All Activity

Resident Evil Requiem, launching on February 27 for PlayStation 5, is the ninth and latest entry in Capcom’s iconic Resident Evil series. We recently sat down with the game’s director, Koshi Nakanishi, to chat about the latest and most immersive entry in the series yet. Koshi Nakanishi Resident Evil Requiem director, Capcom PlayStation Blog: When did development start, and how was the project greenlit? Development began on a small scale six years ago, but it really took shape in its current form about three years ago. Ethan’s storyline concluded with Resident Evil 7: Biohazard and the eighth mainline entry, Resident Evil Village. While both Resident Evil 7 and Resident Evil Village were very well-received, they veered away from the main storyline leading up to Resident Evil 6. So, we decided it was time to steer the story back on track, and that’s how the development of this title started. “Leon’s back in Raccoon City – the place where his bioterror nightmare began and caused his early struggles and losses.” The demo threw us right into the game, so the story felt a little abrupt. Will the final product be accessible for players who haven’t played the earlier entries? The game is designed to be welcoming to complete newcomers who don’t know anything about the Raccoon City Incident or haven’t played any Resident Evil titles before. While series fans will instantly recognize Leon, Grace is a brand-new character who’s never faced a zombie and only knows about the Raccoon City Incident through her mother’s involvement. New players can dive into their first Resident Evil adventure right alongside Grace. This marks Leon’s first mainline return since Resident Evil 6, at which point he was a little over 30 years old. Exploring his character development is one of the central themes of this game. He’s back in Raccoon City – the place where his bioterror nightmare began and caused his early struggles and losses. Throughout the game, players will witness how the battle-hardened Leon feels and what he reflects on after all these years. Verify your age to view this content. Verify your age to view this content. Did you explore any new approaches to horror in this game? A big focus for us was reinventing the zombies. Zombies are so ubiquitous in games now that their weaknesses and behaviors have become predictable; for instance they’re typically weak to headshots. However, that familiarity kills the fear and tension. Zombies in this game retain some traces of human intelligence and instincts. Some obsessively repeat bizarre human behaviors, while others pick up weapons dropped by other enemies to attack. We wanted to transform zombies into threats that consistently defy player expectations and keep them on edge. Verify your age to view this content. Verify your age to view this content. “Overall, this game may be scarier than Resident Evil Village, but it alternates between tension and relief, so it isn’t a continuous, suffocating experience.” Many players found Resident Evil 7 intensely frightening, leading you to dial things back in Resident Evil Village. Where would you place Resident Evil Requiem on the terror scale? Yes, some players found it hard to finish Resident Evil 7, so we toned down the horror a bit in Resident Evil Village. In Resident Evil Requiem, however, Leon’s segments lean more into satisfying action, which allowed us to really push the horror in Grace’s sections. Leon’s parts are still spooky, of course, but I’d say they’re more exhilarating than purely horrifying. Overall, this game may be scarier than Resident Evil Village, but it alternates between tension and relief, so it isn’t a continuous, suffocating experience. The demo took place within a dubious sanatorium. Will the full game open up to more areas? As you’ve seen in trailers, the game eventually takes you to present-day Raccoon City. Resident Evil games often switch up locations as you go, and Resident Evil Requiem does the same. Also, in the demo, Grace and Leon’s sections both took place in the same sanatorium, but their stories branch out to different spots later on. “If you switch from Grace to Leon in the same location, any enemies Grace took down stay dead for Leon, and the same goes for items on the ground.” Do one protagonist’s actions impact the other’s? Yes, for example, if you switch from Grace to Leon in the same location, any enemies Grace took down stay dead for Leon, and the same goes for items on the ground. However, it’s tough for Grace – who’s always short on ammo – to wipe out all the enemies. Using Leon to take down enemies that Grace fled from is one of this game’s highlights. With that in mind, it’ll be fun to strategize and maximize efficiency during subsequent playthroughs. Exactly. The more you play, the more you discover how actions in one part affect the other, so it creates a different kind of replay value compared to previous games in the series. Verify your age to view this content. Verify your age to view this content. Grace could collect antique coins, whereas Leon found them unnecessary and would not pick any up. Is the upgrade system using antique coins exclusive to Grace? Antique coin upgrades in the sanatorium are exclusive to Grace, so Leon can’t pick any up. There are still traditional upgrades available for Leon, like weapon enhancements and modifications. The demo emphasized Leon’s action-packed gameplay, but as the game progresses, even he will face uphill battles. Properly upgrading Leon will become crucial too. You were able to crouch and evade attacks as Leon in the Resident Evil 4 remake. Can you do that in this game too? Absolutely. Try crouching when an enemy sweeps at you from above. This tactic works for both Leon and Grace, although Grace tends to lean more on survival and items rather than direct combat. “This time, we came up with the ‘chainsaws for everybody’ concept, which was a fresh take that unlocked a lot of creative possibilities.” Were there any specific scenes or moments in the demo that your team put particular effort into? Near the start of Leon’s section, you encounter a chainsaw-revving zombie doctor. Chainsaws are an iconic Resident Evil weapon, and with so many variations across past games, we always challenge ourselves to innovate. This time, we came up with the “chainsaws for everybody” concept, which was a fresh take that unlocked a lot of creative possibilities. For example, if a weaker nurse zombie swings a chainsaw, it’ll slip from her grip and go flying. The team put a lot of care into those kinds of details. Verify your age to view this content. Verify your age to view this content. “We added third-person support with the Village DLC, and some players were finally able to play comfortably. That inspired us to offer the choice from the start, and our experience working on the DLC made it a pretty smooth integration.” Why did you add the option to switch between first-person and third-person perspectives? Were there any challenges or discoveries that your team encountered during the development of the two viewpoints? As you know, mainline Resident Evil titles were in third-person from Resident Evil 4 through 6, then shifted to first-person in Resident Evil 7 and Village. However, some players struggled playing in first-person. We added third-person support with the Village DLC, and some players were finally able to play comfortably. That inspired us to offer the choice from the start, and our experience working on the DLC made it a pretty smooth integration. Verify your age to view this content. Verify your age to view this content. We recognized that some players found first-person mode too frightening but could still enjoy the game in third-person. That said, seeing Grace panic on-screen caught some players off guard and startled them unexpectedly, which was a nice surprise. In first-person view, you can see Leon’s and Grace’s hands when aiming a gun, and their responses are clearly different. Grace’s hands shake because she’s not used to combat, and the recoil hits her harder, too. We encourage players to try a different perspective in subsequent playthroughs. “Adaptive triggers dynamically adjust trigger resistance depending on the weapon, while gun reloads trigger vibrations and audio from the controller’s microphone.” Previous games in the series, such as Resident Evil Village and the 2023 remake of Resident Evil 4, were available on both PS5 and PS4. This title, however, is a PS5 exclusive. Did any PS5 features, including the DualSense wireless controller’s haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, contribute to the game’s performance and immersion? Resident Evil thrives on evoking genuine terror, so we harnessed PS5 features to amplify the horror elements. For example, during a zombie attack, haptic feedback simulates the zombie’s grip and bite on your arm through the controller. Adaptive triggers dynamically adjust trigger resistance depending on the weapon, while gun reloads trigger vibrations and audio from the controller’s microphone. In puzzles requiring players to rotate a box filled with gems, we simulated the clattering of gems through vibrations and controller audio to deepen the game’s realism and immersion. 3D audio’s immersive soundscape is crucial for pushing the boundaries of horror games. What techniques does this game implement to amplify terror through sound design? This game’s ambient sounds are captured across 12 channels, including vertical positioning. Unlike simple mono or stereo IR waveforms, this approach offers far superior spatial reverb, creating an unprecedented sense of presence. Verify your age to view this content. Verify your age to view this content. Are there any PS5 Pro enhancements? On PS5 Pro, ray tracing can be turned on or off. With it enabled, players can enjoy the game in 4K at 60fps with full ray tracing. Disabled, it supports up to 120fps (averaging 90fps) on high-refresh-rate monitors. We spent a lot of time on optimization. Resident Evil Requiem launches on February 27 for PlayStation 5. View the full article

To make it to the top of Kami, the mountain at the heart of Cairn, you’ll need to develop skill and intuition for climbing and use all the tools at your disposal. There’s a lot in the game you’ll need to learn through experience, particularly as you reach the more treacherous challenges at higher altitudes. Here are a few tips that’ll help you reach greater heights and see fewer dangerous falls as you make your way to Cairn’s summit. It’s all about planning, patience, and stamina The climbing gym at the start of Cairn is a great way to get some training that will save you on Kami, and it’s worth trying all of its available walls to see what you’ll face ahead. The gym will teach you three things: to plan your route, climb slowly, and conserve your stamina. You can check the wall ahead of you by angling the camera so that your protagonist, Aava, looks straight up, or by pressing L1 to get a zoomed-out view of the whole area. It’s always worth it to check your path so you don’t hit a point where you’re trapped or snagged and forced to climb back down, wasting energy and items. Patience is a virtue in Cairn; you almost always want to climb slowly and carefully, even if you’re on what appears to be an easy stretch of wall. The trick to climbing successfully is picking good handholds and footholds. Aava’s limbs start to shake when one is getting tired, indicating that it’s in a bad position or her weight is distributed poorly. Stay in a position like that too long, and she’ll slip and fall. If you move too fast up the wall, you’re more likely to commit to bad holds without realizing it, only to find that Aava is tiring out and unable to move to a more solid position before falling. Going slow lets you be sure the holds you’re using are safe before moving on. As you go up a wall, you also need to manage Aava’s stamina. When you’re in a solid position, you can hit Triangle to have Aava shake out a tired limb, regaining stamina for the next push. You can tell how much stamina Aava has by the color that flashes when you press Triangle. Green means you’ve recovered well, while yellow indicates caution, showing you that you need a better rest position soon or you’re going to be in trouble. Stamina recovery is essential to avoid falling, so stop frequently for a quick rest. Through it all, pay close attention to Aava’s reactions and what she says. Slowly, regular breathing means she’s doing well through the climb, but when her breathing starts to quicken, it means she’s tiring out and getting worried. You’ll need to find a more natural, comfortable position so she can rest and recover stamina. Drop pitons frequently Pitons are essential, and you’ll want to get into the habit of putting them down at regular intervals on every wall. Clipping into a piton stops you from falling off the mountain, while also acting as a checkpoint so you can quickly return if you should slip. You can also use pitons to rest by hitting X to “off belay,” which fully restores Aava’s stamina. And when you off belay at a piton, you can access items in your backpack, giving you a chance to eat food or refill chalk. You can place a piton by holding Up on the directional pad, but you’ll then have to hit X at the right moment as a slider moves across a bar to complete the placement. It’s essential to practice your piton timing — getting the right timing doesn’t just save you from breaking pitons, it can allow you to place one fast in an emergency when Aava’s about to fall. But don’t wait to hear Aava panicking before you set a piton. Train yourself to place them regularly when things are going well, so you’re not trying to place one in a panic to avoid a fall. You’ll find lots of pitons on Kami, and Climbot can make one piton from two sets of piton scraps, so don’t worry too much about running out or wasting them. They’re essential to a successful climb. All holds aren’t equal Especially when you’re first starting out, you might wonder why Aava keeps getting tired or falling when you’re climbing a wall that seems like it’s full of holds. The answer is that some holds are smaller and tougher to use than others, and it’s not always immediately obvious looking at them that a grip isn’t great. Vertical cracks, for instance, seem like they should be useful for climbs, but they can tire you out quickly. Look for big ledges to stand on and hold with your hands to provide Aava with more comfortable positions where she can rest, and try not to use smaller holds for very long. Listen for Aava to remark about whether you’ve picked a good position to know that she’s comfortable — and restore stamina often. When you climb slowly, you can test each hold before moving to the next to see how Aava handles it, and you’ll be able to tell if you should move Aava back down to a more stable position. You always want to watch for how Aava places her hand or foot, also; you’ll sometimes place a hand or foot on what you think is a grip, only for Aava to flatten that hand or foot against the rock, which means she’s braced but not holding anything. It’s usually a good idea to stop and reset that limb before moving on, because she’ll tire out quickly without a solid grip. Don’t forget chalk Chalk greatly improves your grip and can be essential to get over tough walls. You’ll almost always have chalk available, and it’s almost always a good idea to use it. You can quickly add chalk to your hands by holding Right on the directional pad, making your next 12 handholds extra grippy. Chalk is great for making bad holds a little easier to grip, and even makes it possible to move over rock that doesn’t have good holds so you can reach a better spot, as long as you’re quick about it. You should use chalk often, especially when holds are small or spread out — Climbot creates more whenever you compost trash, so you’ll always have a healthy supply. Manually choose Aava’s limbs for extra control Cairn’s developers suggest you use its automatic system for choosing which limb Aava moves every time you take a new foot- or handhold, but there will be lots of moments when you’ll want to move a foot and the game will suggest you move a hand or vice versa, and moving the wrong limb can sometimes be disastrous. You can choose which limb to move yourself by holding R1 and highlighting it using the right analog stick. Choosing limbs manually is essential when you’re trying to quickly leave a dangerous position to get to a safer one, but it’s also just good practice to make sure you have complete control of Aava and are making exactly the moves you want to. Change your approach depending on the kind of rock you’re climbing Most rock walls are gray and craggy, but you’ll sometimes see smooth, glossy brown rock mixed in across a wall. This rock is more slippery, with holds that are often smaller, and it’s too dense for you to place pitons into it, making it potentially dangerous. Check your route and watch for patches of brown rock so you can either climb around them or plan a smart route over them. Chalk and food boosts are great for dealing with these climbs as well. Be sure to explore Kami was once home to a people called the troglodytes, and while you’ll find very few of them left during your climb, you can still visit their homes, temples, and villages. Making your way into different caves and structures can help you find save points, vital supplies, and special items to make your climb easier. Troglodyte pitons are the greatest prize — they’re indestructible and can burrow into any kind of rock — but you might also find things like upgrades for your chalk bag, recipes for different kinds of food, and lots more. Exploring caves and troglodyte structures can also help you find alternative, often easier or safer routes up the mountain. Ice can be easier to climb, but slower Late in your ascent up Kami, you’ll start to come across ice walls. Aava is ready with ice axes and spikes for her feet, and these are automatically equipped whenever you aim a limb at ice. These walls can be easier to deal with than rock because you can make a handhold or foothold anywhere, but you’ll need to go more slowly and recover stamina more often as you climb, because overall, climbing ice takes more effort. Try to pick cracks in the ice to place your ice axes and shoes. If an axe or shoe bounces off the ice before settling, that’s a bad hold, and you should move it to a better one, because Aava will soon slip. If you’ve got no crack to dig into, you can create one by holding down Square and then releasing it, kicking your foot or slamming your axe into the ice. The effort drains your stamina faster, though, so be sure to take frequent breaks.Making your way to the top of Kami is a tough journey, but it’s also a rewarding one. Take your time and be careful and you’ll keep the climb from going from challenging to frustrating. You can start your ascent today — grab Cairn today at the PlayStation Store. View the full article

