Commander Fury

January 17 will bring Dynasty Warriors: Origins, a thrilling new addition to the Dynasty Warriors series to PlayStation 5, and we recently had the opportunity to play the tactical hack-and-slash action ahead of its release. Play Video The gripping tale of a ‘nameless hero’ Dynasty Warriors: Origins follows the drama surrounding China’s Three Kingdoms period, from the Yellow Turban Rebellion to the Battle of Red Cliffs. At the beginning of the game, the protagonist gets caught up in a battle with Guan Yu against the troops of corrupt officials. The Yellow Turban Rebellion was never portrayed in detail in previous installments of the series. Still, this game goes into depth around the origins and woes of the Yellow Turbans, as well as the perspectives of each general belonging to the defeated troops. The struggle of choosing sides amid a slew of enthralling warriors and heroes The protagonist is a traveling martial artist suffering from amnesia. However, his body still remembers how to handle weapons, allowing him to wield his skills tactfully in every battle. Since he is not loyal to a specific kingdom or sovereign, he can deepen bonds with various forces and join them on the battlefield. However, the protagonist must eventually face a pivotal choice – whether he will serve and support the aspirations of Cao Cao, Suan Jin, or Liu Bei. All three are brilliant warriors, which makes the choice even more difficult. All three are intriguing, and you will develop special bonds with them throughout the story. Deciding who to support is made all the more difficult since each one will woo you to join their side. After thinking long and hard, I ultimately chose to support Liu Bei, as I had been fighting alongside him since the very beginning of the game. It is a difficult decision since choosing one side means you will have to cross blades with those you once fought with. An even more exhilarating and gratifying hack-and-slash action In this game, players will not only enjoy the exhilarating ‘1 vs 1,000’ gameplay with easy to learn controls that is characteristic of the Dynasty Warrior series but also large-scale tactical battles that are equally thrilling and rewarding. As in the previous entries, you can dominate regular enemies by mastering the combo of swift normal attacks and powerful, strong attacks. However, renowned generals and leader-class officers are surrounded by a protective aura called Fortitude, which prevents you from dealing significant damage. To deplete enemy fortitudes, the player must target an opening after an enemy’s attack, leverage Battles Arts, a set of unique moves available for each weapon, or Parries, a powerful counter that leaves the enemy vulnerable. Dominate your foes with Musou Attacks and Companion attacks Powerful Musou Attacks can be triggered when the Musou Gauge reaches a certain level, and they can eliminate enemies in a wide area. In addition, you can activate War God Rage mode when the Musou Gauge is built up to two levels, as well as the super-powerful True Musou attack. In some battles, you can bring an allied general as your Companion. You can directly control your companions by switching to them and unleashing their unique attacks. You can also trigger the Extreme Musou Attack in tandem with your companion, which is a blast to use. Experience unprecedented scale as thousands of soldiers clash on the battlefield Dynasty Warriors: Origins takes full advantage of the power of PS5 to realize an unprecedented scale of battle in the series’ history. In some battles, you will witness massive groups of enemies clash on the field, which is a spectacle on its own. Every soldier on the battlefield employs their own strategy, whether under the command of their leaders or with their own volition, causing the state of battle to shift rapidly. The importance of maintaining your troop’s Morale Morale is an important factor during battles. Morale rises when enemy generals are defeated, or you seize enemy strongholds. When morale is high, your soldiers’ powers are bolstered to your advantage, but on the other hand, morale can fall when allied generals are defeated or your strongholds are captured. There were stressful moments when I was needed in multiple places at once, but overcoming those challenges was extremely satisfying. Command your Bodyguards with strategic Tactics and repel Grand Tactics deployed by Large Forces Dynasty Warrior: Origins will bring back the Bodyguard system. Using Tactics, you can command these bodyguards to perform various actions, such as raining arrows or charging with spears. Also, when a massive number of soldiers gather, a Large Force will be formed. These large forces can deploy Grand Tactics, dramatically shifting the tide of battle. These intense group assaults involve troops charging in one after another with spears or stone throwers firing firebombs. Though these attacks are a spectacle to witness, they’ll inflict significant damage on your allies, so make sure you deal with them swiftly. The story of this latest installment in the series offers a unique perspective into the historical drama from the eyes of a ‘nameless hero,’ and the intense battles and unprecedented scale of the battlefields are gripping and immersive. Dynasty Warriors: Origins is for the die-hard fans of the series, as well as those new to the franchise who are eager to explore the epic tales behind the Three Kingdoms and their heroes. Experience the grand battle on January 17 on PS5. View the full article

As 2024 came to a close, we asked you to take a look back and share your favorite screenshots you took while playing in 2024 using #PSshare #PSBlog. Here are the Share of the Year highlights: cuterboy296 shares Astro Bot in the God of War themed level tossing the Leviathan Axe. riainwonderland shares a back to back portrait of Aloy and Rost from Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered. themarkplumb shares a close up portrait of Abby in newly released skin in The Last of Us Part II Remastered. calisarah1998 shares Kay Vess walking out of a structure in Star Wars Outlaws. domo_vp shares a Na’vi aiming a bow and arrow with a planet center framed in the background in Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora TakaSanGames shares Eve striking a pose with her weapon in Stellar Blade Gib84G shares a group of Space Marines standing in their armor in Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2. DexM_ds shares the Destined One carrying a bird on his arm in Black Myth: Wukong __Auron__ shares the protagonist nun framed by dramatic lighting in Indika. MBaw96 shares the protagonist and wolf from Neva underneath a larger spirit wolf falling in the sky. Search #PSshare #PSBlog on Twitter or Instagram to see more entries to this week’s theme. Want to be featured in the next Share of the Week? THEME: New Game SUBMIT BY: 11:59 PM PT on January 15, 2024 Did you unwrap a new game over the holidays? Next week, share moments diving into a game you’ve never played before using #PSshare #PSBlog for a chance to be featured. View the full article

December wrapped up another fun year of gaming. What did you enjoy most about last month’s title lineup? 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 the full article

It’s time to see which PS5, PS4, PS VR2, and free-to-play games topped the download charts last month. Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 held a solidified front on the PS5 charts, remaining in the top five of December’s US and EU lists. Alien: Rogue Incursion burst onto December’s PS VR2 list, landing in the top five of the US and EU regions. Check out the full listings below. What titles are you playing this month? PS5 Games US/CanadaEUCall of Duty: Black Ops 6EA SPORTS FC 25NBA 2K25Call of Duty: Black Ops 6EA SPORTS Madden NFL 25Hogwarts LegacyGrand Theft Auto VGrand Theft Auto VEA SPORTS FC 25UFC 5EA SPORTS College Football 25MinecraftPhasmophobiaPhasmophobiaHogwarts LegacyGran Turismo 7Marvel’s Spider-Man 2The Witcher 3: Wild HuntASTRO BOTArma ReforgerMinecraftThe Crew MotorfestMortal Kombat 1Marvel’s Spider-Man 2HELLDIVERS 2ASTRO BOTArma ReforgerStar Wars Jedi: SurvivorGran Turismo 7NBA 2K25The Crew MotorfestCyberpunk 2077Cyberpunk 2077RaftStar Wars Jedi: SurvivorF1 24UFC 5Need for Speed UnboundNHL 25Farming Simulator 25 *Naming of products may differ between regions *Upgrades not included PS4 Games US/CanadaEURed Dead Redemption 2EA SPORTS FC 25Call of Duty: Black Ops 6Red Dead Redemption 2Need for Speed HeatNeed for Speed HeattheHunter: Call of the WildA Way OutGrand Theft Auto VGrand Theft Auto VGang BeastsBattlefield 1Batman: Arkham KnightUnravel TwoEA SPORTS Madden NFL 25Hogwarts LegacyNeed for Speed PaybackCall of Duty: Black Ops 6Battlefield 1Gang BeastsSTAR WARS Battlefront IIBattlefield 4God of WarBatman: Arkham KnightA Way OutNeed for Speed PaybackEA SPORTS FC 25STAR WARS Battlefront IICall of Duty: Black Ops IIIMinecraftHogwarts LegacyKingdom Come: DeliveranceMinecraftAssassin’s Creed UnityNBA 2K25House FlipperStardew ValleyGod of WarRed Dead RedemptionBattlefield V *Naming of products may differ between regions PS VR2 Games* US/CanadaEUBeat SaberAlien: Rogue IncursionAlien: Rogue IncursionBeat SaberSkydance’s BEHEMOTHHorizon Call of the MountainAmong Us VRSkydance’s BEHEMOTHMetro AwakeningAmong Us VRPavlovMetro AwakeningSwordsman VRSubsideArizona Sunshine 2Creed: Rise to Glory – Championship EditionCreed: Rise to Glory – Championship EditionJob SimulatorArizona Sunshine RemakePavlov *PS Store purchases only. Game upgrades or games bundled with hardware not included Free to Play (PS5 + PS4) US/CanadaEUMarvel RivalsMarvel RivalsFortniteUFLRobloxFortniteUFLRobloxRocket LeagueRocket LeagueCall of Duty: WarzoneCall of Duty: WarzoneInfinity NikkiAsphalt Legends UniteAsphalt Legends UniteInfinity NikkiFall GuysVALORANTVALORANTeFootball View the full article

It’s been a minute, but the Savage Planet franchise continues! We’re back for number two… same folks, same franchise, same studio, but with a new name: Raccoon Logic. Formerly Typhoon Studios, we originally developed Journey to the Savage Planet (originally released in 2020 and currently available as part of the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog). Now our new sci-fi co-op adventure Revenge of the Savage Planet, a comical survival story of explorers entertaining themselves to death, is set to blast off on PS5 and PS4 in May 2025. You’ll build and customize your own habitat, explore the alien landscape, scan everything, catalog everything and hopefully figure out how to survive. With more planets, our sequel is a bigger and brighter universe. With co-op from the start and a new third person perspective, you’ll run, jump, shoot and collect your way through four vibrant planets, crafting and upgrading your abilities while uncovering hidden secrets within. Today we’re revealing a fifth, secret planet filled with some… not so natural creatures, while members of our team share insight into the design philosophies behind its creation. First, check out the video below! Play Video In this new world, exploration is still a must! There are creatures to capture, lakes to swim, mountains to climb, rails to grind, and a secret den of fun to uncover. Our fifth world features an interior lair, a stark contrast to our organic and natural open worlds, with the goal of making our world anything but predictable! Here’s some of our team to explain more: A world inspired by retro arcades and 90’s entertainment “Filled with fresh challenges, insane verticality, and unique modified creatures, this final world answers all the game’s lingering questions.“ – Studio Head, Reid Schneider “Our digital juxtaposition is a narrative vehicle to reinforce the mystery of something beyond the natural sights of our planets. We speak to Slappi’s character through this dark and dangerous lair he created. Of course, we still have all the weird and wacky alien creatures we’re known for.“ – Lead Designer, Steve Masters “The sound design went in the opposite direction as well, contrasting our instrumentation with a very digitally produced feeling. We began with a pinball machine meets game show set tone, but as it evolved, we focused on being inside a giant computer with playful 8-bit sparkles.“ – Audio Director, Cameron Jarvis “We wanted to bring entertainment value and robot toys are intriguing and fun! We looked back to various retro arcade gaming sources of inspiration to develop this nostalgic vibe. We embodied a hard surface modeling style with retro wave neon colors paying homage to 90s entertainment.“ – Art Director, Erick Bilodeau Local and online co-op In Revenge of the Savage Planet, there are many ways to play, including online co-op with cross-play and couch co-op (local split screen). And if you aren’t feeling up to sitting on the same couch with another real human being, we also have single-player mode! “Our systematic design approach creates extraordinary interactions and outcomes that you can explore and experiment with. We’ve designed it into the world, the characters, your entire experience. Every time you play, you’ll discover something new and experience it differently.“ – Producer, Noemie L’Ecuyer Wishlist on PlayStation Store to stay informed of the May launch week specials, including an in-game trash panda suit and launch discount. Pre-order, purchase, and launch details to be revealed soon. Thanks for supporting the Savage Planet franchise. Revenge of the Savage Planet launches on PS5 and PS4 in May 2025. Onward and upward! View the full article

