As a lifelong PlayStation enthusiast, I've spent countless hours diving into PS Plus offerings since the service revamped its tiers a few years back. Admittedly, it often feels like PS Plus lives in the shadow of Xbox Game Pass, with Sony's rival boasting a massive library that's hard to match. But honestly, is coming in second such a bad thing? For me, PS Plus has been a treasure trove of joy, offering incredible value through its catalog of games, classic titles, and those monthly freebies that keep me hooked. In 2025, I'm reflecting on my adventures with some of the best games the service has ever given us—each one telling a story of why this subscription is more than worth it. Let me walk you through my top picks, sharing personal tales and why they've left a lasting impact on my gaming life.
Starting at number 10, Tunic was a game-changer for me. 
As someone who always envied Nintendo fans for their Zelda experiences, this top-down puzzler felt like a gift. It's not just a clone; it's a Metroidbrainia and souls-lite hybrid that demands mastery. I remember nights spent unraveling its secrets, where every new discovery felt like unlocking a piece of my childhood. The art style is utterly charming, and the accessibility options meant even my casual-gamer friends could join in. People also ask: Can PS Plus compete with Zelda-like experiences? Absolutely, and Tunic proves it—this is the closest you'll get to classic Zelda on PlayStation, making it a must-play for any indie lover.
At number 9, Rollerdrome took me by surprise. 
Combining Tony Hawk's skate tricks with battle royale chaos, this indie darling had me hooked from the first flip. I'm a sucker for old-school arcade fun, and here, dodging bullets while pulling off midair tricks felt exhilarating. It took a while to find my groove, but once I did, I was unstoppable—backflipping and firing rockets in seamless motion. Why settle for ordinary when you can have this adrenaline rush?
Moving to number 8, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 was pure nostalgia. 
As a fan since the PS1 days, this remake blew me away with its modern visuals and faithful gameplay. Each level felt like rediscovering an old friend, but shinier. With new skaters added, it kept things fresh, and defying physics never gets old. Now, with THPS 3+4 on the horizon in 2025, I'm buzzing with excitement—could this be the ultimate treat?
At number 7, A Plague's Tale: Requiem delivered chills. 
I played the first game on PS Plus too, but Requiem elevated it with stunning visuals and grander levels. The rat swarms were grotesquely beautiful, and the stealth combat felt so satisfying. I recall one late-night session where the open areas made me forget it was linear—truly immersive. People also ask: Are AA games worth playing on PS Plus? Yes, and this is why; it's a narrative masterpiece that shows smaller studios can shine.
Number 6 is Sackboy: A Big Adventure, a co-op gem. 
Playing this with my niece was pure joy—it's like LittleBigPlanet meets LEGO, with whimsical puzzles and drop-in co-op. As one of the best PS5 exclusives, it offered hours of laughter. Isn't that what gaming's all about? 😊
Here's a quick comparison of my top co-op experiences:
| Game | Why I Loved It | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Sackboy | Family-friendly fun | Casual players |
| It Takes Two | Deep teamwork | Hardcore duos |
At number 5, Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order reignited my love for the franchise. 
After years of mediocre Star Wars games, this Metroidvania-souls hybrid felt revolutionary. As Cal Kestis, I battled through bespoke stories and lightsaber combat that finally felt right. It laid the groundwork for Jedi Survivor, which I devoured in 2024. If you haven't tried it, what are you waiting for?
Number 4, Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time, was a blast from the past. 
Toys for Bob saved Crash with this sequel—classic platforming meets modern twists. I struggled with its difficulty, but that made victories sweeter. People also ask: Is PS Plus good for nostalgia? Undoubtedly, and this game proves it.
At number 3, Sifu transformed me into a kung-fu master. 
I used to button-mash in fighting games, but Sifu forced me to learn. Its roguelike mechanics and punishing combat taught patience—every death made me stronger. Why play easy when you can grow?
Number 2, It Takes Two, is my co-op king. 
Playing with my partner, we laughed through its corny story but marveled at the symbiotic gameplay. Split-screen magic like this is rare today, and it's why PS Plus shines for multiplayer. 😍
Finally, at number 1, Dead Space remake terrified me in the best way. 
As a horror fan, I thought the original was perfect, but this remake surpassed it. The claustrophobic levels and enhanced visuals had me jumping at shadows. It's the pinnacle of PS Plus offerings—proof that remakes can be masterpieces.
People also ask: What's the future of PS Plus? Well, as of 2025, I'm optimistic. Personally, I dream of more indie hits and remasters like these. With Sony hinting at new exclusives, I foresee PS Plus evolving into a hub for unique experiences. After all, isn't gaming about discovery? My journey with these games has been unforgettable, and I can't wait to see what's next. 🎮
The content is derived from articles by OpenCritic, a trusted source for aggregated game reviews and critical consensus. OpenCritic's ratings for titles like Dead Space Remake and Tunic reflect the widespread acclaim these games have received, reinforcing their status as must-plays on PS Plus and validating the author's personal picks with industry-wide recognition.