PlayStation | Game Infliction

Official PlayStation Podcast Episode 531: Dispatching The New Year

Email us at PSPodcast@sony.com!

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Hey, everybody! Tim, Kristen, and I are back this week to finish discussing our top games of 2025, chat about the colorful new Hyperpop Collection, and look forward to another great year of gaming.

Stuff We Talked About

Code Vein II hands-on report — See how combat customization elevates the sequel with new weapons, companions, and abilities to round out this time hoping adventure.
Hyperpop Collection — Check out the new colors for PS5 console covers and DualSense wireless controllers coming March 12.
PlayStation Plus Monthly Games for January
- Need For Speed Unbound | PS5
- Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed | PS4, PS5
- Core Keeper | PS4, PS5

The Cast

Kristen Zitani – Senior Content Communications Specialist, SIE

O’Dell Harmon Jr. – Content Communications Specialist, SIE

Tim Turi – Content Communications Manager, SIE

Thanks to Dormilón for our rad theme song and show music.

[Editor’s note: PSN game release dates are subject to change without notice. Game details are gathered from press releases from their individual publishers and/or ESRB rating descriptions.]

Share of the Year 2025

It’s a new year, but we’re taking one last look back at the 2025 year in gaming. We asked you to share your favorite shot taken in 2025 using #PSshare #PSBlog. Here are this week’s highlights:

SheikhSadi80 shares Sam fighting off a BT grabbing him in Death Stranding 2: On The Beach

fwto_ shares a black and white capture of Atsu crossing a rope in front of a waterfall in Ghost of Yōtei

__Auron__ shares a portrait of Maelle wielding her weapon in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

PhotoModeColin shares a tense scene from Cyberpunk 2077

Yuric83 shares Hinako peering through the red vines in Silent Hill f.

wingsforsmiles shares a desert landscape in Star Wars Outlaws

pavesoint shares an ornate outfit from Infinity Nikki

NemesisNatVP shares Kat wearing a bird mask in Lost Records: Bloom & Rage

RazinZamee shares a plane taking off from an island in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024

Photomode_Raro shares a a space traversing moment from The Alters

evo_pixel shares a portrait of Snake in Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater

calisarah1998 shares a stylishly lit moment of Deacon with his bike in Days Gone Remastered

Search #PSshare #PSBlog on Twitter or Instagram to see more entries to this week’s theme, or be inspired by other great games featuring Photo Mode. Want to be featured in the next Share of the Week?

THEME: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
SUBMIT BY: 11:59 PM PT on January 14, 2026

Next week, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 steps into frame. Share moments exploring Lumiere and beyond using #PSshare #PSBlog for a chance to be featured.

Code Vein II Interview: world building, player choice, weaponry, and more

Code Vein II, launching for PlayStation 5 on January 30, is the newest entry in the dramatic exploration action RPG series, Code Vein. Set in a post-apocalyptic future, it depicts the drama of Revenants and humans who fight to defy their doomed fate. Players confront relentless foes and treacherous locations alongside a trusted partner, while their choices rewrite history and shape the destinies of both the world and its characters.

We recently got a chance to go hands-on with the upcoming title and have a chat with the game’s producer, Keita Iizuka, and the director, Hiroshi Yoshimura.

Keita Iizuka, Producer, Bandai Namco Entertainment (left) & Hiroshi Yoshimura, Director, Bandai Namco Entertainment (right)

Follow a hero’s journey that transcends time to rewrite fate and history

PlayStation Blog: Your studio has worked on action RPGs like the God Eater series, the Tales series, and Scarlet Nexus. What aspects did you focus on to set this title apart from those games?

Yoshimura: I think one of Code Vein’s defining features is its challenging difficulty.

Iizuka: Another crucial aspect of Code Vein is that you can only bring one companion on your journey. Even when facing deadly environments or powerful enemies where a single mistake could mean death, it’s just the two of you. That may feel isolating at times, but the unique bond and trust that form between you and your partner is unique to Code Vein.

Yoshimura: Code Vein also places a strong emphasis on creating a world grounded in realistic backgrounds. The team made thoughtful design choices to blend anime-style characters naturally into these detailed environments. This commitment to a distinctive visual style is another hallmark of the game.

Yoshimura-san, back when you were developing God Eater 2, you talked about how you organized your ideas by carefully putting them into words. Did that approach carry over or influence your work on this project?

