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PlayStation Plus Free Games for August 2016 Confirmed: Remember those glorious days of free games? August 2016 was a particularly exciting month for PlayStation Plus subscribers, as Sony unveiled a lineup of games that promised hours of entertainment. From action-packed adventures to thought-provoking puzzles, there was something for everyone. But what exactly were these games, and how did they fare in the eyes of critics and players?
This article delves into the PlayStation Plus free game offerings for August 2016, analyzing the games, comparing them to previous months, and exploring their impact on the PlayStation ecosystem. We’ll also examine player reactions and the historical context surrounding this particular selection of free games.
PlayStation Plus Free Games for August 2016
August 2016 was a good month for PlayStation Plus subscribers, with a selection of free games that offered a variety of genres and experiences. Let’s dive into the games that were available to download for free during this month.
List of Free Games
The PlayStation Plus free games for August 2016 included:
- Rocket League (PS4): This popular sports game combines elements of soccer and driving, offering a fast-paced and highly competitive experience. It is known for its smooth gameplay, satisfying physics, and its vibrant, colorful aesthetic. Rocket League quickly became a favorite among players and critics alike, receiving widespread acclaim for its innovative gameplay and addictive nature.
- Saints Row: Gat out of Hell (PS4): This action-adventure game is a standalone expansion for Saints Row IV, focusing on the story of Johnny Gat, a member of the Saints gang. The game features a variety of missions, challenges, and side activities, all set in the underworld of New Orleans. Gat out of Hell offers a more comedic and over-the-top experience compared to its predecessor, with its humorous writing and outlandish scenarios.
- The Legend of Kay Anniversary (PS3): This action-adventure game follows the story of Kay, a young cat who sets out to rescue his village from an evil emperor. The game features a variety of combat styles, puzzles, and exploration elements, with a classic platforming feel. The Legend of Kay Anniversary was a remake of the original game, released in 2005, and it received generally positive reviews for its improved visuals and gameplay.
- FlatOut: Ultimate Carnage (PS3): This racing game offers a variety of game modes, including single-player and multiplayer, and a variety of tracks to race on. FlatOut: Ultimate Carnage is known for its over-the-top physics and its focus on destruction, with players able to cause massive crashes and send vehicles flying through the air.
- Puzzle Bobble Evolution (PS Vita): This classic puzzle game features the familiar gameplay of dropping colored bubbles to match three or more of the same color, clearing the board. Puzzle Bobble Evolution offers a variety of game modes, including a story mode, a challenge mode, and a multiplayer mode.
- Velocity Ultra (PS Vita): This fast-paced action game combines elements of shooting and platforming, with players controlling a spaceship that can teleport through the environment. Velocity Ultra offers a variety of levels and challenges, with a focus on precision and quick reflexes. It is known for its tight controls and its challenging but rewarding gameplay.
Genre Diversity
The free games offered in August 2016 showcased a diverse range of genres, catering to a wide variety of player preferences. The selection included:
- Sports: Rocket League
- Action-Adventure: Saints Row: Gat out of Hell, The Legend of Kay Anniversary
- Racing: FlatOut: Ultimate Carnage
- Puzzle: Puzzle Bobble Evolution
- Action: Velocity Ultra
Reception and Notable Features, Playstation plus free games for august 2016 confirmed
The PlayStation Plus free games for August 2016 were generally well-received by critics and players. Rocket League, in particular, was a standout offering, earning widespread acclaim for its innovative gameplay and addictive nature. The game quickly became a popular choice for both casual and competitive players. Saints Row: Gat out of Hell, while not as critically acclaimed as its predecessor, still offered a fun and over-the-top experience, with its humorous writing and outlandish scenarios. The Legend of Kay Anniversary was a successful remake of the original game, offering improved visuals and gameplay while retaining the charm of the classic platformer. FlatOut: Ultimate Carnage provided a fun and chaotic racing experience, with its focus on destruction and over-the-top physics. Puzzle Bobble Evolution and Velocity Ultra were solid offerings for PS Vita owners, offering classic puzzle gameplay and fast-paced action, respectively.
Comparison to Previous Months: Playstation Plus Free Games For August 2016 Confirmed
August 2016’s PlayStation Plus free games offer a diverse selection compared to the previous month, featuring a mix of genres and gameplay styles. It’s important to analyze the value of these games and see if they stack up against the previous month’s offerings.
Value Comparison to July 2016
The August 2016 lineup features a diverse range of games, including:
* Limbo (PS4): A challenging puzzle platformer known for its atmospheric visuals and dark, enigmatic story.
* The Flame in the Flood (PS4): A survival adventure game with a focus on crafting, exploration, and resource management in a flooded world.
* God of War III Remastered (PS4): A critically acclaimed action-adventure game that brings the epic conclusion to Kratos’s Greek saga to the PS4 with enhanced graphics and gameplay.
* Saints Row: Gat out of Hell (PS3): A standalone expansion to Saints Row IV that features a new story, characters, and powers.
* Valiant Hearts: The Great War (PS3): A touching and emotional adventure game set during World War I that explores the stories of a group of individuals caught in the conflict.
* Puzzle Bobble 2X (PS Vita): A classic arcade game that features a variety of levels and challenges.
