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PS4-to-PS5 game updates chewed on

We’re living in crazy times when old games are getting new-gen PS5 upgrades for free. Own a venerable PS4 game? Then expect at some point to be able to play the PS5 edition for absolutely nowt on your new console. This issue we start with a double freebie…

Spiritual successor to PS1’s Destruction Derby, the verbosely subtitled Wreckfest: Drive Hard, Die Last arrives on PS5. This new-gen version of the full-contact racer from the FlatOut developer is currently free on PS Plus, so if you’re a subscriber you get two hits for free. The upgrade delivers 4K at 60fps, and even manages to maintain a solid framerate with 24 players on screen smashing the doors of one another’s cars. Other improvements include visual tweaks (dynamic dirt, higher resolution textures, and increased roadside foliage) as well as faster load times. The PS4 version is plagued by overly long load times, so this improvement alone makes Wreckfest worth replaying on PS5. If you’re not a current PS Plus member, this new upgrade will cost £9.99. If you thought Drive Hard, Die Last used up too many letters then

Amnesia: Rebirth Adventure Mode goes further, though it’s also more descriptive. The longer the new name, the more PS5 it sounds, I guess. This is an odd update/release as Frictional Games has removed all monsters and even brightened the environments to take the horror out of its, erm, horror. We’re left with a game that remains atmospheric, retains its core puzzles, but lacks the sense of claustrophobia the developer’s games are known for. It’s an interesting idea that lets the story shine now it’s unhooked from the tense trepidation. This PS5 release runs at 60fps, the PS4 version at 30fps. Originally released on PSVR and then on PS4,

The Persistence Enhanced brings the roguelike horrors of its titular starship to PS5. The loop is one of rerunning the corridors of the The Persistence, dodging mutated shipmates to make it deeper into the craft, and repairing systems as you go to prevent it being sucked into a black hole. Featuring improved interaction and the addition of ray-traced lighting, this edition goes all-in on delivering a true PS5 experience. The addition of DualSense support, which makes use of the controller’s haptic feedback, adds to the package. Three platforms and counting – developer Firesprite is persistent with this one.