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?
Devil May Cry 5
Devil May Cry was a staple of the PS2 era, and those games’ HD versions and Devil May Cry 4 have been on PS Plus Premium since the service’s launch. In January 2023, the franchise’s most recent entry was finally added to PS Plus Extra, including the PS5’s Special Edition. Personal preference will dictate someone’s preferred entry in the series, but DMC 5 is undoubtedly a contender for that crown.
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In a risky move, Capcom opted to include three playable characters who all have wildly different playstyles. Nero and Dante are both melee-focused fighters, although they are still nothing alike. The latter might have the most complete combat system in the hack and slash genre, which is saying something. The third character, V, only stars in a couple of chapters, but his range-based abilities provide a nice change of pace. The Special Edition even makes Vergil playable.
Kingdom Hearts Collection
Sony has announced a stacked line-up of games for PS Plus Extra and Premium’s November 2022 additions. Titles like The Division 2, What Remains of Edith Finch, and Oddworld: Soulstorm are big deals in their own right, but the month’s highlight is Kingdom Hearts. Except for some browser games, Square Enix’s entire franchise will be available to Extra and Premium subscribers. Overall, this selection contains eight games and three cinematic experiences; if someone were to accompany Sora, Goofy, and Donald for a full adventure, they will have to dedicate roughly 200 hours.
Kingdom Hearts is infamous for splitting its story among various platforms, making it unnecessarily complicated for fans to get the full picture. In recent years, Square Enix has taken steps to rectify this issue by releasing compilations that brought lesser-known entries onto consoles like the PS4. With Kingdom Hearts joining PS Plus Extra, it has never been simpler to jump into this universe.
The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim - Special Edition
Skyrim has been around for more than a decade, and yet the game is still a big deal. From November 15, PS Plus Extra and Premium subscribers can take on the mantle of the Dragonborn and start their journey in Skyrim. The Special Edition is generally considered the definitive iteration of Bethesda’s masterpiece, and the 2016 release was included in 2021’s Anniversary Edition that came out on the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S.
Skyrim’s longevity lies in its ability to immerse players in a fully realized world that makes exploration fun and satisfying. The combat might be a bit dated compared to more recent RPGs, but the game makes up for it through customization and build options. Even if most people have already experienced everything the campaign has to offer, Skyrim debuting on PS Plus makes the service’s library seem more complete.
Deathloop
The marquee game of PS Plus Extra’s September 2022 line-up, Deathloop is an addictive first-person shooter with a time loop premise. Colt is an assassin tasked with eliminating eight targets in one day, a mission that resets whenever the protagonist meets his end. As the campaign progresses, Colt unlocks new powers and gadgets, giving players a varied arsenal that grants freedom in how they can plan kills.
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Deathloop builds on Arkane’s previous projects like Dishonored and Prey, particularly in its combat system. The gameplay is accessible but challenging and rewards people who are willing and able to master Colt’s range of skills.
Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade
Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade is a huge get for PS Plus Extra subscribers, particularly those who love action JRPGs. The 1997 original helped put the PS1 on the map, and while the remake takes quite a few creative liberties with both the story and gameplay, it still respectfully pays homage to FF7’s legacy. Focusing on Midgar, the modern game chronicles Cloud Strife’s early days as part of AVALANCHE, showcasing the resistance group’s attempts to undermine Shinra’s authority.
Over the last decade, Square Enix has firmly shifted towards real-time action over turn-based combat, and FF7 Remake serves as the strongest representative of this gameplay style. As a sequel, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, has been officially announced, this is the perfect time for newcomers to jump into the remake train, and PS Plus is the ideal platform to do so.
Stray
At this point, it is too early to claim Stray as one of the best games on PS Plus Premium and Extra; however, the project earns this spot due to what it represents. If Sony’s subscription service wants to compete against Xbox Game Pass, launch day inclusions are required. PS Now set the groundwork for this movement with Shadow Warrior 3, but PS Plus announcing that Stray would debut directly in its library is arguably an even louder declaration of intent.
