Although the recently rebootedPlayStation Plusis still only a few months old, that hasn’t stopped the subscription service from making plenty of news headlines. Thanks to Sony’s decision to update its tiers at different points in the month, there’s been a consistent stream of content for PS4 and PS5 owners to read about and play.Recent hits likeStrayandDeliver us the Moonhave not only headlined that phenomenon, but have also helped to establish the service’s validity.
It’s worth keeping in mind that, since its global rollout started in May, the discourse surrounding the rebootedPS Plushasn’t always been universally positive. August’s Premium update in particular demonstrated the challenges that Sony is seemingly facing in bringing content to all three of its tiers. However, following the announcement of September’s update, there are signs that the publisher is taking steps to address the issues that have popped up. On multiple fronts, the next batch of Extra and Premium subsequently represents a significant step in the right direction.
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Extra’s Diversity
During theJuly and August PS Plus Extra updatesfor example, there was a slight imbalance when it came to genres. Although the continued rollout of theAssassin’s CreedandYakuzafranchises has been a major boon for the service, both of these additions have taken up significant space. So much so that there weren’t too many alternative options available to players looking for a different kind of experience. That potential criticism can’t be leveled at September’s update though, as each entry is the only representative from their respective series.
The deal that Sony has struck with Ubisoft that’s resulted in the publisher adding its biggest games to PS Plus Extra, arguably spearheads the service’s latest update once again. However,withAssassin’s Creed Origins,Watch Dogs 2, andRayman Legendsall featuring this time around, there’s a nice mix when it comes to franchise representation. The same can also be said more broadly when looking at the other experiences that are on offer. Most genres feature in some capacity thanks to flighting games likeDragon Ball Xenoverse 2and racers such asMonster Energy Supercross: The Official Videogame 5.
Sony’s efforts to offer up more genres this time around represents a significant step forward for PS Plus Extra. With 11 different games available on the service for the first time, it’s not hard to imagine most players being able to find at least one that appeals to their sensibilities. There’s also a nice mix of AAA and indie experiences as well, which should helpgems likeChicory: A Colorful TaleandSpiritfarer: Farewell Editionfind the audiences they arguably deserve.
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Deathloop’s Star Quality
An uptake in diversity isn’t the only reason why PlayStation Plus Extra’s September update represents a big step in the right direction. There’s also been a notable increase in excitement online surrounding the upcoming refresh thanks to one game in particular. With a Metacritic score of 88, it’s no exaggeration to say that Arkane Studios’Deathloophas been one of the PS5’s bestgames since its debut 12 months ago. While its arrival on the service is therefore a big get, a steady stream of similar content is going to be needed in the future if Sony wants to keep making progress.
Deathloop’s presence could be interpreted as a sign that Sony is prepared to do just that, though. Beyond the game’s reputation as one of the PS5’s best experiences, it’s also worth keeping in mind thatDeathloopis nowa Microsoft first-party IP. Despite the specific details of the agreement being hidden from the public, the publisher’s willingness to strike that kind of deal can be viewed as a signal of intent. As a result, it’s not too hard to imagine more critically and commercially acclaimed games being added to the service further down the line.
Premium’s Significant Update
It’s probably because of this reception that Sony has taken steps to ease fan concerns at the first available opportunity. When PS Plus Premium is updated again on September 20, six titles will subsequently be added to its library. Headlining the update isthe PS1’sSyphon Filter 2, which launched back in 2000. Based on how Trophy support has been a hit-and-miss feature of the Premium tier since May, its presence within the game will likely be seen as a significant step forward by Trophy hunters.
Thanks to several leaks, there’s reason to believe that September’s Premium update won’t be a one-time occurrence. In the run-up to the rebooted PS Plus going live, multiple game ratings were uncovered by fans that suggestedclassics likeRidge Racer 2andDino Crisisare being readied for the service behind the scenes. Provided that Sony can keep updating the service with September-sized updates in the future, it’s easy to imagine this huge step forward being the first of many.
PS Plussubscribers get a handful of games every month.
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