Wild Arms 4, the 2005 PS2 entry in Sony's long-running JRPG series, is landing on PS Plus Premium for PS5 and PS4 later this week, according to Push Square. It's a notable addition to the service, marking a relatively rare first-party title in a catalog that has recently leaned hard on Bandai Namco and Disney libraries.
For fans of the Wild Arms franchise, this is a chance to revisit a game that divided opinion at launch. The series, known for its Western-inspired aesthetic blended with classic JRPG mechanics, had built up a dedicated following through its PS1 and early PS2 entries - but the fourth installment wasn't exactly a victory lap.
What the critics said back then
Push Square's retrospective highlights just how rough the original reception was, surfacing period reviews that weren't shy about their frustrations. One critic reportedly asked "Should such calculating mediocrity be continually excused?" - which is about as pointed as JRPG criticism gets. The game was seen by some as a safe, formulaic entry that failed to push the series forward in any meaningful way.
That said, context matters. Mid-tier JRPGs from that PS2 era often get re-evaluated more favorably over time, particularly as nostalgia sets in and the sheer volume of modern releases makes older, slower-paced games feel more distinctive rather than dated.
A growing PS2 library on Premium
Sony's PS Plus Premium emulation catalogue has been expanding steadily, though it remains an uneven offering. The recent focus on third-party partnerships - particularly with Bandai Namco's classic catalog - has meant that first-party PS2 titles have been slower to make the jump. Wild Arms 4 joining the service suggests Sony may be looking to fill those gaps with its own back catalog.
Whether you're a returning fan or a curious newcomer, PS Plus Premium gives you a low-friction way to find out if Wild Arms 4 holds up better than its 2005 reviews suggested. Sometimes the critics get it wrong - and sometimes they really don't. This one's worth judging for yourself.