There are few modern video game icons as influential and well known as Lara Croft. Blasting her way onto PlayStation back in the polygonal era of 1996, gaming was never the same after Tomb Raider launched. Since then, PlayStation has been in lockstep with the British archaeologist-adventurer, with every mainline canon game getting its time to shine. And with Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered coming to PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 on February 14, now’s the perfect time to revisit them. The PlayStation era Tomb Raider – 1996 – PlayStation – Eidos Interactive, Core Design Introducing the young British aristocrat to the world, Tomb Raider set the scene with a quest to discover the three pieces of an ancient artifact known as the Scion. The result is a global and twisting trek across locations such as Greece, Egypt, and Atlantis, with what was then a revolutionary blend of 3D levels, gun-toting action, puzzle solving and acrobatic traversal. And who can forget that heart-stopping T-Rex encounter? Available on PlayStation Store as part of Tomb Raider I-III Remastered. Tomb Raider II – 1997 – PlayStation – Eidos Interactive, Core Design Now a more seasoned adventurer, Ms Croft began the search for the mystical Dagger of Xian, said to possess the power to transform its bearer into a dragon. In an attempt to claim it before the dangerous cultists of the Fiamma Nera, Lara blasts her way across Venice, Tibet, and even back at her mansion in England. Expanding in every way on the already massively successful formula, with new weapons, the ability to climb walls and larger levels, Tomb Raider II also introduced controllable vehicles such as boats and snowmobiles, marking the start of a beautiful relationship between Lara and practically anything with a motor (and even some without). Available on PlayStation Store as part of Tomb Raider I-III Remastered. Tomb Raider III: The Adventures of Lara Croft – 1998 – PlayStation – Eidos Interactive, Core Design Four fragments of an ancient, power granting meteorite. Grisly experiments. Nods to the movie classic, The Thing. Lara’s third outing went big, pitching her across Nevada, the South Pacific Islands, and Antarctica to get the job done – with the novel option to play the middle locales of the game in any order. As with Tomb Raider II, this sequel featured smarter enemies and equipped Lara with an even wider move set such as monkey swings and a stamina limited sprint. It also introduced dynamic lighting, weather and smoke effects, giving the series a serious visual punch. Available on PlayStation Store as part of Tomb Raider I-III Remastered. Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation – 1998 – PlayStation – Eidos Interactive, Core Design Compared to its self-assured prequels, The Last Revelation carried a more tentative tone as Lara’s attempt to claim the Amulet of Horus accidentally unleashes the malevolent Egyptian God, Set, who possesses her former mentor. Saving humanity from Set has Lara journey through a greater variety of indoor and outdoor areas as she fights across the streets, ruins and canyons of Cairo and Alexandria, as well as the Pyramids of Giza. Along with a less polygonal looking Croft, her fourth outing introduced more new moves and the ability to combine items in her inventory to craft puzzle pieces or create enhanced weapons. We’ll come back to this element later… Coming soon to PlayStation Store as part of Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered. Tomb Raider: Chronicles – 2000 – PlayStation – Eidos Interactive, Core Design Presumed dead after the events of The Last Revelation, Chronicles featured Lara’s nearest and dearest reminiscing over her past, revealing her hunt for the Philosopher’s Stone in Rome, searching for the Spear of Destiny off the coast of Russia, fending off Hellspawn in Ireland as a teenager, and infiltrating a high-tech facility in New York – complete with cyborg assassins. Coming soon to PlayStation Store as part of Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered. PlayStation 2 era Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness – 2003 – PlayStation 2 – Eidos Interactive, Core Design Having survived the events of The Last Revelation, Lara eventually resurfaces in Paris, only to be framed for the murder of her former mentor. True to its title, The Angel of Darkness featured a more tonally sinister story compared to previous games in the series, with PS2 powered visuals to match its new style and revamped controls. It also introduced a dialogue system, an upgradable stamina bar, and a second playable character in antagonistic partner Kurtis Trent. Coming soon to PlayStation Store as part of Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered. Tomb Raider: Legend – 2006 – PlayStation 2 – Eidos Interactive, Crystal Dynamics Rebooting the entire series and balancing Lara’s bold sense of adventure with a more grounded emotional core, Legends saw Ms Croft searching for the mythical sword Excalibur as a way to help find her missing mother. Increasing the locations that Lara typically explored (from Japan and Peru to Nepal and Kazakhstan) but taking a back-to-basics approach to her weapons and gear, Legend reformatted the series’ controls, combat, enemy AI, and even crafted a custom physics engine to give the gameplay a fresh yet familiar feel. Available on PlayStation Store and included with PlayStation Plus Premium. Tomb Raider: Anniversary – 2007 – PlayStation 2 – Eidos Interactive, Crystal Dynamics By this point the series had hit a great balance between series reverence and new mechanics, remixing the very first Tomb Raider’s story while following the events of Legacy, in an enhanced engine. Lara’s weapons cache was given a bump, while the iconic style of the first game was preserved as much as possible, albeit with more contemporary considerations across the puzzles and level design to help integrate elements from Legend, such as the grapple to traverse the environments. PlayStation 3 era Tomb Raider: Underworld – 2008 – PlayStation 3 – Eidos Interactive, Crystal Dynamics Rounding off the Legend timeline, Underworld saw Lara search for Thor’s hammer in order to enter the Norse underworld, Helheim, and discover the truth of her parents’ ultimate fate. The game smartly used real world analogues for the mythological locations, taking Lara to places such as Jan Mayen Island and the Arctic Circle. Underworld took advantage of the powerful PS3 hardware with more expansive environments, motion captured animation (via Olympic gymnast Heidi Moneymaker) and a raft of new moves and weapons, including… Thor’s hammer. Oh yes. Tomb Raider – 2013 – PlayStation 3 – Square Enix, Crystal Dynamics The series’ storytelling style took a more grounded and filmic focus with this second reboot of Lara’s adventures, tracking her development from a frightened young traveller to a steel nerved survivor. Stranded on a mysterious island off the coast of Japan, Lara has to find her friends and escape before the violent Solari Brotherhood cult murders them all. Starting off with rudimentary weapons that can eventually be upgraded (fulfilling the promise of The Last Revelation’s early crafting style system), Tomb Raider is all about stealth and survival in a savage, more open environment, complete with changeable weather effects and dramatic lighting. Tomb Raider also became the first game in the series to feature an online competitive multiplayer mode, so can you expand the hunt to your friends, too… Available on PlayStation Store and included with PlayStation Plus Extra. PlayStation 4 era Rise of the Tomb Raider – 2015 – PlayStation 4 – Square Enix, Crystal Dynamics The leap to PS4 meant the sequel to 2013’s Tomb Raider remains one of the series’ most aesthetically impressive entries, with improved motion capture technology to include facial animation. Seeking to finish her later father’s research on the mythical city of Kitezh and its immortality granting artifact, Lara finds herself in Siberia in a fight for her life, not just against the paramilitary organisation Trinity, but more hostile wildlife, too. The guerilla style combat was developed further, albeit with a wider weapons and skill set selection for Lara to utilise. Available on PlayStation Store and included with PlayStation Plus Extra. Shadow of the Tomb Raider – 2018 – PlayStation 4 – Eidos-Montreal, Crystal Dynamics Capping off the Survivor trilogy, Shadow of the Tomb Raider saw Lara attempting to prevent a Mayan apocalypse she unwittingly unleashed. Set mostly in Mexico and Peru, the story covers a more philosophical awakening for Lara, exploring the cultural impact of her actions as she evolves into the more recognisable version of her character. As the beautiful visuals took another step forward, so did the game’s stealth elements, with the ability to hide in the undergrowth from enemies, or camouflage Lara with mud. Not that she’s hiding anymore – animated series Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft picks up from where Shadow of the Tomb Raider left off in the series’ continuity. Available on PlayStation Store via PlayStation Plus Extra. Play Video With Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered rappelling onto PS4 and PS5 by February 14, the world doesn’t have long to wait before Lara returns once more. Dust off your inexhaustible twin pistols and grab an uncommonly rugged backpack – it’s time to go adventuring… View the full article

The latest PS5 accessories get a new look with the Midnight Black Collection – bringing the galaxy-inspired Midnight Black colorway to the PlayStation Portal remote player, DualSense Edge wireless controller, Pulse Elite wireless headset, and Pulse Explore wireless earbuds. Play Video These accessories perfectly complement the Midnight Black PS5 accessories already available, including the DualSense wireless controller and PS5 console covers. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Each Midnight Black accessory features a unique, rich shade of black, with sleek detailing on various buttons and accents such as the PlayStation logo. The Midnight Black design extends to the included charging case for Pulse Explore earbuds, charging hanger for Pulse Elite headset, and carrying case for DualSense Edge controller. The Pulse Elite wireless headset and Pulse Explore wireless earbuds will also include a felt grey carrying case. The new Midnight Black Collection will be available at the following suggested retail prices (SRP): View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image PlayStation Portal remote player – Midnight Black: SGD 295.90 | MYR 999 | IDR 3,599,000 | THB 7,790 View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Pulse Explore wireless earbuds – Midnight Black: SGD 295.90 | MYR 999 | IDR 3,599,000 | THB 7,790 | PHP 12,490 | VND 5,699,000 Pulse Elite wireless headset – Midnight Black: SGD 199,90 | MYR 699 | IDR 2,499,000 | THB 5,190 | PHP 8,390 | VND 3,999,000 View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image DualSense Edge wireless controller – Midnight Black: SGD 295.90 | MYR 999 | IDR 3,599,000 | THB 7,790 | PHP 12,490 | VND 5,699,000 The new Midnight Black collection launches on February 20, 2025, with pre-orders beginning on February 6 in participating retailers. Availability may vary by country/region, so be sure to check your local retailer for availability. Which new Midnight Black accessory design is your favorite? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and head to PlayStation.com for more details on the latest PS5 accessories. View the full article

The latest PS5 accessories get a new look with the Midnight Black Collection – bringing the galaxy-inspired Midnight Black colorway to the PlayStation Portal remote player, DualSense Edge wireless controller, Pulse Elite wireless headset, and Pulse Explore wireless earbuds. Play Video These accessories perfectly complement the Midnight Black PS5 accessories already available, including the DualSense wireless controller and PS5 console covers. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Each Midnight Black accessory features a unique, rich shade of black, with sleek detailing on various buttons and accents such as the PlayStation logo. The Midnight Black design extends to the included charging case for Pulse Explore earbuds, charging hanger for Pulse Elite headset, and carrying case for DualSense Edge controller. The Pulse Elite wireless headset and Pulse Explore wireless earbuds will also include a felt grey carrying case. The new Midnight Black Collection will be available at the following recommended retail prices (RRP): View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image PlayStation Portal remote player – Midnight Black: 199.99 USD | 219.99 EURO | 199.99 GBP | 34,980 YEN View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Pulse Explore wireless earbuds – Midnight Black: 199.99 USD | 219.99 EURO | 199.99 GBP | 34,980 YEN Pulse Elite wireless headset – Midnight Black: 149.99 USD | 149.99 EURO | 129.99 GBP | 22,980 YEN View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image DualSense Edge wireless controller – Midnight Black: 199.99 USD | 219.99 EURO | 199.99 GBP | 34,980 YEN (new DualSense Edge controller pricing in EURO and GBP also applies to the original white version) The new Midnight Black collection launches on February 20, 2025, with pre-orders beginning on January 16 at 10am local time (10am ET in the U.S.) on direct.playstation.com. Participating retailers will also begin pre-orders starting January 16. Availability may vary by country/region, so be sure to check your local retailer for availability. Which new Midnight Black accessory design is your favorite? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and head to PlayStation.com for more details on the latest PS5 accessories. View the full article

