10 Games That Owe Their Success To PS Plus

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Through inclusion in the expanded PS Plus library or just being offered for free as part of the regular Essential game releases, several games have seen significant advantages by appearing on the PS Plus platform.

Competing with powerhouse teams like AAA giants might make it challenging to keep the focus on your game for a significant period, which could make it difficult to persuade prospective players to purchase it.

If people can obtain the game just by using their existing PS Plus membership fees, many will likely do so anyway. In this case, it becomes a significant advantage. Indeed, it could potentially revolutionize the gaming landscape.

These games utilized this service, effectively boosting their popularity and achieving success that might not have been possible without their initial risk-taking. In simpler terms, they used this service as a stepping stone to become more famous and successful.

To ensure we provide a comprehensive list, we’re not only focusing on blockbuster hits but also games that outperformed expectations, thanks to their association with PlayStation Plus.

10.
Maneater

Is That The Jaws Music I Hear?

In a fun twist of imagination, the notion of starring as a Megalodon shark in a corny B-movie style film, wreaking havoc, is an enticing concept for a video game. Unfortunately, due to mediocre ratings and complaints about monotonous gameplay, Maneater had trouble attracting players at first.

The game initially sold approximately 50,000 units in its first month, but once it was offered for free on PS Plus, it gained enough momentum to transform into something of a cult favorite, much like many low-budget films that eventually gain popularity.

Despite its playful and humorous elements, the game delivers an engaging narrative, satisfying battles, and a consistent feeling of advancement within an expansive open world.

Additionally, it’s a compact game within its category, with playtime ranging roughly between 10 to 15 hours. Therefore, if you’re seeking an expansive open world that offers a swift exploration experience,

9.
Death Note: Killer Within

Anyone Have A Pen?

2020 may have kept us apart physically, but it didn’t dampen our desire for social interaction in the gaming world. Games such as Among Us and Goose, Goose, Duck have proven this, showcasing that multiplayer social deduction games remain relevant. When you blend a popular anime like Death Note into this mix, you create a unique and intriguing experience.

In this captivating experience, success hinges on skillfully navigating your character’s role while cleverly concealing your real ambitions and strategies. If you relish the thrill of outsmarting others, keeping them guessing, and ultimately emerging victorious through cunning and guile, then this game is tailor-made for you!

Certainly, I understand that the game may not be as refined as some others out there. But, let me tell you, it’s a real hoot when you play it with your buddies! Thanks to PlayStation Plus, many players got the chance to try it out and had a fantastic time experiencing its offerings.

8.
Never Alone

Wrap Up Warm

As a gamer, I’d say it’s a stretch to attribute Never Alone’s success solely to PS Plus. It’s more of a hidden gem, not widely known. But, without a doubt, PS Plus played a significant role in drawing attention to this amazing game that might have flown under the radar otherwise.

In simpler terms, this game is a captivating storytelling experience presented as a side-scrolling platformer. It narrates the stories of the Inupiat people, delving into their cultural myths and legends, while also shedding light on the challenging conditions they face everyday, which to them are simply part of their daily lives.

This game garnered numerous awards, earning it a reputation as an artistic masterpiece, yet its sales didn’t reflect this. It was heartening to see PS Plus highlight it, giving numerous gamers the chance to experience the emotional rollercoaster that this side-scrolling game offers.

7.
Grow Home

For All You Green Thumbs

Without a doubt, if there was ever a game that seemed surprising to achieve such popularity, it was Grow Home. This doesn’t mean the game is poor by any means; in fact, it offers a soothing and stress-relieving experience. However, without the benefit of being a free PS Plus title, it might have flown under the radar for many gamers.

Regardless of my critique, I’m thankful I didn’t play it because the game seems like an exceptional technology demonstration, showcasing some of the most innovative and immersive free-climbing mechanisms one could conceive.

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Putting aside my comments about the game, I’m pleased I didn’t engage with it because it appears to be a fantastic tech demo that presents some of the most extraordinary and interactive free-climbing mechanics you can envision.

The experience is reminiscent of scaling Jusant while dealing with the challenges and possible annoyances similar to Only Up. It also features an adorable robotic emblem and carries a thoughtful, meaningful storyline as its core theme.

Although the storyline isn’t particularly compelling, the book’s title is catchy, and with the aid of PS Plus, it has gained recognition beyond being just another indie game.

6.
Bugsnax

Bunger, Bunger, Bunger!

To get started, let’s dive into a game that became popular simply by being the initial free offering for the PS5 era, since Bugsnax was the first title available as part of PS Plus. After everyone finished exploring the enhanced demonstration known as Astro’s Playroom, there was a void left to fill, and we were all eager for something new to engage with.

In comparison to Demon’s Souls and a few underwhelming debut titles, Bugsnax stood almost alone as the main attraction. To everyone’s astonishment, this small-scale game proved worth the risk, delighting players with its unique experience.

