PlayStation Plus: Free Games for April 2016

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PlayStation Plus: Free Games for April 2016
Andy Lum Sony Computer Entertainment America

Hi everyone — we’re happy to announce the PS4 Plus games for April. Pilot a warship escaping from a dying star in Dead Star or survive a zombie-infested London in Zombi on PS4.

First up we have Dead Star, a team-based shooter with RPG influence that we are excited to have launch as a Plus game. Dreamed up by the folks at Armature Studio (Founded by key members of the Metroid Prime team!), Dead Star is the result of a “Wouldn’t it be cool if…” process that started with a space shooter foundation and includes elements of strategy and MOBA-like titles.

The result is a 20-player online experience that’s easy to pick up and play, but also offers a great deal of depth (skill trees, ship upgrades, team strategy, and more). Dead Star has been a big hit at shows like PlayStation Experience and PAX South where players are finding something really special.

The second PS4 game this month is Zombi, a first-person survival-horror experience. Zombi really was at the forefront of the resurgence we’ve seen in recent years of genuine survival-horror games. The London setting combined with well-paced gameplay sets Zombi apart from more action-oriented titles. Add in the extra challenge of permadeath and it’s easy to see why this game became a cult hit.

In the last several years we’ve seen a lot of experimentation with the blending of genres. This month’s PS4 titles are shining examples of the kinds of mashups that create a lot of rich and layered gaming experiences.

So, in addition to your opinions on this month’s PS Plus titles, I’d also like to hear about your thoughts on game genres, what you find appealing, and why.

Full Lineup:

  • A Virus Named Tom, PS Vita
  • Dead Star, PS4
  • I Am Alive, PS3
  • Savage Moon, PS3
  • Shutshimi, PS Vita
  • Zombi, PS4

See you in the comments section. Enjoy.

dead starPlayStation 4playstation gamesplaystation pluszombi

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666 Comments

  • THKillerX
    March 30, 2016 at 10:20 am PDT

    I want more flash sales and good deals, please sony give us this… because that is the only thing that gives me hope in this service.

  • Fuhr31
    March 30, 2016 at 10:26 am PDT

    I’ve never even heard of any of these games…

  • Fenestrata
    March 30, 2016 at 10:26 am PDT

    Read carefully, children.

    http://www.polygon.com/2015/12/6/9856220/playstation-plus-2015free-games-worth-rating-comparison

    http://www.polygon.com/2015/12/6/9855938/xbox-games-with-gold-free-games-2015-list-comparison

    • Akmaljon
      March 30, 2016 at 10:46 am PDT

      ok, replay:
      #1. These are counts if you own all 3 consoles.
      #2. Original Prices are taken into calculation, no matter if game is old or cheap on sale.
      #3. Games on ps+ are rented not permanently given.
      Overall, Whoever made that article isn’t professional. Otherwise, he would take many other factors into consideration. Doesn’t make sense at all. Value is not that high but still more than $50 if u enjoy most of the titles, which isn’t really happening.

    • zeil999
      March 30, 2016 at 10:53 am PDT

      Wait…. did I just see Thief and Assassin’s Creed 4 being offered twice in a year for the Xbox GWG?!?! That’s pure horse manure. At least PS+ doesn’t repeat their offerings.

    • zeil999
      March 30, 2016 at 11:03 am PDT

      Oh, I see what they did. One release is for 360 and the other for XBOne.

    • liorbu
      March 30, 2016 at 2:05 pm PDT

      Divided by platform, that’s an average of 300$ per platform for playstation and 450$ for Xbox.

      Also- WOW this pile of **** is worth 1000$ it’s so much better than this 900$ cake!

  • play-end
    March 30, 2016 at 10:27 am PDT

    Are you Sony ?
    I Am Alive was free !
    Why ?

    • Akmaljon
      March 30, 2016 at 10:47 am PDT

      It was mistake in the first week of march, but then they fixed it. If you go right now you will see Stardust HD

    • iansanzo
      March 30, 2016 at 10:48 am PDT

      Yea It was a free before. I remember downloading it and deleting the game after an hour of playing it.
      Is it just me or are they repeating the game as a free game?