In comparison to July 2016, the August lineup features a wider variety of genres and includes a more significant title in the form of God of War III Remastered. July’s lineup, while decent, may have lacked the same level of mainstream appeal.
Trend Analysis
The PlayStation Plus free game offerings during this period exhibit a consistent pattern of providing a mix of genres and platform diversity. The inclusion of AAA titles like God of War III Remastered and indie gems like Limbo demonstrates Sony’s commitment to offering something for every type of player. The inclusion of both PS4 and PS3 games ensures that a wide range of PlayStation users can benefit from the service.
Impact of the Free Games
The PlayStation Plus free games for August 2016 had a significant impact on both the PlayStation Plus subscription service and the sales of the featured games. By offering these games for free to subscribers, Sony aimed to increase the value proposition of the service, attract new subscribers, and promote the featured games.
The impact of these free games on the PlayStation Plus subscription service can be analyzed from various perspectives.
Impact on PlayStation Plus Subscriptions
The free games offered through PlayStation Plus are a significant incentive for users to subscribe to the service. By offering high-quality games for free, Sony makes the subscription more appealing, encouraging both new users to sign up and existing users to renew their subscriptions. The availability of these games acts as a major draw for potential subscribers, especially those who are on the fence about the service.
The impact on subscriptions can be measured by analyzing the subscription numbers before and after the release of the free games. If the subscription numbers increase significantly during the month the free games are available, it can be attributed to the positive impact of the free games.
Impact on Sales of the Free Games
The free games offered through PlayStation Plus can also have a significant impact on the sales of those games. While the games are available for free to subscribers, many users may choose to purchase the game to own it permanently, or to access additional content or features not available in the free version.
For example, if a game offered for free through PlayStation Plus includes downloadable content (DLC) or expansions, users may be more likely to purchase these additional items after trying the base game for free. This can lead to increased revenue for the game developers and publishers, even though the game itself is being offered for free.
The impact on sales can be measured by analyzing the sales figures for the games before and after they are offered for free through PlayStation Plus. If the sales figures increase significantly during the month the games are available for free, it can be attributed to the positive impact of the free game offer.
Contribution to the PlayStation Ecosystem
The free games offered through PlayStation Plus contribute to the PlayStation ecosystem by promoting a sense of community and fostering engagement among PlayStation users. By providing access to a shared pool of games, the service encourages players to connect and interact with each other, further strengthening the PlayStation brand.
The free games also help to introduce new users to the PlayStation ecosystem, as they may have never experienced the platform before. This can lead to increased adoption of PlayStation consoles and services, further expanding the PlayStation user base.
Furthermore, the free games can also help to increase the visibility and popularity of indie games, which may not have received as much attention otherwise. By offering these games for free to a large audience, PlayStation Plus can help to broaden their reach and introduce them to a wider range of players.
The impact of these free games on the PlayStation ecosystem can be measured by analyzing factors such as user engagement, community activity, and overall platform adoption rates. If these metrics show positive trends during the period when the free games are available, it can be attributed to the positive impact of the free games.
Historical Context and Significance
The PlayStation Plus service was in a period of growth in August 2016. The service was already well-established, offering online multiplayer access, cloud saves, and a selection of free games each month. However, the focus on the quality and variety of these free games was still evolving.
The August 2016 free games were significant because they marked a shift towards a more diverse and engaging selection. Previously, the free games were often seen as less desirable, with many subscribers primarily valuing the online multiplayer access. The inclusion of titles like “Trials Fusion” and “Rocket League” in the August 2016 lineup signaled a change in strategy, emphasizing games with high replay value and strong community engagement.
The Value of August 2016 Free Games Compared to Current Offerings
The value of the August 2016 free games is best understood by comparing them to the current offerings on PlayStation Plus. While the current service boasts a wider selection of games, including AAA titles, the August 2016 lineup remains noteworthy for its inclusion of “Rocket League.” This game has become a cultural phenomenon, attracting a massive and dedicated player base. The inclusion of such a popular and enduring title in the free game lineup was a bold move that demonstrated PlayStation Plus’s commitment to providing value to its subscribers.
“The inclusion of “Rocket League” in the August 2016 free games lineup was a strategic decision that paid off handsomely. It not only attracted new subscribers but also fostered a sense of community and engagement around the service.”
The current PlayStation Plus service, while offering a broader range of games, may not always feature titles with the same lasting impact as “Rocket League.” This highlights the importance of considering the long-term value and cultural significance of games when assessing the worth of a free game offering.
The August 2016 PlayStation Plus free games offered a diverse selection of titles that appealed to a wide range of players. While the overall reception was positive, the selection sparked discussions about the evolving nature of PlayStation Plus and the value of its free game offerings. This period serves as a fascinating snapshot in the history of PlayStation Plus, highlighting the platform’s constant evolution and its commitment to providing value to its subscribers.
Get ready to dive into some awesome free games this August, PlayStation Plus members! While you’re busy racking up trophies, remember that safety is paramount. The National Transportation Safety Board is pushing for speed reduction technology in every new car, which could drastically reduce accidents. So, enjoy those free games, but always drive responsibly!