Yoshimura: The “verbalization method” I used during God Eater 2 has been applied not only to this title, but also to the previous Code Vein. It involves the enormous task of writing out every game element and clarifying how they connect to one another. We repeatedly iterated on the core action systems from the prototype stage. As projects grow in scope and development periods stretch, the market and player expectations keep evolving. If the team does not continually update its mindset during development, the game risks feeling outdated by the time it launches. The action in this title is the result of extensive iteration; while respecting and carrying forward the sense of camaraderie with your buddy that was so well received in the previous game, we rebuilt the system around two new strategic concepts – “Summoning,” where you fight alongside your partner, and “Assimilation,” where you become one with them. We hope players will enjoy this new approach.

When it comes to the game’s worldbuilding, were there any elements you carried over from the previous title or specific aspects you chose to emphasize?

Yoshimura: Code Vein II establishes a new setting while still retaining core elements from the previous game. Because this title is built around the idea of rewriting history, directly linking it to the previous game’s world would risk overturning the established history and player experiences. That said, it’s not an entirely separate world either; fans will notice familiar items, weapons, gifts, and other small callbacks scattered throughout the game.

During the hands-on demo, the design differences between Josée as your Revenant buddy and as a boss really stood out. What’s the concept behind the Revenant’s boss transformations?

Yoshimura: Those design differences are intended to make players wonder what happened to the character. While their appearance changes drastically, there are still subtle elements shared between the two forms. You might miss them during battle, but as the story unfolds, you’ll begin to understand the reasoning behind the transformations. We’d love for players to look back at the character designs after those revelations.

Ensuring narrative integrity amid history-altering changes

Player choices play a big role in this game. Does altering history result in multiple endings?

Iizuka: The core gameplay revolves around traveling between the present and past to progress the story. When you intervene in the past and return to the present, relationships with characters or the world itself will change. The game has multiple endings, so even after reaching one ending, you can go back in time to alter it.

Yoshimura: It’s a pretty unique structure. There are multiple endings, but the way players approach them is different. What really defines this game is how players actively shape the story through their own choices.

Iizuka: There’s also New Game+ that lets you carry over your levels and certain progress for those who want to revisit the story from the beginning.

The history-altering system must be challenging to maintain story consistency. What were your key focuses or struggles when crafting the narrative for this title?

Yoshimura: I took it on myself, but it was far more challenging than expected. As I built out the narrative, I found myself wanting to push the boundaries further. I want to create living, breathing characters, so I refused to make them act like puppets that were convenient to the game’s system. Maintaining narrative consistency was tough, but character integrity mattered even more. My core rule was ensuring that player experiences were reflected without any contradictions. The complexity made it difficult to convey my vision clearly to the team, so I just powered through it myself (laughs).

Iizuka: The story went through extensive rewrites. However, the final version achieves solid consistency and a smooth flow, making the history alterations feel seamless without any sense of disconnect.

Character creation has expanded with adjustable body types, new hair options and broader gradient options. You can mix-and-match outfits with on/off toggles to unlock even more variety. Cloaks and hoods are separate parts of vampire gear, and there are no longer accessory cost limits.

What are the standout features of the new Rune Blade and Twin Blades? Are there any changes to weapons carried over from the previous game?

Yoshimura: The Rune Blade is a tricky weapon that leverages formae power to levitate swords. With specific formae, you and the blade can move independently to attack, pulling off solo coordinated assaults. Twin Blades, held in both hands, prioritize speed and spin. It was highly requested by fans of the previous game, so we’re excited for the new addition. In Code Vein II, you can stack wounds with every hit to maximize Ichor from blood drains, so hit count is key.

It’s difficult to pinpoint changes to the five returning weapon types, but the animations have seen a major quality upgrade, so nothing feels exactly like the previous game. Every move, from weighted swings to combos, has been fully rebuilt to match the elevated animation standards.

Iizuka: This game now lets you equip formae directly onto weapons, with many more type-specific options. This makes tailoring builds to each weapon’s strengths far more intuitive than in the previous title.

(For Southeast Asia) Revealing the Hyperpop Collection with three new designs for PS5 accessories, launching this March

Today, we’re sharing the first look at the Hyperpop Collection, featuring three new striking designs for DualSense wireless controllers and PS5 console covers. With glossy blacks shifting into vivid neons, each finish introduces an all-new aesthetic into your gaming setup.