While not as monumental of a release as something like Starfield, Stray is nevertheless one of the most exciting games of July 2022. Set in a futuristic cyberpunk world, players step into the paws of a cat as they traverse neon-tinged city streets while solving puzzles and exploring locations.
Dragon Ball FighterZ
There are roughly a billion Dragon Ball games, and some of them are pretty great. However, for the longest time, the franchise seemed incapable of putting out a proper competitive fighter. Dragon Ball FighterZ changed that forever, with Arc crafting a project that could show up in eSports events alongside Street Fighter 5 and Super Smash Bros. Melee.
Dragon Ball is synonymous with flashy battles where a wayward ki blast could potentially blow up a planet, and FighterZ captures this element beautifully. Visually, the game not only echoes the source material but, at times, even looks better. Unlike some of Arc’s other fantastic games, FighterZ’s combat system is relatively easy to grasp, although it is still hard to master. The single-player campaign is split into three non-canon arcs, and, while enjoyable from a fan-service point of view, overstays its welcome. However, Dragon Ball FighterZ is all about its online scene.
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 great 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.
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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.
Yakuza: Like A Dragon
PS Plus Extra’s Yakuza collection received a major expansion in December 2022 with the arrival of two mainline entries and a spin-off. All three games achieve greatness in their own right, but Like a Dragon stands out due to its relevance to the franchise’s future. Although not devoid of familiar faces, the 2020 game effectively launched a new era for the series, one built on a turn-based combat system inspired by Dragon Quest. The game also introduced a new protagonist and hub city.
Newcomers to Sega’s franchise can jump directly into Yakuza: Like a Dragon without prior knowledge of the series. They can then enjoy a lengthy and engrossing story filled with nuanced characters and devastating moments. The game also offers charming side quests along with a small but dense open world.
Dragon Quest 11 S: Echoes Of An Elusive Age
PS Plus Extra’s October 2022 lineup included five Dragon Quest games, all of which have something to offer in their own right. While the Heroes and Builders spin-offs are enjoyable, the month’s biggest addition is undoubtedly Dragon Quest 11 S, which is one of the best JRPGs on the PS4. Set in a vibrant world brimming with style and personality, DQ11 delivers familiar but addictive turn-based combat, lovable characters, and a simple but effective storyline.
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Rather than reinventing a wheel that has never been broken, DQ11 opts to modernize mechanics and concepts that have been successful for decades. Ultimately, this game just proves that Dragon Quest is timeless. The version on PS Plus Extra expands on the vanilla release in a few neat ways too, including a 16-bit mode.
Chicory: A Colorful Tale
Chicory: A Colourful Tale might struggle to stand out as part of PS Plus Extra and Premium’s AAA titles. This indie game is about art, both thematically and in terms of gameplay. Set in a fantasy realm filled with talking animals, Chicory casts players as the person chosen to maintain the world’s color. This responsibility is heavier than usual as an entity has stripped the world of its vibrancy, leaving behind a black-and-white canvas.
Chicory is a puzzle-adventure game that ignites the player’s creativity as it allows them to use their brush as they see fit. However, actions have consequences, and not every NPC will be receptive to the protagonist’s artistic vision.
Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege
Ever since launching in 2015, Rainbow Six Siege has been one of the leading first-person shooter games on the market. Ubisoft’s multiplayer-driven title had a somewhat rough start, but its strong tactical gameplay eventually saw the project garner a dedicated playerbase that has hardly dwindled over the last 5 years.
As it has been out for so long, Rainbow Six Siege is filled with veterans by this point. Consequently, new players might feel like they are drowning in the deep end during their first few playthroughs. However, Ubisoft’s FPS is great enough to justify sitting through these early growing pains.
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.
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 greatest 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 Wall 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.
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.
