has been incredibly gradual. Cities: Skylines‘ successful console port showed that these types of games can work even when they are not guided by a mouse and keyboard combination.

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Although its control scheme is simplified to cater to a controller, Cities: Skylines on the PS4 is by no means a stripped-down experience. Genre veterans will find that the port offers control over all the minute details that these titles live and die by; meanwhile, newcomers should not feel too overwhelmed by the sheer volume of options at their disposal.

Disgaea 5: Alliance of Vengeance

PS Plus Premium has four Disgaea games, but newcomers to the series should start with the most recent entry available on the service. Disgaea 5: Alliance of Vengeance represents the peak of the tactical RPG franchise’s classic gameplay, throwing countless mechanics upon each other as players engage in demonic battles, craft an army of minions, and maybe explode a Prinny or two.

Although the story is a bit forgettable, Disgaea 5 is all about its addictive gameplay and progression system, both of which offer plenty of depth. The RPG is also packed to the brim with content to ensure that players can continue grinding for as long as they feel like it.

Metro Redux

Two shooters for the price of one, Metro 2033 and Metro: Last Light were brilliant games on seventh generation consoles and their Redux versions are even better. Set two decades following a nuclear holocaust, these fps games predominantly take place within Moscow’s claustrophobic metro tunnels, although trips to the surface happen occasionally.

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Although these games flow well from one to another, they have their differences. Metro 2033 plays out like a survival horror game with limited resources and challenging gunplay. Last Light improves the gameplay considerably and is closer to a (slow-paced) action game than a horror title. The Redux package incorporates elements from Last Light into Metro 2033, allowing for a more consistent overall experience.

Bloodborne

FromSoftware has cornered the hard-hitting action RPG genre through its immaculate Dark Souls trilogy, and that looks set to continue with Elden Ring. Out of all the studio’s many great games, Bloodborne might just be FromSoftware’s magnum opus. Boasting a Gothic aesthetic and reflex-based combat that demands aggression from players, Bloodborne delivers a kinetic experience that delights on a visual, auditory, and gameplay level.

Naturally, Bloodborne is not an easy game, but it is one of the most rewarding PS4 exclusives. Consequently, it is easily among the best games on PS Plus Premium.

Ninja Gaiden Sigma

While overshadowed by Ninja Gaiden Black on the Xbox, the PS3’s Sigma version is still a must-play for anyone remotely interesting in (challenging) hack and slash games. Team Ninja’s reboot of the classic SNES franchise offers intense but controlled combat, enemies that really want to kill Ryu, and a solid selection of weapons that each feel different.

Ninja Gaiden Sigma‘s punishing nature requires split-second reflexes, which doesn’t lend itself brilliantly to the PS Plus Premium’s streaming requirement for PS3 games since some lag tends to be unavoidable. However, permitting someone has a strong internet connection, this game should not be missed.

Soulcalibur 6

Soulcalibur 6 is a traditional 3D fighter that revolves around weapons-based combat. Bandai Namco’s franchise has a storied history filled with great releases, and the sixth entry is far from an exception.

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The gameplay has been tweaked to provide more defensive options, slightly reducing the entry barrier for new players. Along with a robust multiplayer scene that all modern fighting games must have, Soulcalibur 6 also comes with two single-player modes that should keep fighters engaged for quite a long time.

Demon’s Souls

Arguably the PS5’s strongest launch game, Demon’s Souls is the impressive remake of FromSoftware’s 2009 PS3 classic. Bluepoint Games modernized the game’s visuals and gameplay, releasing the definitive way to play this title since most of its changes enhance the vanilla version or, at the very least, do not reduce its appeal.

Demon’s Souls is difficult but fair, hauntingly gorgeous, and infinitely replayable. Elden Ring might not be on PS Plus Premium but Demon’s Souls and Bloodborne are the next best things.

Horizon Zero Dawn Complete Edition

In a sea of open-world games, Horizon Zero Dawn stands out due to its slow but satisfying story, great world-building, and gorgeous visuals. An outcast from a young age, Aloy sets out to discover the truth behind her world’s current state, one that involves massive dinosaur-esque machines that roam the wild with reckless abandon.

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Horizon Zero Dawn‘s combat is immensely fun, particularly once Aloy has access to her full range of weapons. Like most open-worlds, this PS4 title is packed with side content and markers to check, but the game manages to make the simple act of clearing a camp enjoyable.

