For a gamer like me, with an active PS Plus subscription and diverse gaming preferences across various genres, it’s quite challenging for the service to offer something underwhelming or unappealing, given my wide range of tastes, within reasonable boundaries.
It seems that many individuals are often open to experiencing new things when they come as a bonus with a service they’re already subscribed to. Moreover, receiving a random selection every month could lead to discovering excellent games that might not have otherwise caught their attention.
Even though gamers are generally receptive towards free games offered by Sony, they frequently end up feeling that they are not getting their full value due to certain practices employed by the company.
To demonstrate some of the least impressive PlayStation Plus monthly offerings to date, here are a few games that were so lackluster, even being free didn’t make them feel worthwhile. It was as if everyone received a raw deal.
As a gaming enthusiast, I’ll be focusing on games exclusively from the PS5 era of PlayStation Plus. Starting from November 12th, 2020, and moving forward, we’re talking about titles like Bugsnax and beyond.
10.
Alone In The Dark
A Ropey Reboot
To show that Sony consistently does this regularly, let’s begin by discussing a game that is part of this month’s PS Plus monthly selection, as we speak.
The “Alone in the Dark” series has long been held in high regard and respect within the horror genre. While it boasts some impressive retro releases, it struggles to find its footing in today’s contemporary gaming landscape.
Consequently, we’ve experienced a series of disappointing film names, and the most recent addition to this lineup is the soft reboot called “Alone in the Dark.
The game might have fewer bugs now compared to its launch, but the puzzles remain surprisingly simple, the fighting feels disappointingly weak (not in a deliberate scary horror style), and even with a big-name cast, the narrative is lackluster at most.
It’s bargain-bin fodder and showcases what Sony feels is passable for its monthly lineup.
9.
Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League
Dead On Arrival
Regarding infamously disliked video games, let’s talk about the title that caused the developers behind the Arkham trilogy to experience a significant downfall in reputation.
The regular selection of games for PS Plus tends to include live service titles, which frequently appear on the platform just before they disappear from the gaming scene, giving off an impression of impending doom – and that was the vibe I got with this addition.
However, unfortunately, it proved impossible to salvage this incompletely cooked loot-shooting game. Although it showcased intriguing concepts and enjoyable movement mechanics, the game design encouraged players to endure repetitive tasks and uninspiring environments.
What a pity, as that authentic RockSteady allure and caliber are indeed present. Unfortunately, it’s obscured beneath a vast ocean of business bureaucracy. It’s yet another tombstone in the graveyard of failed live services, and hopefully one day the corporate executives will get the message.
8.
AEW: Fight Forever
Have I Been (CM) Punked?
Hey there, fellow gaming enthusiast! As someone who’s rekindled my passion for wrestling after years apart, let me tell you, I’m raring to go whenever a wrestling-themed video game comes my way, regardless if it doesn’t carry the famous “W” logo. Let’s step into that virtual ring and feel the thrill!
In terms of non-WWE brands, it’s clear that AEW stands out as the top choice as an alternative. Therefore, given this context, it seems logical to suggest that AEW would make a fantastic substitute for WWE 2K series games, particularly since some SmackDown vs Raw veterans are involved in its development.
This game, unfortunately, doesn’t stand out much. Its gameplay feels rather ordinary, it has limited game modes, and the content seems thin and not particularly abundant.
Essentially, this new version is quite standard, and since PlayStation Plus recently offered a more contemporary WWE 2K title, there isn’t much incentive to change over unless you’re particularly passionate about the competing brand.
7.
Hello Neighbor 2
Baby’s First Horror Game
It’s clear that even goofy, disrespectful horror games can achieve massive success, and this fame isn’t always tied to the game’s actual quality.
If a game is enjoyable for streaming or includes multiple players, it can effectively hide many flaws. But even if it’s intended solely for mindless entertainment, the Hello Neighbor series still shows quite a few weaknesses.
Fundamentally, it attempts to establish a family-oriented horror ambiance, yet fails to deliver on its promises. Its riddles feel underdeveloped, the sneaking mechanisms require improvement, and the sense of danger is often lacking, resulting in predictable jump scares.
The game appears to be a vaguely defined horror title, relying heavily on superficial mechanics and tricks, giving off an impression of being a cheap imitation, even in its free version.
6.
Hood: Outlaws and Legends
I Sentence You To Sudden, Instant, And Even Immediate Death!
Previously, I discussed the pattern where PS Plus games that are also live-service games often appear just before the scheduled closure of their servers, and Hood: Outlaws and Legends serves as a clear illustration of this trend.
Since it closed down its servers back in February 2025, you won’t be able to play this game anymore, but don’t worry, there are plenty of other exciting games out there waiting for you!
In this common extraction style, it’s challenging to make a mark since it’s a tough niche to distinguish oneself. However, Hood: Outlaws and Legends doesn’t offer anything unique or different to make it stand out among its peers.
Despite its incorporation of game modes, characters, and a scant connection to the classic Robin Hood tale, the game’s limited gameplay diversity, insignificant distinction between character types, and troublesome PvPvE system prevented it from standing out. Consequently, it failed to deliver a satisfying gaming experience.
An incomplete take on an extraction game can lead to catastrophe, and it’s worth noting this as a warning for any future games aiming to capitalize within this genre.
5.
