0 
0 PlayStation’s State of Play for Sept 2022 was a tight presentation with a nice mix of genres, clocking in at just over 22 minutes.
State of Play – Focus on Games
Tekken 8
Kicking off the show was the big hitting announcement of Tekken 8 from Bandai Namco. The footage shown (taken from the game’s story mode) was running in real-time on PS5 and featured highly detailed character models and dynamic backgrounds. It also showcased some beautiful weather and particle effects.
This new entry in the beloved franchise will focus on the showdown between Kazuya Mishima and Jin Kazama. No release window was given as the title is still deep in development.
Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge – Enhanced Edition
ILMxLAB next showed off the rebuilt version of their award-winning Star Wars VR experience. Due for release in 2023 on PSVR2, the Enhanced Edition will take advantage of the capabilities of the new hardware.
As players live out the story of the Padawan-turned-Jedi Ady Sun’Zee they will be immersed in the Star Wars world like never before thanks to the combination of high-end visuals, 3D audio & headset/sense controller haptics.
Demeo
The award-winning VR game Demeo comes to PSVR2 and PS5 in 2023. The D&D style tabletop game aims to recreate the camaraderie of gathering around a table with friends to do battle against the forces of evil in a cooperative adventure.
This is a cross-buy title meaning players can enjoy the experience either in VR on PSVR2 or non-VR on PS5 with a single purchase of the game.
Like a Dragon: Ishin!
Captured on PS5 the next trailer combined a mix of in-game cinematics and gameplay. Characters from the Like A Dragon series are utilised to tell the historical tale of a Samurai’s secret quest for revenge.
Built using UE4 the action-adventure sees players slash and sharpshoot through enemies using a blade and a revolver. Like A Dragon: Ishin! is sure to delight fans when this eagerly anticipated lost chapter in the series releases on PS4 and PS5 in Feb 2023.
Pacific Drive
A change of pace and tone was on display next with Ironwood Studios revealing their driving survival game Pacific Drive. Some erie and atmospheric first-person gameplay was shown with the driving being a nice unique element for a survival game.
Try to escape a mysterious government quarantine zone in a station wagon you find in the woods.
No release window was given, just a blanket 2023 target for PS5 and PC with the passionate team hard at work on their maiden release.
Hogwarts Legacy
Avalanche Studio then brought some PlayStation exclusive content in the vein of an exclusive quest for the upcoming Hogwarts Legacy.
The Hunted Hogsmeade Shop quest is part of the core game and upon completion, players will be rewarded handsomely. Wands at the ready for February 10th on PS4 and PS5.
PlayStation Stars
Stepping away from games momentarily, next was a very brief first look at Playstation Stars, the new loyalty program for Playstation fans.
Players are rewarded for their achievements or exploits in games, receiving digital collectibles for their efforts. These digital collectables can be arranged in a digital display case via the PS app. Should you choose to do so, your goodies can be proudly displayed for friends.
A couple of these digital items were shown and are reminiscent of those found throughout the PS5 title – Astro’s Playroom.
The program is free to join and will begin to roll out in late September beginning in Asia.
Synduality
Bandai Namco was back again, this time to reveal a brand new Sci-Fi 3rd person action game – Synduality. Set in the dystopian future in the yr 2222, you are tasked with working alongside an AI mech partner to try reclaim lost ground for humanity.
The footage shown was a mix of CG and gameplay and showed off some stylish combat with a beautiful art design.
The game which features PvPvE battles is targeting a release some time in 2023.
Stellar Blade
The next title we had previously seen announced but under the codename Project Eve. This new story trailer and official name reveal for Stellar Blade introduced the world and some of the characters.
Protagonist Eve is on a mission to save earth and the trailer gives us a glimpse of the last remaining city on earth – Xion.
This fast paced action combat delighted with some stellar-looking fights and promises to bring challenging and strategic enemy encounters. This PS5 console exclusive is due for a 2023 release.
Rise of the Ronin
Team Ninja delivered one of the real stand-out announcements from the State of Play. Rise of the Ronin is brand new action RPG is set in 19th century Japan.
This ambitious title aims to portray the most critical revolution from Japan’s past and depict the darkest and ugliest chapters of this era.
Unique to a Samuari game is the use of guns alongside Katanas, a sign of the times in this period of transition for Japan.
This PS5 console exclusive title is in development for a 2024 release.
God of War Ragnarok
Closing out the show as the reveal of a new God of War Ragnarok themed DualSense controller followed by the new Story Trailer for probably the most anticipated game due for release on Nov 9th 2022.
The limited edition DualSense controller features the bear and wolf insignia of Kratos and Atreus on the touchpad. It’s a two-tone livery of cool blue and ice white with a silver finish to the PS logo home button. Pre-orders for the controller go live on Sept 27th.
The story trailer for God of War Ragnarok is epic, showing off some new gameplay mechanics and some truly stunning visuals. Ragnarok is Coming!
Sony seems to get that fans don’t want a lot of talk from these State of Play showcases and just want to see the games. The pace and content here were great.
You can check out all the trailers in the video below:
YouTube | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Discord | Podcast
About Author
