The Great PS Plus Escape: My Picks for What to Snatch Before September's Purge
AI Gaming News Author · Eurogamer ·
Eight fantastic games, including an absolute cracking Metroidvania and a narrative gem, are set to leave PlayStation Plus Extra in September, making it a mad dash for gamers to experience them before they vanish from the service on September 16th.
Right, gather 'round the digital campfire, mates, because we've got a bit of a curious case on our hands. You know that feeling when you're flipping through your game library, all comfy-cozy, and then *poof* – some of your favourite titles decide to do a vanishing act? Well, PlayStation Plus Extra is about to do just that in September, and honestly, it’s wilder than it first appeared. It's not just a few forgotten indies getting the boot; there are some genuinely cracking games that are set to blink out of existence from the service on September 16th. And if you're anything like me, you'll want to get on 'em before they're gone faster than a wizard's misfired teleportation spell.
This whole 'games leaving' thing is, of course, the flip side of the subscription coin, isn't it? It’s a bit like having a magic library where the books randomly float away after a few months. On one hand, you get a smorgasbord of titles for a monthly fee, which is brilliant for discovery. On the other, it means your digital shelf space is perpetually in flux, and those games you've been 'meaning to play' might just disappear before you get the chance. Unlike the monthly PS Plus Essential games that you *claim* and keep as long as you're subscribed, these Game Catalogue titles are more like a rental. Once they're gone, they're gone from your library too. A bit of a gut-punch if you’re half-way through something epic.
So, what's on the chopping block? Prepare yourselves for some hard truths, and some absolute gems that demand your attention. Here's the hit list for September 16th:
* **UFC 5 (PS5)**: Alright, let's get this one out of the way. UFC 5. It's, well, it's UFC 5. If you're a massive fight sports fan, you probably already own it or have played previous iterations. It’s a solid enough fighting game, but it's not exactly reinventing the wheel. More of the same, in a good way if you like that kind of thing. If you don't, you won't miss it. Reckon you can probably give this one a miss if your time is precious.
* **The Plucky Squire (PS5)**: Now *this* one had my curiosity piqued for ages. Remember all the pre-launch hype? A game where a hero literally jumps out of a storybook into the real world, interacting with real-world objects? The concept alone was pure magic! It didn't quite hit the stratospheric expectations set by those initial trailers – sometimes a spell looks better in theory than in practice, eh? – but it's still genuinely innovative and charming. Definitely worth a gander if you like unique indie experiences that mess with your perception of reality. It’s got heart, even if it's a bit...plucky.
* **Night in the Woods (PS5, PS4)**: Oh, mate, if you've not played Night in the Woods, drop everything. Seriously. This game is an absolute masterclass in storytelling, character development, and atmosphere. It's a narrative adventure about Mae Borowski, a college dropout, returning to her crumbling hometown of Possum Springs. It's got talking animals, sure, but it deals with incredibly poignant themes like economic decline, mental health, and finding your place in the world. The writing is sharp, witty, and heartbreakingly real. It's an emotional gut-punch wrapped in a beautifully stylized package. Don't let this one slip by.
* **Road 96 (PS5, PS4)**: Road 96. Ah, this one. I wanted to love it, I really did. The premise – a procedurally generated road trip adventure through a politically charged country, making choices that shape your journey – sounds right up my alley. Like a choose-your-own-adventure novel on wheels. But, and this is just my take, the writing sometimes felt a bit... on the nose for my tastes. It tries to tackle big themes, but occasionally trips over its own ambition. Still, the unique structure and the attempt at something different make it an interesting curiosity. If you're into narrative experiments, it might click for you more than it did for me. It’s got spirit, at least.
* **Pistol Whip (PSVR2)**: If you've got a PS VR2, then listen up. Pistol Whip is an absolute must-play. Imagine if John Wick and Beat Saber had a very stylish, rhythm-action baby, then gave it a healthy dose of pulsating electronic music. You're dual-wielding pistols, dodging bullets, and shooting bad guys to the beat. It’s exhilarating, empowering, and gives you one heck of a workout. It’s the kind of game that reminds you why VR is so bloody cool. Don't let your PSVR2 gather dust, give this a whirl before it's gone!
* **Odin Sphere: Leifthrasir (PS4)**: Fair dinkum, this is a gem. If you're into gorgeous 2D action RPGs with a deep, interwoven story that feels like an epic fairy tale, Odin Sphere: Leifthrasir is your jam. Vanillaware games (like Dragon's Crown, which is also on this list!) are renowned for their stunning hand-drawn art style and satisfying combat. This is a remastered version of a PS2 classic, and it shines on PS4. It's got multiple intertwining character paths, delicious-looking food you can cook, and boss fights that are a treat for the eyes. A truly unique and visually striking experience.
* **FIST: Forged In Shadow Torch (PS5, PS4)**: Okay, if I had to pick *one* game from this list that you absolutely, positively need to play, especially if you even remotely enjoy Metroidvanias, it's FIST: Forged In Shadow Torch. Bloody hell, this game is fantastic. You play as Rayton, an anthropomorphic rabbit with a giant mechanical fist for an arm, in a dieselpunk city populated by animals. The combat is incredibly satisfying, the world design is intricate and rewarding to explore, and the art style is just *chef's kiss*. It’s got that perfect blend of exploration, combat, and progression that makes the genre sing. Don't let the 'overlooked Metroidvania' tag fool you; this one is a heavyweight contender. Seriously, go play it.
* **Dragon's Crown Pro (PS4)**: And rounding out the Vanillaware double-whammy, we have Dragon's Crown Pro. If Odin Sphere is the epic tale, Dragon's Crown is the arcade brawler. It’s a side-scrolling action RPG with that same breathtaking hand-drawn art, but focused more on co-op dungeon crawling. Pick your fantasy class, hack-and-slash your way through hordes of enemies, collect mountains of loot, and take down massive bosses. It's got a wonderfully chunky feel to its combat and a charming, albeit sometimes controversial, art style. Great for a few sessions with mates, or just grinding on your own.
So, there you have it. A veritable treasure trove of experiences about to pack their bags. The takeaway here isn't just 'play these games' – though you absolutely should! It's also a reminder of the shifting sands of digital ownership and subscription services. While these services offer incredible value, they also introduce this curious ephemerality to our gaming habits. You might discover a new favourite, invest dozens of hours, only for it to vanish from your accessible library. It keeps us on our toes, I suppose, always chasing the next experience before it does a runner.
It’s like that chaotic magic trick where you pull a rabbit out of a hat, but then the hat suddenly disappears. What happens next? You scramble for the rabbit, of course! So, for these disappearing acts, I reckon it's time to scramble. Prioritize FIST, Night in the Woods, Pistol Whip (if you're VR-enabled), Odin Sphere, and Dragon's Crown Pro. They're genuinely captivating experiences that punch well above their weight.
Don't dawdle, mates. September 16th isn't as far away as it seems. Get stuck in, explore these worlds, and tell me what you reckon are the true hidden gems before they vanish into the digital ether. Happy gaming, and may your controller never run out of charge mid-boss-fight!
Tags: PlayStation Plus, Game Catalogue, Subscription Gaming, Indie Games, Metroidvania
Original article: Eurogamer