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The latest of Sony’s State of Plays have been wrapped up for at least another few months. With just thirty minutes of footage and ten whole games to cram in, it left no room for bad puns, over-rehearsed dramatic reactions from presenters, or unnecessary details like we have seen in other online events lately. It was simple, sleek and all about the games. Let us take a nosedive into the gaming pool that was presented to us…
Crash Bandicoot 4
First up was all our favourite nostalgia invoking marsupial: Crash Bandicoot! If like me, you are getting on a bit now and remember playing the original games back on PS1, then this will likely appeal to us the most. Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s about damn time is making its way to the PS5 in full 4k glory, adaptive trigger support, 60FPS and enhanced 3D audio and supports game save transfers. This is only fitting for one of Sony’s most loved mascots. Bring us more Crash!
Returnal
Next on the scene was Selene, pushing the boundaries of time in the upcoming PS5 exclusive Returnal. Death is only the beginning for Selene as she battles it out on a hostile planet that seems to be able to use her own nightmares and memories against her. Every time you die in this game the world changes, the enemies change in form and numbers and the map layout also changes. This forces you to adapt to survive with each iteration of your life. With some interesting acrobatic dodging skills and crazy looking weapon alternate firing modes this looks like a decent game to keep your eye on. Check it out on April 30th!
Knockout City
Making an impact was Knockout City, an interesting team-based multiplayer game all about smacking each other in the face with futuristic dodgeballs. This looks to be an interesting entry into the over-saturated battle royale scene. With different types of balls to use, being able to lobby the ball, curve the balls around corners and the ability to (as the famous quote goes) ‘be the ball’, this looks like a fun game to bounce into with friends. Brawlers can ready up on PlayStation on May 21st.
SIFU
Making its debut appearance next was SIFU. A mysterious-looking martial arts game with little information accompanying it. Even the main website is a little detail lax. It is a game in which you seemingly train yourself into an unstoppable kung fu master. SIFU even translates into a master/teacher father figure. In the trailer, your character ages throughout, making it seem like it takes place over a long period of time. However, the site states you only have one day to take vengeance. This is one we need more information on. It is slated for release sometime this year.
Solar Ash
The celestial centrepiece of this showcase is Solar Ash. This game has an incredible premise! Open area exploration platformer set inside a black hole with simple, fast, and fluid combat that scales the further you progress. This game has such a stylish art style that it is sure to attract a lot of attention. Described by the developers as a labour of love, Solar ash is set to eclipse our gaming experience sometime in 2021.
Five Nights at Freddie's: Security Breach
Anatomic atrocities take centre stage next with Five Nights at Freddie’s: Security Breach. Bringing a much-needed horror injection to the PS consoles. Horror games have taken a bit of a back seat in recent years so this was a welcome announcement. Surviving in a giant funhouse being hunted by what looks like a mechanical murderous metal band certainly piques my interest. Due out early 2021.
Oddworld: Soulstorm
Another nostalgia-inducing game flailed in next with Oddworld: Soulstorm. Mudokon madness is returning to our screens in the form of a brand-new game that seems to take full advantage of modern technology. Abe brings the fight back to the Glukkons in fantastic looking 2.9D platforming with all new scavenging, looting, crafting, and sharing with your fellow Mudokons. This game is described as being about hope, freedom, and truth. There are 1000 fellow Mudokons to save in this world of puzzles, challenges, and hardships. Due out on April 6th, days before my birthday *cough cough, hint hint*.
Kena: Bridge of Spirits
Bridging the gap to the final entries was Kena: Bridge of Spirits. This to me seems to be a fabulously artistic ARPG that has such an interesting premise. Seemingly there are spirits that have dwelled in the world for far too long. Some of these spirits seem to be placid and fearful, and some seem to have tainted the world around them. You fight these tainted spirits with crunchy combat and some interesting looking natural powers. All to the conclusion of helping these spirits move on to the next life. A game worth keeping an eye on! Coming the first quarter of 2021.
Deathloop
Deathloop was the penultimate entry in this gaming line-up. A game that we have seen plenty of over the last few months. Stylish assassin vs assassin gameplay straddled inside a continuous-time loop. Some swanky dishonoured style gameplay makes this a game worth checking out. “If at first, you don’t succeed, die and die again”. Deathloop was the penultimate entry in this gaming line-up. A game that we…. Wait!
Final Fantasy
Lastly, but certainly not least was the announcement Sony were expecting the biggest response from. The veil over the next chapter in the FFVII Remake has been lifted. Hold onto your hats though as it is not a part 2 (unfortunately) but simply an extended story DLC drop that adds Yuffie and Sonon as playable characters. The game is also making its way to PS5 with a slew of touch-ups. From enhanced graphics, lighting, textures, fog effects and quality of life improvements help make this already stunning game look that extra bit crispy. Upgrading to the PS5 version is free for current owners. Reduced load times and photo mode to boost, Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade will be available from June 10th.
Round-Up
So, in short, a lot of games with some original and interesting themes and styles were shown at this State of Play. Mostly composed of games we already knew about, but new details are always welcomed. Mostly featuring indie games, is it too soon to speculate Sony has another State of Play planned for the bigger triple-A games? Only time will tell.