The weekend is upon us once more and although 2026 has already been another packed year when it comes to some incredible game releases, there is still plenty more to come. With titles such as 007: First Light, Mina the Hollower, Resident Evil: Requiem, and more already smashing records, it is hard to believe that we are only in June, and there are still heaps of incredible titles set to launch before the year is through.
Whilst we may all have our eyes on some big releases such as Grand Theft Auto VI, it is always worth keeping an eye on some smaller games and supporting the indie developers in the industry. That is why PlayStation is helping increase the hype of some upcoming releases by allowing users to try-before-they-buy. As such, there are hundreds of free demos to get stuck into over on the PlayStation Store, but if you are feeling a bit overwhelmed by the choice, here are four that stand out the most in recent weeks.
First up is Woodo, which perhaps looks like the most adorable game of all time. In this cozy diorama puzzle game which feels like a 3D, virtual coloring book, players will embark on a series of puzzles complete with their very own handcrafted wooden friends. Marketed as a way to remember how you felt as a child, Woodo is simply adorable, and you can play it for free now ahead of its full launch later this year.
Next is The Alighieri Circle: Dante’s Bloodline, and it may not be as cozy as Woodo, but it still offers an incredible gaming experience. In this story-rich, Lovecraftian-inspired adventure game, you will experience the story of the Divine Comedy as you take on the role of Gabriele Alighieri. After inheriting a duty to reseal the gates of Hell, you must descend into a psychological nightmare where the only escape is to uncover the dark secrets hidden by your ancestors. Set to launch fully on 10 September, you can now dive in and try it out for free.
On the other hand, Duskfade is an ode to classic 3D platformers and tasks players with shattering the shackles of time by jumping, swinging, and slashing their way through a fantasy world. You will take on the role of Zirian and his mechanical bird, Cuckoo, as he fights to save his sister who has been taken by the mysterious Clock Tower. However, with the world plunged into eternal night, you soon realize that your task is a lot harder than you first thought. Duskfade launches fully on 13 August.
Last, but by no means least, is Gurei. If you love Metroidvanias with punishing combat, then you will love this black-and-white side-scroller where you take on the role of Rei, a human spirit bound with the duty of defeating mystical entities known as the Kami, in order to absorb their powers. With precise combat needed, this stunning title is no easy feat, but with the ability to succeed on your own terms, how you approach the game and face each boss is entirely up to you. Gurei launches fully on 23 July.
These are just some examples of the incredible demos currently available to dive into for free courtesy of PlayStation, giving you the chance to play before anybody else and even offer your feedback in the hopes of improving the game even further.
- Founded
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October 3, 1994
- Owner
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Sony Interactive Entertainment
- Known For
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Uncharted, God of War, Horizon, The Last of Us,