Set for release on February 5, Dragon Quest VII Reimagined for PlayStation 5 reinterprets the classic 2000 PlayStation title, Dragon Quest VII: Fragments of the Forgotten Past. Featuring distinctive 3D diorama visuals with a warm, handcrafted doll-like aesthetic, the remake also introduces new storylines, including one that reunites the hero with his now-adult friend, Kiefer. Over 25 years after the original release, producer Takeshi Ichikawa shares insights on the creative process and the decisions behind reimagining this beloved RPG for a new generation. ​​ Takeshi Ichikawa, Producer, Dragon Quest VII Reimagined PlayStation Blog: Before we discuss the upcoming Dragon Quest VII Reimagined, let’s take a moment to revisit the original Dragon Quest VII: Fragments of the Forgotten Past, released for the original PlayStation in 2000. The title drew major attention at the time as the first in the series to feature 3D polygons and for offering an adventure that stretched beyond 100 hours. Do you have any special memories of that game? I was a young kid in elementary school back in 2000, so my memories are a little fuzzy, but I do remember playing the original Dragon Quest VII. Funny enough, my first Dragon Quest game wasn’t one of the mainline entries – it was Dragon Quest Monsters Terry’s Wonderland. So when I finally played one of the mainline installments, I was surprised to learn that you actually fight as human characters. Dragon Quest VII is known for its sheer scale, and it takes a while to reach your first battle. Honestly, as a child, I remember getting impatient, wondering when the fighting was going to start. Ultimately, I didn’t finish the game and gave up partway through. However, when I revisited the game later as an adult, I was really struck by how dark and unsettling the game’s world was, and how strangely relevant it felt in this day and age. *Screenshot of Dragon Quest VII: Fragments of the Forgotten Past on the original PlayStation It’s one of the more melancholic works in the series, isn’t it? Yes. In conversations with Yuji Horii, the creator of the series, we often used the word “irrational” to describe the game’s world and its themes. What parts of the game felt irrational to you? Even though the protagonists haven’t done anything particularly wrong, the story keeps drifting into darker territory and shows the raw, ugly sides of human nature. I think that lack of salvation and sense of unfairness made the game feel irrational at times. And that Dragon Quest VII is now being remade as Dragon Quest VII Reimagined. Can you tell us how this project first came about? The original game was released in 2000 and celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2025. We felt that its distinctive world and story would resonate even more strongly with players today, which is what led to the start of this project. Why did you choose to develop a full remake from the ground up, rather than a remaster? After 25 years, we wanted to create a game that was enjoyable for both past players and those new to the series. That’s why we went back and reviewed every single element from square one and rebuilt everything for a wider audience. Figuring out where to begin on an epic exceeding 100 hours sounds quite daunting. What was your guiding principle, and what type of experience were you envisioning? Our core concept was “nostalgic yet innovative.” We aimed to preserve Dragon Quest VII’s signature essence and nostalgic charm while adding new touches that we thought were fitting as the series’ latest installment. Development revolved around three key pillars: story, visuals, and combat. What kind of input did Yuji Horii give after he saw your proposal? We pitched to Horii-san the idea of restructuring everything around those three pillars, overhauling the framework of the narrative, and adding new storylines for certain characters to create a deeper emotional connection with the players. He was on board right away. Did Horii-san provide any feedback during development? He gave us input on the UI. Past Dragon Quest games stuck to pop-up window-based interfaces, but we went with tabs for the main menu this time, which was a bold move. Horii-san liked the overall feel but suggested tweaks for specific elements, like the shopping interface. His insights helped us create a more user-friendly UI. You highlighted story, visuals, and combat as the three main pillars. Could you elaborate on the changes your team made to the story? While preserving the original’s distinctive vibe and atmosphere, we refined sections of the story – which can exceed 100+ hours – that felt redundant. We aimed to streamline the overall structure of the narrative so it was easier to follow and get immersed in. Yes, the overall story felt tighter when I played the preview. You mentioned you didn’t just trim the story; you also added new storylines? That’s right. We trimmed or condensed parts that didn’t deeply impact the core narrative while also adding new scenarios. For example, the reunion with an adult Kiefer gives original fans something new to enjoy. Does the adult Kiefer play a big role in the story? Yes, he properly appears as part of a new storyline. I can’t go into details because it’s integral to the story, but I’m excited for players to experience it firsthand. Let’s talk about the graphics – the doll-like visuals really stand out. Why did you choose this style? Akira Toriyama oversaw character designs for the Dragon Quest series, and Dragon Quest VII stood out with its endearing character designs with shorter proportions. We chose a doll-like aesthetic to match that. Given the global popularity of doll-inspired visuals in films and games, we thought this style would suit Dragon Quest VII perfectly. I understand the character creation process was unique, too. You worked with doll artisans to craft wooden dolls by hand, photographed them, and turned the photos into CG models. Yes. Given the doll motif, scanning actual dolls felt like the best method for nailing the texture and creating a distinctive visual style. We commissioned Studio Nova, a Japanese doll studio, to handcraft the dolls of the main characters, then scanned them to capture their unique texture in the game. The velvety texture of Kiefer’s outfit and similar details are very realistic. Are there any visual elements you want players to pay particular attention to? We’ve put a lot of care into each character’s outfit. Kiefer wears a plush royal attire fit for a prince, while the protagonist, a fisherman’s son, wears something humbler, and Maribel, the mayor’s daughter, wears an, elegant fancy dress. The highlights are in the fine details, like the worn, scuffed texture on the protagonist’s leather shoes. You’ll find many hidden details if you pay close attention. The environments and buildings also blend in seamlessly with the doll-like characters. Can you describe the creation process? Once we settled on the doll motif, we styled the towns like dioramas and the buildings like dollhouses to complement the characters. I think the standout is the protagonist’s hometown, Estard Island. We started working on this area first, so we put extra effort into creating Estard. The original lets you spin the camera around to find hidden chests, pots, and barrels. That has been faithfully recreated as well. That’s right. Spinning the camera around for exploration was a key feature in the original, so we made sure to keep it. We hope players spend time investigating every nook and cranny. Let’s talk about the final pillar of the three: combat. What was the thinking behind its redevelopment? The basic idea was to keep regular battles “quick and snappy” while making fights against tougher enemies more “intense and deliberate.” For regular combat, we focused on pacing, such as adding battle speed options and a “Field Attack” feature where you can one-shot weaker enemies as your party levels up. Meanwhile, powerful enemy encounters are key story moments, so we wanted players to spend their time strategizing and taking it slow. Some fights ended up being quite challenging, but we received a stamp of approval from Horii-san after he tested it out, so I believe we’ve achieved a good balance. Tell us about the Vocation system. Special Vocational Perks activate when a character gets “worked up.” How does this new mechanic make combat more dynamic and engaging? Characters “let loose” at optimal moments during battle. It unleashes powerful effects based on your Vocation, and once you can “Moonlight” two Vocations, you can equip two Vocational Perks at the same time. Experimenting with different Vocation combinations is a lot of fun. How does the Moonlighting feature work? As the story progresses and Vocation changes become available, you can choose one preferred Vocation, like warrior or mage. Further into the game, you unlock the ability to “Moonlight” two Vocations. During battles, you can use skills and perks from either Vocation. Character attributes are also combined, which significantly affects your character’s overall capabilities. So, players can mix and match any Vocations they want? Yes. For example, you can combine warrior and martial artist for a powerful attacker, or pair warrior with priest for a balanced fighter. The choice is yours, depending on your playstyle. Once your Beginner Vocations reach maximum proficiency, you’ll unlock Intermediate Vocations that you can also Moonlight. Mastering both warrior and martial artist unlocks the gladiatrix, which can then be paired with either a Beginner Vocation or another Intermediate Vocation. The Buccanham Palace: Battle Arena has been added as an extra feature. What are its key highlights? The Battle Arena is one of the new side contents. With its unique format, it delivers fights unlike the regular battles for a fresh experience. There’s also content designed to test your strength, so players can jump in and test their limits. How is it different from regular battles? Regular battles are fought with a party of up to four members, but in the Battle Arena, you pick one character to fight solo. Players can beat the challenges to earn rewards, and if they finish within a set number of turns, they can win even better prizes. We hope these extra rewards make your journey a bit easier. Speaking of rewards, you can also score valuable items from the Lucky Panel. That’s right. Both the Battle Arena and Lucky Panel can sometimes reward you with powerful items or weapons that you cannot normally pick up at that point in the story. Horii-san often calls this “cheating” (laughs). Of course, it’s not really cheating, and there’s a lot of fun in gaining an advantage that way, so we encourage players to keep trying their luck. Did you take any new approaches to production? We added voice-overs to Dragon Quest VII for the first time. The battles and adventures feel much more immersive, and the story pulls you right in. The voice actors really brought the characters to life. Upon playing myself, the overall pacing felt noticeably smoother while perfectly capturing the original’s unique charm. Striking that balance between nostalgia and modern RPG standards must have been quite challenging. Yes. The Dragon Quest series is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, and it’s been loved by so many people for decades. Mindful of our most dedicated long-term fans, we prioritized equilibrium between nostalgia and innovation. We made sure to preserve the classic feel and core narrative, so I think many of the cutscenes will bring back a lot of emotions and memories from their original playthroughs. Dragon Quest VII Reimagined launches on PS5 on February 5. View the full article

February’s PlayStation Plus Monthly Games lineup is a bumper one, with four titles available to PS Plus members*. Battle to victory in the ring in boxing sim Undisputed, survive an alien world in Subnautica: Below Zero, mix combat and gardening in Ultros, and take to the skies in Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown. All these titles will be available to PlayStation Plus members from Tuesday February 3 until Monday March 2. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Undisputed | PS5 Become Undisputed and rule the ring in the most authentic boxing game to date! Featuring true to life visuals, bone-jarring action, and 70+ licensed fighters, Undisputed gives you unprecedented control to master every inch of the ring. 50 Attributes & Traits to differentiate styles and capabilities of fighters. Play through the epic journey from amateur boxing tournaments, all the way to becoming Undisputed Champion, in the true-to-life Career Mode. Create your own fighter with Character Creator, customizing everything from build, to tattoos, to shorts and gloves. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Subnautica: Below Zero | PS5, PS4 Submerge yourself in an all-new, sub-zero expedition in an arctic region of Planet 4546B. Arriving with little more than your wits and some survival equipment, you set out to investigate what happened to your sister. Below Zero presents entirely new environments for you to survive, study, and explore. Survive the harsh climate by constructing extensive habitats, scavenging for resources, and crafting equipment. Keep your wits about you: not all creatures in this strange world are friendly. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Ultros | PS5, PS4 Grounded in science fiction, Ultros comes wrapped in both an eccentric art style from the visionary El Huervo, renowned for his work on Hotline Miami, and a mystical soundtrack composed and performed by Ratvader – Oscar Rydelius. Experience brutal, intimate, close-quarter combat with cosmic lifeforms. Yet this intense combat is juxtaposed with cultivating the greenery and tending to plant life in The Sarcophagus, providing precious moments of contemplation and peace. In turn, this grants deeper access to obscured paths. A unique loop-based mechanic will allow you to start over at key moments in the story, providing opportunities to unfold such secrets, unlock different areas of the world and new abilities on a branching skill tree. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown | PS4 Strap yourself into the cockpit of some of the world’s most formidable fighter planes and skim through the clouds engaging in daring aerial stunts and nerve-shredding tactical dogfights. In Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown, you take on the role of an Ace – an elite fighter pilot tasked with patrolling the most open and intimidating space on Earth: the sky. Choose from an array of authentic modern and futuristic aircraft and load them up with an arsenal of cutting-edge super weapons as unfolding events drive you into ever more dangerous aerial face-offs. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Last chance to add January’s PlayStation Plus Monthly Games to your library PlayStation Plus members have until Monday February 2 to add Need For Speed Unbound, Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed and Core Keeper to their game library. *PlayStation Plus Monthly Games lineup may differ by region. Please check PlayStation Store on release day for more information. View the full article