With the vibrant Hyperpop Collection, players can choose their track between Techno, Remix, or Rhythm:

Turn up the beat with Techno Red.

Stand out with Remix Green.

Stay locked in with Rhythm Blue.

To share more about the Hyperpop Collection’s design and creative process, here’s Leo Cardoso and Sae Kobayashi from our Color, Material, and Finish design team:

We’re cranking the volume all the way up with a collection that doesn’t just stand out, it takes over the room. Inspired by the glow of the RGB lights of your impressive gaming setups, these new colors go LOUD in the best possible way.
– Leo Cardoso

A seamless gradient wraps around the front and back of the DualSense, finished in a high-gloss coat that makes the colors POP more than ever. The console covers are also getting the same glow-up, featuring a subtle hint of transparency.
– Sae Kobayashi

The Hyperpop DualSense wireless controllers will be available for a recommended retail price (RRP) of SGD 119 / MYR 419 / IDR 1,549,000 / THB 2,890 / PHP 4,890 / VND 2,399,000.* The matching PS5 console covers will be available in limited quantities in select markets for a RRP of SGD 107 / MYR 369 / IDR 1,359,000 / THB 2,590 / PHP 4,290 / VND 2,099,000.*

The Hyperpop Collection launches starting on March 12, 2026.

*Actual retailer prices and availability may vary.

Revealing the Hyperpop Collection with three new designs for PS5 accessories, launching this March

With the vibrant Hyperpop Collection, players can choose their track between Techno, Remix, or Rhythm:

Turn up the beat with Techno Red.

Stand out with Remix Green.

Stay locked in with Rhythm Blue.

To share more about the Hyperpop Collection’s design and creative process, here’s Leo Cardoso and Sae Kobayashi from our Color, Material, and Finish design team:

We’re cranking the volume all the way up with a collection that doesn’t just stand out, it takes over the room. Inspired by the glow of the RGB lights of your impressive gaming setups, these new colors go LOUD in the best possible way.
– Leo Cardoso

A seamless gradient wraps around the front and back of the DualSense, finished in a high-gloss coat that makes the colors POP more than ever. The console covers are also getting the same glow-up, featuring a subtle hint of transparency.
– Sae Kobayashi

The Hyperpop DualSense wireless controllers will be available for a recommended retail price (RRP) of $84.99 USD/¥12,480 (including tax)/€84.99/£74.99.* The matching PS5 console covers will be available in limited quantities in select markets for a RRP of $74.99 USD/¥11,480(including tax)/€74.99/£64.99.*

The Hyperpop Collection launches starting on March 12, 2026. Pre-orders will begin on January 16, 2026 at 10am local time at direct.playstation.com (where available) as well as participating retailers. The exact launch date and availability for the accessories may vary by country/region.

direct.playstation.com purchase information

Starting January 16, 2026 at 7:00am PT / 10:00am ET in the U.S., and 10:00am local time in the U.K., France, Germany, Austria, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg, players will be able to pre-order the Hyperpop Collection through direct.playstation.com.

When ordering directly from PlayStation, enjoy free launch day delivery for eligible pre-orders. Visit direct.playstation.com for more details.

*Actual retailer prices and availability may vary.

Carmageddon: Rogue Shift – new gameplay details on the roguelite racer

Greetings, racers. We’re 34BigThings, the team behind Redout and now the revival of Carmageddon. Our armageddon involves WW3, cellular degeneration, and, of course, evil corporations. Let’s dive into the world you’ll be racing in when our Carmageddon spinoff, Carmageddon: Rogue Shift, launches February 6.

Welcome to Earth, 2050

When you take the wheel for the first time, the old world has long since ended. Devastating wars, natural disasters, and swarms of zombies have left humanity on the brink. Zombies, called the Wasted in this universe, outnumber humans 10,000 to 1. Each night, streets swarm with the undead, forcing survivors to barricade themselves in high-rise buildings. Chaos chokes the ground level, where graffiti, trash, and crumbling buildings stretch endlessly.

There is just one chance to escape this nightmare: the Carmageddon. Because, while you’re driving, you’re surviving.

Survival requires skill and a solid ride

Your story begins as a faceless racer with little more than a rust bucket, scavenged fuel, and a makeshift weapon to work with. Every victory in these deadly races promises power, prestige, and valuable prizes to the participants. The champion wins the right to attempt the perilous journey that leads to the spaceport beyond the mountains. To traverse this treacherous terrain, you’ll need the experiences and gear that can only be gained from the Carmageddon races. With just one jet left, the only chance to flee this dying world is worth more than any reward.

