Sony finally held another State of Play presentation. While it didn't have many new announcements, it had several key updates on existing titles. While the State of Play was full of tantalizing updates, there were notable absences. Both Horizon: Forbidden West and God of War: Ragnarök were nowhere to be found. Hopefully, both are still on track for 2021 releases.
Regardless, there is still plenty of great content headed to PS4 and PS5 this year. From Returnal to Final Fantasy VII Remake, a lot of ground was covered in only 30 minutes, so here are all the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 headlines from the recent showcase.
Crash Bandicoot 4 on PlayStation 5
The show began with a trailer for the next-generation version of Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time. While this was announced before the State of Play alongside Nintendo Switch and Xbox Series X|S versions, the State of Play trailer had PlayStation 5-centric information.
Of course, the game's technical fidelity will be improved, running at 4K resolution, and targeting 60 frames per second. The game will also take advantage of DualSense's adaptive triggers, alongside the PS5's activity cards. Plus, this upgrade is free for PlayStation 5 owners who bought Crash 4 on PlayStation 4, and saves carry over. The next-gen version of Crash 4 launches on March 12.
More Returnal Footage
Housemarque's upcoming roguelike Returnal was also showcased. While the game has received several trailers already, this showcase balanced new looks at the narrative elements with high-intensity combat. There was even a first-person sequence shown off that had major Resident Evil Village vibes, deepening the mystery around an already mysterious title. The trailer wasn't groundbreaking, but it offered another glimpse at this tantalizing PlayStation 5 exclusive. After Hades' success balancing roguelike elements and a narrative focus, it will be interesting to see if Returnal manages the same. It already looks promising, and it launches on April 30.
The Reveal of Sifu
Sloclap, the developer behind the stylish 3D fighter Absolver, announced Sifu during the event, one of the only game reveals of the show. While this is not a PlayStation exclusive, launching on PC as well as PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5, it's definitely worth paying attention to. The game tells a revenge story centered around intense Kung-Fu action. With a simple yet effective narrative conceit, a great art style and crunchy combat mechanics, Sifu could be a sleeper hit. The game currently has a loose 2021 release date, and more information is expected in the coming weeks.
An Overview of Knockout City
The upcoming dodgeball multiplayer title Knockout City received an overview trailer. This game comes from Velan Studios, which is best known for Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit which released last year. Knockout City, the team's second game, is a very different kind of experience than its first. It is focused on action-packed, online multiplayer matches.
With two core game modes, a host of maps, and a run of special items, Knockout City seems to have a certain Nintendo-like charm about it. Plus, the game has a heavy focus on customization and aesthetics, giving it a unique flair. The game launches on PS4 on May 21, and will have backwards compatibility enhancements for PS5 players as well.
Solar Ash's Gameplay Trailer
One of the showcase's best moments involved Solar Ash, the new title from Heart Machine, developers of the esoteric indie darling Hyper Light Drifter. Unlike that game's 2D style, Solar Ash is a 3D action platformer. The game is stunningly gorgeous, and the trailer captured the mystique of its world brilliantly. It also highlighted Solar Ash's smooth traversal and punchy combat. With sprawling environments and domineering beasts, Solar Ash is evocative of many games, including Breath of the Wild. That's no surprise, considering how more traditional Zelda titles informed Hyper Light Drifter. Solar Ash is set to launch on PS4 and PS5 in 2021.
Five Nights at Freddy's: Security Breach Gameplay Reveal
The next entry in the Five Nights at Freddy's series finally had its gameplay revealed. This is easily the most ambitious and interesting title in the franchise, with gameplay that seems far more explorative and hands-on than past titles. Adopting a greater focus on active survival-horror is sure to draw in new fans, as well as speak to the dedicated fanbase the franchise already has. Plus, the game looks excellent on PlayStation 5. The environments are vibrantly twisted and backed up with very impressive visual effects. The game is expected to launch in 2021 on PS4, PS5 and PC.
Oddworld: Soulstorm launches on PlayStation Plus
The eagerly anticipated and absurd puzzle-platformer Oddworld: Soulstorm is headed to PlayStation Plus -- on PlayStation 5. While the game is launching cross-generationally on April 6 alongside Xbox and PC versions, the PS5 version will be available on launch for PS Plus members. PlayStation 5 players also get access to unique haptic feedback that interfaces with gameplay to boost immersion.
Oddworld's universe is incredibly strange and endearing. Soulstorm seems like no exception, and it's upping the ante with "2.9D" environments. Exactly what that means is unclear, but creator Lorne Lanning notes that 2.9D environments add depth and scale. This curious experience will certainly be worth playing, and Soulstorm will be another great PlayStation Plus giveaway following Destruction AllStars.
Kena: Bridge of Spirits Launches in August
The eagerly anticipated adventure title Kena: Bridge of Spirits finally received a robust, stunningly beautiful overview. The trailer mainly conveyed narrative elements and worldbuilding, but it did show glimpses of gameplay as well. Both combat and platforming sequences were shown, but there was no extended gameplay. Luckily, the game isn't too far off. Kena is set to launch on PS4, PS5 and PC via the Epic Store on August 24. There are two versions, the standard and the deluxe, with the latter costing an extra $10 and including some digital bonuses. The game will retail for $39.99 or $49.99 respectively, depending on the version.
Deathloop Reveals More Details
With each showing, Deathloop looks more and more like it'll be an essential PlayStation 5 title. By and large, the State of Play trailer retreaded the game's broad strokes. Borrowing influence from the structure of Groundhog Day, Deathloop is an incredibly stylish, time-bending assassin storyline that looks wholly unique.
This trailer delved into the island locale of Blackreef a bit more, and also showed protagonist Colt hunt down a target named Frank Spicer. This trailer really leaned into developer Arkane's past, showcasing a lot of Dishonored-like elements in a new content. There was also some behind the scenes information revealed, including cinematic influences for the game, such as the recent James Bond film, Skyfall.
Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade Heads to PS5
One of 2020's most acclaimed titles, Final Fantasy VII Remake, is receiving a PlayStation 5 patch. This comes with myriad technical enhancements, as well as a photo mode. This will come as a free update for those who own Final Fantasy VII Remake on PlayStation 4. However, the March PlayStation Plus release of Final Fantasy VII Remake is arbitrarily not eligible for the free next-gen upgrade. As such, players who don't currently own the game should wait for Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade, the full PS5 release.
Not only does Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade include all the PS5 enhancements, it also includes a new episode starring Final Fantasy icon Yuffie -- and hopefully hints at the trajectory of FFVII Remake's narrative. In that sense, it's reminiscent of Kingdom Hearts 0.2: Birth By Sleep -- Fragmentary Passage, the confusingly-named Kingdom Hearts 2.8: Final Chapter Prologue bonus.
There aren't many details about the Yuffie episode just yet, however, it will only be available on next-gen. Players who can upgrade to the PS5 version of FFVII Remake for free can still play the Yuffie content, but it will come at a separate cost. All of the Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade content launches on June 10.