Commander Fury

Building on 15 years of pro player insights and controller designs, meet Scuf Omega, a new performance controller that is officially licensed for PlayStation 5 consoles and compatible with PS5 consoles, PC, Mac, iOS, and Android. Starting today, players will be able to get their hands on a new controller experience that is engineered for seamless integration, low-latency connectivity, and the advanced customization Scuf is known for. 11 more ways to win Scuf Omega gives players a total of 28 inputs. This includes 11 additional customizable inputs – 4 rear paddles, 2 side buttons, and 5 G-Keys – that put the most critical actions exactly where hands already are. By customizing these inputs, players can jump without lifting a thumb, reload while still aiming, or slide mid-sprint. Remap any input directly on the controller or go deeper with the Scuf Mobile App to build multiple profiles, fine-tune layouts between matches, and dial in a completely different setup per game. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image The Scuf Mobile App: Create the perfect setup Available on iOS and Android, the Scuf Mobile App provides complete command over how Omega performs. Build and manage multiple profiles for different games or playstyles Save setting directly to the controller Dial in sensitivity with true 0% deadzones Fine-tune trigger and thumbstick response curves Choose your thumbstick response zone: Circle, Square, or the default Squircle Configure SOCD settings for fighting games Manage microphone, volume, and audio controls Recalibrate thumbsticks to maintain peak accuracy Monitor battery level and charging status Set up mobile gaming connectivity Stay current with the latest firmware updates Personalize your RGB lighting strip (PC only) Inputs that fire when you do Scuf Omega features Omron mechanical switches across its Instant Triggers, D-Pad, and Action Buttons, which is the same technology powering high-end gaming mice. Every press satisfies with crisp, mouse-click precision. Adjustable Instant Triggers let you toggle between lightning-fast click mode for FPS accuracy or full analog range for throttle and feathering control. Endurance Thumbsticks Scuf Omega’s Endurance TMR Thumbsticks use non-contact magnetic sensing technology for long-term reliability. Players can choose from concave or domed shapes in short or tall heights to match their grip and playstyle. Recalibrate at any time through the Scuf Mobile App. 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 View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Built for the long game Omega’s ergonomics are 15 years in the making, refined through real-world competition and direct feedback from the pros who play at the highest level. Every contour puts the paddles where fingers naturally fall. A non-slip grip texture keeps players locked in through gaming sessions and final-circle moments alike. Vibration modules have been removed to reduce weight and eliminate interference during the micro-adjustments that matter most. 15 years in the making Omega represents the culmination of over a decade of innovation and proven performance at the highest level. 15 years of pro insights and refinement applied to the most demanding games of this generation. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Scuf Omega launches worldwide starting today Scuf Omega launches starting on May 12, 2026 for a recommended retail price of $219.99USD/€239.99EUR/£209.99GBP/37,980.00JPY (pricing and availability may vary by region). To learn more about the Scuf Omega controller, visit Scuf Gaming’s website. View the full article

Greetings, Travelers! The Genshin Impact development team is back with the latest details on Version “Luna VII,” “Truth Amongst the Pages of Purana,” arriving on May 20. This update will welcome two familiar faces to the playable roster as new 5-star characters: Nicole Reeyn, known to the Hexenzirkel by the codename “N,” and Lohen, Vice Captain of the Knights of Favonius’ Fifth Company. They will be joined by the new 4-star character Prune, who provides powerful support for Hexerei characters. As new allies join the fray, an even greater crisis looms. The Traveler will return to Sumeru to confront a formidable enemy who threatens to plunge the nation into disaster. Meanwhile, a very different story unfolds in Inazuma. A whimsical fairy-tale adventure filled with games and fantasy is about to begin, as Klee, Sayu, and newcomer Prune embark on a wondrous journey fueled by boundless imagination. A Guiding Light, A Keen Blade As one of the last surviving angels, Nicole Reeyn has borne witness to the passage of ages, amassing knowledge that bridges the past and present. Known within the Hexenzirkel by the codename “N,” she is a quiet guide who lights the way for the lost and silently lends aid to those in need. Now, this steadfast guide joins your party as a 5-star Pyro Catalyst wielder, enhancing her allies’ ATK while shielding them in battle. In combat, Nicole’s Elemental Skill creates a shield that absorbs incoming damage and deals AoE Pyro DMG, while also granting all nearby party members an ATK Bonus based on her own ATK. This effect is further enhanced when the active character is a Hexerei character, granting an additional ATK increase. Nicole can also gain a temporary ATK Bonus of her own when nearby active party members deal Elemental DMG. Her Elemental Burst deals AoE Pyro DMG and grants the active character an Arcane Projection. This projection performs Coordinated Attacks at fixed intervals, dealing AoE Elemental DMG based on the active character’s Element. When the active character is a Hexerei character, the Arcane Projection takes on a unique form and deals increased DMG. Outside of combat, Nicole’s Charged Attack can summon nearby Seelie to guide the way, much like a Treasure Compass. Meanwhile, at the Meeting Point: The Witch’s Garden, Nicole’s Witch’s Lodge has opened its doors, inviting Travelers to discover hidden treasures and endless surprises. If light brings warmth and guidance, then the blade answers with cold precision and a razor-sharp edge. Few knights possess Lohen’s relentless will to fight until victory is won. As Vice Captain of the Knights of Favonius’ Fifth Company, Lohen never backs down, charging into the fray without hesitation. Now, as a 5-star Cryo Polearm wielder, he brings this unstoppable edge to your party, wielding a unique combat style forged on the battlefield. More about his story and the Knights of Favonius’ past will be revealed in his Story Quest. In combat, Lohen unleashes devastating Cryo DMG by making use of two unique resources: “Joy” and “Will to Win.” His Elemental Skill allows him to enter a special state, during which his Normal and Charged Attacks generate Joy when they hit enemies, while DMG dealt by nearby party members generates Will to Win. By consuming Joy, Lohen can trigger a special Elemental Skill; by consuming Will to Win, he can further increase this special Elemental Skill’s DMG and enhance his Elemental Burst DMG. After unlocking the Hexerei: Secret Rite effect, his Normal and Charged Attacks also have a chance to deal increased DMG based on the amount of Will to Win accumulated. In addition, Prune, the 4-star Anemo Catalyst wielder known as the “Witch Hunter,” will make her debut in this update. She provides sustained off-field DMG while increasing her teammates’ overall damage output. In Version “Luna VII” Event Wishes, the first half will feature the debuts of Nicole and Prune, alongside Durin’s rerun, while the second half will introduce Lohen and welcome back Mavuika. Return to Sumeru: Reunion and