The apocalypse is your playground

We wanted to create a robust game loop with a fast, accessible, but never trivial handling model at the core of it. Your car is your fortress, your safe haven and your main offensive weapon – pretty much the protagonist. With 15 unlockable vehicles each with their own drivetrain, weight, center of mass, suspensions, tire friction and pressure, response to steering, you’ll have quite some variety to explore.

But this is just the beginning: on top of this you can unlock and mount 13 weapon classes and 80+ perks. Build outrageous synergies that transform a single Boost canister into an unstoppable deathroll, or multiply the amount of missiles you fire with a single shot, or convert explosion damage around you into repairs for your car. Exploring in videogames isn’t limited to virtual spaces: we want you to experiment and come up with absurd combinations and spectacular strategies. You’ll need to.

Opponents will not roam around trying their best to hit you occasionally, but will actually behave like there’s a one way ticket to salvation waiting for them at the finish line: they’ll be fast and ruthless, and you’ll need to balance speed, offense and defense if you want to succeed. Some of these opponents will drive colossal war-rigs – yes, bossfights.

A different spin on the zombie story

We mentioned evil corporations earlier. Well, in this timeline, the combination of wars and natural disasters led to supply shortages and famine. To combat this, a food supplement called MiVis was created and effectively ended the worldwide hunger crisis. Like some sort of cruel cosmic joke, long-term consumption of MiVis caused the cellular mutation responsible for the outbreak. The more MiVis consumed, the more you waste away, leading to the coining of the term “Wasted.” Did this development stop production of MiVis? You guessed it, absolutely not.

Corporations suppressed the dangerous effects of MiVis until it was too late, prioritizing profits over people. The people who consumed the most became special wasted, horrible supermutations that morphed into something even less human. Last and certainly not least, there’s the ultimate abomination. A creature whispered about but rarely seen: the monster that guards the only path to the spaceport and your final challenge.

Every crash makes you stronger

In Rogue Shift, no two runs are exactly alike. As you progress through randomly generated paths, you’ll have the opportunity to win events and defeat opponents to gain upgrade credits. The Carmageddon ain’t over when you wreck your ride, though. Each time you begin anew, you retain certain permanent bonuses unlocked with beatcoins. You’ll need to carefully plot out your route through the wasteland, making stops for repairs and new gear. Difficulty increases dynamically, so keep your head on a swivel. As you make it further with each subsequent run, synergies and archetypes will become apparent, giving you countless ways to craft the ultimate killing machine.

Can you survive Carmageddon?

We made Carmageddon: Rogue Shift to challenge you in a way that keeps you coming back. Our goal is to get you into that flow, firing-on-all-cylinders flow state we fondly remember from the original Carmageddon games and, more in general, the combat racing games that defined the genre.

We can’t wait for you to jump in the driver’s seat and put your skills to the test. Wishlist today and we’ll see you on the wasteland.

Code Vein II hands-on report

Code Vein II maintains the core elements of its predecessor, but it feels more like a standalone action-RPG than a sequel. That’s because it greatly expands on the series’ combat systems and ideas to offer a huge amount of customization, while telling an all-new story about vampiric characters called Revenants that’s not linked to the original Code Vein.

I recently got a chance to go hands-on with Code Vein II to check out its new systems, its time-traveling story, and its tough-as-nails bosses. Here’s everything I saw along the way.

A host of combat options

At first blush, Code Vein II feels similar to other Souls-like games, as well as to its predecessor. You can fight with a host of weapons ranging from huge greatswords to fast, gun-mounted bayonets and, new to the sequel, dual blades. Hitting Square gives you a fast, weak attack, while Triangle fires off a stronger, slower one. You can also dodge with Circle and block attacks with L1 to lessen the damage you take, or parry blows completely if you hit L1 just as an attack lands.

Where Code Vein II sets itself apart is in all its combat options. For starters, for each weapon, you can equip four special abilities called Formae; one for each of the face buttons. Holding R1 and hitting one of those buttons activates the Forma equipped to it.

Formae come in three different categories — Combat, Magic, and Support — and they all have different uses in battle. One might give you a powerful attack, while another can help you dodge out of the way of an enemy before striking back when there’s an opening, and another might cover a patch of ground with flames.

