The start of February brought a short list of new games to PlayStation Plus, and while it did have some underrated gems, it was lacking big hitters. The subscription service is rectifying that in a big way as it approaches the end of February by adding a slew of new hugely popular titles for subscribers. It’s an especially good collection of games for any RPG lovers in need of something they can sink dozens of hours into.
Headlining the catalog of titles coming to PlayStation Plus on February 20 are Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, Tales of Arise, and The Outer Worlds. All three games offer expansive worlds full of fascinating characters to fall in love with or completely loathe. For those who are fans of the more RPG-forward entries in Assassin’s Creed, the viking-focused Valhalla is a great addition. Those looking to satisfy the Fallout itch will want to try Obsidian’s The Outer Worlds. Finally if you want an emotional rollercoaster, then Tales of Arise is for you. There are also a handful of other games making their way to the service, including stylish racing title Need For Speed Unbound. Let’s get into all the games coming to PS Plus in the latter half of February 2024.
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla (PS4 & PS5)
We were impressed with Valhalla when it released back in 2020, thanks to its dense and interesting open-world and complex narrative. Here’s what Zack Zwiezen had to say:
The changes Valhalla brings to the franchise feel as great as a warm hearthfire during a cold winter night. The game’s developers have crafted a world that is wonderful to explore, that soaked up hours and hours of my day before I noticed It. The changes to how the game handles loot and questing, for example, make it a nicer experience to play. Overall, it feels a lot of care and thought went into making Valhalla feel less like a checklist of things to do and more like a world to organically experience.
The Outer Worlds: Spacer’s Choice Edition (PS5)
If Starfield wasn’t the right flavor of sci-fi adventure for you, then you might want to try out The Outer Worlds from Fallout: New Vegas developer Obsidian Entertainment. It has great gunplay and the fantastic story flourishes we’ve come to expect from the developer. Here’s what Gita Jackson had to say about the game in our review:
The Outer Worlds is so impactful that it made me question and ultimately settle more thoughtfully into my beliefs. My game ended with what felt like a utopian, worker-led vision for Halcyon, and the game gives you the room to enact whatever your personal vision may be. It pushed me without feeling preachy and gave me some fun shootouts between the politicking. In the end, The Outer Worlds aligns itself with Hughes. The dream of paradise that Halcyon has deferred exploded. How you pick up those pieces is up to you, for better or worse.
Tales of Arise (PS4 & PS5)
The most recent entry in the long running Tales Of series is also the most accessible one for new players. And thanks to its tight combat and incredible love story (one of the best in modern games), it also happens to be one of the best games in the series, full stop. Be warned that Tales of Arise is very long (56 hours at a normal pace according to Howlongtobeat.com), and that it has its ups and downs, by Ari Notis in our review:
It’s plot is saccharine and reductive, but it’s also a deliciously cascading mystery, one that answers each question by raising two more that are far more intriguing than the first. And of course, there’s the cast of six characters—the main reason people play these games in the first place—which is, dare I say, the strongest it’s ever been. (Apologies to Lloyd and co.) Arise’s characters grow and bond in ways that are genuinely moving, at times even tear-jerking. In those moments, the game is a delight.
Everything Else
In addition to those three highlights, there are nine more titles coming to PlayStation Plus. The first six are available to those who are at least at the $14.99 per month Extra tier. They are:
- Need for Speed Unbound (PS5)
- LEGO Worlds (PS4)
- LEGO Jurassic World (PS4)
- Roguebook (PS4 & PS5)
- Roguelords (PS4)
- Tales of Zestiria (PS4)
The last three titles are available only to Premium subscribers (the highest and most expensive tier at $17.99 a month), so if any of these look enticing make sure you are at the right level or you may need to splurge for a higher tier.
- Resistance: Retribution (PS4 & PS5)
- Tales of Symphonia (PS4 & PS5)
- Tales of Vesperia (PS4 & PS5)
Which game are you planning to dive into first on February 20?