WWE 2K Battlegrounds
An Arcade Downgrade
It could appear as though I harbor some grudge against the wrestling industry given that I’ve now critiqued two wrestling video games. However, let me clarify, I’m not intentionally taking an antagonistic stance. Rather, I hold high standards for what a wrestling game should deliver.
When a game disappoints me as much as 2K Battlegrounds, I can’t help but feel compelled to grab it, wrestling-style, put it in a headlock, and throw it high up in the air for a powerful slam, just like a pro wrestler would.
2K Battlegrounds, theoretically, could have provided an enjoyable change from the realistic 2K wrestling games by embracing exaggerated, comical violence. However, despite occasional bursts of humor, the game often fails to deliver on this promise.
As a dedicated fan, I must confess that I feel let down by the latest release. Instead of introducing fresh, captivating characters, they’ve been doled out as paid DLC, turning the game into something that feels more like a cash cow than an engaging experience. The gameplay, while initially intriguing, soon becomes repetitive and simplistic at best, bordering on broken at its worst.
The shallow feel of the game is pervasive, from the limited game modes to the wrestler AI and creation options. It’s as if the developers skimped on depth, leaving players with a hollow, unfulfilling experience.
Initially marketed as a major arcade hit, it felt more like an enhanced mobile game in my opinion. And frankly, I’m not convinced that such a game is suitable for Sony to promote frequently as part of their monthly releases.
4.
Stranded Deep
Deeply Underwhelming
It’s disappointing when instead of playing one of the numerous outstanding survival games from the past that could have been chosen as free monthly games, we end up with a game like Stranded Deep.
In comparison to games such as Subnautica, The Forest, Green Hell, and The Long Dark, Stranded Deep appears more like a low-budget film release that could initially provide some casual multiplayer entertainment, but ultimately fails to deliver a satisfying experience and leaves an unpleasant aftertaste.
As a gamer, it seems like the creators didn’t quite grasp the essence of what makes survival games thrilling, immersive, or gratifying. Every moment in this game feels like an attempt to build a survival experience without truly understanding the core elements that make these games appealing. The survival mechanics are off-balance, the controls feel clunky, and the gameplay loop is overly grinding, even by survival game standards.
Fundamentally, it’s like Raft, but noticeably inferior. Therefore, for your own benefit, opt for a different choice, preferably its significantly more advanced counterpart in the realm of island survival games.
3.
Biomutant
Temu Kung Fu Panda
More recently, I compiled a list of games that might have thrived more as linear experiences instead of open-world ones. Interestingly enough, Biomutant was among those games I pondered for inclusion on the list. Yet, upon further reflection, I concluded that in any format, this game would likely not fare well.
Imagine Biomutant as a drink with many components. A handful of carefully chosen and delightful ingredients create a wonderfully refreshing concoction. However, when the number of components exceeds ten, it can become confusing, watered down, or even sour-tasting. In this analogy, Biomutant represents the overly complex drink that lacks balance.
The open world lacks depth and vibrancy, with tasks and side activities often feeling monotonous, uninspiring, and over quickly. These tasks offer little reward, lasting barely an hour before reusing similar concepts. Moreover, the combat system seems jumbled, incorporating elements directly from lower-tier hack-and-slash game design.
While the vibrant graphics and human-like characters may trick one into believing this game is just a whimsical adventure, I hope it doesn’t deceive you in the same way.
2.
Predator: Hunting Grounds
Tedium Vs. Predator
Given the thrilling and potentially violent nature of the Predator franchise, it seems logical that a player-versus-player commando vs Predator game would be a massive success. Yet surprisingly, despite possessing the essential elements for an engaging multiplayer experience, this game failed dramatically.
The gameplay of this shooter seemed outdated, attempting to disguise itself as a contemporary multiplayer masterpiece. It was plagued by rigid character movements, monotonous side missions, and poor artificial intelligence for the enemies, which marred every session.
Moreover, since the game initially offered only a single game mode, lackluster map designs, and repetitive run-and-gun action (except for when playing as the Predator), the gaming experience quickly lost its charm.
Playing as Predator offered enjoyment, yet its excessive power made it so that, after enduring the lengthy wait for a match, you’d likely wipe out the opposing team swiftly and find yourself returned to the lobby in minutes.
In my experience, some ’90s action licenses have led to some incredibly poor quality games. This one certainly ranks among the very worst.
1.
Five Nights at Freddy’s Security Breach
A Cawthon Calamity
Before a swarm of automated pizza parlor employees begins chasing me due to my placing this into their area, please listen to what I have to say.
It appears that I’ve gathered you understand FNAF is a widely recognized brand. What I gather is that the series now focuses more on its backstory rather than the contemporary games. However, let me clarify that the franchise seems quite exclusive or difficult to fully grasp these days.
The amount of background information in this series is overwhelming, which makes it challenging for newcomers to jump right into the game, especially Security Breach. Even if you’re willing to invest time in learning about the backstory, Security Breach might not be the game that makes the effort worthwhile.
Today, the game remains a disorganized, puzzling open-world experience marred by unresponsive artificial intelligence, poor navigation systems, and perhaps most disappointingly, it undermines its own historical background without providing much engaging content in its place.
If you’re considering joining the FNAF fandom now, it might be more enjoyable for you to watch the Blumhouse films instead. The games appear to be declining in quality with each new edition they release.
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2025-06-04 18:43