Commander Fury

The long-awaited beta for Black Desert on PlayStation 4 is now available as a free download (no PS Plus subscription required) for all players until August 13 at 2:00 a.m. PDT. Begin your adventure and experience the open-world action of our sandbox MMORPG for the first time on PS4 before its launch on August 22. To prepare for the start of your quest, we’re sharing details you should know before diving into the beta! The world of Black Desert contains vast regions, fierce enemies, and an immersive story that’s waiting to be explored. You’ll choose from six different character classes: Warrior, Sorceress, Ranger, Berserker, Wizard, or Witch. Each class offers various strengths and weaknesses, so choose wisely to cast powerful magic, launch stealth attacks, or deliver devastating damage in this open-ended sandbox world. Black Desert provides you with endless customization options to create a living, breathing world that feels like your own. Personalize your character with Black Desert’s highly detailed customization tool and create an Adventurer to become your true self. You’ll be ready to explore three different expansive regions within the beta, Serendia, Balenos and Calpheon, powering up your character to a maximum level of 50. Playing within the beta also rewards you with an exclusive Sky Hawk pet when Black Desert launches on August 22, allowing players to loot items, increase Knowledge Gain Chance and find rare monsters. While the world of Black Desert is known for its real-time combat and in-depth action within quests, your adventure also includes the chance to become a part of an expansive, living world populated by players around the world. Here are a few of the in-game events that you’re invited to join during the beta for the chance to win exclusive prizes and content: Decorate your residence and share screenshots on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram or via our official forums to win ornaments for your home at launch. Test your fishing skills and reel in the ‘Fish Bones’ item for various rewards at launch. Learn to tame a wild horse and win a new horse outfit for use during the beta. Play Hide-n-Seek with Pearl Abyss GMs – finding them gets you a chance to win awards at launch. Compete to become the fastest cart racer in the entire beta, with the fastest participant winning rewards at launch. Participate in a battle of the GMs at the Red Battlefield in a 2v2 match and intense PvP action. On August 13, we’re ending the beta with an enormous fireworks show for all players to enjoy. Think back on all of your amazing adventures and share the moment with friends online as we celebrate the final moments of the beta. We hope to see you all in the beta, and that these tips help your adventure in Black Desert! View the full article

Beasts, blocks ‘n beats were last month’s big winners at PlayStation Store. Asymmetric PvP survival game Don’t Even Think debuted at #1 for free-to-play, while Minecraft and Beat Saber sat comfortably atop the PS4 and PS VR charts. Read on for the full rundown, and let us know in the comments how you think August’s charts will shake out! PS4 Games 1 Minecraft: PlayStation 4 Edition 2 Grand Theft Auto V 3 Plants vs. Zombies Garden Warfare 2 4 Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege 5 Star Wars Battlefront II 6 Marvel’s Spider-Man 7 EA Sports UFC 3 8 Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled 9 Rocket League 10 PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds 11 MLB The Show 19 12 Need for Speed Payback 13 Battlefield 4 14 Devil May Cry HD Collection 15 FIFA 19 16 Destiny 2 17 DayZ 18 The Sims 4 19 Gang Beasts 20 Red Dead Redemption 2 PS VR Games 1 Beat Saber 2 Superhot VR 3 Vacation Simulator 4 Five Nights at Freddy’s VR: Help Wanted 5 Job Simulator 6 Blood & Truth 7 PlayStation VR Worlds 8 Arizona Sunshine 9 Astro Bot Rescue Mission 10 Drunkn Bar Fight Free-to-Play Games 1 Don’t Even Think 2 Fortnite 3 Apex Legends 4 Dauntless 5 Brawlhalla 6 Pro Evolution Soccer 2019 Lite 7 Warframe 8 Warface 9 Paladins 10 World of Warships: Legends DLC and Expansions 1 Fortnite: Battle Royale – Breakpoint’s Challenge Pack 2 Fortnite: Battle Royale – The Wilde Pack 3 Fortnite: Battle Royale – Shadows Rising Pack 4 GTA Online: Criminal Enterprise Starter Pack 5 Fortnite: Save the World – Standard Founder’s Pack 6 Marvel’s Spider-Man: The City That Never Sleeps 7 Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 – Ultra Pack Set 8 Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 – Ultra Pack 1 9 Rocket League – Knight Rider Car Pack 10 Mortal Kombat 11 – Shang Tsung View the full article

Hello, PlayStation fans! A few weeks ago, we gave you the opportunity to ask your burning questions about EA Sports FIFA 20 and its shiny new game mode: Volta Football. We sat down with Jeff Antwi, Producer for FIFA 20 on Volta, and Shaun Pejic, Gameplay Producer, to ask them some of your questions and more. Read on to find out the details! Volta Football Q: What the thought process was behind Volta Football? Why bring back street football? JA: We’re always looking for community feedback. And one of the most requested features or modes was the ability to play street football — and when would we be bringing it back to FIFA. It’s something we have been working on for quite some time. And we are really excited to be able to unveil Volta Football this year. Q: What makes Volta Football unique and interesting? JA: In general, the newness of it, and the depth of the mode. The fact that it’s built on the foundation of a great gameplay engine. It’s a mode that is accessible to casual players… and at the same time, it has all the depth that FIFA veteran players will expect. So, we are really excited about the totality and the massive size of the mode. It’s not a little thing. It’s a big part of the game. Q: Did FIFA Street influence the development of Volta Football? (via Tom Clancy’s da Silva) JA: I should clarify [this] is not FIFA Street, it’s street football. That’s a key difference. It’s based on authenticity and being culturally relevant, making sure that we are presenting an experience that is fun and authentic. We were influenced by actual street football legends, we traveled the world, we went to Rio, Amsterdam, London, and all over. We were so inspired by the legends we spoke to, we tried to incorporate them into the experience as well. We were also inspired by real footballers that grew up playing street football… One of the people we spoke to was Ed van Gills, who in Amsterdam is considered the godfather of street football. He provided us with a lot of insight on what street football is all about and the things we should be looking to do in terms of how to design Volta Football. So, thanks to that influence we were able to develop the mode and a number of features around it. Q: Is there a big difference between the skills you need for Volta Football as opposed to a regular FIFA match? JA: In Volta it’s a smaller pitch, you have different elements to deal with, including the wall height, different number of players, and so forth. In terms of navigating the space it’s going to feel different, not to mention the ball is actually different… [and] behaves in a slightly different way because it’s more of a futsal ball which is heavier. Q: Is the gameplay in Volta Football closer to futsal than to Stadium football? JA: Yes, I would say that’s pretty accurate. And what’s really cool is that we actually have futsal as a separate experience within Volta, such as 3v3, 4v4, 5v5, keepers, no keepers and then we have futsal with the rules that come with it. So, it’s penalty kicks, free kicks, and that experience is probably closer to 11v11 gameplay in FIFA. But in general, futsal is kind of the base of all of it in terms of how the players are moving around, quick passing, the pace of it being really back and forth and fun. And then when you add walls there is constant fun and action. Q: Will Volta Football include a Career Mode and Online Mode? (via @Soulrocketzero) JA: With Volta, [we] developed a Volta Tour Mode which is a PvE experience. It’s an offline experience where you are playing against user-generated squads, and the world is populated by everybody who’s playing the game. So, you are competing against everyone else in the community. And then we have a PvP experience which is similar to Seasons. You’re playing, you’re getting promoted, you’re facing allocation, you’re playing through up to 10 divisions. And that’s what we have in the online experience [for Volta] at kick-off. But we also have some other modes we will get to later… Q: Will all the teams be available in Volta? (via Armando Toledo Sepúlveda) JA: All of the licensed teams and licensed players that we have access to [for FIFA 20] are available in our kick-off experience, so it’s nice because you can be playing 3v3, 4v4, 5v5 in all the environments that are available to you and you will also be able to bring your favorite team and player into an environment where you wouldn’t normally see them. Q: For Volta, will you be able to play mixed teams, such as men vs women, using your personalized characters? JA: Yeah, that’s one of the massive innovations for us. One of the things we are really excited about is being able to have male and female players on the teams, playing in the same pitch at the same time. For example, if you create a character in your likeness and your friend creates a character in their likeness, you can play on the same team at the same time [or] compete against each other. That’s one of the biggest innovations for us, Volta as a mode being diverse and fully inclusive as well. FIFA 20 Q: At a broader level, what are the biggest gameplay improvements planned for FIFA 20? SP: The biggest foundation for the gameplay improvements is that we listened to all the community feedback. We brought in a lot of people, professional FIFA players as well as game changers and casual players. So, listening to all of this feedback has produced a set of features for FIFA 20 that addresses a lot of the feedback that we’ve been getting. Q: Was there a specific piece of fan feedback that really resonated with you guys for FIFA 20? SP: Yes, there are quite a few actually. AI defending… we wanted to bring back manual defending a little bit. The feedback was that the AI players did too much work for you in FIFA 19, they were helping you out too much. So, we worked a lot on the AI to kind of slow the game down if you want to play that way and give you more time. It incorporates more manual defending so it’s up to the defender user to use their skill to try and counter that aspect of the game. JA: And on the flip side of that, the work that was done in straight dribbling to create more dynamic one-on-one situations. Volta also benefited from that work because it’s a shared engine. Q: Are you planning any additions to in-game tactics? SP: We’re adding extra player instructions in FIFA 20, so you’ll have more options for your team. [For example], your defensive midfielder has the option to drop into the center-back position. And then, the center-backs go wide — so now he can be that pivot guy and try to play diagonal balls. That’s just one I can tell you about, but we have more new tactics this year. I can also speak to a few other gameplay features we haven’t touched upon yet, like how free kicks and penalty kicks are completely new compared to FIFA 19. So, the new approach this year is actually based off of Lionel Messi. We watched videos of him having this accuracy with the ball where he can spin it any way he wants. Now, you can press shoot and there is a different aiming mechanic. With the right stick, you can adjust the spin you would like to add — top spin, side spin, or you can even try to get the knuckleball effect for free kicks. [We also now] have the ability to add the timing shot mechanic to free kicks and penalty kicks too. So, I think that’s a really cool new feature that gives more depth to the gameplay. Q: Will FIFA 20 appeal to newcomers and veterans alike? JA: Absolutely! As an example… skill moves haven’t necessarily been the easiest thing. So, we wanted to simplify that. We created the simplified Skill move mechanic, which is by holding [L2 and R2] in the controller you gain access to a whole suit of skill moves and it’s just based on the direction that the player is moving. And if you don’t want to do that, we have all of the right stick skill moves that we’ve had traditionally in FIFA. And we added a R3 mechanic in which by pressing that button you lift your ball into the air and that’s what we call simplified flick-ups, there are all kinds of skillful things that you can do with that mechanic as well. FIFA 20 is out worldwide on September 27, 2019. View the full article

