Things are warming up as Remedy’s FBC: Firebreak approaches its June 17 launch on PlayStation 5 as part of the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog. We chatted with Communications Director Thomas Puha, Lead Level Designer Teemu Huhtiniemi, Lead Designer/Lead Technical Designer Anssi Hyytiainen, and Game Director/Lead Writer Mike Kayatta about some of the fascinating and often hilarious development secrets behind the first-person shooter.
PlayStation Blog: First, what PS5 and PS5 Pro features did you utilize?
Thomas Puha: We’ll support 3D Audio, and we’re prioritising 60 FPS on both formats. We’re aiming for FSR2 with an output resolution of 2560 x 1440 (1440p) on PS, and PSSR with an output resolution of 3840×2160 (4K) on PS5 Pro.
Some of the DualSense wireless controller’s features are still a work in progress, but we’re looking to use haptic feedback in a similar way to our previous titles, such as Control and Alan Wake 2. For example, we want to differentiate the weapons to feel unique from each other using the adaptive triggers.
Going into the game itself, were there any other influences on its creation outside of Control?
Mike Kayatta: We looked at different TV shows that had lots of tools for going into a place and dealing with a crisis. One was a reality show called Dirty Jobs, where the host Mike Rowe finds these terrible, dangerous, or unexpected jobs that you don’t know exist, like cleaning out the inside of a water tower.
We also looked at PowerWash Simulator. Cleaning dirt is oddly meditative and really fulfilling. It made me wish a zombie attacked me to break the Zen, and then I’d go right back to cleaning. And we were like, that would be pretty fun in the game.
Were there specific challenges you faced given it’s your first multiplayer game and first-person shooter?
Anssi Hyytiainen: It’s radically different from a workflow point of view. You can’t really test it alone, necessarily, which is quite a different experience. And then there are times when one player is missing things on their screen that others are seeing. It was like, “What are you shooting at?”
What’s been your favorite moments developing the game so far?
Teemu Huhtiniemi: There were so many. But I like when we started seeing all of these overlapping systems kind of click, because there’s a long time in the development where you talk about things on paper and have some prototypes, but you don’t really see it all come together until a point. Then you start seeing the interaction between the systems and all the fun that comes out of that.
Kayatta: I imagine there’s a lot of people who probably are a little skeptical about Remedy making something so different. Even internally, when the project was starting. And once we got the trailer out there, everyone was so nervous, but it got a pretty positive reaction. Exposing it to the public is very motivating, because with games, for a very long time, there is nothing, or it is janky and it’s ugly and you don’t find the fun immediately.
Were there any specific ideals you followed while you worked on the game?
Kayatta: Early on we were constantly asking ourselves, “Could this only happen in Control or at Remedy?” Because the first thing you hear is, “Okay, this is just another co-op multiplayer shooter” – there’s thousands of them, and they’re all good. So what can we do to make it worth playing our game? We were always saying we’ve got this super weird universe and really interesting studio, so we’re always looking at what we could do that nobody else can.
Huhtiniemi: I think for me it was when we chose to just embrace the chaos. Like, that’s the whole point of the game. It’s supposed to feel overwhelming and busy at times, so that was great to say it out loud.
Kayatta: Yeah, originally we had a prototype where there were only two Hiss in the level, but it just didn’t work, it wasn’t fun. Then everything just accidentally went in the opposite direction, where it was super chaos. At some point we actually started looking at Overcooked quite a bit, and saying, “Look, just embrace it. It’s gonna be nuts.”
How did you finally decide on the name FBC: Firebreak, and were there any rejected, alternate, or working titles?
Kayatta: So Firebreak is named after real world firebreaks, where you deforest an area to prevent a fire from spreading, but firebreaks are also topographical features of the Oldest House. And so we leaned into the term being a first responder who stops fires from spreading. The FBC part came from not wanting to put ‘Control’ in the title, so Control players wouldn’t feel like they had to detour to this before Control 2, but we didn’t want to totally detach from it either as that felt insincere.
An external partner pitched a title. They were very serious about talking up the game being in the Oldest House, and then dramatically revealed the name: Housekeepers. I got what they were going for, but I was like, we cannot call it this. It was like you were playing as a maid!
FBC: Firebreak launches on PS5 June 17 as a day on PlayStation Plus Game Catalog title.
