If your New Year’s resolution was to spend less time on the couch, I have some terrible news for your productivity levels. The January PlayStation Plus Game Catalogue has been revealed, and it is the best we’ve seen in ages. Whether you want to explore the tropical streets of Honolulu, survive a gothic village, or just organise some digital fruit to soothe your brain, there is something here to distract you from the looming return to work.
Everything drops on 20 January, so let’s dive into the highlights of what’s coming to the Extra and Deluxe tiers.
Horror, Heart, and Hawaii
The headliner is undoubtedly Resident Evil Village. If you haven’t yet guided poor, battered Ethan Winters through this snowy nightmare, now is the time. It is a brilliant blend of gothic horror and high-octane action. The village itself feels like a living, breathing character, though most of the “breathing” involves things trying to bite your head off.
For those who prefer their drama with a side of neon and surfboards, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is a massive get for the service. It brings series legends Ichiban Kasuga and Kazuma Kiryu together in Hawaii. Expect heartfelt storytelling, turn-based brawls, and the kind of bizarre side activities that only this franchise can deliver. It’s a genuine RPG epic that will likely consume your entire month.
Stressful Treks and Silent Scares
If you fancy yourself a bit of an explorer, Expeditions: A MudRunner Game moves away from just “getting stuck in mud” to scientific discovery. You’ll be using drones, scanners, and high-tech vehicles to navigate treacherous terrain. It’s surprisingly meditative, provided you don’t roll your truck off a cliff.
On the complete opposite end of the stress spectrum is A Quiet Place: The Road Ahead. Based on the film franchise, this is all about stealth and sound. If you’re the type of person who holds their breath during horror movies, this game will leave you lightheaded.
The Indie Gems and “Vibes”
For the roguelike fans, Darkest Dungeon II offers a “road trip from hell” vibe. It’s brutal, stylish, and will make you feel like a terrible leader in the best way possible.
If you want something shorter and stranger, The Exit 8 is a must-play. Inspired by “liminal space” internet culture and Japanese subways, it’s a walking simulator where you have to spot tiny anomalies to escape an endless loop. It’s unsettling in a way that lingers long after you turn the console off.
Finally, if the horror becomes too much, A Little to the Left is the perfect palate cleanser. It’s a puzzle game about organising household objects. It’s incredibly satisfying, right up until a mischievous cat paws at your hard work.
For the Nostalgia Hunters (Deluxe Only)
Deluxe subscribers are getting a classic treat with Ridge Racer.
This isn’t just a port; it’s been enhanced with up-rendering and the holy grail of retro gaming: the rewind feature. It’s a blast of 90s arcade energy that still feels fantastic to play.
