David Bridges
Start planning your holiday gaming adventures now! Sony has unveiled the exciting lineup of games set to join the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog this December. Among the most anticipated titles for PlayStation Plus Premium and Extra subscribers is Forspoken, an action-packed RPG filled with parkour and magical experiences, developed by Square Enix and launched in 2023. While our review noted that the PS5 game didn’t quite match the stunning visuals of other blockbusters, the holiday season presents an ideal opportunity to explore its captivating world and experiment with its intricate spell-casting mechanics.
If you’re seeking a fresh spin on open-world gameplay, Sonic Frontiers makes its debut in the catalog as well. This thrilling game merges high-speed platforming with a Breath of the Wild-inspired expansive world brimming with foes and collectibles. For those nostalgic for the classic Sonic experience, there are specially designed challenge levels that echo the beloved elements of previous Sonic titles, ensuring a delightful mix of nostalgia and new adventures.
While both of these games promise to be engaging time sinks during the holiday break, two additions truly stood out to me: A Space for the Unbound and Coffee Talk. Since its release in 2023, A Space for the Unbound has garnered rave reviews, primarily due to its distinctive setting in “late ‘90s rural Indonesia.” This game is categorized as “a slice-of-life adventure,” as described by Sony, but it also features supernatural elements that inject additional drama into the narrative. On the other hand, Coffee Talk has been around since 2020 and shares cultural ties, as its developer, Toge Productions, also brought Unbound to life and is based in Indonesia. Coffee Talk offers a charming visual novel experience where players manage a cozy coffee shop, engaging with customers about their lives and crafting their beverages—a truly delightful premise for a game.
To round out this impressive collection of new games, the catalog includes an assortment of sequels, racing adventures, multiplayer puzzle challenges, and even a couple of titles featuring adorable rabbit characters: Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly, Rabbids: Party of Legends, WRC Generations, F.I.S.T.: Forged in Shadow, Jurassic World Evolution 2, PHOGS, and Biped. Each of these games offers unique gameplay experiences, ensuring that players will find something engaging and enjoyable to dive into during the festive season.
If you’re a PlayStation Plus Premium subscriber eager to dust off your PSVR 2 headset, you’ll be thrilled to know that Sony is also adding Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge. This immersive virtual reality experience allows players to enjoy a variety of Star Wars-themed activities in a captivating first-person format. You can train to become a Jedi, engage in thrilling combat scenarios, and interact with iconic droids, making it a cost-effective way to experience the Star Wars universe without the need for a trip to Disneyland.
Additionally, Premium members will have the opportunity to stream several new games from the Classics Catalog, featuring beloved PlayStation mascot duos: Sly Cooper 2: Band of Thieves, Sly Cooper 3: Honor Among Thieves, and Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy. While I have a personal preference for Ratchet & Clank, this is an excellent chance to revisit the very first Jak and Daxter installment and relish in its nostalgic charm.
Mark your calendars! PS Plus Premium and Extra subscribers will gain access to these exciting games starting December 17. Plus, if you’re a Premium subscriber with a PlayStation Portal, you’ll be able to stream some of these titles directly to your handheld device, enhancing your gaming experience even further.
Daniel Mercer
Brandon Fletcher
