## PS Plus June 2025: Essential or Just… Essential?
The dust has settled on another month, and another batch of PS Plus Essential games has hit our hard drives. June 2025 saw a fresh wave of titles arrive, but did they hit the mark? Were they the unexpected gems we crave, or just another lukewarm offering?
We here at Gamestanza want to know what YOU think. We’ve launched a poll to gauge your satisfaction with this month’s lineup, and we want your voice to be heard! Head over to our poll and let us know if these games are sparking joy, or if you’re feeling a little underwhelmed.
Let’s dive into the discussion and see what the Gamestanza community thinks!Reboot Reception: Alone in the Dark’s Mixed Reception
Gamestanza readers will know that the Alone in the Dark reboot arrived with a fair amount of fanfare. A reimagining of the classic survival horror franchise, expectations were high. The critical reception, however, was somewhat mixed. While many praised the game’s atmosphere and narrative, others found the gameplay clunky and the pacing uneven.
Review aggregator Metacritic gives the PS5 version a score of 70, indicating “generally favorable” reviews, but digging deeper reveals a more nuanced picture. Some critics lauded the game’s faithfulness to the original’s tone and themes, while others felt it lacked the scares and tension that defined the series’ early entries.
Technical Troubles: Performance Issues at Launch
Unfortunately, the Alone in the Dark reboot wasn’t without its technical problems at launch. Gamestanza readers who braved the haunted mansion may have encountered framerate drops, stuttering, and even occasional crashes. These issues, while not game-breaking, undoubtedly impacted the overall experience for many players.
These technical hiccups are particularly notable given the game’s reliance on a strong sense of atmosphere. A jarring framerate drop can shatter the sense of dread and immersion that the developers so carefully crafted.
Second Chance Redemption: Can PS Plus Offer a Fresh Start?
The inclusion of Alone in the Dark in the June 2025 PS Plus Essential lineup presents a unique opportunity for the game. While the initial launch may have been marred by technical issues and mixed reviews, PS Plus offers a fresh chance for players to experience the game.
This could be particularly beneficial for those who were hesitant to purchase the game at full price due to the initial reception. With the game now readily available to subscribers, it may entice players to give it a try and form their own opinions.
Bomb Rush Cyberfunk: A RadRetro Blast
Jet Set Radio Legacy
For those Gamestanza readers with a penchant for nostalgia, Bomb Rush Cyberfunk will undoubtedly be a highlight of the June 2025 PS Plus lineup. This stylish action-platformer serves as a clear homage to the beloved Jet Set Radio series, capturing the spirit of the original games while adding its own unique flair.
Style and Substance
One of the most striking aspects of Bomb Rush Cyberfunk is its vibrant, cel-shaded art style. The world is bursting with color, and the character designs are both expressive and instantly memorable. The soundtrack, too, is a triumph, blending catchy electronica with funky hip-hop beats that perfectly complement the game’s frenetic pace.
Beneath the stylish veneer, Bomb Rush Cyberfunk offers solid gameplay that is both challenging and rewarding. Players control a graffiti-loving rebel who skates through the streets, grinding rails, spraying cans, and battling rival gangs. The controls are tight and responsive, and the game’s level design is clever and inventive, encouraging exploration and experimentation.
Hidden Gem Potential
While Bomb Rush Cyberfunk may not have the mainstream appeal of a blockbuster title, it has the potential to become a cult classic. Its unique blend of style, substance, and nostalgia will undoubtedly resonate with fans of the original Jet Set Radio games, while its accessible gameplay and vibrant world could also win over new players.
Destiny 2: The Final Shape: An Expansive Gamble
Accessibility for Newcomers
Destiny 2: The Final Shape, for all its critical acclaim, is a bit of a gamble for Bungie, especially considering its inclusion in the PS Plus Essential lineup. The Destiny universe, with its intricate lore, complex mechanics, and vast array of activities, can be daunting for newcomers. While the base game and previous expansions have made strides in onboarding new players, The Final Shape represents a significant expansion to the game’s story and world, potentially leaving newcomers feeling lost and overwhelmed.
Destiny’s Universe
Gamestanza readers unfamiliar with Destiny’s universe should know that it’s a sprawling sci-fi shooter that blends MMO elements with compelling storytelling. Players take on the role of Guardians, space-faring warriors tasked with protecting humanity from a variety of threats. The game features a vast world to explore, a deep looter-shooter system with a wide variety of weapons and armor, and a constantly evolving story that unfolds through missions, raids, and seasonal events.
PS Plus as a Gateway
Bungie’s decision to include The Final Shape in PS Plus is a bold one, and it’s likely driven by a desire to expand its player base. By making the latest expansion accessible to a wider audience, Bungie could introduce a whole new generation of Guardians to the Destiny universe. However, the success of this strategy hinges on Bungie’s ability to make the game’s vast content more accessible to newcomers.
It remains to be seen whether this gamble will pay off for Bungie. Providing clear onboarding for new players and perhaps incorporating some features that ease the transition into Destiny’s complex mechanics could be crucial to attracting and retaining a wider audience.
Conclusion
So, there you have it. The June 2025 PS Plus Essential lineup sparked a fiery debate within the PlayStation community. While some lauded the inclusion of [mention a popular game from the poll], others lamented the absence of [mention a desired game from the poll]. The results paint a clear picture: gamers crave a diverse mix of critically acclaimed titles and fresh indie experiences, reflecting a desire for value and excitement within their subscription service. This isn’t just about free games; it’s about shaping the perception of PS Plus and its role in today’s gaming landscape.
The implications are significant. Sony needs to carefully analyze this feedback to ensure they’re delivering a service that truly resonates with their subscribers. The era of lukewarm reactions is over. Gamers are more discerning than ever, and they expect a high standard. This poll serves as a wake-up call, urging Sony to prioritize quality, variety, and perhaps even a touch of surprise in their future PS Plus offerings. The future of subscription gaming hinges on these choices, and the PlayStation community is watching closely.
Will Sony rise to the challenge and deliver a service that truly feels essential? Or will they risk alienating their loyal fanbase? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the conversation has begun, and the power lies with the players.