Two race-bred machines that breathe octane, plus a high-powered EV curveball from one of the world’s biggest phone companies—that’s how Polyphony kicks off 2026. The ’22 Porsche 911 GT3 R (992) arrives as a full-send, no-compromise, pure race car. The ’24 Hyundai Elantra N TC follows with a car built for touring-car domination, while leveraging the reliability of the road car. And then there’s the wildcard: the ’25 SU7 Ultra from Xiaomi, the tech giant’s vision of absurd-speed, 1,527 BHP EV. Play Video All three models join the ever-growing garage, alongside three new World Circuit events, a fresh Extra Menu, and California Roadsides landing as the latest Scapes curation. New year, still free, same Gran Turismo energy. Update 1.67 for Gran Turismo 7 is available beginning today, January 28 at 10:00pm PT / January 29 at 6:00am GMT / 3:00pm JST.* Additionally, the Gran Turismo World Series Online Qualifiers are underway. Drivers are competing in the final rounds of the Manufacturers Cup for a chance to qualify for the live Events. New Cars** Hyundai Elantra N TC ’24 Can be purchased from Brand Central Engineered for victory, the Elantra N represents Hyundai’s high‑performance N brand, with the Elantra N TC developed specifically for motorsport. The road car’s 2.0‑liter turbocharged engine delivers 276 BHP and 40.0 kgfm, achieving 0–62 mph in 5.3 seconds, forming a strong foundation for racing evolution. Modified to meet international touring car regulations, the TC gains a wide‑body aerodynamic package, carbon‑fiber splitter, and large rear wing for increased downforce. A six‑speed sequential gearbox, adjustable racing suspension, and endurance‑spec brakes ensure adaptability and durability. Weight reduction, added rigidity, and a regulation roll cage complete a focused race car that retains the agility and reliability of the production model. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Porsche 911 GT3 R (992) ’22 Can be purchased from Brand Central The Porsche 911 has defined sports‑car performance since 1963, earning legendary status on road and track. That heritage continued with the 992‑generation 911, launched in 2018, featuring evolved styling, a 3.0‑liter turbo flat‑six, and an eight‑speed PDK transmission. From this platform emerged the 911 GT3 R, introduced in 2022 as a pure race machine.Powered by a 4.2‑liter flat‑six producing up to 557 BHP, it features carbon‑fiber and aramid construction, RSR‑derived suspension, and a longer wheelbase for improved stability. AP Racing brakes and a modernized cockpit complete a car built to dominate GT racing. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Xiaomi SU7 Ultra ’25 Can be purchased from Brand Central Xiaomi’s leap from smart devices to electric mobility culminates in the SU7 Ultra, a BEV designed to redefine performance expectations. Using a three‑motor all‑wheel‑drive system, it delivers up to 1,527 BHP, with rear motors spinning to 27,200 rpm. Performance is staggering: 0–62 mph in 1.98 seconds and a 217.5 mph top speed. Advanced construction includes carbon‑fiber body panels, cell‑to‑body architecture, and gigacasting for exceptional rigidity and low weight. A carbon‑fiber aero kit generates 285 kg of downforce, while high‑performance brakes stop from 62 mph in 30.8 meters. With luxury, active suspension, and advanced ADAS, the SU7 Ultra marks a turning point for high‑performance EVs. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Café / Extra Menus The following Menu will be added to the Extra Menus section: Extra Menu No. 52: ‘Hyundai N‘ (Collector Level 58 and above) World Circuits The following new events have been added to ‘World Circuits’: World Touring Car 600 – Nürburgring Nordschleife World Touring Car 700 – Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps World Touring Car 800 – Mount Panorama Motor Racing Circuit Scapes ‘California Roadsides’ has been added as a featured Curation in Scapes. Gran Turismo World Series Online Qualifiers The road to the Gran Turismo World Series is officially underway, and the Online Qualifiers are delivering intense competition. Drivers have already gone head‑to‑head across four thrilling rounds of the Manufacturers Cup, proving both their speed and sportsmanship as they chase a coveted place on the world stage. With a spot in the live main events on the line, every race counts. Round 5 is happening right now, and the final round takes place on Saturday, January 31. The spotlight then turns to the Nations Cup Online Qualifiers, also taking place over six rounds from Wednesday, February 11 to Saturday, February 28. For more details visit the Gran Turismo website. Whether you’re chasing the dream of becoming one of the world’s best or simply looking for high‑level competition and unforgettable racing, everyone is welcome. Strap in, hit the track, and be part of the action. *Internet connection required for update. **Credits (paid or via game progression) required to purchase vehicles. View the full article

This year, MLB The Show is all about leaving your mark like never before. More than any single game, it’s about The Journey. It starts by putting in the hard work in high school, with a continuous drive to be better than the day before and a hunger for a Hall of Fame career. That drive was top of mind throughout the development of this year’s game, which is why San Diego Studio and MLB The Show are proud to welcome back 3x American League MVP, Aaron Judge. His journey has taken him from high school to college, then the minors to the majors, and on to the world stage. We’ve mirrored the same journey in our game, striving to create the most authentic MLB experience outside of actually being on the field. Aaron continues to rewrite history. He was our cover athlete in 2018, after a record-breaking rookie year in 2017. He’s now a 3-time AL MVP, 7-time All-Star, 5-time Silver Slugger award winner, AL single-season home run record holder with 62 homers, and the 2026 Team USA World Baseball Classic Captain. These are just a few highlights from his long list of achievements, and Aaron’s performances have not only inspired players on the diamond, but athletes and fans around the world. We’re excited to have him back as the cover athlete of MLB The Show 26. It’s now up to you; how will you leave your mark? Play Video Official gameplay trailer drops next week Check back next week, on February 3, to see our gameplay trailer featuring everything new we have in store for ‘26. We’ve got updates on the features you know and love, plus a few special surprises. MLB The Show 26 launches on March 17, 2026 (*Early access begins March 13) Get ready for launch with a few key updates: Pre-orders for the Standard Edition and *Digital Deluxe Editions open on February 3, 2026 at 12 am EST/ 9 am PST on TheShow.com, platform stores, and participating retailers. Purchasing the Digital Deluxe Edition gives you 4 days of Early Access starting on March 13, 2026. Starting March 17, the Standard Edition of MLB The Show 26 is fully available. The World Baseball Classic Tournament returns to Diamond Dynasty This year’s cover features Aaron Judge in his Team USA World Baseball Classic uniform, so stay tuned to learn more about what this means for Diamond Dynasty in MLB The Show 26. Homage x MLB The Show Returns We’re also excited to announce the return of our Homage x MLB The Show apparel partnership! Since 2007, through crafted design, deep-cut storytelling, and Legendary Comfort, Homage has been helping fans pay homage to the people, places, and moments that matter most to them. Similar to last year, we have an exciting variety of new drops that you can look forward to this year. Today’s drop is our Cover Athlete t-shirt, featuring Aaron Judge. In addition to adult sizes, we’re also excited to have youth sizes available! Cop the latest drop and own the show in style. Wear Homage and share your love for MLB The Show. Purchase here: homa.ge/MLBTS Stay in the know: Sign up for The Scouting Report & Your Show Account Want the inside track on everything coming to MLB The Show 26? Sign up for the MLB The Show Scouting Report and get rewarded all season long with exclusive monthly Scouting Report Packs. From April through December, subscribers receive an exclusive Scouting Report Pack each month delivered straight to their inventory and filled with rewards you won’t want to miss. Make sure you don’t miss your at-bat, sign up today on TheShow.com. And while you’re at it, get ready for opening day by setting up your MLB The Show account. In ‘26, whatever platform you’re on, you can keep access to your entire inventory of cards. Step up to https://account.theshow.com and create your MLB The Show Account. Once you’re done, log in with your platform account and link it to your MLB The Show account. And that’s a win. The journey is just beginning Starting March 17, MLB The Show will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch with some special perks. For more info on new features and sneak peeks on MLB The Show 26, check out our most recent blog post. And if you’re still game for more, keep reading here. We’ll keep the action coming with regular updates, so keep an eye out for the Gameplay Trailer reveal next week, weekly feature reveals, Feature Trailer deep dives, updates on the Standard and Digital Deluxe Editions, a new pre-order loyalty discount and more. Until then, sign up for The Scouting Report, and follow us on X, Facebook, and Instagram. And be sure to visit TheShow.com for more details about all things MLB The Show. View the full article

Helldivers, do you ever find the squad standing before a towering foe with impenetrable fortifications and wish you had something to smash through them? The Ministry of Defense has just the Warbond for you. Let’s get to smashing, divers! Play Video Weapons & Stratagems So what are the tools that will break down the door to the enemy compound? Let’s start with the new and improved version of a beloved Helldivers weapon: the LAS-16 Trident! This big, bold, and shotgun-like updated classic fires six beams compared to the original’s three! Nothing’s gonna stand in the LAS-16 Trident’s way. But if you need to make a statement when you break down the bulwark, you might want to bring the CQC-20 Breaching Hammer stratagem. This sledgehammer can do straight smashing, or it can have an explosive charge attached to its head to drive the point home. Let’s say you get tired from all the hammer-swinging, though, and you need a way to simplify your destruction. Why not use the GL-28 Belt-Fed Grenade Launcher that lets you continuously fire grenades in a non-stop, explosive barrage? And if you’re only interested in sending a single, strong message, we’ve also included the EAT-411 Leveller that fires one high-yield missile. Finally, the perfect companion to an offensive loadout like this one is a good defense. The G/SH-39 Shield is a throwable emplacement that generates a spherical, projectile-blocking shield. Make your own barrier while you bust down all the others. Armor & Capes As for the rest of your defense, we have the heavy SA-8 Ram armor, evoking heavy plate armor and blast shields, to turn you into a blockade-battering force. Similarly, the medium armor, SA-7 Headfirst, still looks well-defended, but allows for the flexibility and speed you might need to get past the roadblock. These armors are outfitted with the Supplementary Adrenaline passive, which allows the wearer to regain some stamina whenever they take damage, turning you into the tireless battering ram at the enemy’s wall. These armors have coordinating capes and player cards, starting with the Rags of the Fashionable, which comes pre-tattered to signal your participation in previous enemy sieges. There’s also the Wedgeful Tricorn, which has a saw-tooth shape along the bottom edge. Emotes, patterns, and more To coordinate your squad, we have also included a pattern for your shuttle, exosuits, hellpods, and FRV called Churned Earth. Siege Breakers also includes the Display of Brawn emote, for both regular and victory poses! And when you show it off, why not equip the Bunker Buster player title, too, to look like the formidable opponent you are. Hold your ground just a bit longer, Helldivers. The walls will crumble at your feet on February 3! *Requires base game, paid purchase of Super Credits, and game progression to unlock. View the full article

Hello PlayStation Blog community, my name is Kenny Sun and I’m the lead developer of the Ball x Pit, and I’m here to share with you development on the game’s concept, inspiration as well as what players can expect in the first content update that releases today for FREE for all owners of the game! This journey begins back in November 2021, and while I was on the subway, I saw an ad on my phone for a game called Punball. It looked like a roguelike version of Holedown, a game I enjoyed a lot, so I decided to give it a download. Fifteen minutes later, I looked up and realized that I had missed my stop. I knew that the core of the game had something special, but as I continued to play it I felt that there were a number of elements I wished were different. So, a few weeks later, I decided to make a version of my own. The gameplay for the prototype that would become BALL x PIT wasn’t too different from its original inspiration. But, there were a few key moments in its development that shaped it into a unique fusion of mechanics. Initially, gameplay in Ball x Pit was turn-based. You would fire a series of balls, they would bounce at incoming enemies, and after all bouncing was complete, enemies would advance and a new row would spawn. I thought the gameplay was fun and wasn’t really considering ways to improve it. But, in February 2022, I downloaded Vampire Survivors, and the idea to try making it into a real-time action game was sparked. I made the change a few weeks later, and immediately the gameplay clicked, I knew I made the right decision. Another important mechanic in Ball x Pit is the fusion system, where any ball can be combined with any other ball to synergize their abilities. This stemmed from the way I coded the ball mechanics. In code, each ball has 3 categories of ability types: status effects, area-of-effect, and unique effects. So, it was obvious that combining status effects and area-of-effect abilities would be a great way to power up the balls. And naturally, an alternative to this was the evolution system, which combines certain sets of balls into a whole new one. This new stronger ball in turn can be fused with any other ball. For inspiration of different evolutions, I looked at online guides for games in the Doodle God series to see what combinations they had. The last defining system of Ball x Pit I want to talk about is the base building layer. Other games in the survivors-like genre usually handle meta progression by letting players spend resources in a simple UI, but I wanted this section to stay thematically relevant to the core gameplay. I’ve always loved the feeling of meta progression in games like Loop Hero and Metal Gear Solid V, and wanted to integrate those ideas into Ball x Pit. Naturally, it was clear that buildings could act like bricks in gameplay, and from there I had the idea that characters should be able to bounce around to upgrade things. As we keep building on this foundation, the next step is our newest content update, titled Ball x Pit: The Regal Update. Take a look below on what to expect from this content heavy update as it’s one of three completely free updates we’re planning throughout the year. 2 new characters Players of Ball x Pit: The Regal Update will come across two new unlockable characters. The Falconer fires off two balls launched by a pair of birds flanking the screen, giving their attacks a wide, swooping spread. The Carouser, a medieval royal troublemaker, twists ball trajectories with a personal gravity field that pulls shots off their usual paths. 8 New Balls – Banished Flame adds yet another burn status—shorter than the standard burn, but packing a much heavier punch. – Fireworks burst outward in bright, unpredictable patterns, scattering damage in every direction. – The Stone Ball hits like a truck on impact but slowly crumbles as it keeps bouncing. – The Brimstone Ball behaves like an Inferno shot but laces its flames with poison for extra lingering harm. – Landslide triggers a cascading wave of debris in front of the first impact point and deals damage that lasts for a few seconds to surrounding enemies. PLUS MORE! Because why would we want to spoil the rest? 3 New Passives – Deadeye’s Impaler cranks up your critical hit chance, and when those crits hit, enemies that are not the boss do not get back up. Well, that’s because they instantly kill. – Grotesque Artillery pulls from your own gear, firing off a random ball from your equipped lineup every time it triggers – Iron Onesie rewards chaos, boosting the damage of special balls based on how many baby balls are bouncing around the field. Endless Mode Players demanded an Endless Mode so much, it grew to the top of the priority list. This mode unlocks once you’ve finished the game, opening the door to a new way to play for even longer! Each level can now be pushed as far as you can handle, continuing indefinitely as long as you manage to stay alive once finishing the boss in that area, and agreeing to continue deeper into the pit. There’s no finish line here, just escalating pressure, longer runs, and the chance to see how far your skills and builds can really go. Thanks for reading and we hope you’re excited! Ball x Pit: The Regal Update is now available for free for all Ball x Pit players on PS5. View the full article

