The Christmas and New Year period is not only a time for gatherings with family, delicious food, singing together and being “home alone”. Electronic gaming is becoming more popular and a form of leisure time used by an increasing number of recipients, and Microsoft and Sony's services meet this goal, providing convenient access to many games. What titles are worth checking out this holiday season? Learn about some of our suggestions.
The last days of December seem like a very good opportunity to catch up on what's happened throughout 2023, but it's also an ideal time to test out many of the products included in the most popular subscriptions. Next week, many of you will likely be hosting families with slightly younger or older children, and while you may not have the right games that will provide a lot of fun, whether during short or longer periods of play, your PlayStation Plus and Xbox Game Libraries can Pass will bring some surprises.
What games can we offer for the little ones, but also for the slightly older ones, i.e. school-age and toddlers? Or maybe you're looking for a solid title for an evening with your significant other? In this small guide, I have selected interesting products that can attract not only experienced gamers dedicated to the monitor for a long time!
PS Plus and Xbox Game Pass games for teens
LEGO 2K Engine
- Subscription: PS Plus Basic
- game time: 7-8 hours
- cooperation: 1-2 (1-6 online)
Fast riding with good range? The latest version of LEGO not only allows you to have great fun while competing with others, because the Visual Concepts studio has developed a comprehensive vehicle creation system. Young electronic gaming enthusiasts can spend a lot of time building the craziest constructions, which they will then set off on the track.
Adventures from the Paw Patrol series
- Subscription: PS Plus Extra/Premium i Xbox Game Pass
- game time: 3-4 hours
- cooperation: By game (details below)
A large portion of the younger audience simply loves Paw Patrol! Fortunately, Sony and Microsoft subscriptions allow us to check out many games from the series and experience adventures with cute pets – a Paw Patrol game in action! (PS Plus Extra/Premium – 1 player), PAW Patrol: Adventure City Calls (PS Plus Extra/Premium – 1-2 players), PAW Patrol: Space Girls Save Adventure Bay (PS Plus Extra/Premium and Xbox Game Pass – 1 – 2 players), PAW Patrol: Grand Prix (Xbox Game Pass, 1-4 players). The quality of some of the indicated items leaves something to be desired, but more important for children are the tasks performed with the dog idols.
My friend Peppa Pig
- Subscription: PS Plus Extra/Premium i Xbox Game Pass
- game time: 1 hour
- cooperation: loss
Are you looking for an accessible game for little ones? The colorful production will not tire even viewers who are only a few years old, but will allow them to play the role of Peppa Pig's new friend. During the adventure, you will visit many famous locations and experience many adventures heavily inspired by the multi-season anime.
Maine Craft
- Subscription: Xbox Game Pass
- Game time: As long as you can control it 😉
- Cooperative: 1-4
For many years, Mojang's cube world has been a continuing success that engages millions of players. Minecraft can be a lot of fun for people of all ages – some simply run around the map, others use their ingenuity and unlimited creativity to build various structures, and then jump on servers and try to survive in large worlds full of dangers.
Sackboy: The Big Adventure
- Subscription: PS Plus Extra/Premium
- game time: 10-11 hours
- cooperation: 1-4
A nice and light 3D platformer that doesn't require a lot of skill, players can enjoy exploring the colorful and impressive locations together. The creators have introduced a great costume system that will especially appeal to younger audiences – many of the costumes available on the PlayStation Store are worth downloading.
Party animals
- Subscription: Xbox Game Pass
- game time: The largest number possible!
- cooperation: 1-4
A combination of an arcade game and a fighting game, where players take on the role of cute and cuddly animals competing in various competitions. Party Animals offers very fun gameplay, and the great challenge facing participants is not only other opponents, but also its distinctive movement and control system – the game does offer split-screen co-op, although Inclusion is not the easiest thing. However, the title offers a lot of gameplay and allows quick matches, thanks to which we can systematically pass the controller to the second player after the competition.
PS Plus and Xbox Game Pass games for older kids and teens
Powerwash simulator
- Subscription: PS Plus Essential on Xbox Game Pass
- game time: 37 hours
- cooperation: loss
You've already cleaned all the windows before Christmas, but you still need to burn a bucket of salad, half a tray of cheesecake and a kilogram of tangerines? PowerWash Simulator is one of the unexpected proofs that even laundry (virtual laundry only!) can be a lot of fun.