Little Nightmares

Tarsier’s Little Nightmares lives up to its title. As Six, players maneuver through a nightmarish hellscape filled with grotesque beings that tower over the small protagonist. Split into five chapters that each feature a central villain, this indie horror game succeeds in making the player feel constantly vulnerable as Six has no defenses at her disposal, forcing the girl to stealth her way through locations.

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At the same time, Little Nightmares is not particularly difficult, making it a good pick for people who want to be creeped out but not necessarily frustrated. While the sequel is not available on PS Plus Premium, the original game works well as a standalone story.

Mafia 3

The Mafia franchise lives and dies by the quality of its storytelling, and for all the third entry’s flaws, its narrative is not one of them. Set in the late ’60s, Mafia 3 takes place in New Bordeaux, a city inspired by New Orleans, and focuses on a Vietnam veteran who becomes embroiled with the criminal underworld. Lincoln Clay is a strong protagonist and his tale is engrossing, unpredictable, and thoughtful. The writing is backed by a fantastic presentation, both in terms of visuals and acting.

Mafia 3‘s gameplay does leave something to be desired; while by no means awful, the game is mostly happy to regurgitate standard open-world conventions. This criticism aside, Mafia 3 tells one of the best stories on PS Plus Premium.

Red Dead Redemption, Undead Nightmare, & Red Dead Redemption 2

Rockstar does not believe in doing anything in half-measures, and Red Dead Redemption reflects that mentality. The open-world action-adventure game tells a relatively straightforward tale about one man who is forced to face his past in order to protect his present and future. Set during a period in American history defined by change, Red Dead Redemption blends thrilling Western gameplay with timeless themes of agency, violence, and governmental influence.

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After completing Red Dead Redemption, players should make sure to try out Undead Nightmare, an expansion pack that introduces zombies to the mix. While not canon with the base game or its prequel, Undead Nightmare is the type of thing Rockstar should do more often.

Red Dead Redemption 2 is also on PS Plus Premium and Extra, although the PlayStation Store mentions that the offer will end on September 6, 2022. The prequel is just as good as its predecessor, and while it ties into the events of the 2010 release, RDR 2 firmly establishes its own voice, themes, and ideas.

Overcooked! 2

PS Plus Premium has its share of options when it comes to co-op games, and Overcooked! 2 ranks among the very best. Building upon the extremely solid foundations of its predecessor, Overcooked! 2 once again tasks friends with efficiently running a kitchen as they desperately attempt to keep up with orders. Fun as the mechanics are, this game is also a sim, one that does a pretty impressive job of capturing the stressful nature of a high-pressure customer-oriented job.

Like the best co-op games out there, Overcooked! 2 is so good at what it does that there is always a slight chance that a play session will genuinely test a friendship. So, who has what it takes to work in this kitchen?

Doom

Following more than a decade of near-complete inactivity, Doom came roaring back onto the scene with a majestically violent entry that reminded the world of this franchise’s awesomeness. As the Doom Slayer, players rampage their way through arenas and hallways filled with demons that are just waiting to be sawed in half or blasted with a shotgun, and delivering judgment feels good time and time again.

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All thrills and no filler, Doom does not have a quiet moment in it, serving as a proper throwback to classic shooters from the ’90s. There is no hiding behind cover here; diving headfirst into combat is the only way to survive. Doom is the gaming equivalent of an adrenaline shot.

Prey

While Bethesda is nowadays operating under Microsoft’s flag, a couple of games published by the company continue to be available on PS Plus Premium. Those familiar with Arkane’s Dishonored and Deathloop will feel right at home with Prey, although the 2017 first-person shooter does incorporate a hint of horror that is quite unusual for the studio.

Prey‘s gunplay is satisfying, but the game is at its best when it highlights its claustrophobic atmosphere and sense of mystery. This is a title that rewards exploration and immersion, and Prey provides players with just enough freedom that repeat playthroughs are destined to be quite distinct from each other.

Gravity Rush 2

Gravity Rush started life out on the PS Vita, before making its way to the PS4 in the form of a remaster. The latter is available on PS Plus Premium and worth a playthrough, but its sequel is the better of the two games.

Building upon the unique world and traversal mechanics of its predecessor, Gravity Rush 2 is a stylish adventure like no other. The comic-style visuals lend a timelessness to both entries in this series, while Kat is an instantaneously likable protagonist.

