Commander Fury

Kristen and I got a chance to go eyes on (and hands on) with the PlayStation Pro console for the first time, and first impressions are promising. Though we didn’t have to time fully investigate every one of the games at last week’s hands-on event, even a cursory review of the PS5 Pro Enhanced games on display revealed immediate and noticeable benefits compared to the current PS5 console. It was interesting to see how different studios leveraged PS5 Pro’s advanced hardware. Many PS5 games currently allow players to choose between Fidelity and Performance modes to cater to players’ tastes. Some of the PS5 Pro games we saw seemed to combine the benefits of both high fidelity and high performance, taking the experience to another level. This “best of both worlds” approach was fully apparent in Horizon Forbidden West‘s Pro Performance mode expected to land on November 7 with the launch of PS5 Pro. Compared to the stock Performance mode on PS5, the extra horsepower afforded by PS5 Pro allows for the same high framerate while massively improving image quality. Visual grittiness in fine environmental details like moss, leaves, and the red stealth bushes is banished, but even some textures and holograms looked noticeably cleaner and crisper. The Pro Performance mode also benefits the game’s volumetric effects; misty sunbeams were free of distracting shimmers and strobing we noticed in the PS5’s stock Performance mode. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth sported an impressive PS5 Pro glow up, sporting a high framerate and pin-sharp presentation in its new Enhanced Mode due out November 7. While exploring the countryside, we observed crystal clear vistas devoid of distracting shimmering and visual noise, particularly in classic trouble spots like far-off trees and structures. Then we visited the Gold Saucer’s high-contrast environments, where the neon lights resolved cleanly against the darker environment surfaces. Perhaps more importantly, the high framerate had tangible benefits for combat and traversal, making this a significant upgrade. The Last of Us Part II Remastered gave another impressive demonstration of PS5 Pro’s vision of high visual quality married to a high framerate. Blades of grass and leaves resolved cleanly, without any distracting shimmering effects or visual noise. Similarly, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 was observed running at both a high frame rate and crisp Fidelity-mode resolution and feature set, including its signature ray-traced reflections. It wove a gorgeous presentation overall, balancing small trade-offs to provide the best-looking Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 experience we’ve seen on PlayStation. Which brings up another topic: ray tracing has seen a more than 2x performance boost on PS5 Pro. And while not every game leverages this unique technology, we’re seeing some very interesting results in early PS5 Pro testing. Hogwarts Legacy is taking a unique approach for PS5 Pro by emphasizing ray tracing quality via its new Fidelity ray tracing Mode due out at the console’s launch. Based on what we saw, this new mode provides a big boost to the lighting system by adding raytraced shadows and enhancing raytraced reflections, all while targeting a stable 30 fps. Seeing your character realistically reflected in a suit of armor is a stunning demonstration of ray tracing’s potential, while the upgraded RT shadows bring another visual flourish to an already polished game. Though ray tracing seems to be the main focus for developer Avalanche, the game’s Performance Mode and Fidelity Mode will see quality enhancements too. GT7 is targeting a November release for a new patch that will add several new PS5 Pro-focused rendering modes, including a Raytrace Priority mode that adds eye-catching new car reflections. F1 24 is upgrading its Quality mode to add new ray tracing effects that shined particularly on rain-soaked courses and made the tracks feel more realistic and immersive. Play Video GT7 will also include an optional and experimental 8K/60fps rendering mode that emphasizes hyper-crisp, hyper-clean visuals (yes, you have to have an 8K display). Those are just our first impressions. We can’t wait to get more time with PS5 Pro when it launches on November 7. Learn more about how game creators are taking advantage of the PlayStation 5 Pro console. Ray tracing and high frame rate gameplay features only available on select PS5 games that have been enhanced for PS5 Pro when compared with PS5. PS5 Pro enhanced features will vary by game. Enhanced features require a compatible display. View the full article

Gran Turismo players! The world’s fastest drivers will be in Tokyo on September 28 for GT World Series 2024 Round 3. Get involved with special campaigns on Gran Turismo 7 including the Predict the Winners challenge where you can earn up to 2,000,000 in-game Credits Tokyo is the penultimate round, with the Manufacturers Cup and Nations Cup Champions set to be crowned at the World Finals in Amsterdam from December 6-8 (tickets go on sale this weekend) Play Video Round 3 of the Gran Turismo World Series 2024 takes place on Saturday, September 28 at Theater Milano-Za at the Kabukicho Tower in the Shinjuku area of Tokyo. After a season full of stunning action and drama on track the event is sold out. But you can catch all the action live at the following times and platforms. Manufacturers Cup – 00:00 PDT | EDT 03:00 | UTC 07:00 | CEST 09:00 | Local time JST 16:00 Nations Cup – 03:00 PDT | EDT 06:00 | UTC 10:00 | CEST 12:00 | Local time JST 19:00 The Gran Turismo website – https://www.gran-turismo.com/world/live/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@GRANTURISMOTV Twitch – https://www.twitch.tv/granturismoofficial Win big and race like the best on Gran Turismo 7 As ever, there are plenty of ways to get involved in the World Series in-game. By clicking on the Predict the Winners campaign banner on the GT7 World Map, players can win one million credits for each of the Nations Cup and the Manufacturers Cup with votes cast right up to the start of the final race of each. Simply watching the broadcast in-game will also unlock some special iconic Japanese race cars in GT7 through the Viewers Gift campaign. Players watching the Manufacturers Cup will receive the Mazda 787B while watching the Nations Cup in-game unlocks the Xanavi Nismo GT-R (GT500) ’08. Players can also take part in two special challenges in Gran Turismo 7 that reflect the car and track combinations from the show in Tokyo. The Nations Cup Grand Final is mirrored with an Online Time Trial featuring the X2019 Competition car on the Grand Valley Highway 1 so that players can check how they compare with the Nations Cup qualifying times. A Daily Race in Gran Turismo 7 will feature Gr. 3 cars on Australia’s Mount Panorama Motor Racing Circuit, the same combination as the Manufacturers Cup Grand Final. Gran Turismo World Series 2024 – The story so far Round 1 Usine-C, Montreal, Canada Saturday, July 6 The Manufacturers Cup race saw a familiar face back on top of the podium when Igor Fraga drove a faultless race for Team Lexus at the Autódromo de Interlagos. The Brazilian headed Italy’s Valerio Gallo, driving for Team Honda, and Japan’s Team Porsche driver Takuma Sasaki. In the Nations Cup Japanese driver Takuma Miyazono, 2020 Nations Cup Champion, showed exceptional speed and strategic guile at the Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta circuit to take the win by less than a second from hard-charging Spaniards Jose Serrano and Coque López. Round 2 Divadlo Hybernia, Prague, Czech Republic Saturday, August 10 The Manufacturers Cup field was packed with some of the biggest names in competitive Gran Turismo racing. After a tense race, with weather conditions on Gran Turismo’s Dragon Trail Seaside circuit adding to the intensity, few would have predicted that a World Series rookie would take a highly impressive victory for Team Ferrari. Mohamed Buhdeima, a 20-year-old Briton, held off a strong challenge from another debutant, Team Porsche’s Benjamin Hencsei from Hungary, by just 0.092 seconds. France’s Thomas Labouteley, driving for BMW, completed the podium. Team Porsche now heads to Tokyo with the series lead on 9 points. Montreal winners Team Lexus sits in second on 7 points, while Buhdeima’s excellent win in Prague takes Team Ferrari to third. The Italian national anthem sounded a second time in Prague when popular 2021 Nations Cup Champion Valerio Gallo returned to form with an emotional victory in a truly spectacular Grand Final held at the Red Bull Ring. Gallo narrowly defeated France’s Kylian Drumont and an incredible drive saw Spain’s Coque López storm from the very back of the grid to claim 3rd place. The results leave 2022 and 2023 champion López sitting atop the Nations Cup standings with 8 points. Valerio Gallo’s win moves him to second with 7 points, while Takuma Miyazono (who failed to score in Prague) is third on 6 points. Watch this weekend for World Final ticket details Details of how and where to buy tickets for the 2024 World Finals will be announced during the broadcast on Saturday. Amsterdam will host three days of the very best SIM racing action in early December: The Toyota Gazoo Racing GT Cup starts proceedings on Friday, December 6; the Manufacturers Cup will re-unite all three drivers from the 12 manufacturer teams on Saturday, December 7; and on Sunday, December 8 the Nations Cup World Champion will be crowned at Theater Amsterdam. Keep an eye on https://www.gran-turismo.com/world/news/ for more details. View the full article

