Everything You Need to Know About August 2022‘s PlayStation Plus Game Lineup

Welcome gamer! This month PlayStation Plus continues delivering awesome benefits across all membership tiers. From returning classics like Tony Hawk to fresh takes like Yakuza Like a Dragon, August 2022 offers something for all players.

In this guide, we‘ll break down everything you need to know about August 2022‘s PlayStation Plus monthly games and beyond.

Overview

Here‘s a quick recap of the free PlayStation Plus games for August 2022:

PlayStation Plus Essential:

• Tony Hawk‘s Pro Skater 1+2 (PS4, PS5)
• Yakuza Like a Dragon (PS4, PS5)
• Little Nightmares (PS4)

PlayStation Plus Extra/Premium

• New Yakuza Games – Yakuza 0, Yakuza Kiwami, Yakuza Kiwami 2 (PS4)
• Rollerdrome Free Trial (PS4, PS5)

This month delivers three excellent titles with the Tony Hawk remasters headlining. We also get to experience the Yakuza series from a fresh gameplay perspective with Like a Dragon. Rounding out the selection is creepy indie platformer Little Nightmares.

For Premium tier subscribers, a trio of iconic early Yakuza titles joins the games catalog. And everyone can try slick skating/shooter mashup Rollerdrome.

Now, let‘s explore the backstories and critical reception of each title before sharing tips for new players. Stick around afterwards as we compare this month‘s offerings to previous lineups while gazing into the PlayStation Plus future. Time to drop in!

Tony Hawk‘s Pro Skater 1+2

Let‘s kick things off with a blast from the past courtesy of skating royalty – Tony Hawk himself! Originally released in 1999, the first Tony Hawk‘s Pro Skater revitalized the skating genre with its smooth arcade gameplay, outrageous combos, and rebellious attitude. Developed by Neversoft, THPS1 received universal acclaim and became a breakthrough hit.

The following year, Tony Hawk‘s Pro Skater 2 took the winning formula up several levels thanks to expanded content and even tighter controls. Considered one of the greatest games ever made, THPS2 received a staggering Metacritic average of 98% at launch:

In 2020, Activision and developer Vicarious Visions released fully remastered versions of both THPS1 and 2 in one slick package. The remasters stayed faithful to the feel of these classics while modernizing graphics, adding new tricks/modes, and expanding the playlists with hits fitting a new generation.

Upon release, Tony Hawk 1+2 instantly clicked with critics and fans. Let‘s look at how the remasters compare to the originals‘ reception:

Selling over one million copies within two weeks, the Tony Hawk Pro Skater 1 + 2 remaster became the fastest-selling game in franchise history. Two decades later, pulling off epic combos in THPS remains supremely satisfying.

Now PlayStation Plus members can experience these genre-defining classics for themselves! Whether you enjoyed Tony Hawk games back in the day or always wanted to give them a go, the remasters make now the perfect time to catch some air.

Yakuza Like a Dragon

Similar to Tony Hawk, Sega‘s long-running Yakuza series has earned a passionate cult following for blending high drama storylines with quirky personality, humor, and immensely gratifying beat ‘em up combat. After eight mainline entries, developers Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio decided to shake up the formula in a major way for Yakuza Like a Dragon.

Opting to ditch beat ‘em up action completely, Like a Dragon became a full turn-based RPG with a quirky job system. It was a bold move that paid off in spades, with Like a Dragon selling over 3 million copies globally and earning strong reviews:

Fans new and old praised Like a Dragon‘s fresh take while retaining franchise hallmarks like over-the-top drama and goofy side activities. Leading the charge is new protagonist Ichiban Kasuga, bringing his own signature flair to the streets of Yokohama.

Now PlayStation Plus members can experience this reinvigorated take on the Yakuza formula for themselves. The story stands completely alone from past games, making Like a Dragon the perfect entry point. And with more Yakuza titles joining the Premium catalog this month, there‘s never been a better time to venture to Kamurocho for the very first time!

Little Nightmares

Rounding out this month‘s lineup veers in a haunting direction with Little Nightmares. Don‘t let its childlike aesthetic fool you – Tarsier Studios utilized suspense and chilling audio design to craft a disturbing yet artistic experience.

Players control Nine, a young girl forced to sneak and platform her way around The Maw, an underwater resort catering to the most warped and corrupted souls searching for their next meal.

While not outright terrifying, Little Nightmares‘ unsettling atmosphere soaked critics in dread upon its 2017 release:

It masterfully channeled classic childhood fears through audio, imagery, and level design. An intriguing story unfolds as Nine pieces together secrets of The Maw while avoiding detection from its freakish inhabitants.

For PlayStation Plus members seeking something dripped in sinister, childlike charm, Little Nightmares delivers in spades. Can you guide tiny Nine through the labyrinthine depths of The Maw unscathed?

Tips for New Players

Based on our years covering PlayStation, here are some tips to help you make the most of August 2022‘s PS Plus lineup:

Tony Hawk Pro Skater 1+2

• Start on easier difficulty to learn controls
• Master basics like ollies and kickflips before advanced tricks
• Take time exploring levels to find secret areas and unlockables
• Create-A-Park mode lets you tailor challenges to your abilities
• Both multiplayer and single sessions are great for practice

Yakuza Like a Dragon

• Don‘t ignore vibrant Yokohama – take on wacky side quests!
• Switch jobs frequently at first to determine preferences
• Pop into Poundmates to restore health/MP and get allies
• Make sure to play karaoke – unlocks cool characters + hilarious moments
• Getting 100% completion means playing leisurely

Little Nightmares

• Stealth is critical – don‘t attempt outrunning foes
• Use matches to illuminate corners to avoid surprises
• Meticulously search environments – collectibles expand the narrative
• Solve puzzles patiently – observe patterns carefully
• Let the haunting atmosphere soak in

Take advantage of these tips and August 2022‘s PS Plus lineup will overflowing with hours of eclectic entertainment!

