PlayStation’s State of Play – September 2022
PlayStation had strong reveals for their event which made me so excited for the future of gaming.
Two days before Tokyo Game Show Officially started, PlayStation held their own State of Play event, and I was hooked from the start! A lot of games got announced and more information about previously revealed games were shown as well.
Tekken 8
I was so surprised and excited when Tekken 8 got shown. It looks stunning and once Kazuya and Jin started battling, I was shook because I couldn’t believe that was gameplay! The background was dynamic with thunder and tornadoes in the background. Each attack that they did made an impact to the environment and it looked intense.
I was wondering which engine was being used and it was confirmed recently that Tekken 8 was being developed on Unreal Engine 5. I’m excited to know that it’s being built with that engine because I really want to see what the new engine can do – and it seems like it’s doing great as it was running in 60 frames and the character models were highly detailed.
A release date has not been revealed yet for the game, but they could definitely take their time and I can’t wait to see more about the game.
Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge – Enhanced Edition
It was recently stated by PlayStation that original PSVR games are not compatible with PSVR2, so it seems like one of the first games being ported to the newer generation is Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge.
The game does look great for the new PSVR2. The story focuses on you being droid repair technician trying to survive what the galaxy is throwing at you. It seems very interesting because of the different areas you visit and alien species you meet. If I get a PSVR2, I’ll definitely check this one out.
Demeo
This was another PSVR2 game that got announced and it had a very interesting concept! It took board games and made it more interactive with VR. Seeing the cards come to life when you put the down is cool to see.
Players can look at the board from up top or walk around within the board which is a nice feature. When the cards come to life, I like that they attack in real time and interact with things like chests. There is also online multiplayer so If this sort of game interests you, try it out when you get the chance. It is currently in development so a date was not announced as of yet
Like A Dragon: Ishin!
Sega came out with a bang with its first announcement being a remake of their original game. The original released in February 2014 for PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4, but only in Japan. This is the first time it is being localized in English and it is being remade in Unreal Engine 4.
The game is set in 1867 and you play as Sakamoto Ryoma where you set out to Kyoto to get revenge on who killed his father and regain honor. The gameplay would be similar to Yakuza, but it is very cool to see that there are weapons and guns that can be used in the gameplay. The gameplay looks really smooth, and the graphics reminds me of Dragon Engine that was used for Yakuza 6 and Kiwami 2.
This game is releasing around February 2023.
Hogwarts Legacy: The Haunted Hogsmeade Shop
The next thing shown was an Exclusive Quest for Hogwarts Legacy. I was not expecting that, but it did seem pretty cool. The story has to do with a shop that is being sold, and you are trying to figure out why as things seem fine in the shop. But once your character goes down the basement – everything changes. It seems so interesting with how much is in that quest. When I saw the trailer, I thought it was part of the main game.
I’m not going to lie; I was kind of disappointed when this came on because it was an exclusive quest. It does make me want to get the game on PlayStation though because of how much depth they put on the story with the quest, so it is very exciting to see how it goes. I can’t wait to try out the game itself and the quest itself. The game releases February 10th, 2023!
Pacific Drive
This is one of the games that I cannot wait to play. Pacific Drive seems to be an apocalypse driving survival game. It is being developed by Ironwood Studios and their style when developing this game reminds me a bit of Firewatch in some aspect when it comes to the scenery and graphics.
Seeing the gameplay trailer, it seems like you have to drive around to avoid the deadly storm that follows. Your car can get fixed/upgraded throughout your drive. There is a screen in the car that even shows “Component Analysis” and shows the structure and components health. I really like the touch of the radio because it makes me feel like things are as urgent as I see it trying to run away from the storm.
The storm causes the environment to change, creating moving spikes to grow from the ground and huge acid bombs/raindrops. I’ve always struggled to play survival games, but seeing this trailer made me want to try it so much. The game is releasing in 2023 for PS5.
PlayStation Stars
No, it’s not PlayStation All-Stars and no it is not a game. It is a loyalty program, and it is free to join. There are different activities and campaigns that you can do to unlock things like digital collectibles.
PlayStation’s article gave more information on how things work: The campaign has “monthly check ins” which means playing any game to receive that award. It’s kind of like playing any of the games on Xbox Game Pass and getting XP for it. There are more than one activity and campaign so as it rolls out there will be more challenging things to do like winning tournaments or eating specific trophies.
PlayStation Stars should be releasing this year.
Synduality
This game is a Japanese story driven action-adventure game. It got mechs and some dope graphics. At first when I was watching the trailer, I wasn’t sure with everything especially with the mech’s movements – but seeing everything in action got me hooked. The game also seems to be co-op, most likely it’ll only be online. The story I would have to see more before I get hooked in, but it is a start! I do want to check this out when it releases in 2023.
Stellar Blade (Project Eve)
Previously known as Project Eve when it was shown last year September, Stellar Blade looks amazing! The story focuses on Eve and her companions fighting to save the last city on earth called Xion.
Everything seems to be abandoned and the enemies that’s on Earth are destructive and huge. The way they have made the gameplay is really cool – it reminds me of Bayonetta with the speed of the combat and fluidity. So, it’s very action packed, and the graphics are stunning. It’s running on Unreal Engine and the game releases as a console exclusive for PS5 in 2023.
Rise of the Ronin
I’m so excited that Team Ninja is back and with a strong game at that. This unfortunately releases in 2024 but what they showed so far is very promising. It’s an open world action RPG set in the ending year of the Edo period around 1863.
The gameplay takes from each of their games and expands them. Being able to travel in the air with the makeshift wings, traveling by horse and using guns and staffs to attack. The combat is so interesting, with samurai fighting styles and using the Ronin tools he has.
The story seems like you play as a Ronin, combatting the Europeans that are taking over the land. And you’re taking matters into your own hands. I cannot wait to see more of this!
God of War: Ragnarök
God of War Ragnarök is my most anticipated game this year! PlayStation showed two different trailers for the game. The first one was the limited-edition controller they created for the game. It has a sleek blue and white color scheme with Fenrir (the wolves) on the touchpads. It’s cool that they have created that.
The second trailer was the story. I was very happy that PlayStation was ready to show God of War: Ragnarök for the state of play, because I was kind of worried with the way gameplay was being shown throughout the last couple weeks through game informer and just tweets from snippets of the game.
“Death can have me when it earns me” is the quote I remember the most from that trailer. The story trailer gets so intense where Kratos is doing whatever he can to support Atreus throughout his journey- but Atreus is worried about Kratos and possibly something bad might happen to him.
I loved the world that was built for this game, both Kratos and Atreus travel to so many areas and each one looks so detailed and very fantasy like with what they encounter. I loved the enemies that was shown and even characters we’ve met before like Freya. It seems like the story will be the most vulnerable and intense yet, and apparently, we haven’t seen the half of what’s really going on in the game.
God of War: Ragnarök releases this November 9th on PS4 and PS5.