As revealed during today’s State of Play, the new Chroma Collection introduces a brand new aesthetic to the PS5 family of accessories. The collection for the DualSense wireless controller and PS5 console covers for PlayStation 5 Console (model group – slim) includes three new colors that shine, shimmer, and shift colors from every angle: Play Video Chroma Pearl moves through a range of chic pinks and creams. Chroma Indigo shifts between deep blues and vivid purples. Chroma Teal shimmers through several fresh shades of green. To share more about Chroma Collection’s design and creative process, here’s Leo Cardoso and Satoshi Aoyagi from our Color, Material and Finish design team: “We’ve been waiting for the perfect moment to launch this collection and are thrilled to take this next colorful step in our journey. With a sleek, multichromatic finish that wrap around the entire controller, you’ll notice we’ve carefully refined the colors of every DualSense element to perfectly complement the playful, iridescent transitions.” – Leo Cardoso “Chroma Indigo moves between blue and purple, two fan-favorite colors. Chroma Teal combines yellow-green and blue-green into a fresh and exquisite shade. And if you love the Original White DualSense, you won’t want to miss out on the subtlety and elegance of the Chroma Pearl.” – Satoshi Aoyagi The Chroma DualSense wireless controllers will be available for a recommended retail price (RRP) of SGD 114 / MYR 399 / IDR 1,449,000 / THB 2,690 / PHP 4,590 / VND 2,299,000. The Chroma PS5 console covers for PlayStation 5 console (model group – slim) will be available for a recommended retail price (RRP) of SGD 95 / MYR 309 / IDR 1,109,000 / THB 2,290 / PHP 3,690 / VND 1,769,000. Chroma Pearl and Chroma Indigo accessories launching on November 7, 2024, followed by the launch of Chroma Teal accessories on January 23, 2025. Launch date and availability for the accessories may vary by region, so be sure to check your local retailer for availability. View the full article

As we continue our celebrations leading up to the 30th anniversary of the first PlayStation console launch, we have a special treat to reveal today that brings the past together with the present. Introducing our PlayStation 30th Anniversary Collection to celebrate this wonderful milestone. Play Video The new limited edition designs pay homage to 30 wonderful years of gaming, a journey made possible by the passion and support of our fans and talented game developers. Reminiscent of the very first PlayStation console to launch on December 3, 1994, this limited edition offering utilizes the original PlayStation color design and integrates it into the latest line of PS5 hardware products. The PlayStation 30th Anniversary Collection will be sold in highly limited supply in the following options: 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 PlayStation 5 Pro Console – 30th Anniversary Limited Edition BundIe Includes the limited edition PS5 Pro console with 2TB SSD, Wi-Fi 7 in territories supporting this standard, and matching limited edition accessories – DualSense wireless controller, DualSense Edge wireless controller, DualSense Charging Station, and a Console Cover for a Disc Drive (Disc Drive sold separately). It also includes a Vertical Stand and special collector’s Items: Original PlayStation controller-style cable connector housing Four PlayStation Shapes cable ties PlayStation sticker Limited Edition PlayStation Poster (1 of 30 possible designs) PlayStation Paperclip 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 PlayStation 5 Digital Edition – 30th Anniversary Limited Edition Bundle Includes the limited edition PS5 Digital Edition console with 1TD SSD and matching limited edition accessories – DualSense wireless controller and a Console Cover for a Disc Drive (Disc Drive sold separately). It also includes a Vertical Stand and special collector’s Items: Original PlayStation controller-style cable connector housing Four PlayStation Shapes cable ties PlayStation sticker Limited Edition PlayStation Poster (1 of 30 possible designs) PlayStation Paperclip View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image PlayStation Portal Remote Player – 30th Anniversary Limited Edition (standalone) View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image DualSense Edge Wireless Controller – 30th Anniversary Limited Edition (standalone) View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image DualSense Wireless Controller – 30th Anniversary Limited Edition (standalone) The PlayStation 30th Anniversary Collection will be released on November 21. There will be 12,300 units of the PlayStation 5 Pro Console – 30th Anniversary Limited Edition Bundle available for customers to purchase, with limited edition numbers etched onto the unit. The number represents the month and date of the first PlayStation console launch. We’ve had five fantastic console generations since the launch of our very first PlayStation console. We’re proud of the innovations and experiences we’ve brought to the PlayStation community over the years as we kept up with the latest technology as it advanced. In the early days, the number of pixels was around 300-thousand, and now it is more than 8 million pixels for 4K on screen. Additionally, stereo sound evolved into surround sound – and now we are using 3D audio. The game controller has also evolved, starting with buttons, then came the analog stick and later vibration – and now we have haptics and even adaptive triggers. Everything we’ve done is to ensure PlayStation is the best place to play. We believe the beginning of our journey is an important part of our history at Sony Interactive Entertainment, which is why we are honoring this moment by bringing the original PlayStation design theme into the latest products for PS5 to commemorate the last 30 years. As we look ahead to the future, we will continue to innovate as technology evolves, so you can enjoy each memorable moment in your continued journey with PlayStation. Please be sure to check in with us regularly on our 30th anniversary webpage as we’ll have more fun celebration activities as we head towards our 30th anniversary. We’d like to give a heartfelt thanks to everyone for being a PlayStation fan over the last 30 years. There are plenty of great experiences to come and we look forward to the next 30 and beyond! Play Video PlayStation 30th Anniversary Collection Purchase Information in select Southeast Asia countries In Singapore, pre-order contest begins starting September 26, 2024, at 10:00AM (Singapore time) for the following product. PlayStation 5 Pro Console – 30th Anniversary Limited Edition Bundle – Pre-order contest: Please visit this page* for more details which will be shared from September 26, 2024 at 10:00AM (Singapore time). Pre-orders for the following PlayStation 30th Anniversary Collection products can be made from participating retailers starting September 26, 2024 at 10:00AM (Local time). Please check with your local retailers for pre-order details. PlayStation 5 Digital Edition – 30th Anniversary Limited Edition Bundle – Available in: Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia PlayStation Portal Remote Player – 30th Anniversary Limited Edition (standalone) – Available in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia DualSense Edge Wireless Controller – 30th Anniversary Limited Edition (standalone) – Available in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines and Vietnam DualSense Wireless Controller – 30th Anniversary Limited Edition (standalone) – Available in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines and Vietnam Limited quantities at select participating retailers and will be sold while supplies last. *Please refer to the Terms and Conditions on the site for more information. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image *Regions where direct.playstation.com is available: U.S., U.K., France, Germany, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Spain, Portugal, Italy and Austria. View the full article

