The PlayStation Store's Summer Sale is here, and PS Plus members are getting early access to a selection of discounted games. While the sale officially starts on July 15th, PS Plus subscribers can take advantage of reduced prices on a variety of PS5 and PS4 titles. This early access is a great opportunity for PS Plus members to snag some bargains before the sale officially kicks off. But what games are available, and why should you care? Let's take a closer look at some of the titles that are worth checking out.
One game that stands out is A Plague Tale: Innocence, a historical adventure with a unique stealth mechanic. The game's use of the PS5 hardware, including the DualSense, makes it a must-play for fans of story-based adventures. Personally, I think the fantasy underpinnings of the game may not be to everyone's tastes, but the outstanding use of the PS5 hardware makes it a standout title. Another standout is A Plague Tale: Requiem, which improves upon its predecessor in virtually every way. The game's stunning PS5 visuals and engaging story make it a proper sequel that fans of the series won't want to miss.
For those looking for a multiplayer experience, A Way Out is a great choice. The game can only be played in two-player co-op, and its design around that restraint makes it an excellent adventure. Playing as a pair of convicts, the game takes you and a buddy on a wild ride as they escape from prison and look to get revenge for those that did them dirty. In my opinion, this is a great game to play with a pal.
Assassin's Creed Shadows is another standout title. The game takes the fight to Japan, boasting dual protagonists and one of the most detailed, intricate open worlds in the entire series. The game pushes stealth-based gameplay much harder than its RPG peers, but doesn't shy away from crunchy, counter-heavy combat in the process. Personally, I think the game's emotionally charged tale of vengeance and endearing characters make it an undeniably strong entry in the long-running franchise.
Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora is a great interactive iteration of James Cameron's hugely successful movie franchise. Playing in first-person, you explore the gorgeous world of Pandora, realized here in stunning detail. The gameplay is broadly what you'd expect, with simple combat, light crafting, and engaging exploration all working to put you in a Na'vi's shoes. What makes this particularly fascinating is the game's ability to translate the movie franchise into an open-world action adventure, and it works rather well.
Back 4 Blood is a zombie-popping co-op FPS that tasks a team of four with surviving through numerous missions while fighting back the horde. The game's emphasis on teamwork to overcome the sheer number of shufflers inching towards you makes it a great time with a few friends. Personally, I think the card-based loot and upgrades system means that you can run through the campaign many times and find new equipment to use or tactics to employ.
Batman: Return to Arkham is a remaster compilation featuring seminal PS3 superhero titles Batman: Arkham Asylum and Batman: Arkham City. While the visual improvements are minimal, the quality of the included games is undeniable – two of the greatest superhero titles of all time. Personally, I think the game still comes highly recommended, even if it could have ultimately been better.
Cyberpunk 2077 is another standout title. Following a disastrous PS4 launch, the game might as well have been a brand new game on PS5 over a year later. CD Projekt Red stuck to its guns, delivering a much improved version of the open-world RPG on Sony's current-gen console, free of the game-breaking bugs and crashing issues that plagued the initial release. The result is a memorable and often engrossing dark future title, peppered with great characters, punchy combat, and some excellent freeform mission design. Better late than never!
Dead Space is one of EA's best-loved games, and the PS5 remake is more than just a fresh coat of paint. On top of modern visuals, the remake turns the ship into one interconnected environment, expands many areas, adds voice acting for Isaac, and more. Aside from all that, this is the same great Dead Space you remember — intense atmosphere, unique enemies and weapons, and a memorable story. What many people don't realize is that the remake is not just a simple port, but a significant update that enhances the original experience.
In conclusion, the PlayStation Store's Summer Sale is a great opportunity for PS Plus members to snag some bargains on a variety of PS5 and PS4 titles. From historical adventures to zombie-popping co-op FPS, there's something for everyone. So, if you're a PS Plus member, be sure to take advantage of the early access and grab some of these discounted games before the sale officially kicks off.
