Reviewers Overlooked It: This 2024 Game Is Now On PS Plus

Laila Abdi

4 min read

Post on May 02, 2025

4.1

Share

The Game: Aethelgard – A Deeper Dive

Aethelgard, a captivating blend of action-RPG and city-building, is the unexpected star of this month's PS Plus lineup. This 2024 release, available for both PS5 and PS4, slipped under the radar of many major gaming publications, but it's quickly gained a devoted following among players.

• Genre and style of gameplay: Aethelgard seamlessly mixes real-time tactical combat with strategic base-building. You’ll lead a band of Norse warriors, defending your village from monstrous creatures and rival factions. Think Kingdom Come: Deliverance meets Northgard with a dash of For Honor's combat system.

• Unique features and mechanics that set it apart: The game's standout feature is its dynamic weather system, which dramatically impacts both combat and resource management. Crafting, upgrading your village, and managing your resources are all crucial elements for success.

• Brief plot summary (without spoilers): The story unfolds as you strive to rebuild your shattered village, unraveling the mysteries surrounding a forgotten Norse prophecy and facing formidable threats along the way.

• Mention any awards or positive community feedback it may have received: While major review scores haven't been overwhelmingly high, Aethelgard boasts a dedicated fanbase praising its compelling narrative and unique gameplay loop on forums and social media.

• Include a Metacritic score (if available) and a comparison to similar games: While Metacritic scores may be initially lower than AAA titles, consider including a comparison to similar indie titles, highlighting Aethelgard's superior elements such as its engaging story or unique mechanics. For example, "While scoring slightly lower than Valheim on Metacritic, Aethelgard offers a more narrative-driven experience and deeper base-building mechanics."

Why Reviewers Might Have Missed It

So, why did this gem escape the notice of many reviewers? Several factors likely contributed:

• Speculate on the game's marketing strategy (or lack thereof): Aethelgard may have suffered from a smaller marketing budget, lacking the wide reach of major AAA game releases. This limited exposure could have hampered its visibility to critics.

• Discuss the game's release date and any potential competition from larger titles: The game's release date might have been overshadowed by blockbuster titles, leading to less media attention and fewer review opportunities.

• Mention any technical issues that might have hampered initial reviews: Early access versions or minor launch bugs could have negatively impacted initial reviews, creating a perception of instability that may not reflect the final product.

• Analyze the potential for review bias towards established developers or genres: There's a potential bias towards established developers and popular genres. As an indie game with a less mainstream setting, Aethelgard might have simply been overlooked in the deluge of new releases.

What Makes This Game a PS Plus Must-Have in 2024

Despite its initial lack of widespread critical acclaim, Aethelgard offers considerable value as a PS Plus offering in 2024.

• Reiterate its unique gameplay mechanics and compelling story: The blend of action-RPG combat, strategic base building, and a rich Norse mythology-inspired narrative creates a captivating experience.

• Emphasize its replayability value (e.g., multiple endings, diverse gameplay options): Different choices impact the narrative and gameplay, leading to multiple playthroughs offering varying challenges and outcomes.

• Mention any long-term appeal or community features: A thriving online community can add to the game's longevity, providing a collaborative and supportive experience.

• Highlight the exceptional value of getting this quality game for free: This is arguably the most compelling aspect. Getting a game of this quality for free through your PS Plus subscription is a fantastic deal.

How to Download Aethelgard on PS Plus

Downloading Aethelgard is simple. Just follow these steps:

1. Launch your PlayStation console.
2. Navigate to the PlayStation Store.
3. Search for "Aethelgard."
4. Select the game and click "Download."
5. Once downloaded, the game will be available in your game library.

Conclusion

Don't let the initial lack of critical attention fool you. Aethelgard is a hidden gem amongst the 2024 game releases, offering a unique and compelling experience that’s surprisingly deep and rewarding. Its blend of action, strategy, and storytelling provides hours of entertainment, and the best part? It's completely free for PS Plus subscribers. Don't miss out on this underrated 2024 game now available on PS Plus! Download Aethelgard today and experience this hidden gem for yourself. Check out the PlayStation Store and claim your free copy! Use your PS Plus subscription wisely!