Reckoning This journey has carried us far, yet some mysteries remain unresolved. Now, the path leads back to Sumeru, where a crisis gathers, answers await, and an enemy bearing a familiar face steps into view. A mysterious enemy bearing an uncanny resemblance to The Doctor has emerged. This new Boss fights with cunning and cruelty, teleporting across the battlefield and summoning a powerful force to halt your advance. Even getting close will be a challenge. Yet Sumeru will not face this crisis alone. Trusted allies from across the land are rallying to its aid, and Nicole stands ready to offer her guidance whenever it is needed. To help Travelers keep track of this epic storyline, a new “Guiding Notes” feature has been added to the Quest Overview interface, allowing you to review key details and character backgrounds at any time as you progress through the quest. Archon Quests will also now include save prompts, making it easier to experience the story at your own pace. Complete the quest to claim a limited-time reward of Primogems ×560, along with Nicole’s Ascension Materials. Gathering with the Little Witches Saving the world may be important, but the magic hidden within the little witches’ secret base is just as worthy of pursuit. Head to Inazuma and join this whimsical gathering of little witches! Together with Klee, Sayu, Qiqi, Yaoyao, and their new friend Prune, set off on a playful, magical adventure full of mischief and wonder. This limited-time event features a variety of fun mini-games, each brimming with cheerful charm. First up is “Dodoco’s Bomb-Rally Ruckus,” where Travelers will use different field effects and whimsical gadgets to help Klee pass Jumpy Dumpty to all her Dodoco companions. You can also join “Gena’s Great Escape,” dodging obstacles as you race toward the finish line while collecting as many Onigiri as possible. In addition, Yuegui will need your guidance to overcome obstacles, collect radishes, and reunite with her scattered companions. Finally, cap off the festivities with an exhilarating combat performance: In the “Fantasy Realm Performance” prepared by Prune, Travelers will complete training challenges to build up momentum and deliver a spectacular battle showcase. Participate in these events to claim a range of generous rewards, including the exclusive weapon appearance “Super Awesome Magic Key.” More Fun and Updates Version “Luna VII” also brings a wealth of updates and surprises. Travelers can obtain Echo Cosmetics for Navia and Wanderer, while Repertoire of Myriad Melodies welcomes the new album “Hexerei: Ballad of Whimsical Polyphony.” Score Themes for Durin and Varka will also be available for exchange in Treasure of Myriad Melodies. Miliastra Wonderland also receives a wide range of updates and improvements in this version. New events will roll out in succession, offering Primogems and other rewards to participants. A unique sports festival is also in the works, introducing new forms of friendly competition. In addition, your Manekin can now perform a variety of actions across Teyvat, allowing you to capture memorable moments along the way. We hope you’re excited for everything Version “Luna VII” has in store. See you in Teyvat on May 20, Travelers! View the full article

Last week, we asked you to share moments of celebration from the game of your choice using #PSshare #PSBlog. Here are this week’s highlights: call_me_xavii shares a Nora celebration in Horizon Zero Dawn: Remastered. leenc90 shares Alicia and Hugo headed into a celebration in town in A Plague Tale: Requiem aanderrodrigues shares Ellie celebrating her birthday from a museum in The Last of Us Part II. JarrinWasHere shares Sam lifting a hand in the air in celebration in Death Stranding 2: On The Beach. Photomode_Raro shares the Jans and a sheep celebrating in The Alters. guybgee shares Cloud celebrating a combat victory in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth. 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: EA Sports FC 26 SUBMIT BY: 11:59 PM PT on May 13, 2026 Next week, hit the pitch and share goal-worthy shots from EA Sports FC 26, available as a PlayStation Plus Monthly game for May. Use #PSshare #PSBlog for a chance to be featured. View the full article

It’s time to see which PS5, PS4, PS VR2, and free-to-play games topped last month’s download charts. In April, Pragmata landed as the top downloaded game in the top the Asia charts, while Little Nightmares VR: Altered Echoes debuted on the PS VR2 charts, and NTE made an appearance on free-to-play. Check out the full listings below. What titles are you playing this month? PS5 Games AsiaUS/CanadaPRAGMATAMLB The Show 26Crimson DesertPRAGMATADead Island 2Crimson DesertTeenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered FateNBA 2K26EA SPORTS FC 26StarfieldResident Evil 4Content WarningHades IIGrand Theft Auto VThe Witcher 3: Wild HuntMOUSE: P.I. For HireIt Takes TwoMinecraftHadesCall of Duty: Black Ops 7NBA 2K26SAROSGrand Theft Auto VHades IIForza Horizon 5EA SPORTS FC 26Hogwarts LegacyARC RaidersGran Turismo 7EA SPORTS Madden NFL 26Diablo IVWWE 2K26Resident Evil VillageResident Evil 4MLB The Show 26Ready or NotDAVE THE DIVERInvincible VSMarvel’s Spider-Man 2Resident Evil Requiem *Naming of products may differ between regions *Upgrades not included PS4 Games AsiaUS/Canada Red Dead Redemption 2Red Dead Redemption 2Shadow of the Tomb Raider: Definitive EditionGang BeastsThe King of Fighters ’97: Global MatchCall of Duty: Black Ops IIIResident Evil 6Resident Evil 6A Way OutRESIDENT EVIL 5Overcooked! 2Call of Duty: Modern WarfareGod of WarBatman: Arkham KnightTomb Raider: Definitive EditionSTAR WARS Battlefront IIThe King of Fighters XIVA Way OutRise of the Tomb Raider: 20 Year CelebrationMinecraftWatch Dogs 2Mortal Kombat XCall of Duty: Modern WarfareGrand Theft Auto VMonster Hunter: WorldCall of Duty: WWIIMetal Slug 3CupheadBloodborneResident EvilEA SPORTS FC 26God of WarUncharted: The Nathan Drake CollectionTom Clancy’s The Division 2Guns, Gore and Cannoli 2theHunter: Call of the WildRESIDENT EVIL 5NBA 2K26Need for Speed HeatUNCHARTED The Nathan Drake Collection *Naming of products may differ between regions PS VR2 Games* AsiaUS/CanadaHorizon Call of the MountainStar Wars: Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge – Enhanced EditionBeat SaberBeat SaberAlien: Rogue Incursion VRAmong Us 3D: VRMetro AwakeningJob SimulatorMaestroMetro AwakeningArizona Sunshine 2The Walking Dead: Saints & SinnersCrossfire: Sierra SquadAlien: Rogue Incursion VRLittle Nightmares VR: Altered EchoesLittle Nightmares VR: Altered EchoesKayak VR: MirageArizona Sunshine 2Arizona Sunshine RemakeWRATH: Aeon of Ruin VR – Brutal Edition *PlayStation Store purchases only. Game upgrades or games bundled with hardware not included Free to Play (PS5 + PS4) AsiaEURobloxRobloxNTE: Neverness to EvernessFortniteWhere Winds Meet (F2P)Rocket LeagueeFootballCall of Duty: WarzoneDelta Force (F2P)NTE: Neverness to EvernessThe Seven Deadly Sins: OrigineFootballPUBG: BATTLEGROUNDSThe Seven Deadly Sins: OriginAsphalt LegendsTom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege – Free AccessArknights: EndfieldAsphalt LegendsGenshin ImpactFall Guys View the full article