Name: XBox - FANTASIAN Neo Dimension - Release Date Announcement Trailer Category: Gaming Industry Videos Date Added: 09/25/2024 Submitter: Commander Fury FANTASIAN Neo Dimension - Release Date Announcement Trailer XBox - FANTASIAN Neo Dimension - Release Date Announcement Trailer

Over seven years ago, we released Horizon Zero Dawn into the wilds. Players got to meet Aloy, our leading hero, thrust into a journey of (self-)discovery in a mysterious, far-future world ravaged by deadly machines. It was also the beginning of a thriving community of cosplayers, virtual photographers, fan artists, and content creators who inspire us to this day with their incredible creations. Horizon Zero Dawn is near and dear to many fans, as well as to everyone at Guerrilla. And that community has not stopped growing. Each year, many millions more pick up Horizon Zero Dawn for the first time. But 7 years is a long time in the world of computer graphics; technology improves. As time moved on, we really wished that new players who join Aloy on her origin story can do it with a version that is worthy of their PS5 or compatible PC. And so, we are thrilled to announce that the game has been remastered by our talented friends at Nixxes. Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered launches on October 31. The captivating story and awe-inspiring post-apocalyptic world returns alongside a host of technological improvements, visual enhancements, and upgraded features. It also includes The Frozen Wilds content, a vast expansion featuring additional lands, skills, weapons, and machines. Take a look at the announcement trailer below. Play Video Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered features over 10 hours of re-recorded conversation, mocap and countless graphical improvements that bring the game to the same visual fidelity as its critically acclaimed sequel Horizon Forbidden West. The game’s lush world includes frozen mountains, dense jungles, and arid deserts with stunning new visuals and 4K1 graphics and travelling between settlements is now lightning-fast. The story’s many compelling characters have been upgraded, bringing them in line with current generation advances in character models and rendering. We hope that improved animation, lightning, textures and more will make new and existing fans excited to dive into the action! The audio experience in Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered has been significantly enhanced. We’ve completely revamped the sound mix, now supporting PS5 Tempest 3D Audio Tech2 for higher-order ambisonics and Atmos rendering for an immersive soundscape. Our sound design has also seen major improvements, with hundreds of improvements both in-game and in the cinematics. Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered takes full advantage of the PS5 console’s power and features. The DualSense controller’s haptic feedback and adaptive triggers ensure incredible immersion during tense combat, stealthy exploration, or scaling a gigantic Tallneck. We’ve integrated custom haptics for the DualSense controller throughout the game, providing tactile feedback that heightens immersion. Additionally, we’ve introduced a new optional accessibility feature that utilizes sound and haptic feedback to notify players of interactable elements, such as pickups, that were previously only indicated visually. We’re also very happy to share that Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered comes with native support for PlayStation 5 Pro. This includes a range of graphical features that have been improved to make use of the power of the PS5 Pro, while also delivering ultra-high fidelity at blazing fast framerates. The PC version3 on Windows includes the PlayStation overlay with Trophy support and has its own set of features, such as support for ultra-wide resolutions and the latest performance enhancing technologies like NVIDIA DLSS 3 and AMD FSR 3.1 with frame generation4. We will let our Nixxes partners expand more in a future blog. Many of the accessibility features that were first introduced in Horizon Forbidden West have been included for this Remastered version as well; remappable controls, haptic cues, and various assist toggles will enable all players to fully enjoy the game. For those that have already played it, we’ve made sure that your old save games will work; so this is a great opportunity to dive into New Game+ or get back into Photo Mode with all your previously unlocked outfits and customizations. We’re excited to share that pre-orders for Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered will open on 3 October for both platforms. For existing owners of Horizon Zero Dawn (PS4, PC) and/or Horizon Zero Dawn Complete Edition (PS4, PS5, PC): you can upgrade to the digital version of Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered for USD 9.99 (local pricing TBD) on both PlayStation 5 console and on PC (via Steam or Epic Game Store). This includes fans who added the game to their libraries during PlayStation’s Play At Home initiative. 5 Owners of the Horizon Zero Dawn PS4 game disc can access this offer by inserting the game disc into their PS5 console (and will need to keep the disc inserted each time to play the game). PS4 game disc owners who buy the PS5 Digital Edition disc-free console will not be able to access the upgrade offer. For new fans, the game can be purchased for SGD 67.9 / MYR 209 / IDR 729,000 / THB 1,6906 on PlayStation Store, Steam, or Epic Game Store. You will receive the Horizon Zero Dawn Complete Edition. We will have some more information as we get closer to release day on October 31, so keep an eye on our social channels for updates. From all of us at Guerrilla and Nixxes, thank you for your continued support! 1 4K resolution requires compatible 4K TV or display. 2 3D audio via built in TV speakers or analog/ USB stereo headphones. 3Account for PlayStation Network required on PC. 4 Compatible PC and graphics card required. 5 Redemptions via PlayStation Plus are not eligible to upgrade. 6 Price shown in U.S. currency and may vary by country. Check PS Store at launch on October 31, 2024 for local pricing. View the full article

We’re excited to reveal a new limited edition DualSense wireless controller featuring fan-favorite characters from the Fortnite universe: Fishstick and Peely. Drop into the action and defy the Storm as you build, battle, and create with the new DualSense wireless controller – Fortnite Limited Edition. Play Video The DualSense wireless controller – Fortnite Limited Edition will be available in limited quantities for SGD 119 / MYR 419 / IDR 1,549,000 / THB 2,890 MSRP and will be available for pre-order starting October 3, 2024 and launching in Singapore/Malaysia/Indonesia/Thailand on November 15, 2024. The exact launch date and availability for the controller may vary by region. 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 the full article