Exit 2
- Subscription: PS Plus Extra/Premium
- game time: 8-9 hours
- cooperation: 1-4
The iconic action is back thanks to a wide-ranging sequel. The game should be particularly suitable for slightly older teenage players, because in many moments cooperation at a sufficiently high level will be necessary. However, the developers of SMG Studio have provided a number of accessibility options, thanks to which even the smallest can cope with lifting a wardrobe or throwing chairs – many funny and unexpected situations are guaranteed.
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
- Subscription: PS Plus Extra/Premium
- game time: 11 hours
- cooperation: loss
Ratchet's incredible adventure is one of the showcases of the PlayStation 5's capabilities. Adventurers can have a lot of fun… and only at some moments does the help of an older sibling or parent seem necessary. However, it is worth keeping this title in mind, because the relatively enjoyable and not long play time will allow you to play the game with your family in just a few days.
Overcooked 2
- Subscription: PS Plus Extra/Premium i Xbox Game Pass
- game time: 7 hours
- cooperation: 1-4
Can't get enough of making dumplings together? Overcooked 2 is one of the most interesting cooperative products for players who love cooperation, without forgetting to compete and fight under time pressure. Ghost Town Games can sometimes overwhelm your cooking students, so be careful with your controllers!
Rayman Legends
- Subscription: PS Plus Extra/Premium i Xbox Game Pass
- game time: 10 hours
- cooperation: 1-4
It's not the newest offering, but there's no doubt that Rayman can consistently entertain and provide a lot of fun. The game can be tiring, but fans of co-op and dynamic action are able to forget about the dumplings and the borscht will go cold when they fall into the whirlpool of fast-paced running and fun.
exit
- Subskrypcja: Xbox Game Pass Ultimate (EA Play)
- Game duration: 6-7 hours
- Cooperative: 2 (mandatory!)
The world has raved about It Takes Two in recent years, but perhaps it's worth checking out Josef Fares' previous match? A Way Out also offers co-op, but this time players take on the role of two prisoners who must face several challenges.
PS Plus and Xbox Game Pass games for adults
cocoon
- Subscription: Xbox Game Pass
- game time: 5 hours
- cooperation: loss
The logical adventure production from the lead designer of Limbo and Inside has received industry appreciation. The game received a “Best Debut Indie Game” award and an 88% rating, which only encourages the session. Cocoon is one of those great games that you can easily complete in one evening… and the impressions will be unforgettable!
Life is Strange series
- Subscription: PS Plus Extra/Premium
- game time: 10-14 hours
- cooperation: loss
In the PS Plus catalog you will find a series of games from the Life is Strange series, which made a great impression on many users and allowed them to experience unforgettable stories. The first part received particularly good reviews – given the story and accessible gameplay, the entire series can be a nice diversion from another viewing of “Kevin.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GAW HzGNcTEw
It takes two
- Subscription: PS Plus Extra/Premium (until 17.01) and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate
- game time: 14 hours
- cooperation: 2 (mandatory!)
Definitely the best sofa co-op game out there – and a perfect title for slightly older and mature gamers. If you are looking for a production that encourages your other half to play or you like to chat casually with a friend via console – It Takes Two can easily be considered one of the best games of recent years, which in addition to great gameplay, offers a touching story. The game is 100% focused on cooperation, during the game we constantly see a split screen, but the influences of the work of the Hazelight studio encourage us to spend long hours in front of the screen.
Josant
- Subscription: Xbox Game Pass
- game time: 4 hours
- cooperation: loss
Are you looking for a one night adventure? Gossaint is one of the latest productions from the Life is Strange creators that cannot be ignored. During the game, we play the role of a young man – his task is to climb a large tower and discover the subsequent secrets not only of the mysterious object towering over the entire Earth, but also of its authors. The game turns out to be one of the gems of 2023.
Dark Images series anthology
- Subscription: PS Plus Extra/Premium
- game time: 4-6 hours
- cooperation: 1-5 players
Sony has been collaborating with Supermassive Games for years, thanks to which in PS Plus Extra/Premium you can see, among others, three themed titles from The Dark Pictures anthology (Man of Medan, House of Ashes, Little Hope). The stories are not the longest, but thanks to the different modes we can play with friends and have some fun.
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