I am super excited to announce that not only is Trine 4: The Nightmare Prince coming to PlayStation 4 on October 8, but Trine: Ultimate Collection will also be available on the same day so you can enjoy the entire Trine series in one convenient bundle! The fantasy land of Trine is teeming with obstacles from menacing monsters to impassable terrain. In order to conquer these challenges, you will control the three heroes Amadeus the Wizard, Zoya the Thief, and Pontius the Knight, each with their own unique abilities, weapons, and tools. Freely switch between the characters on-the-fly to adapt to each situation or combine their skills in up to four-player co-op in the biggest Trine experience to date. Whether it’s your first venture into the Trine series or you’re returning for the newest installment, there’s a lot to discover about our heroes and the new abilities available to them in Trine 4. Amadeus A talented wizard capable of levitating objects around the world and materializing platforms, boxes, and durable steel balls which he can use to overcome obstacles. As you improve, so does Amadeus, learning skills such as a horizontal throw or a dangerous box stomp to take out enemies or act as a tool to solve puzzles. The determined magician is a perfect fit for you if you thrive on thinking through challenges and want the versatility to protect your team with conjured objects, disable enemies with levitation, or to send objects and enemies alike flying. Zoya A highly skilled thief who lets actions speak louder than words. The quietest of the bunch, her accuracy with a bow combined with the mobility of a grappling hook makes her an invaluable asset for traversing the world of Trine. Throughout the adventure Zoya’s toolset will only grow more robust, introducing fire and ice arrows that can freeze enemies and objects or set them ablaze for bonus damage, a combat roll to evade damage as well as a Fairy Rope that can make everything from objects to enemies float. Zoya’s grappling hook enables her to create tightropes that allies can walk across and act as a tether to hold objects in place, while her arrows are able to hit hard-to-reach objects and enemies. Zoya’s designed for players who want a little of everything — distinct skills that provide support, tools that allow players to bypass hazards, and ranged attacks to damage enemies in combat. Pontius A loyal janitor turned knight whose sword and shield make him a formidable force in combat and handy in overcoming obstacles. Whether he’s running atop oversized pumpkins or bouncing off huge sea creatures, he goes where his unwavering sense of duty summons him. He can use his sword to unleash a flurry of attacks that can carve a path through enemies while his shield can block incoming damage, reflect projectiles, and create a platform for his partners to hop across. Pontius has a bit more utility in puzzle solving this time around — he can create a copy of his shield using the new Dream Shield ability. This magical blockade will deflect enemies, projectiles and objects alike. Pontius might be for you if you prefer to force your way through a locked door or charge head first into a volley of arrows to close the distance rather than taking a strategic approach to engagements. Each hero has their own strengths and weaknesses, and you’ll need to utilize every tool and weapon in your arsenal to overcome the encroaching dangers present in the world of Trine. Whether you choose to brave the journey alone or in up to 4-player co-op, you will be able to switch between the trio on-the-fly as the situation demands. Amadeus, Zoya, and Pontius won’t be able to complete the quest alone, so you’ll need to combine their abilities to progress — Using Zoya’s rope with Amadeus’ magical box to create a hanging platform, reflecting Zoya’s ice arrows off multiple copies of Pontius’ Dream Shield to hit an enemy in a hard to reach place, or suspending an enemy in air with the Fairy Rope only to cause them to come crashing down from an impact from a zooming steel ball — the possibilities are limitless. You can find out more about the new, nightmarish story for Trine 4 in our announcement blog post. We hope you’re all excited to play Trine 4: The Nightmare Prince, or the entire Trine series in Trine: Ultimate Collection when they both release on October 8! View the full article

Oninaki, the third game by the team at Square Enix’s Tokyo RPG Factory, releases on PS4 August 22. Following up JRPG tributes I Am Setsuna and Lost Sphear, Oninaki features a bold, anime-influenced art style with expressive characters and gorgeous lands to explore. We reached out to Square Enix to get a closer look at the concept art behind some of Oninaki’s vibrant locales, objects, and enemies. The captions below are written by producer Ryutaro Sasaki, and you can click through on each image for a higher resolution version. World Great Plain Drawn by Background Designer Oga Takeshi “This image board is for a place that we called the “Great Plain” during the early stages of development, and it was very useful for solidifying the visual image of the world of the dead, Beyond the Veil. We have created a setting that is not just a dark and cold land of the dead, but also has a mysterious and fantastical atmosphere, with interesting features such as the pale lights that appear to shine up from the ground and the uniquely shaped trees that are reminiscent of Eastern designs and traditional Japanese aesthetics.” Szaka Drawn by Background Designer Oga Takeshi “In order to create the unique setting for this title, we deliberately utilized a variety of Eastern design influences. This image board is for the capital city of Szaka, which has a particularly strong central Asian flavor. Special care was taken when depicting the cityscape, centered on the sovereign’s palace that symbolizes the precept of reincarnation itself, as well as the uniquely expressive sky, possessed of a character that is at once the glow of dawn and the haze of sunset.” Ehir Palace Drawn by Background Designer Oga Takeshi “This image board depicts the throne in Ehir Palace, residence of the sovereign who rules over the capital Szaka, and by extension the Inner Kingdom where the story of Oninaki is set. Steeped in an aura of dread majesty, this throne has been the seat for generations of sovereigns who embodied of the precept of reincarnation. The current incumbent is Lady Lobelia.” Objects World Pillars Drawn by Background Designer Oga Takeshi “This is a design for one of the objects known as the World Pillars that can occasionally be seen in the world of Oninaki. Nobody knows who built these artefacts or for what purpose, and their true age is unknown, yet they project a solemn sense of gravitas and the passing of the ages.” Objects of the Inner Kingdom Drawn by Background Designer Oga Takeshi “The objects shown in these designs offer a window into the lives of the regular people who live in the Inner Kingdom. Many Asian influences have been incorporated into the designs for the cityscape and the pillars, such as objects resembling Shinto shrines and Buddhist jizo statues. However, when combined on the streets of Szaka, it results in a unique visual atmosphere that appears neither wholly Eastern nor Western.” Research Room Drawn by Background Designer Oga Takeshi “This is a design drawing for a certain research facility that exists somewhere in the world. As for who works here and what kind of research they are doing in this dark, windowless room… you will just have to find that out yourself!” Fallen Souls Fallen Soul 1 Drawn by Monster Designer Morinaga Koji “The design for this Fallen Soul is based on one of the monsters that appears in all Tokyo RPG Factory games. In the world of Oninaki, when people who have become estranged from the wheel of reincarnation eventually perish, they will transform into the Fallen, and the particle like pattern on its body is based on this concept. I think that the gently flickering flame on its head is quite charming.” Fallen Soul 2 Drawn by Monster Designer Morinaga Koji “This is a design for a Fallen Soul with a fungoid aspect. You can see how it attacks by billowing spores from its head, an attack that will cause no end of grief for Kagachi in the game.” Fallen Soul 3 Drawn by Monster Designer Morinaga Koji “This Fallen Soul is an airborne type. The distinctive design features translucent wings and a single strong leg, and reminds you that the fallen in the world of Oninaki were all originally human. It gives a sense of the fleeting beauty in all living things.” View the full article

Hello! On August 14, No Man’s Sky Beyond will launch as a free update for PS4 and PS VR. We are focused on development, but we know people are hungry for details. Nearly eight years ago, with a love of sci-fi, we started writing the very first lines of code on what would become No Man’s Sky. It was always an innovative and ambitious game, but over the three years since release it has become broad and deep in a way few games are. When we sat down to write those first lines of code I could never have imagined the kind of trailer we just recorded. A multiplayer game, with base building, trading, space combat, giant mechs, economies, freighters, first person, third person, and so much more, all set in a beautiful procedural universe. When we made No Man’s Sky, we always wanted it to feel like you had stepped into the cover of a science fiction novel. Beyond is another step closer to that goal. Even better, if you own a headset, you can experience all of this in virtual reality. No Man’s Sky Beyond aims to bring a huge range of features together into a cohesive whole, with expanded online, virtual reality and hundreds of changes big and small. We want Beyond to be the best time for new players to pick up a copy, for lapsed players to rejoin, and for the players with a thousand hours save to see the game with fresh eyes. No Man’s Sky has always been a science-fiction fantasy come true. That feeling of isolation and loneliness as you explore an alien world for the first time continues to be a unique experience. However, one of the coolest things you will notice from the trailer is what we call the Nexus, a shared social space that brings people together and lets them play with friends or join with random strangers like never before. Suddenly your ship that you spent 50 hours earning can now be seen by others in the Nexus. Your rare spacesuit and unique helmet can be shown off to other players. Friends and strangers can visit that massive base you’ve been working on. Progression in No Man’s Sky is so much more meaningful when you can share it with other explorers and so much more engaging when any creations or missions become shareable. Once you meet fellow travellers who knows what space-faring adventures you will go on together. This is an incredibly important update for us, but it’s also just another step in a longer journey, and we’ll continue to support No Man’s Sky in this way for the foreseeable future. On behalf of myself, and the team at Hello Games I just want to say — Thank you. We are so excited to have made Beyond, and to continue to improve and develop No Man’s Sky, because of you, the community who play, explore and share this universe with us. It means so much to us. We hope you enjoy this and what follows — and we look forward to meeting you out there! Our journey continues. View the full article