Nioh

Nioh takes a few ideas from Dark Souls‘ playbook, but the game’s samurai setting and fast-paced combat allow it to have a presence that is genuinely unique.

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As William, players navigate open areas filled with secrets, enemies, and bosses, the latter of which are usually well-designed and very challenging. Along with a robust loot system, Nioh‘s combat allows players to swap between different stances, adding an element of strategy to encounters. Nioh is a long game that could easily take 50+ hours to complete, but its gameplay is more than strong enough to keep a player engaged as they work their way through the campaign.

Batman: Arkham City

All the main Arkham games are available on PS Plus Premium. Rocksteady’s Arkham City takes everything that was great about Arkham Asylum and expands it; the world is bigger, the combat system is more fleshed out, and Batman’s rogues gallery is improved.

Batman: Arkham City set a high benchmark for the action genre, one that has arguably yet to be surpassed. Fans of the DC character who have not played this game since its debut in 2011 should consider booting this one up on Sony’s subscription service.

Ratchet & Clank: A Crack in Time

PS Plus Premium covers most of the native PS3 Ratchet & Clank games, with the best of the bunch being the fantastic A Crack in Time. Setting the stage nicely for the gameplay of 2016’s Ratchet & Clank, A Crack in Time features a highly satisfying combat system, one that takes priority over the platforming segments.

Although the story falls short of the PS2 trilogy, Ratchet & Clank: A Crack in Time is a fast-paced and accessible adventure that gives players a robust selection of tools to play around with.

God Of War 2 HD

Unsurprisingly, the entire God of War franchise can be played through PS Plus Premium, although most of the games can only be streamed. Nevertheless, Sony’s subscription service is a great way for newcomers to Santa Monica’s series to experience Kratos’ full story. While 2018’s God of War is not a terrible entry point since it marks a new era in the franchise, the pre-PS4 releases are nearly all highly enjoyable action games, particularly the numbered entries.

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God of War 2 marks the pinnacle of the license’s original run, arguably doing a better job of balancing epic action and storytelling nuance than either its predecessor or sequel. Expertly paced and boasting some of the best boss fights in gaming history, God of War 2 is nothing short of brilliant.

Ape Escape 2

Debuting with 1999’s Ape Escape on the PS1, this strange Sony exclusive series feels like it was tailor-made to evolve into a cult classic. All the main entries in the franchise revolve around Spike’s attempts to catch some wayward apes. As dumb as the premise sounds, the numbered Ape Escape games somehow make it work through sheer charm and whimsy.

When not engaging with some colorful apes, Spike spends his time platforming and playing around with gadgets. Ape Escape 2 is very much a product of its time, but it has aged better than quite a few platformers from the PS2 era. For one, it stands out from the crowd due to its unique gimmick; more importantly, the gameplay is solid.

Uncharted 2: Among Thieves (Nathan Drake Collection)

For roughly a decade, Naughty Dog’s Uncharted set the standard for PlayStation exclusives, producing one top-tier action-adventure game after another. The PS3 trilogy is available on PS Plus Premium, and each entry is, at the very least, pretty good. While Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception has the best gameplay out of this trilogy, its immediate predecessor is generally considered to be a superior overall game. It has a better storyline, more consistent level design, and awesome set pieces that rival any PS3 title out there.

That said, it is difficult to go wrong with any of the Uncharted titles. Naughty Dog pushed the PS3 beyond its limits with each of these projects, and the studio somehow managed to constantly one-up themselves in the technical department.

Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End and The Lost Legacy are also available on PS Plus Premium.

Wolfenstein: The New Order

MachineGames revitalized the Wolfenstein franchise in a big way with 2014’s The New Order, a vicious FPS that also incorporates stealth and melee combat. In an alternate reality where the Nazi regime won World War 2, players are William “B.J.” Blazkowicz, a rebel fighter trying to turn the tide of history. The story is intriguing and entertaining, and most of these games have a knack for introducing truly detestable villains who are both cheesy and creepy.

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As fun as the plot can be, The New Order is all about its gameplay and the flexibility it presents when it comes to clearing levels. Rather than a corridor shooter, the FPS drops players in relatively open areas and tells them to clear their mission; how they accomplish this task is up to them.

Desperados 3

A strategy game on PS Plus Premium, Desperados 3 should scratch someone’s real-time tactics itch. Mimimi’s game pushes stealth to the forefront, providing players with plenty of tools so they can freely take on combat scenarios to the best of their abilities. The studio has been making tactics games for a long time, and Mimimi’s experience is on full display through Desperados 3‘s fair AI, expertly crafted maps, environmental storytelling, and balanced skills.

