The PlayStation Store's Summer Sale is here, and it's a treasure trove of discounted games for PS5 and PS4 owners. With a vast selection of titles on offer, it can be overwhelming to choose. But fear not, as I've curated a list of some of the best deals, each with its own unique charm and appeal. From action-packed adventures to thought-provoking visual novels, there's something for every type of gamer. So, let's dive into the highlights and explore the games that are worth your hard-earned cash.
A Plague Tale: Innocence
A Plague Tale: Innocence is a hidden gem, offering a blend of stealth and historical fiction. Asobo Studio's masterpiece is a surprise hit, with a captivating story and unique gameplay mechanics. The PS5's DualSense enhances the experience, making it a must-play for fans of narrative-driven adventures. While the conclusion may leave some wanting more, the game's stunning visuals and engaging gameplay make it a standout title in the Summer Sale.
A Plague Tale: Requiem
The sequel to A Plague Tale: Innocence improves on its predecessor in every way. With stunning PS5 visuals and an engaging story, it's a cinematic adventure that deserves your time. While it doesn't reinvent the wheel, it takes a page from the Naughty Dog playbook, offering a familiar yet refined gameplay experience. If you enjoyed the first game, you won't be disappointed with this sequel.
Absolum
Absolum is a brilliant beat-'em-up with roguelike elements. Its striking fantasy world and addictive gameplay make it hard to put down, even if the overall experience feels slightly short. The game's systems start to click, offering a satisfying and unique gaming experience. If you're a fan of the genre, Absolum is definitely worth checking out.
AI: The Somnium Files
AI: The Somnium Files is an engrossing visual novel with a range of deep and surprisingly stupid characters. While it takes a couple of hours to get going, the game blossoms into one of the most impressively executed visual novels on PS4. The story is intriguing and well-paced, making it a standout title in the Summer Sale.
Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon
FromSoftware returns to its roots with Armored Core VI, a game that may feel familiar to older fans. While it may not be as memorable as the studio's more recent hits, it remains a consistently good experience. Customise your mech and battle it out on the fields of Rubicon, but don't expect the same level of hype as FromSoftware's other titles.
Assassin's Creed Shadows
Ubisoft takes on Japan with Assassin's Creed Shadows, a game that boasts dual protagonists and a detailed open world. The game offers a blend of stealth and combat, with a nuanced story and endearing characters. It's an undeniably strong entry in the long-running franchise, and a great addition to the Summer Sale.
Astro Bot
Astro Bot is a full-blown 3D platformer that builds upon the foundations of Astro's Playroom. It's an explosion of creativity and fun, with sharp visuals and flawless performance. The game celebrates PlayStation's past 30 years with delightful nods to classics, making it a must-play for fans of the platformer genre.
Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora
Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora translates James Cameron's movie franchise into an open-world action adventure. With stunning visuals and a first-person perspective, it offers a great interactive experience for fans of the franchise. The gameplay is engaging, with simple combat and light crafting, making it a standout title in the Summer Sale.
Back 4 Blood
Left 4 Dead lovers rejoice! Back 4 Blood is a zombie-popping co-op FPS that emphasises teamwork. With a card-based loot system and numerous missions, it's a great time with friends. The only ones groaning about this shooter are the zombies themselves.
Batman: Return to Arkham
A remaster compilation of Batman: Arkham Asylum and Batman: Arkham City, this isn't the best re-release ever produced. However, the quality of the included games is undeniable, and it still comes highly recommended. While the visual improvements are minimal, the sombre visual style of the originals is maintained, making it a must-play for superhero fans.
Castlevania Dominus Collection
Castlevania Dominus Collection is a generous package offering hours of fun exploration, secrets, and boss fights. With gorgeous pixel graphics and weapon builds to learn, it's a fantastic little collection that should please any Metroidvania fan. If you had a Nintendo DS back in the day, this is a great chance to sample some of the best Castlevania games.
Cat Quest 3
Cat Quest 3 builds upon the first two entries in this cult favourite series, offering up maybe the best one yet. With a pirate theme introducing nautical traversal and combat, it's a more expansive action RPG that keeps things simple. If you're after a lighthearted adventure, Cat Quest 3 is the perfect choice.
Celeste
Celeste is a pure platformer that provides a stern challenge. With a straightforward set of moves, it does a lot with very little, but it's not just gameplay where it impresses. Madeline's climb up Celeste Mountain is both literal and metaphorical, offering a touching story and rock-solid platforming. If you're an indie adventure fan, Celeste is a must-play.
Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector
Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector is a bigger, better RPG that builds on the original. With a compelling, character-led tale and a unique dice system, it forces you to take considered risks. The game offers an engaging adventure with a sombre sci-fi universe and tough side missions. If you don't mind a text-heavy game, this is a standout title in the Summer Sale.
Dead Space
One of EA's best-loved games returns with a PS5 remake of Dead Space. Retelling the original story with modern visuals and voice acting, it's more than just a fresh coat of paint. The remake expands areas, adds new features, and maintains the intense atmosphere and unique enemies of the original. If you're a fan of the series, this is a must-play.
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
Kojima Productions went bigger and better with a sequel that dwarfs its first delivery. With masterful storytelling, characters, and visuals, Death Stranding 2 is a cinematic achievement. The game tasks main character Sam with reconnecting a land mass, but this time, his deliveries are further and expanded to encompass proper combat scenarios. It's a crown jewel of the PS5 library.
Demon's Souls
Demon's Souls is a legendary action RPG that spawned the Soulsborne series and Elden Ring. While it was snubbed by Sony during the PS3 era, the remake for PS5 is remarkable. Using original PS3 code, it offers an incredibly authentic experience with stunning visuals. It's an extraordinary blend of old and new, making it a highly recommended title.
Dispatch
Dispatch is a narrative adventure like the Telltale games of yesteryear. It's a workplace comedy about a motley crew of villains trying to turn a new leaf as superheroes. With engaging management gameplay and great characters, it's a well-paced episodic adventure with lots of heart. If you're a fan of the genre, Dispatch is definitely worth checking out.