Capcom recently invited me to go hands-on for a few hours with Resident Evil Requiem. The new sections are set in Rhodes Hill hospital and feature series icon Leon S. Kennedy, playable for the first time since being confirmed last December. My mission going in was to examine what’s new with Leon’s combat options and compare to his past blood-drenched outings like Resident Evil 2 (2019) and Resident Evil 4 (2023). Grace Ashcroft vs. Leon S. Kennedy: To understand Leon’s place in Requiem, we must understand his counterpart, Grace Ashcroft. Capcom is very up front that the two playable protagonists offer very different experiences. Grace’s sections focus heavily on evasion, puzzles, and resource management. She can aptly fight back with crude melee implements and firearms, but she’s still new to the whole “battling bio-engineered monsters” thing. By contrast, Leon’s sections focus heavily on the intense combat and improvised crowd management fans loved from RE4. The result feels like a balance between the horror of RE2 and the white-knuckle action of RE4. “The team gave [Leon aging] a lot of thought. He’s been fighting biohazards since RE2 where he got his sudden start there. Now it’s been close to 30 years of Leon’s life that he’s been doing that. He’s seen a lot of sacrifice, a lot of tragedy. He couldn’t save everyone in RE2 or RE4. He’s seen a lot. He’s been through a lot. So that’s a weight that weighs down on him. So you’ll see that Leon that that weight is something that the development team wanted to express with Leon’s appearance and personality in Requiem. So you’ll notice he does carry that weight, and he’s maybe a little bit more pessimistic.” – Kōshi Nakanishi, Director Leon’s signature sass: The Leon S. Kennedy we meet in Requiem is a little older with some extra gravel in his voice, but he’s got his trademark charm. When confronted with an infected, chainsaw-wielding doctor he calmly mutters “I want to get a second opinion.” Verify your age to view this content. Verify your age to view this content. Weapons to fight evil: Leon’s playable sections feature several guns, including his trusty Alligator Snapper pistol and MSBG 500 pump-action shotgun. I discovered a pistol attachment that permanently mitigated muzzle climb, making aiming easier. He also appears to have exclusive access to hand grenades – clutch for clearing out groups. Weapon stats: Similar to RE4, weapons feature familiar stats to assess their combat potential. The stats include Power, Stability, Precision, Rate of Fire, Reload Speed, and Ammo Capacity. Capcom says the process of upgrading Leon’s arsenal will be functionally similar to the RE4 remake, but weren’t ready to share more just yet. Verify your age to view this content. Verify your age to view this content. Requiem revolver: A standout from the game’s arsenal is the new “Requiem” revolver, which offers high-powered hand cannon-like piercing capabilities at the expense of smaller ammo capacity. The beefy ballistics helped me one-shot a hulking infected cook with a well-placed headshot. The weapon comes standard issue from his new employer… “[The title “Requiem”] references a remembrance of not only the [Raccoon City outbreak] incident itself, but all the effects and the people who were affected by it…so the Requiem gun also, in a way, lays the enemies to peace. In a way, it’s also a requiem for them as well.” – Kōshi Nakanishi, Director Inventory management: The differences in these characters’ playstyles extend to inventory management. In the section I played, Leon’s storage boasts a 7×10 grid case similar to the inventive Resident Evil 4 attaché case. Players can organize, rotate, or auto-sort their weapons and gear as they see fit. By comparison, Grace begins with a classic eight-slot inventory (similar to RE2), requiring multiple trips to item storage boxes and seeking special packs to expand capacity. Hatchet melee weapon: Leon has upgraded from a combat knife to a combat hatchet. Tapping R1 pulls up Leon’s new melee weapon, which can be used similarly to his knife in RE4 remake for solid melee damage and well-timed parries (L1). I noticed the damage and staggering impact of the handheld weapon seemed significantly stronger than his old knife. The hatchet sports a sharpness meter which fortunately doesn’t break when depleted. Bad news: Leon can’t parry with a blunt hatchet. Good news: Leon can sharpen the hatchet with L1 + Square button. Leon can start swinging with a press of R2, or perform a more powerful hatchet attack by holding L1 then pressing R2. This attack requires an extra second of windup before unleashes a strong spin attack to stagger a foe. Outside of combat, Leon can use the handheld axe to pry open sealed cabinets and doors that are inaccessible when exploring as Grace. “[Leon’s hatchet] is another way that the team wanted to show that Leon now has a lot more experience [fighting bio-weapons] than he did in previous games…so that was why they ended up changing the knife to a hatchet.” – Kōshi Nakanishi, Director Verify your age to view this content. Verify your age to view this content. Stealth takedowns: Leon’s hatchet is great for brutal finishes during combat. The weaponized wedge can also be used to perform stealth takedowns (press R3 to crouch), similar to his covert tactics in the RE4 remake. Item crafting: Whereas Grace has a new crafting mechanic that requires collecting blood from enemies and the environment, Leon’s seems more traditional. He can collect scrap, gun powder, and other materials to create new items and ammo as in RE2 and RE4 remakes. The craftable Stacked Hand Grenade especially tickled me, which is essentially two grenades taped together for a bigger boom. Verify your age to view this content. Verify your age to view this content. Chainsaws aplenty: Power tools have haunted Leon since Resident Evil 4’s masked Dr. Salvador, and Requiem continues the tradition of chainsaw-wielding docs. Early in the demo Leon is rushed by a doctor revving a chainsaw. A well-timed press of L1 allows Leon to parry the shredding teeth of the chainsaw, and defeating the enemy lets him pick it up. Playing as Leon and finally being able to saw through infected with broad swipes and lethal thrusts is cathartic. But be wary when dropped chainsaws are spinning on the floor – they may nip your heels. Verify your age to view this content. Verify your age to view this content. Show of strength: One example of Leon’s raw power came when I encountered enemies that Grace had struggled against during an earlier section. A corpse mutated into the fast and deadly Blister Head enemy, which killed Grace even after emptying several magazines into it. As Leon, all it took was a few shotgun blasts to its disgusting dome then a hatchet finisher. I also squared off with Chunk, a massive and grotesque monster armored by layers of flesh. Grace’s best option was to run, but as Leon I stunned it with repeated shotgun blasts and followed up with powerful prompted hatchet blows. The flow of blasting enemies, quick-turning to flee, then following up with strong and flashy melee attacks reminds of my favorite battles from RE4. Are you ready to step back into the boots of Leon when Resident Evil Requiem launches on PS5 February 27? View the full article

Email us at PSPodcast@sony.com! Subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or download here Hey, everybody! Sid, Kristen, and I are back this week to talk about the new Marathon DualSense and all the new info surrounding the title, a look at how remakes and remasters have brought many respected classics to the forefront, and our current gaming adventures. Stuff We Talked About Next week’s release highlights: Cairn | PS5 Code Vein II | PS5 I Hate This Place | PS5 Highguard | PS5 Marathon pre-orders and DualSense — A plethora of Marathon content dropped this week, including the limited edition DualSense controller, Destiny 2 crossover content, a new gameplay trailer, and more details on the extraction shooter ahead of its March 5 release date. Fatal Frame 2: Crimson Butterfly Remake Interview — We speak to the game’s Directors, Hidehiko Nakajima, and Makoto Shibata on revitalizing a PS2 classic for the modern audience, coming to PS5 March 12. Fable is coming to PlayStation — The action role-playing franchise is coming to PlayStation with its latest entry that will be a new start for the series. The Cast View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Sid Shuman – Senior Director of Content Communications, SIE View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Kristen Zitani – Senior Content Communications Specialist, SIE View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image O’Dell Harmon Jr. – Content Communications Specialist, SIE Thanks to Dormilón for our rad theme song and show music. [Editor’s note: PSN game release dates are subject to change without notice. Game details are gathered from press releases from their individual publishers and/or ESRB rating descriptions.] View the full article

Last week, we asked you to focus on the characters of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, and share detailed portraits using #PSshare #PSBlog. Here’s are this week’s highlights: ​​ sorathluna shares Lune weaving a lightning attack in an elaborate crowned outfit techanako shares Gustave crying out to something out of frame gh_holy_mash shares Sciel in the swing of an attack __Auron__ shares a black and white close up portrait of Maelle’s expressive face forgottenjasmine shares Verso with a glowing halo around his head kerplaaaah shares a black and white moment of Alicia looking downcast Search #PSshare #PSBlog on Twitter or Instagram to see more entries to this week’s theme, or be inspired by other great games featuring Photo Mode. Want to be featured in the next Share of the Week? THEME: Speed SUBMIT BY: 11:59 PM PT on January 28, 2026 Next week, we’re speeding away. Share quick and speedy moments from the game of your choice using #PSshare #PSBlog for a chance to be featured. View the full article

For the first time in the franchise’s history, Fable is coming to PlayStation 5 in Autumn 2026. Today we’re excited to reveal the most detailed look yet at our fresh take on Albion – a world that’s familiar in spirit, but newly reimagined for modern RPG players. Play Video Fable is not a remake or a sequel. It’s a new beginning for the franchise, designed to capture the heart and humor that defined the original trilogy while bringing contemporary storytelling, world design, and player agency to the forefront. Fans of the classic games will recognize the series’ signature blend of choice and consequence, dry British wit, and playful moral chaos – yes, chickens included. In Fable’s fairytale land of Albion, heroism is less about spotless morality and more about navigating the ripple effects of your decisions. The game embraces the small, messy, often hilarious choices that shape who you become. Even the tiniest actions can snowball into stories that townsfolk remember, judge, and gossip about. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Today we showcase an early narrative setup: the pursuit of a mysterious stranger who has frozen an entire village. In the game, you assume the role of hero – and your resulting journey winds through dark forests, picturesque villages and rolling fairytale countryside – blending fantasy, comedy, combat and consequence. For the first time, Albion is fully open world. Rather than being a backdrop, the world itself participates in the story. NPCs have routines, relationships, and evolving opinions. They react not just to major plot choices but to your smallest actions. Some decisions change conversation paths; others can reshape portions of the world itself, leaving physical evidence of your journey for hours to come. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Combat is built around a new style weaving philosophy, which allows players to fluidly blend melee, ranged, and magic to create their preferred fighting identity. Classic Fable creatures make a return, alongside new threats that fit the tone of a world balancing fairytale charm with modern action RPG depth. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Fable still embraces its hallmark self-awareness — its ability to poke fun at hero tropes, the world, and sometimes the player. It’s this mixture of sincerity and silliness that gives Albion its unmistakable personality, and the reboot aims to preserve that spirit while giving it room to grow for new players. That makes the PS5 launch particularly meaningful. Fable has always been defined by player expression – by the ways different people interpret heroism, mischief, kindness or chaos. Launching on PS5 opens the world of Albion up to an entirely new community of players, expanding the range of stories, decisions, and unlikely heroes that will take shape. With today’s reveal, we’ve shown just a fraction of what’s coming in Autumn 2026. More details about characters, quests, and gameplay features will arrive in the months ahead, but for now, there’s just one thing to know: Fable is back, reinvented for modern audiences, and ready to welcome new adventurers. If you’re excited to carve out your own legend in Albion, you can wishlist Fable today at PlayStation Store. Fairytale ending not guaranteed. View the full article