WWE 2K22
Added to PS Plus Extra at the beginning of 2023, WWE 2K22 is currently the only wrestling game on Sony’s service. Familiarity with the live-action show will likely determine whether this addition holds any value to a subscriber, although fans of 3D fighters might still get a kick out of WWE 2K22’s generally enjoyable gameplay. After the train wreck that was WWE 2K20, the 2022 edition revamped the combat system and also brought back old favorites like MyGM.
WWE 2K22 is packed to the brim with content and fighters, but some of its modes are a bit too grind-heavy for their own good. That said, the Rey Mysterio showcase is among the best features in any WWE game, even if it only lasts a couple of hours. Players can also jump into a traditional story mode that sees them launch a career as a superstar, starting from a trainee in the Performance Center and going all the way to the main event of WrestleMania.
Assassin’s Creed Odyssey
PS Plus Extra has a plethora of Assassin’s Creed games, permitting players to pick their favorite setting. The Ezio Collection tells arguably the franchise’s best story, but the trilogy’s gameplay is a bit dated at this point. Origins marked a turning point for Ubisoft’s series, reshaping the combat to be more action-oriented. Set it Ancient Egypt, Origins is a very good pick and one of the most popular open-world games of the 2010s.
Odyssey builds on Origins’ ideas while introducing a few twists of its own. Set in Ancient Greece, the 2018 game might have the most gorgeous world in the franchise, and that includes Valhalla. The loot system can be overwhelming, but Odyssey does provide players with plenty of options. The combat is, for the most part, great, and the game is even challenging in places.
Inside
Another October 2022 addition to PS Plus Extra, Inside is Playdead’s spectacular follow-up to Limbo, a game that is also available in the Premium tier. Inside envisions a horrifying and surreal world where humans have been stripped of agency. Cast as a nameless boy, players must keep out of sight of enemies while completing puzzles and platforming challenges.
Inside plays exceptionally well, and the gameplay is fully in service of the story being told. The campaign avoids overexplaining this society’s systems and lore, allowing players to make their own conclusions throughout their journey.
Rayman Legends
It has been almost a decade since the last non-mobile Rayman game, and Ubisoft has not shown any indication that a new title is in the works. Rayman Legends was one of the best platformers of the 2010s, and it has not aged a day since its debut. Building on the impeccable foundations of 2011’s Rayman Origins, Legends takes players on a fast-paced adventure that offers more than a hundred levels, along with supporting co-op.
Gameplay-wise, Rayman Legends barely sets a foot wrong, and the tight controls elevate the masterful level design. The game is also quite challenging, and the campaign does not wait too long to ramp up its difficulty.
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 on the strength of its multiplayer scene, and the 2019 entry is still active all these years after its debut. 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 an 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.
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 unforgettable story is accompanied by precise gameplay and a soundtrack that ranks among the most memorable of the late 2010s.
Death Stranding
If nothing else, Hideo Kojima can be relied upon to deliver something that is unlike anything else on the market. Death Stranding is an open-world game set in post-apocalypse United States, and the player’s goal is to deliver packages and build a communication system. This entails walking across inhospitable terrain while desperately trying to balance boxes to ensure they don’t smash on the floor.
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Death Stranding is not for everyone, and that’s perfectly fine. However, if the game clicks with someone, there is nothing else quite like it. Even with its unapologetically bizarre story and the occasional intense encounter, Death Stranding can be a meditative experience when putting one foot in front of the other is the only thing the player has to worry about.
Oddworld: Abe’s Oddysee
One of the few PS1 classics on PS Plus Premium, Oddworld: Abe’s Oddysee is a gloriously macabre platformer that also incorporates stealth into its gameplay. As Abe, players must navigate through levels as they try to save captured Mudokon who are on the way to being turned into meat products. The premise is pulled right out of a grim dystopian novel, and Oddworld’s haunting visuals complement its story.