It’s time to see which PS5, PS4, PS VR2, and free-to-play games topped last month’s download charts. In April, Pragmata landed in the top three on the US charts, while Little Nightmares VR: Altered Echoes debuted on the PS VR2 charts, and NTE made an appearance on free-to-play. Check out the full listings below. What titles are you playing this month? PS5 Games US/CanadaEUMLB The Show 26EA Sports FC 26PragmataCrimson DesertCrimson DesertGrand Theft Auto VNBA 2K26StarfieldStarfieldPragmataContent WarningMinecraftGrand Theft Auto VHades IIMOUSE: P.I. For HireContent WarningMinecraftUFC 5Call of Duty: Black Ops 7Resident Evil 4SarosNBA 2K26Hades IIMouse: P.I. For HireEA Sports FC 26Call of Duty: Black Ops 7Arc RaidersIt Takes TwoEA Sports Madden NFL 26Resident Evil 2WWE 2K26The Witcher 3: Wild HuntResident Evil 4SarosReady or NotForza Horizon 5Invincible VsNo Man’s SkyResident Evil RequiemPoppy Playtime: Chapter 1 *Naming of products may differ between regions *Upgrades not included PS4 Games US/CanadaEURed Dead Redemption 2Red Dead Redemption 2Gang BeastsGang BeastsCall of Duty: Black Ops IIIA Way OutResident Evil 6EA Sports FC 26Resident Evil 5Resident Evil 6Call of Duty: Modern WarfareResident Evil 5Batman: Arkham KnightMinecraftStar Wars Battlefront IIUnravel TwoA Way OutGrand Theft Auto VMinecraftSTAR WARS Battlefront IIMortal Kombat XCall of Duty: Modern WarfareGrand Theft Auto VCall of Duty: Black Ops IIICall of Duty: WWIIMetro ExodusCupheadtheHunter: Call of the WildResident EvilGod of WarGod of WarBatman: Arkham KnightTom Clancy’s The Division 2Uncharted: The Nathan Drake CollectiontheHunter: Call of the WildNeed for Speed HeatNBA 2K26Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Campaign RemasteredUncharted The Nathan Drake CollectionAssassin’s Creed Unity *Naming of products may differ between regions PS VR2 Games* US/CanadaEUStar Wars: Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge – Enhanced EditionStar Wars: Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge – Enhanced EditionBeat SaberMetro AwakeningAmong Us 3D: VRJob SimulatorJob SimulatorHorizon Call of the MountainMetro AwakeningBeat SaberThe Walking Dead: Saints & SinnersAlien: Rogue Incursion VRAlien: Rogue Incursion VRAmong Us 3D: VRLittle Nightmares VR: Altered EchoesCooking Simulator VRArizona Sunshine 2Creed: Rise to Glory – Championship EditionWrath: Aeon of Ruin VR – Brutal EditionLittle Nightmares VR: Altered Echoes *PlayStation Store purchases only. Game upgrades or games bundled with hardware not included Free to Play (PS5 + PS4) US/CanadaEURobloxRobloxFortniteFortniteRocket LeagueRocket LeagueCall of Duty: WarzoneCall of Duty: WarzoneNTE: Neverness to EvernessNTE: Neverness to EvernessTom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege – Free AccesseFootballApex LegendsThe Seven Deadly Sins: OriginMarvel RivalsTom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege – Free AccessThe Seven Deadly Sins: OriginAsphalt LegendsFall GuysFall Guys View the full article

The team here at Cyan is excited to announce that we’re launching the modern remakes of our award-winning puzzle adventure games Myst and Riven on PS5 and PlayStation VR2 May 19. Myst and Riven (the sequel to Myst) were originally released on PC and the original PlayStation in the ‘90s and quickly became cultural phenomena. In fact, the release of the original Myst in 1993 had an approximately 10-year-long run of being the best-selling PC game in the world. To celebrate how popular both games were on the original PlayStation back in the day, the classic versions of Myst and Riven from the original PlayStation were re-released digitally last year, thanks to efforts between both Cyan and Sony Interactive Entertainment, and continue to be available to purchase and play in most regions worldwide. I’m excited to have this opportunity to share more about how we made sure that our remakes of Myst and Riven could take advantage of both PS5 and PS5 Pro features to bring folks the best experience based on the way they prefer to play. Flatscreen and PS VR2 play Both Myst and Riven will support both flatscreen (2D) and PS VR2 at launch. This was the toughest part of development for us – making sure the experience of players using either playstyle would shine. We brought over some lessons we learned from a release of a previous title of ours on PS5, Firmament (which also supported both 2D and VR), to help improve each playstyle – both in interactions, graphical fidelity, base render resolution, performance, and more. In turn, some of the lessons we learned from these new releases have also already been brought back into Firmament. We’re excited to see how players react to being able to experience Myst and Riven with their preferred play method. Ray-traced reflections and Performance mode Myst and Riven will also support ray tracing through the display of ray-traced reflections (limited to flatscreen mode only). We’ve made sure that this support is included in our games on both the PS5 and PS5 Pro. While ray-traced reflections are enabled, frame rate is limited to 30 FPS to account for a smoother play experience while more time is spent on the render thread. While ray-traced reflections are disabled (with screen-space reflections being used instead), each game’s frame rate is increased to 60 FPS. Players have a choice in enabling ray-traced reflections by disabling the Performance Mode checkbox in the Display settings menu in each game, which will also subtly change the base render resolution of the game to accommodate for leveraging graphics vs. leveraging performance. PS5 Pro Enhanced features We’re also happy to state that Myst and Riven are both officially PS5 Pro Enhanced titles. This means a couple of things in our case – the first of which is an increase in graphical fidelity in each game’s flatscreen mode on PS5 Pro, including better view distance, foliage, textures, post-processing, and shading. Second, players in VR on PS5 Pro in both games will have better base render resolution when playing each game – and in Riven’s flatscreen mode, leaving the Performance Mode checkbox enabled will grant better base render resolution. The games are taking advantage of tweaked implementations of Unreal Engine’s TSR, which allows us to use upscaling on both PS5 Pro and base PS5 in return for better graphics options. Power Saver Mode support Myst and Riven will also join the list of PS5 games with Power Saver support. Power Saver mode is a relatively new feature for PS5 that enables games to scale back performance to save on energy consumption (and therefore save on energy costs for many players). Both Myst and Riven support this new feature by decreasing each game’s base render resolution and forcing a fixed frame rate of 30 FPS. Delve into Myst and Riven The Cyan team worked hard to make sure that these from-the-ground-up remakes of Myst and Riven take advantage of plenty of PS5 features, especially for PS5 Pro. Whether you’re playing from the comfort of your couch with a DualSense wireless controller in flatscreen mode, or enjoying our games up-close and personal in PS VR 2, we think you’ll be in for quite a treat. We appreciate everyone’s support of our studio and hope to keep making great games for another 40 years! Myst and Riven on PS5 are available to wishlist beginning today, May 5, and will be available to purchase and play for $34.99 USD each on May 19. View the full article