This month sees Remedy, the acclaimed studio responsible for the likes of Max Payne, Alan Wake and Quantum Break, make its PS4 debut with Control. Any new release for a studio with that kind of pedigree is cause enough for excitement, but the Finnish team’s latest project is buzzworthy in its own right, promising a uniquely avant garde take on the third-person shooter genre. With our interest well and truly piqued following a slew of intriguing trailers and some glowing E3 media coverage, we took Control for a spin and then sat down with Game Director Mikael Kasurinen to pick his brains. Here’s what we found out: 1. Control is seriously out there You play as Jesse Faden, a young woman who finds herself drawn to a strange Tardis-like New York office block, home to a shadowy government agency called the Federal Bureau of Control. Once inside, not only does she discover that it has been taken over by a supernatural threat referred to as The Hiss, but she also learns that she has been appointed the agency’s new director – whether she likes it or not. It’s up to you to tame a set of new-found supernatural powers, figure out what the heck is going on, take the building back, and unravel Jesse’s mysterious past. Sound straightforward? Anything but. Control dazzles with both its striking neo-brutalist visual aesthetic and an ambitious narrative that toys with some head-spinning themes. Fans of sophisticated sci-fi will be right at home. “We’ve been looking at movies that demonstrate elements that are bizarre and beyond our understanding, but somehow connect with the human condition. Movies like 2001: A Space Odyssey, Stalker, and Annihilation,” says Mikael, laying out some of the studio’s inspirations. “Regarding books, House of Leaves by Mark Danielewski has that compelling restrained strangeness and complexity, with a strong personal and psychological layer. It embodies many of the elements we want to express in Control. The same could be said about the Southern Reach trilogy by Jeff VanderMeer. “Then there’s also that quirky Remedy flavor that we want to have there as well, and we’re often handling that through our characters,” he continues. “In that regard David Lynch is a massive inspiration for us, especially Twin Peaks.” 2. Combat is really deep, and really fun In its first few encounters, Control appears to be a pretty no-nonsense shooter. You pick up your service weapon from the office of the former bureau director (he’s just used it to put a bullet in his own head) and go to town on mobs of unfortunate agency staff corrupted by the aforementioned Hiss. Aim, shoot, take cover, repeat – standard stuff. But it’s not long until Control’s combat develops into something far more interesting. As you progress, you learn a series of supernatural abilities that, when combined with traditional gunplay, coalesce into a really deep, playful system. For example, the first two abilities we pick up are Launch, which lets Jesse levitate any bit of furniture she can find and fling it at the enemy, and Evade, which lets her teleport a small distance to dodge an enemy attack or traverse the landscape. In one encounter, we use Evade to dodge an incoming enemy projectile, then unload our side arm into the foe to destroy its forcefield, then use Launch to hurl a desk chair at them and finish them off – all in the time it would take to whisper “ooh, emergent gameplay.” As you progress further, you unlock new firing modes for your weapon and additional abilities, which you need to mix-and-match to take down a diverse array of enemies. Not only is it pleasingly strategic, but wrecking shop in the game’s destructible environments feels great. “The goal was to setup a sandbox that ensures the abilities, enemies and environments feel connected and are as dynamic as possible,” says Mikael. “The player needs to master the different abilities and learn to read the room so that they can use the environment against the Hiss-possessed enemies. “The enemies pose a lot of surprising, complicated scenarios, but through mastering the abilities and the Service Weapon the players can start to improvise… and the game really starts to bloom and become a lot of fun. 3. The Oldest House is an extraordinary setting for a video game Going in, our initial concern was how Remedy was going to be able to incorporate enough variety into what, on the face of it, is essentially an office block. But we’re happy to report that the studio’s artists and designers have gone to town on the game’s labyrinthine setting, crafting an extraordinary, almost Escher-like structure that thumbs its nose at the laws of physic. It’s a constantly shifting place that throws up secrets and surprises at every turn. “The Oldest House is a ‘place of power’ that expresses itself with a certain aesthetic. It is vast, with multiple different areas which the bureau calls ‘sectors’. Each sector has a purpose, like Containment, Research or Maintenance. “But what is important to understand is that there are layers to The Oldest House. It is simply a space that the bureau has chosen to occupy, and this place or the space within, is shifting and adjusting itself to a certain unknown purpose or pattern. “Within, you can find wonderful and terrifying locations, endless vistas, shifting environments, rocky landscapes and weirdly corrupted formations. The mundane ‘office’ area is just a small part of the structure that the bureau has chosen to occupy.” 4. There’s more to Control than just shooting Sure, there’s plenty of action in Control, but it’s by no means a simple shooting gallery. You’ll also need to exercise your grey matter to solve both environmental puzzles and narrative riddles that, in keeping with the dream logic that underpins the game’s plot, demand you think outside the box. “This game has more puzzles than what we’ve ever done before,” claims Mikael. “It’s about us wanting to create an adventure for the player, a world filled with mystery and wonder, with rewards to find and lore to discover. “To achieve that, we needed to create puzzles that feel like they fit into this world and to the overall context of the moment when they’re found. To get variation we have different types of puzzles, some of them focusing on narrative elements, and some on mechanics and physics. “With this type of a setting and mechanics, creating puzzles was actually quite straightforward, but of course we needed to iterate them quite a bit to ensure they are intuitive and fun to execute. It’s a really difficult balance to get puzzles right in an action game, so hopefully we nailed it.” 5. Control rewards exploration There is a linear route to take through Control that sees you going from point A to point B to point C, collecting the necessary items and talking to the necessary people in order to complete the game’s primary narrative – the mystery of why Jesse Faden is here, and how she can fix things. But that is just part of Control. Remedy has filled its sandbox with all manner of optional secondary objectives, squirreling away additional items, story arcs and boss battles way off the beaten track. “You can’t have the full Control experience without exploring the Oldest House,” insists Mikael. “It is filled with secrets and lore that open up the history of the place and maybe gives some clues on the phenomena that you witness. “Instead of making the game ‘replayable’, for us it was more about creating a world that you can keep exploring. Sometimes returning to an old location can be fun since you can access areas that you couldn’t before due to having a new access level, or an Ability. “We had to accept that we will create a lot of cool content that many might never find. This will be the thing that will make people spend time in this world. A huge part of the content is actually purely optional in regards of the main story arc, and we hope that people realise that, so they’ll spend more time exploring the Oldest House. “It is not about repetition, it is about structuring the content in such a way that exploration, and just ‘being there’, is what you want to do, because everything you find will feel meaningful.” View the full article

Borderlands 3 launches September 13, and we’re over Elpis — er, the moon for it. The trail-blazing loot-shooter series’ latest installment brings back some familiar faces, but also adds four new vault hunters, an army of new enemies, and millions billions gazillions of gonzo guns. Since this is the first Borderlands game built from the ground up for the current generation of consoles (including, of course, PS4 and PS4 Pro), we took a moment to chat with Scott Velasquez, Online & Social Product Owner for Borderlands 3 about the tech behind the game. You know, the stuff that makes the game work. PlayStation Blog: Is Borderlands 3 built on the same engine you used in previous games? If so, have you made any changes to it? Scott Velasquez: Unlike Borderlands 2 and Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel, which were running on a heavily modified Unreal Engine 3, Borderlands 3 was built from the ground up using Epic’s new Unreal Engine 4. As always, we have customized Unreal 4 to best fit the needs of Borderlands 3 and our team’s workflow. Something that we’re extremely proud of is how fast we pulled off the engine switch, as this usually guarantees an extra two to three years of development. Major kudos to the entire team for this effort! PlayStation Blog: What are the key differences in building a game for PS4 / PS4 Pro when compared to previous console generations? Scott Velasquez: The PS4 is an amazing console, but the PS4 Pro takes things to another level and allows us to push the game further by running at higher resolutions and higher framerates. This is great because hardware in previous console generations was static for the entire generation, which, as a developer, was unfortunate because we always want to keep pushing the envelope further and further. Sony has done a great job this generation to make it easy on us as game developers. PlayStation Blog: What’s one thing the team did in Borderlands 3 that couldn’t have happened in previous gens? Scott Velasquez: The online capabilities of the PS4 and PlayStation Network this generation took a significant step forward compared to previous generations. Many of our online features wouldn’t have happened if it were not for this generation. For example, friend integration and matchmaking functionality are very important to Borderlands 3 and likely couldn’t have happened to this extent in previous console generations. PlayStation Blog: Does Borderlands 3 support 4K and / or HDR? If so, can you share any specific ways the game showcases these technologies? Scott Velasquez: Yes, Borderlands 3 supports both 4K and HDR output, and in fact, we allow you to configure them individually, which means you could play the game in 1080P HDR if you really wanted! With 4K and HDR enabled, the game looks amazing. Everything from the weapon in your hands to enemies to the FX from combat look especially crisp and detailed in this mode. Night fall is rendered in much darker blacks, and the killer sky boxes really pull you into the world that the team has built. If your display is capable, you’ll want to play around with these settings for sure! PlayStation Blog: Will there be different graphical / display modes for players to choose between? Scott Velasquez: Yes, players will be able to choose between “favor resolution” and “favor performance” on the PS4 Pro through a new setting called Graphics Preference. When “favor resolution” is selected, we aim for the highest resolution possible, capping framerate at 30 frames per second. In “favor performance” mode, we increase the framerate cap to 60 frames per second and render at 1080P. One interesting note is that when favoring resolution on a TV that only supports 1080p, the game will supersample from the higher resolution using the console’s hardware. Because of this, the 1080p output will look sharper in this mode than it normally would, again thanks to the power of the PS4 Pro. This setting among many others is core to our goal to not only accommodate as many people possible but also to allow them to play the way they want to play. PlayStation Blog: Any other interesting anecdotes you’d like to share about developing BL3 for this console generation? Scott Velasquez: The development tools and pipeline for the PS4 and PS4 Pro this generation have been amazing. Sony really listened to our feedback as game developers and delivered a huge improvement that allows us to iterate quicker, optimize the game to run more efficiently, and ultimately provide a better user experience for PlayStation gamers. PlayStation Blog: What’s one piece of advice you’d offer to players preparing to dive into Borderlands 3 later this year? Scott Velasquez: My biggest piece of advice for both beginners and series veterans would be to try co-op play in Borderlands 3. Bring a partner or select an asynchronous matchmaking activity to find another Vault Hunter while you continue playing your game. Co-op play adds another level of fun and mayhem to the Borderlands series, which I believe we’ve cranked up further in Borderlands 3. View the full article