Abe’s Oddysee shows its age in a few ways, but the game’s brilliance shines through its detailed environments, expressive visuals, incredible AI, and solid gameplay. That said, players who struggle to get past the platformer’s age should check out Oddworld: New ’n’ Tasty!, the 2014 remake that is also on PS Plus Premium and Extra.
Pillars Of Eternity 2: Deadfire - Ultimate Edition
Containing more than 60 hours of gameplay, Pillars of Eternity 2 is a commitment, but the RPG is worth the investment. Obsidian has an impeccable track record for building detailed and fully-realized worlds, and Deadfire might be the developer’s crowning achievement. A seafaring adventure, the story casts players as the Watcher, a being chosen to stop a recently revived god with a penchant for draining souls.
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Pillars of Eternity 2’s main quest tells a relatively typical tale of good versus evil, albeit with a few twists along the way. While this storyline serves its purpose, Deadfire’s brilliance lies in its character interactions and minute-by-minute writing. Also, the game has an in-depth combat system that manages to remain engaging through the entire campaign, which is no easy feat.
Middle-Earth: Shadow Of Mordor
On December 20, 2022, Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor and its sequel, Shadow of War, were added to PS Plus Extra. Set in The Lord of the Rings universe, both games center around Talion, a ranger who gains unique powers when he fuses with Celebrimbor’s wraith. Dropped in relatively large maps, players are given a fair amount of freedom all the while still having a linear storyline to follow. Although Shadow of War is worth checking out, new players should start with Shadow of Mordor.
This franchise’s main selling point is the Nemesis System, which allows enemy NPCs to remember past encounters with Talion. If an Uruk gets the better of the ranger, the former will rise up the ranks in Sauron’s army, and they will taunt Talion in future encounters. For its combat, Shadow of Mordor takes a few pages from the Batman: Arkham series.
Dead By Daylight
One of the standout newcomers to PlayStation Plus as part of the August 2022 line-up, Dead by Daylight is a 4v1 horror game that has been a fixture of the online scene for many years. In the asymmetrical multiplayer title, players are cast as either four Survivors or one Killer, the former of which has to avoid the latter in order to win the match. Dead by Daylight has a massive roster of both Killers and Survivors, including famous faces from other games and horror movies.
By this point, the competitive title has a dedicated fan base on every platform, so PS5 and PS4 players should not struggle to match up with other people. Beginners might initially feel a bit lost until they come to grips with the characters’ abilities and the general strategies employed by most teams or Killers, but they should not take too long to get into the swing of things. More importantly, Dead by Daylight is just fun.
Far Cry 5
PS Plus Extra has five full Far Cry games, along with the New Dawn and Blood Dragon side releases. Except for Primal, the former all follow essentially the same formula, which is not a criticism. Even if the franchise rarely decides to reinvent the wheel, Far Cry knows how to craft a fun gameplay loop set in large sandboxes; more importantly, the gunplay is very solid.
Far Cry 3 is undoubtedly the license’s most important and influential game, and it is available on PS Plus Extra. The 2012 title is still enjoyable, but its sequels, Far Cry 4 and 5, fine-tune their predecessor’s gameplay quite a bit, even if they stick to the same foundation. Consequently, the most recent entry on Sony’s service, Far Cry 5, is the best place to start for newcomers to Ubisoft’s franchise.
Life Is Strange Complete Season
Life is Strange takes place in Arcadia Bay, a quiet town with a tragic future ahead of it. Max learns of this upcoming disaster through a vision, prompting her to take steps to try and limit the damage. She can also rewind time, a power she makes good use of throughout the story’s five chapters.
Beautifully written and emotionally complex, Life is Strange immerses players in not only its world but also Max’s life. While gameplay largely revolves around dialogue choices and exploration, players have a fair amount of influence on the narrative’s progression, which makes it easy to get invested. Before the Storm is also on PS Plus Extra, and it is worth playing in order to get more insight into Chloe’s character.
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 Scandinavian folklore surrounding the Norse Gods and their mythology. With RPG elements, an incredible story, breathtaking visuals, and some awesome combat mechanics, God of War is a must-play PS Plus Premium game.