This month, join forces to tackle the paranormal crises of a mysterious federal agency under siege in the cooperative first-person shooter FBC: Firebreak, lead your team to victory in the iconic all-out warfare of Battlefield 2042, test your skills as a new Fazbear employee managing and maintaining the eerie pizzeria of Five Nights at Freddy’s: Help Wanted 2 or live for the thrill of the hunt in the realistic hunting open world theHunter: Call of the Wild. All of these titles and more are available in June’s PlayStation Plus Game Catalog lineup*.
Meanwhile, PS2’s Deus Ex: The Conspiracy merges action-RPG, stealth and FPS gameplay in PlayStation Plus Premium.
All titles will be available to play on June 17.
PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium | Game Catalog
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FBC: Firebreak | PS5
Launching on the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog this month is FBC: Firebreak, a cooperative first-person shooter set within a mysterious federal agency under assault by otherworldly forces. Return to the strange and unexpected world of Control or venture in for the first time in this standalone, multiplayer experience. As a years-long siege on the agency’s headquarters reaches its boiling point, only Firebreak—the Bureau’s most versatile unit—has the gear and the guts to plunge into the building’s strangest crises, restore order, contain the chaos, and fight to reclaim control. Join forces with friends or strangers to tackle each job as a well-oiled crew. Survival in this three-player cooperative FPS hinges on quick thinking and seamless teamwork as you scramble to tame raging paranatural crises across a variety of unexpected locations.
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Battlefield 2042 | PS4, PS5
Battlefield 2042 is a first-person shooter that marks the return to the iconic all-out warfare of the franchise. With the help of a cutting-edge arsenal, engage in intense, immersive multiplayer battles. Lead your team to victory in both large all-out warfare and close quarters combat on maps from the world of 2042 and classic Battlefield titles. Find your playstyle in class-based gameplay and take on several experiences comprising elevated versions of Conquest and Breakthrough. Explore Battlefield Portal, a platform where players can discover, create, and share unexpected battles from Battlefield’s past and present.
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Five Nights at Freddy’s: Help Wanted 2 | PS5
Five Nights at Freddy’s: Help Wanted 2 is the sequel to the terrifying VR experience that brought new life to the iconic horror franchise. As a brand new Fazbear employee you’ll have to prove you have what it takes to excel in all aspects of Pizzeria management and maintenance. Find out if you have what it takes to be a Fazbear Entertainment Superstar!
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theHunter: Call of the Wild | PS4
Discover an atmospheric hunting game like no other in this realistic, stunning open world – regularly updated in collaboration with its community. Immerse yourself in the single player campaign, or share the ultimate hunting experience with friends. Roam freely across meticulously crafted environments and explore a diverse range of regions and biomes, each with its own unique flora and fauna. Experience the intricacies of complex animal behavior, dynamic weather events, full day and night cycles, simulated ballistics, highly realistic acoustics, and scents carried by the wind. Select from a variety of weapons, ammunition, and equipment to create the ultimate hunting experience. With a diverse range of wildlife, including Jackrabbits, Mallard Ducks, Black Bears, Elk, and Moose, you will need to strategically match prey to weaponry to successfully track, lure, and ambush animals based on their unique behavior and environment.
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We Love Katamari Reroll + Royal Reverie | PS4, PS5
We Love Katamari Damacy, the second title in the Katamari series released in 2005, has been remastered with redesigned graphics and a revamped in-game UI. The King of the Cosmos accidentally destroyed all the stars in the universe. He sent his son, the Prince, to Earth and ordered him to create a large katamari. Roll the katamari to make it bigger and bigger, rolling up all the things on the earth. You can roll up anything from paper clips and snacks in the house, to telephone poles and buildings in the town, to even living creatures such as people and animals. Once the katamari is complete, it will turn into a star that colors the night sky. You cannot roll up anything larger than the current size of your katamari, so the key is to think in advance about the order in which you roll things up around the stage. In Royal Reverie, roll up katamari as the King of All Cosmos in his boyhood!
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Eiyuden Chronicles: Hundred Heroes | PS4, PS5
Directed and produced by the creator of treasured JRPG series Suikoden, Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes provides a contemporary take on the classic JRPG experience. In the land of Allraan, two friends from different backgrounds are united by a war waged by the power-hungry Galdean Empire. Explore a diverse, magical world populated by humans, beastmen, elves and desert people. Meet and recruit over 100 unique characters, each with their own vivid voice acting and intricate backstories. Over four years in the making, and funded by the most successful Kickstarter videogame campaign of 2020, Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes features turn-based battles, a staggering selection of heroes and a thrilling story to discover.