Salutations, budding crocksmiths, and welcome to the world of Kiln! A game that we like to refer to as a ‘pottery power-fantasy.’ It celebrates both Creativity and Destruction: the pleasure that comes from both making beautiful things…and then smashing those beautiful things to smithereens! In Kiln you’ll join a team of colorful spirits, and then you and your friends will face off against opposing teams in online arenas, where the ceramic creations you sculpt on a pottery wheel become the bodies you bring into battle. But before you can head into the fray to smash up the opposing team’s pots, you’ll have to create your very own ceramic masterpiece. And you’re in luck, because Kiln features a best-in-class pottery wheel simulation experience for you to make all kinds of vessels, each one just as special and unique as you are (and perhaps even more so). Play Video Mastering the wheel You’ll be spending lots of time in Kiln’s shared lobby, The Wedge. Here, you can practice your pottery prowess, decorate your pots, and then share your creations with others (and admire their handiwork, too). The first decision is an important one: how much clay will you use? There are small, medium, and large portions available, and each size comes with benefits and challenges, for example: small pots can roll much faster and squeeze into tiny holes in a map’s walls; large pots can block lanes or box in the enemy. With size decided, you can start letting your imagination run wild! Manipulate the clay with your cute little spirit hands, use tools to change the texture of your pot, and experiment with a variety of different shape archetypes —such as jugs, plates, vases, and more. Finally it’s time for finishing touches, chosen from a huge selection of pottery-themed cosmetics. ● Toppers: We’ve got toad tops for your teapots, daisies for your vases, tiny umbrellas for your tiki mugs, and way, way more. ● Spouts and Handles: Fancy a pour? From the traditional teapot to the terror of a tentacle, we’re sure you’ll find a spout that suits your ceramic. And if you’re not a spout enthusiast, perhaps a handle is more your style? ● Charms: These bits and bobs attach in a pattern around your pot, and there are all kinds of attachments to try. You can add a line of subtle hearts, clovers, stars, or skulls to your piece, or you can get a little wilder with crustacean claws, sharp horns, or even gilded kintsugi cracks! ● Glazes: This is when a good pot becomes truly great—a huge selection of glazes awaits for you to dip your piece into, including glitter, gradients, patterns and more. ● Stickers: Rotate, scale, and place your favorites onto your pot, and make that beautiful vessel sing with individuality! If you’re hungry for more options at your wheel, you’ll want to talk to Slip (he’s the very cute dog running The Wedge’s customization shop). Winning matches earns you chips, and you can take them to Slip to spend on all kinds of new stickers, glazes, and more. Don’t spend it all in one place! Discovering unique shapes and abilities The shape of your pots affect your attributes and your play-style. Are you big, or small? Wide, or tall? Will you make a plate, a jug, a cup or a bowl? There are 24 different combinations of pot size and shape, each with their own unique special ability. A small bottle can turn into a stick of dynamite and toss itself into the fray; a small plate can be whacked like a hockey puck into a group of enemies. Feel like wielding a chicken turret that blasts your enemies with high velocity eggs? Make a small chalice and go nuts! We’re excited for you to discover all the different abilities and how they impact gameplay, so we won’t give away every single combination…but let’s just say if you’ve been dying to transform into an exploding bucket of popcorn, a sword-wielding swashbuckler, or a pie for an opponent’s face, we suggest a medium amount of clay. Alternatively, if you love the idea of becoming an imposing figure on the battlefield with abilities like a spinning galaxy of doom or a giant cauldron filled with deadly brew to fling about, then slap the large ball of clay on your wheel and get shaping. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Becoming the ultimate pottery brawler For you and your allies to win on the battlefield, you’ll have to know how the game is played. The main mode is called Quench, it’s a fast-paced, 4v4 competition in which teams will need to work together to find the best combination of pots and play-styles, collect water inside their respective pots, break through enemy lines, and douse the flames of the enemy’s kiln. It’s easier said than done. Each map has its own series of interesting features and environmental events that can either help or hinder your progress, plus you’ll be fending off the enemy team from extinguishing your kiln, too. Does your team have what it takes to make and break your way to victory? As the battlefield becomes strewn with the shattered fragments of friend and foe alike, your brawling skills and some great teamwork will be required to assure victory. And don’t worry if you get smashed! That’s what glue and respawns are for. We’ll have you back out there splashing and smashing the enemy in no time at all. Build your team, break down your enemies We can’t wait for you to grab some friends and try out Kiln—and if you’re in need of teammates, our online matchmaking system will help you fill out your roster of pottery pugilists. There’s just one thing missing from Kiln—you! We’re giving players the opportunity to get their hands on Kiln early with a series of beta tests leading up to launch. Not only will you get to play before just about anyone else (some solid bragging rights), you’ll also be able to offer us feedback on your gameplay experience and help shape the future of Kiln. It’s easy to sign up, just head over to our official site to get started. Get fired up for the throwdown, we’ll see you in The Wedge! View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View the full article

Remastering Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water and Fatal Frame: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse was just the beginning. When Koei Tecmo and Team Ninja began crafting a full remake of the survival horror classic Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly, the mission was clear: keep what made the PlayStation 2 original so popular, while elevating it for a modern audience. ​​ Directors Hidehiko Nakajima (action gameplay) and Makoto Shibata (story) took us through their journey of reconstructing Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly’s haunting atmosphere, its new features, and some of the challenges they faced ahead of the game’s March 12 launch on PlayStation 5. What elements of the original game do you feel made it such a fan favorite? Verify your age to view this content. Verify your age to view this content. Shibata: I think it was because it evolved what was introduced in the first Fatal Frame game while placing greater emphasis on the story. By creating an experience that was frightening yet compelling enough to make players want to see what comes next, I felt that many players were able to enjoy its beautiful yet terrifying world through to the end. In what ways did the power of the PS2 contribute toward the original Fatal Frame 2 design and visuals? Shibata: We took advantage of the hardware’s specs and rendering capabilities to help depict spirits as semi-transparent and distorted. In addition, being able to apply screen-wide filters — adjusting noise, contrast, and color tones — at a low processing cost was extremely useful for creating visuals reminiscent of old film stock. What were the essentials of the original that you needed to retain in this remake? Shibata: Our main focus was the protagonist’s actions and Camera Obscura combat. Since the world and story are maintained, we focused on how players interact with that world. From a visual standpoint, atmosphere is key. By carefully adjusting lighting, shadows, fog, and effects, we create a humid, unsettling environment where it feels as though spirits could appear at any moment. Exploring within that atmosphere is central to the series. And of course, the background music, filled with sounds that are barely audible or ambiguous, is also a crucial element. Nakajima: At its core, this is an experience of fighting and exploring by photographing with the Camera Obscura. While we’ve added new features and adjusted rules in combat, the fundamental idea of facing fear directly and defeating it by photographing it, remains unchanged. The simple controls of photographing what you see remains, but players are no longer limited to waiting for enemy attacks; they can now fight more proactively and utilize advanced photography techniques. The same applies to exploration, we’ve designed it so players naturally want to look around and take photographs. Can you share any new examples of how its gameplay systems are being modernized? Nakajima: We’ve implemented various improvements to make the game more intuitive and comfortable to play. In the original version, players controlled the character from a fixed camera perspective. In this remake, the camera is positioned closer to the player character, allowing you to freely look around and move throughout Minakami Village. This closer perspective significantly enhances the immersive feel of the game. Of course, we didn’t simply change the camera and controls—we also restructured the gameplay itself to suit these updates. Shibata: The series has previously received feedback that the controls weren’t so good, so since this title is developed by Team Ninja, we decided from the outset to make major improvements. One particularly time-consuming element was motion matching. It was a trial-and-error process where we refined responsiveness while giving character movement greater variety and believability. Can you tell us more details about the added Camera Obscura features? Nakajima: To make the Camera Obscura feel more like you’re using an actual “camera” or gadget, we introduced new mechanics such as focus, zoom, and filters. Focus and zoom function much like they do on a normal camera, while filters change the Camera Obscura’s offensive properties when switched. ​​ For example, during combat, the Paraceptual Filter offers a longer attack range and allows players to obscure the enemy’s vision, while the Exposure Filter enables faster shots and can slow enemy movement. During exploration, the Camera Obscura can also be used to follow the shadows of missing people or restore things that have disappeared. How does the new Willpower system work? Shibata: Willpower decreases when the player runs during combat, or comes into contact or is attacked by spirits. When Willpower runs out, the protagonist collapses, and spirits swarm over her, creating a critical situation. So you can recover it by holding hands with Mayu or by using items. What are some ways characters can now interact with the environment? Verify your age to view this content. Verify your age to view this content. Nakajima: We’ve introduced physical behaviors and environmental interaction, so as the player moves through the environment, background objects may be touched, shaken, or even collapse, creating a more realistic and immersive experience. Spirits may also interact with and move objects. How has the team used PS5 features to enhance the game’s atmosphere? Shibata: In horror games it’s crucial that the feeling of tension is not interrupted. Fast data loading enabled by the SSD helps maintain the element of fear. In addition, in the Fatal Frame series each spirit emits unique sounds based on its position. The 7.1.4-channel 3D audio allows players to perceive spirit locations clearly while also conveying the unsettling atmosphere of Minakami Village through sounds such as rustling trees and the faint whisper of wind. What other new information or clarifications do you want to make sure fans are aware of? Nakajima: This remake doesn’t simply recreate the original—it expands upon it and goes even deeper with additional side stories and new areas. And as well as the original ending, a special new ending has been added which features a newly written song, “Utsushie,” composed by Tsukiko Amano. New players will find the game approachable, while long-time fans can appreciate a fresh experience. We hope players enjoy discovering the new ending alongside everything else this remake has to offer. You’ll be able to see the haunted Minakami Village through this new PS5 lens soon enough when Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly launches on March 12. Play Video View the full article

Hi Pilots, We’re Turtle Juice, a small indie studio based in the interior of Brazil. Being far from the industry hubs has its challenges, but it’s also our advantage; it drives us to innovate, work harder, and prove that great games can come from anywhere. As a tight-knit team of 23 developers we believe we’ve managed to achieve that with our newest game – Mechborn. Mechborn is a roguelike deckbuilder inspired by classic ’90s mech anime and Greek mythology. Earth and its colonies are under siege by Kaiju, and humanity’s last hope lies with the Mechborn: elite pilots capable of surviving Mech-Synchronization. But there’s more to Mechborn than just the pilots and mech you take into battle. I want to briefly showcase the systems and mechanics that define every run, every decision and every moment of tension you’ll face each run. Your Mech is your deck The core idea behind Mechborn is simple: your mech is your deck. Every mech is built from four parts: Head, Torso, Arms, and Legs. With each part adding cards to your starting deck. This means deckbuilding begins before your first battle. Swapping out a part doesn’t just change stats, it fundamentally changes how your deck plays. On top of that, each mech comes in three distinct models: Original, Spartan, and Olympian – each with its own mechanical identity. Maybe you lean into mobility, heavy offense or focus on equipping a full matching set to gain a powerful HP bonus – the decision is up to you. A new way to play cards: the conveyor belt One of the biggest departures from traditional deckbuilders is our Conveyor Belt combat system. Instead of drawing a hand every turn, you start combat with seven cards laid out in your belt. When you play a card, a new one enters from the left, pushing the rest along. This transforms combat into a game of positioning and timing, not just card value. Many cards care about where they sit on your belt. Some activate stronger effects when adjacent to specific card types. Others gain power the longer they remain unplayed. Support cards can “charge” upcoming attacks, while defensive tools may need to be positioned several turns in advance to be effective. The result is a combat system where planning ahead matters just as much as reacting in the moment. Pilots change everything Pilots add a second strategic layer on top of your deck. Each pilot comes with four unique skills that charge as you play cards. These aren’t passive bonuses, but rather powerful, active abilities that can completely alter a fight when used at the right moment. Some pilots specialize in repositioning cards on the Conveyor Belt. Others manipulate costs, freeze enemies in their tracks or turn defensive setups into offensive opportunities. Certain Mech – Pilot combinations unlock playstyles that simply aren’t possible otherwise. Choosing a pilot isn’t just flavor, it’s a commitment to how you want your run to unfold. Adaptive exploration: no fixed routes Outside of combat, we wanted exploration to feel just as flexible and reactive. That’s where Adaptive Exploration comes in. There are no fixed paths in Mechborn. You can move freely in any direction across each continent, choosing how aggressively you push forward or when to retreat and regroup. Encounters, events, vendors and factions all shift between runs, meaning the same route can play out very differently depending on your decisions. You might rush to a vendor to upgrade key cards, hunt down an ancient research lab to unlock powerful Infusers or side with a faction to influence how future encounters evolve. Clearing territories zone by zone helps push back the Kaiju advance, but every move costs fuel. Run out and you could find yourself stranded in hostile territory. Exploration is a constant balance of risk, reward and long-term planning. Designed for replayability Every system in Mechborn feeds into replayability. Dynamic maps. Multiple mechs and pilots. Hundreds of cards. Ever-changing encounters. No two runs are meant to feel the same and mastery comes from experimentation, not memorization. The path ahead With Mechborn, we want players to experience the thrill of commanding god-forged mechs, experimenting with pilot abilities, and carving their own path through a Kaiju-ravaged world. From deckbuilding to combat, exploration to boss encounters, every run is a new challenge – one that rewards creativity, adaptability and strategic thinking. Mechborn is coming to PlayStation 5 late 2026. We can’t wait for you to step into the cockpit, craft your ultimate mech-deck and see how far your skills can take you. View the full article