Arcades were a huge part of my life as a gamer in the 80’s and 90’s, eventually paving the way for all those games we would play on home consoles without having to spend all of our hard-earned quarters. Fighting games, beat ‘em ups, shoot ‘em ups, and many other genres would almost always come to the arcades first, and only a few months later be ported to the home consoles of the time. And then there were those games that never made the transition. Vasara was one such game. Released by Visco in the year 2000, it was a shoot ‘em up based on an alternate Japanese history and made use of some very unique game mechanics. Relying heavily on melee techniques to succeed in a shoot ‘em up? That’s what I call thinking outside the box. Little did I know that eighteen years later we, QUByte Interactive, would have the honor — and huge responsibility — of bringing that game that amazed us all back then to a whole new audience for the very first time. When we first approached Visco, the original developer, with the idea of porting Vasara to the PlayStation family, we knew how much they cherished those games and were very glad they trusted us with such a beloved franchise. Flash forward to August 2019 and, after a long and challenging period of development, here we are with Vasara Collection finally coming to both PS4 and PS Vita, each with their own exclusive features. Classics Vasara and Vasara 2 in a single package: Vasara Collection on the PS Vita brings the two original games, with the option to enable quite a few quality-of-life features of modern gaming. Tate Mode support: To those who prefer a taste of that original arcade flavor, the PS Vita version offers support to play in Vertical Mode, with fully adapted controls, so you can play Vasara in its original screen format. Make sure you always keep that wrist strap on while playing. Full Support for PlayStation TV: We wanted to make sure we explored the full range of possibilities the PS Vita version had to offer, so we made the game fully compatible with PS TV, including multiplayer support, so you can also enjoy your PS Vita version of Vasara Collection with a friend on the big screen. Brand-new 3D Game Mode: As for Vasara Collection on PS4, not only it does include both classic titles, but also an exclusive Game Mode, completely built from scratch with 3D graphics — Timeless Mode. Timeless Mode is a modern twist on Vasara, with full support to widescreen monitors, new gameplay elements and expanded multiplayer support. You can now play with any of the characters from either Vasara games and build your own dream team to face the hordes of evil in co-op with up to four players. We just can’t wait until you start sharing your Vasara experiences with us, and we hope that all of our love and respect for these games show, and you have as much fun playing it as we had bringing it from Japanese arcades to PlayStation all over the world! Thank you very much! View the full article

From your first look at the cover of WWE 2K20, it’s clear that things are going to be different this year. Rather than going with a solo WWE Superstar, we’re featuring both Raw Women’s Champion Becky Lynch (the first female WWE 2K cover star) and “The Big Dog” Roman Reigns. Both WWE Superstars factor heavily into the game with their own special modes and a blending of new features and content in a way that’s never been done in the WWE 2K franchise before. Because you’ve demanded it, we’re also giving you all so much more info about the game and features, and showing you clips from the game earlier than ever. 2K Showcase: The Women’s Evolution “The Man” Becky Lynch headlines 2K Showcase: The Women’s Evolution as part of the Four Horsewomen, which also includes Charlotte Flair, SmackDown Women’s Champion Bayley, and Sasha Banks. The story-based mode features historical video packages and objective-based matches from throughout their careers and new, exclusive interviews with the Superstars themselves. As you play through the mode and achieve objectives, you’ll unlock new characters, gear, arenas, and more. Roman Reigns Tower The popular 2K Towers return with a wide variety of new challenges for gamers of all skill levels. The centerpiece of it all is a story-driven Tower focused on Roman Reigns. More details to come in the future. MyCareer We heard fans loud and clear. You want to create and play as both male and female MyPlayers and take them through MyCareer, Towers, and more. Well now, you can! The MyCareer campaign includes an intertwining storyline that features both of your male and female created MyPlayers, as you take them through their WWE journey. Who knows which WWE Superstars and Legends, and what unexpected surprises and storyline twists you’ll encounter as your forge your own path to WWE greatness? Mixed Tag Matches Another first for the WWE 2K franchise: mixed tag matches. Players can now pit two mixed male and female tag teams against each other and battle it out, as seen on WWE programming in shows like Mixed Match Challenge. Have a dream mixed tag team you’d like to put together and take on the entire WWE roster? Here’s your chance. Roster Surprises The WWE 2K20 roster is huge and loaded with NXT and WWE Superstars alongside WWE Legends and Hall of Famers. We’ll be revealing them all down the road, but we have a few bigtime names to share right out of the gate. Included in the WWE 2K20 Deluxe Edition and Collector’s Edition (SmackDown! 20th Anniversary Edition) are some of the all-time greats to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of WWE SmackDown!. Chyna appears for the first time in the WWE 2K franchise Hulk Hogan returns to WWE 2K Charismatic tag team Rock ‘n’ Sock Connection includes “$500 Shirt” The Rock and Rock ‘n’ Sock Mankind WWE 2K20 Originals Downloadable content for WWE 2K20 is completely different this year as well. In prior years, we’ve dropped packs of DLC after ship, but this year, we’re going to keep the game alive with significantly more content after launch that will deliver several new realms of themed content to nearly every aspect of the game. WWE 2K20 Originals are a series of packs included with every copy of the Deluxe and Collector’s Editions. And if you pre-order the Standard Edition, you get access to the first WWE 2K20 Original pack at no additional cost. We’re excited to reveal more about WWE 2K20 Originals and everything else as we get closer to the October 22 release on PS4. View the full article

Hi all! My name is Erin Robinson Swink, and I’m beyond excited to announce that my game Gravity Ghost: Deluxe Edition is coming out tomorrow on the PS4. It’s got an incredible soundtrack by Ben Prunty (FTL, Into the Breach), and an amazing voice cast featuring Ashly Burch (Horizon Zero Dawn, Life is Strange) and Logan Cunningham (Transistor, Bastion). I hope you like it! What is Gravity Ghost? Gravity Ghost is a peaceful platformer where you use orbits and gravity to explore a handpainted galaxy. You might find yourself bouncing off tiny jupiters, smashing through glass planets, or plunging deep into a water planet to collect a missing star. Gravity Ghost is also the story of a 12-year-old ghost girl named Iona who is searching for her lost friend, the ghost fox. It’s part ghost story, part coming-of-age tale, and (if you’ll forgive the pun) it tends to haunt people — in a good way. The critical reception so far has been pretty incredible, and the game enjoys a 95% positive rating on Steam. I’m also excited to announce here, for the first time, that 2000 physical copies of Gravity Ghost: Deluxe Edition will be available through Limited Run Games. What’s new in the Deluxe Edition? Brand New Constellation with 13 All-New Challenge Levels By the time you finish the game, you have a repertoire of movement powerups: double jump, dash, glide, heavy, etc. You also have ‘terraforming’ abilities which let you alter a planet’s gravity. For example, a pesky dense planet can become a fiery ‘repulsor’ that lets you blast off like a rocket ship. With these things in mind, I set myself to the task of creating an ‘ultimate challenge’ for advanced players. One thing that is particularly challenging in our game is pinpoint precision. It’s hard enough to collect one star in each level. Hitting multiple targets in sequence, with no mistakes, requires a very special set of skills. I created the new musical ‘clovers’ for exactly this reason. Players must execute multiple twitch moves in sequence, often while avoiding touching any planets (surprisingly difficult). Clever players can make their lives easier by terraforming nearby planets to change their gravity. To round things out, I also created ‘puzzle’ levels that require some lateral thinking. All in all, the challenge levels increase the size of the game by nearly 15%, and I think they’re a great spin (pun semi-intended) on the core gameplay. Playable Voy the Fox Iona has strong air control, but relatively weak vertical jumps. I decided to tune Voy the opposite way, and the result almost feels like a completely different game. Voy launches himself enthusiastically from each planet, but becomes harder to steer once he’s in the air. Aiming the initial jump is much more important, and certain levels are almost like puzzles. Light Bar Support Iona has magical hair — it turns blue when you’re making water planets, red when you’re making fire planets, etc. Making the Light Bar match these colors was a total no brainer (but one that still made me grin the first time I saw it working). There are also story moments that are made more dramatic by adding timed light bar cues. I’m very proud and excited to bring you Gravity Ghost: Deluxe Edition on PS4. It was the culmination of several years of work from our wonderful team, and it also fulfills my longtime dream of bringing a game to a console. Gravity Ghost: Deluxe Edition is available in the US, Canada, Mexico, and most South American countries. It’s coming out tomorrow, check it out! :) From my heart to yours, – Erin View the full article