Name: XBox - Monster Hunter Wilds: 4th Trailer | Release Date Reveal Category: Gaming Industry Videos Date Added: 09/25/2024 Submitter: Commander Fury Monster Hunter Wilds: 4th Trailer | Release Date Reveal XBox - Monster Hunter Wilds: 4th Trailer | Release Date Reveal

Today’s State of Play packed a lot in its over 30-minute runtime. New game reveals, updates on upcoming titles and much, much more*. If you’re looking to catch up on all the exciting new info, we have you covered below with a full recap and stream archive. Play Video And we also have deeper dives into everything revealed during the show as well, including additional info by the games’ creators. Find all that good stuff directly below, collected into one handy list. Enjoy. Play Video Astro Bot Team Asobi has announced Astro Bot will receive new speedrun levels and 10 new Special Bots to rescue from this Fall. Read more about what you can expect as Team Asobi’s Nicolas Doucet introduces the new content. Play Video Ghost of Yōtei Sucker Punch announced Ghost of Yōtei, which introduces a new protagonist, a new story to unfold, and a new region of Japan to explore, coming to PS5 next year. Find out the more details about the game’s setting and more in a PS Blog post written by the studio. Play Video Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered launches October 31 on PS5 and PC. It features over 10 hours of re-recorded conversation, mocap and countless graphical improvements that bring the game to the same visual fidelity as its critically acclaimed sequel Horizon Forbidden West, and takes full advantage of PS5’s power and features. Guerrilla Studio Director Jan-Bart van Beek shares more on the remaster that’s being handled by Nixxes. Play Video LEGO Horizon Adventures Aloy makes a return to PS5 in a few short months as LEGO Horizon Adventures launches on November 14, with plenty of bonuses if you pre-order. Guerrilla details the game’s pre-order bonuses, from Mother’s Heart customization options to some intergalactic outfits. Play Video PlayStation 5 Pro Earlier this month, we revealed the PlayStation 5 Pro console and how games will take advantage of its powerful hardware capabilities when it launches November 7. Today during State of Play, we added more games to the growing list of titles that feature PlayStation 5 Pro enhanced features or modes. Depending on the game, and the team, PS5 Pro’s hardware can be used to enhance games in a variety of ways.** Here’s what multiple developers have to say about their titles running on PS5 Pro. Play Video PS5 Chroma Collection The new Chroma Collection introduces a brand-new aesthetic to the PS5 family of accessories. The collection for the DualSense wireless controller and PS5 console covers for the PlayStation 5 console includes three new colors that shine, shimmer, and shift colors from every angle. Check out the Chroma Pearl, Chroma Indigo and Chroma Teal DualSense wireless controller and PS5 console covers for PlayStation 5 Console and find out more about their launch timings. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image PlayStation Plus Today’s State of Play packed in some exciting PlayStation Plus announcements as well. Firstly, the reveal of next month’s Monthly Games lineup – make your entrance and become legend in the ring, survive the terrors lurking aboard a mining vessel drifting in deep space, and tackle the horrors of school romance in which not everything is as it seems when WWE 2K24, Dead Space and Doki Doki Literature Club Plus become available on October 1. We also announced that a pair of original PlayStation fan favorites – Dino Crisis and Blood Omen: Legacy of Kain – will be released into PlayStation Plus Premium later this year. Much, much closer though, is the reveal that The Last of Us Part I is also coming to PlayStation Plus… this Thursday, September 26, and will be available to all PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium members. Take a closer look at each of October’s PlayStation Plus Monthly Games lineup. Play Video Alan Wake 2: The Lake House Dive into a harrowing survival horror experience next month with the latest expansion for Alan Wake 2, set in an eerie new location on the shores of Cauldron Lake. Within the Federal Bureau of Control’s research station, the Lake House, a catastrophic event has occurred, where reckless experiments have caused reality to collide with the Dark. Get a tease of what awaits you in the trailer above. Play Video ArcheAge Chronicles Featured in today’s show, online action RPG ArcheAge Chronicles is the latest installment in the ArcheAge series, promising action-packed combat, rich storytelling, and expansive exploration when it launches on PS5 next year. Get ready to embark on a new era of adventure in ArcheAge Chronicles with this developer deep dive. Play Video Dragon Age: The Veilguard EA joined us at State of Play to debut a brand new slice of gameplay from its upcoming epic, Dragon Age: The Veilguard, out October 31 on PS5. But in addition, they’ve also shared yet more gameplay details and a separate, brand new deep-dive video into the game, which you can read (and watch) in this PS Blog post. Play Video Dynasty Warriors: Origins Koei Tecmo’s latest hack-and-slash adventure received a release date reveal. Dynasty Warriors: Origins launches on PS5 January 17, 2025, introducing a nameless hero who will fight his way through the Three Kingdoms era of Ancient China. Who is that nameless hero and what’s the game storyline? Omega Force reveal more in a new PS Blog post. Play Video Fantasian Neo Dimension The Father of Final Fantasy Hironobu Sakaguchi brings his latest RPG to PS5 December 5. A new interview with the creator covers evolving the genre, hand-crafted dioramas at 4K and more. Play Video Fear the Spotlight Fear the Spotlight creeps onto PS5 and PS4 just in time for Halloween, launching October 22. To celebrate the announcement, the developers take a deep dive into the original PlayStation-era horror games inspirations for Fear the Spotlight. Play Video Fortnite Epic Games brings a split-screen mode to LEGO Fortnite this October. This feature enables friends & family to explore the world and build villages together while playing on the same PS5 or PS4. Activate split-screen and travel together to an uncharted paradise home to Klombo, the Peely Tribe, and pirates galore with Lost Isles, LEGO Fortnite’s latest content update. Also in State of Play was the reveal of a new limited edition DualSense wireless controller which launches November 7 and features fan-favorite characters from the Fortnite universe: Fishstick and Peely. Find out details on the new limited edition DualSense wireless controller here. Play Video Hell is Us Today’s State of Play brought us the first gameplay of the upcoming PS5 action adventure Hell is Us. The game won’t hand answers to players on a silver platter; instead, they will need to pay attention to what they see and hear to connect the dots and make their own discoveries. Jonathan Jacques-Belletête, Creative Director and Art Director at Rogue Factor, details the no hand-holding design philosophy behind Hell is Us. Find out how ‘Player-Plattering’ design puts players back in the driver’s seat of their exploration and investigation. Play Video Hitman World of Assassination The World of Assassination is coming to PlayStation VR 2 this December, boasting 21 locations, full dual wielding and intuitive gestures. Watch the first trailer above for more. Play Video Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1 & 2 Remastered To commemorate the 25th anniversary of Soul Reaver, Aspyr is proud to announce Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1 & 2 Remastered for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5, which launches December 10. Asypr detail how it’s bringing a classic game to modern hardware with enough visual and quality-of-life improvements to feel natural, while carefully preserving the integrity of the originals. Play Video Lunar Remastered Collection Returning to PlayStation after 25 years is the legendary JRPG series Lunar, in the form of a Remastered Collection that brings together Lunar: Silver Star Story Complete and Lunar 2: Eternal Blue Complete, now with improved visuals and a host of quality-of-life changes. Lunar Remastered Collection launches Spring 2025 on PS5 and PS4. Find out more about the collection’s enhancements. Play Video Metro Awakening Vertigo Games has announced that Metro Awakening is coming to PS VR2 on November 7 and today’s new trailer reveals more about the game. Written by series creator Dmitry Glukhovsky, it charts the origin story of Khan, one of the franchise’s most beloved characters, once known as Serdar, and how he is forced to embrace the unknown in his attempt to find and save his wife Yana. The trailer offers a new glimpse at the bandits, mutants, and other lurking horrors you’ll face, and how iconic Metro weaponry and exploration translate to an immersive PS VR2 experience. Get 48 hour early access and a 10% discount when you pre-order the game’s Deluxe Edition. Play Video Monster Hunter Wilds Monster Hunter Wilds releases on PS5 on February 28, 2025! In today’s State of Play trailer, which you can watch above, the flagship monster known as the “White Wraith” is finally revealed. Capcom details more about the game, including areas, new monsters, and reveals the game’s Deluxe Edition. Play Video Palworld Today sees the release of Palworld onto PS5! This open-world, survival crafting, monster-collecting game supports up to 32 players and is set in a world where mysterious creatures called “Pals” live. Collect over 100 types of these mysterious creatures and explore a vast world as you adventure together. Play Video Stellar Blade Shift Up announced the upcoming Stellar Blade x NieR: Automata DLC, packed with exciting new content. On the same day, a new Photo Mode feature will be added to Stellar Blade and be available to all players. More soon on the DLC, including its release date. That’s not all… the full original soundtrack of Stellar Blade will be available today on over 30 streaming platforms across the globe. Play Video The Midnight Walk Moonhood is thrilled to announce The Midnight Walk, a dark fantasy adventure made of clay, coming to PS5 and PS VR2 in Spring 2025. Step into a handcrafted world and journey through five eerie tales of fire, guiding your little lantern friend, Potboy, while outsmarting the flame eating monsters lurking in the shadows. Find out the first details of this dark fantasy, handcrafted adventure in which every asset was first sculpted in clay and 3D-scanned into the game. Play Video TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge – Radical Reptiles The new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge DLC, Radical Reptiles, launches today. Whether it’s by dealing righteous damage on a skateboard with Mondo Gecko or launching deadly chemical concoctions with Mona Lisa, this powerhouse duo is ready to rumble with the Foot Clan. Dive into the production, gameplay features, and design aspects of these new playable characters with Tribute Games. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Sonic X Shadow Generations The Year of Shadow continues when the Sonic X Shadow Generations Sonic the Hedgehog 3 Movie Pack launches December 12 on PS5 and PS4, as a DLC tie-in to the upcoming film. Series producer Shun Nakamura chats about the DLC’s development and Hollywood voice talent. Play Video Towers of Aghasba The vibrant and gorgeous open-world adventure Towers of Aghasba provides a first look at its city-building, ecosystem development, combat, and exploration gameplay. Discover all of Aghasba’s secrets when it launches in Early Access on PS5 this November. Find out how you’ll rebuild the Shimu civilization, restore Aghasba’s ecosystems, brave the withered plague, meet bizarre creatures and more. *Some games featured may not be available in all regions. **Features only available on select PS5 games that have been enhanced for PS5 Pro when compared with PS5. PS5 Pro enhanced features will vary by game. Enhanced features require a compatible display. View the full article

