September PS Plus Offering: A Perfectly Timed Free Game You Can't Miss!

Highlights

PlayStation Plus subscribers are getting a strong line-up of games this month, including Saints Row, Generation Zero, and Black Desert Online.

The timing of Black Desert Online's release on PS Plus is impeccable, aligning with the recent unveiling of the gameplay trailer for its highly anticipated successor, Crimson Desert.

Incorporating Black Desert Online into the PS Plus lineup presents a fantastic chance for players to acquaint themselves with the developer's past achievements and gain a glimpse into what lies ahead with Crimson Desert.

Sony announced the next round of PlayStation Plus Essential games for this month, and it offers another strong lineup. Last month, PS Plus subscribers enjoyed PGA Tour 2K23, Dreams, and the Indie gem Death's Door, which was a great selection, especially with the wide variety of microgames available in Dreams. However, the free games for September 2023 offered by PlayStation Plus might be even better. Starting from September 5, players can access Saints Row, Generation Zero, and Black Desert Online.

Despite mixed reception, Saints Row is still a significant addition to PlayStation Plus and definitely worth downloading at no additional cost. Generation Zero, a retro-futuristic first-person survival game, also received average reviews but is worth giving a try for an hour or two, especially considering it comes at no extra cost. Surprisingly, the standout game in this lineup is Black Desert Online, which has strategically timed its release on PS Plus.

Black Desert's Spot on PlayStation Plus Is Perfectly Timed

Content on subscription services like Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus often coincides with certain events or releases. A common example is when the first game in a series is made available on these platforms ahead of the sequel, as was the case with Alan Wake recently. Another scenario is when a developer makes a high-profile announcement or has just done so. Black Desert Online being included in PlayStation Plus is a prime example of this strategy.

During the recent Gamescom Opening Night Live showcase, there were numerous thrilling announcements, reveals, and updates. These ranged from a sneak peek of Alan Wake 2 to a new Mortal Kombat 1 trailer, as well as featuring smaller Indie games like Dustborn. However, one of the most surprising and exhilarating reveals of the event was the gameplay trailer for Crimson Desert, which is developed by the same team behind Black Desert Online.

According to South Korean developers Pearl Abyss, Crimson Desert initially started as a prequel to the highly successful MMO, Black Desert Online, which has been running for nearly a decade. However, during development, Crimson Desert developed its own identity and became its own intellectual property. While some sources suggest that Crimson Desert may have some loose connections to Black Desert Online, others state that it will be an entirely new IP. Nonetheless, the timing of Black Desert Online's inclusion on PlayStation Plus is ideal.

Even if Crimson Desert is not directly linked to Black Desert Online, the latter's availability on PS Plus will serve as a valuable testing ground for those who are unsure or unfamiliar with Pearl Abyss' previous work. Although Crimson Desert is a single-player action-RPG and not an MMO, it is expected to share similarities with Black Desert Online, providing players with an understanding of what Crimson Desert's gameplay might entail. This will also allow players to experience Pearl Abyss' handling of a fantasy narrative and an open-world setting, which Crimson Desert will offer. The inclusion of the Traveler's Edition of Black Desert Online on PS Plus will also grant players a generous amount of in-game currency, enabling them to bypass early-game obstacles and fully immerse themselves in the experience. Pearl Abyss has made an astute decision by offering Black Desert Online on PS Plus, capitalizing on the anticipation surrounding Crimson Desert's recent trailer to attract a plethora of new players.