Hotline Miami
The 2010s was a big decade for the independent scene, and Hotline Miami not only got in early but was also one of the most memorable games of that period. The title casts players as a nameless protagonist on a mission to eradicate the local mafia, a journey he embraces without much hesitation.
Split into multiple stages, Hotline Miami generally tasks players with killing everyone who happens to make an appearance. From a pure gameplay perspective, Hotline Miami is a relentless thrill ride with barely a dull moment, and clearing levels is satisfying since the game punishes mistakes severely. Thematically, the title provides a fascinating deconstruction of video games and action movies.
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, New Vegas 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.
Saints Row 2
PS Plus Extra subscribers can download Saints Row: The Third Remastered, Saints Row 4: Re-Elected, and Gat Out of Hell. Additionally, Premium tier members can also stream Saints Row 2. Except for Gat Out of Hell, all these games are fun open-world titles in their own right, and picking one over the others will come down to personal preference. If over-the-top silliness is the order of the day, The Third and Saints Row 4 should be prioritized; conversely, if a (relatively) grounded experience is preferred, Saints Row 2 is the far better pick.
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While Saints Row 2 shows its age in a number of ways, driving around Stilwater is still as enjoyable as it was in 2008. The game has a pretty substantial story as well, one that does not take itself too seriously but also does not treat everything like a joke. Saints Row 2’s characters are the most memorable in the franchise, and the game’s humor is more consistent than that of its successors.
Tearaway Unfolded
2013’s Tearaway is one of the best PS Vita games of all time, and its PS4 remake is just as good. As the original iteration extensively utilized the handheld console’s touch controls, Tearaway Unfolded had no choice but to change things up to suit a home system. Media Molecule accomplished this by taking advantage of every component of the DualShock 4 controller, including the touchpad.
Tearaway Unfolded is a 3D platformer set in a gorgeous world. While the protagonist’s moveset is relatively basic, the gameplay prioritizes environmental interaction since players will need to morph the landscape to guide their character to their next destination.
Infamous: Second Son
PS Plus Premium subscribers can play through the entire Infamous series, and the franchise’s PS3 era is considered to be its best. Infamous and its direct sequel tell Cole MacGrath’s story, and they deliver excellent action with fun powers, impressive sandboxes, and a few neat twists. Either of these titles are great, but their successor, Second Son, should not be ignored either.
Despite coming out during the PS4’s early days, Infamous: Second Son is still among the console’s most beautiful games. Story and character-wise, Sucker Punch’s release is polarizing, but those are ultimately small parts of the overall package. As an action-adventure title that allows players to live out their superpowered fantasies, Second Son more than gets the job done.
XCOM 2
The sequel to 2012’s 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 as a sequel.
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 masterpiece up to this point, and the characters are interesting and likable.
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.
Metro Exodus
Metro Exodus was added to PS Plus in August 2022, granting Premium members the opportunity to play the full trilogy. Subscribers to the Extra tier have to contend with only Metro Exodus, the latest entry in 4A Games’ series. Although retaining the slower-paced gunplay and tense atmosphere of its predecessors, Exodus shakes things up by allowing players to stretch their legs during a couple of stages of the campaign.
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In certain regions, the map opens up to place more emphasis on exploration, and these sections take place on the surface rather than in claustrophobic underground passages. This addition heightens the game’s sense of variety, and they are generally a welcome change of pace. That said, Exodus does not ignore people who love the franchise’s previous way of doing things.
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.
Wipeout Omega Collection
The world needs a new Wipeout game. In the meantime, PS Plus Premium subscribers can jump into the Omega Collection, which contains remasters of 2008’s Wipeout HD (a compilation consisting of Wipeout Pure and Pulse) and 2012’s Wipeout 2048. Speed is the name of the game for this franchise, and that is fully represented by this package.
