Late last month, Sony revealed major changes coming to itsPlayStation Plussubscription service.PlayStation Plusis now taking the form of a three-tiered subscription, with each tier offering more PlayStation goodies. PlayStation Plus' first, Essential tier operates the same as it does now, and the second, Extra, allows buyers to download 400+ PS4 games. However, the final Premium tier is most exciting for longtime PlayStation fans.
PlayStation Plus Premium gives buyers the benefits of the two tiers below it while also granting access to a library of 350+ games to stream or download from PS1, PS2, and PSP, as well as offering alibrary of PS3 games for streamingonly. This is exciting for both longtime fans looking to play old favorites from the convenience of a new console, or for those looking to experience classics for the first time. Most importantly, PlayStation Plus Premium could thrust seemingly forgotten game franchises back in to the spotlight, encouraging developers to create new entries or sequels.
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Sony’s Stance on PlayStation Backwards Compatibility
Backwards compatibility on PlayStation consoles is a mixed bag. The PS2 is fully able to play PS1 games and the PS5 plays PS4 games just fine, but that’s about it.The very first PS3 was backwards compatible, but that version of the console was prone to malfunction and the feature was dropped altogether in future hardware revisions. While not backwards compatible in the sense of inserting an old disc into a new console, the PS3 and Vita also had large selections of older games to re-purchase and download.
This means that one would need at least a first-gen PS3 and a PS5 in order to fully access PlayStation’s console library. This is why PlayStation Plus Premium is so important — it finally reunites a large library of PlayStation games on one home console. That being said, PlayStation Plus can learn a bit from its competitor,Xbox Game Pass, in this regard.
In terms of backwards compatibility, Xbox Game Pass features an ever-growing list of available games. This could very well be the case forPlayStation Plus Premium, but the stated number of 350 titles does not seem that extensive, especially when considering they are coming from the PS1, PS2, PS3, and PSP. All the classics are bound to be in there, but it would not be surprising if some lesser-know favorites don’t make the initial cut. Game Pass also has the convenient feature of being able to read older game discs — something which is not yet confirmed for PlayStation Plus Premium. Fans will just have to wait until the service rolls out in June to see how Sony proceeds.
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Titles Potentially Headed to PlayStation Plus Premium
The possibilities are nearly endless when it comes to talking about the anticipated games for PlayStation Plus premium. It will be nice to play older entries from popular series likeRatchet and Clank,Jak and Daxter,orSly Cooper,but also to re-experience some lesser known titles. Even if the early PlayStation console libraries are not entirely present at launch, the range is wide enough to ensure there is at least something for everybody.
On top of this, there is an alleged leak oftitles coming to PlayStation Plus Premium. While this leak is unconfirmed, and admittedly a bit sketchy in places, it gives a general idea of what players should expect. Series likeRayman,Infamous,andPrince of Persiaare here, which successfully serve as nostalgia-bait for those looking into the service. However, the games shown are all big names. There are some oddballs likePataponthrown in there, but the real excitement comes from seeing which smaller titles are coming to the service.
Hopes for PlayStation Plus Premium’s Future
Being able to play a large variety of PlayStation titles all from the convenience of one console is great on its own, but it would be truly great if Sony followed up on the popularity of some of its older titles. For instance, Ape Escape could benefit greatly from an appearance in the classic game lineup.A Twitter account was created forApe Escape’s20th Anniversary, which strongly hinted at something new for the franchise. Unfortunately, this account was shut down and amounted to nothing. However, if theApe Escapegames come to PlayStation Plus Premium and see popularity, Sony would hopefully revert this decision and greenlight the long awaitedApe Escape 4.
This kind of thinking is farfetched, as developing a game comes down to much more than popularity, but remakes and reboots are released often in this era of gaming. Even obscure franchises likeKlonoaare receiving recognition now in the form of theKlonoa Phantasy Reverie Series. While it is impossible to make a new game for every franchise out there, PlayStation Plus Premium will hopefully lead to thisKlonoatreatment for at least some underappreciated titles.
All hopes and possibilities aside, PlayStation Plus Premium is very exciting for both fans of the brand, and for those looking to first get into it. A library of 350 older games is extensive, though the service should take some cues from Xbox Game Pass and keep that number growing. Either way,PlayStation PlusPremium comes at a time when game preservation is getting both harder and more expensive, so any library of retro games is much appreciated.
