Although the idea of paid multiplayer might still feel weird, PlayStation Plus is a wonderful subscription service. Not only it gives you some much-needed online options (like cloud saves) but it also grants you free video games on a monthly basis. These freebies are not necessarily great each time, but there’ve been some true masterpieces throughout the years.
Moreover, free PS Plus games tend to be better the closer the inevitable end of the PS4 life cycle gets. Based on average Metacritic scores, here’s a list of the best video games that have been free on PS Plus at some point for PS4 or PS3.
10 Shadow Of The Colossus (PS3) – 92
Shadow of the Colossus is such a brilliant experience that it has been ported over to PS3 and properly remade for PS4 after the initial release on PS2 almost 15 years ago. This is one of those games that you simply have to get acquainted with. There was something deeply philosophical in Shadow of the Colossus gameplay.
The way you were exploring the deserted world to find those beacons of ancient power, the absolutely enormous colossi, it was engaging and meditative. And thanks to Sony’s approach, several generations of gamers had the chance to try this extraordinary title.
9 Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception (PS3) – 92
Nathan Drake was left on a high note in Uncharted 3, and while Uncharted 4 was a wonderful project, the series should’ve perhaps remained as a perfectly wrapped up trilogy. It’s no wonder that PS Plus subscribers on PS3 were honored with a free copy of the triquel, since it was an amazing game and one of the best PlayStation exclusives ever.
Drake's Deception has perfected the series’ signature adventurous gameplay, which consists of fascinating exploration and exciting alpinism. Everything you’ve eventually seen in Uncharted 4 was the reiteration of this formula.
8 Bloodborne (PS4) – 92
Bloodborne is a true gem created and developed by FromSoftware. It’s an iconic video game with an army of devoted fans, and it was quite surprising to see the title among PS Plus free offers back in March 2018. That’s not something you would expect from Sony.
Bloodborne could indeed be considered the best game from the famous Japanese studio. It has an enticing, yet very subtle storyline, which you are supposed to uncover on your own. And it has the perfect balance between sadistically punishing gameplay and very satisfying slow progression.
7 Journey (PS4/PS3) – 92
An indisputable masterpiece, Journey is a game that everyone should play in their lives. It’s pure art at its best, and you simply cannot describe the gameplay in words. Journey is an impression, an experience, a deep dive into overwhelming emotions. And to help as many PlayStation owners as possible to try this beautiful project, Sony gave it away for both PS3 and PS4 players with PS Plus subscriptions.
Journey is among the greatest video games of all time. PlayStation Official Magazine put the title on the fifth place in its chart of the best PS3 games, which is a testimonial to be considered.
6 Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain (PS4) – 93
The final chapter of the cult classics created by Hideo Kojima, Metal Gear Solid 5 is a worthy completion of the series, although it could not be defined as a completed project itself. Unfortunately, the development of the game was negatively affected by a long-lasting dispute between Kojima and Konami. As a result, Metal Gear Solid 5 was strongly believed to be unfinished as players later uncovered missing story content.
However, regardless of whether Metal Gear Solid 5 was supposed to include more content or not, it was a very appealing open-world game with lots of innovative features and possibilities.
5 BioShock Infinite (PS3) – 94
Ken Levine was destined to create one of the best dystopian video game series, and thanks to his talent, the Bioshock franchise will keep its well-deserved special place in players’ hearts. Infinite was the ultimate Bioshock experience and let gamers literally skyrocket well above the clouds to the hovering city, which was a bold move after the original claustrophobic underwater facility.
Six years ago, in January 2014, PS3 owners got the chance to explore the soaring city of Columbia for free. Social inequality, mind tricks, frightening violence, and living characters – the game had it all along with a story engaging enough to hold you tight until the very ending.
4 Mass Effect 2 (PS3) – 94
Not only does Mass Effect 2 occupies a higher place on Metacritic chart than Mass Effect 3, but also it is closer to the parity between critics’ and players’ scores. While the trilogy finale left many fans disappointed and discouraged, the second game of the franchise was perfectly balanced. It remained faithful towards the original game, but also made a few steps forward.
Mass Effect 2 featured an even deeper main storyline, which was reinforced by no less detailed side quests and activities. Thus, players were not only saving the Galaxy but also building bonds and relationships with a rich and diverse cast of characters.
3 Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns Of The Patriots (PS3) – 94
Another title by Hideo Kojima, Metal Gear Solid 4 was the final free game for PS3 owners as the support of the console was coming to a proper end in 2019. It was a rather symbolic act because story-wise, the game took place long after Metal Gear Solid 5 and bid farewell to the beloved characters of the saga.
Unlike Metal Gear Solid 5 in its unfinished state, Metal Gear Solid 4 was a properly completed project, and a highly praised one. Perhaps that was the reason why it took the whole life cycle of PS3 to finally give the game away for free.
2 The Last Of Us Remastered (PS4) – 95
One of the best video games of the previous generation, The Last of Us is a notable milestone in the history of the gaming industry. The Last of Us is one of the few projects that was extremely close to perfection. The game offered convincing drama, showed real dilemmas and painful situations, introduced believable characters with deep personalities, and intrigued with unfolding story events.
Gameplay-wise, The Last of Us was simple, yet brilliant and thoughtful. And the best present you could ever wish for as a PS4 player was the Remastered version of the game distributed freely through the PS Plus subscription.
1 Batman: Arkham City (PS3) – 96
This is the highest-scored video game among the titles that have ever been offered to PS Plus subscribers, and it’s there for a reason. Batman: Arkham City could be easily considered the best Batman video game thanks to the efforts put into its development by Rocksteady. But most importantly, it’s the climax of the life-long rivalry between the Dark Knight and the Joker, his arch-nemesis.
For comic geeks, Arkham City was a true revelation. The game’s story was composed by well-known comic book writer Paul Dini, while the roles of Batman and the Joker were taken over by famous actors straight from DC Universe, Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill respectively.