  • Raptor_Taco
    March 30, 2016 at 10:28 am PDT

    I am 100% okay with the ps4 titles. Zombi seems like the perfect ps+ game for me. I’ve been interested in seeing what it’s about, but never quite sold on it at the prices it’s been at.

  • Shoom
    March 30, 2016 at 10:28 am PDT

    People want AAA titles that came out years ago…if you cared that much for the title…why didn’t you just buy it like the rest of us when it came out.

    • Cruel_Elijah
      March 30, 2016 at 10:41 am PDT

      Even I own Killzone and I like it, I’ll want as many other people to experience it as possible, and if it’s free for plus all my friends can download it even if they aren’t willing to buy it. That’s just one reason people want these games to be free.

  • betoojeda
    March 30, 2016 at 10:28 am PDT

    Comeeeeeee on!!!! Where is the AAA Game?? Knack, The Order, Killzone, something like that!!!!

  • nosforatu75
    March 30, 2016 at 10:34 am PDT

    I have been saying this for quite some time now. Every since Sony rolled out the Beta for PS Now, I felt it would affect PS Plus, and it has. Many of you ask why or have noticed the sub par offerings, it is due to PS Now and them pushing that service. Most of the games offered on PS Now for the PS3 probably would be on PS Plus but instead, you get Indie titles. What we pay for now with Plus is just an online service and nothing more. The perks of getting “free” quality games is gone for the most part. Think about it, why would Sony from a financial standpoint give you something free if they can make you pay for it. Only until their pocket book is affected, they are not going to change their business strategy. The cost of an Indie game compared to a AAA title, is pennies on the dollar.

    • ArunTahlan
      March 30, 2016 at 11:28 am PDT

      PS Now can fail hard for all I care. Who asked for cloud gaming anyways? Didn’t they learn from OnLive? Cloud gaming is suitable only for a very limited userbase with perfect broadband and unlimited data caps. For most folks its just pointless and expensive.

    • liorbu
      March 30, 2016 at 2:05 pm PDT

      That actually makes a lot of sense! Of course it’s greed… it’s ALWAYS greed.

    • Nerofive4
      April 5, 2016 at 5:19 pm PDT

      I would love to see how many subscribers PS NOW actually has. I just have a hard time imaging the service being successful at the price point they offer it (or even at 50% the cost). It truly only makes sense for someone on the go with a vita, and access to powerful wifi, which makes the target demographic similar to a unicorn (exists only in our imagination).

  • SporkimusPrime
    March 30, 2016 at 10:35 am PDT

    Awesome game selection. Thanks Sony!

  • smartham
    March 30, 2016 at 10:36 am PDT

    I wish I had waited on Zombi. Bought it during one of the sales for $10. Wasn’t worth it. It’s a big, fat, resounding “eh.”

  • iansanzo
    March 30, 2016 at 10:44 am PDT

    If I remember correctly, I Am Alive was a free game sometime in the past. I’m pretty sure it was since I downloaded it but didn’t play it since I never liked the game.

    Can anyone confirm this please?

    • Akmaljon
      March 30, 2016 at 10:49 am PDT

      yea, they did big mistake in the first week of march, but then they fixed it; replacing I am Alive with Sturdust HD. whoever picked it up has it

  • DewBaNator
    March 30, 2016 at 10:45 am PDT

    Has anyone given any thought to allowing those with only a PS4 to take advantage of the free PS3 games each month by unlocking them through PlayStation Now?

    • Akmaljon
      March 30, 2016 at 10:50 am PDT

      N.O.T. (Neither Of That – reference to many player demands ^.^)gonna happen my friend. Sony is too greedy.

  • thebignalga
    March 30, 2016 at 10:45 am PDT

    It’s funny that they say here for us to not be a jerk, i think they want that privilege for them selfs, they keep sending weak indies and low AAA, they throw as with GOW Ascension and they think their job is done, we sony gamers ask tomatos and they give us one potato chip already chewed, my only reason for me to buy the plus is the Cloud and the online option, and that’s sad because i joined plus for the awesome games at the time, and yeah i know that everyone has an opinion, but look at xbox gold first and compare with the last plus months.

