The whole idea of free (older) games to go along with a subscription originated with Sony’s PlayStation Plus offering, back in the days when you didn’t have to pay extra to play games on Sony’s online network. It may have become more costly to be sworn at by strangers on the internet but at least Sony has retained their deluge of monthly freebies.
And in the month of October Sony has a solid turnout for PlayStation Plus, starting with Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain. If you’ve missed that one, somehow, then it’s long past time for you to correct that.
Free on PlayStation Plus in October
Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain (PS4)
Now here’s a big bounty for PlayStation Plus subscribers. Metal Gear Solid has gotten bigger and weirder over time, and The Phantom Pain is the apex of that evolution – it’s massive, and some of the stuff doesn’t really work. But the stealth-action gameplay is spectacular, and it’s more open and flexible than ever here.
Amnesia: Collection (PS4)
October is the month to be scared stupid, right? Well, you can do just that with Amnesia: Collection, which brings together updated ports of famed PC freak-fests Amnesia: The Dark Descent and Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs. Don’t play with the lights turned off. Or do, it’s your nightmare to savour.
RIGS Mechanized Combat League (PSVR)
Finally, the PlayStation VR gets in on the PS Plus fun. RIGS Mechanized Combat League launched with the headset last year, and it’s one of our favourite VR multiplayer experiences, challenging you to play a fast-paced future sport in a speedy, super-cool mech suit.
That’s You (PS4)
Here’s something different: you’ll need a smartphone or tablet to play That’s You, which is the first of Sony’s new PlayLink titles. With a touch device as your controller, you can play this irreverent party game, which has you doodle, answer questions, snap photos, and more. And this one is free for Plus members into October, so you have time. No rush.
Monster Jam Battlegrounds (PS3)
Monster trucks are cool, right? Of course they are! So maybe you should dust off the old PS3 and check out Monster Jam Battlegrounds. It brings licensed trucks like Grave Digger to your TV with both racing and freestyle events, and while it looks pretty low-budget, there might be some fun here.
Hustle Kings (PS3)
Don’t have a billiards table handy? Just fire up Hustle Kings instead. Sony’s game lets you hop online and battle it out across eight different types of pool, with both local and online tournaments allowing for 16 players.
Hue (PS4/Vita)
Dang, this game is pretty. Released last year, Hue is a side-scrolling platformer in which you can change how the world works by swapping the background colour. Sounds like a neat puzzle-solving element and the look is tremendous. Reviews are good, too. How did we miss this one?
Sky Force Anniversary (PS4/Vita)
Sky Force Anniversary started life as a mobile game, and then was remastered to be an even better mobile game, and now it’s on PS4 and Vita. The scale is simplistic, but this vertical arcade shooter is pretty slick and solidly fun in short bursts.
Still available until 2 October
Infamous: Second Son (PS4)
Missed out on Sony’s super-powered open-world affair? Now you can loop back on Infamous: Second Son with PlayStation Plus. You’ll wield an array of dazzling abilities as you lean towards good or evil while fighting and exploring across Seattle.
Child of Light (PS4)
Ubisoft is usually known for enormous, open-world epics, but Child of Light is a beautiful and restrained little role-player with an indie feel. The rhyming dialogue can be a bit much, but the game is gorgeous and has a great battle system, to boot.
Hatoful Boyfriend (PS4/Vita)
Every played a dating simulator in which all of your potential mates are pigeons? No? Well, now’s your chance! Yes, Hatoful Boyfriend is absolutely bizarre and slightly unsettling, but it’s also really funny and surprisingly endearing. And hey, it’s free on PS4 and Vita in September.
We Are Doomed (PS4/Vita)
Another twin-stick, arcade-style shooter? Yeah, looks that way. We Are Doomed didn’t get the most enthusiastic reviews when it quietly released a couple years back, but as a freebie – especially on the Vita – it might provide some light fun.
Handball 2016 (PS3)
Handball gets its shining moment in the gaming spotlight with Handball 2016, which packs in 68 teams from European leagues, complete with official kits and stats, and offers 24 different tactical approaches. Don’t know handball? Give it a shot, then!
Truck Racer (PS3)
Truck Racer? Is that really the best name they could think of? From the screens, Truck Racer can’t help but look like MotorStorm with less polish and more giant semi rigs, and this budget racer probably won’t convince anyone to dig out a dusty PS3. One for the kids, maybe.
