Sony’s PlayStation Plus service continues its steady march to compete with rival services, and the August 2023 offerings are an epitome of that dedication.
Bridging the divide between vintage classics and cutting-edge releases, August’s line-up for PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium members promises an exciting month ahead for gamers.
First, let’s address the obvious headliner – the inclusion of day-one titles in the PlayStation Plus catalog. Historically, the PlayStation manufacturer has been a tad conservative in this department, especially when juxtaposed with Microsoft’s Game Pass strategy. Yet, this August witnesses a significant shift, echoing Sony’s ambition to bolster its gaming catalog.
The announcement of Sea of Stars and Moving Out 2 joining the catalog on their respective release days represents a more aggressive and user-centric approach from Sony. Particularly, Sea of Stars, with its alluring art style and an intent to rejuvenate turn-based combat, is positioned to be the crowning jewel of this month’s roster.
While Sea of Stars serves as a nostalgic nod to the golden era of RPGs, Moving Out 2 offers co-operative gameplay as it encourages players to partake in the zany world of furniture moving. The addition of online co-op and crossplay options ensures that friends can indulge in hilarious antics, irrespective of geographical boundaries.
Mind you, the allure of the PlayStation Plus catalog doesn’t end with these new-age marvels. August sees a mix of both indie and mainstream games. An intriguing entry is Lost Judgment, an extension of the revered Yakuza franchise, diving deep into profound themes like bullying through its narrative. Alongside it, the quirky remaster of Destroy All Humans 2: Reprobed beckons players with a promise of zany extraterrestrial antics.
If you have an inclination towards strategy and management, Two Point Hospital: Jumbo Edition challenges you to head a peculiar hospital bustling with quirky patients. For those seeking something more laid back, Lawn Moving Simulator: Landmark Edition offers a surprisingly cathartic experience, albeit with its delayed availability on August 28.
Notably, Dreams from Media Molecule makes a repeat appearance this month, offering PlayStation Plus subscribers a second chance to delve into its vast ocean of player-generated content.
For the loyalists of the PlayStation Plus Premium tier, a tryst with yesteryears is on the cards. August brings the much-adored PSP remakes of MediEvil: Resurrection and Ape Escape: On The Loose. If you’re one for a dash of action and thrill, Pursuit Force: Extreme Justice rounds off the classic trio.
One must appreciate Sony’s foresight in ensuring that the majority of these games cater to both PS4 and PS5 gamers, highlighting an emphasis on inclusivity. Only a handful, including Two Point Hospital and Dreams, are confined to the PS4 realm, yet they remain compatible with the PS5 architecture.
While these additions are indeed commendable, it’s essential to remember that a few stalwarts are exiting the catalog. The departure of iconic titles like Yakuza 0 and its sequels is a palpable loss and tilts the scales in favor of Game Pass for fans of the Yakuza series.
Here’s a complete list of the upcoming PS Plus Extra and Premium additions for August 2023:
PS Plus Extra
- Cursed to Golf – PS4, PS5
- Destiny 2: The Witch Queen – PS4, PS5
- Destroy All Humans 2 Reprobed – PS4, PS5
- Dreams – PS4
- Hotel Transylvania: Scary-Tale Adventures – PS4, PS5
- Lawn Mowing Simulator: Landmark Edition – PS4, PS5
- Lost Judgment – PS4, PS5
- Midnight Fight Express – PS4
- Moving Out 2 – PS4, PS5
- PJ Masks: Heroes of the Night – PS4, PS5
- Sea of Stars – PS4, PS5
- Source of Madness – PS4, PS5
- Spellforce III Reforced – PS4
- Two Point Hospital: Jumbo Edition – PS4
PS Plus Premium
- Ape Escape: On the Loose (PSP)
- MediEvil: Resurrection (PSP)
- Pursuit Force: Extreme Justice (PSP)
All said and done, this month’s offerings are a testament to Sony’s commitment to offering a rich blend of experiences to its user base.
These games are headed to PS Plus by August 15. Until then, you can check out the PS Plus Essential lineup this month.
