A new month is here and that means a new roster of free games for all of those with a PlayStation Plus subscription. This month features three games, available on both PlayStation 4 and 5 via backwards compatibility as well as a PS VR experience. All in all, this is a very strong selection so here are the PlayStation Plus free games in March 2021.
Image source: Alamy
Final Fantasy VII Remake
Publisher: Square Enix
Developer: Square Enix
Genre: Action/Role-Playing
Series: Final Fantasy
Released: 10 April 2020
Certificate: 16
Console: PlayStation 4/5
The first title here is last year’s highly anticipated reimagining of the 1997 PlayStation classic. This JRPG takes place in the dystopian setting of Midgar, taking control of the main character Cloud Strife as you join the eco-terrorist organisation Avalanche. The main objective is to prevent the nefarious Shinra Corporation from exploiting the planet’s energy resources.
Final Fantasy VII Remake is of course a complete visual and mechanical overhaul of the original title. It abandons the turn-based combat for a more fluid, third person real-time system. This allows you to switch between your party members seamlessly for varying combat moments. Any character not in your control will become AI.
It is also worth noting that this remake involves (roughly) the initial thirty percent of the original game. However, this section has been heavily expanded upon and fleshed out to cover over thirty hours of gameplay. Whether you’re a fan of the series or not, you should give this one a try.
Image source: Flickr
Remnant: From the Ashes
Publisher: Perfect World Entertainment
Developer: Gunfire Games
Genre: Action/Role-Playing
Series: Remnant: From the Ashes
Released: 16 August 2019
Certificate: 16
Console: PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows
Next on our list is another third-person action game, however, this is quite a different to the Final Fantasy VII Remake. This Perfect World Entertainment game can be best described as a Souls-Bourne type of game but with guns replacing the usual tried and tested systems of associated titles.
Remnant: From the Ashes takes place in a post-apocalyptic setting, where the planet is being controlled and destroyed by an inter-dimensional foe called the ‘Root’. Given that this is a Souls-type game, you should expect a challenging experience where you will die, repeatedly and brutally but regularly learn from mistakes to prevail, eventually.
An interesting side-feature is this title allows for online coop-play where you can take a small party of players with you through the story. However, the larger the party, the more the difficulty gets ramped up. So it is not always strength in numbers!
Image source: Forbes
Maquette
Publisher: Annapurna Interactive
Developer: Graceful Decay
Genre: Puzzle/Platform
Series: Maquette
Released: 2nd March 2021
Certificate: 16
Console: PlayStation 4/5, Microsoft Windows
In simple terms, Maquette is a first-person, platform-puzzle game, but it would only take a brief moment of gameplay to realise this description barely scratches the surface. The Graceful Decay title is a very abstract execution of a relatively simple premise, reliving the memories of a past relationship. However, this is definitely an oversimplification.
These memories are presented through the game’s wonderfully colourful visuals, physical metaphors and surreal text appearing on the walls. The game involves ‘a world within a world’, whereby your actions in one place are mirrored in the other. Such as dropping a key in the ‘small world’ will appear in the same place in the larger one. Makes sense?
It is by using this mechanic that you complete puzzles and engage with the game’s narrative. Overall, a short but visually gorgeous experience that is worth a download if you want to try a unique title.
Image source: Flickr
Farpoint
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
Developer: Impulse Gear
Genre: Virtual Reality/Shooter
Series: Farpoint
Released: 6 May 2017
Certificate: 16
Console: PlayStation 4/5
Finishing this monthly instalment with the most unique entry is the VR sci-fi shooter Farpoint. On this Impulse Gear title, you find yourself stranded on a hostile alien planet. Here, you adopt a series of weapons and upgrades to defend yourself against the aggressive inhabitants.
Like Remnant: From the Ashes, Farpoint allows you to go through the single-player campaign in a coop set up, so you and a friend can strap on your trusty VR setup and aim controller to play out some wild sci-fi action fantasies. There is not much more to say about this game, so if you have the right equipment, give it a try!
Image source: Getty
Verdict
So there you have it, the PlayStation Plus Free Games in March 2021.One word can be used to describe March’s selection, diverse.
I always say the best months are those that appeal to a wide audience and this certainly ticks that box. This month you can have an impressive remake of a PlayStation classic, an innovative take on the Souls-Bourne mechanic, a creative puzzle game and a unique VR experience.
With an overall saving of roughly £125 (store prices), there is a lot to keep you occupied this month. Stay tuned for more content on your favourite games!
