November 7, 2023, 11:19 a.m. |
Reading time: 6 minutes
For the month of November there are again three free PlayStation games for Plus subscribers. TECHBOOK checks what the new titles are good for.
In 2022, Sony repositioned PlayStation Plus. Since then there have been three subscription options: Premium, Deluxe and Essential. While the former offers a catalog of free-to-play games, Essential subscribers continue to receive a selection of monthly changing titles.
The PlayStation Plus games for November in check
In November, PS Plus subscribers will again receive three titles that will be available to download at no additional cost from November 7th to December 4th.
Mafia II: Definitive Edition (PS4)
The expansion or remaster version of “Mafia II” is currently available to download free of charge for PS Plus users. It is important to mention that the “Definitive Edition” is not a completely new game. Rather, the graphics of the 2010 game have been significantly improved and made sharper. “Mafia II” takes place in Empire Bay, New York in the 1940s and 1950s. Protagonist Vito Scaletta is arrested during a robbery and then joins the US Army to avoid being arrested. After returning to Empire Bay, he meets his buddy Joe Barbaro. Vito also learns that his late father left the family a lot of debt. To pay off this, he decides to carry out small (illegal) businesses to make quick money. Little by little they get deeper into the underworld and are drawn into the affairs of the mafia families.
At 56, “Mafia II” has a medium Metacritic score for the PS4 – it is slightly higher for other platforms. Some users criticize that the remaster version is full of bugs and graphics problems. The game itself is highly praised because it also has nostalgic features. The overall rating of 5.9 out of 10 is also rather average.
Dragon Ball: The Breakers (PS4)
The standard edition of “Dragon Ball: The Breakers” is currently free for PS4 players. This title is an asynchronous online multiplayer game. You can either choose to play as one of the seven survivors or take on the role of the villains (Cell, Freeza or Boo), who in turn want to wipe out the survivors. The seven survivors have no superpowers, but can equip themselves with many different items. The survivors’ goal is to escape the time period with a super time machine. To do this, they always have to work together and plan a proper strategy against the villain.
If you look at the Metacritic score, it’s clear that PS4 players aren’t particularly enthusiastic. The game only gets a 54. Gamers write that the basic idea itself isn’t bad, but the gameplay is rather poor. The graphics are also criticized, as they could have been significantly better. With 5.1 out of 10, the game also only gets a mediocre rating.
Aliens: Fireteam Elite (PS5 and PS4)
This third-person shooter is available for both the PS4 and PS5 in the November offer. “Aliens: Fireteam Elite” takes place in the year 2202 and is divided into four acts. The game begins on the spaceship UAS Endeavor. The gamer takes on the role of a soldier and must first bring a xenomorph infestation under control. The parasitic aliens had previously overrun the station. The three players then have to fight the Xenomorph plague.
The Metacritic score for the PS5 version is 67. However, user opinions are mixed. While some praise the game for its solid story, amazing action and extensive customization options, some players criticize many bugs and glitches as well as some design decisions.
These were the PlayStation Plus games in October
These three free PS Plus Essential games for the month of October were available on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5. All three titles were available for download until November 6th.
The Callisto Protocol (PS5 and PS4)
“The Callisto Protocol” takes place on Jupiter’s moon Callisto in the year 2320 and is a survival horror game from the creators of cult classic “Dead Space”. In the role of the fateful victim Jacob Lee, games have to escape from the high-security Black Iron Prison and uncover its terrible secrets. To survive, Jacob must fight his way through other prisoners who begin to transform into monstrous creatures. To take on the different types of enemies, there are unlockable weapons, equipment and skills.
According to the Metacritic score of 69, the game is not well received by all critics. Some praise the exciting story and the dense horror atmosphere. However, others complain that the game copies too much from “Dead Space” and doesn’t set much of its own accents. The players themselves largely agree with the critics, which is reflected in a rating of 6.9 out of 10. Players mainly complain about clunky gameplay mechanics and uninspired characters. However, there is praise for the graphics and the scary setting. The overall rating is also mediocre at 5.9 out of 10.
Farming Simulator 22 (PS5 and PS4)
With “Farming Simulator 22” the name says it all. More than 400 machines from 100 well-known manufacturers such as John Deere, Claas and Fendt and three different environments in North America and Europe are available for virtual farmers to choose from. Whether agriculture, livestock or forestry – players have more options than ever before in the 22 version. You can even start your own production chains and customize your farms and characters with advanced customization options. Seasonal cycles are also new, making the simulation seem a little more realistic.
The game has a pretty good Metacritic score of 75. What’s notable is that none of the reviews are negative. The main criticism is the complexity of a production chain and maintaining a farm – just like in real life. “Farming Simulator 22” receives praise for the numerous technical and graphical improvements as well as the new customization options and additional functions. The player ratings themselves are slightly worse with a score of 6.3 out of 10. They criticize the higher level of difficulty compared to previous versions as well as a number of technical bugs. On the other hand, the graphics and the sheer amount of new content are positive here too.
Weird West (PS5 and PS4)
“Weird West” is a dark fantasy reimagining of the Wild West where lawmen and gunslingers coexist alongside fantastical creatures and magic. As different characters, players must make difficult decisions that affect other factions or even locations. The background story of the individual characters is played out over five episodes until they meet in the finale.
The Metacritic score is mostly positive at 76. Many critics praise the unique setting and the immersive game world. However, a number of technical bugs and problems with the combat mechanics are noticeable. The players themselves see it similarly. With 7 out of 10 points, the rating is still rather positive, but most people fail the checks. However, the special, dark design and the comic-like graphics are also well received by the players.