In Haly’s Circus, the legendary Flying Graysons are plummeting to their doom. Again. Or maybe not. After taking a long drop which typically results in Dick Grayson mourning his fallen parents, the duo gets up and promptly fires their son, prompting Bruce Wayne to employ him and take up the Robin mantle. It’s a comedic change of lore which perfectly captures what LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight is all about – all ages enjoyment, while still being respectful to the source material. I got the chance to romp around Gotham City to get an idea of what to expect ahead of its PlayStation 5 launch on May 22. My time with the game featured single-player mode, but two-player local co-op will also be supported. Classic stories told in new ways As with the Flying Graysons example, LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight is all about subverting some of the expectations of the character’s history, having a little fun with well-known storylines, and referencing scenes from comics, TV, animated series, and even other video games. “We wanted to make the definitive [Batman] background story,” says TT Games’ Executive Producer Matt Ellison. “DC Comics described this game as a remix of Batman’s Greatest Hits. We want to make a unique story out of that and showcase him in a different way.” To that end, this knowing mash-up features all kinds of references, from the red Bat-phone of the Adam West TV series, to a costume from the current smash hit comic book Absolute Batman. Movie influences everywhere And to keep things up to date, default depictions of some characters like Catwoman and Commissioner Gordon are given a touch of Warner Bros. The Batman film, complete with performances that feel reminiscent while remaining distinct. “Jim Gordon is played by Colin McFarlane, who also played Commissioner Loeb in The Dark Knight,” says Matt. “His voice really suits that character. He’s got a lot of gravitas, but he’s also good fun to listen to. How their voices played off each other was really important to the story.” Arkham Asylum-style combat It’s not just aesthetics which have been borrowed from other tales, either. Joining a LEGO version of Joker’s incarceration from Batman: Arkham Asylum are the detective styled Focus Mode and slick combat system, clear nods to the Rocksteady fronted series. You can chain attacks with the Square button, and when prompted with on-screen warnings Triangle initiates a counter and the Circle button dodges. The latter is essential when facing off against armoured or shielded goons to get around their protection, as well as avoiding gunfire, with R1 letting you break out a finishing move once your Focus Meter is maxed out, which ranges from a flurry of punches to a pair of cymbals across the ears. Something I gleefully employed when facing off against a variety of colourful goons as I answered random distress calls of muggings and gang warfare across the crime ridden Gotham City. Don’t forget about the gadgets Like another sequence cribbed from Tim Burton’s first Batman flick, there are plenty of chances to play with the Bat family’s “wonderful toys” via the R2 button. Of the seven playable characters, I was given access to Batman, Gordon, Robin, and Catwoman, each with their own selection of gadgets. Some were traditional, like Batman’s Batclaw, others… not so much. Personal favourites were Catwoman’s ability to summon a feline who can attack enemies and enter enclosed spaces, and Gordon’s bizarre foam sprayer which can both gunge up gears and security cameras, as well as encase baddies, which you can then punt off screen. Stealth hasn’t been neglected, either. When exploring the Iceberg Lounge I had to sneak across the rafters of Carmine Falcone noisy club (complete with a DJ proudly declaring “who’s ready for more of the exact same beat!”), and wade through a massive ballpit in a hilariously unexpected funhouse. I was able to perform one-shot takedowns, but gratefully, discovery didn’t mean a game over – it simply meant diving into combat with angry guards crying out “you’re cutting into our ballpit time!” A cave of classic LEGO humour “Putting a twist on expectations is the way we often make humorous situations and surprise people,” says Matt. “We have these dark characters but we want to be appropriate for children as well as the older audience.” So like the best family comedy, the laughs in LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight are often double or triple barrelled, where its humour is both explicit and subtle. A training montage with Robin is full of LEGO stud shaped bat guano and a great Rocky Balboa steps moment, while an earlier moment with Two-Face has the villain screaming “I cannot sanction your buffoonery!” to his falling thugs, in reference actor Tommy Lee Jones’ infamous off-set outburst during the filming of Batman Forever. And in another scene Bats and Gordon attempt to blend in with a party crowd by busting out some breakdancing moves that trigger a short rhythm action sequence. Who knew the ol’ Commish could pop his minifig body like that? The City never sleeps There are plenty of deepcut references across Gotham City, too, along with knowing billboards, and BatMite shops to visit. While suitably dark and occasionally rainy, the open world is alive with vehicles, and pedestrians who wave and chat to our heroes, an active train network which you can ride on top of, and lots of crimes and puzzles to tackle. Pressing the Up directional button unleashes the Batmobile for getting around the city if you don’t fancy using the fun combo of a grappling hook and glider, with driving, combat, traversal trials if you want to practice your skills. There are even spots where you can just sit and watch the world go by. Suit up for more costumed capers With the ability to change into a variety of different skins for each of the playable characters, TT Games has ensured there’s a costume for all occasions no matter if you’re trekking through Nanda Parbat or fighting Poison Ivy in her carnivorous garden. “We really want to celebrate the character and his history through all the different media that he’s been in,” grins Matt. “But we also want people with different levels of Batman knowledge to enjoy the game. There’s something for everyone.” You’ll be able to join in the big and slightly batty celebration when LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight swoops onto PS5 on May 22. View the full article

Hi Hunters, we’re excited to be back with a big update on Horizon Hunters Gathering; let’s talk about what we’ve been up to since the first playtest a few months ago, and what you can expect from the next one. If you can’t wait, skip to the next paragraph for all the details on when it’s happening and what you can expect. At the end of February, we invited a small group of players into the Gathering for the first time. For three days during select play windows, we saw folks get their first taste of Machine Incursion, try to master the playstyles of either Rem, Sun, or Axle (or all three.), and work together through the challenges of Cauldron Descent. We are incredibly grateful to those who took the time to play, gave us invaluable feedback on their experience, or stuck around on our official Discord server. Since then, we’ve been focusing on a host of improvements based on that first playtest, as well as getting additional content ready for the next one. A lot of people have also been asking questions about the game, the world of the Gathering, or some of our planned features, so if you haven’t yet: check out our ongoing developer Q&As we’ve been hosting on Discord and socials. We’ve really enjoyed sharing more about our ideas, processes, and development with you. New playtest in May Whether you want to return for another round, couldn’t make it into the first playtest, or prefer to experience the game firsthand, we’re happy to share that the next closed playtest will take place between May 22 and 25.