If you’re not keen on paying for Sony’s PlayStation Plus service — perhaps you’re still playing on the PS3 — perhaps the February 2018 lineup will convince you that you should be giving Sony a little extra money each year.
Available from 6 February, Sony has a neat selection of titles for Plus subscribers, whether you’re a PlayStation 4 gamer, still plugging away at the PS3 backlog or if you’re playing games on the increasingly rare Vita. They can’t all be gems but there are a few nuggets of gold tucked away in this month’s offering — but you don’t have to go prospecting. We’ve got them all lined up for you.
FREE ON PLAYSTATION PLUS IN FEBRUARY 2018
Knack (PS4)
Knack is a bit of a weird of one, a platform game that doesn’t have a whole lot to do with jumping — though we’re reliably informed that Knack is a mastapiece. A PS4 launch game, the title wasn’t really the best showcase for the console’s power at launch. Still, it’s kid-friendly and easy enough to complete if you’re a trophy-hunter.
RiME (PS4)
If Knack is a bit of a let-down, RiME comes along to make right up for it. A gorgeously rendered single player puzzle game, you’ll explore an island and a mysterious tower and attempt to unlock their secrets. There are shades of Journey, and even The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, about this one
Grand Kingdom (PS4/Vita)
Grand Kingdom is a tactical role-playing title from NIS America, available on both PS4 and Vita.This is a fantasy title of the sort that requires more brain matter than physical dexterity. The hand-drawn art style and story depth, as well as the compelling combat, will keep you engaged for longer than you’d think.
StarBlood Arena (PSVR)
Next up is a little something to test your nausea reflex: it’s StarBlood Arena. This arena shooter (come on, it’s in the name) sees you doing battle with other little mechs in a Descent-like multiplayer experience. Starblood has its charm, though the lack of gravity might make the susceptible a little woozy.
Spelunker HD (PS3)
PS3 title Spelunker HD is a remake of an old NES and Atari title which we’re fairly certain we played… several decades ago. The visuals for this one have been upgraded but they don’t make games like this any more. Probably with good reason. Not to be confused with Spelunky. Unfortunately.
Mugen Souls Z (PS3)
We’re not really sure what to think about Mugen Souls Z. This anime-themed role-playing title features visual novel-style cutscenes, open-world exploration (in a manner of speaking) and turn-based combat. As well as some questionable costume and design choices. But hey, there’s a lengthy play time.
Exile’s End (Vita)
Picture the many-ported Flashback or any of the many side-scrolling action games from the days of the SNES (except Contra) and you’ll have a fair idea what Exile’s End entails. It keeps on giving us flashbacks to the Megadrive/Genesis era Jurassic Park, for some reason. Except there is a criminal lack of dinosaurs to be found here.