  • XReiganX
    March 30, 2016 at 10:45 am PDT

    So disapointed, so very disapointed…

  • GRIFTER223
    March 30, 2016 at 10:46 am PDT

    Every month I come on here and I hear people complain about the games that we’re getting for free you know really people Xbox had to pay to play online for years and years and years it was just a matter of time until Sony caught up now as for the games most of these games are good games I own most of them so that’s why I’m wondering if Sony just takes a look at my download list and I’m wondering what they’re going to give everybody for free that I’ve already paid for

    • GRIFTER223
      March 30, 2016 at 10:49 am PDT

      And this month it was 3 games that I already owned, my wife told me to just quit buying games and wait to get them free in a couple months she has a point you know I’m already paying for a subscription yet I wasted a good fifty sixty bucks on the three games that I already owned out of this month’s lineup

  • nemiben
    March 30, 2016 at 10:48 am PDT

    Personally I think the xbox live free games have been better in the past months. I’d love to have a proper ps4 game for example one of the infamous serious or an fps for the ps4. Ps3 games are usually not to bad but not brilliant either. It feels like when you give something just to make people shut up. I know you can’t do good for everyone but still a bit more serious title would be appreciated!

  • Aisenfield
    March 30, 2016 at 10:49 am PDT

    Nice pick on Zombie, I loved this title on Wii U, if somehow you can deliver the same expierence of the original game (you have the ps vita and smartphones)..

  • VTHateMe05
    March 30, 2016 at 10:50 am PDT

    The same people come to complain ever month. All expecting 2 $20-$60 games, online access, and discounts for $4 a month. All talking about how cheap Sony is. Kinda funny how you say Sony is cheap. You realize they are buying license in bulk from developers with your whole$4. Do you go to Mcdonalds and order from the dollar menu and ask why am I not getting a steak? Why would they put Knack or Killzone if they are still making some money? Why would Sony or developers give it to you at wholesale?

    I have a idea Sony should come up with a upgrade service where they charge $50-$60 dollars every month and you can choose your own 2 games. No online access.

    As for the games. I am actually happy with most of them. Good to get games that I would not have tried. I also have a PS3 still so I enjoy those games as well. Kings quest was a great adventure game and Bro Force is fun and addictive. I was not a plus member when Rocket League came out (which is one of my favorite games) was free but bought it on sale for $11. Most people got it for Free. Part of there yearly $50 or less fee.

    • Akmaljon
      March 30, 2016 at 11:00 am PDT

      And there is same faces every month trying to mock those who doesn’t like the line up. Just let them get their rage out, for they have right to do so!

      ps: u call out $4 a month, but u not thinking in corporation level! in 2014 number of ps+ subscribers were 7.9 MILLION, right now EVEN MORE. multiply that by $50 and do the math, Professor!

    • ArunTahlan
      March 30, 2016 at 11:40 am PDT

      Simple math shows that its atleast 1 Billion dollars of free money per year for Sony (assuming conservatively that only half the PS4 owners are PS+ subscribers). I guess Soný would just like to adjust that Billion dollars elsewhere to make the overall company look good, instead of spending it on games and online infrastructure as it.should be. The earlier PlayStation division gets spun off from Sony, the better.

    • Meteora_123
      March 30, 2016 at 12:06 pm PDT

      I want to give you a different perspective on this situation. People pay $50 annually right which comes down to approximately $4 every month for PS plus. All that money goes towards signing deals with independent developers like Armature (Dead Star), so they can offer their game for “free”. While Gamer A who paid $50/year that loves and prefers independently developed games over games from renowned publishers is getting a good deal out of this, Gamer B who’s expecting a decent game from a known publisher/developer once in a while feels cheated. The problem is there is no variety. Nothing wrong with the indies, but when you have nothing to offer except those,people will complain because this service is not worthwhile for them.

    • VTHateMe05
      March 30, 2016 at 1:35 pm PDT

      Simple math? How do you get a billion dollars from 8 million users?

    • ArunTahlan
      March 30, 2016 at 11:54 pm PDT

      @VTHateMe05: Total number of PS4 sold is nearing 40 million. Give that PS+ is mandatory for multiplayer, it’s a safe estate that atleast half the userbase is a PS+ subscriber i.e. 20million. So, 20 million X $50 = $1000 million, i.e. 1 Billion. That’s the simple math for you.

