Sony drops a trio of holiday cheers for PlayStation Plus in December

Unlike the PS Plus Essential offerings for the past few months, Sony appears to have realized that it needed to step up its game.


This isn't saying much but this is the best PS Plus Essential lineup that Sony has put out in months.
This isn't saying much but this is the best PS Plus Essential lineup that Sony has put out in months.

Sony has officially announced the PlayStation Plus Monthly games for December 2023, offering a diverse selection of titles for subscribers. From December 5 until January 1, PlayStation Plus members can download and enjoy three distinct games: Lego 2K Drive for both PS4 and PS5, Powerwash Simulator also for PS4 and PS5, and Sable exclusively for PS5.

Lego 2K Drive, launched in May, presents a unique blend of Lego creativity and racing excitement. Set in the expansive world of Bricklandia, this third-person Lego racer features freely explorable open areas and destructible environments, providing a dynamic and engaging gameplay experience. The racing sim supports both a single-player story mode as well as multiplayer options, including online races and local multiplayer, making it a versatile choice for both solo and group play.

Powerwash Simulator offers a more laid-back gaming experience with its unique premise. Despite what seems to be a mundane concept, the game has garnered a cult following and boasts a 10/10 rating on Steam. It includes multiple DLCs that add variety to the environments, including settings from popular franchises such as Tomb Raider and Back to the Future, among others. The game also features multiplayer capabilities, allowing friends to join in the satisfying task of power washing various objects and locations.

Sable is a critically acclaimed indie title that should be good for a couple of hours of gameplay.
Sable is a critically acclaimed indie title that should be good for a couple of hours of gameplay.

The final offering, Sable, is an indie title initially promoted as an Xbox game but eventually released across all platforms. Renowned for its unique cell-shaded art style reminiscent of a colored manga, Sable invites players to explore a world on a customizable hoverbike. The game combines elements of platforming, puzzle-solving, and exploration, set against a backdrop of fishing in the desert and discovering remnants of past civilizations. This indie gem is well-regarded for its charm and distinctive aesthetic.

Each of these games brings something unique to the PlayStation Plus lineup. Lego 2K Drive caters to those seeking the kind of family-friendly, creative racing experience perfect for the holiday season. Meanwhile, Powerwash Simulator is a game for players looking for a relaxing and oddly satisfying cleaning simulation. Finally, Sable offers an artistic and contemplative exploration adventure.

In the meantime, PS Plus subscribers can still access November’s games until December 4: Aliens: Fireteam Elite, Dragon Ball: The Breakers, and Mafia 2: Definitive Edition.

Despite criticisms for its microtransactions, LEGO 2K Drive actually has plenty of content to offer for free.
Despite criticisms for its microtransactions, LEGO 2K Drive actually has plenty of content to offer for free.

For fans of these genres or those simply looking to try something new, December’s PlayStation Plus offerings provide a mix of excitement, relaxation, and artistic exploration. As always, these games are available to PlayStation Plus members at no additional cost, adding significant value to the subscription service, especially considering the recent price increase for the annual subscription plan.

While December’s offerings are a step-up compared to last month’s, it’s still not good enough to compete with what its competition has to offer. Nevertheless, Sony is enjoying a banner year with the PlayStation 5 outselling the Xbox Series S/X by a huge margin. And while Marvel’s Spider-Man 2’s record-setting success helped a lot with this, it appears that Microsoft is to blame for its sales problem as well, especially in Europe.

Ray Ampoloquio
Ray Ampoloquio // Articles: 7186
With over 20 years of gaming experience and technical expertise building computers, I provide trusted coverage and analysis of gaming hardware, software, upcoming titles, and broader entertainment trends. // Full Bio