While PlayStation Plus may get all of the attention, PlayStation gamer shouldn't sleep on PlayStation Now. The PlayStation Now subscription service is similar to Xbox Game Pass in that it gives subscribers instant access to hundreds of games. Some of the games have to be streamed, but many others can be downloaded. A wide variety of titles are available to PlayStation Now subscribers, with new games added to the service on a regular basis.
Sony has recently added a fresh batch of games to PlayStation Now for July 2021, and the new lineup consists of some seriously heavy hitters. The new PlayStation Now games for July 2021 include some of the highest-rated video game releases of the last few years, including popular PlayStation exclusive game God of War as well as Rockstar Games' celebrated open world western Red Dead Redemption 2.
Besides those games, there are a few other notable titles added to PlayStation Now for July 2021. All things considered, PlayStation Now subscribers should have no problem keeping busy with these games, all of which will be available for at least a few months or in most cases, indefinitely. Of course, a fresh batch of PlayStation Now games will be added in August, though it's hard to see how Sony will be able to top this month.
Here are all the new games added to PlayStation Now in July 2021, explained.
God of War
One of the highest-rated PlayStation exclusive games ever made is 2018's God of War. The new God of War switches up the perspective a bit, going with an over-the-shoulder camera for a more intense combat system. Series hero Kratos isn't quite the impulsive, bloodthirsty psychopath that he's portrayed as in previous games, and instead is focusing his attention on raising his son, Atreus.
The relationship between Kratos and Atreus allows the 2018 God of War game to tell a more mature story than the previous installments in the God of War series. It still has plenty of over-the-top action, though, and the shift from Greek mythology to Norse mythology is a breath of fresh air. God of War's story sets up plenty of interesting plot threads that will undoubtedly be tackled in its sequels, though fans won't get to see what happens next in 2022.
PlayStation Now provides a great opportunity for God of War players to prepare themselves for the sequel next year. And since it's available on PlayStation Now, even PC players can see what all the fuss is about. Using the PlayStation Now app, PC players can play God of War, and while it may not be quite the same as having a proper PC port of the game, it's still better than nothing.
Judgment
Sega's Yakuza franchise has become increasingly popular, with recent entries like Yakuza 0 and Yakuza: Like a Dragon earning praise from critics and fans alike. Those who have already played through the Yakuza games extensively and are hungry for more should be sure to check out the spin-off series, Judgment, especially now that the first Judgment game is playable through the PlayStation Now service.
Set in the same universe as the Yakuza franchise, Judgment is a detective game starring Takayuki Yagami, who is busy investigating a string of mysterious murders. Playing through the first Judgment game on PlayStation Now should ensure fans are ready to check out its sequel, Lost Judgment, when it releases for multiple platforms later this year.
Those who want to play Judgment on PlayStation Now should note that they have a limited time to do so. Judgment will be removed from the PlayStation Now service beginning October 4, 2021.
Moving Out
Overcooked has inspired a variety of quirky co-op party games, but few have been as successful as Moving Out. Moving Out is a hilarious co-op game where the goal is to work together with a teammate to move objects out of a house. Players get bonus points for completing certain objectives and speed, but being successful require a great deal of communication and coordination with one's partners. It has the same quirky atmosphere as the Overcooked games, and so anyone that considers themselves a fan of that series should definitely make sure that they check out Moving Out while it's available on PlayStation Now.
NASCAR Heat 5
Racing game fans also have something to play when it comes to the PlayStation Now games for July 2021. NASCAR Heat 5, the 2020 entry in the long-running racing game franchise, is now available to play for all PlayStation Now subscribers.
Nioh 2
Since the success of FromSoftware's Dark Souls series, Soulslike games have been all the rage. Many Soulslike games pale in comparison to Dark Souls, but some manage to stand toe-to-toe with FromSoftware's critically-acclaimed series. One such Soulslike that gives the Dark Souls games a run for their money is Nioh 2, which blends Soulslike gameplay with the high-octane action that developer Team Ninja is known for.
Nioh 2 launched just last year and much like its predecessor, earned widespread critical acclaim and is generally regarded as one of the better Soulslike games out there. However, it should be noted that the version of Nioh 2 available through PlayStation Now is the PS4 version of the game, not the enhanced PS5 version of Nioh 2 that released a few months ago. So those who want the definitive experience may want to consider buying the next-gen version instead.
Olympic Games Tokyo 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic delayed the Olympic Games in Tokyo, and it also delayed the official video game version of the event as well. Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 - The Official Video Game is finally available, and better yet, anyone interested in the game doesn't have to pay full price to check it out. Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 is a part of the PlayStation Now lineup for July 2021, just in time for the start of the Summer Olympics later this month.
Red Dead Redemption 2
The headliner for the PlayStation Now games for July 2021 is undoubtedly Rockstar Games' Red Dead Redemption 2. The critically-acclaimed open world western stands as one of the highest-rated games that released in all of 2018, not to mention one of the highest-rated video games ever made, period. Red Dead Redemption 2 offers a robust, award-winning story mode where players take on the role of Arthur Morgan and experience his adventures with the Van der Linde gang.
Red Dead Redemption 2's story mode is vast enough to keep players busy for hours on end, but it's only part of the package. When PlayStation Now users finish up Arthur Morgan's story in Red Dead Redemption 2, they can hop over to Red Dead Online, RDR2's online multiplayer component. New Red Dead Online updates are still released on a regular basis, giving fans plenty of new content to check out.
There is something that PlayStation Now users will need to keep in mind when it comes to playing Red Dead Redemption 2, however. While PlayStation Now originated as a game-streaming service, it eventually added the option to download games. For Red Dead Redemption 2, the only way to play it through PlayStation Now is by downloading the game. It is the first-ever download-only PlayStation Now game, with zero streaming options available. While many prefer downloading games instead of streaming them anyway, it's definitely something that users of the service will want to keep in mind.
Any PlayStation Now users that want to play through Red Dead Redemption 2 should note that they will have until November 1 to do so.