PS Plus Essential Summer Lineup Review: Is it Enough to Keep You Indoors?

As the summer months arrive in the UK, many of us are looking for ways to stay entertained and cool while staying indoors. For gamers, one solution is the PlayStation Plus (PS Plus) Essential monthly free games offer. But this year's lineup raises an interesting question: can PS Plus Essential keep you away from the sunshine?

What is PS Plus Essential?

For those who may not be familiar, PS Plus Essential is a subscription service offered by Sony that provides access to free games every month for PS4 and PS5 owners. The selection of games varies, but typically includes new releases or popular titles.

This Year's Lineup: A Mixed Bag

This summer's PS Plus Essential lineup consists of three games: A Way Out, Resident Evil 7: Biohazard, and Solar Ash. We'll take a closer look at each game to determine if they're enough to keep you indoors.

1. A Way Out

A Way Out is an action-adventure game developed by Hazelight Studios and published by Electronic Arts (EA). Released in 2018, the game was originally intended for the PS4 and Xbox One before its release on PC via EA Access.

Gameplay

In A Way Out, players control two prisoners who must work together to escape from prison. The gameplay involves third-person shooter mechanics, puzzle-solving, and cooperative gameplay.

Verdict

A Way Out is an enjoyable game with a unique concept and engaging multiplayer features. However, its release in 2018 means it's now over five years old, which may make it less appealing to newer gamers.

2. Resident Evil 7: Biohazard

Resident Evil 7: Biohazard is a survival horror game developed by Capcom and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE). Released in 2017 for the PS4, Xbox One, and PC, the game received widespread critical acclaim for its atmospheric tension and gameplay.

Gameplay

In Resident Evil 7: Biohazard, players take on the role of Ethan Winters as he searches for his missing wife in a derelict plantation mansion. The gameplay involves exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving, with a focus on survival horror elements.

Verdict

Resident Evil 7: Biohazard is an excellent game that still holds up today due to its tense atmosphere and well-designed gameplay mechanics. However, its release in 2017 means it's now over five years old, which may make it less appealing to newer gamers.

3. Solar Ash

Solar Ash is a free-to-play platformer developed by Heart Machine and published by SIE. Released in 2021 for PC via Steam Early Access and later released on PS4 and PS5, the game features beautiful graphics and fast-paced gameplay.

Gameplay

In Solar Ash, players control the protagonist, Quil, as she explores a series of levels to uncover her past. The gameplay involves platforming, combat, and exploration, with a focus on speedrunning and competition.

Verdict

Solar Ash is an excellent game that showcases Heart Machine's unique art style and fast-paced gameplay mechanics. As a free-to-play title, it offers great value for gamers who enjoy platformers.

Conclusion

This year's PS Plus Essential lineup offers a mix of games with varying levels of appeal. While A Way Out and Resident Evil 7: Biohazard are excellent games that still hold up today, they may not be enough to keep you indoors due to their release dates. Solar Ash, on the other hand, is an excellent free-to-play title that offers great value for gamers who enjoy platformers.

Ultimately, whether or not PS Plus Essential can keep you away from the sunshine depends on your individual gaming preferences and interests. If you're looking for something new to play, one of these games may be just what you need to stay entertained indoors.