PlayStation Plus March 2024 Lineup: Prince of Persia Takes the Lead
Sony has revealed its PlayStation Plus game selection for March 2024, offering an array of thrilling titles for Extra and Premium members. The highlight of this month is Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, a metroidvania gem that has enchanted players with its seamless movement, captivating combat, and breathtaking visuals.
In addition to this standout title, subscribers can immerse themselves in Captain Tsubasa: Rise of New Champions, UFC 5, Arcade Paradise, and the eccentric Bang-on Balls: Chronicles. Furthermore, PS Plus Premium subscribers are treated to the nostalgic revival of the first three Armored Core games, restoring classic mech action to contemporary consoles.
Let’s delve into why this month’s collection is so exceptional.
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown – A Metroidvania Masterwork
Ubisoft’s Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown has received acclaim for its precise platforming mechanics, compelling sword combat, and vibrant art direction. The game captures the finest aspects of the metroidvania genre, allowing players to explore an expansive world filled with secrets, puzzles, and formidable foes.
One of its key features is the memory shards system, enabling players to take snapshots of areas they wish to revisit and attach them to their map. This innovative element aids players in navigating the complex world without overly simplifying the experience, due to the limited availability of memory shard slots.
Despite the praise, The Lost Crown is reported to have sold roughly 300,000 copies in its initial weeks. As a result, Ubisoft disbanded the development team, making any future DLC or sequel prospects unlikely. However, fans of the series can anticipate another Prince of Persia installment as early as next year.
Other Standouts in the March PS Plus Lineup
Captain Tsubasa: Rise of New Champions – Arcade Soccer with Flair
For fans of rapid sports action, Captain Tsubasa: Rise of New Champions presents an exhilarating arcade soccer experience. The game showcases exaggerated moves, anime-inspired graphics, and a storyline that enriches the gameplay. It offers a refreshing perspective on the soccer genre, setting itself apart from conventional simulation titles.
Arcade Paradise – A Nostalgic Management Adventure
Arcade Paradise fuses business management with retro gaming charm. Players step into the shoes of an arcade owner, juggling finances while indulging in a range of classic-inspired mini-games. It creates a unique blend of simulation and arcade fun that will attract enthusiasts of both styles.
Bang-on Balls: Chronicles – An Eccentric Indie Platformer
If you’re seeking something unconventional, Bang-on Balls: Chronicles provides a delightful and chaotic platforming experience. Drawing inspiration from 3D platformers like Kirby, it features humor-infused gameplay, incorporating slapstick comedy and even optional flatulence mechanics.
UFC 5 – Intense MMA Action
For fans of combat sports, UFC 5 introduces EA Sports’ vision of mixed martial arts to the PlayStation Plus lineup. Featuring realistic visuals, smooth animations, and intricate gameplay dynamics, it’s a must-play for sports aficionados.
Classic Armored Core Titles Available for PS Plus Premium Subscribers
Following the success of Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon, Sony is giving fans an opportunity to revisit the series’ beginnings. PS Plus Premium subscribers can access the first three Armored Core titles—Armored Core (1997), Armored Core: Project Phantasma (1997), and Armored Core: Master of Arena (1999)—on modern PlayStation systems.
These foundational mech games established the groundwork for FromSoftware’s current offerings, featuring deep customization and intense combat. If you enjoyed Fires of Rubicon, this is an excellent chance to explore the series’ origins.
Conclusion
March’s PlayStation Plus lineup is brimming with diversity, ranging from the metroidvania brilliance of Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown to the nostalgic return of Armored Core classics. Whether you favor platformers, sports games, or mech skirmishes, there’s something for every player this month.
Although it’s disappointing that Ubisoft has dissolved the development team despite The Lost Crown receiving widespread acclaim, fans can still enjoy this remarkable entry in the Prince of Persia saga. Simultaneously, the revival of classic Armored Core games is a delightful bonus for long-time FromSoftware supporters.
Be sure to download these titles starting March 18 and discover all that this month’s PlayStation Plus offerings have in store.
Q&A: All You Need to Know
1. When will the March PlayStation Plus titles be accessible?
The new PlayStation Plus titles will be available beginning March 18, 2024.
2. What is the primary highlight of this month’s collection?
The standout title is Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, a critically lauded metroidvania featuring fluid platforming, engaging combat, and a distinct memory shards system.
3. Will there be any DLC or a sequel for Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown?
Regrettably, Ubisoft has disbanded the development team, making further DLC or a sequel improbable. Nonetheless, another Prince of Persia game is anticipated as soon as next year.
4. Which classic Armored Core games are part of the PS Plus Premium lineup?
PS Plus Premium subscribers can experience Armored Core (1997), Armored Core: Project Phantasma (1997), and Armored Core: Master of Arena (1999) on modern PlayStation consoles.
5. Is Captain Tsubasa: Rise of New Champions a realistic soccer simulation?
No, it’s an arcade-style soccer game featuring anime-inspired visuals and extravagant moves, providing a playful alternative to traditional soccer simulators.
6. What type of game is Arcade Paradise?
Arcade Paradise is a management simulation where players operate an arcade business while engaging in various retro-inspired mini-games.
7. Is Bang-on Balls: Chronicles a serious platforming title?
Not at all! It’s a quirky, comedic platformer filled with slapstick elements, resulting in a lighthearted and enjoyable experience.
March’s PlayStation Plus lineup promises to be one of the most thrilling in recent memory. Whether you’re revisiting classic mech confrontations or embarking on a new metroidvania journey, there’s much to appreciate.
