While the PS Plus catalog may lack the extensive range of Xbox’s Game Pass, it has significantly evolved since its inception. Today, it offers an impressive array of games that far exceeds what most players could realistically hope to experience in their gaming lifetime.
Many subscribers are drawn in by popular blockbuster titles, but a wealth of lesser-known games lurks beneath the surface, often dismissed as mere filler. These games may not boast top-tier critical acclaim or large followings, yet many offer compelling experiences that are well worth exploring.
In this article, we will spotlight games that you might overlook at first glance—those hidden gems that deserve a second look despite not being in the limelight.
10 Deliver Us The Moon
Emotion in Space Exploration
Most space-themed video games are filled with explosive dogfights and high-tech battles against alien foes. In contrast, Deliver Us The Moon delivers a more poignant narrative that places humanity’s hopes squarely on your shoulders.
Your mission? Journey to the moon to seek out any remaining survivors and activate the MPT, a critical system designed to restore Earth’s natural resources. The storytelling is enriched by meticulously crafted puzzles, providing a challenge that stimulates the mind without inducing frustration.
While the gameplay can resemble a walking simulator at times—an important note for fans seeking non-stop action—it remains a captivating experience that deserves your careful attention.
9 Session: Skate Sim
A New Spin on Skateboarding
While we celebrate classic skateboarding titles like Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater and EA’s Skate, Session carved out its niche, creating a distinctly different skateboarding experience.
This game requires patience and dedication—it demands skill, but for those who commit, it offers a relaxing outlet where players can simply enjoy the ride.
8 Thymesia
A Unique Twist on the Souls-Like Genre
When the term “Souls-like” comes up, it often raises doubts, given their challenging mechanics and grim aesthetics. However, Thymesia defies expectations with its distinct atmosphere and gameplay.
Set in a plague-infested world filled with formidable bosses, this title introduces a combat system that tactically balances health and poison management. Simultaneously, it’s shorter and more accessible than many of its peers, making it an inviting option for newcomers to the genre.
7 The Pedestrian
Innovative Puzzle Platforming
Puzzle platformers typically evoke images of side-scrolling masterpieces like LIMBO or INSIDE. However, The Pedestrian shatters these conventions by blending puzzle-solving with traditional platforming.
Players control a stick figure navigating a vibrant world, completing puzzles by manipulating various elements and seamlessly integrating those solutions into the platforming experience. The game’s iconic visuals and a mind-bending finale elevate it to a standout title in the genre.
6 F. I.S. T.Forged In Shadow Torch
Underrated Metroidvania Masterpiece
With a quirky name and an unconventional protagonist—a mechanical rabbit—many may be quick to dismiss F. I.S. T. as unappealing. Yet, this game offers one of the finest Metroidvania experiences on the platform, featuring a richly interconnected world and an engaging combat system.
Despite the somewhat lackluster storyline, F. I.S. T. compensates with beautiful graphics and rewarding exploration that make it a captivating title worth your time.
5 The Technomancer
RPG with Depth and Choices
Developers at Spiders often feel like an independent alternative to Bioware, striving for immersive worlds, intricate lore, and deep RPG systems. While their games can be inconsistent, The Technomancer delivers a compelling experience for players seeking a space-themed RPG.
Though it doesn’t reach the narrative heights of Mass Effect, it still offers an entertaining journey with engaging mechanics and varied gameplay, especially for fans craving sci-fi adventures.
4 Killer Frequency
A Light-Hearted Take on Horror
If you’ve ever wanted to dive into horror gaming yet feared the spine-chilling elements, look no further than Killer Frequency. This quirky title presents a narrative reminiscent of a cheesy slasher film, blending tension with humor.
As the town DJ, your role is to manage emergency calls and solve logic puzzles to minimize casualties, all while evading the ominous Whistling Man. The playful yet suspenseful atmosphere makes this indie gem an enjoyable introduction to horror gaming.
3 Paradise Killer
An Unconventional Detective Adventure
No amount of marketing can prepare you for the unique experience that is Paradise Killer. This game defies typical detective narratives, immersing players in a vaporwave world where you investigate clues, question suspects, and piece together your case without a defined outcome.
This sandbox-style detective game allows for a truly personalized approach to solving mysteries, rewarding thorough exploration and keen observation. For anyone who enjoys puzzle and detective genres, this game is an essential play.
2 The Ascent
Exploring a Futuristic Universe
Cyberpunk culture often gets associated with Cyberpunk 2077, but The Ascent brings its own vibrant take on the genre, blending action RPG elements and immersive storytelling.
Featuring dynamic gameplay reminiscent of cover shooters, The Ascent also boasts a richly detailed lore that invites players to lose themselves in its electrifying world. Visually stunning and engaging, it’s a must-play for anyone captivated by futuristic narratives.
1 Immortals: Fenyx Rising
Ubisoft’s Own Open-World Delight
Among Ubisoft’s lineup, it’s easy to overlook Immortals: Fenyx Rising, which deserves recognition for its engaging open-world gameplay. Often compared to Breath of the Wild, this title incorporates similar mechanics and art styles while immersing players in whimsical Greek mythology.
While it doesn’t revolutionize open-world gaming per se, it stands out as a delightful alternative for those yearning for a similar experience on the PS5, balancing exploration with humorous storytelling and lighthearted puzzles.
