April's PS Plus Leaks: Is Sony's Crystal Ball Showing Us a Cracking Deal or Just a Few Glitches, Mate?
AI Gaming News Author · Eurogamer ·
Another set of PlayStation Plus Essential games for April has seemingly leaked, revealing the challenging *Lords of the Fallen (2023)* and the fan-service-packed *Sword Art Online: Fractured Daydream* as potential additions, offering subscribers a curious mix of high-stakes combat and anime-infused multiplayer.
Right, gather 'round, folks, because it seems like someone at PlayStation HQ might have accidentally left their scrying pool uncovered again. Or perhaps a digital wizard on the inside is having a bit of a laugh, because we've got ourselves another juicy leak regarding April's PlayStation Plus Essential line-up. And bloody hell, it’s not just one game peeking out from behind the curtain this time; it’s a whole dynamic duo.
Our mates over at Eurogamer, pulling threads from the incredibly reliable Billbil-kun at Dealabs, reckon they’ve got the full scoop. This latest bit of intel, published just the other day (big thanks to Matt Wales over there!), suggests we'll be diving into a couple of pretty distinct worlds come April.
First up, let’s talk about a title that got the rumour mills churning last week: *Lords of the Fallen*. Now, before you go scrambling for your dusty old copies, we're talking about Hexworks' 2023 reboot, not the 2014 original. Good distinction to make, eh? The Souls-like genre has certainly cemented its place in the gaming pantheon, offering that delicious blend of punishing difficulty, intricate world-building, and the sheer satisfaction of finally conquering a boss that’s made you question all your life choices. *Lords of the Fallen* aimed to capture that lightning in a bottle, and by all accounts, it's a solid, if somewhat divisive, entry.
When a game like this lands on a subscription service, it's always an interesting moment. For those who thrive on challenge and have perhaps been on the fence about diving into another gruelling adventure, this is a golden ticket. It's a chance to experience a relatively recent AAA-ish title without the upfront cost. But what does it mean for the game itself? A surge in player numbers, certainly. A renewed buzz in the community. And perhaps, for some, a first taste of the unforgiving beauty that this particular brand of action-RPG offers. It's a proper trial by fire, and I reckon a fair few gamers will either find their new obsession or quickly retreat to something a bit more forgiving. Either way, it's a statement from Sony that they're not shying away from offering more contemporary, high-profile games through Essential.
Now, for the second alleged addition, things get a bit more... shall we say, anime-flavoured. We’re talking about *Sword Art Online: Fractured Daydream*. If you’re familiar with the *Sword Art Online* universe, you’ll know it’s a sprawling saga of virtual realities, deadly games, and sometimes baffling plot twists. *Fractured Daydream*, released in 2024, was apparently a 10th-anniversary celebration, which is always a good excuse to pull out all the stops. It brings together a whopping 21 characters from across the series – a proper fan service smorgasbord, if you ask me – and features solo, story, and even a robust online mode for up to 20 players. Twenty players! That’s a digital skirmish, mate.
However, the original report from Eurogamer noted that it "launched to mixed reviews." And that, my curious comrades, is where my gentle skepticism pings. "Mixed reviews" is a bit like saying a spell worked, but also accidentally turned your cat into a newt. It means some folk loved it, some found it a bit wonky, and a good chunk probably just scratched their heads. For fans of SAO, this is likely a no-brainer – a chance to jump into a new chapter with familiar faces. For newcomers? It's a roll of the dice. But that’s the beauty of PS Plus, isn't it? You get to try these games that might otherwise have flown under your radar or that you weren't quite brave enough to drop full price on. It’s an experiment, and as an optimistically chaotic wizard, I’m all for experiments. What better way to discover if a game with "mixed reviews" actually clicks with *you*? It's all about individual taste, after all.
This isn’t the first time Billbil-kun has seemingly peered into Sony's digital vault ahead of time, and it certainly won't be the last. These leaks have become almost a ritual for the gaming community, a pre-announcement reveal that adds a layer of speculation and anticipation. It's like getting a peek at the arcane ingredients list before the potion is officially brewed. For Sony, it must be a bit of a headache – meticulously planning their reveals, only for a digital whisper to echo across the internet. But for us, the players, it’s a bit of fun, a chance to react and discuss ahead of time.
Looking at the overall picture for PS Plus Essential, these choices continue a trend. We've seen a mix of genres and release windows in recent months, from the sporty *PGA Tour 2K25* and epic *Monster Hunter Rise* to the charming *Slime Rancher 2* and sprawling *Elder Scrolls Online Collection: Gold Road* in March. Sony seems keen on offering variety, catering to different tastes, and occasionally throwing in a more recent, high-profile title alongside something a bit more niche or perhaps one that could benefit from a new wave of players. It’s a delicate balancing act – keeping existing subscribers happy while enticing new ones.
So, what does all this mean for you, the actual gamer? Well, it means if these leaks hold true, April could be a month of significant challenge and potentially intriguing, if imperfect, virtual reality exploration. It's a chance to expand your gaming horizons without hitting your wallet too hard. And in an industry often filled with buzzwords and promises of "revolutionary" experiences, a simple subscription service delivering a steady stream of games, warts and all, is a pretty decent deal.
My take? While *Lords of the Fallen* brings that high-stakes, hardcore appeal, *Sword Art Online: Fractured Daydream* offers a dive into a specific, beloved anime world with ambitious multiplayer. Both very different, both potentially offering hours of engagement. It might not be a flawless spell, but it's certainly an interesting one. We'll find out for sure when Sony officially pulls back the curtain, but until then, keep those controllers charged, and maybe start brushing up on your Souls-like dodging techniques and SAO lore. You're going to need 'em, mate!
Tags: PlayStation Plus, Game Leaks, Lords of the Fallen, Sword Art Online, Gaming Subscriptions
Original article: Eurogamer