The Overlooked Action Experiences Waiting on PlayStation Plus
If you’re hungry for exhilarating action but want to maximize the value of your PlayStation Plus subscription, the service offers a treasure trove of underappreciated titles that go far beyond the mainstream. From neo-noir brawlers to modern paranormal thrillers and cult classics reborn for new hardware, the PlayStation Plus catalog is a playground for anyone craving fast-paced gameplay and rich narrative experiences.
inFAMOUS First Light: Mastery of Neon in a Striking Seattle
inFAMOUS First Light stands out as a must-play, whether you’re new to the series or a returning fan. Stepping into the shoes of Fetch, a protagonist wielding neon-laced superpowers, players traverse an open-world Seattle brimming with dynamic battles and interactive side quests. The game’s fluid movement mechanics and visually striking abilities mark it as an essential introduction to PlayStation’s celebrated superhero saga, even holding up impressively against recent releases.
Dino Crisis: Survival Horror Action Re-Energized
Action meets primal terror in Dino Crisis, where players guide Regina through mazes of raptors and T-Rex encounters in a government facility gone wrong. Unlike its slower-paced survival horror contemporaries, Dino Crisis keeps you on your toes with relentless threats and puzzle-driven progression. Though access requires PlayStation Plus Premium, its adaptation for new consoles resurrects an era-defining experience for current gamers.
Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number – Top-Down Mayhem
Ultra-violent and rhythmically charged, Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number delivers neon-drenched chaos and a pulse-pounding soundtrack. The sequel juggles multiple perspectives, building on the narrative tapestry of the first entry. The real allure lies in its quick retries and perfectly tuned enemy patterns, offering a brutally satisfying challenge. Both Hotline Miami games are included in PlayStation Plus, though searching for them in the catalog can be a bit tricky.
Control: Bend Reality with Paranormal Power
Remedy Entertainment’s Control is a masterpiece of supernatural action, narrative intrigue, and mutable environments. As Jesse Faden, you command a shape-shifting weapon and harness reality-bending abilities, exploring the ever-shifting halls of the Federal Bureau of Control. Strategic use of the Service Weapon’s various forms, combined with levitation and telekinesis, creates encounters that demand on-the-fly tactical experimentation. If you appreciate artful worldbuilding and tight combat, Control is a highpoint in the PlayStation Plus catalog.
Crow Country: Nostalgia-Fueled Survival Horror
Crow Country captures the spirit of ’90s horror classics with a PS1-inspired visual style and a dense, eerie atmosphere. While the low-poly graphics evoke nostalgia, the gameplay integrates modern design sensibilities—smart inventory management and immersive 3D audio elevate the suspense. The game’s tight, mysterious narrative unfolds over a focused experience, making it a must-try for fans of psychological horror and atmospheric adventure.
Gravity Rush 2: Defying Gravity, Expanding Horizons
As Kat, the gravity-defying hero, players unlock three unique gravity styles, each transforming movement and combat in delightfully inventive ways. Gravity Rush 2 expands the original premise, letting players soar through sprawling cities and unravel a plot filled with whimsical and dark turns. While knowledge of the first game enhances the story, the sequel’s standalone qualities make it accessible to new players. Those with PlayStation Plus Premium can also enjoy the remastered original, but the sequel remains the jewel of the series on the service.
Ape Escape: Platforming and Chaos Unleashed
For many, Ape Escape conjures fond memories of zany monkey-chasing mayhem. Its unique use of analog controls and inventive gadgets are timeless, providing a playful alternative to the intensity of typical action games. Modern audiences can discover the series through PlayStation Plus Premium, reliving iconic moments or experiencing them for the first time. The enduring appeal is evident in its ongoing legacy and pop culture references across PlayStation universes.
Dishonored 2: Stealth, Power, and Morality Intertwined
Arkane Studios brings razor-sharp stealth and layered world-building to the forefront with Dishonored 2. Players choose between Corvo Attano or Empress Emily Kaldwin, each offering unique supernatural abilities, in a richly detailed steampunk world. The chaos system rewards creativity in approaching missions, with every choice impacting the fate of Karnaca. Non-lethal routes, inventive gadgets, and open-ended level design keep replay value high—plus, it’s available on every PlayStation Plus tier.
God of War 3 Remastered: Mythic Combat at its Best
God of War’s Olympus-shattering action reaches its crescendo with this definitive release. The remaster brings modern visuals and smoother gameplay to Kratos’s relentless campaign against the gods. For fans of epic battles, intricate environmental puzzles, and emotionally charged storytelling, this installment is a must-experience chapter that continues to resonate within the PlayStation legacy.
While PlayStation Plus houses big-name franchises, it’s the underrated gems that often provide the most unexpected thrills and enduring satisfaction. Whether you crave gravity-defying adventure, horror nostalgia, or stylish ultraviolence, the PlayStation Plus library is brimming with action games that shouldn’t be underestimated. Jump in and discover what you’ve been missing.
