Playstation Network
BEST PLAYSTATION PLUS FREEBIES OF 2017
Best things in life are FREE.
by Oscar Portillo / Felipe Parada
It's that time again, the time where we look back fondly at some of the best games of 2017. We can speak about games like Horizon Zero Dawn, Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Persona 5 and Wolfenstein 2 which are all deserving of the nominations but what about the free games that Playstation Plus have given us? There were a total of 74 games in PlayStation Plus’ free games offerings for 2017 with a combined retail price (currently) of $1287.25. As a PlayStation Plus subscribers we will look back on the quantity, and the quality of these games.
Oscar Portillo
5. Downwell
I initially purchased this on mobile recommended from a friend. So I was happy to see this for ps plus. It is basically a shoot em up but going down. The 8 bit graphics add to the games charm. The different power ups and weapons make you change your style of play. I think everyone should at least try downwell.
4. Titan Souls
If Shadow of the Colossus and Dark Souls had a baby Titan Souls easily would be its off spring. As the player you wander a land filled with just boss battles. Part of the challenge is figuring out how to beat a boss, and then actually executing on this. With one hit kills, Titan Souls is tough, but when you finally take one down. No better feeling.
3. Not a Hero
I had not even heard of Not a Hero until it was released on ps plus. I just decided to give it a try and I was instantly hooked. Imagine Hotline Miami, but a side scroller. From the different characters to choose from to the silly campaign. A bunny running for king of England with shady mob ties. Fast paced and violent, whats not to like.
2. Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain
Probably the biggest title to be released for PS Plus this year. The sheer bang for your buck that Metal Gear 5 provides is very impressive. To the open world,side missions and online component. With the sand box that is given here you can really do almost anything.
1. Life is Strange
I fully admit that I am a big fan of the story type of games or walking simulators. I heard about Life is Strange before playing and I was not disappointed. This game deals with heavy topics like domestic violence and drug use so be warned. But it is a great game with good writing. The rewind mechanic adds just enough twist for some, that might be getting tired of the genre.
Felipe Parada
5. Just Cause 3
Who doesn't like the Just Cause Series? Its a game about literally blowing stuff up in the quickest way imaginable. Sure there is a story that takes a backseat but seeing yourself walking away while objects and people blow up in the distance has a certain beauty to it . That was enough of a synopsis to have me hooked into downloading this game. The story is simple, you play as Rico Rodriguez (his job title is Dictator Removal Specialist, I'm not kidding) on his quest to liberate the Mediterranean tourist destination of Medici from the clutches of Dictator and overall asshole General Sebastian Di Ravello. A really fun game with a simple idea and should be picked up if you are itching to cause massive carnage.
4. Assassin’s Creed: Freedom Cry
I am a huge fan of Assassins Creed 4: Black Flag and firmly believe that it's the best game in the series (and I will fight anyone to the death who sees otherwise). So it was a no brainier for me to download this game. Setting 10 years after the events of Black Flag,
you take on the role of Adéwalé (Kenway's first officer in Black Flag) as he tries to intercept Templar activity in the Caribbean. The mission goes awry and he is left stranded on the shores of Port-au-Prince where he finds a small group of African slaves looking for Freedom. You really find a connection with Adéwalé as he aids the slaves to freedom. If you haven't played this one, you should definately pick it up if you were a fan of the Blag Flag series.
3. Abzu
Made by Journey and Flower developer Giant Squid, Abzu is a gorgeous journey (see what I did there) into the depths of the ocean. You play as a nameless and voiceless protagonist on his quest to uncover the mysteries of the deep. Boasting some of the most impressive visuals of this generation, you are taken back by all of your underwater companions consisting of whales, dolphins, sting-rays and much more. This is one of the more relaxed games on this list because of the developers pedigree for more exploratory narratives but none the less it is a game that needs to be experienced.
2. Tales from the Borderlands
Telltale Games has done it again with this amusing story set in the Borderlands universe. I was skeptical at first when I heard telltale was working on a Borderlands game which consists of heavy gun-play and an even more absurd variety of weapons but if anyone could pull it off it would be Telltale. Set after the events of Borderlands 2 you play as Rhys and Fiona as they try to con their way to secure a vault key from the Hyperion Corporation. Telltale does an amazing job of crafting a hilarious story of friendship and betrayal throwing in fanfare service at every turn. Don't miss out on this amazing tale from the Borderlands.
1. Tearaway Unfolded
One of the most underrated games on the market today. I never got a chance to get to play the original tearaway on the PS Vita but heard nothing but great things about it. When I heard this game was being made available for free I knew I had to play this game. Made by Media Molecule which gave us the gem of Little Big Planet, I knew what I was in for but was still blown away by this beautifully crafted game. Creativity just oozes from this experience, you controls the messenger Iota or Atoi (both play identically, with the only difference being the gender; Iota is male while Atoi is female) who is tasked with delivering a message to a portal that has mysteriously opened in the sky, displaying the player (referred to as "The You" in game). Yes, you are actually in the game (if you have the Playstation Camera) and you use every resource available to deliver the message. Whether it be the touch pad, the controller's light bar or the motion controls, it is refreshing to see a developer use the PS4 in such a creative way.We need more games like this in the future, games that creatively use the systems hardware to full immerse the player into the story. Definitely a must play for all ages because this game is truly Tear-able (PUNS......all day, everyday).
Honorable Mention: Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain
What was your favorite 2017 PSN Freebie? Let us know in the comments below.