Playstation Plus June 2019 Free Games Borderlands Collection And Sonic Mania Available To Subscribers

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Introduction

PlayStation Plus subscribers in June 2019 received access to two free games: Borderlands: The Handsome Collection and Sonic Mania. These games became available for download on June 4, 2019, and remained accessible until July 2, 2019. The service, which primarily offers free monthly games to subscribers, has shifted its focus exclusively to PS4 titles since March 2019, no longer including PS3 and Vita games.

Borderlands: The Handsome Collection

Borderlands: The Handsome Collection is a compilation that includes remastered versions of Borderlands 2 and Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel, along with all their DLC content. This collection is particularly relevant as it allows players to experience the series before the release of Borderlands 3, which was scheduled for September 2019.

Borderlands 2 is described as the best-reviewed game in the Borderlands series, known for its post-apocalyptic setting, cel-shaded graphics, and loot shooter mechanics. The game features entertaining dialogue and an engaging story. Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel serves as a prequel to Borderlands 2, continuing the series' signature style of gameplay.

The DLC included in The Handsome Collection expands the campaign with additional content such as "Captain Scarlett and Her Pirate's Booty," "Mr. Torgue's Campaign of Carnage," and "Tiny Tina's Assault on Dragon Keep." The latter DLC is particularly noted for its Dungeons & Dragons-style world called Bunkers and Badasses.

According to reviews, Borderlands: The Handsome Collection is considered a great compilation that allows players to witness the story of Jack and play a role in shaping the history of Pandora and its moon. The collection is an ideal way for new players to catch up on the series before the release of Borderlands 3.

Sonic Mania

Sonic Mania is the second free game available to PlayStation Plus subscribers in June 2019. This 2D platformer, released in 2017, has been described as the best-reviewed Sonic the Hedgehog game in over a decade. Sonic Mania offers an all-new adventure featuring Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles, with unique bosses, rolling 2D landscapes, and classic gameplay reminiscent of the original Sega Genesis Sonic games.

The game has received critical acclaim for its sentimental appeal and smart, interpretive design. According to reviews, Sonic Mania "methodically uses its sentimental appeal to great effect, but in the process, it heals the wounds inflicted by its most disappointing predecessors and surpasses the series' best with its smart and interpretive design."

Sonic Mania represents a return to the classic 2D gameplay that Sonic fans have enjoyed for decades, with modern enhancements and new content. The game is described as "beautiful, hyper-kinetic platformer that has character, charm and challenge for months."

Accessing the June 2019 PlayStation Plus Games

PlayStation Plus subscribers can download Borderlands: The Handsome Collection and Sonic Mania for free starting June 4, 2019. These games will remain available for download until July 2, 2019. Once claimed, the games can be played indefinitely as long as the user maintains an active PlayStation Plus subscription.

The games are accessible across North America, Europe, and the UK. It's important for subscribers to download these games before they are replaced by the July offerings. The new games are typically announced at the beginning of the month and made available around the first Tuesday.

PlayStation Plus Service Overview

PlayStation Plus is Sony's subscription service that provides members with free monthly games, online multiplayer capabilities, cloud storage for game saves, and other exclusive benefits. As of March 2019, the service no longer includes free PS3 and Vita games, focusing exclusively on PS4 titles.

The service typically offers two free games each month, available for the entire month. The new games are usually announced at the beginning of the month and made available around the first Tuesday. The service has had some "rough patches recently," according to one source, particularly after discontinuing free PS3 and Vita titles in March.

May 2019 PlayStation Plus Games (For Reference)

For those who may have missed the previous month's offerings, May 2019's free games were Overcooked and What Remains of Edith Finch. These games were available until the new June games were released on June 4.

Overcooked is described as a co-op party game where players work together in a kitchen to prepare meals under increasingly chaotic conditions. The game features kitchen fires, shifting floors, mischievous mice, and time pressure. It has received positive reviews for its co-op gameplay, with one review stating that "Overcooked contains all the necessary ingredients for a truly excellent co-op game."

What Remains of Edith Finch is a story-driven adventure game that has been praised for its narrative and unique approach to storytelling.

Borderlands: The Handsome Collection Details

The Handsome Collection packs in improved versions of both Borderlands 2 and The Pre-Sequel, which recently received enhanced texture packs for PS4 Pro owners. The collection includes all DLC content, which expanded the campaign with entries like "Captain Scarlett and Her Pirate's Booty," "Mr. Torgue's Campaign of Carnage" and the highly praised "Tiny Tina's Assault on Dragon Keep."

Borderlands 2 is known for its post-apocalyptic playfulness and cel-shaded graphics. The game features a unique art style that has become iconic in the series. The loot shooter mechanics, which are central to the Borderlands experience, allow players to acquire a wide variety of weapons with different properties and attributes.

Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel, while not as highly regarded as Borderlands 2 according to some sources, still offers an enjoyable experience that continues the series' signature style of gameplay. It serves as a prequel to Borderlands 2, exploring the events that led to the main story of the series.

Sonic Mania Details

Sonic Mania, released in 2017, became the best-reviewed Sonic the Hedgehog game in more than a decade upon its release. The game is a 2D sidescroller, similar to the original Sega Genesis installments of the Sonic series. It offers an all-new adventure with Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles, full of unique bosses, rolling 2D landscapes, and fun classic gameplay.

The game is described as "beautiful, hyper-kinetic platformer that has character, charm and challenge for months." It represents a return to the classic 2D gameplay that Sonic fans have enjoyed for decades, with modern enhancements and new content.

Conclusion

The June 2019 PlayStation Plus lineup offers two distinct gaming experiences: the loot shooter action of Borderlands: The Handsome Collection and the classic 2D platforming of Sonic Mania. Borderlands: The Handsome Collection provides a comprehensive experience of the popular series, including all DLC, making it an ideal way for new players to jump in before Borderlands 3. Sonic Mania, on the other hand, offers a return to the classic Sonic gameplay with modern enhancements, earning critical acclaim as one of the best Sonic games in recent years.

Subscribers have until July 2 to claim these games, after which they will be replaced by the next month's offerings. Those who missed May's games, Overcooked and What Remains of Edith Finch, can no longer access them for free through PlayStation Plus.

Sources

1. PSU - PlayStation Plus June 2019 Free Games
2. GameSpot - June 2019 PS Plus: The Free PS4 Games Available This Month
3. Newsweek - PS Plus June 2019 Free Games List
4. KnowTechie - Free PlayStation Plus Games for June 2019
5. PS4TrophiesGaming - PlayStation Plus June 2019 Free PS4 Games
6. GameSpot - PS Plus May 2019: Last Chance For These Free PS4 Games