January 2025: PS Plus Essential Falls Short of Expectations

The PS Plus Essential lineup for January 2025 brings with it yet another batch of games for all subscribers, whether they’re on the PS4 or PS5. Each month, Sony drops a fresh set of games for those subscribed to the PS Plus Essential tier, giving players the chance to explore new titles without having to make a purchase. However, this month’s selections don’t offer much relief from the ongoing decline in quality that the Essential tier has experienced over the past year.

Since early 2024, the PS Plus Essential offerings have frequently been met with disappointment. The service seems to consistently add titles that are either easily available at lower costs elsewhere or simply did not fare well critically. This trend has gradually chipped away at the tier’s value, especially when compared to the more enticing games found in the Extra and Premium tiers. Now, as we launch into 2025, the trend continues with this month’s questionable game picks, adding to the frustration for many subscribers.

The headliner for this month’s lineup is Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, a title that faced heavy criticism throughout 2024. At first glance, it certainly had potential. Fans were enticed by the prospect of controlling beloved antiheroes like Harley Quinn and King Shark, taking on members of the iconic Justice League. However, the game stumbled by leaning too heavily on live-service elements, creating a repetitive gameplay loop that lacked the depth players had hoped for.

The decision to include Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League in the PS Plus Essential lineup is puzzling, given its poor reception. This move might be an attempt to rekindle interest in the game, but judging by subscriber reactions, it’s unlikely this strategy will prove effective. The inclusion of this game speaks volumes about the current state of PS Plus and the priorities driving its decisions.

Joining Suicide Squad in this month’s Essential offerings are Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit Remastered and The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe. These titles are more positively regarded in the gaming community. Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit Remastered brings back one of the most acclaimed racing games ever, while The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe presents a fresh twist on a much-loved original. Yet, despite their merits, the fact they are a remaster and a remake has some questioning their place in a lineup expected to deliver essential gaming experiences.

The argument that PS Plus Essential’s quality is slipping isn’t solely drawn from January’s selection. It’s a point underscored by a year’s trend towards less impactful offerings. This decline could be strategically encouraging subscribers to look towards upgrading to the Extra and Premium tiers, which have consistently boasted stronger lineups. It’s clear that unless PS Plus Essential recalibrates its game selection strategy, it risks losing its subscriber base to tiers that promise more rewarding gaming experiences.