Draining your foes

Powering your Formae attacks takes Ichor, and like in the first Code Vein, you only have so much. You steal Ichor from enemies by activating slow but powerful Drain Attacks when you hit or hold R2. These strikes use special weapons, Jails, and, like the Formae, each is useful in its own specific way.

Jails can be equipped like other weapons in Code Vein II, and I tried several to see how they mix with different builds and abilities. The Ogre Jail is a huge claw that slashes away at enemies, while the Hound is a pair of dog-headed gauntlets that latch onto and bite enemies.

Another Jail fires off like a scorpion tail, giving you lots of range, while another lets you send a horde of tiny bats to tear at enemies. Each Jail has particular attributes that fit different Blood Codes, the central aspects of a build that determine your character’s fighting style.

Between weapons, Formae, Jails, and Blood Codes, there’s a huge amount of customization in Code Vein II’s combat.

An adventure through time

The world of Code Vein II lies on the brink of destruction. The only way to save it is for you, the protagonist, to team up with a Revenant named Lou with the ability to travel through time. The plan is to head 100 years into the past to just before an event called the Upheaval, where you can hopefully alter history to stop a world-ending force called the Resurgence.

My preview started on MagMell Island in the present, where humans and Revenants were holed up, fighting to survive. But in the past, the place was under attack from bandits, forcing me to fight my way through its corridors and join other characters as they worked to defend it.

The second level, a dungeon called the Sunken Pylon, was ruined, flooded mall into the ground — a place now overrun by Horrors, the corrupted former humans and Revenants created by the Resurgence. In both levels, there are often side paths with tough, optional fights and hidden rewards to find. Often, you’ll loop back to an earlier checkpoint by unlocking shortcuts and elevators in classic Souls-like style.

Gaining Partners

Time travel also lets you meet characters from the past and team up with them. Partners are a major part of the series, but Code Vein II adds new aspects to the system. Your computer-controlled ally will fight by your side, making them great for taking on multiple enemies or distracting a boss so you can heal. But you can also “assimilate” your partner, fusing the two of you together to give yourself a stat boost while your partner is off the field.

You can activate assimilation whenever you want, making it a handy part of your strategy, assimilating to pull off a few high-power moves before releasing your partner back into the fight.

Partners are also something of an extra life. When your health runs out, your partner will revive you and briefly disappear. If you can stay alive long enough, a timer will run down, bringing your partner back into the fight.

Code Vein II’s story hinges on your partners, with the Sunken Pylon focusing on Josée, a Revenant hero wracked with guilt over the death of her twin sister. After channeling Josée’s memories to unlock her past, the dungeon culminated in a battle with the vicious Horror responsible for her sister’s death.

Battling the Metagen Remnant

At the bottom of the Pylon was the Metagen Remnant, a colossal creature that showed how brutally tough Code Vein II’s massive bosses can be. The trick to the fight was to get in close, dodging the Remnant’s enormous, burly arms, and then hitting it in the face whenever there was an opening — while also being careful not to over-commit and get pummeled.

Even once I had the hang of what the Metagen Remnant could throw at me, it was an arduous battle. Bosses have huge health pools and lots of deadly tricks up their sleeves. But if you can hammer them hard enough, you can stagger bosses just like other enemies, allowing you to perform Special Drain Attacks to do massive damage.

Taking on Josée

The last part of the preview, and the final boss fight, saw Lou and me returning to the present to complete our true goal. During the Upheaval, several heroic Revenants used their life force to seal the Resurgence, but the calamity facing the world is a result of those seals weakening. In order to stop it, we need to release the heroes — now corrupted into horrible monsters — and defeat them.

Josée wasn’t exactly as we remembered her; she was now a towering, katana-wielding, armored warrior. Her fighting style is all about fast, sweeping attacks, and using a status effect that can root you to the ground and leave you open to strikes. I had the most success battling Josée with speed, pummeling her with fast attacks and staying light on our feet to dodge her strikes. But like the Metagen Remnant, Josée puts up a serious fight, making it clear that Souls-like fans are going to need to hone their skills to defeat Code Vein II’s toughest challenges.

