Sony’s monthly PlayStation Plus Essential lineup for October has left subscribers with mixed feelings. It’s no secret that September’s selection was disappointing, leading to anticipation and hope for a stronger October lineup, especially in light of the recent PlayStation Plus price bump.
But did Sony deliver this October? On one hand, it seems the previous month’s debacle has been slightly mitigated. It doesn’t exactly shout “amazing” but it’s not half-bad. The Callisto Protocol, the spiritual successor to Dead Space and a product of Glen Schofield’s Striking Distance Studios, has undeniably taken the spotlight. This game garnered a lot of attention, primarily because of its links to the Dead Space series. Nevertheless, its release last December was met with mixed reviews, particularly due to its clunky combat mechanics. Its timing with PlayStation Plus is certainly fortuitous, aligning perfectly with the spooky season.
Farming Simulator 22, the next entrant, is a testament to the widespread appeal of niche simulation games. Released in November 2021, this game brings to your screens all the excitement of commercial farming with zero of the real-world hassles. The fact that it sold over 1.5 million copies in its first week showcases its unexpected allure.
The PlayStation Plus Monthly Games for October are:
🚀 The Callisto Protocol
🚜 Farming Simulator 22
🤠 Weird WestFull details: https://t.co/xhwAVo75t4 pic.twitter.com/ML7P8BJgtG
— PlayStation (@PlayStation) September 27, 2023
But the game that truly stands out for many, including yours truly, is Weird West. Developed by WolfEye Studios, co-founded by Raphaël Colantonio of Dishonored and Prey fame, this game introduces us to a supernatural version of the Wild West, where the typical gunslingers face off against nightmarish creatures of the frontier. It’s a mesmerizing blend of classic western vibes with gothic horror and role-playing elements. If you were to think of it as a marriage between the original Fallout, Red Dead Redemption, and Disco Elysium, you wouldn’t be far off the mark.
If we turn our gaze to the community’s reactions, there’s a sense of relief, and perhaps cautious optimism. The Callisto Protocol, despite its criticisms, has generated a lot of curiosity, especially given its association with Dead Space. While its uneven gameplay drew criticism upon release, the game has undergone several updates, hinting at a more refined experience for PlayStation Plus subscribers.
One can’t help but marvel at the timing of these releases. The Callisto Protocol, with its survival horror elements, is the perfect fit for Halloween. Meanwhile, the rich and detailed farming experience of Farming Simulator 22 aligns with the autumn harvest season. Weird West, with its eerie supernatural undertones, is yet another perfect fit for Halloween.
PlayStation Plus Essential subscribers have until November 6 to add these titles to their libraries. If you missed out on September’s lineup, you’ve got until October 2nd to claim the offerings of Saints Row, Black Desert: Traveler Edition, and Generation Zero.
Closing thoughts? Sony seems to have made a concerted effort to uplift the spirits of PS Plus subscribers this October.
While it might not be the slam dunk many were hoping for, it’s certainly a step in the right direction. Here’s to hoping the PS Plus Extra and Premium lineup bring even more compelling titles to the table.
The last we heard, an unannounced State of Play is coming later this month. With Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 coming out on October 20, a mid-October event sounds just about right.
