October 2020's PS Plus games have been confirmed. As always, subscribers get two PS4 titles. This time around, it's Need for Speed Payback and Vampyr. The latter will hopefully get you in the mood for Halloween.
We actually rather enjoyed DONTNOD's vampiric role-playing game, describing it as "intriguing" in our Vampyr review. However, we did feel that the title was let down in some crucial areas:
Vampyr has a ton of interesting ideas, an intriguing world, and a great cast of characters, but is ultimately let down by its narrow-minded focus on unnecessary combat.
Need for Speed: Payback fared less well in our 3/10 review:
Need for Speed Payback is a real-world example of microtransactions gone wrong. As an open world racer, the game’s inoffensively average – but when paired with its bafflingly bad progression system, it’s frankly an embarrassment. It’s scary to think that publishers are quite literally sabotaging their own games in pursuit of a bonus buck or two these days.
Both games will be available to download starting next week, from the 6th October. You can find a list of all PS Plus games and all PS Plus Collection games on PS5 through the respective links.
What do you think of October's PlayStation Plus lineup? Feed us your thoughts, good or bad, in the comments section below.
Comments 103
Well...I don't have either, so there's that.
I have NFS, but never played Vampyr... It's good... I gess...
Ok I suppose. I don't think plus games are as anticipated as they used to be. Can't say I've been impressed for a long time.
Not a bad month?? You gave NFS a 3.... I really need to get to grips with push squares scoring system
Got about half way through Vampyr and thought it was pretty decent. Well worth checking out if you haven't already.
Need for Speed was rubbish, but you may enjoy it more than me.
And here I was thinking Sony wouldn’t give us another game already available on PS Now...
Have both so nothing for me, solid month for those that don't though.
Solid month, already have Payback and Vampyr doesn't do it for me but I know some love it. Hope you guys find some enjoyment in them!
From Push Square's review on the Need for Speed game:
"Need for Speed Payback is a real-world example of microtransactions gone wrong. As an open world racer, the game’s inoffensively average – but when paired with its bafflingly bad progression system, it’s frankly an embarrassment. It’s scary to think that publishers are quite literally sabotaging their own games in pursuit of a bonus buck or two these days."
Vampyr apparently has bad combat and scored a 6/10 on here.
Not a great lineup, especially when you consider we used to get Vita and PS3 games as well.
Nothing for me thanks, Bob.
A good set of games if you ask me. Vampyr is already on PlayStation Now though, so that's a bit disappointing.
So, worst NFS in recent history + 6/10 game? Disappointed
Vampyr was a really cool title but enemies have a high respawn rate so it can be rough.
Think I've played the NFS game and put it off after about an hour, and I actually have vampyr download from ps now ready for when I'm in the mood for it, but will add them to my library nevertheless. My mate played vampyr a few weeks back and said it was a good game.
I've changed the tagline — I didn't realise Need for Speed was the one we gave a 3/10!
"Not a bad month" - I'd respectfully disagree again.
It's relative I guess, but as already mentioned you've got a 3/10 game and yet another one that's already on PS Now
@Ralizah the MTX fiasco for Payback was blown waaaaayyy out of proportion. I literally spent 40+ hours paying and didn't feel compelled or coerced into going into the shop.
@Johnnycide Its all about what kind of gamer you are.
If you are the kind of gamer that has a disposable income, at least to a degree that you can buy used titles a year later, then PS+ is not going to give you much that you don't already own.
Then there are the types that are more casual, they buy 5-15 titles per generation (iirc the average attach rate last generation was like 7.5?) either because of cost, or just because they are not that interested, either way, these gamers are going to get one hell of a value out of PS+.
For me, the only time I get value out of a PS+ title is when its a non-multiplayer indie title. Which doesn't happen as often as it did in the early PS4 days.
Vampyr is an excellent title for it. Somebody gave the trash instead of taking it out with Payback. Not even the okay at best Heat. A definite hit and a miss. Payback is just embarrassing though. Put an indie game up or something.
I am in total shock!!!! 2 games I don't already own and would love to play 8-D
I play need for speed rivals in the hope that it will be something like burnout. It wasn’t and I didn’t like it and judging by review need for speed payback isn’t going to be better. I have PlayStation now and haven’t played the vampire game so I doubt I’ll play it through PlayStation plus so I’ll probably add it to my library anyway in case I feel the need after my PlayStation now has expired.