If you’re new to PlayStation (or just looking to try a new game) you’re absolutely spoiled for choice with PlayStation Plus, which will let you dive into games which helped define PlayStation over the past 30 years. There are far too many games to cover in this humble feature, but here’s an extensive selection that is available for you to enjoy right now via PlayStation Plus. Over 30 games from 30 years? Better charge up your controllers… PlayStation ​​ Jumping Flash | Sony Computer Entertainment | Exact & Ultra | 1995 True revolutions in gaming don’t come around too often, but when a cute looking robotic rabbit by the name of Robbit leapt onto our screens, it helped pave the way for the future. Jumping Flash holds the Guinness World Record as the “first platform video game in true 3D”, which is even more impressive given it’s entirely from a first-person perspective. A real game changer. Twisted Metal | Sony Computer Entertainment | SingleTrac & Sony Interactive Studios | 1995 Demolition derbies in games weren’t all too common when Twisted Metal crashed onto the scene, mixing aggressive high impact driving with vehicular combat that redefined the entire genre. Between its deathmatch-style gameplay and the introduction of everyone’s favorite demonic ice cream truck driver Sweet Tooth, Twisted Metal paved the road for many others to follow. Tekken 2 | Namco | Namco | 1996 True, the original Tekken helped set the stage for the then fresh genre of 3D fighting games, but its sequel established the series as something that could truly go toe-to-toe with its rivals. Its hard-hitting cast and tight gameplay have become a staple of the genre. Not to mention the franchise holds the world record for the longest running story in video games without reboots, retcons, or revisions – that’s a lot of people being thrown from, off or into something from a great height. Resident Evil Director’s Cut | Capcom | Capcom | 1997 Horror has always had its place in gaming as far back as 3D Monster Maze in 1981, but it was Resident Evil which crafted the crimson blueprint for horror and all of its sub-genres, since. In particular, Capcom’s classic merged American horror movie schlock with innovative puzzles and genuinely brilliant – and now iconic – jump scares, all set against bleeding edge pre-rendered backgrounds. Survival horror has never been the same, and that’s exactly the way we like it. The original captivated and terrified players back in 1996. The Director’s Cut, featuring some gameplay tweaks, launched one year later. Ridge Racer Type 4 | Namco | Namco | 1999 A juggernaut amongst racing games, Ridge Racer had already established its rapidly earned credentials by the time Type 4 hit the track. So this particular entry solidified what everyone had already known or suspected with one of the best entries across the entire series. From its coin-op roots to a now expertly amalgamated engine of arcade driving and realism, Type 4 was Ridge Racer perfected. Ape Escape | Sony Computer Entertainment | Japan Studio | 1999 Not many knew what to make of this quirky and colorful platformer when it was first unveiled, but once it was in players’ hands, everything became wonderfully clear. Introducing the possibilities of the DualShock analog controller, Ape Escape’s innovative control scheme, playful visuals and downright cuteness stole the hearts of everyone who played it, just like the peppy primates of the series itself. PlayStation 2 Fantavision | Sony Computer Entertainment | Japan Studio | 2000 How many real-time firework themed puzzle games have you played? Chances are, when Fantavision first exploded into view, very few, if any at all. Still enchantingly novel after all these years, Japan Studio’s game was an unforgettable and spectacular showcase of particle effects on PS2. TimeSplitters | Eidos Interactive | Free Radical Design | 2000 First-person shooters were in somewhat of a renaissance by the time TimeSplitters arrived, in no small way due to the team behind it. Free Radical Design had the pedigree and talent to skilfully refine the punchy gameplay style and split-screen multiplayer modes that they already popularized, igniting the spark of a new fan-favorite franchise. Dark Cloud | Sony Computer Entertainment | Level-5 | 2001 Seeing the stunning looking Dark Cloud for the first time raised many questions – was it an RPG? A city builder? An action game? The answer? Yes. Inventively mixing genres with procedurally generated dungeon-crawling, Dark Cloud was ahead of its time, and a great demonstration of what PlayStation 2 could bring to our swiftly evolving medium. Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy | Sony Computer Entertainment | Naughty Dog | 2001 It’s easy to take for granted how much Jak and Daxter was doing under the hood of its bright, bold and brash sci-fi fantasy platform adventuring. But crafting an expansive and open 3D world full of puzzles, distinctive characters, and collectibles, without loading screens was no easy task. Naughty Dog not only pulled it off, but created a popular series with an incredibly dedicated audience. Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus | Sony Computer Entertainment | Sucker Punch Productions | 2002 Stealth games had become a massively popular genre in the early 2000s, but very few were deviating from the military espionage formula that had helped make it so big. In crept Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus, with its creative ‘toon shaded’ visuals and slick gameplay, proving it was possible to be seriously sneaky and stylish, without being solemn. PlayStation 3 Resistance: Fall of Man | Sony Computer Entertainment | Insomniac Games | 2006 Alternate World War II history, interstellar invaders and an engaging narrative – there was plenty to enjoy in Insomniac’s fan-favorite first-person shooter. Resistance: Fall of Man impressed not just as a launch title, but as the springboard for a number of superb sequels which followed. Play Video God of War III | Sony Computer Entertainment | Santa Monica Studio | 2010 *Note: GoW III Remastered released in 2015 on PS4 Before he became a dad, Kratos was chopping it up with the Greek Pantheon, his quest for vengeance arriving at its brutal third-part climax. Here, everything was bigger – the set pieces, violence and even the characters. The latter literally, given the immense visual spectacle of the game’s opening where Kratos fights a veritable army while on the back of the titan Gaia. The 2015 PS4 Remastered version is available to enjoy on PlayStation Plus. Play Video Heavy Rain | Sony Computer Entertainment | Quantic Dream | 2010 *Note: Heavy Rain released in 2016 on PS4 As a striking combination of impressive visual flair and arresting interactive cinematic gameplay, very few games were doing what Heavy Rain was doing when it launched on PS3. The thriller marked Quantic Dream as a developer to watch, handily helped by a horrifyingly brilliant in-game scene where one of the four protagonists is told to choose between a selection of sharp tools and then… well, if you know, you know. Play Video Assassin’s Creed Ezio Collection (PS4) | Ubisoft | Ubisoft Montreal | 2016 (Includes Assassin’s Creed 2 | Ubisoft | Ubisoft Montreal | 2009, Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood | Ubisoft | Ubisoft Montreal | 2010, Assassin’s Creed Revelations | Ubisoft | Ubisoft Montreal | 2011) Ubisoft’s stealth series has become legendary thanks to the deeds of one Ezio Auditore da Firenze, the protagonist of the franchise’s many entries. Capturing three of his major escapades from the PS3 era, Assassin’s Creed Ezio Collection is a series hitting its parkour platforming stride across rich open worlds and fascinating historical settings. Play Video Far Cry 3 | Ubisoft | Ubisoft Montreal | 2012 *Note: Far Cry 3 Classic Edition released in 2018 on PS4 Mixing the first-person shooter genre with an open world setting is a staple of the Far Cry series, but this sequel is where its potential became clear for its sequels. A densely crafted world of hostile wildlife, reactive human enemies, engaging missions, and smart progression systems all made for an impressive experience, elevated via an outstanding performance by Michael Mando as the game’s demented antagonist, Vaas. PSP Play Video LocoRoco | Sony Computer Entertainment | Japan Studio | 2006 *Note: LocoRoco Remastered released in 2017 on PS4 It’s impossible to describe LocoRoco without using the word “adorable”. Sure, its puzzle platforming, charmingly cartoony visuals and well-thought-out controls which used the shoulder buttons to help control the titular LocoRoco were all wonderful. But have you ever had colorful, wide-eyed blobs of joy serenade you as you play? Me neither. Play Video Patapon | Sony Computer Entertainment | Pyramid & Japan Studio | 2008 *Note: Patapon Remastered released in 2017 on PS4 While we’re on the topic of song, the wonderfully compelling pata-pata-pata-pon drum beat that accompanies this rhythm-based strategy signals one of the most delightfully weird games on PSP. Its endearing uniqueness earned two sequels and a PS4 remaster, so I know I’m not alone in my admiration. Play Video Echochrome | Sony Computer Entertainment | Will & Japan Studio | 2008 It’s not often you’ll see modern day visual and gameplay innovations in the puzzle genre, but the striking perspective changing, environment shifting mechanics of Echochrome not only achieves that feat, but remains one of the few games directly inspired by both artists M. C. Escher and Oscar Reutersvärd. PS Vita Play Video Gravity Rush | Sony Computer Entertainment | Japan Studio | 2012 *Note: Gravity Rush Remastered released in 2016 on PS4 Defying gravity? Just another day for Kat, a super powered amnesiac who simply wants to help the people of Hekseville and discover the mysteries of her past. Gravity Rush’s novel use of vertical based gameplay in an open world was a refreshing change of pace from other action-adventure games, turning combat scenarios into thrilling topsy-turvy capers. Play Video Hotline Miami | Devolver Digital | Dennaton Games | 2013 – also on PS3 “Do you like hurting other people?” asks a mysterious man in a chicken mask, early on in Hotline Miami. It’s a question that sets up one of the main themes of Dennaton Games’ frenetic, punishing and utterly compelling top-down shooter. Influencing many other titles in its wake, Hotline Miami remains one of the most successful indie games of all time, with an absolute all-timer of a soundtrack. The game eventually released on PS4 and PS5, which is available through PlayStation Plus. Play Video Tearaway | Sony Computer Entertainment | Media Molecule | 2013 *Note: Tearaway Unfolded released in 2015 on PS4 While Media Molecule made its mark with the iconic LittleBigPlanet, its step into the papercraft world of ValleyFold was as cute as it was creative. Tearaway delivered a parcel of delightfully different styles of gameplay, using the touchscreen, camera, and rear touch panel in a number of wildly inventive ways. This was mimicked via Tearaway Unfolded, an expanded version of the original launched on PS4, which used the DualShock 4 wireless controller in a similarly imaginative manner, and it’s this game that is available on PlayStation Plus. PlayStation 4 Play Video Bloodborne | Sony Computer Entertainment | FromSoftware | 2015 Bloodborne’s gothic city of Yharnam is not one you’d want to live in, with its terrifying beasts, cosmic horror, and otherworldly mysteries. And yet, there’s not a single one of us which would turn down the chance to return to its dark streets. FromSoftware’s classic and combat heavy action-adventure RPG stunned players on its arrival, and continues to draw acclaim via its masterful gameplay and unforgettable narrative. Play Video The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt | CD Projekt | CD Projekt Red | 2015 Based on the hugely popular Andrzej Sapkowski fantasy novels and steeped in Slavic folklore, it didn’t take long for The Witcher 3 to be recognized as one of the greatest games of all time. Its rich and changing open world, complex narrative and spectacular visuals still remain some of the best in the genre, as witnessed in its enhanced PS5 port, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Complete Edition, which launched in 2022. Play Video Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection | Sony Interactive Entertainment | Naughty Dog | 2015 *Note: The Nathan Drake Collection released in 2015 on PS4 (Includes Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune | PS3 | Sony Computer Entertainment | Naughty Dog | 2007, Uncharted 2: Among Thieves | PS3 | Sony Computer Entertainment | Naughty Dog | 2009, Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception | PS3 | Sony Computer Entertainment | Naughty Dog | 2011) You didn’t think we’d forget about Nathan Drake, did you? Naughty Dog’s charismatic adventurer became a fast favorite with fans via his globe-trotting adventures that mixed shooting, stealth, combat, puzzles, platforming, exploration, massive set pieces, and wisecracks. This was one series that did it all, but never lost sight of the heartfelt storytelling that made it so successful. PS4’s Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection collected the first three titles. Play Video Shadow of the Colossus | Sony Interactive Entertainment | Bluepoint Games | 2018 Shadow of the Colossus was a technical marvel when it first hit PS2 in 2005. GenDesign stunned players with an expansive world inhabited by mysterious, towering creatures. Bluepoint Games’ remake in 2018 faithfully retold the tale for a new generation while capturing the beautiful melancholy of the original. The act of climbing colossi and puzzling out their weaknesses is still a wondrous experience today. The game’s twist ending and novel commentary on players’ habits for conquest help the understated narrative stand the test of time. Play Video God of War | Sony Interactive Entertainment | Santa Monica Studios | 2018 Heralded by a near-deafening roar of the E3 crowd on its 2016 reveal, God of War’s triumphant return signaled a new era for Kratos. While retaining the bone-crunching violence the series was known for, the thoughtful consideration of its consequences and effect on families developed the series into something which had grown up with Kratos in more ways than one. Play Video Final Fantasy VII Remake | Square Enix | Square Enix Business Division 1 | 2020 What would any list be without a Final Fantasy game? Returning to one of the most beloved RPGs ever made could have been a massive mistake, but Final Fantasy VII Remake put all fears to rest with a stunning and well considered version of the PlayStation original, expanding its story in surprising new ways. An enhanced version, Final Fantasy VII Intergrade, also hit PS5 a year later. Play Video Ghost of Tsushima | Sony Interactive Entertainment | Sucker Punch Productions | 2020 *Note: Ghost of Tsushima: Director’s Cut released in 2021 on PS5 Visually gorgeous and narratively ferocious, Sucker Punch crafted an open world action-adventure that felt both fresh and lived in. It captured the flavor of classic Akira Kurosawa samurai movies, blending beauty with brutality, not being afraid to let you indulge in its quieter moments. Humanity, hot springs and haikus, slicing against swords, samurai and standoffs. PS5 Play Video Demon’s Souls | Sony Interactive Entertainment | Bluepoint Games | 2020 Remaking the PS3 action role-playing classic was a tall order that Bluepoint Games surmounted, enhancing its finely honed gameplay with new weapons, items, armour and features, while utilizing the power of PS5. Although still technically a predecessor to the likes of Dark Souls and Bloodborne, Demon’s Souls held its own in this modern revisit. Play Video Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales | Sony Interactive Entertainment | Insomniac | 2020 Leaping onto PS5 to help the console’s launch back in 2020, this new adventure captured the spirited freedom and unbridled joy of web-swinging, and its confident storytelling, spectacular set pieces and amazing combat made for an experience that fans and newcomers alike just couldn’t put down. Play Video Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart | Sony Interactive Entertainment | Insomniac | 2021 The adventures of the universe’s best Lombax and his robotic companion reached an outstanding high point showcasing the hardware grunt of PS5 via its near instantaneous portal travel and creative use of the DualSense wireless controller. Bright, breezy and offbeat, Insomniac’s bouncy shooter platformer was a delight for all. Play Video Returnal | Sony Interactive Entertainment | Housemarque | 2021 When narrative form and gameplay function merge into a seamless whole, the result can be utterly captivating, as seen in Returnal. Taking an ever-repeating-yet-different roguelike shooter structure and encasing it within a story about an astronaut trapped in a time loop, Housemarque’s casket of mysteries is a compelling voyage of literal self-discovery. Play Video The Last of Us: Part I | Sony Interactive Entertainment | Naughty Dog | 2022 Humanity. Trauma. Forgiveness. Naughty Dog’s powerful and haunting tale of a post-apocalyptic world stays with anyone who experiences it – and bringing it up to date on PS5 with enhanced visuals, combat, and enemy AI only made an action-adventure classic all the more essential. If you’ve only watched the staggeringly good TV series but not played the game, well, now there’s no excuse. View the full article

Valorant announces its newest initiator, Tejo – the well-dressed man of action – has officially joined the Agent roster. Hailing from Colombia, Tejo will undoubtedly shake up the gameplay with his unique kit that flushes out enemies using a top-down approach. Tejo requires you to analyze the situation mid-round and use abilities to help clear the way for your team strategically. Based on the enemy’s playstyle, where are they likely to be? Can you use their location to your advantage and get them in a vulnerable position? Play Video “We had a gameplay opportunity where we wanted to have an Initiator who thought of the map a little differently – more top-down instead of taking angles one by one. We wanted to try adding a couple of abilities with outputs like flushing that was really exciting for creating these windows of power,” noted Ryan “Rycou” Cousart, game designer for Tejo. Initiators need to do things precisely. We’ve all been there – looking up Agent guides on YouTube, heading to a custom to test out a lineup, ghosting through the walls to see if it landed correctly. Tejo offers Initiator players something different by being able to accurately place utilities using the map in more precisely targeted areas, instead of relying on the perfect-pixel lineups that some utilities with bigger footprints may rely on. This allows you to be more precise with what you want to do but with the trade-off of having a smaller area of impact. To effectively use his precise utility, Tejo needs some info — and like other Initiators, he’s good at gathering that info himself. “Since Tejo can provide information about where the enemies are, it allows him to be a lot more consistent with the value he can bring,” stated John Goscicki, Agent team lead. “Tejo is one of the few Initiators without a flash so he’ll be more effective with another Initiator like Breach or KAY/O where you can create these really fast, explosive takes.” The idea of this Agent being an Initiator who leads a team with strong game sense goes along with the perception of someone who is experienced on the battlefield and in life. “The phrase we used a lot was just ‘man of action.’ We’ve all seen the movies, read the books where you just see the dude in the button-up, in the blazer, just coming and destroying everyone,” noted Goscicki. “He’s the rugged professional – his shirt is unbuttoned and he’s ready for action. He’s not like Chamber where every detail about his attire matters to reinforce the idea of landing the perfect shot. Tejo is going to run in there through all the explosions and everything’s got to be loose, wavy, and comfortable.” Everyone can play Tejo but those with strategic game sense can make him really shine. Step up to the challenge and learn to use him to your advantage before everyone else. If the new Agent isn’t enough excitement already, check out the new PlayStation Plus offerings which include various in-game items, such as Snowball Gun Buddy, Celestial Player Card, Sentinels of Light Spray, Sovereign Spray, and Radianite Points. As Tejo would say, “We can stand around all day talking about killing them… or we just do it.” Valorant is free-to-play on PS5 now. View the full article

Happy New Year! Kick off your 2025 gaming sessions by taking on (and taking out) a league of corrupted super heroes and race on both sides of the law with the PlayStation Plus Monthly Games for January. Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, Need for Speed Hot Pursuit and DEEEER Simulator: Your Average Everyday Deer Game launch January 7 for PlayStation Plus members*. Let’s take a closer look at the games. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League | PS5 Take down The Justice League yourself in single-player or team up with friends in multiplayer co-op in this genre-defying, action-adventure third-person shooter from Rocksteady Studios, creators of the critically acclaimed Batman: Arkham series. Featuring an original narrative set within an expansive open-world city of Metropolis, the game puts the four DC Super-Villains on a collision course with an invading alien force and DC Super Heroes who are now laser-focused on destroying the city they once vowed to protect. All the while, the Suicide Squad must be mindful of the lethal explosives implanted in their heads that could go off at the first sign of defiance. Each squad member has their own unique moveset with enhanced traversal abilities to freely explore the dynamic open-world of Metropolis, along with a variety of weapons to customize, and skills to master. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Need for Speed Hot Pursuit Remastered | PS4 Feel the thrill of the chase and the rush of escape in Need for Speed Hot Pursuit. Unleash a savage sense of speed both as an outlaw and a cop in the world’s hottest high-performance cars. Outsmart the heat or take down lawbreakers with the tactical weaponry at your disposal in a heart-pumping, socially competitive racing experience. Updated with enhanced visuals, cross-platform multiplayer – including the asynchronous competition powered by Autolog – plus all additional DLC content, this is the ultimate edition of Criterion Games’ critically acclaimed Need for Speed debut. It’s time to reignite the pursuit. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image DEEEER Simulator: Your Average Everyday Deer Game | PS4 DEEEER Simulator is a game in which you take on the role of your average, everyday deer. Use your stretchy neck, your stabby horns, and everything a deer has in its arsenal to tear through the city. Frolic and play with the other animals or decimate the city till there’s nothing left in this “slow-life town destruction game”. Get up to enough naughtiness and you’ll have to face off against some extra-tough animal police. Kung fu master sheep, bears who transform into police cars, and rabbits with ridiculously over-developed ears… They’re all out to get you! Live life as a deer in the city and unleash your true potential! And don’t forget to uncover the dark secret behind the city… All three games will be available to PlayStation Plus members on January 7 until February 3. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Last chance to download December’s games PlayStation Plus members have until January 6 to add It Takes Two, Aliens: Dark Descent and Temtem to their game libraries. *PlayStation Plus Monthly Games lineup may differ in certain regions. Please check the PlayStation Store on launch day for your region’s lineup. View the full article

