After the recent confirmation via the PlayStation Blog, everyone’s been talking about what we might see and what we deserve to see from Sony’s February State of Play presentation.
This Thursday, a State of Play broadcast will serve up new updates and deep dives for 10 games coming to PS4 and PS5, including new game announcements and updates on some of the third-party and indie titles you last saw in June’s PS5 showcase
Playstation Blog, February 23rd, 2021
So kick back, grab a cuppa and relax with everything we learned from the Feb 2021 PlayStation State of Play broadcast.
Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time
What: New footage of incredible gameplay on this mind bending adventure, in 60fps and native 4k. Crank it all the way up to 11 in 3D audio. Introducing time trial, boss fights and save transfers. Upgrade option available if bought on PS4.
When: March 12 2021
Returnal
Returnal is an upcoming third-person shooter developed by Housemarque and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment. Death is only the beginning. Playing much like a Roguelike, everytime you die, the world resets, giving players a unique experience on each and every play through. Each attempt places another piece of the puzzle, slowly gilding the story together for the player. Context on exactly how this game would play was missing previously, until today’s State of Play.
When: The game will release PlayStation 5 on April 30, 2021
Knock Out City
A team based multi-player dodgeball battle game…? Well no one saw this coming, did they? Either way, looks like a lot of fun. Think Splatoon, but, you know, not on Nintendo. Sniper balls, unique mechanics, or just “become the ball” in this new indie IP.
When : May 21st, 2021. Crossplay beta open soon.
SIFU
New from Slow Clap, SIFU is a cell shaded martial arts wonder. Another unexpected title, but the detail and flexibility of the martial art variation together with unique art style looks phenomenal.
When: No date given, sadly.
Solar Ash
What: Solar Ash is the second game from Heart Machine, the studio lead by director Alx Preston and the creators of the award winning 2016 game Hyper Light Drifter. An undeniably beautiful game, the luscious art style alone marking it out from the crowd. The flow of combat combined with the all out focus on adventure comes though in spades. No release date yet, but confirmed for 2021, at least.
When: Later this year
5 Nights at Freddy’s: Security Breach
Insanity prevails, as you take Gregory through a hellish night in…Chuck E Cheese? Well no, but we get it. Another surprise, we’ll hold judgement until we get our hands on it. Or rather, until the world and his wife start streaming it. Agian.
When: 2021
Oddworld Soulstorm
What: Making use of the duel sense to it,s full, you can now feel Abe’s literally heartbeat in the palm of your hands. As if managing the lives of these hapless, lovable idiots wasn’t heart wrenching enough. A beautiful homage to some classic PlayStation gaming, colour us excited. Even better, the PS5 version will be free for all PS Plus subscribers.
When: April 6th, 2021
Kena – Bridge of Spirits
What: Originally slated for a March 2021 release, many were anticipating an update here. And we got one. This epic, story driven, action adventure combining exploration with fast-paced combat lands on PS5 on August 24th.
When: August 24th, 2021
Deathloop
What: A fresh trailer and some incredible new gameplay from this enigmatic action-adventure game developed by Arkane Studios and published by Bethesda Softworks. Perhaps the first release under Microsoft’s guidance, Bethesda could certainly use a win, and this could very well deliver it. Channeling it’s inner Spy Thriller, crossed with a touch of Noir, it’s an intriguing concept, and it certainly looks the part.
When: No date given…2021 we hope.
Final Fantasy 7 Intergrade: PS5 Release
What: Considering the critical acclaim Final Fantasy 7 remake received on its inaugural release on PS4 (and the proximity to the PS5’s launch) this was surely a no brainer. Of course, the original PS4 release is playable on PS5, but think of the glories metropolis of Midgar in stupendous 4k fabulousness! For Sony and Square, it’s win win. And it comes with new content, and a photomode, and a free upgrade for PS4 owners! What’s not to love? We’re in.
When: 10th of June, 2021
And those that didn’t make the cut…
God of War: Ragnarok
What: Currently in development by Santa Monic Studios, and to be published by Sony Interactive Entertainment it was originally scheduled for release in 2021. It marks the 9th instalment in the series, and the second game in the new Norse setting. It is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated upcoming releases. A real shame. E3, perhaps.
When: Nada.
Horizon: Forbidden West
What: As exclusives come, Horizon is about as good as it gets. An exception last gen entry for PS4, and the sequel looks even more spectacular, if that’s possible. But with Horizon now available on PC, it may not be just the PS fanboys that (eventually) get their grubby mitts on this spectacle. But that’s a ways off yet. And as of right now we’re no closer to a release date. Sigh.
When: Zip.
Death Stranding: Extended Edition on PS5
What: Death Stranding: Extended Edition has been rumoured to be coming to PS4, and PS5 for some time now. Better yet, the game will may even have all new story content, but we think the haptic controller will make Sam’s journey even more engaging. We’d love to say we’re signed up for take two, but alas it was not featured in today’s State of Play.
When: Nope.
Stray
What: Sony already narrowed down the release window for a number of games, including Stray. This was pencilled for October in 2021’s earlier CES event, and now we had thought Sony would have penned it in for good. Sadly that wasn’t to be. A long way from purrfect. 🙁
When: Who knows.
Little Devil Inside
What: Little Devil Inside is an upcoming action-adventure video game developed and published by Neostream Interactive. The game’s single-player and co-operative multiplayer modes both follow the professional and personal lives of explorers searching for monsters & supernatural events in a 19th century-inspired world. Think Sea of Thieves meets Lovecraft. Originally scheduled for a July release on both PS5 and PS4, we have little else to go on at this stage.
When: The future.
Half-Life: Alyx
What: Considering the recent fanfare PlayStation have initiated on the VR capabilities of the PS5, this was an obvious choice for a port. And with Sony beginning to push more and more of their own games onto PC, Alyx may well yet sweeten the deal between the Japanese powerhouse and Valve. Alas, if it’s coming, it’s not any time soon.
When: Not yet.
Silent Hill
What: As recently as the fifth of this month, SILENT HILL fans have been given hope that the iconic survival horror series is making a comeback, with rumours claiming the Konami IP will be appearing once again exclusively on the PS5. Fairly predictably, the wait continues. Oh well, guess there’;s still time to get Kojima on board…isn’t there?
When: Maybe never.
TLoU 2 Multiplayer
What: It’s long been rumoured that TLoU 2 was getting a multiplayer update. It hasn’t come to fruition this time, but we’re fairly certain it’s not long for an announcement. Watch this space.
When: Soon. Probably.
Elden Ring
What: OOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHH
When: Indeed.
So there you have it, that’s everything we could glean this time. Did you get what you wanted (aside from Elden Ring, obviously). There’s certainly a few more corners turned down on diary pages our end. Not that any of us actually have a PS5…does anyone?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, we’d love to hear from you.
You can check out the full State of Play on YouTube, below.
“Video games are great. I should know, I’ve played some.”
Olly S, July 2020