I initially thought "Not too bad" but then I realised i was mixing up NFS Payback with Rivals :/
Are MTX still really heavily implemented in Payback?
Thought maybe it could have been removed/reduced after the Battlefront 2 fiasco.
Will download Vampyr for my library... One day may try it out.
Might give Vampyr a shot at some point.
Well, time to try Vampyr
Alright month for me.
Vampyr has been sitting in my Switch wishlist since it was announced. I'm thankful I'm saving £45!
Will play NFS for about two hours to get a good few easy trophies then delete. Vampyr has an amazing ssoundtrack so hopefully it'll keep my attention for a few days
Happy to give both a go so nothing go complain about for me. Used to enjoy NFS games on previous gens but meh reviews have stopped me paying for any in years
Vampyr is the game of this gen. I have the most mixed feelings about. It has some fantastic ideas and atmosphere, but a lot of it is executed pretty poorly. It is well worth playing, but prepare for some frustration and uneven play.
I will say this: I played this as my Halloween game two years ago, and the atmosphere is perfect for that.
So a crap game and one that’s on Now. They really need to get their services straight.
Alright! I've wanted to try Vampyr for a while, but never pulled the trigger on buying it. This month would have been ideal for a final PS4 blowout, as not many people are going to pay much attention next month! 😂
I'll give Vampyr a go, not so much the other one
Well, I baught vampyr not long ago on some sales. The game is not bad.
Not a really bad month, but still.. They could do much better..
And the ms game pass just seems better and better..
Vampire is one of those good 6s. I can see why it got a 6. But I enjoyed it a lot because I like story and talking to people and that kind of thing. The combat is naff but going around and chomping your mates and that is good. Got the platinum in it.
Won't bother with the car thing.
I miss when Sony used to consistently put bangers up on PS Plus.... 😐
Finally something I don't own! Vampyr is on PSNOW (F U PSNOW users again I guess!) and I actually like the game! But I'm always interested in some Need for Speed, even if it's one as bad as this one lol
Been meaning to buy Vampyr for quite a while now. Almost did last time it was on sale, so I'm definitely happy with this. Gonna give NFS a try at some point as well. Could be fun for few races with friends (and nothing more).
I'd play Vampyr
That's a rather good selection. I've wanted to try Vampyr for some time now. Also, Payback is not a half bad game either.
Vampyr is on PS Now, not sure about NFS Payback, might be just Rivals.
Just convinces me not to get Plus as well as Now.
Really wanted to like Vampyr but it’s just not very good unfortunately
Finally a game I don't own and I am willing to play (Vampyr). Even if it's bad, I've always been curious about this one, so I'll love to hate it if anything
NFS got a 3 in this site not much to say about that one as for Vampyr it looks decent so I might try it, but overall this month was disappointing honestly
Well I haven't got either and always been tempted by Vampyr in sales so quite happy about this.
This is a solid lineup.
Would've rather EA ported some of their old ps2 games like NFS Underground 1 & 2,or SSX Tricky etc. to the ps 2 classics range & offer them for plus!
Eh. I've already been through Vampyr (not bad, but I had to play on the easiest setting to get any enjoyment out of it) and have zero interest in NFS (especially one rated so terribly). This month is a miss for me, but I'm clearing out my backlog in preparation for Watch Dogs Legion and Cyberpunk, so that's fine.
Played both, platinumed both. Still its a better showing this month
@Danloaded is the Vampyr platinum easy? I would be more interested to give it a go if I could get a shinny plat along the way!
I'm happy with this. I haven't played a NFS game in years and I have friends that really enjoy Vampyr.
Vampyr is a great game, That is if you like games where there's a lot of dialogue and your decisions actually matters. I am playing it right now 15 in and so far is great.
NFS i couldnt care less tbh. I am curious which ps now games will be announced for this month
No complaint over the games. But it's 2 more EA Play and PS Now games. Sony need to get cleverer if they want people to stay subscribed to more than PS Plus.
NFS Payback was pretty decent I thought. It is what it is, but the lack of customisation ala Underground etc is a bit rubbish.
Pretty good month for me. Wanted Vampyr since I missed it on Game Pass
I'm not disappointed. Vampyr has been on my watch list so all good.
Played Vampyr from Now and really liked it so would encourage people to give it a go and dig into the side stories. Given the type of game I thought the combat was ok, esp when combining different abilities together, though even on a passive run you become totally OP by end of game.