This year has given us some incredible games, from a shinobi’s challenging quest to a post-apocalyptic ride through a brutal wilderness. Still, so many promising titles are still on the way before 2019 wraps up. Prepare for the upcoming tidal wave of titles with this rundown of our most-anticipated PS4 games. You sure you’re ready? Control August 27 Remedy’s upcoming third-person shooter continues the developer’s pedigree of quirky mysteries with satisfying gameplay. Protagonist Jesse Faden wields a shape-shifting firearm and a host of telekinetic powers. Blast apart possessed guards, fling heavy objects around the environment, and gleefully watch the debris fly. Let Control’s striking art style and gameplay lure you in, then stick around to uncover the mystery behind the Federal Bureau of Control. The Dark Pictures: Man of Medan August 30 Put on a brave face. A new horror story is on the way from Supermassive Games, the creators of Until Dawn. The first chapter in the studio’s anthology series sends players out to sea on a derelict ship. Control the fates of a group of young thrill seekers, who will live and die based on your decisions. Loved making decisions in Until Dawn while playing alongside a friend? In Man of Medan, players can pass the controller to control individual characters in Movie Night mode, or experience different versions of the story online with Shared Story mode. You’ll be able to weave your own tale of terror soon. Monster Hunter World: Iceborne September 6 Next stop: Hoarfrost Reach. Grab your Hammer, Great Sword, or hunting weapon of choice and set out on a new monster-filled expedition. Capcom’s huge expansion to Monster Hunter World picks up after the main game’s core story. The frosty new area is filled with tough monsters that can be hunted to create even beefier gear. The antlered Banbaro charges hunters with fearsome speed, and the fan-favorite Tigrex returns to unleash havoc. Wield the new Clutch Claw to latch on to monsters and damage specific body parts – great for shattering a horn or slicing a tail for a crafting ingredient. Reassemble your hunting party and prepare to follow those Scoutflies. Borderlands 3 September 13 The original looter-shooter returns. The third chapter expands the world of Borderlands beyond Pandora and its moon, introducing enticing new worlds like a stunning cityscape. Become new Vault Hunters like the Mech-piloting Moze or command lethal creatures as FL4K the Beastmaster. Borderlands 3 shines brightest playing with four players in co-op, and even supports split-screen for two players. Get ready to dive into the bazillion-gun arsenal and find your favorites. FIFA 20 September 27 EA continues their iconic football series with a new entry that brings players back to the streets. Drawing inspiration from the places that many soccer fans first learn the game, Volta mode features more intimate 5v5, 4v4, and 3v3 matches. The mode swaps professional stadiums with urban locales like a Tokyo rooftop or Amsterdam underpass. Fans of professional football can still look forward to proper 11v11 games, as well. Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Breakpoint October 4 Ubisoft evolves the new open-world Ghost Recon formula introduced in 2017’s Wildlands. The Ghosts are broken and stranded behind enemy lines without hope of fresh supplies or rescue, so survival is key. New gameplay mechanics demand players thoroughly plan missions, as terrain like rocky hills or swamps affect stamina, and debilitating injuries like broken limbs require mending. Thankfully, new tactical options like cutting through fences or slathering on mud for makeshift camo help even the odds. Concrete Genie October 8 Wield a mystical paintbrush and paint life back into your dreary town. Developed by the talented team at PixelOpus, Concrete Genie tells the heartfelt tale of Ash, a creative teenager who escapes his troubles with the help of his mischievous Genies. You can also watch your creations burst to life in two immersive PlayStation VR modes, one featuring an adorable little Genie named Splotch and a relaxing free-paint mode. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare October 25 Infinity Ward returns to the Call of Duty series that redefined first-person shooters. The grizzled Captain Price leads an intense single-player campaign that explores the careers of military operatives who do dirty work to help make the world a safer place. The new 2v2 Gunfight mode introduces a new intimate multiplayer option that cycles through weapon loadouts in intense 40-second rounds. All this, plus the return of the co-op Spec Ops mode, makes Modern Warfare worth enlisting in come fall. MediEvil October 25 Sir Daniel Fortesque rises once again, this time in a vibrant remake of the PlayStation darling. Return to Gallowmere, faithfully remade by Other Ocean Emeryville with visual and gameplay enhancements. Grab your sword to slice through wicked skeletons, scarecrows, pumpkins, and other haunted foes. Don’t miss out on Sir Dan’s chance to foil the evil sorcerer Zarok’s plans once again. The Outer Worlds October 25 The RPG masterminds at Obsidian are crafting a new adventure to the edge of the galaxy. Explore corporate-owned planets and meet colorful citizens, some of whom have been brainwashed by tongue-in-cheek propaganda (“Buy Auntie Cleo’s, better than nature!”). In classic Obsidian fashion, you’ll make pivotal decisions that can affect entire town populations. When you’re not navigating detailed dialogue trees, expect to explore the exotic locales and face off with hostile aliens or killer robots. Tap into slow-motion combat options to target specific enemy body parts to deal strategic damage. The Outer Worlds is shaping up to be a robust space trip that shouldn’t be missed. Death Stranding November 8 Sam Bridges must brave a world utterly transformed by the Death Stranding. Carrying the disconnected remnants of our future in his hands, he embarks on a journey to reconnect the shattered world one step at a time. What is the Death Stranding? What are the spectral creatures plaguing the landscape, exactly? We’re eager to dive into Kojima Productions mysterious new title and find out. Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order November 15 Emperor Palpatine has issued Order 66, sending Jedi across the galaxy to their grave or into hiding. Cal Kestis survived the purge and sets out on a galaxy-spanning mission to finish his training and restore the Jedi Order before the deadly Inquisitors hunt him down. Playing as Cal, gameplay aims to capture the spirit of being a Jedi, with lightsaber duels, satisfying Force abilities, and even wall running. This new Star Wars tale is being crafted by the stellar devs at Respawn Entertainment, making it worth keeping in your tractor beam. Doom Eternal November 22 More demons to destroy, with more inventive ways to do it. This sequel heats up the action with enhancements to the famously frenzied combat. Scorch enemies with a shoulder-mounted flamethrower to score armor pickups. Unleash the Super Shotgun’s meathook to grapple around the environment or close the gap with enemies. Simply “more” hell-raising action in line with 2016’s Doom would have been great, yet the magicians at id Software have found fresh and cathartic new ways to spice up the chaos. What upcoming PS4 release this year are you most looking forward to? Sound off in the comments below. View the full article

Email us at blogcast@sony.com! Subscribe via iTunes, Spotify, Google or RSS, or download here The Blogcast is back, with Sid and Tim sharing their explosively positive first impressions of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare! Stuff We Talked About Angry Birds The Movie 2 VR Concrete Genie How to sleep on airplanes Wolfenstein: Youngblood Mechanics that were industry game changers The Cast Sid Shuman – Director of Social Media, SIEA Kristen Zitani – Social Media Specialist, SIEA Tim Turi – Senior Social Media Specialist, SIEA Thanks to Cory Schmitz for our beautiful logo and 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

Come on in, the water’s fine! Rovio’s instantly recognizable avian troublemakers set off on a sub-aquatic adventure in The Angry Birds Movie 2: Under Pressure, coming to PlayStation VR next week. But you can leave your slingshot at home; this one takes a different approach than you might expect. With one player inside the headset and four on the TV, Under Pressure is an asymmetrical co-op affair. The TV players work together to craft ammo for the VR player, who is the only one able to see outside the ship (and by extension the only one who can reel in all the wondrous treasure the ocean holds). Of course, players are able to interact with each other in helpful — and not-so-helpful — ways, which can make for chaotic, hilarious play sessions. For a full list of new games coming to PlayStation next week, read on. And enjoy The Drop! Age of Wonders: Planetfall PS4 — Digital, Retail Age of Wonders: Planetfall is the new strategy game from Triumph Studios. Build your empire with one of six unique factions, ranging from the militant Vanguard to the dinosaur-riding Amazons and the cyborg-zombies of the Assembly. The Angry Birds Movie 2 VR: Under Pressure PS VR — Digital Now the birds and piggies are best frenemies, Red and Leonard team up to assemble a crack(ed) team and investigate mysterious Eagle Island. But first, they must get there in one piece — in a giant Piggy submarine. Can the birds and pigs cooperate, deep beneath the waves? Or will they get that sinking feeling as the pressure rises? Corpse Killer – 25th Anniversary Edition PS4 — Digital (Out 8/5) You’re stranded on an uncharted island of Death. You’re zombifying from Voodoo poison. A mad scientist is on your trail. Originally developed by Digital Pictures and released in 1994, Corpse Killer has been completely rebuilt for the PS4, bringing it to a level of video quality never before seen. Fatal Twelve PS4 — Digital (Out 8/8) Shishimai Rinka thought her life was over… until she woke up and continued her everyday routine as if her fatal accident had never happened. Day by day, her sense of unease grew. Until a mysterious girl spoke to her in her dreams. ‘A game is about to begin. This is your chance to truly be reborn.’ Gravity Ghost: Deluxe Edition PS4 — Digital Surf the night sky. Careen through the cosmos. Find the fox. When a ghost girl’s best friend goes missing, she’ll turn the whole universe upside down to find him. Gravity Ghost is a planetary platformer where orbiting is an art form. In over 100 dizzying levels, put your aerial skills to the test against planets that bounce, break, splash, and more. Illusion of L’Phalcia PS4, PS Vita — Digital (Cross-Buy) Experience epic 3D battles in a fantasy RPG. Ryser and Cougar are in search of the Sword of Amal, an artifact of legend said to grant any wish. Their journey will lead them into fateful encounters with both allies and rivals only to find a mysterious truth awaiting at the end of their adventure. Machiknights -Blood Bagos- PS4 — Digital (Out 8/8) Get ready for an all-new hardcore multiplayer action RPG. Stage by stage, you’ll unravel the mysteries of ancient technologies. Experiment with new Machi Knight equipment to change your gameplay style, and stop the evil organization of Kenos from reviving a terrible long-lost weapon known as Bagos the Giant! Metal Wolf Chaos XD PS4 — Digital The country is in peril as President Michael Wilson defends the nation against a full-scale rebellion led by Vice-President Richard Hawk and the mechanized legions he commands. As the 47th President of the United States, it is your sworn duty to take your country back by any means necessary and end this unjust coup d’etat! Sagebrush PS4 — Digital When the members of a cult take their own lives, only you can discover the truth behind the tragedy. Inspired by real-world cults, Sagebrush is a first-person narrative-driven adventure game which thrusts players into the role of a truth-seeker who must investigate the tragic circumstances of the Perfect Heaven cult’s mass suicide. Tactics V: Obsidian Brigade PS4 — Digital (Out 8/9) Tactics V: Obsidian Brigade is a retro-style tactical turn-based video game in homage to console tactical RPGs from the 1990s. It’s set in a fantasy setting with its own lore and magic, using techniques to convert to a 2D isometric look from 3D assets. Wonder Boy Returns Remix PS4 — Digital (Out 8/8) Wonder Boy was an arcade hit back in 1986, with its intuitive controls and polished game balance. This forever famous side-scrolling action game has been remixed and reborn for the PS4. Join the adventure of a boy who’s doing his best to save his girlfriend Tina — updated with high-def anime-inspired visuals and more! Wordsweeper by Powgi PS4, PS Vita — Digital (Cross-Buy) A crossword puzzle solved using logic and deduction. This new word game draws inspiration from the classic puzzle game Minesweeper, and is exclusive to Powgi! The information above is subject to change without notice. Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw OST Animation Nation TOOL – 10,000 Days Rocketman The Hustle Brightburn Stream all 65 preseason games on NFL Network with PS Vue PlayStation Vue has your favorite sports, news and must-watch shows. The information above is subject to change without notice. View the full article

