Good news for PC gamers this month as EA’s digital download platform Origin is starting a new promotion similar to PlayStation Plus and Xbox Games with Gold where users will receive free downloads of popular titles. Kicking off the new program – named On The House – is a copy of Visceral’s chilling survival-horror game Dead Space. Meanwhile, Sony has announced a slew of games to be made available next month in their PlayStation Plus program.
While Xbox and PlayStation roll their freebies out in time-specific intervals, On the House specials can “appear and disappear at any time.” EA seems to be giving a heads up on the first title, however, as you can grab your copy of Dead Space up until May 8. Also unlike Games with Gold and PS+, “once you’ve claimed a game, it’s yours to keep” and is not dependent on a subscription service.
Dead Space follows protagonist Isaac Clarke, a ship systems engineer, as he tries to stomp and shoot his way to survival through a mining spaceship and an onslaught of alien enemies.
Why is Origin starting to give out free games? “We’re gamers, too. We appreciate you making Origin your gaming home…and besides, who doesn’t like free stuff?
For those who don’t game on PC, Sony has announced the PlayStation Plus program titles that will be rolling out in North America starting in April. These six games for PS4, PS3 and PS Vita will be made available for free to PlayStation plus members. And we’re not talking boring, old titles here either; this is the good stuff.
PS4 users will be getting the side-scrolling shoot ‘em up 2D action game Mercenary Kings developed by Tribute Games. Gamers can run and gun their way through hordes of enemies while also collecting materials and crafting new weapons to take down hostiles.
The most notable title to drop for the PS3 is Rocksteady’s Batman: Arkham City. With the final episode of the franchise, Batman: Arkham Knight, set to release on October 14th of this year, this is the perfect opportunity to catch up on the Dark Knight’s story.
In addition to Arkham City, PS3 users will receive two other games: Stealth Inc. A Clone in the Dark and Castle of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse. Stealth Inc. is a puzzle-platformer where sticking to the shadows is key as you navigate your way through a clone testing facility. Castle of Illusion is a remake of the Sega Genesis title by the same name, following Mickey Mouse as he fights to rescue his lady Minnie from the grasps of an evil witch.
Finally, PS Vita users can also expect Stealth Inc. (via Cross-Buy) as well as Velocity Ultra, a space arcade shooter and Pixeljunk Monsters Ultimate HD, a tower-defense style game.