Ive played nfs not great but not tried Vampyr so may give it a bash not a bad month i suppose
Vampyr is great surprise, I really like it's vibe. Of course and unfortunately I already own it.
Except both Shifts I've played all Need for Speed games (I mean all since first installment on PC somewhere in '90s) until Rivals, so Payback pretty fits to my collection. ☺️
They are desperate to destroy any value ps now has. I wish they’d go back to Now delivering quality ps3 games.
I sure do miss the little indie games.
@Mostik well it takes two playthroughs. The first will be long as the game is VERY dialogue heavy. If you can get into the combat youl be fine but one playthrough you will be slightly underleveled to bosses as one trophy is to not kill any innocents. The trophies themselves arent hard to unlock tho.
Another month of psnow double dip... well chasing people away from their "services" is a less sustainable model by a long shot compared to game pass.
Second bad month in a row. Was really hoping for Lost Legacy.
Micro-transaction is not something that bothers me. I know I am not going to look at or purchase any of them before I even buy a game. I own Payback i pick it up physical for under $15 I feel its a ok avg game. Vampyr is something I have wanted to take a look at so I think this month is OK.
Vampyr's on Switch, but damn... NFS PAYBACK??? Just the other day I was mentioning how I might have long pulled the trigger on PS4 version if not for my reluctance to risk investing a retail price in another case of touchpad-glued essential controls (yeah, Horizon burned me hard last time😅). Now you BET I'll be giving this an overdue try even though I still have plenty to do in Rivals on the same platform. And big racers are quite rare guests in IGC, too!
@Kienda isn't PS Now still a thing in a few select countries? Certainly doesn't cover all of Europe either.
@redd214 most MTX dramas are blown out of proportion, often seemingly betraying the neighsayers' self-control issues. And few account for the existence of audiences like myself for whom the grindfest alternatives supposedly meant to coerce players to the shop are an unironic selling point in such games, be they freemiums or not. I don't know how much time I can dedicate to Payback's grind (it still being a game I'll have to stream, and Vita's RP connection rituals like to take their time - not the best pick'n'play environment for RPG routines), but I definitely look forward to getting a good taste of it at the very least.
Crap I have need for speed heat and I bought that new still nearly a year later haven't started it, I'll add them to my account but won't bother playing them.
I was looking at the pre release builds of Vampyr and watched some gameplay of the final build. At some point I forgot it existed and when I hear about Vampire the Masquerade games I thought "eh, nothing like I remember". So, now I remember the name and it's free, certainly! NFS I'll add for split screen (Plz don't tell me it doesn't have this...) but not download.
Edit: Yep, it doesn't have it. Wow. No touch from me, then.
Ah I’m well happy with these! Been wanting to try both for a while.
Great month for me. Cheers Sony
Edit: didn’t realise which need for speed it was. Ballix
Will add both to the library, but Vampyr is far more likely to get played than NFS
@Kienda ps plus is useless by this point. I like ps now so much more and if it had online support I would drop ps plus the very exact moment and never look back at it.
It's garbage of a subscription
You know what? My fiancée and I were just looking for a racing game. Not bad.
Ive been eyeing Vampyr for a while. Its gone super low in sales before so not great for value. But a game i will get around to playing eventually so I'm thankful for that. I don't have NFS Payback either but i doubt i will play it much if it is loaded with microtransactions.
After all the patches, Vampyr is a pretty great game. Story and combat are both enjoyable. Give it a try!
For me, a better Plus offering than last month. I’ve been keen to try Vampyr for months but been too tight to buy it!! I know it’s not considered a 10/10 game, but I’m looking forward to it.
As for NFS, I’ll probably give it a go and will see. Not liking the micro transactions element, but I’m a grown up so won’t buy any and will delete the game if it pesters / nudges me into doing so.
I’m really interested to see how Plus will be next month - I’m expecting the usual 2x PS4 games, and the advertised Collection for PS5 and ....? Anything else ...? Hmmmm. Will find out in about a month!
@Kidfried exactly, it's way more important to understand what the game wants to be and what works and what doesn't towards that goal, than to simply slap a number on it.
I've been adamant that numbers go away for the longest time now, they have people focus on the wrong aspects in my opinion.
Good, a improvement, I will download both games, something I haven't done in a while 😉
Solid month for me! Neither were on my wishlist, but both I deem good enough to give a spin
YES!!!, I've been waiting for vampyr for ages so I'm very happy
Own both, NFS is meh, Vampyr sucks. Kinda a ***** month all round imo. NFS ain't the worst so there's that
@Bamila they need to combine the two and just announce the new games coming to PS Now each month.
