Video game fans have been busy this summer. Highly anticipated titles like Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night, Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled, Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order, and Fire Emblem: Three Houses have all finally seen the light of day. August promises even more to look forward to, as Remedy Entertainment’s Control and Platinum Games’ Astral Chain are set to debut. Given the robust lineup of blockbuster titles this summer, it makes sense for Sony and Microsoft to compliment them with their PS Plus and Games With Gold offerings next month. The following are our August 2019 PS Plus and Games with Gold predictions.
August 2019 PS Plus Xbox Games With Gold predictions | The big ones
Eidos Montreal’s sci-fi action RPG Deus Ex: Mankind Divided released on August 23, 2016 for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. It’s poised to appear on Games With Gold next month, especially considering how it was featured on PS Plus in January 2018 and how the previous game in the franchise, Human Revolution, was featured on both services in the past. For those that are unaware, this sequel has players take up the role of Adam Jensen as he once again squares off against a secret society of corporate elites called the Illuminati, the likes of which still plans to control anyone implanted with biochips. Other political groups join the fray, as each wants a say on the rights of augmented individuals.
There’s a good chance that Life Is Strange: Before the Storm will show up on PS Plus or Games With Gold too, as its first episode released on August 31, 2017 for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One and the fourth episode of Life Is Strange 2 is set to debut on August 22. The first entry of the franchise was featured on PS Plus in June 2017, so featuring Deck Nine’s prequel on either service makes sense. Before the Storm is a treat for fans of the original, as it’s told from the point of view of Chloe Price and explores her relationship with Rachel Amber, a character who was previously referenced to on occasion.
Of course, now would be a great time for Gears of War: Ultimate Edition to show up on Games With Gold, as the remake released on August 25, 2015 for Xbox One. Including the title on Microsoft’s platform would be a great way for the company to remind fans why they fell in love with the franchise on Xbox 360 and why they should be excited for Gears 5‘s release later this year. Gears of War 4‘s presence on the service could serve as an excellent means of building up hype, too.
Though it only released last year, Compulsion Games’ We Happy Few may show up on PS Plus or Games With Gold, especially considering how two more DLC stories are planned for release in the near future. The updated versions of Shenmue and Shenmue 2 for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One have a chance to appear, as each released on August 21, 2018. Their presence on either service could help remind fans of the third installment’s release this fall.
There’s a chance that PlayStation exclusives like Gravity Rush Remastered, Gravity Rush 2, Killzone: Shadow Fall, and Knack 2 could appear on PS Plus too, seeing as how most have been featured in other territories and have yet to make their North American debut on the platform.
August 2019 PS Plus Xbox Games With Gold predictions | The indies
Given how Fullbright’s first game, Gone Home, was featured both on PS Plus and Games With Gold in the past, it makes sense for the studio’s other title, Tacoma, to show up on PS Plus or Games With Gold this August, especially as it approaches its second anniversary. The exploration game closely follows Gone Home‘s formula but manages to add an interesting twist via protagonist Amy’s AR device. This allows her to review the actions and conversations that members of a space station had prior to their mysterious disappearance. It’s a joy to witness Tacoma‘s plot unfold, especially as one makes connections and starts to think differently about the world around them.
Flipping Death could also appear, as this fun puzzle platformer released on August 7, 2018 for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One and another Zoink game, Stick It to the Man!, was featured on PS Plus in 2014. As players attempt to find the cause of protagonist Penny’s death, they’ll encounter a slew of memorable characters (both living and dead) that’ll make the concept of death seem like not so much of a big deal at all.
Back to Bed is another indie that’s poised to show up on PS Plus or Games With Gold, as it released for consoles on August 25, 2015. This puzzle game has players manipulate isometric environments in order to guide protagonist Bob back to his place of slumber. Back to Bed‘s beautiful surrealist backgrounds are bound to be appreciated by fans of Salvador Dali or Pablo Picasso. For those who aren’t as well-versed in art, the title’s tougher portions are engaging enough to keep them up late at night.
With new consoles on the horizon for both Sony and Microsoft, now is the time to prove why PlayStation and Xbox platforms are the best places to play. It’s clear to both companies that software and services are key to differentiate themselves in today’s increasingly competitive market. As PS Plus and Games With Gold continue to evolve, here’s hoping that more attractive benefits and better quality games are offered.