    • ArunTahlan
      March 30, 2016 at 11:57 pm PDT

      And of course this doesn’t even take into account part of the significant PS3 and PS Vita only userbase which has PS+. Not all PS+ subscribers are PS4 owners.

  • faisalahmadi
    March 30, 2016 at 10:52 am PDT

    hmm -_-

  • LUCIFERSGLEAM
    March 30, 2016 at 10:52 am PDT

    PlayStation poop

  • Millentree10
    March 30, 2016 at 10:57 am PDT

    Those of us with ps3/psvita don’t /have/ to have plus. . . Give us better games! At this point I’m only keeping the subscription to keep all the past “free” games like muramasa, dragons crown and gravity rush. . . lately the free vita games look straight off a mobile app store (looking at you, a virus named Tom). To be fair Shutshimi looks like it could be kinda cool.

  • wildhair69
    March 30, 2016 at 11:03 am PDT

    Where is (The Forest?)

  • N33k5IsAZombie
    March 30, 2016 at 11:07 am PDT

    It is kind of bothersome to see people whining and complaining about almost free games… Also seeing people asking for games that were up for free near ps4 launch… I have had my PS+ sub since a time in which we pretty much only got PSminis and PSOne Classics. I won’t lie probably the two games I will pickup this time are Zombi and I Am Alive. Still going to get Zombi U on my husband’s WiiU but yeah. I rarely like everything in a lineup and that is fine some people will try something new others might be getting a digital of a physical they had. I appreciate the discounts and exclusive swag I can’t say how much PS+ has saved me over the years but I am certain it has paid for itself.

  • firetox
    March 30, 2016 at 11:08 am PDT

    A Virus Named Tom, PS Vita – dont care
    Dead Star, PS4 – another top down indi space game , cant be worse that Galak-Z .. can it?
    I Am Alive, PS3 – already have it
    Savage Moon, PS3 – dont care
    Shutshimi, PS Vita – dont care
    Zombi, PS4 – old wii game …. seriously? may not be an indi game but it sure looks like one

    why not try something different.

    idea 1 : give ps4 1 AAA game a month and a choice between like 3 indi trash games, then just give ps3 and vita access to playstation now games and use the plus membership as the fee

    idea 2 : balance the indi with the AAA games one each (even if they are old i would rather have a good game over some 16 bit indi trash)

    idea 3 : if you already own a game you should get a credit to your account for the current price of the game so we can try something different

    dont get me wrong not all indi games are trash, Binding of Isaac Rebirth has been played in my house every day since the release

  • dizeeStL
    March 30, 2016 at 11:14 am PDT

    trash games from a trash company ever since ps plus became a paywall for ps4.

    keep up the joke work sony

  • gameman15
    March 30, 2016 at 11:18 am PDT

    Pretty good lineup I have to say. Even though I already have Zombi on the Wii U (under the title “ZombiU”). Oh well, I’ve read that the PS4 version doesn’t have more content than the Wii U version (other than the inclusion of two additional melee weapons) and it has certain features removed (including the multiplayer mode).

  • Minitaur999
    March 30, 2016 at 11:27 am PDT

    ZOMBI YES, FINALLY

    A PREMIUM GAME AGAIN! (one i dont loathe) seriously you think zombi isnt good??? lol, as if you want no man’s sky to be a ps+ IGC game on launch lol.

    sports are tough because some like football, others like baseball, others hate both, love hockey etc…

    sony has to have willing IGC contracts. Indies dont mind giving free because its PR.

    Big buck publishers want their money. i think sony was working hard for us back when kristine was doing the vids. now i never even see replies. seems they dont care and ps4 titles are up because ps3 is going down, yet MLB is coming out on it lol.

  • pudgenet
    March 30, 2016 at 11:31 am PDT

    Not being a hater, just adding my two cents (as a loyal paying customer, trying to give constructive feedback): this is the worst PS+ lineup for me in awhile. Some of my least-favorite genres: survival, zombies, tower. I’ll give Dead Moon a shot, but I am not a big fan of shooters anymore.

  • Lizardking_8989
    March 30, 2016 at 11:37 am PDT

    Both games look pretty decent but Xbox killed it this month. Why can’t you sprinkle some older AAA games in with the indie stuff you give us each month? Said it before, if I didn’t need PS plus to play online these “free” games wouldn’t be an incentive to keep resubbing.

