THE BIGGER GAME
When it comes to Sony’s monthly free games for those with a PS+ subscription, there’s usually one headliner title considered a “bigger” game due to its past popularity with players. For March 2017, it would be a money-saving and crowd-pleasing move by Sony to make the original 2005 Psychonauts one of the free PS+ games for a variety of reasons.
With PSVR launching in October, Sony has had to compete with both the HTC Vive and Oculus Rift systems to acquire VR consumers. A great way to do this is to offer platform exclusives, such as the upcoming PSVR exclusive Psychonauts in the Rhombus of Ruin. Set to release later this month on Feb. 21, Rhombus of Ruin takes places after the events of the first Psychonauts and before the yet to be released sequel Psychonauts 2. By offering those who might have never gotten around to playing the first title, it might inspire PS4 owners to try out PSVR and check out its VR continuation, and likewise those who already own PSVR and enjoy the first title for free might be more inclined to try out Rhombus of Ruin.
It would make sense for Sony financially as well, since Psychonauts is currently offered as a free inclusion for those who pre-order Psychonauts in the Rhombus of Ruin. The original Psychonauts is only $9.99 currently on the PlayStation Store, and has gone on sale in the past for as little as $2.99.
Other possible bigger titles could include Ratchet and Clank or Infamous: Second Son, which both received PlayStation 4 Pro patches including HDR visual advancements. Including Pro patched games would be a great way to support PS4 Pro purchasers who paid for the more expensive system, and those who own the original PS4 could enjoy them as well.
