3 new PlayStation Plus games to enjoy this weekend (May 23-25)

      Disney Platform Distribution, Sunrise, Kamikaze Douga, Anima

      There's nothing quite like a long weekend to indulge in some guilt-free gaming. Memorial Day offers many of us an extra day to relax and dive into the latest games on PlayStation Plus, which just welcomed a significant number of titles. With various perilous open-world games, RPGs, and more available, it has been challenging for me to narrow down my recommendations to just three. However, it’s a wonderful dilemma that means you'll likely discover a game that resonates with you. Despite the extended weekend, there’s no time to lose, so here are the top three new PlayStation Plus games you should be playing.

      **Sand Land**

      Akira Toriyama is widely recognized for creating the Dragon Ball universe, but that’s not his sole creation. Sand Land was one of his final projects, showcasing his distinct artistic style. This is an open world RPG where you embody the Fiend Prince Beelzebub, embarking on a grand adventure to find the Legendary Spring in the arid world of Sand Land. Don’t expect massive energy beams or cosmic confrontations here; instead, you'll spend most of your time piloting and battling with a variety of imaginative vehicles. You can even gather resources to create and customize your own vehicles based on your preferences. Additionally, since the game features a relatively brief narrative, you can easily jump in and grasp the storyline.

      Sand Land is currently available on PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.

      **S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Legends of the Zone Trilogy – Enhanced Edition**

      While PlayStation fans are still waiting for Stalker 2, there's a new bundle available featuring fully remastered versions of the first three games to prepare us for its eventual release on PS5. If you’re new to the franchise, this compilation is tailored for you. The Stalker games take players into the perilous Zone, an alternate representation of the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone. These games are known for their hardcore and punishing nature, coupled with intelligent systems that ensure every encounter is unique. No two players will have identical experiences in this game. If you can immerse yourself in your character’s perspective and truly roleplay, this survival FPS trilogy is likely to become your next obsession.

      S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Legends of the Zone Trilogy is now available on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.

      **Battle Engine Aquila**

      Those who follow these recommendations regularly know I always try to include a classic game whenever possible. This week, only one fitting title was available, which immediately caught my attention as it’s among the few remaining PS2 games I hadn't previously encountered. Battle Engine Aquila is a vehicular combat title where you pilot the namesake mech in large-scale battles. Your Battle Engine can switch between aerial and ground modes, balancing mobility and speed against stronger weaponry. You can select from various Engine types for each mission, each designed to encourage replay for a higher score. The game’s narrative is minimal, so enjoy it primarily for the engaging combat and novelty.

      Battle Engine Aquila is available now on PS5 and PC.

      Jesse Lennox has been writing for Digital Trends for over five years and has no plans to stop. He covers a wide range of topics…

      **PlayStation Plus boasts one of 2024’s best games in May**

      Sony recently unveiled the May 2025 lineup for PlayStation Plus, and it’s impressive. Space marines equipped with massive bolt guns, armored dinosaurs, and a card game that merges Poker with a roguelike format will be available starting May 6. You have until then to redeem the games from April if you haven’t done so yet.

      Kicking things off is Balatro for PS4 and PS5 players. This indie game has been at the center of many discussions, particularly since it has claimed more awards than many AAA titles. At the Game Awards, it won Best Debut Indie Game, Best Independent Game, and Best Mobile Game — and rightly so. Balatro is a unique deckbuilder; while it utilizes a standard deck of playing cards, some cards possess special abilities and multipliers to assist you on your quest to achieve the highest score possible.

      **Read more**

      **3 PlayStation Plus games to enjoy this weekend (April 25-27)**

      The end of the month always brings excitement. We have an entire month of upcoming PS5 games to anticipate, along with the thrill of discovering new games coming to PlayStation Plus. April concluded on a high note with the recent arrival of Clair Obscure: Expedition 33, which I suspect many of you will still be playing. However, that game may not appeal to everyone, and some may not have the budget to purchase this hot new release at full price. Regardless, this is when your PS Plus subscription truly showcases its value. As I do every week, I have curated