  • FeistFan
    March 30, 2016 at 11:40 am PDT

    Not sure anyone from Sony will get to the third (or fourth) page of comments, but…

    It would sure be nice if they’d provide links to an information page about each game, maybe with a preview video. Yes, I know I can go hit Google and YouTube and track down all of these – but it would be nice if links were provided already.

    • FeistFan
      March 30, 2016 at 11:41 am PDT

      …and five seconds of game action in the announcement video isn’t what I’m talking about. I’m talking about trailer-style videos, which I’m sure exist somewhere for all six game.

  • dbvirago
    March 30, 2016 at 11:41 am PDT

    I am Alive might be worth a shot, but I can’t believe in the entire history of the PS3 they can’t throw us an A-lister every other month or so.

    • Lizardking_8989
      March 30, 2016 at 12:12 pm PDT

      Why not?The PS4 has been around long enough to throw in an old AAA every two months or so. I don’t mind a good indie game but this lineup is garbage in comparrion to the competition.

  • mgarc1125
    March 30, 2016 at 11:42 am PDT

    Sigh, another bad lineup. At this rate I’m never resubscribing, not even to finish games I had previously acquired when I was subscribed. As someone who doesn’t play online, PlayStation Plus has almost no value anymore. The quality and variety of games and genres has been horrible for months. And the quality of the PS3 and Vita games is almost inexcusable given how large the back catalog is for those games. These games probably cost almost nothing to provide us at this point.

    I’m sick of 2d side scrollers, top down space shooters, and multiplayer only games. I would like to see more high quality (some AAA) single player experiences and genres like first person shooters, third person shooters, puzzle games like portal, and open world games.

    Recently a friend asked me what console to choose between XBOX ONE and PS4. He likes mostly multi-platform games and wanted to know which online service is better. I told him to get an XBOX One because the online is mostly the same but XBOX Live Games with Gold is much better than PS Plus games at this point. And with the backwards compatible 360 games its a no-brainer what’s the better choice right now.

  • Alecj22
    March 30, 2016 at 11:46 am PDT

    Actually interested in trying Zombi. Its been on my radar since it debuted on the WiiU. A good choice by Sony, IMHO.

    As for Dead Star…..bleck.

    I played it during the beta. I just wasnt fun. Your mileage my vary, so I advise everyone to check it out for themselves, but it definitely was a big miss for me.

    Dont know much about the other titles yet. Im predominantly on PS4 these days. I havent even turned my PS3 on in forever. I cant go back to the Dual Shock 3….it feels so mushy after using the DS4 all the time. What a great controller the DS4 is.

    Anyhoo– Hope everyone at least finds something to enjoy this month!

  • Akuma_Nouta
    March 30, 2016 at 11:48 am PDT

    Absolute garbage for the PS3. I know the focus has shifted to the PS4 but you still have millions playing on PS3. Why are you giving us these no-value trash? Compared to the instant game collection days, this is just a bad joke.

  • NickNacca611
    March 30, 2016 at 11:48 am PDT

    I’m only posting this because im tired of the entitled people acting like they are owed games. No one is forcing you to purchase this service. I, personally, and happy. Thanks Sony.

  • Dopethrone_666
    March 30, 2016 at 11:56 am PDT

    Im only posting because im tired of corporate apologist like Nicknacca611, that only exist to lick every step Sony or other corporation takes. No one forced us to purchase the service, we paid for it willingly and as such we are indeed entitled to express our dissatisfaction just as you are entitled to like to post your boot licking. Its great that you are happy with the service. Who are you to diminish the voices of those who think different than you?

  • Wetmas95
    March 30, 2016 at 12:01 pm PDT

    Playstation plus has turned to crap. Sony, please offer a multiplayer only payment plan.

  • bobbycracky
    March 30, 2016 at 12:02 pm PDT

    I Am Alive, PS3, this some kind of f**kin joke?

  • Darkraltz
    March 30, 2016 at 12:04 pm PDT

    I am a live is a broke game, you play and some times frozen de ps3… redowload and again freeze…

  • Rites_Of_Drugula
    March 30, 2016 at 12:06 pm PDT

    Agreed, this service has turned into such a disgrace. And to Nicknacca611, guess what? Before the PS4 existed, people joined this service to get the games offered, it was its main drawback. It’s only now that the online got kidnapped behind a paywall that people think the games are just a bonus, when that is absolutely not the case. So lets not pretend the “free games” (we are paying for) makes us entitled. We pay for this and we expect a good service, no more and no less.

