PlayStation Plus August 2014

Every month we get asked by slightly less informed gamers which free titles are coming to PlayStation Plus on the PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, and Vita, so we’ve decided to do something about it. From now on, you’ll find an editorial rundown of the latest Instant Game Collection giveaways posted in this format, along with polls, descriptions, and other bits and bobs. Here’s the offering for August 2014.

PlayStation 4

Road Not Taken

Road Not Taken

Spry Fox may just be the best name for a video game developer ever, so there’s absolutely no way Road Not Taken could follow the wrong path and turn out bad. Described as a roguelike puzzler, you’ll play as a ranger braving a vast forest, and dealing with life’s little surprises. If that sounds familiar, then congratulations for listening in English – this is an interpretation of Robert Frost’s famous poem of the same name.

FezCross-buy with PS3 and Vita

Fez

Perhaps the only piece of software on the planet able to actually justify the existence of QR codes, Fez starts out as a fairly straightforward puzzle platformer – and evolves into an experience so mind numbingly brain melting that you’ll almost certainly need a walkthrough to uncover all of its secrets. A sequel was in the works, before creator Phil Fish flipped out on Twitter.

PlayStation 3

Crysis 3

Crysis 3

Well, EA Games’ new subscription service hasn’t put an end to the publisher’s PlayStation Plus support just yet – but from what we hear, developer Crytek could do with a little Instant Game Collection cash right now. You play as the Prophet in this dystopian interpretation of New York City. The big appeal here is the ability to choose how you approach each combat encounter.

ProteusCross-buy with Vita

Proteus

Particularly popular among indie apologists, Proteus is one of those games that has no real set goals or purpose. A little like Myst without the puzzles, this procedurally generated exploratory adventure makes interesting use of audio, building beautiful soundscapes out of the scenes that you see on the screen. It’s not for everyone, but it's certainly worth a look.

PlayStation Vita

Metrico

Metrico

“Let’s make a game about infographics,” said no one ever – well, apart from Digital Dreams. This stylish platformer is inspired by the data diagrams that are so popular on 24-hour news stations, and sees you attempting to parkour your way past pie charts and other ordinarily boring mathematical representations. Basically, it’s the most fun that you’ll have with numbers since Sudoku.

Dragon’s CrownOnly in North America

Dragon's Crown

A throwback to the days when walking up and down pseudo isometric environments while punching punks in the face was the bee’s knees, Dragon’s Crown is bursting with the kind of retro nostalgia that even indie detractors can appreciate. Developed by Japanese outfit Vanillaware, this brawler unsurprisingly looks the part – and will raise a few eyebrows from your other half.

LEGO Harry Potter Years 5-7Only in Europe

Lego Harry Potter Years 5-7

It’s a hard life being Harry Potter. Not only can you not afford an appointment at Specsavers, but you have an unsightly scar on your forehead, your parents are dead, and you’re being hunted by the ugliest wizard since Roy Wood. Fortunately, hanging out with Hermione Grainger makes it all worthwhile. Here you’ll do it in brick form.


Which free game are you most looking forward to trying in August 2014? What would you like to see added to the Instant Game Collection in September? Let us know in the comments section below.

Which PS Plus title are you most looking forward to in August? (63 votes)

  1. Road Not Taken14%
  2. Fez21%
  3. Crysis 322%
  4. Proteus10%
  5. Metrico13%
  6. Dragon’s Crown [NA]19%
  7. LEGO Harry Potter Years 5-7 [EU]2%

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