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25 years ago, Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver introduced the world to the vampire Raziel. In the game’s opening scene, Raziel is betrayed and executed by his master, the vampire emperor Kain. Enduring untold suffering and disfigurement, Raziel rises eons later as the iconic and vengeful blue wraith we all know and love. In 1999, games were built differently. Deep narratives were uncommon and fully voiced cut-scenes were rare. Soul Reaver had both and quickly became a classic. To commemorate the 25th anniversary of Soul Reaver, Aspyr is proud to announce Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1 & 2 Remastered for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5. Remaster pillars defined As with our work on Tomb Raider I-III Remastered, the key to a great Remaster is to bring a classic game to modern hardware with enough visual and quality-of-life improvements to feel natural, while carefully preserving the integrity of the original. We want new fans to join the Soul Reaver faithful in reliving Raziel’s adventures. Engineering goal: Performance with pixel-perfect preservation Thankfully Crystal Dynamics was able to provide us with the source code, so we started with the original engine and a complete set of assets. This foundation ensured we could deliver the exact same combat, puzzles, and boss fights, with the same balance and feel, as the original. With its environmental storytelling and the innovative mechanics that allowed players to shift between the material and spectral realms, Soul Reaver pushed the limits of computer memory in the ‘90s. The way we’ve engineered the title will preserve that legacy for players returning to Nosgoth or visiting for the first time. But we didn’t want to stop at the original toggle between realms. We also integrated a toggle between classic and modern game art, on the fly, without ever having a hit to performance. Gameplay Goal: Surprise and delight lifelong hardcore fans The Soul Reaver game narratives are powerful and beautifully complex. Starring Michael Bell as Raziel, Simon Templeton as Kain, and Tony Jay as the Elder God, Soul Reaver 1 & 2 feature some of the most iconic performances in video game history. And of course, kudos to Amy Hennig’s work writing and directing this visionary game when the tools to do so were burgeoning. We did, however, want to surprise and delight our most hardcore fans, so the conversation evolved into what additions we could make that wouldn’t upset the original design intentions but would add to the overall experience. Here’s what we came up with: Control Improvements: Soul Reaver launched while the D-PAD was the dominant control method. We’ve ensured with DualShock 4 and Dual Sense that analog control feels and plays as great in Soul Reaver as it did in Soul Reaver 2. Camera Upgrades: We’ve mapped the camera in Soul Reaver to the right stick which allows us to move the camera on the Y-Axis. Of course, there weren’t robust skyboxes in the original because you couldn’t look up. So we made some! Enjoy right stick mapping to see the vibrant skies and platforms above. Trophies! For now, just know we’re using trophies as our wink and nod to the community for the most iconic gameplay moments. We’ll share more specifics at a later date. Map & Compass: Nosgoth is a vast, open world. Navigating, even with quick travel, can be daunting for first-timers. We added a map and compass to assist with finding the next objective, so you’ll never feel completely lost, even if you decide to play through optional content. The map is a brand new, never-before-seen map of Nosgoth co-created by Aspyr, Crystal Dynamics and key members of the Legacy of Kain community. It is one of the most beautiful additions to the game and a celebration of the fans who have kept the games alive for so long. Photo Mode: A popular feature from Tomb Raider I-III Remastered returns! We’ll include our photo mode to let you showcase some of the best gameplay moments of Soul Reaver 1 & 2. And a few more surprises: Where’s the fun in spoiling everything already? Art goal: Visuals as in ‘Your Memory’ We want the games to look the way they did in your mind. Here are the art changes we made: Soul Reaver cut-scenes rendered with higher fidelity models: Source code does not always have the assets to render cut-scenes with newer assets. Our engineering teams combed through the archives to find the right files to render the cut scenes with new, higher fidelity assets. This makes the transition from modern gameplay mode to cut-scene seamless. New Hero models for Raziel and Kain: These models are inspired by the look of the original pre-rendered cutscenes. Glowing eyes and Wraith Blade: We’ve added a glow to Raziel’s eyes and the Wraith Blade to take advantage of lighting upgrades Real-time shadows: Applied to all characters and objects New Enemy and Boss models: I’ll admit these are a bit scarier than I remembered! Day and Night cycle (SR) A legacy feature that was cut from the final release has been restored to add mood and atmosphere to Nosgoth. Graphics toggle: While we did add many improvements to textures, UI, and VFX, any point during gameplay, including in Photo mode, you can swap back to the original graphics. Thank you to the original Soul Reaver 1 and 2 teams, Crystal Dynamics, and the community for letting us visit Nosgoth and resurrect Raziel one more time. We’ll see you on December 10. Pre-orders are available today on PlayStation Store! View the full article

