PlayStation fans have recently been taken by surprise with the stealth release of two free PS5 games on the PlayStation Store. The first of these games, titled Lokko, was made available on December 18, while the second game, Cup Heroes, followed closely on December 19. Both titles share the distinction of being released without prior announcement and are available at no cost, although they differ significantly in style and gameplay as they come from different developers.
Lokko is an action 3D platformer developed by Appy Monkeys Software. Currently, it holds a solid average rating of 4.21 out of 5 stars on the PlayStation Store, a commendable score considering that free games often receive lower user review ratings due to the lack of financial barriers to entry. In this game, players assist Lokko and his brother in thwarting the evil Goobol Corporation while delivering pizzas to various destinations. It aims to blend fun with creativity, allowing players to build and share levels in real-time across not only PS5 but also PC and iOS platforms. Players can even create their characters and design enemies and bosses. Notably, this game is in its Beta phase and exclusive to PS5, raising questions about its pricing model upon full release.
The game marks Appy Monkeys Software’s second release, following their debut title, Blox 3D World, launched in 2021. The developers have made a bold move with this offering, and its current free status provides an enticing opportunity for gamers to engage with the platforming experience without financial commitment.
In contrast, Cup Heroes, developed by Qubic Games, also enjoys favorable reception, boasting an average rating of 4.27 on the PlayStation Store. This action-adventure and strategy game invites players into a whimsical world where everyday cups transform into heroic figures on a mission to rescue their beloved queen. Unlike Appy Monkeys, Qubic Games brings experience to the table, having been in the industry for several years.
While Cup Heroes does include microtransactions, user reviews suggest that these in-game purchases are not mandatory and do not detract from the overall experience. This aspect might appeal to players who are concerned about monetization in free-to-play titles.
The sudden release of these two games highlights the ongoing strategy among developers and publishers to capture the attention of gamers by offering enticing experiences at no cost. As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, such stealth launches might become increasingly common as companies seek to differentiate their offerings and engage players in innovative ways.
As both Lokko and Cup Heroes remain free for download, players have a unique opportunity to explore new worlds and gameplay mechanics without the usual financial commitment. The response from the gaming community will likely guide future developments from both Appy Monkeys Software and Qubic Games. Will these titles pave the way for more free offerings in the future? Only time will tell, but the initial reception suggests that gamers are ready to embrace new experiences, especially when they come at no cost.