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare is coming, and we played it! There’s a lot to take in — read on to discover what’s in store for the genre-defining Multiplayer mode when it lands on October 25. Cross-platform play means you can play against PS4, PC, and Xbox One players. At its unveil event, Infinity Ward confirmed that Call of Duty: Modern Warfare will support cross-play between PC and console players — a first for the series. How is the studio balancing mouse-and-keyboard users with controller users? “One of the main ways is that we are planning on matchmaking based on peripheral,” Design Director Joe Cecot said. “We’re also supporting different peripherals, so if you want to plug a keyboard [and mouse] into your PS4, you can.” Season Pass is no more. Instead, an ongoing array of free downloadable maps and content will release post launch. “We just revealed, so it’s a little early to talk post-launch, but we can say that it will be a regular distribution of content,” Cecot said. “We have a very full post-launch schedule, because we want players to jump into our game and we want to keep them really busy with new content for a long time.” Weapon customization is extensive. Most Call of Duty games let you swap between a handful of weapon mods. But Modern Warfare’s “Gunsmith” weapon customization is extensive — with 30 to 60 mods available for most weapons. It’s so extensive, that it required an entire mode called “Gunsmith.” Progression and gameplay are unified across all three main modes. Gear you unlock and equip in MP will extend over to the co-op Spec Ops experience and vice-versa. You’ll unlock some gear for MP as you play through the SP experience too, and weapons and mods will feel consistent and unified across all three modes. Night-vision goggles (NVGs) are a game changer… In most games, NVGs paint the screen bright green and highlight threats. Not so in COD: MW. Equip the NVGs on dark maps to transform the game into an otherworldly battlefield where the usual rules may no longer apply. On maps that support NVG, every player will be able to equip them by holding down on the d-pad. …and “laser discipline” will finally enter the 2019 zeitgeist. Since entering ADS triggers your weapon’s laser attachment, you need to be careful when fighting in an NVG-compatible map — NVG-wearing enemies can easily track your position. 2v2 Gunfight is a riot. This white-knuckle atom-smasher might just steal the show. This contest is fought on small “Flash Maps,” and equips all four players with the same randomly selected weapon loadout to keep things fair and square. The resulting cat-and-mouse brawls are real nail biters with a pacing somewhat similar to fighting games. There are three map sizes. “Flash Maps” are designed for close-quarters 2v2 Gunfight matches, while “Tactical Maps” support more traditional 6v6 and 10v10 player counts. “Battle Maps” are reserved for the largest-scale gameplay. We played it via 20v20 matches, but the team said they’ll support more than 100 players! Multiplayer supports more varied playstyles. From team support to run-and-gun, sniping, camping and more, IW is seeking to broaden the number of viable play styles with Modern Warfare. This is partly thanks to a greatly expanded array of gear. Map traversal is more fluid and varied. Perhaps moreso than any prior Call of Duty game, COD: Modern Warfare is all about giving players tactical options. That’s reflected in the new map layouts, which offer more opportunities to traverse through sneaky paths and backdoors to catch foes unaware. If prior Call of Duty maps were a racetrack, COD: Modern Warfare is more like a rollercoaster. Operators are cosmetic only. You can select from an array of cool-looking Operators to represent yourself in online matches, but the benefits are purely aesthetic. Map design took inspiration from classic DM games. Infinity Ward took some inspiration from classic deathmatch games when developing COD: Modern Warfare. More “power positions” — towers and other elevated areas — are scattered throughout the maps. These give you an objective to move for and result in more interesting, varied firefights that flow around the map. It uses a new engine. The game is a looker, pumping out huge, realistic-looking maps loaded with eye-catching special effects, particularly the smoke and fog that actually accumulates after a blistering gunfight. Expect the Realistic mode to make some noise. This new optional setting strips away almost all onscreen HUD elements — even the classic hitmarker and kill notifications. It’s not for everyone, but we tried it out on a nighttime map equipped with NVGs and the results were intense, bordering on survival-horror. “Mounting” gives limited cover to frontline assault players. When standing next to a corner or over a ledge, you’ll see an onscreen prompt to press R3, which allows you to hunker down a bit and reduce your profile. When mounting a corner, you can even use the right stick to peek out a bit to pick new targets from (relative) safety. Doors are more interesting than you think. I know… doors. But Infinity Ward spent a lot of time spicing up these pedestrian portals. You can open doors in multiple ways — running or sliding into them, carefully easing them open, or blowing them open with explosives — and each way has a tactical benefit. They’re also useful as auditory cues, helping you track enemy movement through the level. “Tactical Sprint” provides a short speed boost. Also called the “super sprint,” this new maneuver allows you to cover ground faster, but with a greater delay to Aim Down Sights (ADS) if you encounter a hostile. Trigger it by double-clicking L3. Also, your sprint meter isn’t infinite, though Perks can extend it. The audio design is cutting-edge. Using sophisticated new audio processing techniques unknown to me (I caught a reference of “raytracing”), Modern Warfare is putting a big emphasis on pushing immersive audio. Weapon fire snarls with realistic reverberations, the doppler effect is in full effect, and… Killstreaks are back. Need I say more? Excessive weapon mods will slow your ADS. Each weapon supports up to five mods, including weapon-specific Perks, so it’s tempting to max out your M4 and head to battle. Not so fast: overload your gun and the increased weight will greatly slow your ADS speed, and sometimes even your movement speed, so you’ll lose out to faster-drawing opponents. Be smart and equip only what you really need! The open beta will be big. Literally. Yes, the watch hands show the real time. They really do. We checked. View the full article

New this week to Days Gone is the latest “bike” challenge, Dead Don’t Ride. Take your seat behind the wheel of an electric golf cart to pick up and deliver passengers at locations around the Salome Hotsprings. There are 36 passengers waiting for rides if you manage to make on time deliveries. You’re working against the clock in Dead Don’t Ride, so in order to get the best passenger ratings and maximize your high score, here are some tips for excelling at the challenge sub-objectives: Close Call: Park Close to X Survivors. When stopping to pick up your next fare, stop as close as possible to the waiting survivor. Stopping close not only contributes toward this sub-objective, but it also gives bonus points toward the overall challenge. 5 Star Driver: Drop Off X Happy Survivors. Once you have a survivor on board, pay attention to their satisfaction meter. You’ll get score and time bonuses for Happy and Neutral drop-offs. You’ll still get some points from Unhappy passengers, but no time bonus. Wild Speed: Drop off X Hard Survivors. Delivery difficulty is indicated by the color of the pick-up ring; yellow for easy, orange for medium, and red for hard. Difficulty is determined by distance to the drop-off destination, and in some cases by jumps or difficult navigation. In addition to advancing this sub-objective, longer deliveries award more points toward the overall score. Since the golf cart has infinite boost, make heavy use of it on long straightaways to achieve this sub-objective. Street Sweeper: Run Over X Swarmers. Don’t worry about alarming your passengers—running over freaks won’t hurt your delivery rating. Each Swarmer killed will add two seconds to the challenge clock. Try and line up your Swarmer kills along your delivery routes because going out of your way for these kills will work against the clock. Additional advice for Dead Don’t Ride: Successfully completing all 36 deliveries will reward 2,000 points for each second left on the clock. So be mindful of finding ways to shave precious time from your run; find the best paths to take, discover the optimal order in which to pick up passengers, drift into stops so you’re facing the drop-off location, and use boost as much as possible (without crashing into obstacles, of course). This challenge awards the “Hit and Run” patch for Bronze or better rankings. This patch reduces the rate at which bikes (and golf carts) slow when impacting enemies. So earning this patch will allow you to keep extra time on the clock, which helps achieve even greater scores within the challenge. View the full article

Alright! I played Monster Hunter World: Iceborne! World was the first Monster Hunter game I fully fell down the rabbit hole with, so with Iceborne right around the corner I’m hungry for any opportunity to get an early look. Below are five of my favorite things (aside from the rad new monsters and gear, of course) that I noticed during my time with Iceborne. 1. The “Take All” button QOL, baby! No longer having to hold down X to take each end-of-hunt item individually may not be a back-of-box bullet point, but it’s a nice touch that proves the dev team is looking for ways to make things more pleasant overall. Another welcome QOL change: There’s now a confirmation dialogue when equipping an item loadout that asks whether you want to use that loadout’s customized radial menu as well. Saving and loading custom radial menus was a tough one for me to figure out initially, so I’m grateful for the added clarity here. Meet the Barioth: a real meanie of a new monster. This one doesn’t mess around. 2. The Clutch Claw Hoooooo boy, this is a big one. Iceborne introduces a new tool to Monster Hunter, and it adds a suite of new strategic options for Hunters on the move. To use the Clutch Claw, hold L2 to aim and press Circle to fire (even if your weapon is drawn!) and pull yourself onto specific parts of a monster. Then you’ve got options: When latched onto your target’s head, you can press Circle to make the monster rotate, changing the direction it’s facing. Press R2 to spend all of your remaining Slinger ammo to unleash the “Flinch Shot” (again, as long as you’re mounted on the beast’s head), which sends the monster careening forward. If the monster runs into a wall or off a cliff, it stuns your quarry and gives your squad a prime opportunity to dish out some huge damage. Press Triangle to execute a standard attack — this isn’t the same as what happens when you mount a beast; it’s more of a quick whack on the way back down to the ground. Depending on which weapon you’ve equipped, this will either soften up that part of the monster, increasing damage and making it less likely for your attacks to be deflected, or it will make the beast drop slinger ammo for you and your fellow hunters. There are also some interesting new things you can do without first grappling onto the monster, depending on the weapon you’re carrying. Pressing L2 after applying my hammer to a monster’s face, for example, allowed me to fire off a quick “Slinger Burst” for some extra damage. My time with Iceborne was not quite enough to fully wrap my head around the Clutch Claw and its myriad strategic advantages, but even the few I was able to master made things a lot more interesting. I’m looking forward to playing with this more. 3. Seliana, the new hub area, is more condensed than Astera Seliana is a smaller hub area than Astera, what with its multiple levels and chain elevators and hidden pathways. I haven’t dug into every nook and cranny of the new hub, but your starting location, the hunt board, the Canteen, and the Workshop are all in mercifully close proximity to one another — so it’ll be that much faster to get into your next hunt. Fun fact: the Grammeowster Chef — Seliana’s leader of all things culinary — is the former mentor of Astera’s Meowscular Chef! 4. The “Wide Range” perk works with Hot Drinks Supporting your teammates by speccing into the “Wide Range” perk has always been handy in MHW, but I’m comfy saying it’s less “handy” and more “important” now. Master Rank hunts are no joke, and various ice-related status ailments constantly threaten to end your quest prematurely. Hot Drinks keep you toasty in the expansion’s new icy climate, and chugging one while you have Wide Range gear or decorations equipped will warm up your buddies, too. Reminder: Plenty of other items work with Wide Range, too. Nulberries, for example, are handy for keeping your fellow hunters safe from the ever-present threat of Iceblight, an irritating ailment that hampers your stamina in a major way. 5. New hunts don’t always happen in Hoarfrost Reach While Iceborne’s story will take you to its huge new location early on, it doesn’t send you there for each and every hunt throughout the new campaign. You’ll head back to the base game’s locales from time to time to hunt powerful new subspecies of existing monsters (as well as returning series favorites and all-new beasties). I love the new map, but I’m glad we’ll have excuses to return to the world of… well, World. Three ferocious new subspecies you’ll encounter in Iceborne (top to bottom, left to right): Coral Pukei Pukei, Nightshade Paolumu, Viper Tobi-Kadachi Monster Hunter World: Iceborne launches September 6, but in the meantime you can hop into World during its currently ongoing festival, which sees the return of various limited-time event quests each week. Did you miss the Aloy armor and Watcher Palico set when they came around before? Now’s your chance to grab ’em. Got questions about Iceborne? I’ll be checking in on the comments throughout the day and will answer the ones I’m able to! View the full article

