PS Plus vs Games with Gold for December 2020 (Image: SONY)
So here it is, the first battle between PS Plus and Games with Gold of the next generation.
The December 2020 free PlayStation Plus and Games with Gold releases will make their debut on the first of the month.
PS Plus subscribers can download Bugsnax, Worms Rumble, Just Cause 4 and Rocket Arena. It’s worth pointing out that all games are playable on PS4 and PS5, except for Bugsnax, which is PS5 only (although you can buy it separately for PS4).
Over on Xbox, Gold subscribers can download The Raven Remastered and Saints Row: Gat out of Hell on December 1. This will be followed by Bleed 2 and Stacking on December 16.
Thanks to Backwards Compatibility, all four games are playable on Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One.
With the monthly free games about to be released for December, it’s high time we pit PS Plus against Games with Gold for the final time in 2020.
Can Xbox score a rare victory against PlayStation? Judging by that line-up, it’s not looking likely!
First up let’s take a look at the Games with Gold releases for December 2020.
The most high profile title in the Xbox line-up is a five year old game for the Xbox 360. Saints Row: Gat out of Hell embraces the silly side of the franchise, shifting the action to the hellish landscape of New Hades.
It’s reasonably entertaining in short doses, although the open-world genre has been done far better elsewhere.
The Raven Remastered, meanwhile, is a point and click adventure from the makers of Book of Unwritten Tales. Players
“Classic murder mystery locations, high quality acting, and a compelling cast of characters are featured in a thrilling, crime story whodunit where everyone has something to hide, and the Raven is always one step ahead!” reads the official description.
Next up is Bleed 2, which is a 2D action game featuring seven levels and a ton of boss battles.
“As the pink-haired heroine, Wryn, defend the world from an invading force of villains in seven intense levels with over twenty-five boss battles. Master the art of air-dodging and take down a relentless barrage of bad guys in this furiously fun and fast-paced action-shooter and help Wryn live up to her title as the Greatest Hero of All Time!”
Finally, Xbox 360 game Stacking is a third-person puzzle game featuring the world’s tiniest Russian doll.
The PlayStation Plus line-up is made up of a selection of reasonably high-profile game releases. I’ll leave out Bugsnax from the round-up, after discussing it last month.
First up let’s talk about Worms Rumble, which is a 32-person battle game that takes place in real-time.
“Use a variety of fan-favourite weapons like the Bazooka and Shotgun plus all-new additions to the armoury to bring the pain to your invertebrate opponents as you climb the ranks,” reads the official description.
“Customise your worm, then take part in seasonal events, daily challenges and community collaborations for additional XP and rewards, and experimental game modes in The Lab. Get ready for Deathmatch and Battle Royale where you’re only ever a Holy Hand Grenade away from death!”
Just Cause 4, meanwhile, is a massive open-world action game featuring some impressive physics and stunning weather effects.
Finally there’s EA’s online multiplayer shooter Rocket Arena, which will benefit from a much-needed boost in numbers.
“Rockets rule everything in this explosive online 3v3 shooter where you’re never out of the action.
“Try out a roster of fantastic heroes with distinctive rockets and abilities to rule the arena. Learn how to time your dodges, lead your targets and unearth new strategies based on your squad and try out in-game items such as the Rocket Magnet, Trip Mine and Speed Boost to change the course of combat.”
Just Cause 4 is free on PS Plus in December (Image: SQUARE ENIX)
The Raven Remastered is free on Games with Gold (Image: MICROSOFT)
Unsurprisingly, I’ve got to give the edge to PlayStation Plus in December 2020, especially when you factor Bugsnax into things.
Just Cause 4 may only have a Metacritic score of 65%, but I’d take it over Saints Row: Gat Out of Hell, purely based on the destruction and weather effects.
It’s too early to say how Worms Rumble will fare, but the fact that it’s on PS Plus means it will have a very good chance of making its mark in terms of numbers, which should guarantee some entertainment.
Ditto for Rocket Arena, which is a fun game that could benefit from more numbers online.
The Xbox line-up is pretty average all over, although I do have a soft spot for Raven Remastered, even if it is showing its age.
So, not the best month of free PS Plus or Games with Gold releases, but I think PlayStation Plus subscribers will be happiest.
