It’s July! That means summer! Sun! But we must be careful and enjoy those things in moderation, because… videogames. They need playing. And this month, PlayStation Plus is bringing plenty of content as part of the Instant Game Collection; which means free games as part of your PS Plus membership, not to mention discounts galore on fantastic content throughout the PlayStation Store.

Battlefield 3 is leading the way this month and will be free to download for PS Plus members starting with the 7/2 PS Store update. You’ll also find some truly great savings with this year’s two week long Summer Blast 2013 sale! Read on to learn more about what’s coming in July, as well as the deals in the PlayStation Store this week.

July Preview

The following games are slated to be free to PS Plus members through the Instant Game Collection in the month of July.

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Battlefield 3 (PS3)

PSN Price: $39.99, Free for PS Plus members

In Battlefield 3, players will step into the role of the elite U.S. Marines. They will experience heart-pounding single player missions and competitive multiplayer action ranging across diverse locations from around the globe. Powered by the innovative technology of Frostbite 2, Battlefield 3 takes first person shooters to a whole new level.

Metal Slug XX (PSP, Compatible on PS Vita)

PSN Price: $19.99, Free for PS Plus members

The excitement of the arcade comes to your PSP system with the series’ uncompromisingly crazy “run-and-gun” gameplay and a 2-player ad hoc mode that lets you and a friend take on the challenge together! After General Morden is defeated and captured, a mysterious army arrives from the future to save him. They reveal themselves to be Morden’s Army from the future, and their goal is to provide their future leader with special advanced weaponry to take on his enemies in the present. Classic characters Marco, Tarma, Fio, Eri, Ralf, and Clark return once again to take on General Morden and his new and improved Rebel Army.

Jet Set Radio (PS3)

PSN Price: $9.99, Free for PS Plus members

Tag, grind, and trick to the beat in SEGA’s hit game Jet Set Radio! Fight for control of Tokyo-to, mark your turf with graffiti, tag walls, billboards, and even rival gang members! Perform tricks and flips on magnetically driven in-line skates, but watch out for the local police force!

Dokuro (PS Vita)

PSN Price: $13.99, Free for PS Plus members

Dokuro is a stoic, little skeleton who is a mere peon in the Dark Lord’s army. One fateful day he witnesses his master returning with a helplessly abducted Princess he intends to force into marriage. At once smitten by her plight, Dokuro resolves to free her from the Dark Lord’s treacherous, monster-infested castle. Along the way, he happens upon a mystical blue potion with the power to transform him into a dashing Hero tragically, this is the only time the Princess can witness his noble endeavors.

Oddworld: Munch’s Oddysee HD (PS3)

PSN Price: $9.99, Free for PS Plus members

It’s up to you to help guide Munch in efforts to rescue fellow test creatures. These critters will be forever loyal to Munch and in turn enable his escape . Once free, Munch teams up with Abe and together they are guided by the wisdom of the Almighty Raisin. They are informed as to how to accomplish their goals, but in order to do so, they must work together. For Munch, his dream is to bring back his species from the brink of extinction. For Abe, it is to rescue his Mudokon buddies.

Leaving PS Plus In July

• July 2nd – Deus Ex: Human Revolution
• July 9th – Joe Danger 2 The Movie
• July 16rd – The Cave
• July 23rd – Germinator
• July 30th – Zero’s Escape: Virtue’s Last Reward

Entering PS Plus in July (in no particular order)

• Battlefield 3 (PS3)
• Metal Slug XX (PSP, Compatible on PS Vita)
• Jet Set Radio (PS3)
• Dokuro (PS Vita)
• Oddworld: Munch’s Oddysee HD (PS3)

Remember, check back every Monday to learn when Metal Slug XX (PSP, Compatible on PS Vita)
Jet Set Radio (PS3), Dokuro (PS Vita), and Oddworld: Munch’s Oddysee HD (PS3) are arriving to PS Plus members. You’ll also find more discounts and other exclusives that we weren’t able to detail here just yet. Remember the month preview is subject to change.

July 2nd PlayStation Plus Update

Battlefield 3 (PS3)

PSN Price: $39.99, Free for PS Plus members

In Battlefield 3, players will step into the role of the elite U.S. Marines. They will experience heart-pounding single player missions and competitive multiplayer action ranging across diverse locations from around the globe. Powered by the innovative technology of Frostbite 2, Battlefield 3 takes first person shooters to a whole new level.

Summer Blast 2013 Sale (PS3)

Various Discounts

Summer Blast 2013 is a two week event where we’ll be bringing you some of the best deals in gaming. Take a look at this list, and tell me there’s not ONE game on there that you won’t be picking up at those prices. Go ahead, I dare you. If not this week, we’ll have more games to pick up in the second week of Summer Blast 2013. This sale offers discounts to all PSN, but PS Plus members get the edge in discounts for this one.

What’s your favorite content from this week’s update?

What was your favorite content from June?

Thanks for reading this week’s update along with the month outlook. Got more questions on Plus? Leave your comments below, or, if you’re looking to engage with more of the PS community, make sure you head over to the PlayStation Community Forums to discuss this week’s news more, find other topics to contribute your thoughts to, or start one for yourself. See you in the comments!