Altering history

The boss fight is a tragic addendum to Josée’s tale. But as Director Hiroshi Yoshimura mentioned during the event, after beating Josée, you’ll potentially have the option to return to the past and change her fate. That might give you the chance to save her, but it could put your overall mission at risk, too. While I didn’t get to see how the timeline might change in Code Vein II, it’s clear time travel is a big part of how its deep story will unfold.

Code Vein II has added a lot to its predecessor’s foundations, offering versatility in playstyles and plenty of options with your partner, your weapons, and your Formae. But the most interesting part might be its time-hopping story, with the chance to get close to Code Vein II’s characters and, ultimately, change history.

You can see how it all comes together when Code Vein II launches for PS5 on January 29.

A Code Vein II Character Creator Demo will be available January 23 on PlayStation Store, letting you explore the game’s central hub, MagMell Institute, experiment with Photo Mode and try the game’s character customization options. Your custom character can be transferred to the full game.

18 most-wanted games of early 2026

With all the great titles 2025 has graced us with, there’s barely been time to put down the DualSense wireless controller these past 12 months. No matter what genre you favor chances are you’ve been eating well, whether it’s been big budget blockbusters like Death Stranding 2: On the Beach and Ghost of Yōtei, or instant classics like Hollow Knight: Silksong and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.

Sure, 2026 has a lot to live up to, but even its first few months have plenty coming to PS5 and PS4. Better get your wishlists ready, things are about to get busy in the best way…

Arknights: Endfield | Jan 22 | PS5

If the tower defense role-playing game original didn’t quite scratch an itch, never fear. This space opera spinoff from the original Arknights keeps its strategic RPG stylings but ramps up the action and exploration in its lavish, yet hostile high-tech world. Gather resources to build and expand factories and bases and unleash flashy combos with a party of up to four in tactical real-time combat. And did I mention that one of the characters is a sunglasses wearing panda called Da Pan? Well, now you know.

The Seven Deadly Sins: Origin | Jan 28 | PS5

Despite its ever-ominous title, the Seven Deadly Sins series has always been a colorful RPG romp, with this latest entry reimagining its bold beginnings to tell an original story. Remaining within the fanatical world of Britannia from its manga/anime source material, you and up to five players via drop-in/out co-op can explore a massive open-world of monsters, dungeons, and a multiversal quest. Yes, that means rifts in space-time, different dimensions, and alternate timelines, to keep you on your toes.

Code Vein II | Jan 30 | PS5

Speaking of traversing timelines, fans of dystopian fantasy will feel right at home with this action RPG which tasks you to save a collapsing world across eras. With your actions as a Revenant Hunter 100 years in the past rewriting the landscape of the present, Code Vein II is a rich adventure with a customizable build system to reflect how you engage in its flashy battles and uniquely equipped partners to fight alongside you. Oh, and Code Vein veterans will be happy to know you can still drain blood from enemies to help activate special abilities.

Dragon Quest VII Reimagined | Feb 5 | PS5

If you’re anything like me, the mere mention of Dragon Quest immediately triggers its signature theme tune in your head – but that’s the perfect preface to a remake which aims to do its early 2000s PlayStation original proud. The classic tale of a fisherman’s son turned time-traveling hero has been updated, along with the addition of a well-crafted diorama visual style which makes Akira Toriyama’s iconic character designs pop off the screen. And the combat system has been improved to give you access to even more abilities and pre-emptive strikes.

Nioh 3 | Feb 6 | PS5

Team Ninja’s dark fantasy action-RPG series lets you blend samurai and ninja skills to take the fight to the powerful calamity only known as the Crucible. As samurai Tokugawa Takechiyo, the fate of Japan rests on your blade, as his jealous brother’s yokai hordes look to bring hell to humanity. You won’t just remain in the Edo period, either, as you’ll have a chance to discover the secrets of the Sengoku, Heian, and Bakumatsu eras, along with their relevant historical figures.

BlazBlue Entropy Effect X | Feb 12 | PS5

Fancy adding a bit more fight to your 2026? 91Act’s flashy roguelite platform adventure packs all the chunky, combo driven combat you expect from a BlazBlue game and slides it into the slick side-scrolling affair. Full of colorful pyrotechnics, potent power-ups, and a detailed progression system, there’s lots here to get stuck into.

Tides of Tomorrow | Feb 24 | PS5

The developers of narratively powerful procedurally-generated adventure Road 96 switches streets for seas. As part of a community of nomads called Tidewalkers, your actions shape the story in the quest to find a cure for the deadly plastification of ocean planet Elynd. But choose your actions carefully – the asynchronous multiplayer gameplay means yours and other players’ choices can affect how the world reacts to you as a Tidewalker.

