It’s funny, really: we first heard about PlayStation Plus back in March 2010, except at that point nobody knew what it was. Indeed, our excerpt for the post was “are you our premium service, then?” – an innocent question that Sony didn’t really answer until later in the year when the service was fully announced and detailed.
I’ve been an open sceptic of the paid-for ‘upgraded’ PlayStation Network since then, I already pay for Live and use that about six times a year, so presumed that splashing out the hard earned on something similar for the PlayStation 3 would be of similar value: on a personal level, for someone that doesn’t do a lot of online gaming – next to none.
But PlayStation Plus is a bit different. It’s not really like the Xbox 360’s Silver and Gold service, which is more concerned with enabling online multiplayer rather than bulking up the console’s functionality. Yes, you get the odd cheap deal and earlier access to certain demos with Gold, but PlayStation Plus seems to (at least in my eyes) go the extra mile.
[boxout]Which is? Automatic downloads. We hinted at such a facility a couple of times – once here, and again here – but when Plus launched it wasn’t really something that Sony pushed to the forefront, and it’d passed me by in amongst all the weekly offers and talk of exclusive betas.But I’ve a huge disdain for the way PS3 updates were done (they were usually far too weighty and you couldn’t let them sit in the background) so the ability to let Plus do this for you is a wonderful thing.
I only signed up for PlayStation Plus two nights ago, and each night since, at around 2am, it’s woken up the console and set about grabbing all manner of things for me, including what must have been a series of colossal-sized Pain updates (usually the worst) and a few other items here and there. The result: I no longer have to wait for the PS3 to update a game when I want to play it.
Of course, the service isn’t flawless – I can’t expect Plus to check every game I’ve ever played but it does seem to be covering the bases – I’ve been wanting to throw people out of a catapult for ages but couldn’t face the download, and whilst I know you can cancel them and play offline, that’s hardly the point.
The point is, that in addition to the great offers that seem to pepper the Store (I grabbed Stacking, which was free, for example) it’s these little things that run in the background when I’m away from the PlayStation 3 that impress me the most. The idea is simple, but the execution is great.
Yes, I know I’m late to the party, and yes – it could be a little cheaper, but consider me a subscriber.
clashcityrocker
Also was mentioned somewhere recently, you can use the patch downloader to also download regular stuff from the store.
Just set your downloads to background download, leave them running (not paused) and then turn off your console (ignore the option to turn off when complete).
When your console wakes up at 2AM (or whatever) not only will it check for patches and download and install them, it will also finish off stuff in your download list too and install these.
NICE!!! It’s not documented behavior thou, I hope it’s not a bug and Sony keep this behavior as I get free overnight downloads from my ISP.
Bodachi
I use this all the time since I come home late on Wednesdays. Just downloaded what I want and turn it off. Then by the morning everything has been magically downloaded.
Smallville2106
Sounds pretty good to me. I may give it a go. The ‘magical’ downloading sounds great.
matthangzhou
Anybody that is still on the fence should give it a go as Stacking is a fantastic game and one that shouldn’t be missed.
clashcityrocker
Stacked will be missed by many because
It’s not on Wii and not featured on some TV show
It’ not a FPS for the Xbox crowd
Such a shame, as it’s a very unique game and a nice day0 freebie for PS Plus subscribers
I got 15 months for 12, and am only 4 months in and have already got my money-worth. The next 9 months are totally free!
Foxhound_Solid
I love PSPlus nd so far it has been worth massively. Lead and Gold, Shatter, KZ3 Beta, Free Themes and Avatars, oodles of PS1/PSP Games.
Man its defo worth it. Plus I love the cool Gold Plus you get next to you PSN ID.
Definitely worth it, but its good that you dont have to pay – Choice is always good :-)
FriendlyFiend
I love PS+, much more than I ever loved Live. Frankly the background downloads should be part of standard functionality for the PS3 but the discounts, demos, betas and freebies (another shout out for Stacking here) are great. I’ve certainly saved more than my subscription already.
Dummy01
From a value for money prespective Plus, is already perfect for me just with Stacking, Shatter, and Sam and Max. I also like the fact that I get free games that I would probably never buy it. And because I am also a PSP owner that does not want to spent a dime for PSP content, all these minis are excellent for me!
hol
Just as a point of interest, the automatic download feature is great, for one thing, if you have a ISP who traffic shapes during peak hours, being able to queue up downloads and then get them after midnight at full speed is worth every penny in my opinion. Not to mention the freebies :)
Ben
I do seem to spend a lot of time playing ‘download the updates’ on the playstation which is a shame when I have so little time to play games to start with.
redmik71
Plus is superb, would recommend to anyone. Had it since Day 1, will be resubscribing again. Only £32 per year, if you shop around for PSN cards. I have already got Wipeout, Shatter, Sam & Max, Stacking, bonus themes, early demos etc.
Love the fact that its a little surprise every month as well!
Yes I am sad, but its like receiving something unexpected in the post!
beeje13
Auto downloads don’t work for me, so I ended up having to switch it off :(
Good idea though.