Happy New Year! Kick off your 2025 gaming sessions by taking on (and taking out) a league of corrupted super heroes, race on both sides of the law and escape office life with the PlayStation Plus Monthly Games for January. Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, Need for Speed Hot Pursuit and The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe launch January 7 for PlayStation Plus members*. Let’s take a closer look at the games. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League | PS5 Take down The Justice League yourself in single-player or team up with friends in multiplayer co-op in this genre-defying, action-adventure third-person shooter from Rocksteady Studios, creators of the critically acclaimed Batman: Arkham series. Featuring an original narrative set within an expansive open-world city of Metropolis, the game puts the four DC Super-Villains on a collision course with an invading alien force and DC Super Heroes who are now laser-focused on destroying the city they once vowed to protect. All the while, the Suicide Squad must be mindful of the lethal explosives implanted in their heads that could go off at the first sign of defiance. Each squad member has their own unique moveset with enhanced traversal abilities to freely explore the dynamic open-world of Metropolis, along with a variety of weapons to customize, and skills to master. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Need for Speed Hot Pursuit Remastered | PS4 Feel the thrill of the chase and the rush of escape in Need for Speed Hot Pursuit. Unleash a savage sense of speed both as an outlaw and a cop in the world’s hottest high-performance cars. Outsmart the heat or take down lawbreakers with the tactical weaponry at your disposal in a heart-pumping, socially competitive racing experience. Updated with enhanced visuals, cross-platform multiplayer – including the asynchronous competition powered by Autolog – plus all additional DLC content, this is the ultimate edition of Criterion Games’ critically acclaimed Need for Speed debut. It’s time to reignite the pursuit. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe | PS4, PS5 The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe is an expanded re-imagining of the critically acclaimed, award winning indie game The Stanley Parable from 2013. Everything that was in the original Stanley Parable is here, preserved just like it was back in 2013. But The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe also dramatically expands the world of the original game with new content, new choices, and new secrets to uncover. The labyrinth has just gotten bigger. In addition, the game has been visually upgraded to reflect modern technology while faithfully preserving the tone of the original game. Accessibility features have also been added to the game, including localization of in-world text, colorblind options, and content warnings. And just as before, the impeccable voicework of Kevan Brighting will accompany you every step of the way. All three games will be available to PlayStation Plus members on January 7 until February 3. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Last chance to download December’s games PlayStation Plus members have until January 6 to add It Takes Two, Aliens: Dark Descent and Temtem to their game libraries. *PlayStation Plus Game Catalog lineup may differ in certain regions. Please check the PlayStation Store on launch day for your region’s lineup. View the full article

We’re already at the end of 2024? They say time flies when you’re having fun, and boy, did we ever have a blast this year. We started with top-notch RPGs Final Fantasy VII Rebirth and Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, dove headfirst into the multiplayer chaos of Helldivers II, enjoyed gorgeous combat in Stellar Blade, went on a nostalgia trip with Astro Bot, revisited old gaming grounds in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree and Silent Hill 2 and so much more. But with a new year comes the promise of many new gaming experiences, and the first four months of 2025 are already jam-packed with standout titles. Let’s look at some of the great games you’ll have the opportunity to experience in the next few months. Note: all release dates are subject to change. January 17 | Dynasty Warriors: Origins Play Video Gaming’s most epic retelling of the historical Three Kingdoms saga returns in its most ambitious entry yet. Dynasty Warriors: Origins begins at the start of the story, as a new martial artist hero encounters the soon-to-be-legendary figures Guan Yu and Zhang Jiao just as history takes drastic turns. Origins features the most detailed battlefields in the series to date, each one packed with soldiers that you and your allies must overcome with a mix of action and strategy. Whether you’re a fresh-faced recruit or a seasoned Warriors expert, Origins is bound to surprise and exhilarate with story and action. Publisher: Koei Tecmo | Developer: Omega Force | PS5 January 23 | Synduality: Echo of Ada Play Video Mecha combat and exploration combine in a gorgeous but dangerous post-apocalyptic third-person shooter. Based in the same universe as the Synduality: Noir anime, Echo of Ada is a stand-alone story based in a future where the remnants of humanity have been forced into small clusters due to the double threat of deadly rainfall and the vicious creature it spawns. As an apprentice Drifter, you use a mech called a Cradlecoffin to collect essential energy sources, accompanied by an intelligent and powerful AI called a Magus. Customize your mecha and use Magus’s abilities to conquer the fierce Ender creatures and other players. Publisher: Bandai Namco Entertainment | Developer: Game Studio | PS5 January 30 | Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 Play Video Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, the acclaimed, award-winning sequel, is swinging on over to PCs early next year. This game is a web-slinging open-world adventure on the streets and in the skies around New York City. It stars Peter Parker and Miles Morales, two of the greatest to don the Spider-suit. They’ll use a repertoire of skills and gadgetry–along with the fan-beloved symbiote suit–to battle Kraven and his gang of Hunters. Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment | Developer: Insomniac Games | PC February 11 | Sid Meier’s Civilization VII Play Video Strategy fans, get ready for the game that will consume you. Yes, the legendary Civilization series has returned. Once again, you’ll lead your little pocket of humanity to grow and thrive over the ages into a culture envied the world over. Choose one of three distinct historical ages–Antiquity, Exploration, and Modern–each offering bespoke gameplay elements and playable civilizations–and confront a challenging Crisis before moving into the next historical period. With leaders, you can choose to be independent of your civilization, follow the path of established history, or veer off into wild what-if scenarios. Publisher: 2K | Developer: Firaxis Games | PS5, PS4 February 14 | Assassin’s Creed Shadows Play Video One of the most beloved and revered series in gaming returns with a new setting, dual protagonists, and all of the mystery and intrigue you’ve come to expect. Set in Sengoku-era Japan, you’ll control both female ninja Naoe and samurai warrior Yasuke in an ever-changing open world filled with friends, foes, quests, and secrets. Not only will you use the series’ trademark stealth elements to explore and take down foes and targets, but you’ll also be able to utilize new tools and wield various traditional Japanese weapons. Your skills and senses will prove as essential to victory as your prowess with the blade. Publisher: Ubisoft | Developer: Ubisoft | PS5 February 14 | Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered Play Video It’s time to revisit an oft-forgotten period in the history of one of gaming’s leading ladies. Lara Croft returns to the spotlight with three more remasters of vintage Tomb Raider titles. Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation, Tomb Raider Chronicles, and Tomb Raider: Angel of Darkness. Besides a host of graphical improvements and a choice between classic and modern controls, players will have access to a brand-new photo mode with plenty of poses and outfits to create cool, stylish showcases for Lara. Publisher: Aspyr | Developer: Crystal Dynamics | PS5, PS4 February 21 | Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii Play Video Longtime followers of the Like a Dragon saga know that Mad Dog Goro Majima has typically been slightly strange. His latest escapade, however, is wickedly bizarre even by Majima’s standards. After getting stuck on a faraway island and losing his memories, Majima emerges as a new man: a scoundrel of the seas! But since he’s still Majima at heart, prepare for delightfully unhinged seafaring beatdowns. Use Majima’s Mad Dog and Sea Dog combat styles to lay the smackdown on punks on the shores of Honolulu and Madlantis, or take to the seas for really old-school cannon combat…alongside all the odd jobs, minigames, and karaoke you’ve come to love from the series. Publisher: Sega | Developer: Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio | PS5, PS4 February 28 | Monster Hunter Wilds Play Video No matter where you go in the vast universe of Monster Hunter, there’s no shortage of really, really big game to take down. When a region is called Forbidden Lands, you know it’s probably bad news–and everyone thought it was completely uninhabitable. That is, until a young boy from the Forbidden Lands shows up, saying that a monster called the White Wraith ransacked a previously unknown settlement. Time to grab your weapons and gear to hunt down that sucker (and a whole rogue’s gallery of nasty critters). Whether you hunt in the Forbidden Lands solo or online with companions, you’re bound to have a thrilling adventure. Publisher: Capcom | Developer: Capcom | PS5 March 6 | Suikoden I & II HD Remaster: Gate Rune and Dunan Unification Wars Play Video Staging a rebellion against a corrupt government isn’t easy, but the odds look slightly better when you’ve got 107 friends standing behind you. Suikoden I & II HD Remaster is a collection of two of the original PlayStation’s finest turn-based RPGs, each featuring a twist-filled story of conflict, heartbreak, friendship, and perseverance in times of war and strife. In both games, you’ll go from a small band of rebels to building a formidable fortress by recruiting members of the 108 Stars of Destiny, warriors, wizards, and lovable weirdos who unite under your banner to fight for your cause. Publisher: Konami | Developer: Konami | PS5, PS4 March 25 | Tales of the Shire: A The Lord of The Rings Game Play Video What if you could just spend your days among happy little hobbits in the lush green lands of the Shire? That’s the question answered by Tales of the Shire, a cozy little life-sim game focused on the daily existence of delightful little demi-humanoid hobbits. Travel to the village of Bywater and enjoy some of the finest fishing, crop-raising, foraging, and culinary delights the Shire has to offer, taking in the sights and sounds of daily life–all while getting to know your fellow hairy-footed neighbors better. Publisher: Private Division | Developer: Weta Workshop | PS5 April 21 | Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image One of the longest-running, most beloved fighting game series of all time returns in a big way. Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves brings the saga of Terry Bogard, Rock Haward, and the eclectic citizens of Southtown back to center stage with gorgeous new visuals, finely-tuned combat, and an all-new Rev system that enhances movement and offense options. The cast of characters includes returning favorites like Mai Shiranui, Joe Higashi, and B. Jenet, newcomers like Preecha and Vox Reaper, and Street Fighter guest stars Ken and Chun-Li. Longtime Fatal Fury fans and newcomers alike will enjoy City of Wolves’ stylish visuals, fast-paced gameplay, and cinematic presentation. Publisher: SNK | Developer: SNK | PS5,PS4 To discover more anticipated games of 2025, head to playstation.com. View the full article

Sure, the exhilarating thrills of 2025 are close to being loaded onto our screens within moments, but there’s still time to bask in the glories that 2024 brought. From brilliant Bots and a beautifully blocky LEGO world, to epic fantasy adventures and remastered classics, there’s been everything for everyone. A year of expansive RPGs Play Video It was an enchanting 12 months for massive and magical lands full of spell casting heroes, pointed ears and sky dwelling towns. Persona creators Atlas stepped into a brave new world with its fantastical Metaphor ReFantazio, and with it scooped an abundance of well-deserved praise thanks to its thoughtful combat mechanics, slick presentation and that battle theme. Play Video Similarly, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth aced the unenviable task of reimagining one of the most influential RPGs of all time and maintaining the momentum of its prior, the massively successful Final Fantasy VII Remake. Sticking with the fantastic, fast-paced action RPG Granblue Fantasy: Relink delivered some much-welcomed co-op combat to go with its sprawling story, while Dragon Age: The Veilguard rounded out the year with a hugely compelling quest and a suitably stirring soundtrack by composer royalty Hans Zimmer and Lorne Balfe. Play Video On a slightly more grounded level – well, relatively speaking – Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth provided some punch to any RPG fans who preferred mean streets over spell sheets, via its entertaining combat system and fun expansion of the rich Yakuza universe. A year of classic remasters Not to be outdone by the onslaught of new titles inspiring imaginations, there were an impressive array of classics coming back with more than just a fresh lick of paint. Which was more than appropriate for Disney’s Epic Mickey, which saw the iconic mouse return with new abilities to match his beautifully updated visuals. Play Video Speaking of icons, Lara Croft fans had a treasure trove of familiar delights to unearth in Tomb Raider I–III Remastered, and she wasn’t the only one resurfacing archaeological wonders, either. Broken Sword – Shadow of the Templars: Reforged brought back George Stobbart and Nico Collard’s quest to discover the arcane secrets of the Knights Templar in a 4K enhanced version of the adventure favourite. Play Video In galaxies a bit farther afield, Star Wars: Dark Forces Remaster and Beyond Good & Evil – 20th Anniversary Edition both delivered on sci-fi delights across the FPS and action-adventure genres, respectively – with an equally epic turnout in fan-favourite fantasy RPGs via Grandia HD Collection and Persona 3 Reload. Oh, and for the players craving remastered zombie action? Capcom had its finger on the trigger, as Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster lumbered onto our screens with an array of… well, brainy improvements. Actually, while we’re on the subject of horror… A year of horror and retro-inspired scares Play Video While many remasters sent hearts aflutter, there were a sprinkling of games returning to give other hearts a real jolt. Silent Hill 2 stepped out of the mists in frightening form with a stunning remake that took us back to nightmarish encounters with Pyramid Head, albeit with a high presentational fidelity that only enhanced the unforgettable story. Play Video There was also a creepy cavalcade of new titles that were just as powerful at making the hairs on your controller-holding arms stand up on end. For those who love retro touches, Crow Country perfectly wrapped timeless survival horror gameplay within the familiar 1990s PlayStation visual style. Similarly, Fear the Spotlight played with an old school aesthetic to give its creepy narrative an intense edge, while the ‘80s also made a comeback via the amusing and disturbing asymmetrical multiplayer thrills of Killer Klowns from Outer Space: The Game, based on the 1988 cult classic movie. Play Video If you preferred a more modern scare, Still Wakes the Deep delivered a well written, utterly haunting and claustrophobic psychological – and cosmic tinged – horror. Although going full cosmic was also terrifyingly easy with the in-your-face frights of VR combat adventure Alien: Rogue Incursion. And in your living room, everyone can hear you scream… A year of character platformers Play Video Making a mark on the platform genre isn’t easy, but 2024 provided a blueprint that we’ll all be eager for others to follow in the future. Of course, the big flag bearer this year has been the endlessly inventive and charming Astro Bot. Team Asobi’s fun and feature-packed adventure became an instant classic due to its imaginative level design, wonderful use of the DualSense wireless controller and some unforgettable cameos. Play Video But let’s not forget a couple of slick sleeper hits, either. Another Crab’s Treasure introduced us to the aquatic Soulslike action-adventure world of Kril, an irate hermit crab capable of using the discarded junk around him as weapons and armour. On the slightly breezier side, Penny’s Big Breakaway was a bright and colourful callback to an era of kinetic and fast-paced platformers, with the titular hero out to clear her name while being pursued by Emperor Eddie’s army of madcap penguins. It’s exactly as wild as it sounds. A year of creative art design Play Video 2024 also played host to some of the most memorable looking games that not only had a distinct visual identity, but also played well, too. The beautifully crafted stop-motion animation of Harold Halibut contributed to its 10-year development process, with physical dioramas scanned into the game, resulting in a striking aesthetic for the charming graphic adventure. Play Video The powerful use of colour and contrast were the visual hallmarks of beautiful puzzle-driven platformer Neva, while slapstick adventure Thank Goodness You’re Here! leaned entirely into its absurdist humour with a bright and bold style reminiscent of classic – and equally eccentric – British comedy comic books. Play Video Also coming in bold, but additionally blocky, was LEGO Horizon Adventures, a playful spin on Horizon Zero Dawn. Its visual inventiveness was highlighted by the revelation that everything you see in the game, including its imposing and impressive machines, can be built using real world LEGO bricks and sets. Play Video Which games and their appropriate trends were your favourites for 2024? View the full article