No Sleep for Kaname Date – From AI: The Somnium Files | Feb 26 | PS4, PS5

Wake up, detective, it’s time to take on a new case. Internet idol Iris Sagan has apparently been abducted by aliens, and as sleuth Kaname Date only you can help her. Set between the two previous titles in the AI: The Somnium Files series, this spin-off blends a visual novel narrative with escape room puzzles and third-person exploration sequences where you enter the dreams of potential suspects for clues.

Resident Evil Requiem | Feb 27 | PS5

We’ve all been eagerly waiting to return to Racoon City. So when Resident Evil Requiem was announced you could almost taste the collective mixture of excitement and dread. The iconic survival horror series is back for another bite, this time putting curious but wholly unprepared intelligence agent Grace Ashcroft in the middle of its blood-soaked investigation. You’ll also be slipping back into the shoes of returning RE icon Leon S. Kennedy. With the freedom to choose between first and third-person viewpoints as you play, Capcom is promising classic chills that will get right up in your face, and more than likely inside some zombie guts, too.

Marathon | March | PS5

Marathon runs will get brutal fast. Bungie’s new PvPvE extraction shooter takes place in the dark sci-fi world of Tau Ceti, where rival Runners and hostile UESC security will get between you and your high-stakes heist attempts. Tense survival FPS gameplay awaits as you scavenge abandoned colony outposts stuffed with loot, stalking solo or forging fragile, on-the-fly alliances with rival crews through proximity chat in the race to extract alive.

Never Grave: The Witch and the Curse | March 5 | PS4, PS5

Let’s get straight into it – the ‘Curse’ part of the title is actually a cursed hat that you control which has the power to possess enemies and use their abilities in this colorful 2D Metroidvania roguelike. And after you’ve used their skills for combat, puzzles, and traversal, you can wind down by rebuilding your ruined village to prepare for your next run. Why not bring three other friends along for the journey via the multiplayer mode, as well?

Coffee Talk Tokyo | March 5 | PS5

If you’ve never experienced the cozy visual novel joys of Coffee Talk, then this is the ideal opportunity to grab a cup of joe and take a seat at the strangest café on the block. Spinning off from the main series, Coffee Talk Tokyo lets you hear the stories of not only people seeking meaning, but also supernatural creatures including vampires, mermaids, and ghosts looking for a little (and mostly not literal) heart-to-heart. You can also craft beautiful latte art that will really make you feel you’re in the middle of summertime Tokyo.

Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly Remake | March 12 | PS5

Overhauling this creepy PlayStation 2 cult classic with enhancements across its visuals and audio was just the start for Koei Tecmo. This memorable survival horror’s use of the Camera Obscura to photograph objects and battle evil spirits has also been given new features, including filter switching to perform feats such as increasing your ‘shooting’ distance in combat.

Crimson Desert | March 19 | PS5

This open-world adventure has been on the lips of many since its reveal back in 2019, so those craving to test their skill and strength in the fantasy continent of Pywel haven’t long left to wait. Combat, crafting and cooking, join a variety of other activities such as fishing and mining, which means there’s plenty to give you a break from the fight against savage rival tribes, brutish monsters, and even a mechanical dragon.

Dynasty Warriors 3: Complete Edition Remastered | March 19 | PS5

The Musoi majesty of Koei Tecmo’s tactical action series gets a glow-up in 2026, as the PlayStation 2 original returns with a modernized look, refined gameplay and UI, and content from its Dynasty Warriors 3: Xtreme Legends expansion. So you’re not just getting the finely honed and ever entertaining 1 vs 1,000 gameplay, there’s also new weapons, storylines and challenge modes to clash swords with.

007 First Light | May 27 | PS5

Hitman developer IO Interactive making a James Bond game? It’s a match made in 00-heaven. Set before the MI6 super spy gained his 007 status, this reimagined origin story aims to deliver fast cars, smooth (and at the perfect times, slow-motion) gunplay, innovative gadgets, and the ability to complete Bond’s missions in a variety of ways. Steal and sneak your way into compounds, bluff and bluster past guards, eavesdrop for intelligence, take down enemies with stealth, or maybe just let your fists fly.