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Both games have campaigns that provide some sense of structure, but Wipeout has always had an arcade feel to it. Consequently, the Omega Collection is a perfect PS Plus racing game for anyone looking to sprint through a few tracks every other day.
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 interested 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.
Enter The Gungeon
One of the cornerstones of the roguelike genre, Enter the Gungeon has a simple formula that works very well. As one of four classes, players descend a dungeon, completing procedurally-generated levels while discovering new weapons and items.
While death results in a reset, it is possible to permanently unlock certain items by saving characters found in the eponymous Gungeon. Gameplay-wise, this title plays out like a bullet hell, which means players will be constantly bombarded with an overwhelming barrage of enemies and gunfire. It makes for an intense but addictive gameplay loop.
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 but Demon’s Souls and Bloodborne are the next best things, and an argument can even be made that they are superior to the 2022 release. 2009’s Demon’s Souls is also available on PS Plus Premium for those who want to experience the original version in all of its glory.
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.
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?
TowerFall Ascension
Originally released on the Ouya, TowerFall eventually made it to other platforms with a tweaked title. This project is designed primarily with offline multiplayer in mind as four friends step into a single-frame arena to engage in a battle to the death. Each character has a handful of arrows, and they must plan out their attacks carefully or risk feeling defenseless outside a standard platformer stomp. To restock ammo, players can pick up arrows or catch their opponent’s midair attacks, the latter of which is very satisfying.
TowerFall Ascension is hard to recommend if someone does not have friends they can summon to their house since the game only has local multiplayer. However, there is a single-player mode that offers a few hours of entertainment. That said, the solo content is not the reason this project is among the best PS Plus Extra games.
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.
Tetris Effect: Connected
Everybody knows Tetris, and this very fact could discourage someone from giving Tetris Effect: Connected a second look. After all, everybody knows Tetris, so why spend precious time revisiting such an introductory concept? Originally released in 2018, this modern interpretation is, fundamentally, still the same old game that people played in arcades and on the Game Boy; however, Tetris Effect revamps the presentation and gameplay flow to create something that is both familiar and fresh.
Connected added co-op and PvP multiplayer to the base game, elevating to new heights an already brilliant title. Tetris Effect is one of the best contemporary updates of an all-time classic, and it is just as addictive as the original was in the 1980s.
Jak And Daxter Bundle
Containing Naughty Dog’s Jak trilogy and the underrated Jak X: Combat Racing, this PS4 bundle up-renders the PS2 originals, so these versions are not full-blown remasters. While the games could have been better optimized for the PS4, the core experiences are still as fun as ever, and each entry offers tight gameplay, unforgettable characters, and an exciting world that just demands to be experienced.
Compared to some of Naughty Dog’s other properties, Jak and Daxter does not always garner the attention that it deserves, which is a shame as the mainline trilogy can stand alongside anything else that the studio has produced.
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.
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 Asylum
PS Plus Premium has Return to Arkham, a PS4 collection containing remasters of Arkham Asylum and Arkham City. Even though these re-releases garnered some criticism, they are still a decent way to experience two of the greatest action games of all time. PS Plus Extra members can also play Arkham Knight.
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Arkham City is, in many ways, superior to Asylum. Along with improving the melee combat, the sequel expands its playground significantly while offering more side content for those willing to look for it. That said, Arkham Asylum’s streamlined approach results in a better-paced main storyline. Furthermore, the game is the most immersive title in Rocksteady’s trilogy due to its more claustrophobic world design. That said, one cannot really go wrong with any of these masterpieces.
Hollow Knight: Voidheart Edition
Hollow Knight has earned its glowing reputation. Team Cherry’s Metroidvania is rich in lore, visuals, style, and gameplay. As new players enter the strange dream-like realm that is Hallownest, they will stumble upon sights that could fill them with either wonder or fear. Throughout their journey, they will meet NPCs who need help or are willing to lend a hand. However, they will also face countless enemies and bosses that have their own stories to tell.
