Video games. You play them, otherwise, something tells me you wouldn’t be here. Since you’re here, you’re probably wondering what new games are going to be coming to PlayStation Plus as part of the Instant Game Collection in August. Well wonder no more, as we’re about to detail this month’s line up of games that are coming free to PS Plus members!

Hitman: Absolution brought a fine return to form for Agent 47 last year and now, this highly acclaimed title will be leading the way this month, supported by other fantastic titles like Bit.Trip Runner2, and plenty more!

In addition to the month outlook, you’ll also want to dig into the other PS Plus benefits this week. Sales on a ton of Rayman games, EscapeVektor, and more await, so read on, then let us know your thoughts in the comments.

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August Preview

The following games are slated to be free to PS Plus members through the Instant Game Collection in the month of August.

Hitman Absolution (PS3)

Regular Price: $19.99, Free for PS Plus members

Hitman Absolution offers freedom of choice, unique disguise gameplay and the innovative Contracts mode that lets you create your own hits by choosing the level, targets, weapons and the rules of assassination. In Contracts mode, you play to create, which means that no contract is impossible and that you are in control of how the contract is shaped. Contracts can be shared with friends or the whole Hitman community and the money that you earn will unlock weapons, upgrades and more disguises. This digital version includes the following:

• Deus Ex Disguise DLC for use in Contracts Mode.
• Deux Ex ‘Zenith’ Handgun DLC for use in Contracts Mode.
• Discount on the digital version of Sleeping Dogs.

Bit.Trip Presents Runner2: Future Legend of Rhythm Alien (PS3)

Regular Price: $14.99, Free for PS Plus members

Runner2 is a rhythm-music, auto-running platformer. Players will run through fantastic environments, using brand new moves, to amazing new soundtracks as they run, jump, slide, kick, and soar toward the goal of tracking down the Nefarious Timbletot who has un-fused CommanderVideo’s reality. Runner2 features 5 exciting worlds, 125 tantalizing levels and 5 death defying BOSS battles! Play as 8 different characters and find secret areas to unlock new and zany costumes!

Zen Pinball 2: Star Wars Pinball (PS3 – PS Vita Cross Buy)

Regular Price: $9.99, Free for PS Plus members

A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away…. Star Wars Pinball lets you relive the greatest moments of the Star Wars universe on a set of brand new pinball tables! In Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back lead the Rebellion with Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Chewbacca, Princess Leia, Lando Calrissian, R2-D2, and C-3PO to defeat Darth Vader and the evil Emperor. In The Clone Wars, join Anakin Skywalker and Ahsoka Tano as they battle the most dangerous Sith assassins in the galaxy. On the Boba Fett table, the player takes on the role of the most feared bounty hunter in the Star Wars galaxy, working for sinister clients such as Darth Vader and Jabba the Hutt.

Darkstalkers Chronicle: The Chaos Tower (PSP, Compatible with PS Vita)

Regular Price: $9.99, Free for PS Plus members

The secret power of the dark is unleashed! Fight head-to-head in a fierce and brutal battle for supremacy! Darkstalkers sets the standard for monster fantasy fighters. This fan favorite features vivid animations and unbeatable fighting combinations. This fighting phenomenon is updated, redesigned, and ready for a comeback.

Machinarium (PS Vita)

Regular Price: $6.99, Free for PS Plus members

The famous point-and-click adventure is now free for PS Vita PS Plus members. Winner of several awards including IGF – Excellence in Visual Art Award, DICE Awards Finalist, and Gamasutra – Best Indie Game Of The Year.

Leaving PS Plus In August

• 8/6 – Battlefield 3
• 8/13 – Labyrinth Legends
• 8/20 – Gods Eater Burst
• 8/20 – Malicious
• 8/27 – Dokuro

Entering PS Plus in August (in no particular order)

• Hitman: Absolution (PS3)
• Zen Pinball 2: Star Wars Pinball (PS3)
• Bit.Trip Presents Runner2: Future Legend of Rhythm Alien (PS3)
• Machinarium (PS Vita)
• Darkstalkers Chronicle: The Chaos Tower (PSP, Compatible with PS Vita)

Remember, check back every Monday to learn when Zen Pinball 2: Star Wars Pinball (PS3), Bit.Trip Presents Runner2: Future Legend of Rhythm Alien (PS3), Machinarium (PS Vita), and Darkstalkers Chronicle: The Chaos Tower (PS Vita, Compatible with PS Vita) is arriving to PS Plus members. You’ll also find more discounts and other exclusives that we weren’t able to detail here just yet. Remember the month preview is subject to change.

August 6th PlayStation Plus Update

Hitman Absolution (PS3)

Regular Price: $19.99, Free for PS Plus members

Hitman Absolution offers freedom of choice, unique disguise gameplay and the innovative Contracts mode that lets you create your own hits by choosing the level, targets, weapons and the rules of assassination. In Contracts mode, you play to create, which means that no contract is impossible and that you are in control of how the contract is shaped. Contracts can be shared with friends or the whole Hitman community and the money that you earn will unlock weapons, upgrades and more disguises. This digital version includes the following:

• Deus Ex Disguise DLC for use in Contracts Mode.
• Deux Ex ‘Zenith’ Handgun DLC for use in Contracts Mode.
• Discount on the digital version of Sleeping Dogs.

EscapeVektor

Regular Price: $9.99, PSN Sale Price: $4.99, PS Plus Price: $3.99

Vektor has been trapped inside the CPU for what feels like an eternity and you are his only hope of escape. As he travels through the CPU, help him recover his memories and destroy the different enemy types sent to hunt him. But be careful, the further Vektor gets, the more devious the CPU becomes!

Wicked Monsters Blast! HD

Regular Price: $9.99, PSN Sale Price: $4.99, PS Plus Price: $1.00

20 action-packed missions each with their own unique theme. Keep your students awake in Lazy Brain Attack, keep the hippos hungry in No Mercy for Hippos, and defeat Colonel Eureka in Desert Striker and many more!

Superfrog HD (PS3 and PS Vita Cross Buy)

Regular Price: $9.99, PS Plus Price: $7.99

Superfrog HD is the classic side-scrolling, 2D platformer developed by Team17. Launching originally in 1993 to much critical acclaim, Superfrog has now been re-imagined for PlayStation 3 and PS Vita. Superfrog HD features: 24 levels with enhanced HD graphics, a Level Editor and a new endless runner mode.

Rayman Sale

Various Discounts (PS3 and PS Vita)

Check out the following discounts to see if the Rayman title you might have missed is on sale!

What’s your favorite content from this week’s update?

What was your favorite content from July?

Thanks for reading this week’s update along with the month outlook. Got more questions on Plus? Leave your comments below, or, if you’re looking to engage with more of the PS community, make sure you head over to the PlayStation Community Forums to discuss this week’s news more, find other topics to contribute your thoughts to, or start one for yourself. See you in the comments!