Sony just revealed the new PS Plus Extra and Premium games for January 2024, and they’re awesome. Resident Evil 2 and Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands headline an incredible lineup of 14 titles. Whether you’re into survival horror, fantasy RPGs, or indie gems, there’s something for everyone. Keep reading to get the full rundown on these new additions.
Key Takeaways
- Resident Evil 2 and Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands come to PS5 and PS4
- PS Plus Premium is getting Legend of Mana and Rally Cross
- A mix of AAA hits and hidden indie gems across various genres
Resident Evil 2
Leading the pack for PS Plus Extra in January is the stellar Resident Evil 2 remake. As one of the most acclaimed entries in the long-running survival horror series, it’s easy to see why this remake continues to captivate players. Taking the original PlayStation game and completely overhauling it with modern visuals and gameplay, it’s a masterclass in remaking a classic. You’ll explore the Raccoon City police station and sewers while being stalked by terrifying enemies, including the iconic Mr. X. Its atmosphere, puzzles, and tense combat still hold up incredibly well today. If you haven’t played this yet, it’s a must-download.
Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands
Another huge title coming to PS Plus Extra is Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands, the Borderlands spin-off that puts a fantasy tabletop RPG twist on the looter-shooter formula. While it may not be a pure Borderlands experience, it’s absolutely packed with chaotic, humor-filled action. You’ll explore colorful environments, find epic loot, and battle against outlandish enemies. Alongside a fun story full of memorable characters like the eccentric Tiny Tina, it delivers a truly unique take on the RPG genre. Its bright, whimsical world is just begging to be explored.
Legend of Mana
For PS Plus Premium subscribers, one of the most intriguing additions is Legend of Mana, an action RPG from Square Enix. Originally released for the PlayStation in 1999, it puts a magical twist on the Mana series’ gameplay with its innovative crafting system. You’ll explore colorful lands, engage in real-time combat, and shape the world itself by building towns. With gorgeous hand-drawn visuals, a whimsical soundtrack, and deep customization options, it’s easy to see why this cult classic has endured among JRPG fans for over 20 years. It’s a real treat for retro enthusiasts.
Hardspace: Shipbreaker
Another highlight for PS Plus Extra is Hardspace: Shipbreaker, a unique indie game that tasks you with salvaging derelict spaceships. Using an array of tools, you’ll carefully dismantle vessels and extract valuable resources. However, it’s a risky job – one wrong move could cause catastrophic damage or even death. It’s an immersive sim experience with realistic zero-g physics. While the learning curve is steep, mastering its complex systems is incredibly satisfying. For fans of challenging, physics-based games, this one shouldn’t be missed.
Rally Cross
Racing fans will want to check out the PS1 classic Rally Cross coming to PS Plus Premium. As the name suggests, it focuses on off-road racing across treacherous tracks. While basic by today’s standards, it’s a fun blast from the past that holds up thanks to tight controls and thrilling speed. You’ll drift around corners, barrel through obstacles, and battle opponents in various vehicle classes. Plus, the retro graphics have a charming quality. It may not have all the bells and whistles of modern racers, but it delivers pure, unadulterated arcade racing fun.
Secret of Mana
Another beloved RPG coming to PS Plus Premium is Secret of Mana, a top-down action-adventure originally released in 1993. Set in a high fantasy world, it follows a group of heroes as they embark on a quest to collect powerful orbs. With vibrant pixel graphics, an enchanting soundtrack, and thrilling real-time combat, it helped define the Mana series and was hugely influential. While its gameplay may feel dated compared to modern titles, its charm, characters, and sense of wonder are timeless. It’s a must-play for RPG fans both old and new.
Other Notable Games
A few other standouts joining PS Plus Extra and Premium include the creepy psychological horror Vampire: The Masquerade – Swansong, the post-apocalyptic city-building sim Surviving the Aftermath, and the innovative skateboarding game Session. There’s also action favorites like Just Cause 3 and LEGO City Undercover to look forward to. No matter your tastes, Sony has you covered with this excellent selection of new additions.
Resident Evil 2 Remake Review
This review by GameSpot goes into great detail about what makes Resident Evil 2 such a stellar remake. It highlights the revamped visuals, tense atmosphere, reworked puzzles, and Mr. X as a terrifying new enemy. If you need any more convincing that this is a must-play, this video does an excellent job showcasing why it’s considered one of the best remakes ever made.
FAQs
What platforms can I play these games on?
The majority of these PS Plus Extra and Premium games like Resident Evil 2, Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands, and Legend of Mana can be played on both PS5 and PS4. However, some newer titles like Hardspace: Shipbreaker are optimized for PS5 with advanced features. But all provide smooth, great-looking experiences regardless of which PlayStation console you own.
How long will these games be available?
Games added through the monthly PlayStation Plus rotations usually remain downloadable with an active Extra or Premium membership. However, Sony may cycle some titles in and out over time. But most will stick around for several months at least so you have plenty of time to enjoy these January additions.
What else is coming to PS Plus soon?
We don’t have details on future PS Plus games just yet. But based on Sony’s track record, we can expect them to continue delivering top-quality selections each month across all tiers. Big-budget hits, beloved indies, and classic games are consistently added. So whether you’re looking for the latest releases or retrospective gems, be sure to check what’s new on the first Tuesday of each month.
