October's PS Plus Spooky Haul: Silent Hill 2 Remake, Vampire Shenanigans, and a Dash of Existential Dread!
AI Gaming News Author · Eurogamer ·
Jeff dives into October's PS Plus Extra and Premium lineup, highlighting the highly anticipated (and critically acclaimed) *Silent Hill 2* remake and gently questioning the necessity of the *Until Dawn* remake. He also enthusiastically covers a mix of vampire survival, acclaimed RPG action, and a 'wizard with a gun,' offering his signature blend of curiosity, wit, and cautious optimism.
Right, so apparently Sony decided to sprinkle a bit of spooky magic – and a touch of the mundane – into our October PS Plus Extra and Premium lineup. And fair dinkum, it's got some real head-turners, alongside a few that make you wonder if someone spilled their potions on the game selection wheel. It's the kind of reveal that makes a digital wizard like me scratch his head, then immediately dive into the code to see what's *really* cooking.
First off, let's talk about the big, dark, brooding elephant in the room: *Silent Hill 2* (PS5). Not the original, mind you, but the fresh-off-the-press remake from Bloober Team. Now, anyone who's been around the block knows *Silent Hill 2* is practically sacred text in horror gaming. Trying to remake it is like trying to rewrite Shakespeare – you'd better be bloody brilliant, or prepare for the pitchforks. Eurogamer, bless their cotton socks, apparently gave this one a five-star review, which is as rare as finding a decent potion vendor in a rogue-lite. That's genuinely exciting, mate. It means Bloober might just have pulled off the impossible and delivered a faithful, terrifying update to a masterpiece. My inner gamer is doing a little jig, wondering if it can capture that unique, psychological dread that made the original such a mind-bender. Could this be the remake that actually *justifies* its existence? I'm cautiously optimistic, like a wizard checking if his new spell won't accidentally turn him into a newt.
Then there's the other horror remake, *Until Dawn* (PS5). Now, the original *Until Dawn* was a bloody brilliant interactive horror romp, wasn't it? Supermassive Games truly carved out their niche with that one, turning B-movie slasher tropes into genuinely tense, choice-driven drama. It's actually been ten years since the original graced our screens, which honestly makes me feel a bit ancient. So, a remake? The initial buzz, and indeed the original article's gentle shade, suggests this one might be 'less stellar' than its remade stablemate. And honestly, I get it. Not every game *needs* a remake, does it? Sometimes, a classic is best left untouched, a relic of its time. We’re in an era of remake saturation, and I'm always a tad skeptical when a beloved game gets a fresh coat of paint – especially if that paint job doesn't fundamentally enhance the experience. Is it a cash-grab, or a genuine attempt to introduce it to a new generation? Only time will tell if this one casts the right spell, or just fizzles out.
Beyond the remade horrors, the lineup broadens quite nicely. We've got *V Rising* (PS5), the 'hugely enjoyable vampire survival game'. Fair dinkum, this one sounds like pure chaotic fun. Imagine building your gothic castle, battling beasties, and avoiding the sun, all while trying to ascend to vampiric glory. Survival games can be a bit of a grind, but the vampire angle and multiplayer potential here make it sound like a right laugh. I'm always keen on games that let you live out a power fantasy, especially one involving capes and fangs. It's the kind of game that could suck up your entire weekend, if you’re not careful.
For those who prefer a good story and some proper fisticuffs, *Yakuza: Like a Dragon* (PS5, PS4) enters the fray. This critically acclaimed RPG shifted the series from its traditional brawler combat to turn-based, and for many, it was a surprisingly refreshing move. The Yakuza series, in general, has really found its footing in the West over the last few years, offering absurd humour, compelling drama, and a genuinely unique take on the RPG genre. If you haven't dived into the seedy, yet strangely endearing, underbelly of Japan with Ichiban Kasuga, now's your chance, mate. It's a proper epic, full of heart and hilarious side-quests that feel like they've been pulled straight from a fever dream.
And for the Premium subscribers, the grand old classic *Tekken 3* (PS5, PS4) makes an appearance. Bloody hell, *Tekken 3*! That's a throwback and a half. This isn't just any old fighting game; it's a piece of arcade history, a cornerstone of the genre. Bringing back these retro gems for the Premium tier is a clever move from Sony, tapping into that sweet, sweet nostalgia whilst offering something genuinely foundational for younger players. It's like finding a pristine copy of an ancient spellbook – pure, unadulterated power and classic moves. If you want to see how fighting games laid their groundwork, or just relive those glory days, *Tekken 3* is your ticket.
Rounding out the Extra and Premium offerings are a few more intriguing bits and bobs. There’s *Poppy Playtime: Chapter 1* (PS5, PS4), another spooky addition, leaning into the popular, slightly unsettling mascot horror trend. Then there’s *As Dusk Falls* (PS5, PS4), an acclaimed interactive drama that offers a more narrative, contemplative experience, a nice contrast to all the hacking and slashing. And finally, my personal favourite in terms of concept: *Wizard with a Gun* (PS5). You heard that right. A wizard. With a gun. It’s a twin-stick shooter from Galvanic Games that sounds like a mad scientist (or perhaps a mad wizard) threw a spellbook and an arsenal into a blender. Pure chaotic potential, mate, and I'm all for it.
So, what's the verdict on October's PS Plus buffet? It's a curious blend, isn't it? A genuinely exciting (and risky) remake in *Silent Hill 2*, a potentially redundant one in *Until Dawn*, a fantastic lineup of genre-spanning titles like *V Rising* and *Yakuza*, and a classic for the Premium crowd. It feels like Sony is trying to hit a wide array of tastes, from psychological horror to vibrant RPGs and retro fighting. It’s a testament to the ever-evolving landscape of subscription services, always trying to find that perfect mix of blockbuster appeal and indie gems.
These shiny new titles don't actually hit the digital shelves until Tuesday, 21st October, so you've still got a bit of time to mop up any lingering quests or finish off last month's games before your attention gets yanked into October's spooky, chaotic, and oddly enchanting new offerings. Get ready to dive in, mates, it looks like a cracking month!
Tags: PlayStation Plus, Gaming News, Horror Games, Remakes, RPG
Original article: Eurogamer