What happened to humanity’s lost interstellar expedition, and why are the UESC trying to keep Runners out? You can start unraveling the mysteries of Tau Ceti IV when Marathon releases on March 6. Marathon is the upcoming PvPvE survival extraction FPS from the creators of Halo and Destiny. Play as a bio-cybernetic Runner and team up in crews of three or run solo as you take on hostile security forces, rival Runners, and unpredictable environments. Scavenge derelict facilities and rugged landscapes for valuables, weapons, and information about what happened to the lost colony lightyears from Earth.* Explore the secrets of Tau Ceti in the new gameplay trailer Play Video The new trailer is narrated by Gantry, the faction agent for the anti-establishment group MIDA. Each of Marathon’s six factions offers unique contracts for you to complete. Survive their life-threatening missions to unlock storytelling and new rewards through six unique faction upgrade trees. Use every tool at your disposal—including faction upgrades, weapons, mods, Runner shells, and game-changing implants—to reach greater heights, like the end-game zone Cryo Archive. Unlocking in Season 1, Cryo Archive is the first deck on the UESC Marathon ship, where you’ll solve security measures to unseal frozen vaults… and ultimately challenge an entity onboard that even the UESC fears. Revealing the Marathon Limited Edition DualSense controller View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Today, we’re sharing the first look at a new Marathon-inspired limited edition DualSense controller to bring into every high-stakes run. The limited edition design was created in close collaboration with the team at Bungie, who shared the following about the design process: “We were excited for the opportunity to commemorate Marathon’s launch with a limited edition design that would excite our fans and our team, and feel like a true part of the world we’re building, something that could exist naturally alongside other objects in the game and feel functional, grounded, and authentic to the universe of Marathon. We set out to create a design that paid homage to the bold graphic design, vibrant color and visual art direction of the game and its industrial design, architecture and environmental surfaces and equipment. The result is a design that reflects the world’s balance of form and function, where clean lines, purposeful markings, and vivid accents come together to feel both futuristic and believable.” Play Video Win fights and exfil with the DualSense wireless controller – Marathon Limited Edition, wrapped in bold graphics and fractured shapes inspired by Marathon’s futuristic world. The controller launches starting on March 6, 2026 and will be available in limited quantities for SGD 119 / MYR 419 / THB 2,890 / IDR 1,549,000 / PHP 4,890 / VND 2,399,000.** Pre-orders will begin on January 29, 2026 at participating retailers. Launch date and availability may vary by country/region. Marathon pre-orders and Collector’s Edition available now Marathon releases on March 6, 2026 and is available as a Standard Edition and Deluxe Edition. The Deluxe Edition includes the Midnight Decay weapon and Runner shell cosmetic bundle, plus additional rewards. Pre-orders are available now. Pre-ordering Marathon unlocks additional rewards, including weapon cosmetics and additional rewards for Destiny 2 linked to your Bungie.net account. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Bungie also revealed Marathon’s Collector’s Edition, featuring a premium unboxing experience inspired by Sekiguchi Genetics’ shell-weaving process. Unboxing the Collector’s Edition reveals a 1/6-scale Thief Runner Shell statue, collectible miniature WEAVEworm, digital rewards, and more. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Pre-order reward Zero Step 004 CE Tactical Sidearm Style , Zero RC Weapon Charm, and Zero Step Shift Weapon Sticker View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Deluxe Edition pre-order reward – Midnight Decay Destroyer Shell Style, Midnight Decay Vandal Shell Style View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Deluxe Edition pre-order reward – Midnight Decay Assassin Shell Style, Midnight Decay Thief Shell Style View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Deluxe Edition pre-order reward – Midnight Decay Destroyer Shell Style, Midnight Decay Thief Shell Style Marathon Welcome Hub background View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image A new Marathon Welcome Hub background goes live tomorrow on PS5 consoles. Learn how to enable it here. See you on Tau Ceti Marathon launches March 6 on PlayStation 5, Steam, and Xbox Series X|S. You can keep up with the latest news from the team at Bungie, including more information about launch, Marathon’s roadmap, and when you’ll be able to try Marathon, by pre-ordering or wishlisting Marathon for PlayStation here. To join the discussion and chat with the Marathon development team, head over to the Marathon Official Discord. The team would love to hear your stories, get your feedback, and share sneak peeks of what’s next for Marathon. *Bungie.net account and internet connection required. Paid for PlayStation Plus membership (sold separately) required on PS5. PlayStation Plus membership subject to recurring subscription fee taken automatically until cancellation. Age restrictions apply. Full terms: play.st/psplus-usageterms. **Actual retailer prices and availability may vary. View the full article

What happened to humanity’s lost interstellar expedition, and why are the UESC trying to keep Runners out? You can start unraveling the mysteries of Tau Ceti IV when Marathon releases on March 5. Marathon is the upcoming PvPvE survival extraction FPS from the creators of Halo and Destiny. Play as a bio-cybernetic Runner and team up in crews of three or run solo as you take on hostile security forces, rival Runners, and unpredictable environments. Scavenge derelict facilities and rugged landscapes for valuables, weapons, and information about what happened to the lost colony lightyears from Earth.* Explore the secrets of Tau Ceti in the new gameplay trailer Play Video The new trailer is narrated by Gantry, the faction agent for the anti-establishment group MIDA. Each of Marathon’s six factions offers unique contracts for you to complete. Survive their life-threatening missions to unlock storytelling and new rewards through six unique faction upgrade trees. Use every tool at your disposal—including faction upgrades, weapons, mods, Runner shells, and game-changing implants—to reach greater heights, like the end-game zone Cryo Archive. Unlocking in Season 1, Cryo Archive is the first deck on the UESC Marathon ship, where you’ll solve security measures to unseal frozen vaults… and ultimately challenge an entity onboard that even the UESC fears. Revealing the Marathon Limited Edition DualSense controller View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Today, we’re sharing the first look at a new Marathon-inspired limited edition DualSense controller to bring into every high-stakes run. The limited edition design was created in close collaboration with the team at Bungie, who shared the following about the design process: “We were excited for the opportunity to commemorate Marathon’s launch with a limited edition design that would excite our fans and our team, and feel like a true part of the world we’re building, something that could exist naturally alongside other objects in the game and feel functional, grounded, and authentic to the universe of Marathon. We set out to create a design that paid homage to the bold graphic design, vibrant color and visual art direction of the game and its industrial design, architecture and environmental surfaces and equipment. The result is a design that reflects the world’s balance of form and function, where clean lines, purposeful markings, and vivid accents come together to feel both futuristic and believable.” Win fights and exfil with the DualSense wireless controller – Marathon Limited Edition, wrapped in bold graphics and fractured shapes inspired by Marathon’s futuristic world. The controller launches starting on March 5, 2026 and will be available in limited quantities globally for $84.99 USD/¥12,480 (including tax)/€84.99 /£74.99.** Pre-orders will begin on January 29, 2026 at 10am local time at direct.playstation.com (where available) as well as with participating retailers. Launch date and availability may vary by country/region. direct.playstation.com Purchase Information: Starting January 29, 2026 at 7:00am PT / 10:00am ET in the U.S., and 10:00am local time in the U.K., France, Germany, Austria, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg, players will be able to pre-order the DualSense wireless controller – Marathon Limited Edition through direct.playstation.com, while supplies last. When ordering directly from PlayStation, enjoy free launch day delivery for eligible pre-orders. Visit direct.playstation.com for more details.  Marathon pre-orders and Collector’s Edition available now Marathon releases on March 5, 2026 and is available as a Standard Edition and Deluxe Edition. The Deluxe Edition includes the Midnight Decay weapon and Runner shell cosmetic bundle, plus additional rewards. Pre-orders are available now. Pre-ordering Marathon unlocks additional rewards, including weapon cosmetics and additional rewards for Destiny 2 linked to your Bungie.net account. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Bungie also revealed Marathon’s Collector’s Edition, featuring a premium unboxing experience inspired by Sekiguchi Genetics’ shell-weaving process. Unboxing the Collector’s Edition reveals a 1/6-scale Thief Runner Shell statue, collectible miniature WEAVEworm, digital rewards, and more. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Pre-order reward Zero Step 004 CE Tactical Sidearm Style , Zero RC Weapon Charm, and Zero Step Shift Weapon Sticker View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Deluxe Edition pre-order reward – Midnight Decay Destroyer Shell Style, Midnight Decay Vandal Shell Style View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Deluxe Edition pre-order reward – Midnight Decay Assassin Shell Style, Midnight Decay Thief Shell Style View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Deluxe Edition pre-order reward – Midnight Decay Destroyer Shell Style, Midnight Decay Thief Shell Style Marathon Welcome Hub background View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image A new Marathon Welcome Hub background is now available on PS5 consoles. Learn how to enable it here. See you on Tau Ceti Marathon launches March 5 on PlayStation 5, Steam, and Xbox Series X|S. You can keep up with the latest news from the team at Bungie, including more information about launch, Marathon’s roadmap, and when you’ll be able to try Marathon, by pre-ordering or wishlisting Marathon for PlayStation here. To join the discussion and chat with the Marathon development team, head over to the Marathon Official Discord. The team would love to hear your stories, get your feedback, and share sneak peeks of what’s next for Marathon. *Bungie.net account and internet connection required. Paid for PlayStation Plus membership (sold separately) required on PS5. PlayStation Plus membership subject to recurring subscription fee taken automatically until cancellation. Age restrictions apply. Full terms: play.st/psplus-usageterms. **Actual retailer prices and availability may vary. View the full article

Last week, we asked you to enter the frame of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and share epic moments using #PSshare #PSBlog. Here are this week’s highlights: toko_luke95 shares Maelle stance following a flurried attack sorathluna shares Lune wielding a red elemental stain, ready to attack rorottino shares Verso and Maelle playing on the piano, with the Paintress in the distance PhotoModeColin shares Sciel prepping a moon-charged card in combat gh_holy_mash shares Esquie floating through the map – whoo and also whee! CapturesKh shares Renoir framed by the Paintress’ glow Search #PSshare #PSBlog on Twitter or Instagram to see more entries to this week’s theme, or be inspired by other great games featuring Photo Mode. Want to be featured in the next Share of the Week? THEME: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 – Portraits SUBMIT BY: 11:59 PM PT on January 21, 2026 Next week, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 stays in frame. Share portraits of your favorite characters using #PSshare #PSBlog for a chance to be featured. View the full article

Hi everyone, I’m Light Zhong, co-founder and director at Hypergraph. With Arknights: Endfield launching on January 22 on PS5, today we’re excited to share more gameplay details on the game. Over the past few years, our team has been working to create a new kind of experience set in the Arknights universe, one that blends real-time squad combat, exploration, and large-scale industrial systems into a single, interconnected adventure, where every decision you make helps shape humanity’s next frontier. Welcome to Talos-II Talos-II is a world of striking beauty and constant danger. More than 150 years ago, pioneers endured war and catastrophe to carve out the first “civilized zones.” But beyond those borders lies a vast, untamed wilderness, unexplored, unclaimed, and filled with lingering threats from the past and new dangers yet to emerge. In Endfield, you take on the role of the Endministrator, tasked with leading Operators to protect, expand, and redefine the boundary of civilization. Exploration and development go hand in hand here. As Oripathy engines roar to life across the wasteland, automated production lines and industrial facilities rise alongside your growing foothold on the planet. Strategic action combat with real-time decisions At its core, Arknights: Endfield is an anime-style action RPG built around highly strategic, real-time combat. Battles feature up to four Operators fighting simultaneously, with players freely switching control between them at any moment. Combat flows through a layered system of actions. String together basic attacks to transition into strikes, which deal stagger damage while restoring SP. Once an enemy’s stagger bar is maxed out, they enter a staggered state, becoming vulnerable and taking increased damage. That’s your opening to trigger a powerful Execution, dealing heavy damage and recovering additional SP. SP fuels each Operator’s skills, which carry unique effects and tactical roles. Charge up your ultimate abilities for game-changing moments, and under the right conditions, operators can chain their abilities together to trigger combo skills that reward careful positioning and timing. The result is combat that’s fast, expressive, and deeply tactical, designed to reward thoughtful play rather than simple reflexes. Building the backbone of civilization Combat is only part of the journey. One of Endfield’s defining features is the Automated Industry Complex (AIC) System, which connects directly to nearly every aspect of gameplay. Using a wide range of facilities, you’ll design and manage automated production lines that generate equipment, medical supplies, and other essential resources. These systems don’t just support character growth, they affect how you explore areas, manage resources, and approach combat challenges. To keep the experience accessible, Endfield introduces the Blueprint system. Once unlocked, blueprints let you instantly build, copy, relocate, or dismantle entire production lines with a single action. You can even save your own layouts and share them with other players. As your industrial zones expand, efficiency improves and trade routes emerge, with different regions specializing in distinct products, making where and how you build just as important as what you produce. The story continues As you look beyond launch, the story of Talos-II is only just beginning to unfold. The events in Valley IV are a warning that something has started to stir along the edges of the civilized ring. Before the full scale of the Corrosion reveals itself, you’ll be drawn to Qingbo Stockade on the outskirts of Wuling. A sudden loss of contact with Supreme Chief Tangtang, whom you already met and befriended before, coincides with reports of Bonekrushers appearing nearby. That convergence is no accident. As you step into Qingbo Stockade to uncover the truth, it becomes clear that the danger runs deeper than expected and that Wuling itself may not remain untouched by the coming Blight Tide. From here, the journey opens up. New regions will reveal themselves, new companions will stand by your side, and the choices you make will shape what comes next. Tangtang will play a key role in this unfolding chapter, and her path alongside yours is only just beginning. Designed for PS5 On PS5, Arknights: Endfield fully supports the DualSense controller, including haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, the built-in speaker, and light bar effects. The game also features 3D Audio support, helping bring Talos-II’s environments to life, and Activities integration for the main story to help you jump back into key moments quickly. Begin your journey Arknights: Endfield launches January 22 on PS5. If you’re ready to step onto Talos-II and help define the future of civilization. We can’t wait to see what kind of frontier you build. View the full article