Hello everyone! 2024 was another incredible year for indie games, and today, I’m very excited to share 11 of my favorite titles that were released on PlayStation this year. Pacific Drive Pacific Drive is a ‘road-lite’ survival game, where you navigate a stormy, mysterious forest with your car as your only companion. Each time you set off on an excursion, your car will slowly breakdown due to strange anomalies, and you must return safely back to your garage. Otherwise, you’re required to start over. You can restore and upgrade your car with resources gathered during your runs. Each trip into the wilderness is unique and randomized, which makes the gameplay all the more engrossing and addicting. Animal Well The pixel-art world of this beautiful game feels nostalgic yet somehow completely novel, with its surreal lighting that illuminates the map. Animal Well is a Metroidvania with a world filled with endless surprises. The sense of accomplishment you’ll feel after conquering its challenging platform sections and cryptic puzzles is truly unique and exhilarating. V Rising The massively popular vampire survival PC game is now available on PlayStation. Players awaken as weakened vampires and hunt for the blood of enemies and animals to regain strength and acquire their powers to conquer the map. As vampires, players are vulnerable to sunlight. You must hide in the shadows and avoid sun exposure in order to survive during the daytime. SCHiM When you were a child, did you ever pretend that you could only move around by jumping from shadow to shadow? SCHiM allows you to relive those nostalgic moments by playing as a frog-like creature who can only navigate the map by hopping between shadows. It’s also a visually stunning game with its unique color pallet and art style. The Plucky Squire Plucky Squire is a charming action adventure where you jump between 2D and 3D worlds. One moment, you’re enjoying a 2D action game inside the pages of a storybook, but the next second, you’re embarking on an adventure in the outside 3D realm, and before you know it, you’re back inside the book, solving puzzles. Full of delightful gimmicks, the game delivers an experience that players of all ages can enjoy. Palworld An indie game coming from Japan, Palworld is an open world, crafting and survival game full of adorable creatures (Pals), that took the gaming world by storm. The gameplay loop of collecting Pals, expanding your base, and venturing out further out into the world is very addicting and hard to put down. Neva The latest title from the visionary team behind GRIS, a beautiful yet heartbreaking adventure game released back in 2018. Neva chronicles the story of the player and a wolf cub, Neva, who together embark on a journey through a vibrant world that progresses from season to season. The story is told without dialogue, and the ending will move you to tears. Fear the Spotlight Fear the Spotlight is an atmospheric horror adventure featuring a retro low-polygon art style reminiscent of the original PlayStation era. Two teenage girls sneak into school after hours, only to be separated by disturbing paranormal activities. They must solve puzzles and stay out of sight of the monster who wanders the hall to be safely reunited. Slitterhead From the mind of Keiichiro Toyama, the legendary creator behind Siren and Gravity Rush. During the ‘90s, Kowlong, Hong Kong, is faced with a series of gruesome murders. The player is a body-less entity that possess NPCs roaming the streets in order to battle Slitterheads, a monster that feasts on human brains. Finishing off the monsters as ordinary middle-aged men and women is an absolute blast. Nine Sols A new game brought to life by Red Candle Games, the studio behind Detention and Devotion. Taking inspiration from Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, Nine Sols is a hardcore action game centered on deflection-based combat. Pulling off a perfect parry and counterattack is tremendously rewarding and invigorating. The atmosphere blends cyberpunk with ancient Chinese mythology and Taoism, is also unique and fascinating. Balatro A fusion of poker and roguelike? You might think, “What’s that?” But once you start, you won’t be able to stop. This worldwide hit game is the creation of a single developer. Incredible! View the full article

Email us at PSPodcast@sony.com! Subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or download here Hello folks! This week, the crew shares their favorite games of the year in the final show of 2024. Plus, Kristen returns to share her top games from past PlayStation console generations to celebrate the 30th anniversary. Thank you to all the developers who made this such a special year in gaming and to all the listeners for coming along for the ride. Here’s to a great year in gaming for 2025! Stuff We Talked About Listeners and developers share their favorite PlayStation games to mark the 30th anniversary Kristen highlights her top games through past PlayStation console generations The Cast 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 Tim Turi – Content Communications Manager, 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 get in the holiday spirit with the newly released Winter Wonter level of Astro Bot, and share moments exploring using #PSshare #PSBlog. Here are this week’s highlights: VrPhotoGamess shares Astro surrounded by jingle bells in the Festive Fellow outfit. MdeavorVP shares Astro in the Festive Fellow outfit gliding down a rail CaGamer_07 shares Astro in the Festive Fellow outfit next to a snowman in an igloo Pfannkuchenns shares Astro posing in a photo spot while reindeer and a present-filled sleigh fly by doodlecep shares Astro in the Festive Fellow costume jumping beside a decorated tree MBaw96 shares the animal bots gathered underneath festive Astro fireworks Search #PSshare #PSBlog on Twitter or Instagram to see more entries to this week’s theme. Want to be featured in the next Share of the Week? THEME: Share of the Year SUBMIT BY: 11:59 PM PT on December 31, 2024 Next time, we’re looking back at an amazing year of gaming. Share your favorite moment captured in a game you played in 2024 using #PSshare #PSBlog for a chance to be featured in Share of the Year. View the full article

Hello Travelers. The Genshin Impact dev team is delighted to embark on another year of adventures with you in the world of Teyvat. Along with our heartfelt New Year’s wishes, we’re excited to share that Version 5.3, Incandescent Ode of Resurrection, will be arriving on January 1. Starting from the first day of 2025, it’s time to team up with Mavuika, the Pyro Archon, and Citlali, in the final battles against the Abyss looming over Natlan. While the people of Natlan gather to turn the tide of their long war, the people of Liyue reunite for the annual Lantern Rite to embrace a new year. The new character, Lan Yan, and many old friends are waiting in Liyue to light up the night sky with Xiao Lanterns. To spice up the annual celebration, bountiful rewards are available for you to claim, including Primogems ×1,600 and the new glider Wings of Fate’s Course Intertwined via in-game mail, Intertwined Fate ×10 via a daily login event, a free 4-star Liyue character via completing the Lantern Rite event, and a new outfit for Xiangling via accumulating Festive Fever in the event. Blaze a radiant path, burn away the shadowy swaths After a brief respite, the final battle is at hand. Warriors, blessed by the guidance and protection of the Ode of Resurrection, will stand against the monsters rising from the Abyss in the newest Archon Quest Chapter V: Act V Incandescent Ode of Resurrection. Alongside Mavuika, Citlali, and other warriors, every effort, including the power of the Ruler of Death, will be devoted to banishing the darkness that threatens to swallow the land, no matter the cost. Additionally, the power of Pyro will finally be granted to the Traveler at a pivotal moment. To boost your combat abilities for the final battle, travel to the cave near the Masters of the Night-Wind. There, you will encounter the Wayward Hermetic Spiritspeaker, a powerful Boss, who can move quickly and conjure up multiple clones in battle. Once you have proven your worth, another formidable Weekly Boss — the Lord of Eroded Primal Fire, the Abyssal Mimic Dragon awaits your challenge. Additionally, the Pyro Traveler may gain unexpected advantages in this battle. The Radiant Sun and Obsidian Star Two ladies who will shine in the legendary war to come may be recruited to your party as 5-star playable characters: Mavuika, the Pyro Archon and a claymore wielder, and Citlali, the most powerful shaman of her tribe and a Cryo catalyst user. Both illuminate their people’s paths with centuries of wisdom, exploration, know-how, and battle prowess. From a little girl of the Scions of the Canopy to the Pyro Archon who dazzles and protects all of Natlan like the sun, Mavuika’s journey has never been easy. Yet, she never wavered. Upon completing the latest Archon Quest, Mavuika’s Story Quest will be unlocked. In combat, Mavuika can crush her opponents with her claymore or charge into battle on her Flamestrider, a one-of-a-kind construct in Teyvat. Her Elemental Skill can summon the All-Fire Armaments, which can take on two forms. Tap to cast “Divine Name Unleashed,” and the Armaments become Rings of Searing Radiance, following Mavuika or the active character and dealing constant Nightsoul-aligned Pyro DMG. Alternatively, hold to unleash Ancient Name Unbound, transforming her All-Fire Armaments into the Flamestrider. When Mavuika mounts the Flamestrider, she can deal Pyro DMG to opponents in her path. Meanwhile, if nearby party members hit opponents with their Normal Attacks or consume Nightsoul points, she can accumulate Fighting Spirit. When her Fighting Spirit exceeds a certain amount, she can use her Elemental Burst to enter the Nightsoul’s Blessing state, mounting her Flamestrider to perform a powerful AoE Pyro attack. With her Elemental Burst, Mavuika will also enter the Crucible of Death and Life state, boosting her abilities and making her more resistant to interruption. The Flamestrider is not only a weapon but also a versatile tool for exploration. Equipped with a hidden backup propulsion module, it allows Mavuika to scale cliffs, charge across rugged terrain and waters, and glide in mid-air. In addition, having Mavuika in your party will decrease the party’s Nightsoul Transmission cooldown by 20%. The Flamestrider blazes across the land, unrestrained and proud, a testament to her unyielding spirit. Carried on the wind, the memory of a young lady’s confident words lingers: “I can shoot those cornflakes in your kitchen from right here.” The sun shines brilliantly, yet the stars never cease to glow at night. As the most powerful shaman of the Masters of the Night-Wind, Citlali can sense changes in the Ley Lines and feel the wounds across all of Natlan from their long war with the Abyss. Due to the damage sustained by the Night Kingdom in the war, she has been aiding the lost wandering souls who can no longer return to it. In her downtime, the respected “Granny Itztli” may prefer to stay in her remote abode alone, surrounded by light novels and snacks. She is also accompanied by her little companions Itzpapa and Citlalin, who not only add comfort as cushions and pillows but also provide various forms of support in combat and exploration. In combat, Citlali can deploy shields and summon Itzpapa with her Elemental Skill. When her Nightsoul points exceed a certain amount, Itzpapa will deal AoE Cryo DMG to nearby opponents. Her Elemental Burst summons both little companions and creates a Spiritvessel Skull. When the skull explodes, it will deal Nightsoul-aligned Cryo DMG and restore a fixed amount of Nightsoul points to Citlali. Additionally, when Citlali is in the Nightsoul’s Blessing state, enemies hit by Frozen or Melt reactions have reduced Pyro and Hydro RES. She can maintain her Nightsoul’s Blessing state to buff the party when you switch to other characters in battle. Team up for another year of adventure Elsewhere in Teyvat, Liyue is currently basking in warmth and harmony as its people prepare for the arrival of Lantern Rite and the new year. In the streets of Liyue, you may encounter a new character, Lan Yan, an Anemo catalyst user, along with many familiar faces, some of whom will debut with fresh new looks in the upcoming update. The new 4-star character, Lan Yan, is a descendant and inheritor of the renowned Qimen Arts. She is a graceful and nimble artisan, lauded as a master craftsman in the Chenyu Vale Artisans Association. In combat, Lan Yan wields the Swallow-Wisp Shield, a secret art passed down through her family for generations. When she dashes forward and hits a target, she leaps backward into the air. Furthermore, this dash attack changes the Elemental Type of her shield to Hydro, Pyro, Cryo, or Electro, allowing it to absorb the corresponding Elemental DMG and deal the corresponding Elemental DMG in return. For Version 5.3 Event Wishes, the first phase will feature the debuts of Mavuika and Citlali, while the second phase brings reruns of Arlecchino and Clorinde, alongside the debut of Lan Yan. To recruit more Liyue characters, players can complete special festival requirements to invite one free 4-star Liyue character, including Lan Yan. Additionally, some 5-star Liyue characters, including Ganyu and others, can be obtained through a new round of Chronicled Wish. More fun events await you Meeting friends is exciting, and participating in fun events doubles the joy. In Lantern Rite, try the mini-game Custom Gift Envelope to design envelopes tailored to your companions’ unique preferences. Plus, don’t forget to create envelopes filled with wishes for friends, family, or other Travelers, sealing your thoughts and memories into these tokens of affection. Also try out Immortal Combat, a Tetris-like game that allows you to use Rattan Figures to gain buffs and defeat opponents. Or try Drills by Lamplight, where you make use of stratagems during battle to boost your score. Dive into these mini-games and gather more Festive Fever to unlock a trove of exciting rewards including Xiangling’s new outfit, New Year’s Cheer. Additionally, Hu Tao’s new outfit, Cherries Snow-Laden, will be on sale with a limited-time discount. The festive cheer manifests through music as well. With Repertoire of Myriad Melodies, the rhythm game feature is now added as a permanent mode and you can start playing, composing, and sharing your custom scores anytime with a special Gadget in your inventory. Want to take on some super-tough battles? In “On the Trail of Behemoths,” you can take on challenges of different difficulties and face off against four powerful Bosses solo or with a friend. Last but not least, we want to say thank you to everyone who joined us on this fantastic journey in Teyvat! Together, we’ve created so many wonderful memories. Now, it’s time to release the Xiao Lanterns and celebrate Lantern Rite again. It’s also the perfect moment to ignite your inner fire and boldly embrace the as-yet-unknown, exciting adventures awaiting us in the year ahead. View the full article