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Hollow Knight is a masterpiece and one of the best PS Plus games. Even if its opening hours can be a bit overwhelming or confusing, the title opens up quite quickly.
Ratchet & Clank Collection
To celebrate Ratchet & Clank turning 20, Sony added five more of the franchise’s games to PS Plus Premium. Now, subscribers have 10 Ratchet & Clank games at their fingertips, all of which are PS3 titles that need to be streamed. Not to take anything away from the Future era, but the series arguably peaked during the PS2 era, specifically Insomniac’s original trilogy. These games eventually made their way to the PS3 in the form of the Ratchet & Clank Collection, which are the versions found on PS Plus Premium.
Although dated in a handful of ways, these games are still as fun today as they were in the 2000s. Their gameplay progresses nicely from entry to entry, while their stories are endearing and frequently hilarious. Anyone looking to get into Ratchet & Clank should start with this trilogy.
What Remains Of Edith Finch
PS Plus Extra has a handful of short experiences that can be completed in a few hours, and very few of these titles provide an experience as satisfying as What Remains of Edith Finch. Giant Sparrow’s adventure game falls within the “walking simulator” subgenre, which generally means that the gameplay revolves around exploring a semi-open area in order to piece together a narrative.
What Remains of Edith Finch is named after its protagonist, a woman who returns to her family home. The Finch household is under a curse that leaves only one member alive, and Edith must explore the estate to learn her family’s tragic history. The story focuses on the final moments of Edith’s relatives, with each one being presented as almost a standalone tale.
Tom Clancy’s The Division 2
Thanks to the November 2022 additions to PS Plus Extra, subscribers now have access to both entries in Ubisoft’s The Division series. The sequel shifts the setting to Washington, D.C., and the American capital serves as a welcome change of pace from the first game’s New York streets. The Division 2 wisely plans the story’s biggest sequences around the city’s most iconic landmarks, granting an air of epicness that elevates the game’s purposefully drab aesthetic.
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The Division 2 has lasted this long thanks to its endgame content, but Massive Entertainment’s shooter can be enjoyed as a single-player game without much issue. The main campaign is lengthy and paced well, and many PS Plus Extra subscribers might find themselves satisfied with just experiencing the game’s story. If someone craves more, the post-game content awaits.
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.
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 4: A Thief’s End
Unsurprisingly, one of the best PS4 games on PS Plus Extra is a Naughty Dog title, and Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End arguably sits alongside The Last of Us and Crash Bandicoot 3: Warped as the developer’s greatest achievements. Premium subscribers can experience Nathan Drake’s full (home console) story, while The Lost Legacy is also available as part of the Extra tier. The whole franchise is top-notch, even the Vita’s Golden Abyss, but the PS4 entries benefit from improved gameplay compared to the PS3 games.
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A Thief’s End has the most emotional narrative in the saga, one that reunites Nathan with his brother Sam. Their dynamic serves as the lengthy story’s beating heart, and the campaign is punctuated by plenty of incredible action set-pieces that are jaw-dropping to witness and fun to play.
Injustice 2
If a person is searching for a violent fighting game akin to Mortal Kombat but with a superhero sheen, then Injustice 2 is the project for them. The sequel to 2013’s Injustice: Gods Among Us, which is also playable with a PS Plus Premium subscription, improves upon its predecessor in nearly every area. Narratively, the game focuses on the aftermath of the fall of Superman’s twisted regime as society tries to rebuild. Naturally, this process does not go smoothly.
Injustice 2’s gameplay is aggressive, satisfying, and challenging, regardless of whether someone is playing PvP or PvE. As the game has been out for a while, the multiplayer scene is stacked with veterans, so new players might struggle to put up much of a fight at first. Thankfully, beginners can jump into the story mode for a couple of hours of DC awesomeness.
Observer: System Redux
Out of Bloober Team’s projects, Observer: System Redux is perhaps not the most instantly recognizable, but a convincing argument can be made that it is the developer’s greatest release to date.