When we announced Dynasty Warriors: Origins back in May, the team at Koei Tecmo and Omega Force were ecstatic to hear from fans worldwide who have been waiting to experience the next evolution of Dynasty Warriors. Today, we’re excited to share here first that the game will be available on January 17, 2025! To help celebrate the release date news, we’re also showcasing for the first time our brand-new trailer! Now that you’ve had the chance to check out the trailer, I can fill you in bit more on the content and what’s in store once the game hits in January as we’re introducing you to the storyline and our new protagonist for the first time. A Three Kingdoms told from the perspective of an original protagonist The game takes place inside the Three Kingdoms, as this is a famous time period of ancient China in what played out as a dramatic ensemble masterpiece. In order to suppress the violent group known as the Yellow Turbans, many famous officers came together to battle them, but after the battle ended there were many questions left unanswered. Why did the officers part ways? How did that end up in the creation of the Three Kingdoms? A closer look reveals that there were many historic and beloved characters involved, each with their own relationships and agendas, which then expanded into a story about conquering kingdoms. In this game, we have placed an original protagonist to partake in this dramatic Three Kingdoms tale, where he plays an active role while giving players a first-hand experience in the world of ancient China. Players will make various choices as the protagonist, but he too carries a secret, which will have an impact on the Three Kingdoms story. The protagonist is the player’s alter ego and is also one of the figures who helps weave the story, and it is through his existence that we will illustrate a Three Kingdoms that has never been seen before! The protagonist is a traveling martial artist with amnesia, and during his travels he meets many famous (and infamous) warriors from the era. Some of these fighters will align with the nameless hero, while others will become his enemy as he learns to navigate the dangerous world of the Three Kingdoms. As developers, it’s exciting to us that players who are unfamiliar with the Three Kingdoms story will be able to learn and enjoy this alluring historic tale alongside the protagonist, who will act as the player’s alter ego in the game, as they fight their way through the epic story. Battles There are various situations for battles, as you may find yourself leading the way in battle on your own, or joining alongside allied officers and soldiers to charge towards large forces of enemies. You can rely on the strength of accompanying Musou officers, or issue commands to the unit you lead. With so many strategies to choose from, you really hold the key to victory at your fingertips. Musou Officers In the Three Kingdoms, there are many well-known and powerful officers such as Lu Bu (do not pursue Lu Bu!). Battles against these officers who possess the near superhuman strength of 1 vs. 1,000 results in combat that is highly action-oriented and will keep you on the edge of your seat. This military power also thrives within your allies, and the Companion officer that accompanies the protagonist can become temporarily playable if certain conditions are met during battle, leading to an exhilarating experience of clearing out enemies with dominance on a whole different scale. Continental Map While it is not included in the trailer, there is a continental map where players can walk around China that I also wanted to highlight. Players can explore the land as they move between battlefields, and it also provides a better understanding on where specific battlefields and cities are located, so those who are completely new to the Three Kingdoms have nothing to worry about as the map helps you learn even more about the vast land you are now discovering. Now that everyone is more familiar with some of the most exciting aspects of Dynasty Warriors: Origins, we hope you watch the trailer again (and again!), and don’t forget to add the game to your wishlist before it launches January 17! View the full article

We’re excited to reveal a new limited edition DualSense wireless controller featuring fan-favorite characters from the Fortnite universe: Fishstick and Peely. Drop into the action and defy the Storm as you build, battle, and create with the new DualSense wireless controller – Fortnite Limited Edition. Play Video The DualSense wireless controller – Fortnite Limited Edition will be available in limited quantities for $84.99 / €84.99 / £74.99 / ¥12,480 MSRP and will be available for pre-order starting October 3, 2024 and launching globally starting November 7, 2024. The exact launch date and availability for the controller may vary by region. 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 Starting Thursday, October 3 at 10am ET in the U.S. and 10am local time in the U.K., France, Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Austria, and Portugal, players will be able to pre-order the DualSense wireless controller – Fortnite Limited Edition through direct.playstation.com. Pre-orders will also be available through select retailers in these and other global markets on the same day. View the full article

