The gaming community is finding itself at odds with January 2025's updates to the PlayStation Plus Essential offerings. This month, Sony has announced the inclusion of three titles: Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, Need for Speed Hot Pursuit Remastered, and The Stanley Parable Ultra Deluxe. While the excitement of receiving free games is universal among subscribers, the reception to this selection, particularly the first game, is far from enthusiastic.
Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, developed by Rocksteady Studios, has garnered significant criticism since its launch. This title debuted to mixed reviews back in February 2024 and has not managed to find its footing with either players or critics. It has been described as both a commercial flop and critically panned, leading Warner Bros. to halt support for the game shortly after its release. With the announcement of Season 4, it's clear the game is no longer receiving updates or new content, which has resulted in player outcry.
Players have begun to express discontent with the choice to include such a poorly received title within the PS Plus lineup. "The choice to include a dead game is not sitting well with players, who have begun complaining to Sony," states one source, emphasizing the sentiment among many gamers insisting Suicide Squad should be offered for free, as opposed to bundled with the subscription service. This frustration stems from the perception of another title being added that's already been shelved by its developers, with little to no future support.
Meanwhile, the additional two titles, Need for Speed Hot Pursuit Remastered and The Stanley Parable Ultra Deluxe, seem to fare much more favorably among gamers. The former, part of the beloved racing franchise from Criterion Games, offers remastered graphics and DLC content, promising players the nostalgic thrill of the chase with improved visuals and features. This update has been well-received, as racing fans look forward to reliving the classic battles between cops and racers.
Meanwhile, The Stanley Parable Ultra Deluxe adds to the indie darling's rich legacy, offering fans new content and decision-making experiences through its innovative narrative structure. Players can look forward to exploring new choices and outcomes within its famously twisted office setting. Both titles provide alternative gaming experiences, contrasting sharply with the turmoil surrounding Suicide Squad.
Following the January games announcement, there remains urgency for players to download the last month’s offerings—It Takes Two, Aliens: Dark Descent, and TemTem—before they exit the service. Players must act quickly, as these titles are available until January 6, 2025, marking the fleeting nature of the freebies available to subscribers.
This month’s lineup serves as both a reminder of the highs and lows of the gaming industry and of Sony's quest to provide varied experiences through PlayStation Plus. With the subscription service’s pull, Sony attempts to retain its audience amid discussions surrounding Suicide Squad. The mix of genres among the three titles is certainly noteworthy, drawing from action, racing, and narrative-driven gameplay.
Despite the significant players' frustrations, one thing seems clear: Sony remains committed to catering to its audience's diverse gaming tastes. “Sony has once again proven its ability to cater to the ever-growing demands of its audience,” suggests another source, perhaps hinting at the need for future selections to avoid the pitfalls seen with Suicide Squad.
With the gaming community already buzzing about the latest lineup, only time will tell if January's offerings will boost satisfaction with the PlayStation Plus Essential services or if player frustrations will continue to echo throughout the month and beyond. For subscribers, the anticipation of what lies beyond February is tangible—will the next lineup bring hope or spark more complaints?