Hello, colonists! Brian Heins here, Senior Designer from Obsidian Entertainment, and I’m going to be your guide as we check out The Outer Worlds. In case you haven’t heard, The Outer Worlds is a first-person, single-player role-playing game in which you will decide how the story plays out. We will be looking at a bit of the game’s features as well as the town of Edgewater. Edgewater is a backwater settlement located in the region of Emerald Vale, owned and operated by Spacer’s Choice. The people of Edgewater are hardy, loyal company folk devoted to working in the town’s Saltuna Canning Facility until the day they die, at which point they’re buried in the local Spacer’s Choice Cemetery — provided they’ve paid their burial fees. The Spacer’s Choice family takes care of its own. Reed Tobson — Edgewater’s administrator — can help you find a power regulator to repair your ship. A staple in Obsidian games has always been a complex narrative with a variety of dialogue options, and The Outer Worlds is no different as you will have multiple options when approaching conversations. Your character’s abilities and companions also play a part in conversations. For example, you may have the option to lie to someone if you have enough charisma, or potentially your companion is a skilled engineer and can help dig you out of a technical discussion that is way over your head. Reed points you to a power regulator in the nearby botanical district. All you need to do is head down to the geothermal plant, cut off power to the botanical district, and take their power regulator for yourself. As often with the decisions you face in The Outer Worlds, this will not be an easy choice and you will see that the botanical district is home to a group of refugees led by Adelaide McDevitt. Adelaide McDevitt was once Edgewater’s finest flavor specialist. Remember that limited edition run of White Chocolate Saltuna? That was all Adelaide. Not a lot of people know what made Adelaide abandon her job and leave town. Today, Adelaide and a small band of loyal followers live together under the shade of a garden, surviving off the land and keeping to themselves. Adelaide holds a bitter grudge against Edgewater. She wants to hurt Edgewater by destroying their power supply, and she needs your help to do it. With this information and a weighty decision to contemplate, you will make your way to the next objective — the geothermal plant. If deciding the outcome of these settlements was not enough, the path to the geothermal plant is riddled with violent marauders and aggressive fauna. While it may be possible to avoid conflict using stealth, dialog, and other means, if you do end up fighting you will have a variety of options to ensure you remain above ground. Depending on your character, you may opt for getting close and personal with a melee weapon or simply value taking cover with a rifle in hand. Either way, you should take advantage of Tactical Time Dilation. Due to some minor brain damage from being suspended in hyperspace, your character perceives time differently. This allows you to slow down the perception of time which can drastically improve your effectiveness in combat. Depending on how you invest your skills, Tactical Time Dilation can be improved to provide unique combat possibilities like being able to cripple or blind enemies. It will also allow you to scan enemies and get detailed information about them. Your path will lead you to the geothermal plant, where you will have to navigate around or confront various patrolling security bots, and ultimately decide the fate of Edgewater and Adelaide’s deserters. There are many ways to resolve this quest, and the options and possibilities you discover along the way are very much at the core of The Outer Worlds. We look forward to seeing all the paths you take in your adventure when the game comes out on October 25. View the full article

Hello everyone, we know that there is a lot of hunger out there for news and updates on No Man’s Sky. We’re very excited to be able to share more information from behind the scenes. Our next chapter, No Man’s Sky: Beyond, is coming on August 14. That’s very soon! Beyond will contain three major updates rolled into one larger free release. These changes are a mix of features we’ve been dreaming of for a while, and a reaction to how we have seen folks playing since the release of NEXT. While in No Man’s Sky you have an infinite universe to explore, we know that the moments players talk about the most are coming across another traveller at random and adventuring together or landing on a new planet only to discover the remnants of another explorer’s habitat. Watching these moments has inspired us to create an expanded Online experience will bring a radical new social and multiplayer experience which empowers players everywhere in the universe to meet and play together. While this brings people together like never before, and has many recognizable online elements, we don’t consider No Man’s Sky to be an MMO. It won’t require a subscription, won’t contain microtransactions, and this update will be free for all existing players. Meanwhile, VR support will bring the entire game experience to life in virtual reality. Grab the joystick and thruster to fly your starship over an unexplored alien planet as you peer out of the cockpit at the view below. Reach into your backpack to grab your multitool, touch it to switch to terrain manipulation and carve out intricate shapes with unprecedented control. Play in multiplayer and casually wave to your non-VR friends or fist bump your PS VR peers. Anything possible in No Man’s Sky, NEXT or any other update will soon be ready and waiting as an immersive and enriched VR experience. Beyond will be our most ambitious chapter so far, and something we’ve been working ridiculously hard on. We’ll continue to support No Man’s Sky in this way for the foreseeable future. We look forward to sharing more in the coming weeks. There’s a bunch more to talk about and we can’t wait for you to join us on August 14. View the full article

Names are loaded with meaning, and Activision said a lot with “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare.” The name invokes Infinity Ward’s sublime Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, which ranks among the most influential FPSs of all time. Activision proved during a recent hands-on event that Modern Warfare has more in common with that seminal game than just a name. It aims to similarly move the genre forward with bone-crunching audio and visuals, while doubling down on the weapon and loadout customization that immortalized Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare. Activision kicked off the event stating their mission — a unified experience for all Modern Warfare players. Season Pass is gone, and instead players will receive a mix of post-launch maps and other content for free. Crossplay widens the base by allowing console players to match up with PC players (with options to customize whether or not you face off with mouse-and-keyboard players). The promise for a cohesive and intense Modern Warfare experience is enticing, but the proof is in Infinity Ward’s striking gameplay. Your Loadout Defines Your Playstyle Modern Warfare is a teeth-rattling return to the core gameplay that made COD4: MW legendary. The most impactful change is that now you can mold your weapon and overall loadout to your playstyle preference in their Gunsmith system. Operators are cosmetic options with eye-catching skins and colorful voiceover (become a doomsday prepper or scrappy resistance fighter), but you won’t be harnessing special abilities with cooldowns. Instead, you’ll burrow into gunsmithing options that let you modify your firearms to an outlandish degree. Want a shotgun with a sniper rifle scope or a laser-sighted LMG with a three-round burst? Go for it. Swapping between 30 to 60 muzzles, sights, lasers, Perks (quick reload for me!), and more per weapon is almost overwhelming at first, but the stats menu makes trade-offs crystal clear. Maybe that weighty fifth attachment isn’t worth the hit to your mobility, after all. Customization expands far beyond guns. Killstreaks return with a cathartic vengeance. Favorites like the UAV, Care Package, and tide-turning Juggernaut return. Rack up eight consecutive kills to unlock new tools like the Infantry Assault Vehicle – a light tank that can be piloted by one player while another unleashes the .50 cal on top. Potent field upgrades like stopping-power rounds and a recon drone to spot enemies are available after enough time elapses in a match. Player Perks also enable useful passive benefits like tracking the steps of a nearby enemy or retaining credit towards a Killstreak even after death. The breadth of options speak to Infinity Ward’s aim to cater to any Call of Duty playstyle, be it sniping, run ‘n’ gunning, team support, or even camping. A New Level of Warfare Infinity Ward’s obsession with impactful, authentic gameplay drops players onto the battlefield. The Call of Duty series is already known for its stellar production value, yet Modern Warfare improves upon FPS audio and animation in stunning new ways. The minimap is no longer present by default, tucked away to be earned through Killstreak rewards. Instead, a minimal compass at the top of the screen tips off enemy locations. My eyes remained transfixed on the unfolding action, no longer tempted to scan the minimap every other second. My ears also became more active to gather more info on enemy positions, and were treated by the new levels of gut-punching audio fidelity. Zeroing in on rifle blasts and crunching footsteps make locating enemies feel more earned and satisfying. Animation improvements also pull players in deeper. More believable recoil makes shotgun blasts feel forceful enough to bruise your shoulder. Dropped enemies toss their weapons aside as they fall, adding satisfying visual flair. Robust Multiplayer Mode Variety Activision gave us hands on with a handful of modes from Modern Warfare, ranging from time-tested Team Deathmatches to close-quarters brawls. The highlights: 2v2 Gunfight: One of Modern Warfare’s newest and most addictive modes is also the simplest concept revealed for Multiplayer so far. In Gunfight, teams of two face off in short, intense rounds with cycling weapon loadouts on condensed maps. Wasn’t expecting to battle with just a scoped .50 pistol and a flashbang? Surprise! The result is an exciting, unpredictable, and intimate competitive mode. 6v6 Cyber Attack: A round-based mode where each player has one spawn. Win by planting an EMP device near the enemy’s data center to win the match. The high-stakes objective and emphasis on teamwork makes each exhilarating round pass by lightning fast. 10v10 Headquarters: A king of the hill-style mode where opposing teams track down HQs that populate the map, holding them down to earn points for victory. The constant journey across the map provides an intoxicating mix of wide-open firefights and close-quarter HQ defense brawls. Respawns are disabled for the team defending captured HQs, which makes for intense action when combined with the freshly removed minimap. 20v20 Domination: The biggest match size for Modern Warfare revealed so far features 40 total players. The team confirmed that they are aiming to support over 100 players in this large-scale mode. We played on the sprawling Aniyah Palace – a ruined historical building surrounded by maze-like walls and wide-open spaces. Juggling five control points with teammates makes for a frantic scramble toward victory. Modern Warfare’s Tactical Sprint option – which grants an extra burst of speed while making you especially vulnerable – comes in handy here. Modern Warfare’s multiplayer showing demonstrates that Infinity Ward aims to elevate the series’ successful core formula to new heights. This offering alone is enough to justify counting the days until it launches on PS4 October 25, and we haven’t even played single-player or Spec Ops yet. Thankfully fans can get their hands dirty with weapon loadouts and dive into the Multiplayer Beta when it launches first on PS4 September 12. View the full article