Undecided on your gaming plans for the holidays? Let PlayStation Store help with a sleigh-full of discounted delights! We’re rounding off 2024 with one of the biggest promotions of the year, featuring numerous games and DLC, all reduced for a limited time*. That includes the likes of EA Sports FC 25, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, NBA 2K25 and God of War Ragnarök. And there are many more. So many, in fact, we can’t fit the entire list here. Preview a selection of the offers below, then, when the promotion starts on December 20, head to PlayStation Store to find out your regional discount. A Plague Tale: Innocence A Plague Tale: Requiem AEW: Fight Forever After the Fall® – Complete Edition Afterimage PS4 & PS5 Agatha Christie – Murder on the Orient Express Age of Wonders 4 Akimbot Among Us VR Angry Birds VR: Isle of Pigs Anno 1800™ Console Edition – Standard Another Crab’s Treasure Arizona Sunshine® 2 Arizona Sunshine® Remake ARK: Survival Ascended ARMORED CORE VI FIRES OF RUBICON – Deluxe Edition PS4&PS5 ARMORED CORE VI FIRES OF RUBICON PS4&PS5 Arranger: A Role-Puzzling Adventure Assassin’s Creed Mirage & Assassin’s Creed Valhalla Bundle Assassin’s Creed Mirage Master Assassin Edition Assassin’s Creed Valhalla Assassin’s Creed Valhalla – Complete Edition Assassin’s Creed® Mirage Assetto Corsa Competizione ASTRO BOT ASTRO BOT Digital Deluxe Edition Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration Atelier Ryza 3: Alchemist of the End & the Secret Key (PS4 & PS5) Atelier Ryza 3: Alchemist of the End & the Secret Key Ultimate Edition (PS4 & PS5)… Atlas Fallen: Reign of Sand Atomic Heart – Premium Edition (PS4 & PS5) Atomic Heart (PS4 & PS5) Avatar The Last Airbender: Quest for Balance Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora™ Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora™ Ultimate Edition Back 4 Blood: Standard Edition PS4 & PS5 Back 4 Blood: Ultimate Edition PS4 & PS5 Baldur’s Gate 3 Baldur’s Gate 3 – Digital Deluxe Edition Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden Barbie Project Friendship™ Bassmaster® Fishing PS4™ and PS5™ Battlefield™ 2042 PS5 Beyond Galaxyland (PS4 & PS5) Beyond Good & Evil 20th Anniversary Edition Bleak Faith: Forsaken BloodRayne 2: ReVamped Bloomtown: A Different Story Bluey: The Videogame Borderlands 3 PS4™ & PS5™ Borderlands 3: Super Deluxe Edition PS4™ & PS5™ Borderlands Collection: Pandora’s Box Braid, Anniversary Edition Bramble: The Mountain King Bratz™: Flaunt Your Fashion Breachers Brotato PS4 & PS5 Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons Remake Call of Duty®: Black Ops 6 – Cross-Gen Bundle Call of Duty®: Black Ops 6 – Vault Edition Call of Duty®: Vanguard – Cross-Gen Bundle Caravan SandWitch CARRION CATAN® – Console Edition Super Deluxe Chernobylite Complete Edition Chivalry 2 King’s Edition PS4 & PS5 Cities: Skylines – Remastered Clock Tower: Rewind COCOON CONSCRIPT – Digital Deluxe Edition Construction Simulator – Gold Edition Contra: Operation Galuga PS4 & PS5 Core Keeper Creature Lab Cricket 24 Crime Boss: Rockay City CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY VII- REUNION DIGITAL DELUXE EDITION PS4 & PS5 CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY VII- REUNION PS4 & PS5 Crown Wars – Sacred Edition Crusader Kings III: Royal Edition Cult of the Lamb Cult of the Lamb: Unholy Edition CYGNI: All Guns Blazing Darkwood Daymare: 1994 Sandcastle Dead by Daylight PS4® & PS5® Dead Island 2 Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster Dead Space DEATHLOOP Deluxe Edition Deep Rock Galactic PS4 & PS5 Demeo Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Hinokami Chronicles PS4 & PS5 Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Hinokami Chronicles Ultimate Edition Destroy All Humans! 2 – Reprobed: Dressed to Skill Edition Devil May Cry 5 Special Edition Diablo® IV – Expansion Bundle Diablo® IV – Standard Edition Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons Dragon Age™: The Veilguard DRAGON BALL FighterZ PS4 & PS5 DRAGON BALL XENOVERSE 2 DRAGON BALL Z: KAKAROT DRAGON BALL Z: KAKAROT Legendary Edition Dragon’s Dogma 2 Deluxe Edition DREDGE – Digital Deluxe Edition Dungeons 4 Dying Light 2 Stay Human PS4&PS5 DYNASTY WARRIORS 9 Empires DYNASTY WARRIORS 9 Empires Deluxe Edition DYSMANTLE EA SPORTS FC™ 25 Standard Edition PS4 & PS5 EA SPORTS™ College Football 25 EA SPORTS™ Madden NFL 25 EA SPORTS™ MVP Bundle (Madden NFL 25 Deluxe Edition & College Football 25 Deluxe Edition)… EA SPORTS™ PGA TOUR™ EA SPORTS™ WRC 24 EARTH DEFENSE FORCE 6 DELUXE EDITION PS4 & PS5 EARTH DEFENSE FORCE: WORLD BROTHERS 2 PS4 & PS5 Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes Empire of the Ants Enotria: The Last Song – Deluxe edition Escape Academy Evil West Exoprimal PS4 & PS5 Expeditions: A MudRunner Game – Supreme Edition (PS4 & PS5) Expeditions: A MudRunner Game (PS4 & PS5) Fabledom Fallout 4 Far Cry® 6 Game of the Year Edition FAR CRY®6 Standard Edition PS4 & PS5 FATAL FRAME: Maiden of Black Water PS4 & PS5 FATAL FRAME: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse (PS4 & PS5) Fate/Samurai Remnant Digital Deluxe Edition(PS4 & PS5) Fate/Samurai Remnant(PS4 & PS5) Fernbus Coach Simulator FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH Digital Deluxe Edition FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE & REBIRTH Twin Pack FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE Digital Deluxe Edition FINAL FANTASY XVI FINAL FANTASY XVI COMPLETE EDITION First Responder Simulation Bundle: Police Firefighting Forspoken Fort Solis Funko Fusion Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleashed Ecto Edition Ghostrunner Ghostrunner 2 Ghostrunner 2 Brutal Edition Ghostwire: Tokyo Deluxe Edition Gloomhaven Gold Edition Goat Simulator 3 God of War Ragnarök Gotham Knights Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising Deluxe Edition Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising Standard Edition Granblue Fantasy: Relink Digital Deluxe Edition Granblue Fantasy: Relink Special Edition Granblue Fantasy: Relink Standard Edition Grand Rush VR Highway Car Traffic Racing Simulator Grand Theft Auto V (PlayStation®5) Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition (PS5 & PS4) GreedFall – Standard Edition Greyhill Incident Grocery Market Simulator Manager Grounded PS4® & PS5® Guilty Gear -Strive- Gun Club VR GUNDAM BREAKER 4 PS4 & PS5 GUNDAM BREAKER 4 Ultimate Edition PS4 & PS5 GYLT Harold Halibut Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions Deluxe Edition PS4 & PS5 Haven Hazelight Bundle Hell Let Loose HELLDIVERS™ 2 Hellsweeper VR High On Life HITMAN World of Assassination – Deluxe Edition Hogwarts Legacy + Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions Deluxe Editions Bundle… Hogwarts Legacy PS5 Version Home Safety Hotline Horizon Forbidden West™ HOT WHEELS UNLEASHED™ 2 – Turbocharged – Deluxe Edition PS4 & PS5 HOT WHEELS UNLEASHED™ 2 – Turbocharged – Legendary Edition PS4 & PS5 HOT WHEELS UNLEASHED™ 2 – Turbocharged PS4 & PS5 Hotel Renovator – Five Star Edition HUMANKIND™ Heritage Edition PS4 & PS5 Hunt: Showdown 1896 – Premium Edition Hunt: Showdown 1896 – Starter Edition Hunting Simulator 2 Elite Edition IMMORTALS FENYX RISING – GOLD EDITION PS4 & PS5 Insurgency: Sandstorm – Gold Edition [PS4 & PS5] Insurgency: Sandstorm [PS4 & PS5] Into the Radius Iron Harvest – Complete Edition Isonzo JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: All-Star Battle R Deluxe Edition PS4 & PS5 Jujutsu Kaisen Cursed Clash PS4 & PS5 Jujutsu Kaisen Cursed Clash Ultimate Edition PS4 & PS5 Jurassic World Aftermath Collection PS4 & PS5 Jusant Just Dance 2025 Edition Just Dance 2025 Ultimate Edition KeyWe Kingdoms and Castles Kong: Survivor Instinct Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess PS4 & PS5 Lake PS4 & PS5 Lakeview Cabin Collection LEGO® Harry Potter™ Collection LEGO® 2K Drive Cross-Gen Standard Edition LEGO® Horizon Adventures™ LEGO® Horizon Adventures™ Digital Deluxe Edition LEGO® Star Wars™: The Skywalker Saga Galactic Edition LEGO® Star Wars™: The Skywalker Saga PS4 & PS5 Lies of P Life is Strange: Double Exposure Life is Strange: Double Exposure Ultimate Edition Life is Strange: True Colors – Deluxe Edition PS4 & PS5 Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth PS4 & PS5 Like a Dragon: Ishin! Digital Deluxe Edition PS4 & PS5 Little Nightmares II PS4 & PS5 Lords of the Fallen Deluxe Edition MADiSON MADiSON VR Maneater Apex Edition Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy PS4 & PS5 Marvel’s Midnight Suns Enhanced Edition Marvel’s Midnight Suns Legendary Edition for PS5™ Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 Digital Deluxe Edition Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered Medieval Dynasty MEGATON MUSASHI W: WIRED Deluxe Edition MEGATON MUSASHI W: WIRED Standard Edition METAL GEAR SOLID – Master Collection Version PS4 & PS5 METAL GEAR SOLID 2: Sons of Liberty – Master Collection Version PS4 & PS5 Metaphor: ReFantazio PS4 & PS5 Metro Awakening Metro Exodus Minecraft Legends MLB® The Show™ 24 Digital Deluxe Edition PS5® and PS4® MLB® The Show™ 24 PS5® MONOPOLY® Monster Energy Supercross – The Official Videogame 6 PS4 & PS5 Monster Hunter Rise + Sunbreak Monster Hunter Rise PS4 & PS5 Monster Jam™ Showdown – Big Air Edition PS4 & PS5 Monster Jam™ Showdown PS4 & PS5 Morbid: The Lords of Ire MORDHAU Mortal Kombat 11 Mortal Kombat™ 1 Mortal Kombat™ 1: Khaos Reigns Kollection Moss MotoGP™24 PS4 & PS5 Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord Moving Out 2 Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation Quest of Memories MX vs ATV Legends – 2024 Monster Energy Supercross Edition MXGP 2021 – The Official Motocross Videogame MY LITTLE PONY: A Maretime Bay Adventure My Little Pony: A Zephyr Heights Mystery NARUTO X BORUTO Ultimate Ninja STORM CONNECTIONS Deluxe Edition PS4 & PS5 NBA 2K25 All-Star Edition NBA 2K25 Standard Edition Need for Speed™ Unbound Need for Speed™ Unbound Ultimate Collection Neon White NEW WORLD: AETERNUM New World: Aeternum Deluxe Edition NHL® 25 Standard Edition NHRA Championship Drag Racing: Speed For All Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2 – Ultimate Edition Nickelodeon Kart Racers 3: Slime Speedway Turbo Edition Nikoderiko: The Magical World No Man’s Sky PS4 & PS5 Nobody Wants to Die OCTOPATH TRAVELER II PS4&PS5 OCTOPATH TRAVELER PS4&PS5 ON THE ROAD – The Truck Simulator ONE PIECE ODYSSEY Deluxe Edition PS4 & PS5 Outcast – A New Beginning Outer Wilds Outer Wilds: Archaeologist Edition Outward Definitive Edition Overcooked! All You Can Eat Pacific Drive: Deluxe Edition PAC-MAN WORLD Re-PAC PS4 & PS5 Paleo Pines PS4 & PS5 Palworld PAW Patrol World PAW Patrol: Grand Prix PAYDAY 3 PAYDAY 3: Year 1 Edition Persona 3 Reload Digital Deluxe Edition PS4 & PS5 Persona 5 Tactica PS4 & PS5 PGA 2K23 Cross-Gen Edition PGA TOUR 2K23 Tiger Woods Edition Phasmophobia Pistol Whip PS4 & PS5 Planet Coaster 2 Planet of Lana Pneumata Police Simulator: Patrol Officers: Gold Edition Potion Craft: Alchemist Simulator Potion Permit PowerWash Simulator Prince of Persia The Lost Crown Project Wingman: Frontline 59 Propagation: Paradise Hotel Quake II Railway Empire 2 Rain World Red Matter Collection Remnant II® – Deluxe Edition RESIDENT EVIL 2 RESIDENT EVIL 3 Resident Evil 4 Gold Edition PS4 & PS5 RESIDENT EVIL 7 biohazard Resident Evil 7 Gold Edition & Village Gold Edition PS4 & PS5 Resident Evil Village PS4 & PS5 Rewind or Die REYNATIS Digital Deluxe Edition Rez Infinite RIDE 5 RIDE 5 – Special Edition Riders Republic PS4 & PS5 Riders Republic™ Complete Edition Risk of Rain 2 RoboCop: Rogue City Rogue Legacy 2 RollerCoaster Tycoon Adventures Deluxe Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven – PS4&PS5 Rugby 22 SaGa Emerald Beyond – PS4&PS5 Saints Row PS4&PS5 Saints Row: The Third Remastered SCARLET NEXUS Ultimate Edition PS4 & PS5 Scars Above Scorn Sea of Stars Sea of Thieves: Deluxe Edition Sea of Thieves: Premium Edition Shadows of Doubt Shredders Shredders – 540INDY Edition Sifu SILENT HILL 2 Sker Ritual Sker Ritual: Digital Deluxe Edition SKULL AND BONES™ Slime Rancher 2 Slitterhead Smalland: Survive the Wilds Sniper Ghost Warrior Contracts 2 SnowRunner – 2-Year Anniversary Edition SnowRunner – 4-Year Anniversary Edition Son and Bone Sonic Frontiers Digital Deluxe Edition PS4 & PS5 SONIC SUPERSTARS Digital Deluxe Edition featuring LEGO® PS4 & PS5 SONIC X SHADOW GENERATIONS Digital Deluxe Edition PS4 & PS5 SOUTH PARK: SNOW DAY! SpongeBob SquarePants™: The Patrick Star Game SPY×ANYA: Operation Memories Deluxe Edition PS4 & PS5 Squirrel with a Gun STAR OCEAN THE SECOND STORY R – PS4 & PS5 STAR WARS Jedi: Fallen Order™ Star Wars Outlaws Star Wars Outlaws Ultimate Edition STAR WARS™ Battlefront Classic Collection STAR WARS™: Dark Forces Remaster Stay Out of the House PS4 & PS5 SteamWorld Heist II STRANGER OF PARADISE FINAL FANTASY ORIGIN Digital Deluxe Edition PS4 & PS5… Street Fighter™ 6 Street Fighter™ 6 Ultimate Edition Street Outlaws 2: Winner Takes All STRIDE: Fates SunnySide Survival: Fountain of Youth – Captain’s Edition Sword and Fairy: Together Forever PS4™ & PS5™ SWORD ART ONLINE Fractured Daydream SWORD ART ONLINE Fractured Daydream Premium Edition SWORD ART ONLINE Last Recollection PS4 & PS5 Swordsman VR Synapse System Shock Tactics Ogre: Reborn Tales of Arise – Beyond the Dawn Ultimate Edition PS4 & PS5 Taxi Life – Supporter Edition Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutants Unleashed – Digital Deluxe Edition Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge TEKKEN 8 TEKKEN 8 Ultimate Edition Terminator: Resistance Enhanced Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown – Gold Edition Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown – Silver Streets Edition Tetris® Effect: Connected Tetris® Forever That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime ISEKAI Chronicles The 7th Guest VR The Casting of Frank Stone™ The Crew Motorfest Cross-Gen Bundle The Crew Motorfest Ultimate Edition The Dark Pictures Anthology: House of Ashes PS4 & PS5 The Dark Pictures Anthology: The Devil in Me PS4™ & PS5™ The Dark Pictures: Switchback VR The Elder Scrolls Online The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Anniversary Edition – PS5 & PS4 The Grinch: Christmas Adventures The Karate Kid: Street Rumble THE KING OF FIGHTERS XV Standard Edition PS4 & PS5 The Last Stand: Aftermath The Legend of Heroes: Trails into Reverie The Legend of Heroes: Trails into Reverie Ultimate Edition The Outer Worlds: Spacer’s Choice Edition The Pathless PS4™ & PS5™ The Quarry for PS5™ The Room VR: A Dark Matter The Sinking City PS5 Deluxe Edition The Smurfs – Dreams PS4 & PS5 The Smurfs – Village Party The Texas Chain Saw Massacre The Walking Dead: Destinies This Bed We Made TIEBREAK – Ace Edition TimeSplitters TimeSplitters 2 TimeSplitters: Future Perfect Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands: Chaotic Great Edition Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege Operator Edition Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege Ultimate Edition Tomb Raider I-III Remastered Starring Lara Croft TopSpin 2K25 Cross-Gen Digital Edition TopSpin 2K25 Grand Slam® Edition Towers of Aghasba Townsmen VR Trailmakers Train Sim World® 5: Standard Edition PS4 & PS5 Transformers Beyond Reality TRANSFORMERS: Galactic Trials Trepang2 Tropico 6 – Next Gen Edition Truck and Logistics Simulator Twelve Minutes Two Point Campus UFC® 5 UNDER NIGHT IN-BIRTH II Sys:Celes Undisputed Unknown 9: Awakening UNO® Until Then VALKYRIE ELYSIUM PS4&PS5 VALKYRIE PROFILE: LENNETH Vampire Hunters PS4 & PS5 Vampire: The Masquerade – Justice VENDETTA FOREVER Vertigo 2 Viewfinder VISAGE Visions of Mana Digital Deluxe Edition PS4 & PS5 Visions of Mana PS4 & PS5 Waltz of the Wizard Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun (PS4 & PS5) Warhammer 40,000: Chaos Gate – Daemonhunters PS4 & PS5 Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader – Voidfarer Edition Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 – Ultra Edition Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Realms of Ruin – Ultimate Edition Watch Dogs: Legion – Ultimate Edition PS4 & PS5 Watch Dogs®: Legion PS4 & PS5 Wayfinder We Love Katamari REROLL+ Royal Reverie Special Edition PS4 & PS5 Welcome to ParadiZe Welcome to ParadiZe – Zombot Edition What Remains of Edith Finch White Day 2: The Flower That Tells Lies – Complete Edition Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? – New Edition PS5 WILD HEARTS™ Karakuri Edition Withering Rooms Wizardry: Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty (PS4 & PS5) Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty Complete Edition (PS4 & PS5) Worms Armageddon: Anniversary Edition WWE 2K24 40 Years of WrestleMania Edition WWE 2K24 Bray Wyatt Edition WWE 2K24 Cross-Gen Digital Edition XIII Yakuza: Like a Dragon Legendary Hero Edition PS4 & PS5 Yakuza: Like a Dragon PS4 & PS5 Ys IX: Monstrum Nox Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of DANA Ys X: Nordics – Digital Deluxe Edition Ys X: Nordics – Digital Ultimate Edition *The Holiday Sale promotion runs from Friday, December 20 00.00am PST/GMT/JST until Friday, January 17 11:59 PM PST/GMT/JST. Some titles in the promotion are only discounted until January 6. Please check the individual product pages on PlayStation Store for more information. View the full article

