Category: Editorial

Online Server Shutdown Update

Editorial Team

So far, we’ve seen a few games have their online server shutdown this year on both the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 3, causing their Platinum trophies to become Not Obtainable. Some notable titles were PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale, Twisted Metal, Warhawk, and Drawn to Death.

Yet the list is not over. As games age, and their online servers become less populated with players, they run the risk of being closed. This can spell disaster for trophy hunters and completionists determined to get those Platinum trophies.

So to help you prepare for these disasters, here is a list of all known titles scheduled to have their online servers closed both this year and next:

July 25, 2019

StarBlood Arena – This was a free PSVR game for PlayStation Plus members in January 2018. The game is online-only, so not only will the Platinum and all its trophies become Not Obtainable by this date, but the game itself will become unplayable.

August 22, 2019

PES 2018 – Also known as Pro Evolution Soccer 2018, or Winning Eleven 2018 in Japan, this game was released by Konami in September 2017 for both the PS3 and PS4. The game includes 15 online trophies, which means the Platinum for both consol versions will become Not Obtainable.

September 4, 2019

The Last of Us – Only the PS3 version will be affected by the shutdown. The game includes 4 online trophies, and several more for the DLC.

Uncharted 2: Among Thieves – This shutdown is also for the PS3 version. The game includes 2 easy online trophies, though numberous more for the DLC.

Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception – Like the above, only the PS3 version will have its online servers closed. Again, only 2 easy online trophies are required for the Platinum, but many more for the DLC.

December 31, 2019

NBA 2K18 – This should come as no surprise to fans of the NBA 2K series, as their online servers usually don’t last longer than a year. There are a number of online trophies on both the PS3 and PS4 version which will become Not Obtainable after this date.

March 31, 2020

DriveClub – This racing game for the PS4 includes 8 online trophies.

DriveClub VR – The PSVR version of DriveClub, released in October 2016. This game includes 2 online trophies.

DriveClub Bikes – The motorcycle version of DriveClub, released in October 2015. This game includes 3 online trophies, which will become Not Obtainable by March 31 of next year.

May 19, 2020

WWE 2K19 – Though the manual states May 31, we heard from other sources that the online servers will be shut down one week earlier. Fans of the series who want to get the Platinum should try unlock its online trophies before this date, to be safe rather than sorry.

December 31, 2020

NBA 2K19 – This game was recently released, and we already know the date for its online server shutdown. However, while there is still a fair bit of time to unlock its online trophies, it’s always a good habit to knock them out as quickly as possible, while the servers are still populated.   

PlayStation Plus Free Games July 2019

Editorial Team

For some of us, with the heat and humidity building up outside, a friendly air conditioner is one reason to stay indoors. Sony has just given us two more reasons to stay in the house, with their announced line-up for the next PlayStation Plus Free Games July 2019, available for download on Tuesday, July 2.

First, there’s Detroit: Become Human Digital Deluxe Edition, the adventure game released only last year, from the creators of Heavy Rain and Beyond: Two Souls. The game is set in Detroit City in the year 2038, where Androids have become a part of everyday life – and seem to be taking on a life of their own. Players take control of three main characters and guide them through a story with multiple endings and outcomes.

Also, for those who don’t have it already, the Detroit: Become Human Digital Deluxe Edition also includes Heavy Rain.

The other freebie is Horizon Chase Turbo, an arcade-style racing game, inspired by such classics as Out Run and Top Gear. Race down twisting tracks and use your nitro boosts to leave your opponents in the dust. The game also includes both local and online multiplayer.

Among the PlayStation Plus Free Games July 2019, all three games include a Platinum trophy to unlock.

Both Detroit: Become Human and Heavy Rain have fairly easy Platinum trophies with a guide, each requiring about 25 hours or so.

The Platinum for Horizon Chase Turbo is of average difficulty, depending on your racing skills, though will take a fair amount of time. Also, there are online trophies to consider.

UPDATE:
It should be noted that Sony had originally announced Pro Evolution Soccer 2019 to be one of the two PlayStation Plus Free Games July 2019. However, for reasons unknown, Sony decided to swap this game for Detroit: Become Human Digital Deluxe Edition at the last minute.

