PS Plus September Monthly Games A Deep Dive into This Month's Lineup
Another month, another fantastic opportunity to expand your gaming library at no extra cost. The announcement of the PlayStation Plus Monthly Games is always a highlight for subscribers, and the September lineup is no exception. Whether you're a fan of heart-pounding action, deep narrative adventures, or quirky indie gems, this month's selection has something to surprise and delight you.
In this deep dive, we'll explore every facet of the September offerings. We'll go beyond the basic announcements to provide you with detailed reviews, essential tips for getting started, and a look at the trophy lists. Let's unpack the digital treasure chest that is your PS Plus subscription.
The Official Lineup: What's Free for PS Plus Members in September?
Sony has once again curated a diverse trio of titles, ensuring there's a compelling reason for every type of gamer to hit the "Download" button. The September Monthly Games are:
1. Sackboy: A Big Adventure (PS5 & PS4)
2. Generation Zero (PS4)
3. Tails of Iron (PS4 & PS5)
These games are available to download for all PlayStation Plus Essential, Extra, and Premium members from Tuesday, September 5th, until Monday, October 2nd. Remember to add them to your library before the deadline to keep them forever as long as you have an active subscription.
1. Sackboy: A Big Adventure (PS5 & PS4)
Genre: 3D Platformer, Co-op Adventure Developer:Sumo Digital PS5 Enhanced Features:4K resolution at 60fps, haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, and significantly reduced loading times.
Overview and Story
"Sackboy: A Big Adventure" is a vibrant, joyful, and brilliantly crafted platformer that spins out of the LittleBigPlanet universe. While it leaves behind the creation tools of its predecessors, it doubles down on polished, inventive, and co-operative gameplay. You play as Sackboy, a brave little hero whose home, Craftworld, is threatened by the dastardly Vex (a wonderfully hammy villain voiced by Richard E. Grant). It's up to you to traverse diverse and dangerous worlds, rescue your friends, and stop Vex's plans.
Why You Should Play It
· Pure, Unadulterated Joy: In a gaming landscape often dominated by grimdark aesthetics, Sackboy is a burst of color, music, and charm. It’s impossible to play without a smile on your face.
· Exceptional Co-op Gameplay: This is arguably one of the best family-friendly or party co-op games on the PlayStation. Supporting up to 4 players locally and online, it’s a perfect game to enjoy with friends, a partner, or kids. The levels are designed with teamwork in mind, but the chaotic fun of accidentally knocking your friends off a ledge is all part of the experience.
· Incredible Music Levels: The game features several rhythm-based levels set to popular songs like Bruno Mars's "Uptown Funk" and David Bowie's "Let's Dance." These are standout moments in gaming, perfectly syncing platforming action to the beat in a way that is utterly magical.
· A Showcase for the PS5: If you own a PS5, this game is a technical delight. The haptic feedback makes you feel different surfaces—from grass to glass—and the adaptive triggers add a tangible resistance to certain actions. It’s a true next-gen platforming experience.
Beginner Tips and Tricks
· Explore Thoroughly: Levels are packed with hidden collectibles, bubbles, and costumes. Take your time to look off the beaten path.
· Embrace the Costumes: Finding new costumes is a huge part of the fun. Not only do they change your appearance, but some also provide unique animations.
· Play with Friends: If you can, do not experience this game alone. The co-op is where its heart truly lies.
· Master the Roll: The roll move isn't just for style; it's faster than running and can break certain objects.
Trophy Overview
The trophy list is largely straightforward but requires dedication. Expect to spend 20-25 hours to earn the Platinum. It involves collecting every item in the game, completing every level (including the notoriously challenging Knitted Knight trials), and finishing all levels in co-op. The co-op trophies can be done with a second controller.
2. Generation Zero (PS4)
Genre: Open-World Survival Shooter, Co-op Developer:Avalanche Studios (the creators of Just Cause) PS5 Compatibility:Plays via backward compatibility with potential performance improvements.
Overview and Story
"Generation Zero" throws you into an alternate version of 1980s Sweden where hostile machines have invaded the serene countryside. The human population has mysteriously vanished, and you are one of the few survivors left to uncover the truth. The game emphasizes guerrilla tactics, scavenging, and survival within a vast and eerily beautiful open world.
The narrative is largely environmental. You piece together the story through found notes, audio logs, and environmental clues, creating a pervasive sense of mystery and dread.
Why You Should Play It
· Unique and Oppressive Atmosphere: The game’s greatest strength is its atmosphere. The juxtaposition of idyllic Swedish landscapes with the silent, mechanical menace of the robots is incredibly effective. The sound design, from the eerie silence broken by the distant clank of metal to the terrifying charge of a Hunter, is top-notch.
· Tactical, Emergent Gameplay: This isn't a run-and-gun shooter. You must use stealth, planning, and the environment to your advantage. Luring enemies into traps, setting ambushes, and using noise to distract them is key, especially when facing larger, more powerful machines.
· Great with Friends: While it can be played solo, Generation Zero is designed as a co-op experience. Teaming up with up to three friends to take down a massive Tank robot is a thrilling and memorable experience.