Greetings, future junior architects! After well over a year since our reveal, we’re incredibly thrilled to announce that Towers of Aghasba is coming to PlayStation 5 in November 2024 in Early Access! Considering this is Dreamlit’s very first game launch, we’re nervous but even more so excited to let the world experience what our small, but ambitious indie studio has been working hard on for the past few years. Play Video Now let’s dive into the world we’ve been building. In Towers of Aghasba, the Shimu tribe return to their homeland of Aghasba, where they fled from 50 years ago when the withered invaded and wrecked havoc on everything in its path. Despite the ravaged state of the land, the Shimu are intent on reclaiming their home and rebuilding their civilization. You are tasked to be a junior architect to aid in this endeavor. The first step towards rebuilding the Shimu civilization is by establishing villages. Villages serve as settlements for the Shimu, and lay the foundation for more advanced structures to be constructed within it. Depending on the biome you decide to place your village marker, a different village is established, allowing for different kinds of structures to be constructed! Aghasba is however devoid of life following the withered devastation. To acquire much of the resources needed to expand across the island, you will need to restore Aghasba’s ecosystems. This is done by planting special seeds called “Colossal Seeds”, which will create an ecosystem of various flora and fauna around it. Different biomes give rise to different ecosystems, which each consists of its own unique sets of creatures and plant life! Maintaining a balance between the expansion of your villages and the growth of the ecosystem is an integral part of the core gameplay loop of Towers of Aghasba. While you harvest the resources provided by the ecosystem to build up your villages, you are also required to grow plants and feed creatures within the ecosystems to ensure it continues to thrive. The threat of the withered still looms around many parts of Aghasba. You’re bound to come across withered nests that pop up in various locations, spawning vile entities that attack you and any living creature on sight. Venturing even deeper into Aghasba will bring you to the withered lands that are covered in a thick, toxic haze and are home to even more dangerous withered monsters. You will need to prepare yourself by crafting tools, weapons, armor, food, and elixirs to brave these lands, as you seek out ways to rid the island of the withered plague. But all is not dead and dreary in Aghasba, as you will come to discover from riding across its serene landscapes on your mount or gliding across its many magnificent vistas. The island is brimming with history and stories of times before the withered invasion that you may uncover from discovering historical relics. The ruins that you discover around the island can also be rebuilt to learn more traditional Shimu decorations and other structures that you can construct anywhere on the island and shape your settlements however you desire! In your journey through Aghasba, you’re also bound to stumble across bizarre creatures that may or may not be happy to see you. Interacting with them and earning their favor can prove useful in your venture to restore the land to its former glory. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Every player’s experience of Aghasba will be different based on how they choose to build up their settlements and grow their ecosystems. In fact, you can even invite up to 3 friends to your island to show off the sprawling villages you’ve built and the ecosystems brimming with unique plants and creatures you’ve nurtured. Your friends may also have unique items and decorations that you may want to trade with! Explore the secrets of Aghasba together and team up to take on formidable, withered monsters if you so dare to! This is just scratching the surface of what Towers of Aghasba has to offer. With deep systems, an eccentric cast of characters, and a vast open-world filled with secrets, dangers, and wonders wrapped in a beautiful art style, there is so much more in store that we can’t wait for you to experience! We truly hope you enjoy your time in Aghasba as we have enjoyed bringing it to life. View the full article

Now, PS Blog readers, if you could just place both fingers lightly on the planchette of the spirit board in front of you, we can begin. We’re very excited to reveal that there’s not long until you can join Vivian and Amy for a séance in Fear the Spotlight. But before you enter Sunnyside High, we wanted to dive into how we’ve been inspired by classic PlayStation experiences to bring our modern horror adventure to life. As you may have just seen in the recently released trailer, the aesthetic style, gameplay mechanics, and tone all come from a deep nostalgia over the games of the past. Play Video Our studio name, Cozy Game Pals, actually came about long before we decided to make a horror game, but we do think there is something exceptionally comforting about the classic, original PlayStation art style. It’s nostalgic and reminds us of playing our first horror games, in bedrooms around the TV with siblings, daring to brave the original Silent Hill. We feel like Vivian’s journey in Fear the Spotlight is actually a welcoming one in a world of high fidelity horror graphics. There might not be 4K gore running down the walls of Sunnyside’s halls, but that doesn’t mean you’re not going to be on edge. Another gift of this particular art style and the purposeful dithering (the name of that grainy retro look) is the fact that it gives you just enough to let your imagination run away with you. Was that a shape between the stacks in the library? Did a head just appear around the corner and disappear? Or are your eyes playing tricks on you? In Fear the Spotlight, all of the above might be true but, like the best horror movie experiences, we want to make sure you paint horror pictures in your mind far scarier than anything we could ever show you. Not only is the original PlayStation art style comforting, nostalgic, and allows for seriously atmospheric scares, but it also suits us on a practical level. Cozy Game Pals is just the two of us, Bryan and Crista (hi!). A lo-fi approach to visuals has meant that we can be efficient and really lean into crafting the atmosphere and pacing throughout the game. We love playing with your expectations and this art style fits that perfectly. We understand that this look can be intense for some players, so we’ve even made sure you can choose just how ‘classic’ you want the visuals to be. We have sliding scales for the TV filter, polygon wobble, and ambient camera wobble to make sure players can feel as 90s as they want. Having a lava lamp next to your TV is entirely optional of course. Fear the Spotlight takes many cues from classic survival horror experiences, but this is far more a scary teen adventure than something like Silent Hill or Resident Evil. You’ll want to make sure that Vivian has her asthma inhaler just in case, but we’re leaning into atmospheric puzzle solving as you uncover the history behind a tragic fire in the school decades before. And here too, we’ve been inspired by classic experiences. We love the point and click style puzzles of OG survival horror so we have introduced tactile first person puzzle solving. Whether you’re dialing payphones number by number, or pulling open drawers, we wanted Fear the Spotlight to be a modern evolution of the puzzles of those classic horror experiences. We’re not here to replicate them – don’t mess with perfection! – but wanted to make sure that our love of these horror games made its way into our own unique mystery. Our wish for Fear the Spotlight is that it would be a perfect game for those who love the genre and can spot the influences, but also players who are new to horror games. We want our scary movie loving friends to enter Sunnyside even if they have never been hands-on with the classics. We can’t wait for you to experience Fear the Spotlight and hope you have as much fun playing it as we did working on it. Just don’t forget the candles on October 22… View the full article

We are excited to share with you the latest look from Dragon Age: The Veilguard. In this new gameplay slice, captured on PlayStation 5, watch Rook, Dragon Age’s newest hero, fighting alongside two companions, Taash and Lucanis, that we brought along specifically for this battle. There are seven companions in total in the game, and these make up the Veilguard – who are tasked with Rook to take on corrupt ancient gods who are hellbent on destroying the world. Play Video As seen in the trailer, the blighted gods have unleashed a fearsome dragon on Thedas. It will be up to you, as Rook, to use all your tactical skills and abilities in the fight – whilst commanding your companions in battle with the ability wheel – to fight smart and strategically deliver the most devastating attacks and combos to bring the gigantic beast down. The Rook featured in this battle is a Mage – one of three classes you can choose when you create your character. Mages rain down fury with spells that incinerate, freeze, electrocute and crush. Some cast from afar, while others prefer close quarters combat. The mage class can switch between two weapon sets – a Staff for ranged attacks, or an Elemental Orb and Dagger for close quarters combat. Eagle eyed players might be able to see Rook is facing off against an ice dragon in the trailer, which is vulnerable to fire. Because of this, the player has equipped an Orb that enhances Burning damage, alongside supplementary skills that complement the equipped weaponry. Throughout the fight, Rook commands her companions to utilize abilities that set up powerful damage combinations. For example, when the dragon is staggered, Rook primes the target by commanding Lucanis to use the “Debilitate” ability. This applies the “Sundered” status, which is then detonated by Rook’s “Dark Squall” ability. This Primer + Detonator combo produces massive damage, getting the group closer to victory. To end the battle, Rook uses the equipped ultimate ability “Thunderous End”, unleashing a massive amount of damage, shocking enemies in a wide radius. This is perfect against a large target like the ice dragon you’re facing off against. For a more detailed look at how we approached this battle, check out the video below: Play Video Ultimately, as either a Mage, Rogue, or Warrior, you will strive to become the leader and can customize your look, abilities, gear, and companions, all based on your playstyle. Each and every battle you face is an opportunity to try new strategies against increasingly perilous enemies. In Dragon Age: The Veilguard, releasing on October 31 on PlayStation 5, you will save the battered world of Thedas and unite the Veilguard: your team of seven companions, each with their own rich lives and deep backstories. This bold, heroic adventure is built to deliver on what BioWare is best known for: rich storytelling, fantasy worldbuilding, companions & fellowship, and a world where you matter. View the full article

