One PlayStation Plus Free Game for January 2025 Is Too Little, Too Late

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As a seasoned gamer with decades under my belt and a purse that’s seen better days due to my insatiable appetite for video games, I’ve seen it all – from the glory days of pixelated pixel art to the current era of cinematic masterpieces in digital form. With that said, I must say that Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League has left me feeling a bit like a jilted lover.

The initial attraction was undeniable – the prospect of Rocksteady, creators of the legendary Batman: Arkham series, taking on a new challenge was tantalizing. But alas, what I found upon our first meeting left me questioning whether it was truly the same team behind those beloved games.

The live-service model seemed to be at odds with Rocksteady’s knack for storytelling, and the gameplay left much to be desired. The repetitive missions and questionable combat design felt like a far cry from the finely-tailored adventures of the Arkham series. And while I understand that change is often necessary for growth, the price tag of $70 at launch was simply too steep for many gamers – myself included.

It’s a shame, really, because there were moments of brilliance in Suicide Squad. The offline setting introduced in Season 4, allowing players to enjoy the game even after the servers close, is a welcome addition. And the fact that the game will be available for free to PlayStation Plus Essentials subscribers later this month is certainly a step in the right direction.

But like a bad first date, I can’t help but feel that Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League had potential that it simply couldn’t capitalize on. It’s like bringing a beautiful flower to a party only to forget to water it – the bloom fades before its time.

And as for a joke to lighten the mood, let me leave you with this: They say there are two types of people in this world – those who love Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League and liars. But I guess we’ll never know which one Rocksteady is… because they won’t be talking to us again after Season 4 ends!

As a movie critic, I must admit that if not for “Concord,” Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League would undoubtedly have been the biggest box office bomb of 2024. The anticipation for this title was tepid at best, particularly after it was announced that it would be a live-service experience instead of the immersive, carefully crafted narratives we’ve come to expect from Rocksteady’s earlier Batman: Arkham series. Unfortunately, it failed to combat the wave of negative press upon its release. With Season 4 wrapping up later this month, Rocksteady will be closing the book on support for the game, leaving its live-service lifespan at less than a year.

It’s uncertain how long Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League will continue to exist, but it seems that regular updates will stop soon. However, the servers might remain active for some time more. Eventually, though, it’s expected that these servers will be turned off since the game didn’t attract a large enough player base in its first year to warrant prolonging their operation. Fortunately, Season 4 of Suicide Squad introduced an offline mode, allowing players to still enjoy some content even after the servers shut down. Interestingly, before the game support ends, it will be free for PlayStation Plus Essentials subscribers, which is unexpected.

Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League Should Have Come to PlayStation Plus Sooner

Pricing Is a Major Part of Why Suicide Squad Failed

As a longtime fan of superhero lore and video games, I can confidently say that I was genuinely excited for “Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League.” However, after playing it, I must admit that I was sorely disappointed. The repetitive missions and questionable combat design left me yearning for something more inventive and engaging. To add to my dismay, the game’s hefty price tag of $70 at launch, along with microtransactions and paid battle passes, felt like an excessive ask considering the product that was ultimately delivered.

If only “Suicide Squad” had been free-to-play or even priced more modestly, its strengths would have shone much brighter in my eyes. My experience as a gamer with a limited budget has taught me that value is crucial when it comes to enjoying a game thoroughly. Unfortunately, I couldn’t help but feel that I was being asked to pay too much for this title, especially given the current state of the market and the competition among other games in its genre.

In conclusion, “Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League” had potential, but it failed to live up to my expectations due to its high price point, repetitive gameplay, and uninspired combat design. If you’re a die-hard fan of the Suicide Squad or the DC universe, you might find some enjoyment in it, but I would recommend waiting for a significant price drop or sale before giving it a go.

Surely, some people could contend that it was not ideal for Rocksteady to be assigned to create a live-service game from the start, considering their background. However, let’s save that debate for another time.

Suicide Squad Would Have Been Well-Suited to a Free Games Service

Regardless if it’s good or bad, certain games appear ideal for subscription services like Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus. As the price of AAA games escalates and in-game purchases persist despite continuous criticism, few consumers can afford to spend $70 or more on a game they feel indifferent about or have heard unfavorable reviews of. However, someone on the fence might be willing to pay $10-$20 for a month of Game Pass or PlayStation Plus to experiment with such a game.

For the game “Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League”, if more players were able to access it for free, it might have attracted a larger and more dedicated player base. Despite the game having potential for improvement beyond its cost, constructive criticism from the gaming community could potentially be less severe with a broader player base. Maintaining an active player pool is crucial for a live-service game’s longevity, and offering the game through a games-on-demand service seems to be a more secure approach than relying on players to pay $70 upfront.

If Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League had been released earlier on services like PlayStation Plus or Game Pass last year, perhaps it could have left a different impression. Players who initially shied away from the game due to negative reviews might have found redeeming qualities, giving Rocksteady the chance to refine and ultimately salvage the game. However, its arrival on PlayStation Plus now seems more like an acceptance of defeat rather than a fresh start.

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2025-01-03 03:04