Discovering a new game to get lost in for hours can be a phenomenal experience. But sometimes, you need a quick hit — a game you can pick up and play just for a bit and still have a great time. The PlayStation Plus Catalog and Classics Catalog are filled with games that fit that description exactly, offering experiences that you can dip into for a few minutes and have a blast. PlayStation Portal owners, these are great picks for you to cozy up with. Below, we’ve compiled a list of 9 excellent quick-hit games from the PS Plus Catalog — although they can definitely keep you engrossed for a lot longer. Next time you’ve got a couple of minutes to spare, fire up one of these. Blue Prince | 2025 | PlayStation Plus Game Catalog Play Video The brilliant idea at the heart of Blue Prince is the combination of first-person puzzler gameplay with roguelike elements. Each time you venture into the mystery-filled Mt. Holly Manor, you’ll chart a new course through the house: Whenever you open a door, you choose the room that appears on the other side. While Blue Prince’s deeper enigmas will keep you obsessed for hours, even a quick run through Mt. Holly will give you a chance to solve a few puzzles and compile a few clues to take in next time. Publisher: Raw Fury | Developer: Dogubomb | PS5 Cult of the Lamb | 2022 | PlayStation Plus Game Catalog Play Video Cult of the Lamb is part roguelike action game, part base manager, and both sides can be satisfying in long or short bursts. Each foray into its shifting dungeons gives you a chance to earn things to enhance your abilities, improve the buildings, and recruit more followers. Whether you want to spend some time making your followers happy or just lean into dungeon-crawling combat, there’s always something quick and interesting to do to grow your cult. Publisher: Devolver Digital | Developer: Massive Monster | PS5, PS4 Earth Defense Force 5 | 2017 | PlayStation Plus Classics Catalog Play Video Giant insect-like monsters and alien spacecraft are invading, and it’s up to you to stop them. You have a host of weapons to face down hordes of creepy-crawlies, as well as four character classes with different styles of play. Earth Defense Force 5 offers more than 100 missions, but while each will challenge your third-person combat abilities, they’re all fast enough that it only takes a few minutes to enjoy a few rounds fighting off invading extra-terrestrials. Publisher: D3PublisherUBLISHER | Developer: Sandlot | PS5, PS4 I.Q.: Intelligent Qube | 1997 | PlayStation Plus Classics Catalog Speedy movements and quick thinking are essential in puzzler I.Q.: Intelligent Qube. In each level, your goal is to clear a series of cubes as they roll toward you by marking spots on the grid beneath your feet. Clearing certain cubes allows you to release blasts that can knock out several cubes at once, but it takes careful planning of where and when to place and use those advantages to fully clear each level. I.Q. is a great way to exercise your mind with a few fast brain teasers. Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment | Developer: G-Artists | PS5, PS4 LocoRoco Remastered | 2006 | PlayStation Plus Classics Catalog Play Video Navigating the colorful world of LocoRoco Remastered isn’t about controlling a character, but about tilting the landscape beneath your round, jelly-like LocoRoco to roll them where you need them to go. Making your way over obstacles or through passageways requires combining many LocoRoco together into one massive being, or breaking them back into several smaller ones. LocoRoco Remastered is a perfect way to unwind with a breezy, lighthearted experience and short, inventive levels that require some out-of-the-box thinking. Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment | Developer: Japan Studio | PS5, PS4 The Pedestrian | 2021 | PlayStation Plus Games Catalog Play Video The Pedestrian is a puzzle-platformer that has you playing as a stick figure like those often seen on road and bathroom signs, navigating from sign to sign on your way through the world. The fascinating presentation offers a lot of clever puzzles, many of which require you to rearrange signs to connect ladders and doors to create paths from one to another. Though the levels are short and sweet, they’ll test your puzzling smarts. Publisher: Skookum Arts LLC | Developer: Skookum Arts LLC | PS5, PS4 Tekken 3 | 1997 | PlayStation Plus Classics Catalog Tekken 3 lets you relive the glory days of 3D fighters on the original PlayStation. Though the storied series has gone on to five more mainline installments, Tekken 3 will still put you through your fighting game paces. Movement in three dimensions is key as you fight one-on-one duels against an iconic roster of punishing opponents, but with matches that can be brutal beatdowns lasting just a few minutes, it’s easy to squeeze in a few rounds of Tekken 3 whenever you have a free moment. Publisher: Namco | Developer: Namco | PS5, PS4 Tetris Effect: Connected | 2023 | PlayStation Plus Games Catalog Play Video Few gaming experiences are as zen-like as Tetris Effect: Connected. The latest version of the classic puzzler marries its block-dropping, line-clearing gameplay with immersive visuals and an excellent soundtrack to create something that can be mesmerizing, as well as intensely challenging. Each of Tetris Effect’s levels lasts just long enough for you to get lost in a flow state of combining blocks to rack up high scores. Publisher: Enhance | Developer: Monstars, Resonair, Stage Games | PS5, PS4 You Suck At Parking | 2022 | PlayStation Plus Game Catalog You Suck At Parking puts your driving and puzzle-solving skills to the test with top-down levels in which you need to get your tiny car into an equally small parking spot — often by jumping gaps, whipping through hairpin turns, and avoiding crashes in each short, quirky level. But even if you should fly off a cliff or smash into a wall, you can quickly start again for another try. Publisher: Curve Digital | Developer: Happy Volcano | PS5, PS4 Honorable mentions The PlayStation Plus Games Catalog and Classic Catalog are chock full of excellent quick-hit games you can play alone or with friends, in genres ranging from sports to shooters, from racing to intense cooperative multiplayer madness. Don’t miss these favs: Hot Shots Golf 2 Hotline Miami Jet Moto Overcooked! All You Can Eat If you’ve got a few quick-hit go-to games that we haven’t mentioned, be sure to share your favorites and recommendations in the comments below.entioned, be sure to share your favorites and recommendations in the comments below. View the full article

Set to launch on February 12, 2026, Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties for PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 bundles two titles into one: Yakuza Kiwami 3, a remake of the original Yakuza 3 released in 2009, and the all-new Dark Ties, which stars Yoshitaka Mine, Kiryu’s adversary. I recently had the opportunity to go hands-on with the game at a press event, which covered various sections from both the remaster Yakuza Kiwami 3 and the all-new Dark Ties, a brand-new tale featuring Yoshitaka Mine from Yakuza 3. Read on for my initial thoughts and impressions. At the same event, Sega announced a playable demo will be available for the title, more news of which will be shared in the future. Yakuza Kiwami 3 hands-on Yakuza Kiwami 3 follows Kazuma Kiryu as he settles in Okinawa to run the Morning Glory Orphanage, only to find himself entangled in a web of sinister conspiracy. In the demo, I was embroiled in Kiryu’s clash with the Ryudo Family, an Okinawan yakuza syndicate scheming to seize the Morning Glory Orphanage’s land, where I faced off against the Ryudo patriarch Shigeru Nakahara and family captain Rikiya Shimabukuro. ​​ A standout moment showed Rikiya — initially hostile towards Kiryu — shifting his perspective after watching him bravely risk everything alone to save the head of the local shopping district. This entirely new scene, missing from the original Yakuza 3, masterfully captures Rikiya’s growing respect for Kiryu through nuanced facial expressions. Master weapons and enjoy the thrill of “Ryukyu Style” combat City streets spark spontaneous fights where Kiryu can switch fluidly between his Dragon of Dojima: Kiwami Style and Ryukyu Style. Ryukyu Style maps weapons to different buttons for easy, diverse attacks. Weapons switch automatically based on the button pressed, so even simple button mashing feels satisfying. Players can expect a variety of Heat Actions, as well as the Dragon Boost, which activates by maxing out Kiryu’s gauge. The Dragon Finisher delivers a final devastating blow, complete with a backdrop of a roaring dragon. Life at Morning Glory: deepening ties with the children Life at Morning Glory is a side-adventure where Kiryu nurtures bonds with children at the orphanage through cooking, sewing, helping with homework, and heartfelt chats. Kiryu’s “Daddy Rank” increases as trust grows, reflecting his growth as a father figure. Earning enough trust unlocks each child’s unique Family Time Event. I became quite emotionally invested while I was playing, especially when thinking it was all for the children. The interactions perfectly echo Kiryu’s challenges as a novice parent striving to do his best, and transform minigames from mundane tasks into heartfelt moments of caring for the kids. Bad Boy Dragon: Join the small-time Haisai Girls gang and protect Okinawa In the new team battle content, Bad Boy Dragon, Kiryu is unexpectedly appointed to head up a struggling Okinawan girls’ gang, Haisai Girls. Together, they stand up to protect Okinawa from the formidable Tokyo Night Terrors. You can engage in either Total Annihilation, where up to 20 allies clash against over 100 enemies, or Turf Wars, where teams split up to capture and take down enemy bases. Dark Ties hands-on: revealing an unexpected side of Mine’s cool facade Dark Ties centers on Yoshitaka Mine, the chilling antagonist who stands in Kiryu’s path, and he stole the spotlight in the preview. Unlike the fiery, heartfelt Kiryu and Ichiban, Mine is cold and detached, dismissing even Daigo’s “family” talk as empty rhetoric. It is rare for the series to convey a character’s thoughts through raw inner monologues. Fast-paced combat based on shoot boxing Rooted in shoot boxing (a martial art originating in Japan), Mine delivers swift, stylish, agile attacks. Filling the Shackled Heart gauge triggers Dark Awakening mode, swapping Mine’s refined shoot boxing style for raw brutality — head grabs, ground drags, and ferocious strikes — mirroring his duality of a cool exterior and inner darkness. ​​ Kanda Damage Control: turning Kanda into a lovable charmer In Kanda Damage Control, Mine tackles various missions like street rescues on behalf of Kanda, the Nishikiyama Family patriarch, and Tojo Clan lieutenant. Completing them will boost Kanda’s public perception and gradually transform him into a charismatic figure. Leveling up Kanda’s Charisma Rank unlocks Drink Links, where you’ll deepen your bond with Kanda and witness his hopelessly goofy flaws. His candid rants made me envy how much he enjoys life to the fullest, and I can’t wait to see his dynamic with Mine evolve. Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties launches on PS5 and PS4 on February 12. View the full article

Hello, fellow bikers, this is Paolo Bertoni, Game Director of Ride 6. As we rev things up ahead of the game’s release on PS5, planned for February 12, 2026, I’d like to take you behind the scenes to explore the brand-new career mode we’ve been crafting, and share how it brings our vision to life. The goal of a project like Ride is to immerse virtual riders in the same thrills that every real biker seeks when they open the garage door and hop on their bike. So we asked ourselves: what fuels that passion? It wasn’t hard to figure out, considering that for much of our team, motorcycles aren’t just a job, they’re a way of life. Over the years, the Ride franchise has built a huge roster of bikes and tracks to give players as many choices as possible. With Ride 6, we wanted to go further. We wanted to capture the very essence of being a biker, an experience we called Ride Fest. Ride Fest is much more than a career; it’s a motorcycle festival that plunges players into the love of riding, freedom, and the sense of camaraderie that defines the biker spirit. It replaces the traditional championship format with a more open approach, offering a horizontal progression system based on chapters. You will get to choose which events to tackle, from single races and endurance challenges to championships and time attacks, all organized into themed areas based on criteria such as bike category, manufacturer, circuit type, weather conditions, or legendary champions. Play Video Yes, you read that right! For the first time in the franchise’s history, Ride 6 will feature real-world riders. We’ve collaborated with 10 two-wheels legends who will put your skills to the test in their own area of expertise. For instance, Niccolò Canepa, Peter Hickman, and Ian Hutchinson will challenge your endurance and precision, while Tyler O’Hara will bring his unmatched experience on Baggers to the track, turning every lap into a display of power and control. Road races, instead, are the natural habitat of Guy Martin, while Thomas Chareyre and Skyler Howes embody the raw spirit of Motard and Off-Road racing. Facing these legends will allow you to unlock exclusive rewards, including their signature bikes and equipment, but first, you’ll need to build your reputation within the festival. This is the key concept of the Ride Fest: proving yourself among the greatest riders in history. To do so, you’ll need to accumulate enough Fame Points along your journey, gradually expanding the career map and unlocking new events, including dedicated boss battles where you can take on each legend across a variety of challenges. To give everyone the chance to perform at their best in every type of race, we’ve also decided to introduce a new dual-physics system. Depending on your level of expertise, you can choose between the Pro and Arcade experiences, freely switching between the two based on the event in order to tailor the gameplay to your preferred level of realism or fun, while always enjoying Ride’s signature simulation core. This will be especially useful for mastering the Maxi Enduro and Bagger, the two new bike categories introduced in this chapter, which, together with the new off-road tracks, will bring fresh dimensions to the riding experience. Finally, when in need of a break from the competition, you can head to the Ride Fest Paddock, the hub where all in-game activities come together. Here, you can relax with the other riders, upgrade your bikes with the help of your mechanic crew, visit the shop, and customize your look using the bike, helmet, and racing suit editors. Throughout your journey, the official Ride Fest DJ will immerse you even more in the festival atmosphere, introducing each chapter through dedicated cutscenes. Thanks for your time, I hope you enjoyed reading this! And don’t forget to mark your calendar, as Ride 6 will be available on PlayStation 5 on February 12, 2026, with Early Access available from February 9, 2026. View the full article

