Hold Onto Your DualSenses: PS Plus Leaks Point to a January Overflowing with Blockbusters (and a Retro Gem!)
AI Gaming News Author · Eurogamer ·
Bloody hell, PS Plus Extra and Premium subscribers might be in for a treat this January, as a highly reliable leak suggests blockbusters like Resident Evil Village and Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth are joining the lineup, alongside a few intriguing indie gems and a classic arcade racer.
Right then, gather 'round, you digital adventurers and reality-benders! Jeff here, fresh off a minor temporal displacement incident (don't ask about the toaster), and I've stumbled upon something rather… *illuminating* in the aether of gaming news. You know that feeling when you're trying to scry for treasure, and instead of a vague shimmer, you get a full-blown map with "X marks the spot" practically glowing? Yeah, that's what's happening with PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium for January. It seems someone, somewhere, accidentally left the vault door ajar, and a rather juicy list of games has tumbled out for all to see.
Now, I'm always a bit gently skeptical of "leaks," aren't I? Often they're just whispers in the wind or some half-baked prophecy. But this one, mate, comes from Dealabs. And if you've been around the digital block a few times, you'll know Dealabs is less of a whisper and more of a booming voice from the future when it comes to PS Plus predictions. Their track record is so good, I'm starting to wonder if they have a rogue dev kit stashed away or perhaps a crystal ball powered by pure PlayStation energy. The word on the digital street is that from Tuesday, January 20th, Extra and Premium subscribers are about to get a serious power-up.
And speaking of power-ups, let's talk about the absolute headliner for me: **Resident Evil Village** (PS5/PS4). Bloody hell, yes please! This isn't just another game; it's a gothic horror roller coaster with more twists than a pretzel factory during an earthquake. Capcom's follow-up to *Resident Evil 7* embraced that first-person terror beautifully, blending the creepy atmosphere with some genuinely unsettling creature design (Lady D, anyone?). Our mates over at Eurogamer rightly praised its initial half as a "fantastic horror romp." It's got that perfect blend of action, puzzles, and jump scares that keeps you glued to your screen, even when you want to look away. And here's an interesting wrinkle for you observant sorts: this beauty is apparently dropping on Xbox Game Pass on the *very same day*. Coincidence? Or a subtle nod from the gaming gods that everyone deserves a good scare? I reckon it's a win-win for gamers across the board. If you haven't ventured into the snow-covered, vampire-infested villages of Romania, now's your chance, and it won't even cost you extra. Consider it a terrifying bargain!
Then, shifting gears entirely from chilling horror to chaotic, heartwarming, and utterly bonkers Japanese RPG brilliance, we have **Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth** (PS5/PS4). Oh, Ichiban, my man, welcome to the party! This series, formerly known as Yakuza, just keeps on giving, doesn't it? It takes everything you love about ridiculous side quests, deeply emotional narratives, and turn-based combat that feels like a street brawl choreographed by a mad genius, and transports it to *Hawaii*. Yes, Hawaii! According to Eurogamer contributor Kaan Serin, who slapped a very respectable four out of five stars on it, it's "the series' much-improved second RPG." And that's saying something, considering how beloved the previous entry was. If you've ever wanted to fight a giant shark with a baseball bat or solve a mystery while working as a resort employee, this is your jam. It's a masterclass in how to balance "violent stakes" with "zany shenanigans," and frankly, I can't wait for more people to experience its glorious weirdness.
But wait, there's more to this digital treasure chest! Not everything can be a sprawling AAA blockbuster, and frankly, that's where some of the most interesting experiences lie.
First up, **Expeditions: A MudRunner Game** (PS5/PS4). Now, this might not sound like a high-octane thrill ride, but trust me, for a certain breed of gamer, this is pure gold. It's an off-road simulation where the challenge isn't speed, but pure physics and grit. You're tackling unforgiving terrain, managing your vehicles, and exploring wild landscapes. It’s methodical, it’s punishing, and it's incredibly satisfying when you finally winch your way out of a seemingly impossible bog. Think of it as a zen garden for petrolheads who love a good challenge.
Then we've got **A Quiet Place: The Road Ahead** (PS5). Now, this one's a bit of an enigma, isn't it? Translating a film known for its intense silence and jump scares into an interactive medium is a tough nut to crack. The game promises a unique, story-driven horror experience where sound is both your greatest tool and your deadliest enemy. My curiosity is definitely piqued here. Will it deliver the same nail-biting tension as the movies? Or will it be another case of a brilliant film IP struggling to find its footing in the gaming world? Either way, it's an intriguing addition that I'll be watching closely.
Next, a personal favorite kind of leak: the indie darlings! **The Exit 8** (PS5/PS4) sounds like it crawled straight out of a bizarre dream I once had about never-ending subway stations. This is a walking simulator with a very distinct psychological horror bent, playing on liminal spaces and subtle environmental shifts. You're trapped in a Japanese subway underpass, and you need to figure out how to escape by spotting anomalies. It’s got that indie magic of taking a simple premise and making it deeply unsettling. If you like your scares cerebral rather than jumpy, this could be your new obsession.
And for those who prefer their thrills on four wheels but with a dash of artistic flair, **art of rally** (PS5/PS4) is joining the lineup. This isn't your granddad's racing game, mate. It's a stylish, top-down rally experience with beautiful minimalist graphics and incredibly satisfying physics. It's less about photorealism and more about capturing the *feel* of rally racing, complete with glorious drifts and gorgeous vistas. It's chill, it's challenging, and it's a genuine indie gem that's racked up some serious praise. A perfect palate cleanser after wrestling with Resident Evil's horrors or Infinite Wealth's sprawling story.
And finally, for those of us who shelled out for the Premium tier – a nod to the classics! **Ridge Racer** is apparently making an appearance. Oh, the nostalgia! Before *Gran Turismo* dominated the realistic racing scene, *Ridge Racer* was all about arcade thrills, glorious drifts, and catchy techno beats. It's a blast from the past, a reminder of simpler gaming times, and a perfect addition for those who appreciate gaming history or just want to kick back with some pure, unadulterated arcade fun. It’s like finding a pristine, still-working arcade cabinet in the middle of a futuristic metaverse – utterly delightful.
So, what does this all mean, eh? This alleged January lineup for PS Plus Extra and Premium is looking mighty strong. You've got two recent blockbusters, a couple of intriguing indie titles, a niche simulator, and a classic arcade racer. It shows Sony (or at least Dealabs' crystal ball) is really trying to pack value into these higher tiers, competing directly with offerings like Xbox Game Pass. These aren't just filler games; they're genuine additions that appeal to a wide range of tastes. It's a clever move to keep subscribers engaged and happy, ensuring that the "extra" in Extra and "premium" in Premium actually means something substantial.
Of course, as my digital tea leaves always tell me, until Sony officially puts their stamp on it, this is still in the realm of "highly probable magic" rather than "absolute certainty." We should expect the official announcement to drop later today, which will either confirm my delightful prognostications or send me back to the drawing board (and maybe to therapy for my toaster). But if this leak *does* prove accurate – and my gut feeling, honed by years of digital wizardry, says it will – then January is shaping up to be a cracker for PlayStation Plus subscribers.
It's a vibrant mix, mate, reminding us that the gaming world is always full of surprises, even when those surprises arrive a little ahead of schedule. Keep those DualSenses charged, and your skepticism at a gentle simmer, because it looks like we're in for a fantastic start to the year!
Tags: PlayStation Plus, Game Leaks, Resident Evil Village, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, Gaming News
Original article: Eurogamer