The game provided an immersive Pokémon-like encounter where you were tasked with catching various Bugsnax on the island, while also discovering the mysteries hidden within the region and the peculiar inhabitants living there.

Beneath its seemingly charming exterior lies a rather complex and somber narrative when explored more deeply. However, don’t be put off by this, as it’s a timeless favorite with plenty of reasons to appreciate it – including the significant role PS Plus played in its development.

5.
Resogun

Retro Meets Modern

Just like Bugsnax marked the start of the PlayStation 5 era on the service, Resogun was a standout title that grabbed everyone’s attention during the shift from PlayStation 3 to PlayStation 4 for PlayStation Plus.

They required a creation that was engagingly addictive, cleverly designed, and instantly enjoyable, and Housemarque eagerly complied by presenting a contemporary interpretation of Space Invaders, demonstrating exceptional skill in the art of bullet-hell gaming.

Playing this game seems straightforward – just keep firing and dodge all the on-screen projectiles. However, what may appear easy initially proves to be quite challenging in reality.

Because the game is so engaging and each level offers an impressive visual display, you won’t find it a chore to learn and improve your skills as a future bullet-hell expert.

This version maintains the original’s meaning while using simpler language to make it easier for readers to understand.

4.
Concrete Genie

My Hometown’s A Dump, But It’s My Dump

Despite the fact that Concrete Genie might have still been well-received by the niche gaming community, being part of the PlayStation Plus monthly selection undeniably helped boost its popularity.

In simpler terms, this game narrates an emotional tale about a talented young artist with a magical paintbrush. He can make his drawings come alive, and his goal is to save his cherished coastal hometown, which is currently struggling, using his extraordinary artistic abilities.

Yet, he has to deal with the troublemakers and rowdy individuals in the town who prefer it to remain unsavory. Alternatively, he must confront the bullies and ruffians in the town, who take pleasure in its shady nature.

The control of the brush may be somewhat tricky, I must admit, but if you’re willing to look past that, you’ll find an aesthetically pleasing game waiting for you. This game offers a compelling narrative, along with numerous innovative features to ensure an engaging experience all the way through.

Plus, the little genies are so damn cute that they justify playing this game alone.

3.
Life Is Strange

Small Town Drama

Among various game genres, some are more challenging to launch successfully compared to others. However, I’m ready to take a risk and assert that developing an episodic game is one of the toughest propositions when it comes to attracting potential gamers.

In a brilliant move, adding Life Is Strange to the PS Plus monthly roster by Don’t Nod significantly boosted its visibility. This choice-based, story-centric game set in a small town not only became popular but also served as a launchpad for numerous spin-offs and sequels that followed.

That moment felt like capturing lightning in a bottle when it launched during the mid-2010s surge of games featuring butterfly effect choice systems, and I can confidently assert that the first installment of Life Is Strange stands among the finest in this category.

Unfortunately, the series hasn’t reached those peak levels since then, but it’s undeniable that this choice is likely the reason why most of us are even familiar with Life is Strange in the first place.

2.
Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout

Wacky Little Tic-Tacs

As a devoted gamer, I must confess that Fall Guys briefly captured my heart like a shooting star, burning with an intensity that surpassed many other live-service games during its peak popularity. A good chunk of this fervor can be attributed to the allure of being a PS Plus subscriber.

The game, which required payment to access, was generously provided as a key title, inviting players to immerse themselves in the chaotic atmosphere reminiscent of Japanese game shows that the title offers. Due to its unique format, where almost anyone can emerge victorious through simple fortune, it became incredibly popular.

Due to its unique ice cream and bubblegum style, an array of zany game modes keeping each playtime different from the last, it drew in a massive crowd to its servers, numbering in the hundreds of thousands.

Unfortunately, following Mediatonic layoffs, the game’s popularity suffered due to an influx of cheaters and the team’s struggle to maintain fresh content. However, let me remind you that at one point, this game was incredibly popular, with PS Plus playing a significant role in its success.

1.
Rocket League

What A Save!

Without a shadow of a doubt, among all the triumphs on PlayStation Plus, it’s undeniable that Rocket League has stolen the show. This game masterfully merges the thrill of arcade racing with the strategy of soccer, creating an Esports sensation that continues to draw in a massive crowd.

This game is simple to start playing, but it takes a lot of practice to become really good at it. The difference in skill level between a beginner (bronze) and an expert (Grand Champion) is immense, something I’m familiar with as a player who used to be Diamond III.

This game, a clever blend of multiple genres, proves so engrossing that it may keep you pleading for just one more round even past midnight.

This game has undergone a change and is now a free-to-play version managed by Epic Games, but the fundamental gameplay that made Rocket League popular remains intact. If you haven’t experienced this cultural sensation yet, don’t hesitate – jump in and give it a try!

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2025-05-01 15:12