* Just like last time, the game will be playable on both PlayStation 5 and PC (Steam), with registration exclusively through the PlayStation Beta Program for both platforms. (Note: if you’re having trouble with the link, first sign in on PlayStation.com and then try clicking the link again.) Play Video Aside from quite a bit of implemented player feedback (which we will highlight at a later date), there will be a bunch of new content to explore. Two new Hunters: Aside from Rem, Sun, and Axle (who have each received improvements.), you can now get to know Ensa; a charismatic Oseram smuggler with a mercenary past. Or the mysterious Shadow, a Carja covert operative who commands a fearsome Stalker machine. We will be sharing a little more about them in the coming weeks. A playable Episode: Episodes play a central role in the game’s narrative campaign by introducing new mysteries, characters, and mechanics. Pick your Hunter, ready up, and head into the wilds to save Ashwater Valley from a horde of machines. Added difficulty: Two familiar game modes return with higher stakes than ever, as the war against the machines continues to ravage the wilds: Machine Incursion is a high-intensity mission where waves of machines pour out from underground gateways, led by a formidable boss. To make things more interesting and encourage you to return for an even greater challenge, we’ve added two additional difficulty modes: Hard and Merciless. We dare all Hunters to try and beat a Thunderjaw and a Ravager at the same time… Cauldron Descent is a longer, multi-stage trial pushing Hunters to their limits, from brutal machine encounters to hidden doors that promise power and reward for teams prepared to open them. Coordination and teamwork with other Hunters here are key to success, and our second playtest features even more challenging rooms to explore. New Region: Travel to Breakers’ Bounty, featuring dense jungles and ravaged ruins bordering a scorching desert home to dangerous machines, in order to save the Oseram and stop the incursion. You’ll also still have access to Devil’s Thirst, and of course the Gathering: the central social space where you can meet other players, build your loadout, and customize your camp. Play your way: Training Modules have been added to improve general onboarding for the game and its systems. For players wanting to master the hunt in Solo Mode, Hunter NPCs will be available for this playtest during Episode or Machine Incursion modes. These NPCs (either Rem, Sun, or Axle) offer battle assists where possible or can automatically fill an empty spot on a three-player team. We want to emphasize again: Horizon Hunters Gathering is a game in development; we choose to playtest early and with small numbers to focus on the core experience and implement player feedback before opening to bigger groups of players. We learn a lot from each playtest and this second one is no different; we appreciate each of you who take the time to leave us your honest thoughts. There’s much more to explore on your next adventure into the wilds. Over the coming weeks, we will be dropping more playtest information on our Hunters Gathering Discord and social channels, so keep an eye out for news there. For a chance to play the game between May 22 to 25, sign up via the PlayStation Beta Program. This link will automatically flag you as interested in Horizon Hunters Gathering. We will be sure to let you know when invites for the playtest are being sent. Thanks for the continued support and all of us at Guerrilla look forward to welcoming you (back) for another hunt! *Internet connection required for the playtest View the full article

Last month was filled with adventures across moons, mindscapes, and the cartoon world! Some big new releases included Mouse: P.I. for Hire, Pragmata, Little Nightmares VR: Altered Echoes, Hades II, and Saros. Which game was your favorite? How does it work? At the end of every month, PlayStation Blog will open a poll where you can vote for the best new game released that month. After the polls close we will tally your votes, and announce the winner on our social channels and PlayStation.Blog. What is the voting criteria? That’s up to you! If you were only able to recommend one new release to a friend that month, which would it be? Note: re-released games don’t qualify, but remakes do. We define remakes as ambitious, larger-scale rebuilds such as Resident Evil 4 (2023) and Final Fantasy VII Remake. How are nominees decided? The PlayStation Blog editorial team will gather a list of that month’s most noteworthy releases and use it to seed the poll. View Poll View the full article

Hello everyone! I’m Takeshi Yamanaka, Producer of MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls. Today at EVO Japan 2026 in Tokyo, we revealed our third team to join the Challenge of the Champion: Fighting Avengers. Be sure to check out the new team reveal trailer below! Play Video A new team joins the battle: Fighting Avengers View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Joining the previously announced Captain America (voiced by Brian Bloom) and Iron Man (voiced by Josh Keaton) are Hulk (voiced by Fred Tatasciore) and Black Panther (voiced by Erica Luttrell), forming the brand-new team: the Fighting Avengers. Led by Captain America, this newly formed Avengers squad comes together to confront a new threat facing Earth. As heroes watched closely—and admired greatly—by people around the world, we hope you’re looking forward to seeing how they rise to the challenge in Episode Mode. New stage revealed: Wakanda View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image We’re also excited to announce a brand-new stage: Wakanda. Wakanda is a nation located in Africa, blessed with rich natural landscapes while also standing as a global leader in advanced scientific technology. Traditionally protected by its king, the Black Panther, Wakanda is now ruled by the young Black Panther, Shuri, who has taken on the mantle to defend her people. New playable character: Hulk View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image A green goliath whose strength grows with his rage, Hulk once fought alongside the Avengers to save the world. However, in MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls, his overwhelming power and instability lead the government, S.H.I.E.L.D., and even his fellow teammates Captain America and Iron Man, to exile him to the Savage Land. There, Hulk lives a quiet life, surrounded by nature and animals, but his distrust of the Avengers has yet to fade. During development, Hulk’s backstory was established early on. While staying true to the core design concept of a massive, gamma-radiated powerhouse, elements inspired by this narrative were incorporated into his design. Hulk adorns himself with dinosaur bone armor toreinforce his feral, untamed fighting style and highlight his raw power. Hulk can overpower opponents at any range with sheer force. Channeling his anger builds his unique Gamma Gauge. When it reaches maximum, Hulk enters Gamma Rage which significantly boosts his strength and speed. Build up the Gamma Gauge and unleash devastating one-shot attacks at just the right moment to deal massive damage. New playable character: Black Panther View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Ruler of the great African nation of Wakanda, Shuri protects her country as the Black Panther.  Having only recently inherited the mantle, she struggles with doubts about whether she is truly ready for the role.  