As we move into the new year with some countries considering new roadblocks to prevent the increase in cases of COVID-19, PlayStation Plus subscribers will have a handful of new free games to keep them busy. They include a new free PS5 game, replacing Bugsnax from the console launch. This month, subscribers will be able to purchase Shadow of the Tomb Raider and Greedfall on PS4, as well as the Maneater shark simulator, which will be free exclusively on PS5. You have a few more days to start the December games. Don’t miss your chance to catch them before they disappear!
Shadow of the Tomb Raider is the latest version of the Tomb Raider series restarted, bringing Lara Croft’s ongoing adventure to the jungles of South America to save the world from a Mayan apocalypse. Like the classic AAA adventure game you’d expect, GameSpot’s review of Shadow praised the excitement of exploration and the challenge of solving puzzles from ancient tombs, but warned that the game’s traditional mechanics can make the journey frustrating.
Greedfall is a 2019 RPG that challenges players to explore a mysterious island called Teer Fradee, full of magical secrets to explore and monsters to hunt. The game caters to traditional RPG fans with character builds comprising different skills, spells and abilities, and goals that can be completed in a multitude of different ways. GameSpot’s analysis of the game compared its attractive exploration and combat mechanics favorably to Witcher 3, although it criticized its reliance on colonialist themes.
Maneater is this month’s exclusive PS5 game – although it’s also available on PS4, only players on PS5 will be able to redeem it for free. Maneater is described as a ShaRkPG, an RPG where you take on the role of a man-eating shark. Starting out as a puppy, the player is tasked with surviving and then thriving as one of the ocean’s biggest predators. Just like role-playing games with human characters, you’ll be able to adapt your shark’s skills to your playing style as it grows in size and strength.
As with previous PS + games, all January games are PS4 titles that can also be played on PS5. The recently launched next generation console can play most PS4 games, with improvements that vary between games, including reduced load times, more stable frame rates and increased resolutions. Only a small handful of PS4 games are not supported on the PS5, and the list has already started to narrow.
The Greedfall developer has announced that the game will receive an update and additional content for the PS5 and Xbox Series X / S, although it remains unclear whether this will be a free update for all next generation players.
The free December games – Just Cause 4, Rocket Arena, Worms Rumble and Bugsnax (for PS5) – are still available until January 4.