· A Living, Reactive World: The game features a day/night cycle and dynamic weather, both of which affect visibility and combat. Enemy patrols also move dynamically around the world, making it feel alive and unpredictable.
A Note on Reception: It's important to mention that Generation Zero had a rocky launch with technical issues and repetitive gameplay. However, the developers have supported it extensively with numerous free updates, DLC, and quality-of-life improvements. The game today is a much more polished and content-rich experience than it was at release.
Beginner Tips and Tricks
· Stealth is Key: Avoid unnecessary fights. Crouch, use bushes for cover, and observe enemy patrol routes.
· Aim for Components: Don't just shoot robots anywhere. Target their weapons, sensors, and fuel cells to disable them and cause massive damage. Binoculars are your best friend for tagging and identifying weak points.
· Scavenge Everything: Loot every building and container for ammo, medkits, and crafting materials.
· Know When to Run: Some enemies are too powerful to take on early. There's no shame in retreating to fight another day.
Trophy Overview
The trophy list is a grind and will take 40-50 hours for the Platinum. It requires a significant amount of exploration, completing main and side missions, killing a large number of specific enemies, and engaging with the base defense mechanics. Co-op can make some of the combat-focused trophies easier.
3. Tails of Iron (PS4 & PS5)
Genre: Action RPG, Souls-like, Indie Developer:Odd Bug Studio PS5 Enhanced Features:4K resolution at 60fps on PS5.
Overview and Story
"Tails of Iron" is a hand-drawn, brutally challenging action RPG with a surprisingly heartfelt story. You play as Redgi, the heir to the Rat Throne, whose kingdom is shattered by a brutal invasion of the Frog Clan led by the monstrous Greenwart. The game follows Redgi's quest to reclaim his kingdom, avenge his family, and become the leader he was born to be.
The presentation is stunning, with a art style that looks like a dark, medieval storybook come to life. The narration is provided by the legendary Doug Cockle (the voice of Geralt of Rivia), whose gravelly tone perfectly complements the grim fairy tale setting.
Why You Should Play It
· Gorgeous, Unique Art Style: Every frame of this game is a work of art. The detailed backgrounds, fluid animations, and gruesome enemy designs create a world that is both beautiful and brutal.
· Satisfying and Weighty Combat: This is a true Souls-like in a 2D plane. Combat is methodical, requiring careful observation, well-timed parries, dodges, and attacks. Each weapon type feels distinct and impactful.
· A Compelling Story: Beyond the challenging combat lies a genuine and emotional story of brotherhood, loss, and resilience. You grow attached to Redgi and his companions on their grim journey.
· Meaningful Progression: As you complete quests and explore, you'll unlock new weapons, armor sets (each with different stat bonuses), and recipes that permanently enhance your abilities, providing a constant sense of growth.
Beginner Tips and Tricks
· Learn to Parry: While you can dodge, mastering the parry (or "perfect block") is often the key to victory, especially against faster enemies.
· Experiment with Loadouts: Different weapons (swords, clubs, spears) and armor sets are better suited for different enemies. Don't just stick to one setup.
· Read the Attack Indicators: Enemies have clear visual cues before they attack. A yellow exclamation mark means a parry-able attack, while a red one means an unblockable attack you must dodge.
· Explore and Do Side Quests: The side quests are essential for gaining experience, new blueprints, and valuable ingredients for permanent stat-boosting recipes.
Trophy Overview
The Platinum trophy is challenging due to the game's difficulty but is very manageable for seasoned players of the genre. It should take 15-20 hours. It requires completing the story, all side quests, finding all collectibles, and defeating every enemy type. There are no difficulty-related trophies.
Beyond the Games: The Value of PS Plus
The Monthly Games are just one pillar of the PlayStation Plus service. This September drop exemplifies Sony's strategy: a major first-party or AAA title (Sackboy), a solid co-op experience (Generation Zero), and a critically acclaimed indie darling (Tails of Iron).
For the monthly fee, the value is incredible. Even if only one of these games appeals to you, it likely costs less than your subscription. These games allow you to:
· Discover Gems You Might Have Missed: Tails of Iron is a perfect example of a fantastic game that may have flown under your radar.
· Risk-Free Experimentation: Would you have paid $30 for a robot-shooting game you're unsure about? Now you can try Generation Zero with no financial risk.
· Build an Incredible Backlog: Over a year, you add 36+ games to your permanent library. It's a digital collection that grows exponentially.
Final Verdict: Is the September PS Plus Lineup Worth It?
Absolutely. This is one of the strongest monthly lineups in recent memory.
· Sackboy: A Big Adventure is a must-play system seller, especially on PS5.
· Generation Zero offers a unique and atmospheric co-op experience that has greatly improved since launch.
· Tails of Iron is a beautiful, challenging, and heartfelt indie masterpiece.
There is a remarkable amount of quality and variety here. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly adventure, a tactical shooter to play with friends, or a tough-as-nails RPG to sink your teeth into, September's PS Plus games have you covered.
Don't forget to add these games to your library between September 5th and October 2nd. Happy gaming!
