5 PlayStation Plus Games to Play This Week (July 28 – August 1)

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2025 is already halfway over, amazingly enough! The second half of this year promises some heavy-hitting video game releases. Titles like “Clair Obcur: Expedition 33” and “Death Stranding 2” have been making waves in the market and media lately, while upcoming games such as “Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater” are expected to keep gamers engaged for quite some time.

During this time of the year, known as midsummer, there’s a pause in the gaming industry with fewer big releases. The industry takes a break before the busy holiday season. This lull might leave gamers searching for something new to enjoy. That’s where services like PlayStation Plus come in handy, offering a diverse range of games to discover this week. If you’re seeking a change of pace mid-year, check out our selection below!

The free games offered through PlayStation Plus Essentials in July 2025, which include “Diablo 4”, “Jusant”, and “King of Fighters 15”, are still accessible for download.

Syphon Filter

Available on PS Plus Premium

To celebrate the upcoming release of a fresh installment in the popular “Metal Gear Solid” series, I’d like to suggest a somewhat lesser-known stealth-action game that shares similarities with it: “Syphon Filter”. Unlike its counterpart, which has stood the test of time, “Syphon Filter” might not have had such an enduring legacy, but it certainly holds its own. The game, released in 1999 as a PlayStation 1 exclusive, excelled in action-oriented gameplay with exceptional shooting and movement mechanics. Although it may seem dated now, it’s easy to see why “Metal Gear Solid” overshadowed it. Nevertheless, “Syphon Filter” is more than worthy of modern gamers’ attention.

  • How long to beat Syphon Filter: 10–14 hours

Jak 3

Available on PS Plus Premium

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but sing praises for the undeniable classic, Jak 3. Among all the games in the Jak & Daxter series, this one seems to be the most inviting and universally enjoyed. It carries a hint of Grand Theft Auto’s influence, transforming it into an entertaining, whimsical, and sci-fi open-world adventure brimming with unique features.

The essence of Jak 3 revolves around a blend of platforming, shooting, and driving gameplay, making each moment feel fresh and unexpected. The storyline is also remarkably robust. For gamers yearning for a traditional yet innovative PlayStation 2-era experience, it’s challenging to find a better fit than Jak 3.

Jak 3 was developed by Naughty Dog, released just three years before the first Uncharted game.

  • How long to beat Jak 3: 12–18 hours

A Hat in Time

Available on PS Plus Extra

If you’re looking for something with a good crunch and continuous fun, you might enjoy “A Hat in Time“. It seems to be heavily influenced by classic platformers like “Super Mario 64” and “Banjo-Kazooie“, but it has enough unique elements that seasoned players will find worthwhile. The gameplay in “A Hat in Time” is rewarding and dynamic, the world is endearing and cute, and the level design is intricate and captivating. In essence, it covers all the essentials of a platformer, and does so exceptionally well, making it worth a shot on PlayStation Plus.

  • How long to beat A Hat in Time: 9–19 hours

Batman: Arkham Origins

Available on PS Plus Premium (Streaming Only)

Despite not receiving the same level of acclaim as its Rocksteady-developed counterparts, Batman: Arkham Origins remains a robust portrayal of the Caped Crusader. From a narrative standpoint, it’s intriguing to explore an early rendition of the Arkham universe, which has since become one of the most iconic interpretations of the Batman mythos. In terms of gameplay, it may not be groundbreaking, but it effectively captures the core mechanics of the Arkham series, offering enjoyable combat, functional stealth, and thought-provoking puzzles.

  • How long to beat Arkham Origins: 12–41 hours

Bound

Available on PS Plus Extra

As a devoted gamer, it’s consistently baffled me that the game titled “Bound” hasn’t achieved the same level of cultural acclaim as games such as Abzu and Journey, considering they share many common themes. Despite not being particularly mechanically complex, Bound is an aesthetically breathtaking, subtly emotional journey about self-discovery, family, and the past. Players navigate a dreamlike landscape, dancing to vanquish a mystical adversary. This game is rich in symbolic significance, and while its narrative can be somewhat cryptic and metaphorical, it’s still accessible enough to spark some genuine enthusiasm. In my opinion, Bound has been unfairly overlooked and deserves far more recognition, making it a hidden gem that warrants additional focus.

  • How long to beat Bound: 2–8 hours

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2025-07-28 02:05