Sony experimented with its cloud-based PlayStation Now service over the past several months, but few people took advantage of it due to the high prices. After all, who wants to pay $40 to rent Earth Defense Force 2025 for 90 days when you can buy it on your PS3 for $20 at GameStop? That said, the company remedied this problem with the introduction of a new subscription model that kicks off next week. Whether you pay $19.99 a month or $44.99 for three months, there’s more value offered with this program.
With that, over 100 games will be available at launch to choose from, with unlimited play for each of the titles (without extra fees). These include a number of obscure games and popular favorites. With that in mind, we have 10 suggestions for what you should play after signing up, so you can get the most from your seven-day trial.
Killzone 3
Killzone 3 is easily one of the best PlayStation 3 shooters, a fast-paced romp that pits you against brutal Helghast forces that invaded your district. You’ll rampage through a number of stages both on foot and in vehicles, using cool weaponry to push back the opposition. With breathtaking visuals (which are still good by today’s standards) and exciting gameplay, Killzone is highly recommended. Plus, its multiplayer is quite satisfying.
Sly Cooper: Thieves In Time
One of the most underrated PS3 titles, Sly Cooper: Thieves In Time is a platformer that easily lives up to the previous entries in the series. You’ll join Sly and his buddies as they take part in a number of new heists, all in the name of restoring history – and Sly’s precious family bloodlines. With an amusing cartoon-style presentation and plenty of gameplay perks throughout (including unlockable abilities), Thieves In Time is an adventure players of all ages will enjoy.
Sonic Generations
This entertaining Sonic the Hedgehog games is available on the PlayStation Now service – and you shouldn’t miss it. In Generations, you’ll take control of both modern-day and retro Sonic (from the 16-bit Genesis era) as they battle the evil forces of Dr. Robotnik while collecting as many rings as possible and competing in bonus rounds. With plenty of throwback levels from the old days and new tricks, Generations is an old-school treat fans shouldn’t miss.
Motorstorm Apocalypse
As if the Motorstorm games weren’t over-the-top enough on the PS3, Sony and Evolution Studios literally went the extra mile in Apocalypse. This time around, you’ll contend with earthquakes, lava flows and other natural disasters while you compete with others on continuously changing racetracks. Featuring solid multiplayer (both local and online) and superb level design, Apocalypse is one of those racing titles you won’t get enough of – even if the world around you is going to hell.
Darksiders 2
While we patiently wait to see if a new chapter in the Darksiders series is coming, we’re able to enjoy both the original Darksiders and its sequel on the PlayStation Now service. The first game is awesome, but Darksiders 2 is even better, focusing on the character of Death as he attempts to vindicate his fellow Horseman of the Apocalypse, War, by resurrecting the human race. Featuring stylish action, beautiful visuals and plenty of sweet weapon upgrades, Darksiders 2 is an action/platforming game worth revisiting.
Ratchet and Clank: Into the Nexus
For Ratchet and Clank: Into the Nexus, Insomniac Games saved the best for last, closing out its R&C Future storyline with a variety of cool features, including an array of dazzling new weaponry, transporter gates and a galaxy full of planets to explore. Of course, the run-and gun action is better than ever, giving you lots of room to unleash wanton destruction while trying to save the universe. This one should keep you busy for a while as we await the arrival of Ratchet & Clank HD sometime this year.
Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune
Uncharted 2 and 3 haven’t made their debut in the subscription plan yet, so you’ll have to play Nathan Drake’s original adventure. Still, there’s no better place to get reacquainted with the series, as you seek out the legendary Sir Francis Drake treasure while battling a team of rogue mercenaries. With quality platforming throughout and exciting scenarios, Uncharted plays like an action film – and is still worth experiencing after all these years.
Earth Defense Force 2025
Earth can’t catch a break. Out of nowhere, a large amount of robots and giant bugs invade the place. There’s no better time to call the EDF, or Earth Defense Force, to fend them off! This shoot-em-up packs all the cornball antics of Starship Troopers, pitting a handful of well-armed soldiers against enormous enemies. However, you can select from different types of soldiers, including an airborne assault trooper and a ground troop that can pack a wallop with a bazooka (and blow up a few buildings). With no shortage of thrilling action, Earth Defense Force 2025 will satisfy your thirst for destruction.
Red Faction: Guerrilla
Five years ago, THQ – along with the team at Volition Games – released an imaginative take on the Grand Theft Auto formula, pitting your renegade soldier against a conglomerate enemy force on Mars in an effort to overtake the planet. Red Faction: Guerrilla holds up today, thanks to awesome gameplay (whether on foot or causing mayhem in a vehicle), sharp visuals and hours of missions to tackle. We haven’t had this much fun on Mars since Arnold Schwarzenegger did his thing in Total Recall.
Super Street Fighter 4: Arcade Edition
Finally, who doesn’t like a good fighting game? While we wait for Ultra Street Fighter 4 and Street Fighter 5 to arrive on the PS4, we can bide our time with the gratifying Arcade Edition, which features a handful of great fighters, including old and new faces, to choose from. In addition, you can hop online and take on the world’s best, or hone your skills in the practice arena and finally become a true master of the likes of Ryu and Ken.