Minecraft Expansion 10 DLC Now Available

Editorial Team

Mojang has just released another addition to their open-world crafting game, labled as the Minecraft Expansion 10 DLC for the PlayStation 4. Like their previous DLC Expansion packs, this one is also free of charge.

The Minecraft Expansion 10 DLC, also known as the Pillager Update, brings new adventures to your nearby villages, including the evil mob Pillagers who raid villages, giving you the chance to become the hero of the town. The update also includes more useful gadgets to craft, including a grindstone, cartography tables, and campfires.

Trophy hunters and Completionists should take note that the Minecraft Expansion 10 DLC also adds another six trophies to the game, now bringing the total to a whopping 111. The six new trophies are as follows:

Buy Low, Sell High (gold) – Trade for the best possible price.

Disenchanted (bronze) – Use a Grindstone to get experience from an enchanted item.

I’ve Got A Bad Feeling About This (bronze) – Kill a Pillager Captain.

Kill The Beast! (silver) – Defeat a Ravager.

Sound The Alarm! (bronze) – Ring the bell with a hostile enemy in the village.

We’re Being Attacked! (bronze) – Trigger A Pillager Raid.

UPDATE:

For those of you anxious to get your completion percentage back up, here is a trophy guide for the Minecraft Expansion 10 DLC by NCSFan001:
https://psnprofiles.com/guide/8717-minecraft-expansion-10-dlc-trophy-guide

And a video Trophy Guide by Redcar200:
https://psnprofiles.com/guide/8717-minecraft-expansion-10-dlc-trophy-guide

Overall, unlocking all Minecraft Expansion 10 DLC trophies is not too difficult, and shouldn’t take longer than 30 minutes with the guides.

PlayStation Plus Free Games June 2019

Editorial Team

With Summer fast approaching, we can either head outside and enjoy the warm weather, or stay indoors and play some games. For those who prefer the latter, Sony has unveiled their next line-up for PlayStation Plus Free Games June 2019 which will be available for download on Tuesday, June 4.

First, there’s Borderlands: The Handsome Collection, a 2-in-1 title that includes both Borderlands 2 and Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel, as well as all the DLC for both games. These are first-person shooters with RPG elements that take place on another planet in a Mad Max like setting. Players face off against dangerous ruffians, intergalactic gangsters, and fierce alien creatures that inhabit the planet.

Next, there’s Sonic Mania, the next installment in the Sonic the Hedghog series first released in 2017. The game is a 2D side-scroller reminiscent of the original Sonic titles on the Sega Genesis, featuring all your favorite characters, and animated cutscenes.

Both Borderlands 2 and Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel contained in the Borderlands: The Handsom Collection have a Platinum trophy waiting to be unlocked. Sonic Mania has a total of 18 trophies but no Platinum.

The Platinum for both Borderlands 2 and Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel are fairly average in terms of difficulty, though will take a fair amount of time as there’s a lot to do. Expect around 50-60 hours for each Platinum.

Meanwhile, Sonic Mania is not a particularly difficult game to unlock 100% of the trophies, especially for those with some Sonic experience.

PlayStation Plus Free Games May 2019

Editorial Team

May brings flowers! Though gamers and trophy hunters may be less interested in what’s blooming outside, and more curious to see Sony’s next line-up of freebies. So without further ado, here are the PlayStation Plus free games May 2019, available for download on the PS4 on Tuesday, May 7th.

First, there’s Overcooked!, the 2016 simulation game where players control chefs in a busy kitchen, preparing meals as quickly as possible while avoiding hazards and obstacles. The game includes both co-op and competitive local multiplayer with up to four players.

And What Remains of Edith Finch, a mystery adventure where players explore a house in first-person, to learn of the titular character’s family lineage and secrets.

Neither Overcooked! nor What Remains of Edith Finch have Platinum trophies.

Overcooked! is quite a challenging game to unlock 100% of its trophies, requiring multitasking skills, fast reflexes, and quick thinking. Also, a second controller is needed for at least one trophy.

What Remains of Edith Finch on the other hand, is both quick and easy to collect 100% of the trophies. At least one playthrough is required, and one replay of a section of the story. All trophies can be unlocked in just a couple hours.