For many fans of the RPG genre, Hironobu Sakaguchi is considered a household name. Known fondly as the “father of Final Fantasy” thanks to his work on the first 10 mainline titles, Sakaguchi has created many other games with cult followings, including Blue Dragon, Lost Odyssey and Terra Battle, developed by his company, Mistwalker Corporation. Fantasian Neo Dimension serves as Sakaguchi’s next upcoming title that brings his critically acclaimed game, Fantasian, to wider audiences through PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4. It will launch with new features such as English and Japanese voice acting, an added difficulty option, and 4K support on PlayStation 5. It also signals a return partnership for Sakaguchi with Square Enix after almost 20 years apart. A multi-dimensional adventure For the uninitiated, Fantasian Neo Dimension follows the protagonist Leo, who embarks on a multi-dimensional adventure to recover his lost memories and discover the secrets behind a strange mechanical infection that threatens to destroy his world. Set across the backdrop of over 150 vibrant and beautiful hand-crafted dioramas, the game features a unique artistic style with a fun, strategic twist on traditional turn-based battle mechanics. It also features music from composer Nobuo Uematsu, famously known for his works in the Final Fantasy franchise. Fantasian Neo Dimension was announced to be launching on December 5, 2024 during today’s State of Play. Ahead of this release, we sat down with Sakaguchi who acts as Producer for this title, to discuss the journey of working on the game and what fans can look forward to. Play Video Chat with Producer Hironobu Sakaguchi How did the partnership between Mistwalker and Square Enix come about? What’s it like working with Naoki Yoshida on this release? Sakaguchi: The initial partnership of Square Enix happened five years ago when Yoshida san and I were supposed to do a panel discussion interview, and I thought it would be rude to show up not having played his game. I knew I was a huge fan of MMOs, so I was afraid that if I did play, I might get addicted. And sure enough, I’m on Final Fantasy XIV every day now. Even this morning I played for 3 hours. Because of that, Yoshida san and I got really close. We went to dinner together and talked a lot about Final Fantasy XIV, and I had mentioned Fantasian, a game I had developed recently for Apple Arcade. And we talked about, well, “could we bring this to PC and consoles?” Because from my perspective, I wanted as wide an audience to be able to play the game. And Yoshida san was kind enough to say, “you know what, maybe there is an opportunity to do this together,” and the rest is history. How are you approaching this new version of Fantasian Neo Dimension and what can fans look forward to when they experience it on PS5? Sakaguchi: One of the initial inspirations for Fantasian was, I happened to be sitting in front of a diorama, and I imagined, “what would it feel like if I was walking through this world and exploring the diorama.” And I know it seems very counterintuitive nowadays where CG seems to be the dominant form of visual expression, but I think that handcrafted nature and the warmth of something being made by humans really comes through in the diorama environments. But it was actually more challenging than I had thought. Initially, we were going to 3D scan these dioramas to create the necessary models and project photographs onto them. But we had to innovate and create a custom pipeline to be able to take all these dioramas and place them within the game. And as for the PS5, I would say the English and Japanese voiceover is a huge plus. At the same time, the imagery — the dioramas, we had originally photographed these in 4K resolution, but the original version for various reasons, we had to scale them down. For the first time we’ll be able to see the 4K imagery on the PS5. So, I encourage everyone to play it on their big screen and really see all the detail, the charm of that artisan craftsmanship that you get in the dioramas. And I think it’s going to be a really fun adventure. Given your accomplished history with RPGs, what did you set out to achieve with Fantasian Neo Dimension that you hadn’t done before? Sakaguchi: When I set out to develop Fantasian there was a part of me that thought, “well, if this does become the last game I develop, I should feel satisfied with that and have no regrets.” And one of the reasons I felt that way is because while working on Fantasian, I had the chance to play Final Fantasy VI. Playing Final Fantasy VI again really brought me back to the origin of myself as a game developer, and I really felt my own style come through the game. So Fantasian is a turn-based, what you can call, very traditional style RPG. And looking at what I’ve done from Final Fantasy I all the way through VI, there’s always been some form of evolution to the genre, and the same is true for Fantasian. I know it’s a very traditional style RPG, but I wanted some form of evolution. So aside from the diorama style, there are different mechanics. For example, with the Dimengeon System, players can stock their random encounters into a separate dimension and then defeat them all at once later, whenever they feel ready. And what this does is it allows the players to really immerse themselves and freely explore the dioramas without the interruption of random encounters. And likewise, there’s another mechanic, the “skills” or magic spells in the game. Players can affect their skills’ trajectories or the area of effect, depending on how they cast a spell. So, when you stack a lot of enemies, you get to aim and defeat them. It’s a very rewarding and satisfying experience. So, despite it being a more traditional turn-based RPG, I think there’s some freshness or evolution as well. Do you have anything to say to RPG fans who may be on the fence about playing a game developed for mobile first on their PS5? Sakaguchi: When Fantasian was initially released on Apple Arcade, we knew that mobile devices would be the primary terminal of the game. However, it also needed to be adapted to Mac and Apple TV. So technically there were means to play Fantasian on the big screen with a controller. And it was always my intention that people would at some point be able to play it and experience it in that format. The assets and all the graphics that we had prepared were created to be able to withstand that type of media. But unfortunately, the 4K images that we had taken had to scale down because of size and storage limitations of different mobile devices. Whereas on PS5 you get to experience Fantasian as I imagined it, without having to worry about any type of storage limitations. This is why there is also going to be English and Japanese voiceovers. So, I would consider Fantasian Neo Dimension the so-called director’s cut of this game, and I’m very happy to be able to deliver that to everyone. Pre-orders available today With Fantasian Neo Dimension launching this December 5, 2024, pre-orders are also now available. Players who pre-order will be able to receive the Vibran Secret Stone as an in-game bonus item to help provide an experience boost to equipped characters. This item will come in handy for a game that was originally known for its strategic combat with particularly challenging battles! View the full article