It was wonderful to see the launch of the PlayStation 5 Pro console a few weeks ago. For those interested in the in-depth technical aspects of PS5 Pro, we’ve put together a video describing the bits and bytes behind the console: how it came together, how it works, and why it’s the first step in an exciting new journey for gamers. You can watch below! Note: the below video is focused on the technology behind PS5 Pro and doesn’t feature new game announcements or new gameplay footage. Play Video In the presentation, you’ll learn what the “advanced” in “Advanced Ray Tracing” really means, the difference between FLOPS and TOPS, and some of the challenges involved in developing the efficient machine learning hardware needed for PSSR – the AI-driven upscaling featured in PS5 Pro. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image At the end of the presentation, I also do something that we typically don’t do at SIE – I touch on how our learnings with PS5 Pro will fuel our future ambitions in our never-ending quest to push the boundaries of play. AMD has been a fantastic partner for SIE for many years now, and I’m honored to announce that we have begun a deeper collaboration with a focus on Machine Learning-based technology for graphics and gameplay. Both AMD and SIE share many of the same goals related to advancing the medium of video games. Watch the presentation to learn more about this exciting plan! View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image We also did an encore presentation of this lecture before an audience including journalists from Digital Foundry, IGN, and Wccftech. Keep an eye out for their coverage, and more discussion of RDNA, ray tracing, and machine learning. View the full article

The polls for the PlayStation Game of the Year 2024 awards closed last week and with the numbers crunched – totalling over 1.6 million votes globally – we can reveal this year’s top contenders across the 19 categories, as shaped solely by your choices. While four titles earned trophies per category, there were numerous games that received support from players worldwide, either through selecting from shortlists or write-in options. A thank you to those who voted, and of course, to those creators and teams whose creativity and craft has been shared and enjoyed on PlayStation consoles the world over. Before we dig into the winners, a quick reminder on the category guidelines: As with the majority of the other categories, Best Multiplayer Experience focuses on titles released in 2024. Best Ongoing Game focuses on titles that have seen new, large scale content or game-changing updates launch over this past year. Best Rerelease is categorized as titles that, in the main, feature upgraded visuals and some QoL improvements but otherwise hew close to their original launch version. This category does not include full-scale remakes of older titles. Those are eligible for Game of the Year consideration. Due to the polls closure date, some titles weren’t eligible for inclusion. Those titles will be eligible in next year’s Awards. If a title won a Platinum Trophy in a category any previous year, it won’t be eligible for inclusion in the same category this year to allow other titles a chance to shine. As such Grand Theft Auto VI isn’t included in The Most Anticipated Game of 2025 and Beyond category – as it earned the Platinum in 2023’s Awards. Congratulations to everyone who released titles this year. Best New Character Platinum Trophy: Eve (Stellar Blade) Gold Trophy: Jane Harrow (Call of Duty: Black Ops 6) Silver Trophy: Emmrich Volkarin (Dragon Age: The Veilguard) Bronze Trophy: Ryoma Sakamoto (Rise of the Rōnin) The Best New Character category received the highest number of write-in votes, so a shout out to – amongst others – Metaphor: ReFantazio’s Strohl, Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail’s Wuk Lamat, and Helldivers 2’s General Brasch, all of whom have fans across the globe. The majority of the votes however were split between Stellar Blade’s Eve, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6’s Jane Harrow, Dragon Age: The Veilguard’s Emmrich Volkarin and Rise of the Rōnin’s Ryoma Sakamoto. Best Story Platinum Trophy: Silent Hill 2 Gold Trophy: Final Fantasy VII Rebirth Silver Trophy: Stellar Blade Bronze Trophy: Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 The Best Story category had strong competition this year, including new gripping narratives in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Stellar Blade. Two unforgettable remakes duked it out for top position: Silent Hill 2 and Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth. The votes for number one were remarkably close. Ultimately, James Sunderland’s surreal return trip to Silent Hill took the top spot. Bloober Team and Konami’s remake of this PS2 classic captured the dreamlike essence of the original title while enhancing it with high-fidelity facial capture to add extra nuance to the town’s troubled visitors. We’ll see Silent Hill 2 in our restless dreams for years. Best Graphical Showcase Platinum Trophy: Black Myth: Wukong Gold Trophy: Astro Bot Silver Trophy: Final Fantasy VII Rebirth Bronze Trophy: Stellar Blade You know that moment when you’re playing a game and you just have to stop and say wow? 2024 has been choc-full of those thanks to a line-up of gorgeous games which have pushed the boundaries of what is possible graphically. Adventures like Stellar Blade and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth brought a realistic style to their fantastic worlds, while the bright and playful planets inhabited by Astro and his bot buddies captured the hearts (and eyes) of gamers everywhere. Perhaps one of the most memorable of those moments is the opening of Black Myth: Wukong, which sees you raising your staff in a stunning fight amidst the clouds. But that’s just the beginning; the action epic’s towering mountains, dense forests and glistening snowfields really highlighted just how beautiful PS5’s visuals can be, helping it claim this year’s Platinum trophy. Best Art Direction Platinum Trophy: Astro Bot Gold Trophy: Final Fantasy VII Rebirth Silver Trophy: Silent Hill 2 Bronze Trophy: Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero The games of 2024 brought top-tier artistic visions to life, from harrowing horrors to fantastical creatures. Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero captured the source material perfectly, Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth featured top-tier character and boss design, while Silent Hill 2 beautifully recaptured the moody atmosphere of the PS2 original with a fresh aesthetic. However, Team Asobi’s Astro Bot leaped up to claim top prize in the category. The platforming adventure’s Bots sport loving homages to classic game characters decked out in gear that thoughtfully distills the original character design. Each stage is a visual banger to boot, including inventive knife-juggling ghosts, traditional Japanese architecture, and outlandish sci-fi contraptions. Congrats to Team Asobi. Best Audio Design Platinum Trophy: Astro Bot Gold Trophy: Silent Hill 2 Silver Trophy: Final Fantasy VII Rebirth Bronze Trophy: Stellar Blade This year our ears rang with clashing metal, buzzing gadgets, and small towns creaking and moaning, breathing detailed life into the environments we played through. But it was Astro Bot’s all-encompassing auditory adventure that blasted it to the top spot. From Astro’s pitter patter adjusting to whatever terrain he crossed, to the squishes, bangs, and pows of his power suits, every level filled players’ ears with a galaxy of sound. Best Soundtrack Platinum Trophy: Final Fantasy VII Rebirth Gold Trophy: Astro Bot Silver Trophy: Stellar Blade Bronze Trophy: Silent Hill 2 2024 featured stiff competition in the soundtrack department. Astro Bot introduced new tracks we’ll be humming well into 2025. Silent Hill 2 brilliantly recaptured Akira Yamaoka’s eclectic and moody sounds, and Stellar Blade’s soundtrack was, well, stellar. However, Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth secures the top position for Best Soundtrack. It’s no wonder, as the original PlayStation game is considered to have one of the greatest soundtracks in the history of the medium. Each track in Rebirth is stunningly fleshed out with broader instrumentation, from the soothing town of Kalm to the rousing boss battles against Sephiroth. This year, one of the best soundtracks ever only got better. Best Use of DualSense Platinum Trophy: Astro Bot Gold Trophy: Stellar Blade Silver Trophy: Final Fantasy VII Rebirth Bronze Trophy: Silent Hill 2 If you’ve heard the clash of Eve’s blade ring out from its speaker, or felt the pitter-patter of the rain in Silent Hill, you know how much more immersive the DualSense can make your games. And this year, many developers made the most of its features to make their games more terrifying, challenging and enjoyable. With Astro Bot, winner of this year’s Platinum trophy for use of DualSense, Team Asobi built on what they created in the past. From rolling Astro around in a LocoRoco-inspired world to clearing the path with a blow of your breath, every element of the adventure is developed with the controller in mind, adding to the enjoyment of an already joyful game. Best Accessibility Features Platinum Trophy: Astro Bot Gold Trophy: The Last of Us Part II Remastered Silver Trophy: Silent Hill 2 Bronze Trophy: Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered Team Asobi has not only crafted an epic, nostalgic adventure paying homage to PlayStation’s extensive 30-year history, they’ve also championed accessibility by design! High contrast visuals, a streamlined, Access Controller-friendly control scheme, and truly unique implementation of haptic feedback with visual cues in tow, ensure players can explore a bevy of vibrant worlds alongside Astro. Best Multiplayer Experience Platinum Trophy: Helldivers 2 Gold Trophy: Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Silver Trophy: Fortnite Bronze Trophy: Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero Dispensing peace doesn’t come easy, but the taste of liber-tea is that much sweeter when shared with a team. This year players united under the Helldivers 2 flag of democracy to fight off bots and bugs. Whether you dropped in with friends or completed mission objectives with strangers online, we salute you. Best Ongoing Game Platinum Trophy: Fortnite Gold Trophy: Final Fantasy XIV Online Silver Trophy: Call of Duty Bronze Trophy: No Man’s Sky Nothing lasts forever, but some games have evolved into an ever-growing ecosystem. Constant updates bringing new fierce competitions in Gran Turismo 7, rebuilding a universe from the ground up in No Man’s Sky and exploring new frontiers in Final Fantasy XIV Online. With constant innovation, never-ending stories, and a whole galaxy to explore there was one game that has withstood the test of time above the rest. Fortnite. Whether it’s dancing with Snoop Dogg, tackling teams with the TMNT, or just hanging with your best friends and anime characters, Fortnite appeals to the imagination of us all. Add in modes like LEGO, car racing, and even an FPS, and you have a game that is greater than the sum of its parts. Best Expansion Platinum Trophy: Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree Gold Trophy: God of War Ragnarök: Valhalla Silver Trophy: Final Fantasy XVI: The Rising Tide Bronze Trophy: Alan Wake 2: The Lake House Wanted to explore more of Kratos’ history? God of War Ragnarök: Valhalla delivered. Craved a new Final Fantasy XVI story? 2024 had you covered. Needed more Alan Wake in your life? Yup, got that too. There was no shortage of expansions of already fantastic games this year. God of War Ragnarök: Valhalla took you to the trials of the Norse afterlife, while Alan Wake 2: The Lake House acted as an unnerving addendum to an already terrifying adventure. Meanwhile, we left the Lands Between to journey to the Land of Shadow in Elden Ring’s Shadow of the Erdtree expansion. Easily one of the biggest expansions of the year, it brought dozens of new enemies and bosses to face, a whole new map to explore and countless new ways to grow your Tarnished’s armoury. The sheer amount of content aside, Shadow of the Erdtree also introduced one of FromSoftware’s most challenging boss fights ever, adding a delicious and deadly cherry on top of an incredible adventure. Best Sports Game Platinum Trophy: EA Sports FC 25 Gold Trophy: WWE 2K24 Silver Trophy: F1 24 Bronze Trophy: NBA 2K25 High-scoring action was plentiful for sports game players in 2024. F1 24’s improved Dynamic Handling dazzled adrenaline junkies with realistic heart-pumping races, while WWE 2K24 came off the top rope to deliver nostalgia by bringing back fan-favorite match types. The competition was strong but EA Sports FC 25 took home the chip, securing the Best Sports Game title for 2024. The new FC IQ feature overhauled tactics and delivered the most strategic control over gameplay in the franchise’s history. EA Sports FC 25 also made it easier to pick up and play with friends in the 5v5 Rush mode, as smaller teams bring more time on the ball for players who want to be close to the action. Best Rerelease Platinum Trophy: The Last of Us Part II Remastered Gold Trophy: Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered Silver Trophy: Tomb Raider I-III Remastered Bronze Trophy: Marvel vs Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics The Last of Us Part II Remastered kicked down the door at the beginning of 2024 with its impressive visual enhancements, crisp frame rate, and new No Return mode that offered new challenges once players completed the emotionally charged story. Crisp foliage, dense shadows, and detailed character design pushed this release to be players’ definitive version of the game. Best Independent Game Platinum Trophy: Balatro Gold Trophy: Palworld Silver Trophy: Phasmophobia Bronze Trophy: Five Nights at Freddy’s: Help Wanted 2 (Flat Version) The frights of Phasmophobia and Five Nights at Freddy’s: Help Wanted 2 kept players on their toes, and monster-taming adventure Palworld helped them build community. But this hand ultimately went to Balatro, which built a deck of roguelite fun that turned poker on its head and kept players locked into its hypnotically fun gameplay loop all year. Best PS VR2 Game Platinum Trophy: Resident Evil 4 VR Mode Gold Trophy: Metro Awakening Silver Trophy: Phasmophobia Bronze Trophy: Cooking Simulator VR Immersive horror frights proved a strong draw for PS VR2 players. Despite launching this time last year, Resident Evil 4 VR Mode is still a vivid memory for many, pulling in the majority of player votes as Capcom sublimely adapted the thrills of its survival horror franchise for VR. Vertigo Games brought the post-apolycaptic world of Metro to VR, adding in immersive features while retaining that franchise’s taut, oppressive atmosphere. Phasmophobia proved supernatural escapades are best with company, and Cooking Simulator VR delighted with its culinary chaos. Best PS4 Game Platinum Trophy: Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Gold Trophy: Metaphor: ReFantazio Silver Trophy: Sonic X Shadow Generations Bronze Trophy: Persona 3 Reload Some of 2024’s best games launched on both PS5 and PS4 this year. Atlus delivered two RPG bangers with Personal 3 Reload and Metaphor ReFantazio. Sega also expanded on its hedgehog love letter in Sonic X Shadow Generations, featuring a new campaign. What a year for Sega! Despite the strong competition, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 secures the Best PS4 Game victory this year. Treyarch and its development partners delivered a gripping, action-packed campaign, ushered in the return of round-based Zombies mode, and offered the endless excitement of genre-defining multiplayer. Congrats to the Call of Duty developers for this year’s achievement. Best PS5 Game Platinum Trophy: Astro Bot Gold Trophy: Black Myth: Wukong Silver Trophy: Final Fantasy VII Rebirth Bronze Trophy: Stellar Blade Great gaming experiences launched across the entire stretch of 2024, and four in particular were seemingly top of mind for many voters. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth’s lavish and expansive RPG adventure kicked things off back in February. Stellar Blade’s sci-fi action unleashed itself on PS5 two months later, with Black Myth: Wukong’s own take on tight combat mechanics leapt into the fray in August. But it was the platforming adventures of Astro Bot, released in September, that netted the majority of votes. Studio of the Year Platinum Trophy: Team Asobi Gold Trophy: Bandai Namco Silver Trophy: Shift Up Bronze Trophy: Arrowhead Games No video game would exist without talented people and teams pouring their passions into the medium. Every year, we are privileged to experience the imagination and ideas that took years to bring to life. We had one of the greatest satire multiplayer experiences, a new staple in the action-adventure genre, and a team putting out multiple hits in a calendar year. Still, the studio that captured the hearts of players was Team Asobi. Through Astro Bot, Team Asobi tapped into the simplistic yet hard-to-master, joy of playing a video game. From invoking feelings in seasoned gamers they may have forgotten, to being a new gamer’s first magical experience. They prove to players they have the talent to bring out the best in the art form. Most Anticipated Game of 2025 and Beyond Platinum Trophy: Ghost of Yōtei Gold Trophy: Marvel’s Wolverine Silver Trophy: Death Stranding 2: On The Beach Bronze Trophy: Monster Hunter Wilds Hotly-anticipated heavyweights line the horizon of 2025 onwards. Players haven’t long to wait either: Monster Hunter Wilds launches in just over two months. While its beast-fighting delights kickstart the year, Sucker Punch’s latest adventure will bring sword clashes, exploration and more to 2025 in the form of Ghost of Yōtei. And with Insomniac’s and Kojima Production’s latest works also part of PlayStation’s future, there’s a lot to be excited about. View the full article