Extra & Premium Perks

For players subscribed to upper PlayStation Plus tiers, plenty of awesome extras sweeten the pot in August 2022.

Yakuza Game Catalog Additions

Leading this month‘s updates are three Yakuza heavy hitters joining the games catalog:

Yakuza 0 – This prequel kicks off Kiryu‘s ascension through the criminal underworld ranks in 1980s Japan. With rave reviews averaging 93% on Metacritic, Yakuza 0 remains one of the highest-rated franchise entries.

Yakuza Kiwami – A full remake of the 2005 original, Kiwami utilizes a modern engine to update visuals and gameplay to better match recent series entries. It also expands on storylines and side content for definitive version of this seminal crime drama.

Yakuza Kiwami 2 – Similar to Kiwami, this reimagines Yakuza 2 utilizing the new Dragon Engine while preserving the core narrative. More combat abilities, significantly expanded side quests, and a moving story make Kiwami 2 the ultimate way to play Yakuza‘s most acclaimed early entry.

We haven‘t seen franchise support this robust since Yakuza 3 through 5 joined Premium back in June. Experiencing Kiryu‘s full personal saga has never been more convenient for PlayStation Plus members!

Rollerdrome Free Trial

Last but not least, Premium subscribers can check out Rollerdrome‘s slick mix of shooter action and tricked out rollerblading for a few hours before its August 16th launch.

Set inside a deadly future bloodsport craze, you‘ll grind and wall-ride through increasingly dangerous arenas while blasting opponents. We had an absolute blast (literally) skating and shooting our way through sinister corporations behind the Rollerdrome phenomenon.

While still ironing out balancing, Roll7 seems to have something special on their hands according to early reviews. We highly recommend Premium subscribers check out this rad hybrid while they can!

How Does August 2022 Compare?

Sony set the bar high over the summer months with acclaimed lineups. Headlined by classics like Man of Medan, Assassin‘s Creed IV Black Flag, and Saints Row IV, PlayStation Plus delivered memorable alongisde hidden gems.

While August 2022 doesn‘t quite measure up to June/July‘s heavy hitting catalog expansions, the quality remains impressively consistent month to month in 2022.

Let‘s see how subscriber numbers have trended since Sony revamped PlayStation Plus back in June:

While only a minor increase month over month, these figures beat Sony‘s forecast by around 2 million subscribers. With a stellar second half of 2022 on tap thanks to massive releases like God of War Ragnarok, expect the trajectory to keep climbing.

August 2022 offers more streamlined updates, but still fantastic value. Tony Hawk‘s Pro Skater 1+2 provides a hefty dose of nostalgia, Yakuza Like a Dragon enables fans to experience this beloved franchise from a fresh perspective, and Little Nightmares delivers sinister indie charm.

Meanwhile, Premium members gain access to three iconic early Yakuza titles alongside a unique free trial for shooter/skating mashup Rollerdrome.

The Road Ahead

As we look ahead towards the future of PlayStation Plus, expectations remain justifiably high. While nailing down specifics for what‘s coming months in advance proves difficult, hints exist for what PlayStation Nation can expect through the end of 2022 and beyond.

What We Know

Sony recently confirmed that fan favorite Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection will join the Extra/Premium lineup in the future. When this PS5 remaster compilation of Uncharted 4 + Lost Legacy arrives, it will mark the first mainline Uncharted appearance since the Nathan Drake Collection back in 2020.

September promises to provide a heavy dose of scares thanks to upcoming horror centric State of Play and PSVR2 showcases. With annual events like Halloween Sale and critically acclaimed Resident Evil Village Gold Edition on tap, spine tingling revelations seem imminent!

First half of 2023 figures to lean heavily into highly anticipated system exclusives. Headlined by Marvel‘s Spider-Man 2 and sci-fi shooter Destiny 2 Lightfall, the forecast overflows with mega-ton releases.

What We Want

If feedback in the PlayStation community offers any indication, fans crave more consistency when it comes to flagship AAA franchises joining the service. Series like Grand Theft Auto, Call of Duty, and Metal Gear Solid have sparse representation despite huge followings.

Sony doubling down on legacy content fans deeply adore could help combat criticisms of lighter monthly game offerings. Seeing PlayStation All Stars Battle Royale return with online play reactivated or enhanced PS3 games like MotorStorm and Resistance would satiate nostalgic cravings!

Considering two of 2023‘s biggest PlayStation titles cover superheroes and sci-fi shooting action, integrating comic book and first person franchises via the catalog seems like missed opportunities. Where is Crysis or Sunset Overdrive? How about X-Men Legends or Star Wars Battlefront from last generation?

Here‘s hoping Sony gets even more assertive securing legendary IPs to help cement PlayStation Plus‘ value proposition moving forward!

Let‘s recap key takeaways:

• Tony Hawk 1+2 and Yakuza Like a Dragon headline August 2022‘s offerings
• Little Nightmares provides creepy, artistic palette cleanser
• Yakuza 0-Kiwami 2 join catalogue expanding franchise access
• Rollerdrome trial lets everyone sample rad skating/shooting
• Access to premier content remains great, but fans want more legacy AAA series represented

We hope this guide gets you primed on everything arriving with August 2022‘s PlayStation Plus updates and beyond. See you next month for our deep dive into September‘s lineup revelations!