It’s summer! Take a break from that bright, hot ball in the sky and treat yourself to some video games. You’re worth it. July saw a few fun surprises like Wargroove, Sea of Solitude, and Songbird Symphony, as well as bigger hits like Dragon Quest Builders 2, FFXIV Shadowbringers, and Wolfenstein: Youngblood. But, as always, only one can wear the coveted Players’ Choice crown. Take a moment to consider your options, choose your favorite new game, and click the appropriate button below to cast your vote. We’ll shut down the polls next Thursday, August 8, at 11:59pm, then reveal the winners a few days later. Go! 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. Soon thereafter, we’ll close the polls, tally your votes, and announce the winner at PlayStation.Blog. PlayStation Store will also showcase some top Players’ Choice winners throughout the year. 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? In keeping with our long tradition in the Game of the Year Awards, remastered or re-released games won’t qualify. Ambitious, larger-scale rebuilds and remakes like Shadow of the Colossus and Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy will. How are nominees decided? The PlayStation.Blog and PlayStation Store editorial teams will gather a list of that month’s most noteworthy releases and use it to seed the poll. Write-in votes will be accepted. Players’ Choice: What Was July 2019’s Best New Game? View the full article

Hello PlayStation fans! Whether you’re someone who likes watching professionals compete and has always thought about trying it yourself, or someone who already enjoys playing online, I’m excited to introduce to you PS4 Tournaments: Challenger Series. With this, PlayStation invites gamers of all skill levels to play and enjoy competitive gaming from the comfort of their own homes on their PS4 system. We’re kicking off on August 6 with the Mortal Kombat 11 PS4 Tournaments: Challenger Series, followed by FIFA 20, Battlefield V, Warface and other AAA titles coming later this year. No matter your skill level, you’ll be able to compete against both friends and others in the PlayStation community, with several opportunities to win and many prizes for those who are victorious.* SEASONS: PS4 Tournaments: Challenger Series is seasonal, giving you a chance to come back and compete in your favorite games repeatedly. In each season, progress through stages to test your skills with a level playing field, earning prizes for your efforts. See how far you can go – then come back for the next season and see what new prizes you can win! COMPETITION STAGES: Every tournament season has three stages of competition. Everyone will start in Stage 1, and for Mortal Kombat 11, you must win at least 3 out of 4 matches to advance to Stage 2. This allows more chances to advance than in a single elimination structure. In Stage 2, you will compete at a higher skill level and need to win to move on to Stage 3. In this final stage, you will join the best to contend for the championship title. PRIZES: Compete and win for escalating prizes. As you progress through the competition stages, the value of the prizes will increase. From unique game specific dynamic themes to in-game currency and cash prizes, there are plenty of reasons to compete throughout a season. Ready to Play? Visit Tournaments within the Events Tab on your PS4 console to find official PS4 Tournaments: Challenger Series. For more information about the Challenger Series, please visit playstation.com/tournaments. *Restrictions apply. Active PS Plus membership required for most tournaments. See each tournament’s official rules at https://esl.gg/MK11Series-Ruleset for more information. View the full article

Stars take the spotlight in Madden 20. The new “Superstar X-Factor” ability has the potential to turn the tide of a game, arming players with powerful new abilities that will spice up each game on your way to the championship. Kickoff is on August 2. For a full list of new games coming to PlayStation next week, read on. And enjoy The Drop! Bear With Me: The Lost Robots PS4 — Digital (Out 7/31) The noir episodic point-and-click adventure series Bear With Me is back! Introducing Bear With Me: The Lost Robots — an all new prequel chapter featuring Amber’s brother Flint and the callous detective Ted E. Bear. The Blackout Club PS4 — Digital The Blackout Club is a first-person co-op horror game centered around a group of teenage friends investigating a monstrous secret beneath the skin of their small town. Every night, everyone in town gets out of bed and sleepwalks. In the morning, they wake up with no recollection of what happened or where they were… The Church in the Darkness PS4 — Digital (Out 8/2) The year is 1977. Your nephew has joined a religious cult and moved with them to the South American jungle to found Freedom Town. It’s up to you to sneak into the commune, find out what’s really going on, and decide if you need to get your nephew out. Is this a socialist utopia or an oppressive prison? Forager PS4 — Digital Forager is a 2D open world game inspired by your favorite exploration, farming and crafting games. Start small and improve your base, skills, equipment, network of friends (and enemies!) and build your future as you see fit! Labyrinth Life PS4 — Digital (Out 8/1) Roguelike x Relaxation! Take it easy in the latest addition to the series, Omega Labyrinth! Venture through a dungeon with different rooms and items every time you challenge it. Raise flowers, rebuild the academy, and more! Enjoy a laid-back life! Madden NFL 20 PS4 — Digital (Out 8/2) Be the face of an NFL franchise where the decisions you make matter in your journey to become an NFL Superstar. Create your own College Quarterback to play through the College Football National Championship playoffs and the NFL Combine for your shot at the NFL Draft. New Star Manager PS4 — Digital This is soccer management like you’ve never experienced it – Be more than just a player, be the head, the heart, and backbone of New Star FC. Be the Manager. Take control of a beleaguered soccer club which needs your management skills and instincts to unlock the team’s potential and make it to the top of the game. Solo: Islands of the Heart PS4 — Digital Love is a universal feeling, but each of us experiences it in a different way. Solo — Islands of the Heart explores the theme of love in an introspective way, allowing players to identify and reflect on their own experiences. Super Wiloo Demake PS4, PS Vita — Digital (Cross-Buy) Wiloo and Agatha need to rescue their dog from the clutches of Dr. ETvaldo! Roll, fly, jump, and shoot your way across a variety of different platforming levels using unique power ups to reach the end of the level. Can you defeat all five bosses and rescue your buddy? The Tower of Beatrice PS4, Vita — Digital (Out 7/31) The life of a thief isn’t easy: always hiding in shadows, clients cheat, traps bite… Working on a contract for a mysterious client, you’ll need to infiltrate the tower of the powerful sorcerer Beatrice, steal her Book of Recipes, and get out alive. Once Upon a Time in Hollywood OST Alice Cooper Classic Rock Retrogamer Takeover Of Monsters And Men – Fever Dream Avengers: Endgame A Score to Settle Domino Premieres Sunday, 7/28 at 8/7c on Discovery PlayStation Vue has your favorite sports, news and must-watch shows. The information above is subject to change without notice. View the full article

Every second on the field counts, which is why we’re giving EA Access* subscribers an early look at Madden NFL 20. You can now download the EA Access app from PlayStation Store. Then you can jump into the Play First Trial. Draft the league’s top athletes, hone your skills, and redefine what it means to be an NFL champion. Discover all-new aspects of the game: shape the journey of an NFL superstar in College Football Playoff. Team up with friends for Ultimate Challenges or shatter rivalries by recruiting Superstar X-Factor players. All these modes and more are yours to play when you check out the Play First Trial for Madden NFL 20, available now. Enjoy up to 10 hours of gameplay. If you love it, use your subscriber discount to save 10% on the full game. Bonus perk: all your game progress carries over! The Play First Trial is just the beginning. Sign up for EA Access and get all the benefits of being a subscriber: Try new EA titles days before launch. Access exclusive Play First Trials — like Madden NFL 20 and Anthem — for up to 10 hours of gameplay. If you decide to buy the full game, your saved progress carries over. Save 10% on all EA digital purchases. That includes DLCs, add-ons and, yes, even full games. But what if you’ve already pre-ordered Madden NFL 20 and other EA titles releasing this year, you say? Don’t worry, if you pre-ordered before July 24 and subscribe to EA Access by August 15, you’ll be credited 10% back for each pre-ordered title so you don’t miss out on the discount. Problem solved! Play as much as you want. Head to The Vault to discover a growing collection of games, yours to play whenever you want. So head to PlayStation Store to download the EA Access app, explore 30+ titles — including Play First Trials for Anthem and Madden NFL 20 — and get your gaming on. * Conditions, limitations and exclusions apply. See ea.com/ea-access/terms and ea.com/ea-access for details. View the full article

A couple weeks back, we sent you swinging back into Marvel’s Spider-Man to celebrate Peter’s latest suits: the Upgraded and Stealth suits. While you swung from skyscrapers and fought off iconic villains, you shared your greatest moments using #PS4share and #PSBlog. Here are this week’s friendly neighborhood highlights: @DarkLink1987 shared Spidey chasing helicopter in the new Upgraded Suit. @JRPyznar whipped out some moves wearing the Stealth Suit. @KBStation gives a detailed look at the Stealth Suit. Peter keeps his balance in this shot shared by @PeteyReilly. Marvel’s New York has never looked more beautiful than in this shot shared by @Seba_gatica21. @warrior_musa sends a spirally web in this detailed share. Search #PS4Share and #PSBlog on Twitter or Instagram to see more entries to this week’s theme. Want to be featured in next week’s Share of the Week? Theme: Swimming Share by: 9am Pacific on Wednesday, July 31 Next week, shake off that summer heat and take a relaxing dip into the digital waters. Share your favorite swimming shots from the game of your choice using #PS4share and #PSBlog for a chance to be featured. View the full article