Veterans of the genre will feel right at home in Desperados 3‘s Wild West, while newcomers can certainly do much worse than this game.

Until Dawn

Horror fans looking for something a little “different” will definitely want to check out Until Dawn. The release does a great job blending together a gripping narrative with player choice, character interactions, and some seriously creepy environments. The end result is a spectacularly spooky “playable movie” that will have most players on the edge of their seats throughout.

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Much like Telltale’s series of games, players will be forced to make tough choices during tense story moments. These decisions will have a direct influence on the story, as characters develop ideas about one another. Making decisions quickly, and correctly, is key to helping everyone survive a terrifying vacation to a remote mountain resort.

Devil May Cry HD Collection & Devil May Cry 4

Capcom’s Devil May Cry HD Collection contains remasters of the PS2 trilogy, and it is a must-play for fans of the hack and slash sub-genre. Despite featuring similar aesthetics and the same protagonist, each game plays quite differently:

• Devil May Cry is closer to Resident Evil, delivering a claustrophobic setting with impactful and punishing gameplay. The original DMC stands slightly apart from the rest of the series due to the combat being more restrictive than in its sequels, but the game has aged incredibly well.
• Devil May Cry 2 is quite forgiving and opts for large open spaces rather than tight corridors. It is generally regarded as the weakest entry in the trilogy, if not the entire franchise.
• Devil May Cry 3: Dante’s Awakening greatly expands the gameplay, introducing four combat styles that each come with their strengths, weaknesses, and unlockable moves. Stylish, challenging, and replayable, DMC 3 is a fantastic game.

Devil May Cry 4 is also on PS Plus Premium and expands nicely on its immediate predecessor. This entry also introduces Nero as a playable character, and he controls quite differently from Dante.

Control: Ultimate Edition

Remedy Entertainment’s portfolio is defined by games that seek to push the industry forward, be it on a technical or narrative level. While its central story might not be as strong as Alan Wake‘s, Control is the studio’s most complete release of the 2010s, mainly due to its stellar combat system and world-building. Inspired by stories found on the SCP Foundation site, the game takes place in a government building that deals with unexplainable phenomena than can alter reality.

Jesse Faden goes to this agency in search of her brother but quickly finds herself dealing with the threat imposed by an invading force known as the Hiss. Armed with a transforming gun and a range of satisfying abilities, players will find themselves immersed in a world filled with intrigue, mystery, and the supernatural.

Resident Evil 4

Those looking for a little more action with their horror should give a look at Resident Evil 4. Considered one of the best Resident Evil games ever made by many fans, the fourth installment follows a battle-hardened Leon Kennedy on a quest to rescue the President’s daughter. A lot of the classic Resident Evil mechanics are here, including puzzles, third-person shooting combat, and an array of terrifying boss encounters.

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With rumors floating around about the possibility of a Resident Evil 4 remake, players should definitely revisit this classic. For those new to the Resident Evil franchise, this title is definitely a great starting point.

Terraria

There’s no denying that Minecraft was one of the most influential titles ever created, with a lot of developers attempting their own version of an “open-world procedurally generated survival crafting game.” There have been a lot of imitators over the years, many of which fell short of capturing the same magic as Minecraft. But a handful of developers have produced titles that not only stand up next to the juggernaut but put their own unique spin on the formula it helped to create.

Terraria is arguably one of the greatest Indie games ever developed, taking the concepts of a procedurally generated world with crafting elements and ramping them up to eleven. The 2D epic features a wide array of items, weapons, enemies, bosses, and building materials. There are tons of NPCs to engage with, secrets to uncover, and a progression system that gets punishingly more difficult as time goes on.

BioShock Remastered

There have been a lot of great first-person shooters over the years but few have truly subverted the “traditional FPS formula.” BioShock took the concept of visceral gun-based combat and flipped it on its head by introducing Plasmids, specialized concoctions that gave players a multitude of abilities. Gamers could cover their foes in a swarm of bugs, instantly set them ablaze, or even manipulate security turrets to fight for them.

BioShock isn’t just a run-of-the-mill shooting game. It features a fantastic storyline, an engrossing environment, and some rather creepy horror elements. It’s not just one of the best FPS, but one of the greatest games ever released.

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