In July 2026, Sony unveiled its PS Plus Essential games, and the backlash from the community has been swift and severe. With a mix of nostalgia and enthusiasm for the popular subscription service, players were hoping for a lineup that would reignite their love for gaming. However, expectations fell flat, leading to widespread disappointment.
The July Lineup: What to Expect
Starting July 7, 2026, three new games will be available for all PS Plus subscribers. Topping the list is Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, boasting a campaign, multiplayer mode, and a Zombies feature. Joining this headliner are two indie titles: For the King 2, which supports cooperative play for up to four players, and CrossCode, a 2D action RPG with retro 16-bit graphics and a science fiction story backdrop.
Call of Duty: A Disappointing Headliner
On paper, a new Call of Duty title seems like an exciting offering. However, Modern Warfare 3, released in 2023, is one of the franchise’s lowest-rated entries, boasting a Metacritic score of just 56/100. Critics have pointed out that the lackluster campaign significantly contributed to this low score, leaving players yearning for more substantial content.
The multiplayer experience may still engage some fans, featuring classic maps from the original Modern Warfare 2 and smooth gunplay. But for many subscribers, this isn’t enough to salvage the month’s lineup.
Indie Gems: A Silver Lining?
For those unwilling to write off July entirely, CrossCode presents a compelling option. Originally released on PC in 2018, it has garnered praise in indie circles as an underrated gem with positive reviews. Set in a simulated online RPG world, the game features responsive combat and challenging puzzles that require genuine thought. Many players regard it as one of the best indie titles they have experienced and are eager to try it out for free.
Additionally, For the King 2 rounds out the PS Plus lineup. Merging roguelite mechanics with board game elements, players can enjoy it solo or in teams. The title serves as a solid entry point for newcomers while providing more content for fans of the original.
Community Outrage: A Failed Expectations
Despite the promise of two well-regarded indie games, community reactions have been overwhelmingly negative. Comments such as “worst month in a long time,” “absolute garbage,” and “Sony is not trying anymore” have flooded social media under the announcement.
One significant factor contributing to this backlash is that many users are reportedly considering canceling their subscriptions or opting against renewal. The timing of this disappointment is particularly unfortunate; it comes after Sony’s controversial decisions, like discontinuing physical editions’ disk inclusion and raising PS Plus subscription fees.
The Bigger Picture
This situation underscores a growing sentiment among players that Sony is out of touch with its user base. Whether it’s through inflated prices or less-than-stellar game selections, many feel the company is losing its way. The dissatisfaction with the July offerings is not just a minor hiccup; it reflects a broader concern about the future direction of the PS Plus service and its value proposition.
In conclusion, while indie titles like CrossCode and For the King 2 provide a ray of hope, they are overshadowed by an underwhelming headline. Sony may need to reevaluate its strategy to regain the trust and excitement of its dedicated gaming community.
