PlayStation Plus subscribers are holding their collective breath as October approaches, marking a fresh cycle of PS Plus Essential games.
For ardent PlayStation enthusiasts, the end of each month is a period brimming with speculation and excitement. We’ve seen this dance unfold time and again: Sony holds its cards close, leaving fans to its detective work. But now, thanks to the uncanny accuracy of Dealabs’ leaker billbil-kun, there’s some clarity in the horizon.
The Callisto Protocol, for those out of the loop, is not just another game; it’s an experience albeit a horrifying one. Sold and marketed as a spiritual successor to the Dead Space franchise, this sci-fi survival-horror title was meant to be quite a game-changer. And now, if these leaks hold water, it’s poised to become the jewel of the PS Plus’ October ensemble. Its induction makes sense, especially given its eerie themes fitting for the Halloween season. Although it’s only been on the market since December 2022, its journey has been quite the rollercoaster.
EXCLUSIVE
🚨 PS Plus Essential – October 2023 🚨Here are 2 of the 3 headliners of Playstation Plus Monthly Games lineup for October 2023 !#PsPlus #playstationplus https://t.co/1xFxHT6idG
— billbil-kun (@billbil_kun) September 26, 2023
With accolades for its creature design and thrilling enemy face-offs, it seemed destined for greatness. However, no epic is complete without its trials. Many players couldn’t help but find parallels with Dead Space, and the absence of certain features, like the New Game+ mode, was palpable. Still, credit where credit is due: Striking Distance Studios, the minds behind the game, weren’t ones to rest on their laurels. They took the feedback head-on, introducing key updates that refined the gameplay.
Yet, despite these strides, the industry is unforgiving. Sales didn’t quite match the studio’s aspirations. It led to a series of disheartening layoffs, and Glen Schofield, the visionary behind Dead Space and the driving force of The Callisto Protocol, parted ways with the company.
In contrast, the leaked lineup also seems to feature Farming Simulator 22, a title that has been a breath of fresh air since its November 2021 debut. This simulator allows players to immerse themselves in the pastoral world of farming, minus the early morning wake-up calls and actual manual labor.
But what’s the underlying theme here? Variety. While The Callisto Protocol pulls you into a world of tense survival and horror, Farming Simulator 22 grounds you with its calming realism. This coupling embodies the essence of PlayStation Plus: offering diverse experiences for its eclectic subscriber base. And while there’s a mention of a third mystery title, only time will reveal its identity.
As the clock ticks down to September 27, the official announcement date, one can’t help but speculate: Will these leaks prove accurate? Given billbil-kun’s past track record, the odds seem favorable. However, in the gaming world, nothing’s certain until it’s official.
If the whispers about The Callisto Protocol are true, then PS Plus might be its lifeline. Sometimes, all a game needs is a larger audience, an opportunity to shine anew – just ask the reboot of Saints Row.
For the players who’ve yet to dive into its gripping narrative, this new addition could be the perfect getaway.