As a new threat approaches, Shuri must make critical decisions, not only as a warrior, but as a queen who must balance tradition and progress. When we decided to include her in the roster, her character backstory was discussed and established early on. Having only recently taken up the mantle of Black Panther alongside her existing role of Wakanda’s chief scientist, Shuri’s design reflects this important transition. Sleek, athletic lines emphasize a sense of speed befitting an acrobatic fighter, while preserving the primal wildness that defines the role. At the same time, subtle touches of Wakandan royalty are woven into the finer details of her suit, reflecting the weight of leadership she now carries. In combat, Black Panther excels with swift movement and long reach using the Spear of Bashenga. She possesses a high-speed mobility skill called Bast’s Blessing, allowing her to dash in multiple directions. Bast’s Blessing consumes a dedicated gauge, but it can be canceled from normal attacks and skills, enabling varied and flexible combos and mixups. Dominate mid-range battles with precise spear attacks, then close the distance with lightning-fast movement to overwhelm opponents up close. New threat revealed: The Champion View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image The latest trailer also introduced a new character: The Champion. One of the Elders of the Universe, Champion has existed since the birth of the universe and travels the cosmos alongside his right-hand showwoman, Promoter. A cosmic conqueror obsessed with hand-to-hand combat, he journeys from planet to planet in search of worthy opponents. Those who fail to satisfy his thirst for battle face the ultimate consequence: the destruction of their entire world. And now, his next target has been chosen: Earth. Under Promoter’s direction, the “Challenge of the Champion” tournament has been announced. Teams of four will battle through qualifiers, earning the right to face Champion himself. But is there more to this sinister game than just sport? The Fighting Avengers enter the tournament as one of its leading contenders. More details about Champion will be revealed soon! What’s next? Did you enjoy the hands-on demo at EVO Japan? Thank you so much for all your feedback! We truly appreciate it and it is already helping shape development. Next up, we’ll be bringing the newest playable build to: Combo Breaker 2026, starting May 22 in Chicago, Illinois Hong Kong Comic Con 2026, starting May 29 in Hong Kong The build will include the newly announced Black Panther and the Wakanda stage, for a total of 13 playable characters and five stages. If you’re attending either event, be sure to stop by and try it for yourself! Development is entering its final stages, and the entire team is working hard every day to deliver the best possible experience at launch. Thank you, as always, for your continued support! We’ll have more news to share soon! View the full article

Email us at PSPodcast@sony.com! Subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or download here Hey, everybody! Sid and I are back this week to celebrate the launch of Saros with a special interview featuring Actor Rahul Kohli and Creative Director Gregory Loudeni from Housemarque. Stuff We Talked About Next week’s release highlights: Wax Heads | PS5 Mixtape | PS5 Arc Raiders PS5 Pro update — The new PS5 Pro update is now available and it brings PSSR upscaling and other enhancements to the third-person extraction shooter. 4:Loop The Scanner boss design — The feature offers a walkthrough of the design process behind this ominous cube from the developers at Bad Robot Games. Learn how staying in motion is key to survival, and how each boss encounter is a unique puzzle. The Blood of Dawnwalker impressions — Coming to PS5 on September 3, dive into the unique time mechanics where time passes by a little or a lot, depending on your actions. Will you be able to save your family in the 30-day timeframe? NBA The Run gameplay reveal — Get your first look at the high-octane, momentum-based gameplay inspired by classic streetball video games. Make sure your sneakers are laced up for when this game comes to PS5 this June. 007: First Light hands-on — The latest look uncovers how Bond deploys stealth, action, and charm in his origin story. The game launches on PS5 May 27. 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 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 share moments from your favorite cozy games using #PSshare #PSBlog. Here are this week’s highlights: elizado_ shares a plant and book-filled room in When The Past Was Around. PattyGnand shares Swann laying in bed with her cat in Lost Records: Bloom & Rage. call_me_xavii shares the comfy quarters of Stardew Valley xenobitz shares a grilling picnic in progress in My Time At Sandrock. KevinFerna43259 shares the titular stray cat taking a nap in Stray. FuchsFeuer22763 shares a cozy sweater and scarf-based outfit in Infinity Nikki 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: Celebrate SUBMIT BY: 11:59 PM PT on May 5, 2026 Next week, share moments from your favorite game where characters are celebrating. Use #PSshare #PSBlog for a chance to be featured. View the full article

The first playthrough of Control Resonant is built around discovery: learning how the world behaves, shaping your build, and understanding what your version of Dylan can become. For those who want to return, New Game Plus offers a different way to experience that journey again – building on what you’ve already learned and unlocked. New Game Plus in Control Resonant allows you to start a fresh playthrough while carrying over much of what you’ve already earned. Your Aberrant upgrades, health and combat ability resource improvements, unlocked supernatural combat abilities, talents, and artifacts all persist into the next run. What does not carry over are traversal abilities, as those remain tied to story progression and how the world unfolds. Rebuilding your approach One of the goals for New Game Plus is to give players more room to experiment with builds that weren’t possible during the first playthrough, as you cannot unlock everything in your arsenal in one go. As you progress, you’ll unlock new talent nodes, expanding how your abilities and Aberrant attacks work together in combat. In addition, New Game Plus introduces new flexibility in how abilities are combined. You’ll be able to equip multiple different combat abilities from the same boss, opening up new combinations and synergies that change how encounters play out. It’s not just about becoming stronger; it’s about becoming more precise in how you play. Customization systems working together One of the ways you can shape your build in Control Resonant is Artifacts, a system we haven’t explored in detail before. Artifacts are equippable items with passive modifiers that allow you to fine-tune your build. They can affect survivability, combat performance, exploration, or the resource economy – and some come with conditions or trade-offs. Rather than being purely additive, they encourage you to tailor your setup for specific situations. You can equip up to three artifacts during your first playthrough. In New Game Plus, a fourth slot unlocks, allowing for more complex combinations. Artifacts are also tied to the crafting loop in the game. You’ll discover untapped artifacts throughout the world, which can be crafted into usable artifacts in the Gap. As your collection grows, so do your options for adapting your build. A world that pushes back Returning to Manhattan also means facing a more demanding version of it. As you progress through Control Resonant, the world itself evolves. Enemies grow more dangerous, encounters shift, and even familiar fights can take on new dimensions. Some bosses may surprise you with new behaviors, forcing you to rethink strategies that once worked. A fight you handled one way before may require a completely different approach the next time you face it. New Game Plus continues that escalation. While you return with more tools and knowledge, the world keeps pushing back – reshaping encounters and raising the stakes as you move forward. It’s not just about becoming more powerful. It’s about adapting to a world that refuses to stay the same. This is where the depth of your build really matters. The game supports different approaches, but success comes from understanding how those pieces fit together. ​​ Going back in Control Resonant is built to reward returning players, and not everything is necessarily found in a single run. It’s an opportunity to revisit World Quests, bounties, and collectibles you may have missed, or see different outcomes in certain side stories and conversations. New Game Plus is for players who want to spend more time with the systems and world of Control Resonant. The first playthrough already offers a wide range of options and experimentation. Returning to the game allows you to build on that foundation, try different approaches, and take on new challenges with a more complete toolkit. We’re looking forward to seeing how players approach their second run – and what new combinations they discover along the way. Control Resonant releases on PlayStation 5 in 2026. View the full article

When it was first announced that Hitman: World of Assassination developer IO Interactive was taking on the James Bond franchise with 007: First Light, it sounded like the perfect match of license and studio. The Hitman games focus on stealth, cunning, planning, and improvisation — a perfect fit for the legendary spy. I recently went hands-on with 007: First Light across three missions, and saw first-hand how IOI has created a Bond game that combines action with a more thoughtful spy experience. Bond from the beginning Unlike the Bond film series, 007: First Light tells a new story, set in the modern era, that delves into Bond’s origins. When we first meet IO’s take on James Bond, he’s serving in the Royal Navy, a crewman on a mission in Iceland. Suddenly, missiles hit the two helicopters on the mission, and they crash on a nearby coastline. Bond makes it to shore and immediately finds himself sneaking past hostile mercenaries as they search for any survivors. Before long, Bond is contacted via radio by an MI6 operative, and with no one else left, he’s pressed into service to retrieve some mysterious item. The mission gives a sense of Bond’s capabilities — even at this early point in his career, he’s able to keep his cool and analyze the situation thoughtfully, quickly donning a parka to disguise himself among the mercenaries and gather information. But we also see that this younger Bond isn’t easily swayed from his convictions, and that he can be impatient and maybe a bit reckless. He eventually ignores his new MI6 handler and risks his life to save other operatives who’ve been captured by the enemy soldiers. After a harrowing trip through the camp to save the captives, the mission culminates in an action-packed chase as everyone escapes. Welcome to MI6 Despite disobeying orders, Bond’s performance in Iceland got him noticed. After First Light’s take on Bond film opening credits, we headed to Malta for MI6 training. Bond’s goal here is to make it past a group of soldiers patrolling ruins while his instructors look on. You can use stealth, staying behind cover or hiding in tall grass, or go loud with your fists and any weapons you find along the way. You’re also outfitted with Q gadgets, which provide lots of ways of dealing with enemies, both in and out of combat. Holding L1 activates your Q Lens, which lets you see enemies through walls and highlights devices you can hack by hitting the X button to create distractions. Your watch can also fire a laser with Square to do things like cut ropes or explode devices to injure nearby enemies. If you are spotted, you can take on enemies with Bond’s fists. Throwing punches is done with the Square button, and you can block and parry blows with Circle or sidestep with X. Timing those moves correctly is essential — even on the easier difficulty settings, First Light’s enemies are brutal fighters, especially when they gang up. Luckily, Bond’s good at finding ways to gain an advantage. You can bounce enemies off hard surfaces to stun them, or grab nearby objects with Triangle to bash them. Holding L1 also gives you access to all your gadgets during fistfights and gunfights, so you can use your Q Watch’s laser to blind opponents or hack something to knock them off balance, before you come in with a haymaker. With an enemy off-balance, you can execute a takedown to finish them off by pressing X and Circle buttons together. In the training mission, I felt Hitman’s influence on 007: First Light in its mix of stealth and action, its emphasis on improvisation, and its freedom to approach problems from multiple angles. But 007 stands apart with how many ways you can put together different actions to get out of trouble, and how quickly Bond can switch between all of them. The fun is in chaining together options on the fly to beat enemies down or just slip out of sight. Practicing the craft The third mission, Kensington, showed how you’ll need to use Bond’s fast thinking, spy capabilities, and charm as much as his fists and his marksmanship skills. The level starts with Bond returning to his apartment after a mission, only to be attacked by assassins. After a tough fight, gunfire explodes through a window, forcing you to scramble over rooftops, staying behind cover and hacking distractions, to reach the shooter. He escapes, but Bond manages to track him across London to a gala at a museum. The gala is where 007: First Light drew most from Hitman in my preview, opening up into a “wide-linear” level with lots of options. To find a way into areas off-limits to guests, you can eavesdrop on conversations and talk to characters to gain information. You can also use your gadgets, including a poison dart that temporarily makes whoever it hits feel sick, to distract people so you can pick their pockets or sneak by. I overheard a public relations director talking about a journalist she was supposed to meet and opted to impersonate him to get past security. But while Bond is a smooth talker, you still have to listen closely; the director had actually mentioned two names, and I had to choose one. I picked the journalist she’d seemed less annoyed with, and she happily directed me past security to the press room — but when I used the same name at the press room, the woman handing out credentials said he’d already checked in. Bond smoothed over the flub with some flirting, and I used a dart to get the woman to leave so I could steal what I needed. All kinds of improvisation Tracking down the assassin in the museum’s basement led to an intense boss fight. Since Bond was unarmed, I stealthily used Bond’s gadgets to hit the assassin with traps, like dropping a chandelier on him. After some developments in First Light’s story, I spent the rest of the mission trying to escape the museum. When machine gun-armed mercenaries streamed into one art exhibit with walls covered in display panels, I combined all of Bond’s tricks — stealth, fistfighting, gadgets, and improvisation — to take them on. I thinned them out by dropping more chandeliers and blowing up the panels, confusing and disabling them. They eventually caught up with me, but a takedown on one let me grab his gun. I dodged from cover to cover as I shot at the mercenaries, before detonating a fire extinguisher with my watch laser to distract them as I slipped out the door. The mission eventually ended with the 007 theme music ramping up as Bond hijacked a garbage truck, with mercenaries in hot pursuit. I plowed through buildings, ran mercenary cars into walls, and eventually smashed through a mall to escape. The three missions in the preview highlighted how IOI’s combination of action, improvisation, and freedom captures not only the action of the Bond franchise, but the experience of being a smooth and savvy spy, too. You can earn your 00 status when 007: First Light hits PlayStation 5 on May 27. View the full article

