January signals the arrival of new games for PlayStation Plus subscribers, marking the start of 2025 with another eclectic lineup. Among the three titles being offered, opinions vary widely, with players expressing everything from excitement to disappointment.
Headlining this month is the much-discussed Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, which has had quite the rocky ride since its release. Hailed as one of the worst launches from publisher Warner Bros. Games and developer Rocksteady, this title has garnered relentless criticism. The game was deemed to be riddled with repetitive tasks and thin content, leading to complaints from its player base.
Yet, it's not all bad news; some players acknowledged its strong narrative and fluid movement system. The game lets players embody characters from the Suicide Squad, and its live-service model allows for both single-player and multiplayer modes. Nevertheless, it has largely been perceived as failing to meet expectations. Recently, Warner Bros. reported significant revenue losses attributed to the game, indicating issues are greater than just gameplay flaws.
Next up is Need for Speed Hot Pursuit Remastered, which has sparked more favorable reactions among fans of racing games. This title brings back the adrenaline-fueled cop versus racer action, first popularized by its predecessors. The remastered version was praised for its outstanding online gameplay and is reminiscent of the earlier successes of the franchise.
Despite some licensing restrictions leading to the absence of certain classic cars, the game has secured a special place for many players. With the revival of this cult classic, racing enthusiasts are gearing up to relive the rush of high-stakes pursuits on the digital highways.
The final title of the month, The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe, has reportedly sparked excitement for its unique gameplay experience. Initially launched in 2013, this award-winning indie title is recognized for its innovative storytelling. Players are led through seemingly mundane office environments by The Narrator, who comments and adjusts his following of the story based on the player’s decisions.
Unlike conventional gaming experiences, players find themselves caught between choice and absurdity as the nature of gameplay presents deep contradictions. The developers Crows Crows Crows describe it succinctly: “The Stanley Parable is a game...that plays you.” The enhanced edition maintains the original’s charm and wit, promising to captivate both newcomers and veterans alike.
The three titles will be available for download beginning January 7 through February 3, 2025, giving subscribers ample opportunity to explore their offerings. Notably, the last chance to claim last month’s games—It Takes Two, Aliens: Dark Descent, and TemTem—is swiftly approaching, as they will be unavailable after January 6.
The varied reactions to this month's PlayStation Plus games highlight the diverse gaming community, with some eager for adventure and others grumbling over perceived missteps. With the arrival of January's titles, it certainly seems as if the gaming industry has yet again struck both triumphant and disheartening chords among its audience.