Sony Expands PlayStation Plus Game Catalog with “Final Fantasy XVI”
Sony has announced a significant addition to the PlayStation Plus game catalog, bringing the latest title from Square Enix, “Final Fantasy XVI,” to subscribers for free. This marks an exciting opportunity for players to experience one of the most anticipated games in the long-running “Final Fantasy” series.
Despite being a three-year-old game, “Final Fantasy XVI” is still considered a recent release and represents the latest installment in a franchise known for its long gaps between releases. The game has been making waves since its debut, offering a fresh take on the series that fans have come to love.
A Darker Direction for “Final Fantasy XVI”
“Final Fantasy XVI” joins the PS Plus game catalog as revealed in a recent blog post by PlayStation. The game will be available globally on June 16, exclusively for the PS5. It’s set in the war-torn world of Valisthea, where players assume the role of Clive Rosfield, First Shield of Rosaria and protector of his younger brother Joshua.
The PlayStation Blog described the game as a complex tale of revenge, power struggles, and unavoidable tragedy. What sets “Final Fantasy XVI” apart from previous entries in the series is its shift to real-time action combat. It is the first mainline “Final Fantasy” title built entirely as an action RPG, moving away from the classic turn-based system in favor of fast-paced, Eikonic-powered battles.
Players can harness the powers of massive summoned creatures known as Eikons throughout the campaign, which gives fights a spectacle rarely seen in prior entries.
Additional Titles Added to PS Plus
The addition of “Final Fantasy XVI” is not the only highlight for June. Sony has also brought a “Destiny 2” collection to the PS Plus game catalog for Extra and Premium subscribers. This follows the game’s shutdown confirmation, making it a valuable addition for players looking to enjoy the game before its closure.
Sony is also implementing a phased rollout approach for select markets this month rather than dropping everything on one date. Titles will become available at different points throughout June for players in the US, UK, and Japan, while subscribers in all other regions get the full batch at once on June 16.
Other Games to Expect in PS Plus
In addition to “Final Fantasy XVI,” the June catalog includes several other titles across different consoles and tier levels. “Sonic X Shadow Generations,” available on both PS4 and PS5, is already live for Extra and Premium subscribers in the US and UK as of June 10, with Japan getting access on June 11.
“Kingdom Come: Deliverance” lands on June 23 for PS4 and PS5 subscribers in the US, UK, and Japan. The PS5 version specifically features graphical upgrades, including 4K resolution, improved framerates, and higher-resolution textures.
“Life is Strange: Double Exposure” is an exclusive release for the PS5, arriving on the same date. It brings back Max Caulfield from the original “Life is Strange,” this time navigating two parallel timelines after her friend’s mysterious murder.
Three more games roll out on June 30 for US, UK, and Japan subscribers, including “Farming Simulator 25,” “Blades of Fire,” and “Black Desert,” which are all available exclusively on the present-gen console.
PS Plus Premium subscribers are exclusively getting “Gitaroo Man,” which arrives globally on June 16 for both PS4 and PS5.
Conclusion
With the addition of “Final Fantasy XVI” and other notable titles, PlayStation Plus continues to offer a diverse range of games for its subscribers. Whether you’re a fan of action RPGs or looking for new experiences, there’s something for everyone in this month’s catalog. Make sure to check out the full list of games and plan your next gaming session accordingly.