A new teaser trailer has revealed the first terrifying look at Resident Evil, director and writer Zach Cregger’s ode to the beloved horror franchise. We had the chance to sit down with Cregger to dive into how he’s crafting an original story that stays true to the series. Play Video PlayStation Blog: What is your earliest memory of Resident Evil as a series? Zach Cregger: My earliest memory of Resident Evil had to be playing [Resident Evil] 2. I think I played 2 before I played 1, and I don’t think I played anything like it, it’s the first survival horror game that I remember playing. I definitely played it before Silent Hill, and I just loved this new mechanic of resource conservation. You had to be completely aware of how many bullets you had, and how many healing items you had. You’d make these tough decisions about – what am I going to carry with me? What am I going to leave behind? It was such a unique mechanic. And it felt for me, with all the Resident Evil games, or with most of them, some of them get a little too arcade-y for my taste, but I really like the survival horror mechanics of moving slow and with deliberation. That was something that was really important to me to bring into the movie. Everybody has a favorite moment from the games just jumping out of their skin terrified. What is your favorite scare in the Resident Evil series? Now, I have to say I was playing it in VR, so I’m gonna put that out there, but it was in [Resident Evil] Village. It’s when you go into the doll house, and you go down in the basement, and you’re assembling that giant doll on the table, and you get hunted by this giant baby. There was something about the sounds that baby made, and the lights cut out, and you’re running through these halls and you have to hide under a bed. It was the only time playing a video game I’ve ever actually just noped out and taken a break. I was just like, “This is too intense.” I took the headset off, I had a cup of coffee or something, went back in and finished it later. But I mean, that really got me, it’s honestly terrifying. What initially sparked your interest to create a Resident Evil film? I wanted to do a movie that was following a character from point A to point B, because that’s what those games do so well. You go on this crazy journey, and you go through all these different environments, and things just seem to be escalating and escalating. That feels so cinematic to me. So I wanted to tell a story that could take place in the Resident Evil world, but wasn’t telling a story that the games had already told. To me, I would feel like there’s kind of no winning there if I were to tell Leon’s story, because the games do such a great job. It would just be kind of redundant, and ultimately, I think, disappointing. So I would rather just kind of celebrate everything I love about the games by telling the story that could exist on the sidelines of one of the games. So the world of [Resident Evil] 2 is kind of where this takes place, even though I’d make a couple of little shifts for dramatic license. It’s just following a different person who’s on a mission in this horrible night when things are going wrong in Raccoon City, and they’ve got to get something from point A to point B. And as they go, they encounter all of the same sorts of things you would encounter in the games. I wanted to keep true to like [in the games], you start with a pistol, you graduate to a shotgun, and then eventually you find an MP5. You’re always worried about how many bullets you have, and you’re getting injured and all those things. So it was such a fun challenge for me to try and write a game as a movie. As you mentioned, this is not a retelling of the games, this is something set in the world of it. What would you say is essential to the world of Resident Evil? Well, the world of Resident Evil is that this T-virus that the Umbrella Corporation is responsible for has caused a terrible zombie mutant breakout. And so things are going completely amok everywhere you look, and that’s a fun playground for me. We’ve seen the heroes in Resident Evil games – Leon, of course, is tactical, he has training, he knows what he’s doing. But we’ve had newer characters like Ethan Winters (Resident Evil 7 and Village) and Grace (Resident Evil Requiem) in the games that are sort of dropped in this world and they don’t know what they’re doing. Is Austin [Abrams, who plays lead character Bryan] following that tradition of trying to figure out what to do? Austin is very much like an avatar for me, or what I expect the average video game player would react if they were thrust into the game themselves. So he’s just a normal guy. He’s not particularly good at combat in any way, shape, or form. He’s athletic, but he’s not an athlete, he’s just a guy. He’s just a good natured, hapless dude who gets sucked into a nightmare. And so it was really fun to just think, how would I react authentically if I saw a mutant dog attack me? What would that gamut of emotion look like? And Austin’s just so fun to watch, he’s perfect for it. In the Resident Evil games, the environments themselves feel like a character. What are some of the environmental setups that you feel are going to be the most important for a movie like this? I think the key for the environment to make a movie out of Resident Evil, is it has to keep changing. Even though, [Resident Evil] 2 famously, most of it takes place in one location, the police station. Still, you’re always kind of unlocking new areas within and then you eventually go down into the parking garage, and then you go to other places. So the environment has to keep changing, and you have to be able to keep discovering new places. That’s something that this movie really leans into. You’re on a journey, and you really don’t spend too long in any one spot. And every new location that you go to harbors a new, unique danger. As you mentioned, this movie is something that exists outside of the games. But did you feel a call to include easter eggs from the games? Yeah, there’s a lot of easter eggs for the games, and that goes beyond things like the weapon progression and the resource management. [Resident Evil] 4 is probably the game I played the most, so I took a lot of healing items, I mimicked them exactly, I put them in the film. I don’t want to say [too much], gamers will see it and they’ll recognize it. But there’s a lot of little visual things and thematic things, there’s lots of the games in there, for sure. Is there anything that you would like to say to fans before the movie comes out? I feel so sensitive about talking about the movie on behalf of the game fans, because I think some of the fans are only going to be happy if I tell the story of the games. And I’m not doing that, because I feel like I wouldn’t do it justice. I feel like the games do such a great job of telling that story. If you were personally stuck in the world that you have created, which Resident Evil gaming character do you wish was there to help? Oh, well, that’s easy. If I was stuck in my movie and I could pick any Resident Evil character, I would bring Leon because I would just bear hug myself around him, close my eyes, and just let him protect me. Zach Cregger’s Resident Evil movie hits theaters September 18. View the full article