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Set in a creepy sci-fi dystopia, Observer follows a detective who goes to investigate a lead from his son that sends him to an intimidating building. The main crux of the experience revolves around the eponymous “Observer” ability that allows the protagonist to infiltrate someone’s brain.
The Sly Collection
Sucker Punch’s Sly Cooper trilogy was a highlight of the PS2 era. Unfortunately, the series has only produced one game since 2005’s Sly 3, the decent but unspectacular Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time. As Sony has given no indication of plans to bring back the gang for another heist, fans will just have to reminisce on the glory days, a process made simple by The Sly Collection being on PS Plus Premium.
Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus introduced the world to the charismatic thief and put Sucker Punch on the map. A more linear experience compared to its sequels, the original Sly Cooper is a traditional 3D platformer that looks and plays great. The game implements stealth well too. Sly 2: Band of Thieves is generally regarded as the franchise’s peak. Expanding greatly on its predecessor’s foundations, Sly 2 has multiple playable characters with unique playstyles, a heavier focus on exploration due to the introduction of a hub world, and a superior story. Sly 3: Honor Among Thieves adds even more characters, mechanics, and complexity. In this case, bigger is not necessarily better; however, Sly 3 is still very good.
Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time is also on PS Plus Premium. Developed by Sanzaru Games, the 2013 sequel does not quite reach the same heights as Sucker Punch’s trilogy, but it is a decent recreation of that era.
Dead Cells
The independent gaming scene is flooded with 2D Metroidvanias, some of which rank among the most memorable projects of the last decade. Even in that elite group, Dead Cells manages to stand out as something extra special. A roguelike that takes inspiration from FromSoftware’s Souls games, Motion Twin’s title delivers satisfying combat, unforgettable boss fights, and a gameplay loop that encourages a “one more run” mentality.
Although death sends players back to start, they can purchase permanent items to make subsequent runs a bit easier. Utilizing randomly-generated levels that ensure each playthrough comes with a unique flavor, Dead Cells is the type of game that can keep a PS Plus subscriber busy for months on end.
The Vanishing Of Ethan Carter
Over the last few years, walking sims have garnered a mixed reputation, a result of this style of gameplay becoming increasingly more common. Like most walking sims, The Vanishing of Ethan Carter takes a hand-off approach to its storytelling, challenging players to piece together the narrative as they explore Red Creek Valley. Along the way, they will uncover shocking secrets and complete a couple of puzzles.
The Vanishing of Ethan Carter takes place in a detailed world that begs to be explored, something players will need to do thoroughly if they wish to unlock the proper ending. PS Plus Extra subscribers who are looking to dip their toes into walking sims should start with this title, especially if they like horror.
This War Of Mine: The Little Ones
War games are common, and there are quite a few of them on PS Plus Extra. However, This War of Mine is unlike anything else on the market. For one, rather than focus on soldiers fighting on the front lines or generals managing troops, the game revolves around ordinary people caught in the middle of a conflict. These characters are just trying to survive until the next day, nothing more and nothing less.
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This War of Mine is a survival game that puts players in charge of a group of civilians who each come with unique personality traits and stories. The campaign can vary significantly depending on the survivors picked for a run, and The Little Ones expansion adds a new component by introducing a child.
South Park: The Fractured But Whole
PS Plus Extra and Premium subscribers can jump into both of Ubisoft’s South Park games. If someone wants to get the full experience, they should start with The Stick of Truth since that leads directly into its sequel. 2014’s game is delightful and does not overstay its welcome; that said, The Fractured but Whole is better.
A satire of the superhero movie movement, the RPG captures the cartoon’s irreverent humor, and it comes packed with Easter eggs that will undoubtedly hit the mark with long-time fans of the franchise. The biggest test of a license’s game quality is whether it can be enjoyed by the uninitiated, and South Park: The Fractured but Whole passes with flying colors. Any RPG lover should check out 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 of 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.
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 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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