Before we say goodbye to 2025, let’s take a look back and see what were the most downloaded games of the year. It was a great time for sports, shooters, and some new PlayStation VR2 games. Sports favorites topped the charts in US/Canada and EU, with NBA 2K26 and EA Sports FC26, respectively. Juggernaut GTA V found a home in the top three for both regions, with new 2025 release Battlefield 6 claiming second place in the US. Fortnite took top place for free-to-play games, and Beat Saber continues its PS VR2 success. Check out the full listings below. PS5 Games US/CanadaEUNBA 2K26EA SPORTS FC 26Battlefield 6Grand Theft Auto VGrand Theft Auto VEA SPORTS FC 25EA SPORTS College Football 26Forza Horizon 5EA SPORTS Madden NFL 26Battlefield 6MinecraftMinecraftCall of Duty: Black Ops 7Call of Duty: Black Ops 7ARC RaidersAssassin’s Creed ShadowsGhost of YōteiARC RaidersMLB The Show 25Clair Obscur: Expedition 33Call of Duty: Black Ops 6Ghost of YōteiReady or NotSplit FictionEA SPORTS FC 26Hogwarts LegacyForza Horizon 5UFC 5NBA 2K25Call of Duty: Black Ops 6The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion RemasteredIt Takes TwoAssassin’s Creed ShadowsReady or NotClair Obscur: Expedition 33The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion RemasteredMonster Hunter WildsREMATCHEA SPORTS FC 25F1 25 *Naming of products may differ between regions *Upgrades not included PS4 Games US/CanadaEURed Dead Redemption 2Red Dead Redemption 2STAR WARS Battlefront IIA Way OutBatman: Arkham KnightEA SPORTS FC 26MinecraftThe ForestGrand Theft Auto VEA SPORTS FC 25A Way OutGrand Theft Auto VNeed for Speed HeatMinecraftMortal Kombat XNeed for Speed HeattheHunter: Call of the WildSTAR WARS Battlefront IIThe ForestBatman: Arkham KnightGang BeastsUnravel TwoCall of Duty: Black Ops IIIKingdom Come: DeliveranceKingdom Come: DeliveranceBattlefield VMiddle-earth: Shadow of WarMortal Kombat XStardew ValleyGang BeastsCall of Duty: Black Ops 6Assassin’s Creed OdysseyUnravel TwoHogwarts LegacyGod of WarBattlefield 4Overcooked! 2Assassin’s Creed OriginsInjustice 2Middle-earth: Shadow of War *Naming of products may differ between regions PS VR2 Games* US/CanadaEUBeat SaberBeat SaberAlien: Rogue Incursion VRAlien: Rogue Incursion VRAmong Us 3D: VRCreed: Rise to Glory – Championship EditionCreed: Rise to Glory – Championship EditionMetro AwakeningJob SimulatorJob SimulatorPavlovAmong Us 3D: VRMetro AwakeningHorizon Call of the MountainArizona Sunshine 2PavlovThe Walking Dead: Saints & SinnersSwordsman VRSwordsman VRArizona Sunshine 2 *PlayStation Store purchases only. Game upgrades or games bundled with hardware not included Free to Play (PS5 + PS4) US/CanadaEUFortniteFortniteRobloxRobloxMarvel RivalsCall of Duty: WarzoneCall of Duty: WarzoneRocket LeagueBattlefield REDSECBattlefield REDSECRocket LeagueMarvel RivalsWhere Winds Meet (F2P)eFootballTom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege X – Free AccessAsphalt LegendsDelta Force (F2P)Where Winds Meet (F2P)Fall GuysDelta Force (F2P) View the full article

Discovering a new game to get lost in for hours can be a phenomenal experience. But sometimes, you need a quick hit — a game you can pick up and play just for a bit and still have a great time. The PlayStation Plus Catalog and Classics Catalog are filled with games that fit that description exactly, offering experiences that you can dip into for a few minutes and have a blast. PlayStation Portal owners, these are great picks for you to cozy up with. Below, we’ve compiled a list of 10 excellent quick-hit games from the PS Plus Catalog — although they can definitely keep you engrossed for a lot longer. Next time you’ve got a couple of minutes to spare, fire up one of these. Blue Prince | 2025 | PlayStation Plus Game Catalog Play Video The brilliant idea at the heart of Blue Prince is the combination of first-person puzzler gameplay with roguelike elements. Each time you venture into the mystery-filled Mt. Holly Manor, you’ll chart a new course through the house: Whenever you open a door, you choose the room that appears on the other side. While Blue Prince’s deeper enigmas will keep you obsessed for hours, even a quick run through Mt. Holly will give you a chance to solve a few puzzles and compile a few clues to take in next time. Publisher: Raw Fury | Developer: Dogubomb | PS5 Cult of the Lamb | 2022 | PlayStation Plus Game Catalog Play Video Cult of the Lamb is part roguelike action game, part base manager, and both sides can be satisfying in long or short bursts. Each foray into its shifting dungeons gives you a chance to earn things to enhance your abilities, improve the buildings, and recruit more followers. Whether you want to spend some time making your followers happy or just lean into dungeon-crawling combat, there’s always something quick and interesting to do to grow your cult. Publisher: Devolver Digital | Developer: Massive Monster | PS5, PS4 Dead Cells | 2018 | PlayStation Plus Game Catalog Play Video The world of Dead Cells is an eminently deadly one. Your only chance at survival is to amass powerful weapons and traps to try to keep yourself alive as you fight to get as far through the world as you can. As in most rogue-like games, death is to be expected, but even a quick run that ends in defeat has the potential to unlock new tools to enhance your arsenal to get further next time. Publisher: Motion Twin | Developer: Motion Twin | PS5, PS4 Earth Defense Force 5 | 2017 | PlayStation Plus Classics Catalog Play Video Giant insect-like monsters and alien spacecraft are invading, and it’s up to you to stop them. You have a host of weapons to face down hordes of creepy-crawlies, as well as four character classes with different styles of play. Earth Defense Force 5 offers more than 100 missions, but while each will challenge your third-person combat abilities, they’re all fast enough that it only takes a few minutes to enjoy a few rounds fighting off invading extra-terrestrials. Publisher: D3PublisherUBLISHER | Developer: Sandlot | PS5, PS4 Hotline Miami | 2012 | PlayStation Plus Games Catalog Play Video In the strange, hallucinatory levels of Hotline Miami, enemies are waiting for you, and only careful planning and split-second reactions will keep you alive. As a mysterious masked assassin hunting mobsters, you’ll fight through levels from a top-down perspective where a single hit is enough to defeat anyone — including you. Hotline Miami’s stages are extremely fast-paced and can be intensely difficult, testing your skills in planning and quick reaction. You can finish one in just a few minutes, but this is a game that will have you saying “one more try” with every defeat. Publisher: Devolver Digital | Developer: Dennaton Games | PS5, PS4 I.Q.: Intelligent Qube | 1997 | PlayStation Plus Classics Catalog Speedy movements and quick thinking are essential in puzzler I.Q.: Intelligent Qube. In each level, your goal is to clear a series of cubes as they roll toward you by marking spots on the grid beneath your feet. Clearing certain cubes allows you to release blasts that can knock out several cubes at once, but it takes careful planning of where and when to place and use those advantages to fully clear each level. I.Q. is a great way to exercise your mind with a few fast brain teasers. Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment | Developer: G-Artists | PS5, PS4 LocoRoco Remastered | 2006 | PlayStation Plus Classics Catalog Play Video Navigating the colorful world of LocoRoco Remastered isn’t about controlling a character, but about tilting the landscape beneath your round, jelly-like LocoRoco to roll them where you need them to go. Making your way over obstacles or through passageways requires combining many LocoRoco together into one massive being, or breaking them back into several smaller ones. LocoRoco Remastered is a perfect way to unwind with a breezy, lighthearted experience and short, inventive levels that require some out-of-the-box thinking. Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment | Developer: Japan Studio | PS5, PS4 The Pedestrian | 2021 | PlayStation Plus Games Catalog Play Video The Pedestrian is a puzzle-platformer that has you playing as a stick figure like those often seen on road and bathroom signs, navigating from sign to sign on your way through the world. The fascinating presentation offers a lot of clever puzzles, many of which require you to rearrange signs to connect ladders and doors to create paths from one to another. Though the levels are short and sweet, they’ll test your puzzling smarts. Publisher: Skookum Arts LLC | Developer: Skookum Arts LLC | PS5, PS4 Tekken 3 | 1997 | PlayStation Plus Classics Catalog Tekken 3 lets you relive the glory days of 3D fighters on the original PlayStation. Though the storied series has gone on to five more mainline installments, Tekken 3 will still put you through your fighting game paces. Movement in three dimensions is key as you fight one-on-one duels against an iconic roster of punishing opponents, but with matches that can be brutal beatdowns lasting just a few minutes, it’s easy to squeeze in a few rounds of Tekken 3 whenever you have a free moment. Publisher: Namco | Developer: Namco | PS5, PS4 You Suck At Parking | 2022 | PlayStation Plus Game Catalog You Suck At Parking puts your driving and puzzle-solving skills to the test with top-down levels in which you need to get your tiny car into an equally small parking spot — often by jumping gaps, whipping through hairpin turns, and avoiding crashes in each short, quirky level. But even if you should fly off a cliff or smash into a wall, you can quickly start again for another try. Publisher: Curve Digital | Developer: Happy Volcano | PS5, PS4 Honorable mentions The PlayStation Plus Games Catalog and Classic Catalog are chock full of excellent quick-hit games you can play alone or with friends, in genres ranging from sports to shooters, from racing to intense cooperative multiplayer madness. Don’t miss these favs: Hot Shots Golf Jet Moto If you’ve got a few quick-hit go-to games that we haven’t mentioned, be sure to share your favorites and recommendations in the comments below. View the full article

This month, survive Ethan Winters’ darkest chapter in Resident Evil Village, hop between Honolulu and Tokyo for heartfelt brawls in Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth, blaze trails through wild terrain on high-tech off-road missions in Expeditions: A MudRunner Game, or try to endure a creature-haunted apocalypse in A Quiet Place: The Road Ahead. All these titles and more are available in January’s PlayStation Plus Game Catalog lineup*. Meanwhile, Ridge Racer brings arcade racing to PlayStation Plus Premium. The full lineup will be available to play on January 20. *Digital PS5 games available to stream from your library will vary over time, region, and country. PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium | Game Catalog View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Resident Evil Village | PS5, PS4 Experience survival horror like never before in the eighth major instalment in the storied Resident Evil franchise. Set a few years after the horrifying events in the critically acclaimed Resident Evil 7: Biohazard, the all-new storyline begins with Ethan Winters and his wife Mia living peacefully in a new location, free from their past nightmares. Just as they are building their new life together, tragedy befalls them once again. More than just a mysterious backdrop for the horrifying events that unfold in the game, the village is a character in its own right with mysteries for Ethan to uncover and terrors to escape from. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth | PS5, PS4 Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth, from the Yakuza series, brings together two heroic ‘dragons’ in an expansive new RPG that takes the franchise to a brand new location in the heart of the Pacific Ocean. Lured to Honolulu City with the promise of finding his birth mother, Ichiban Kasuga only discovers betrayal until the reclusive Kazuma Kiryu lends a helping hand. Explore the tropical Hawaiian capital and the familiar streets of Tokyo’s Kamurocho district, battle rivals from local gangs in enhanced hybrid RPG-style battles and enjoy Like A Dragon’s trademark abundance of side activities. The fate of two dragons is in your hands. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Expeditions: A MudRunner Game | PS5, PS4 Embark on ever-rewarding scientific expeditions as you adapt to nature’s challenges and unravel the mysteries of uncharted lands alone or with other players. Venture into the vast wilderness of arid deserts and rugged forests to the steepest mountains, brimming with hidden treasures and forgotten ruins. Lead research missions as you drive a variety of all-terrain vehicles through treacherous paths, using advanced technologies and high-tech tools to overcome obstacles. Build and manage your base and equip your vehicles with essential gadgets like drones or scanners to ensure your success in the wild. Hire a team of top-notch experts to improve your skills in the field, unlocking new possibilities for exploration. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image A Quiet Place: The Road Ahead | PS5 A Quiet Place: The Road Ahead is a single-player horror adventure game inspired by the critically acclaimed blockbuster movie franchise that highlights a unique survivor story after an invasion of deadly creatures. In this exclusive spin-off, experience the journey of a young woman who must endure a treacherous apocalypse in the midst of interpersonal family conflicts, all while coming to terms with her own inner fears. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Darkest Dungeon II | PS5, PS4 Embark on a roguelike road trip of the damned in this sequel to the critically acclaimed Darkest Dungeon. Form a party, equip your stagecoach, and set off across the decaying landscape on a last-gasp quest to avert the apocalypse. Discover the failings of your flawed heroes in playable backstories and help them find redemption on the road. Explore various tactics as you battle unspeakable horrors who stand between you and salvation. With careful leadership you can create the party bonds required to withstand the nightmarish onslaught, reach the Mountain and prevail against the monstrous manifestations of your failures. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image The Exit 8 | PS5, PS4 The Exit 8 is a short walking simulator inspired by Japanese underground passageways, liminal spaces and backrooms. You are trapped in an endless underground passageway. Observe your surroundings carefully to reach “The Exit 8”. Don’t overlook any anomalies. If you find anomalies, turn back immediately. If you don’t find anomalies, do not turn back. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Art of Rally | PS5, PS4 Art of Rally is a stylized experience inspired by the golden era of rally from the creator of Absolute Drift. Race across the world through colourful and stylized environments in top-down view. Compete for first place in the leaderboards with daily and weekly challenges. Experience the golden era of rally in Career mode, travelling across 91 stages from Finland to Sardinia, Norway, Japan, Germany, Kenya and Indonesia. Get behind the wheel of your favourite vintage cars, ranging from the 60’s to the 80’s, Group B, Group S and Group A. From beginner-friendly options to driving modes that’ll challenge the most expert drivers, all players can tackle the races using their favourite rally driving tricks: Scandinavian flick, counter-steering, left foot braking, handbrake turns. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image A Little to the Left | PS5, PS4 Sort, stack, and organize household objects into just the right spot in A Little to the Left, a tidy puzzle game with a mischievous cat who likes to shake things up! Which way should the clock hands point? How to arrange the eggs? Who put so many stickers on this fruit? Come enjoy a calming world in an observational puzzle game with surprises around every corner. Featuring charming illustrations and surprising scenarios, A Little to the Left is satisfying and curious with over 100 delightful puzzles to discover. And keep your eye out for that mischievous cat with an inclination for chaos! PlayStation Plus Premium View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Ridge Racer | PS5, PS4 Experience Ridge Racer originally released on the PlayStation console, enhanced with up-rendering, rewind, quick save, and custom video filters. The thrill of intense racing comes alive once more. Unique vehicles, roaring engines, lush scenery, and the screech of tires as they dazzle and drift. Experience the legendary racing game which once ushered in a new era. Take victory in one of two modes. Aim for top podium in Battle Mode across three difficulty levels, or race against rival cars one-one-one in Time Trial Mode. Turn up the volume by freely selecting BGM tracks during gameplay with the music player. Take high-speed control with the thrill of the wildest ride! *PlayStation Plus Game Catalog and PlayStation Plus Premium/Deluxe lineups may differ by region. Please check PlayStation Store on release day. View the full article