Experience the magic of the holidays in Stellar Blade. Xion, adorned with warm, festive lights, is ready to welcome you with the spirit of hope and humanity. Join us for a special event designed to bring joy and comfort to your everyday life. A Xion filled with seasonal romance awaits you on December 17! Holiday scenery in Xion 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 View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image A colorful Christmas tree brightens Xion, transforming the once cold city square into a cozy, festive space with warm lights and decorations. The Last Gulp, where Xion’s citizens gather after peace is restored, is also decorated for the holidays. In the camp, the seasonal BGM ‘Dawn (Winter)’ and ‘Take me away’ create a relaxing atmosphere. These romantic tunes will enhance your holiday relaxation by melting away battle tension. A surprise gift from Santa A new mini-game has arrived in Xion, offering a break from survival struggles. Enjoy the gameplay and earn rewards upon completion. The Santa Dress for Eve is designed as an adorable and festive appearance. The I’m No Santa costume for Adam has a humorous twist. Complete the look with the Santa Girl hairstyle and personalize it with accessories such as Snow Crystal Glasses, Wreath Earrings, and Sleigh Ear Cuffs. 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 The newly added Rudolph Pack cosmetic for the Drone is an endearing item reimagining Rudolph leading Santa’s sleigh. With a red nose and cute horns, this Drone is sure to brighten up your holiday. Set the season as you please On/Off feature has been newly added for the seasonal events and NieR:Automata DLC content. You can now enjoy the game whenever and however you want. Always with a heart full of gratitude Create unforgettable memories with these gifts prepared in Stellar Blade this cold winter. The dev team put extra touch to this update to deliver a joyful holiday to all. May the streets of Xion that were once cold, and empty be filled with the wonders of the season. We strive to bring joy to your life. Have a warm and happy holidays with Stellar Blade! View the full article

Hi everyone! Hope you have been having good holiday season so far! We are happy to share the Holiday Sale in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam that will feature discounts on PlayStation peripherals (e.g.: PS VR2 and DualSense wireless controller) and select blockbuster PS5 titles (e.g.: ASTRO BOT and Stellar Blade). Holiday Sale 2024 promotion starts from December 19th 2024 till January 1st 2025, just in time for holiday gifting season, in participating retailers: https://www.playstation.com/local/retailers/. Please see below for full details of Holiday Sale 2024 in in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam. Singapore PeripheralsOriginal SRPPromotion SRPPlayStation VR2SGD 869SGD 599Pulse Elite Wireless HeadsetSGD 199.90SGD 173.90Pulse Explore Wireless EarbudsSGD 295.90SGD 256.90 PS5 Game TitlesOriginal SRPPromotion SRPASTRO BOTSGD 79.90SGD 67.90Gran Turismo® 7SGD 97.90SGD 40.90God of War™ RagnarökSGD 97.90SGD 40.90Marvel’s Spider-Man 2SGD 97.90SGD 54.90Rise of the Ronin™SGD 97.90SGD 54.90The Last of Us™ Part II RemasteredSGD 67.90SGD 54.90Stellar BladeSGD 97.90SGD 67.90Ghost of Tsushima Director’s CutSGD 97.90SGD 40.90Helldivers 2SGD 54.90SGD 40.90LEGO Horizon AdventuresSGD 79.90SGD 54.90 Malaysia PeripheralsOriginal SRPPromotion SRPPlayStation VR2MYR 2,799MYR 1,859Pulse Elite Wireless HeadsetMYR 699MYR 609Pulse Explore Wireless EarbudsMYR 999MYR 869 PS5 Game TitlesOriginal SRPPromotion SRPASTRO BOTMYR 249MYR 209Gran Turismo® 7MYR 299MYR 129God of War™ RagnarökMYR 299MYR 129Marvel’s Spider-Man 2MYR 299MYR 169Rise of the Ronin™MYR 299MYR 169The Last of Us™ Part II RemasteredMYR 209MYR 169Stellar BladeMYR 299MYR 209Ghost of Tsushima Director’s CutMYR 299MYR 129Helldivers 2MYR 169MYR 129LEGO Horizon AdventuresMYR 249MYR 169 Thailand PeripheralsOriginal SRPPromotion SRPPlayStation VR2THB 22,190THB 14,890Pulse Elite Wireless HeadsetTHB 5,190THB 4,490Pulse Explore Wireless EarbudsTHB 7,790THB 6,790 PS5 Game TitlesOriginal SRPPromotion SRPASTRO BOTTHB 1,990THB 1,690Gran Turismo® 7THB 2,290THB 990God of War™ RagnarökTHB 2,290THB 990Marvel’s Spider-Man 2THB 2,290THB 1,290Rise of the Ronin™THB 2,290THB 1,290The Last of Us™ Part II RemasteredTHB 1,690THB 1,290Stellar BladeTHB 2,290THB 1,690Ghost of Tsushima Director’s CutTHB 2,290THB 990Helldivers 2THB 1,290THB 990LEGO Horizon Adventures THB 1,990THB 1,290 Indonesia PeripheralsOriginal SRPPromotion SRPPlayStation VR2IDR 10,599,000 IDR 7,319,000 PlayStation®VR2 Horizon Call of the Mountain bundleIDR 11,499,000 IDR 7,319,000 Pulse Elite Wireless HeadsetIDR 2,499,000 IDR 2,179,000 Pulse Explore Wireless EarbudsIDR 3,599,000 IDR 3,129,000 PS5 Game TitlesOriginal SRPPromotion SRPASTRO BOTIDR 879,000 IDR 729,000 Gran Turismo® 7IDR 1,029,000 IDR 439,000 God of War™ RagnarökIDR 1,029,000 IDR 439,000 Marvel’s Spider-Man 2IDR 1,029,000 IDR 579,000 Rise of the Ronin™IDR 1,029,000 IDR 579,000 The Last of Us™ Part II RemasteredIDR 729,000 IDR 579,000 Stellar BladeIDR 1,029,000 IDR 729,000 Ghost of Tsushima Director’s CutIDR 1,029,000 IDR 439,000 Helldivers 2IDR 579,000 IDR 439,000 LEGO Horizon Adventures IDR 879,000IDR 579,000 Vietnam PeripheralsOriginal SRPPromotion SRPPlayStation VR2VND 17,890,000VND 12,790,000Pulse Elite Wireless HeadsetVND 3,999,000VND 3,479,000Pulse Explore Wireless EarbudsVND 5,699,000VND 4,949,000 PS5 Game TitlesOriginal SRPPromotion SRPASTRO BOTVND 1,499,000VND 1,249,000Gran Turismo® 7VND 1,799,000VND 749,000God of War™ RagnarökVND 1,799,000VND 749,000Marvel’s Spider-Man 2VND 1,799,000VND 999,000Rise of the Ronin™VND 1,799,000VND 999,000The Last of Us™ Part II RemasteredVND 1,249,000VND 999,000Stellar BladeVND 1,799,000VND 1,249,000LEGO Horizon Adventures VND 1,499,000VND 999,000 View the full article

Email us at PSPodcast@sony.com! Subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or download here Hey gang! This week, Final Fantasy creator Hironobu Sakaguchi stops by to discuss his latest game, Fantasian Neo Dimension. Plus, the PlayStation 30th anniversary celebration continues as the crew shares their favorite games on PS5 and PS VR2. Through the end of the year, we’ll continue featuring picks from listeners and developers (and Kristen will return to share her top PlayStation games from the past 30 years). Stuff We Talked About Next week’s release highlights: Flint: Treasure of Oblivion| PS5 Alien: Rogue Incursion | PS VR2 Interview w/ Hironobu Sakaguchi (begins at 4:41) Special listener and developer’s favorite PlayStation games segment The podcast crew highlights their top games on PS5 and PS VR2 (discussion to be continued…) 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 Tim Turi – Content Communications Manager, 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, asked you to share your favorite PlayStation games, consoles, and gaming collections using #PSshare #PSBlog to celebrate PlayStation’s 30th anniversary. Here are this week’s nostalgic highlights: View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image dwardlozano shares the in-game 30th anniversary celebration in Astro Bot. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image call_me_xavii shares a picture of their old PS One. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image silentgear1 shares their expansive PlayStation collection, which includes the full God of War gaming lineup. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image MrioMoreno5 shares a collection of games across the generations that spell out PS. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image rumunskibugarin shares Castlevania: Symphony of the Night booted up on PS1, surrounded by a PS2, a PSP, and PS VR2 headset. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image UnlimitedGamesX shares their PlayStation collection laid out by era, with PS1, PS2, PS3, and PS Vita. Search #PSshare #PSBlog on Twitter or Instagram to see more entries to this week’s theme. Want to be featured in the next Share of the Week? View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image THEME: Astro Bot – Winter Wonder Level SUBMIT BY: 11:59 PM PT on December 18, 2024 Next week, we’re blasting back into Astro Bot to explore the newly released Winter Wonder level. Share moments jumping through the snow and presents using #PSshare #PSBlog for a chance to be featured. View the full article