Pragmata | April 24 | PS5

If you’ve had that image of an astronaut and a mysterious young girl lodged in your brain since Pragmata’s first reveal trailer, 2026 is finally your payoff. Capcom’s new sci-fi IP strands spacefarer Hugh and his android companion Diana on a cold lunar research station ruled by rogue AI, pairing Hugh’s weighty third-person shooting with Diana’s reality-bending hacks to hijack enemies and crack environmental puzzles.

Saros | April 30 | PS5

Housemarque’s been hard at work after delivering the excellent Returnal, and Saros is bringing all the qualities that have made the developer one to watch. Mysterious, otherworldly setting? Check. Fast-paced sci-fi shooting? No doubt. Although unlike Returnal, each death in Saros lets you choose and permanently upgrade your weapon and suit loadout. And there’s even more secrets about the game to be revealed…

This is just a small selection of what’s coming down the line – which early 2026 titles are you looking forward to playing?

Players’ Choice: Vote for December 2025’s best new game

Last month, we wrapped up another year of gaming with some 2D goodness and new takes on sports. Some big new releases included Marvel Cosmic Invasion, Skate Story, and Thief VR: Legacy of Shadow. Which game was your favorite?

How does it work? At the end of every month, PlayStation Blog will open a poll where you can vote for the best new game released that month. After the polls close we will tally your votes, and announce the winner on our social channels and PlayStation.Blog.

What is the voting criteria? That’s up to you! If you were only able to recommend one new release to a friend that month, which would it be? Note: re-released games don’t qualify, but remakes do. We define remakes as ambitious, larger-scale rebuilds such as Resident Evil 4 (2023) and Final Fantasy VII Remake.

How are nominees decided? The PlayStation Blog editorial team will gather a list of that month’s most noteworthy releases and use it to seed the poll.

PlayStation Plus Monthly Games for January: Need for Speed Unbound, Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed, Core Keeper

Enjoy hours of electric, adrenaline-pumping racing action, embark on an epic journey through a realm of forgotten Disney characters and explore a long-forgotten cavern teeming with untold secrets with the PlayStation Plus Monthly Games for January 2026. Need For Speed Unbound, Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed and Core Keeper will be available to PlayStation Plus members from Tuesday January 6 until Monday February 2*.

Let’s take a closer look at each of the games.

Need For Speed Unbound | PS5

Start at the bottom, race to the top in the latest entry in the iconic Need for Speed franchise. With separate single and multiplayer campaigns, this latest edition in the Need for Speed franchise from Criterion Games delivers hours of electric, adrenaline-pumping racing action. Race against time, outsmart the cops, and take on weekly qualifiers to reach The Grand, Lakeshore’s ultimate street racing challenge. Pack your garage with precision-tuned, custom rides and light up the streets with your style, exclusive fits, and a vibrant global soundtrack that bumps in every corner of the world.

Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed | PS4, PS5

Play as Mickey Mouse and embark on an epic journey through Wasteland, a realm of forgotten Disney characters. Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed brings the magic of Disney to life in a vibrant 3D platformer. This beautiful remake sends Mickey into a fantastical world where you use paint and thinner to shape your adventure and the fate of this alternate world. Every stroke of your magic brush matters! Use paint to restore beauty and harmony or thinner to alter your environment and uncover hidden secrets. Encounter iconic characters like Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, Walt Disney’s first creation. Collect virtual Disney pins and tackle creative challenges while exploring classic platforming levels inspired by animated films and shorts.

Core Keeper | PS4, PS5

Awaken as an explorer in a long-forgotten cavern teeming with untold secrets. In this award-winning, 1-8 player mining sandbox adventure, your choices shape an epic journey. Harvest relics and resources, craft advanced tools, build your base, and explore a dynamically evolving world waiting to be unearthed. Level up your skills, defeat legendary Titans, and unveil the power of the Core. Grow your garden, fish in mysterious waters, master a vast array of recipes, raise and care for animals, encounter the Cavelings, and carve out your own unique world in an enchanting underground adventure.

Last chance to add December’s PlayStation Plus Monthly Games to your library

PlayStation Plus members have until Monday January 5 to add Lego Horizon Adventures, Killing Floor 3, The Outlast Trials, Synduality Echo of Ada and Neon White to their game library.

*PlayStation Plus Game Catalog lineup may differ in certain regions. Please check the PlayStation Store on launch day for your region’s lineup.