I have three particular picks in mind. The first is an enjoyable Metroidvania that came to PS Plus’ game catalog when it launched just a couple of weeks ago and deserves a lot more attention than it’s getting. After that, there’s an action-platformer that pays homage to series like Ninja Gaiden that you should check out before it leaves the catalog. Finally, there’s a PS2-era Star Wars game that fills the niche a recently canceled game would have.
Tales of Kenzera: Zau
Late April was surprisingly crowded with new game releases, and I feel likeTales of Kenzera: Zauflew more under the radar than it should’ve as a result. You might remember it from its announcement at The Game Awards 2023 when director Abubakar Salim passionately revealed the game as a love letter to his deceased father in one of that show’s rare personable moments. Well, the full game launched on April 23, and it’s a solid Metroidvania in a year that’s been very kind to that genre.
Following in the footsteps of titles likePrince of Persia: The Lost Crown,Tales of Kenzera: Zauis a Metroidvania with excellent combat. Players have masks connected to the sun and moon and can quickly switch between them during combat to access a full suite of unique moves that are all satisfying to pull off. It’s not just fun to play, though; it tells a poignant story about processing grief that I think anyone can learn something from. If you didn’t know this game had come out or was included in PS Plus Extra’s game catalog, you should give it a shot.
You can accessTales of Kenzera: Zauthrough PS Plus’ game catalog on PS4 or PS5. It’s also available on PC and Xbox Series X/S.
The Messenger
While you’ve probably heard of 2023’s excellent RPG throwback indieSea of Stars, the game developer Sabotage Studio made before that is equally enjoyable.The Messengerpays tribute toNinja Gaidenin the same waySea of StarshonorsChrono Trigger. It plays even better than those NES classics, but goes a step beyond just copying the aesthetics and gameplay mechanics.
WhileThe Messengerstarts as an 8-bit adventure, time-travel shenanigans ensue, and the game begins to switch to and from a 16-bit look. That makes this adventure a loving tribute to two generations of thrilling action platformers. Fans of that style of game need to playThe Messenger, but if you want to do so through PS Plus, you only have a couple of weeks left to do so.
The Messengerwill be available through PS Plus’ game catalog until May 21. After that, you’ll have to buy it on PC, PS4, Xbox One, or Nintendo Switch.
Star Wars: Bounty Hunter
It follows Jango Fett ahead of the events ofAttack of the Clones, providing more insight into how Fett fell into working with Count Dooku and recruitedZam Wesell. Although its third-person-shooter combat is clunky by modern standards,Star Wars: Bounty Hunteris far from unplayable. If you’re a Star Wars fan like me, you’ll have a great time with this galaxy-trotting space bounty hunter adventure that was only possible during the peak LucasArts era.