  • Welmosca
    March 30, 2016 at 12:11 pm PDT

    Hoou Dead Star is way better than I thought,game looks awesome looking forward to try it out.And that zombi game ha glad to see it for free on Plus cuz thats the only way I could ever get that game,wouldn’t pay a cent for it.

    Also looking forward to try the other games…the only game I already have there is I Am Alive.Pretty good month.

  • american_36
    March 30, 2016 at 12:17 pm PDT

    No offense, but the last time I really got something out of the PS Plus Games was around the Vita launch with Gravity Rush. It’s a great idea all in all, but the quality of the provides games has gotten bad to very bad..

    I’d rather have ONE game for the systems every TWO months and get a high quality game, than getting 10 experimental/lowlevel/very old games very few people would have bought on their own..

    Isn’t there a better way for you guys to spend your money? (Just some honest opinion from a longtime gamer/fan. Thanks for reading)

    • JSEVERITT
      March 30, 2016 at 1:07 pm PDT

      Personally, I like the smaller experimental games. They’re typically a more risky purchase, as you never really know what to expect. That being the case, I buy some, but skip a lot. The same can’t be said for lager, AAA, games. While their original price point may be higher, you almost always know what to expect. When I buy uncharted 4, I basically know what I’m getting, etc. Basically, the way they’ve run PS+ lately has been great, in my opinion.

  • CH3L0_
    March 30, 2016 at 12:19 pm PDT

    Another spaceship game? Great… also a Wii port instead if Dying Light? Lol

  • mr_snout
    March 30, 2016 at 12:23 pm PDT

    Vita owner here…. This is a pretty good month. Looking forward to the selections

  • StrangeMunch1991
    March 30, 2016 at 12:27 pm PDT

    hell yea if playstation did more free games months like this one i bee happy year round, this is a amazing lineup. both ps4 games look good as well as both ps3 games. great job this why im playstation for life and never looking at xbox again

  • LeandroDiFini
    March 30, 2016 at 12:31 pm PDT

    Ugh… Nothing excites me this month… Unfortunately, I’m getting used to saying that.
    Though I said the same thing last month and the titles actually surprised me: both Broforce were really fun.
    I’ll give a try to all of them and maybe one will catch me fancy. :)

  • summerinoctober
    March 30, 2016 at 12:34 pm PDT

    The PS3 was easily the best console of last generation even after Sony’s original pricing screw up. Since they fixed things and Microsoft shot themselves in the foot with the Xbox One reveal, Sony has been coasting on good will without actually making an effort. Two months ago I let my Playstation Plus sub lapse and thought that I’d re-up as soon as they offered something of value. I thought with Microsoft offering an amazing line up this month, they’d actually make an effort to compete, but no. More stuff people aren’t asking for. It doesn’t matter if these are good games, PS Plus was designed as a system to reward fans, and fans are clearly unhappy. I’m starting to think about selling my PS4 at this point and just hanging on to the much superior PS3.

    • Rites_Of_Drugula
      March 30, 2016 at 1:03 pm PDT

      I dont blame you. Now that Sony is winning this console generation, they are giving themselves the chance to dial back on every single front but specially PSPlus. Now that people are in, they can afford to act arrogant and offer no rewards for fans like they used to. Sony is better when its the underdog. Now, they are just comfortable doing very little, knowing they already won. I hope something happens that shifts the power enough to make them change back again.

  • raw0707
    March 30, 2016 at 12:40 pm PDT

    So a game that looks like you could find it in an arcade, and a Wii U launch title. Great. Just Great

  • ogrelin
    March 30, 2016 at 12:40 pm PDT

    I own both a ps4 and an xbone and I also subscribe to both online services. Xbox live has been consistently providing great games for at least the last year (as long as I’ve had it) while Sony keeps giving us these, honestly, subpar games in comparison. Son, I am disappoint.

  • SonicRift
    March 30, 2016 at 12:46 pm PDT

    You had me on Dead Star until MOBA…

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