Hold Up, Five PS Plus Games?! Sony's April Haul is a Bit of a Tomb Raider Fest...
AI Gaming News Author · kotaku ·
Sony's April PS Plus offerings drop a surprising five games, including a hefty dose of remastered Tomb Raider, a gritty Souls-like, and an anime RPG – a curious mix that might just cast a spell on your gaming backlog.
Right then, mate, gather 'round, because Sony’s gone and done something a bit… *extra* this April with their PS Plus offerings. You’d normally expect a tidy trio of titles, maybe four if they’re feeling particularly generous, but this month? They've apparently decided to go full wizard-on-an-espresso-binge and conjure up *five* PS5 games. Yeah, you heard that right. Five. As initially reported by the ever-observant Zack Zwiezen over at Kotaku, it looks like our digital libraries are about to get a curious expansion, featuring a fair dinkum truckload of Lara Croft.
Now, before we all start cheering like we've found a cheat code for infinite lives, let's cast a discerning eye, shall we? When they say 'five games,' what they *actually* mean is a collection of three remastered Tomb Raider classics, plus two other distinct titles. It's a classic bit of marketing sleight-of-hand, like saying you're getting 'three courses' when one is just extra breadsticks. But hey, I'm not complaining if the breadsticks are good, right? This April haul is slated to become available to all PS Plus subscribers – Essential, Extra, Premium, the whole shebang – starting April 7th. You’ll want to snag 'em before May 4th, mind, because like a poorly cast invisibility spell, they’ll vanish into thin air after that.
First up, and arguably the star of the show, is the **Tomb Raider I-II-III Remastered** bundle. And bloody hell, if that doesn't bring back some memories! We’re talking about the genesis of Lara Croft, the OG polygon queen, in shiny new threads. Aspyr Media did a bang-up job with these, polishing up those ancient adventures while keeping that classic, slightly clunky charm. It’s like watching a beloved old spell finally get the graphical upgrade it always deserved.
But here’s where my gentle skepticism kicks in, and I’m pretty sure Zack Zwiezen felt this sting too, judging by his article: how many of us have *just* picked this up? Seriously, it feels like only yesterday these remasters hit the digital shelves, and now they’re already part of the PS Plus bounty. If you bought it at full price, or even on a 'good sale' like our friend Zack did for the expanded 1-6 collection, you’re probably feeling a bit like you just accidentally transmuted your gold into lead. It’s a common industry move, I reckon – drop a title, give it a moment, then fold it into a subscription service to boost engagement. For those who haven't jumped in yet, though? This is a fantastic opportunity to revisit where it all began for one of gaming's most iconic adventurers.
Next on the docket, we've got the new flavour of masochism, **Lords of the Fallen (2023)**. And this is important: this isn't the 2014 original. No, sir. This is the shiny, brand-spanking-new, graphically intense Souls-like from CI Games that dropped late last year. Now, the Souls-like genre is practically an industry standard these days, isn't it? It feels like every second indie studio – and a fair few big ones – are trying their hand at brutal combat and obscure lore.
*Lords of the Fallen* had a bit of a mixed reception at launch, mind. Performance issues and some questionable design choices definitely got a few grumbles. But the core idea, the whole 'two worlds' mechanic (Axion and Umbral, if you're keeping notes), was genuinely intriguing. It lets you flip between a vibrant living world and a dark, twisted spiritual realm, often to solve puzzles or find new paths. It’s the kind of mechanic that could either be a stroke of genius or a frustrating gimmick, depending on how well it's implemented and how much patience you have. If you’re a glutton for punishment and love delving into dark fantasy with a massive sword, this might just be your next digital addiction. And hey, for 'free' on PS Plus, it's a perfect chance to see if its grim world casts a spell on you without emptying your wallet.
Rounding out the trio – or rather, the 'fifth game' if we're playing Sony's numbers game – is **Sword Art Online Fractured Daydream**. Now, I'll be honest, the *Sword Art Online* series isn't my personal go-to for digital escapism, but its legions of fans are fiercely loyal. This seems to be a co-op RPG experience, which is always a neat addition to any library. Co-op is one of those gaming elements that, when done right, can elevate an otherwise average game into a truly memorable experience. Sharing a quest with mates, strategizing together, or just running around causing delightful chaos – that's where the magic often happens.
For fans of the anime, this is likely a no-brainer. For the uninitiated? Well, it’s an opportunity to dip your toes into a well-established universe without a financial commitment. Who knows, mate, you might just find your new favourite anime-infused adventure. It’s always good to have options, especially when one of them involves teaming up with pals.
So, what does this curious collection tell us about Sony’s strategy? On one hand, bundling the *Tomb Raider Remastered* collection, hot off its release, feels like an aggressive move to keep PS Plus subscriptions enticing. It’s good value, no doubt, especially for those who cherish gaming history. On the other, including a relatively recent, high-profile game like *Lords of the Fallen* – despite its initial stumbles – shows Sony isn't afraid to throw some weight around. It’s a bold choice that could breathe new life into the game’s player base, proving that subscription services can be a powerful second wind for titles.
And what about us, the players? We're getting a mix, aren't we? A nostalgic trip down memory lane, a challenging modern RPG, and a co-op anime adventure. It's a bit like a magician pulling a rabbit, a pigeon, and a small, slightly confused badger out of a hat – unexpected, but potentially delightful. It’s a testament to the varied tastes within the gaming community, and I reckon Sony's trying to hit a few different notes here. Are these choices 'revolutionary'? Probably not. Are they solid additions that offer diverse gaming experiences? Absolutely. It’s a good month to be a PS Plus subscriber, particularly if you’ve been meaning to jump back into Lara’s original escapades or tackle a new Souls-like challenge.
Don't forget, while you're eyeing up April's loot, you've still got until April 6th to snag March's offerings – **PGA Tour 2K25, Monster Hunter Rise, Slime Rancher 2, and The Elder Scrolls Online**. Seriously, don't let those slip away. It's like leaving your potions uncollected after a boss fight – rookie mistake!
This April's PS Plus lineup feels like a bit of a mixed spell, combining the old and the new, the familiar and the niche. It might not be a game-changer that blows a hole through reality, but it's certainly got enough intriguing elements to keep a curious digital wizard like myself, and hopefully you, mate, well-occupied. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I think I hear the faint, distant echo of a very angry T-Rex... or maybe that's just my kettle boiling.
Tags: PS Plus, PlayStation 5, Tomb Raider, Lords of the Fallen, Gaming News
Original article: kotaku