@nhSnork @redd212 EA wound the microstransactions back with an apology shortly after release. The fallout was too much and the brand was in the dirt. It still is to a degree. The version Sammy reviewed was the publishers intended product. I'm guessing Redd you played it way after release?
People have such short memories.
They been consistently giving out games that are either on EA Play or PS Now which completely devalues the free game component of PS Plus for those of us who faithfully use the other services. I think Sony and their partners for delivering these free games should consider not using stuff from PS Now whenever possible.
@Kienda PSnow isn’t available in a few places so it’s potentially good for those players.
How is the combat in Vampyr? What game would it be closest to in terms of combat?
Horrible selection from Sony seriously 😒 why? I was hoping for MediEvil or Resident Evil! Not Vampr because I bought that game back in 2019. And that racing game not sure about that
I'd rather have Vampyr than Farming Simulator 19 like we are getting in Japan...
What a horrible selection for October... Farming Simulator, really? Because is farming season or what?
Vampyr isn't available in Japan, but the could have gotten another more fitting game...
@Johnnycide I'm sorry what, if you've had ps+ since the start of the year we have gotten great games, if you've had ps+ atleast since January you have gotten all the main story uncharted games, all the bioshock games, 2 cod games, street fighter V, and one of the biggest games so far this year, fall guys. So if that library alone isn't enough to satisfy you maybe you just don't have a good taste in games.
NFS is ok and I do not have it, but I have Vampyr so I get something new to play.
I already own Vampyr and have no interest in the racing game...still happy for those interested though.
@YoungHades Vampyrs suck is kind of stating the obvious 😉
In Japan, Farming Simulator 19 and Need for Speed.
@Arnna then maybe add it as a third game.
In July, they drew in PS Now subscribers by adding Street Fighter V. In September they added it to PS Plus. It’s a kick in the teeth to those people who are paying for both (imho).
Last month we had two PS Now games, this month we have one. They used to give us five/six games a month spread across consoles. After that they at least didn’t mix the games across the subscriptions. Now they are just being plain lazy and there isn’t much reason to defend a multi billion dollar corporation who could give more to their paying customers without costing them much.
@Kienda i can understand your frustration. PSnow only has a handful of games?!?!? Or did you mean new stuff added. I thought it was like Microsoft’s game pass with loads of games and you pay a sub.
@Arnna I didn’t say it only had a handful. It adds new ones each month but they have over 200+ games and a lot are decent games.
I think PS Now is definitely worth the price I’m paying for it. It has its limitations, like removing games. For example, I bought it originally for Spider-Man. When I got it I discovered that game was being removed about a week after I subscribed and I didn’t have time to complete before it got locked out for me (even though it was downloaded on my console and I was half way through).
When you compare this to what Microsoft offers, it pales in comparison. They add all their exclusives and keep them there forever. It was already leaps and bounds ahead before they added EA games and more recently. So yeah, Sony needs to up its game rather than rest on its laurels.
I guess I try out Vampyr, last good Need for speed was underground on ps2 imo.
@JesWood13 I've had PS4 and PS Plus for 5 years and I have no idea what period of time you are referring to?!!
@themcnoisy some people might, but my stance on Payback and its microtransactions has remained the same since day one. The oh so abhorred grind the dedicated articles were vehemently describing just sounded like the most RPG-esque Need for Speed has been even by the past Black Box standards. And since then I've also got to play both iterations of Ubisoft's The Crew, with their own open worlds and plots and lootboxes - cementing my positive impressions from it all. Payback definitely appears to be my kind of game; those who don't want the grind should simply accept that it isn't theirs. MTX are just a popular whipping boy on the internet, but games like Xenoblade 2 have gacha systems you can't pay real money for by design, and they're similarly not everyone's cup of tea, is all.
I do not own either one of these games, so I am happy about that. However I will be playing Vampyr I can't wait
The only redeeming thing in NFS Payback: K Flay's "Black Wave".
If they continue to dump games that are already on psn as the psplus games every month, people will eventually get that dinky little xbox for gamepass alone
NFS was $5 a few weeks ago and I almost bought it but didn't; likewise I've been eyeing up Vampyr since it got reasonably good reviews. In sum, great line up for me.
Was always slightly intrigued by need for speed payback so it'll be good to add it to the free game list
Cool I don’t have either of these
Utter rubbish imo.
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