7 PlayStation Plus Games We’re Already Losing in 2025

As we enter the year 2025, many, including myself, have set a resolution to play as numerous games as possible. Regrettably, PlayStation Plus seems to have different ambitions, deciding to remove multiple titles while only adding three new ones: Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, Need for Speed Hot Pursuit, and The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe. These upcoming additions are decent games, but considering what’s being taken away, it feels somewhat unfair. The titles departing from PlayStation Plus include several critically acclaimed games, and their absence will be deeply felt. They range from massive RPGs with expansive worlds to fighting game classics. Although many are leaving the service this year, there are seven that we can’t help but feel sad about saying goodbye to already in 2025.

Dragon Ball FighterZ (leaving January 14th)

Unlike many fighting games, especially those based on anime, the game “Dragon Ball FighterZ” is a standout success. It masterfully combines intense gameplay with Akira Toriyama’s exceptional character designs. With 24 playable characters (and 20 more as downloadable content), players won’t need to make a wish on a Dragon Ball to see these characters battle it out in various locations in stunning 2.5D graphics. ARC System Works, known for “Guilty Gear”, has crafted an experience that, even today, is unparalleled. “Dragon Ball FighterZ” has also found its place in e-sports, with famous matches like SonicFoxx vs GO1 at EVO. While games like “Mortal Kombat 11” and “Street Fighter V” are available on PS Plus, it’s clear that “Dragon Ball FighterZ” will be dearly missed when it’s not.

Just Cause 4 (leaving January 14th)

Enjoying chaos and massive explosions? You’ll surely miss out on Just Cause 3 and Just Cause 4, as they depart from PS Plus on January 14th. These games are all about over-the-top action, with Just Cause 4 taking it a step further by introducing wingsuits, extreme weather events, and even more destructive mayhem. Players can soar through the skies, grapple onto objects, and wreak havoc using an array of tools to take down helicopters, bridges, and much more. Although Just Cause 4 didn’t quite live up to its predecessor’s reception, Avalanche Studios is still unmatched when it comes to destruction. And there’s nothing quite like charging into a storm and dishing out damage to enemy bases – it’s simply awesome, so you might want to experience it before it disappears forever!

Life is Strange Collection (leaving January 14th)

If you haven’t experienced the “Life is Strange” series yet, you’re truly missing out on something special. In particular, “Life is Strange” and its prequel, “Life is Strange: Before the Storm,” are must-plays for any avid story enthusiasts. The narrative evolves based on your decisions, centering around Max, a teenage art enthusiast who discovers the ability to rewind time. She employs this power in an attempt to save people who appear to be deceased, with her closest friend Chloe and a missing girl named Rachel being the most critical. The plot thickens with unexpected twists and turns, while showcasing beautiful LGBTQ+ representation. Although additional games have been produced, including a recent sequel titled “Life is Strange: Double Exposure,” none have yet matched these games in terms of quality and storytelling.

Legend of Mana/Secret of Mana Remake (leaving January 14th)

The “Mana” series, hailing from the ’90s, holds a special place among beloved RPG franchises. Rather than releasing a new installment, the team chose to revitalize two of its most celebrated titles – “Legend of Mana” and “Secret of Mana”. Both games offer unique narratives and characters, but retain the real-time combat system, along with a fresh aesthetic upgrade. These masterpieces promise enchanting melodies and captivating adventures. From piecemeal world restoration to thwarting an evil witch with three distinct heroes, you’ll find yourself on fantastical journeys. Despite the availability of a trial for the latest game, “Visions of Mana”, on PlayStation Plus, the classics remain unparalleled. RPG enthusiasts who haven’t experienced these games yet are missing out and time is running short to rectify that mistake.

Resident Evil 2 Remake (leaving January 14th)

Regarding remakes, Capcom has consistently hit the mark, with the ball rolling from the Resident Evil 2 Remake. This game focuses on two main characters – Claire Redfield, a student, and Leon Kennedy, a novice cop – as they navigate a city overrun by zombies known as Raccoon City. The remake significantly revamped almost every aspect of the 1998 original while preserving its chilling suspense and enjoyable gameplay, notably with the persistent antagonist Mr. X stalking you throughout. Resident Evil 2 stands out as one of the top games from 2019, offering a shorter playtime compared to other games, making it possible for you to venture into Raccoon City and share your survival story.

Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection (leaving January 14th)

12 games from different eras of the Street Fighter series, including four mainline titles (Street Fighter I, II, Alpha, and III), are departing this month. The Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection houses these games, each featuring their original versions. These games retain the same look and feel as they did in arcades, but now include online modes and additional features. It’s a fantastic homage to a cherished series that remains engaging even with the visual and stylistic changes anticipated in Street Fighter VI. Given the scarcity of compilation releases, if you’ve been wanting to revisit these classic Street Fighter games without the need for extra equipment, your opportunity is quickly fading away.

The Outer Worlds (leaving January TBA)

If those whispers are on point, it won’t be long before we jump aboard the side-splitting, intergalactic journey that is “The Outer Worlds.” This masterpiece, forged by the legendary RPG creators at Obsidian, blends two fascinating elements: commerce and cosmos. As a lone spacefarer surviving a shipwreck, you’ll voyage through the myriad realms of Halcyon and dismantle the megacorporations tainting the colony. When it debuted in 2019, this first-person RPG/shooter was showered with Game of the Year accolades, sharing the limelight with another departing gem, the remastered “Resident Evil 2.” With the sequel slated for release this year, not having the original under my belt is a letdown that even an extraterrestrial like Moon Man would find disheartening.

2025-01-06 02:40