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Train Sim World 5 | PS4, PS5
The rails are yours in Train Sim World 5! Take on new challenges and new roles as you master the tracks and trains of iconic cities across 3 new routes. Immerse yourself in the ultimate rail hobby and embark on your next journey. Be swept off your feet with the commuter mayhem of the West Coast main line with the Northwestern Class 350, the twisting Kinzigtalbahn with the tilting DB BR 411 ICE-T, or the sun-soaked tracks of the San Bernardino line and its Metrolink movements, powered by the MP36 & F125.
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Endless Dungeon | PS4, PS5
Endless Dungeon is a unique blend of roguelite, tactical action, and tower defense set in the award-winning Endless Universe. Plunge into an abandoned space station alone or with friends in co-op, recruit a team of shipwrecked heroes, and protect your crystal against never-ending waves of monsters… or die trying, get reloaded, and try again. You’re stranded on an abandoned space station chock-full of monsters and mysteries. To get out you’ll have to reach The Core, but you can’t do that without your crystal bot. That scuttling critter is your key to surviving the procedurally generated rooms of this space ruin. Sadly, it’s also a fragile soul, and every monster in the place wants a piece of it. You’re going to have to think quick, plan well, place your turrets, and then… fireworks! Bugs, bots and blobs will stop at nothing to turn you and that crystal into dust and debris. With a large choice of weapons and turrets, the right gear will be the difference between life and death.
PlayStation Plus Premium
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Deus Ex: The Conspiracy | PS4, PS5
This is an emulation of the classic PS2 title, Deus Ex: The Conspiracy, playable on PS4 and PS5 for the first time. The year is 2052 and the world is a dangerous and chaotic place. Terrorists operate openly – killing thousands; drugs, disease and pollution kill even more. The world’s economies are close to collapse and the gap between the insanely wealthy and the desperately poor grows ever wider. Worst of all, an age- old conspiracy bent on world domination has decided that the time is right to emerge from the shadows and take control.
*PlayStation Plus Game Catalog and PlayStation Plus Premium/Deluxe lineups may differ by region. Please check PlayStation Store on release day.
A sold-out 700-strong crowd at the BBC’s famous TC1 studio in West London’s Television Centre was treated to an awesome demonstration of racing on Gran Turismo 7 on Saturday, 7 June. With a display of stunning cars gracing the Helios Circle outside the iconic venue, and a big screen relaying the action to those without a ticket, there was a festival feel as some of the world’s fastest SIM racers gathered in the UK’s capital city for Round 1 of the Gran Turismo World Series 2025.
First up was the Manufacturers Cup, a team competition in which the drivers represent their favourite automotive marque. Present for Round 1 were the team members who had qualified online for the Asia-Oceania region. The combination was Gr.3 cars racing around the Tokyo Expressway – South Counterclockwise.
First blood went to Team BMW’s Seiya Suzuki who took pole position in a two-part qualifying session. Lining up alongside him was two-time Manufacturers Cup champion Takuya Miyazono representing Team Subaru. Lined up in P3 was Team Porsche’s 911 RSR, driven by Shota Sato.
The Grand Final saw strategy play a decisive role. Teams were required to make one pit stop and had to choose between soft- and medium-compound tires. The early stages of the race saw drivers hold their positions, assessing both the track and their rivals. But once all the competitors had completed their sole pit stops, the tone shifted dramatically. The gloves came off, transforming the contest into an all-out battle royale.
Lap 16 delivered a moment to remember. A fierce midfield battle involving multiple cars erupted, and in the chaos, the Porsche 911 RS was nudged from behind, sending it to the back of the field and effectively ending its race. The race culminated in a tense final showdown between Sato in the BMW and Miyazono in the Subaru. The two drivers traded the lead several times, but it was Miyazono who executed a flawless pass in his BRZ GT300 at the last hairpin, slipping by Sato’s M6 GT3 to take the checkered flag and the six championship points. BMW settled for five points, while Team Mazda, led by veteran Ryota Kokubun in the RX-VISION GT3, claimed the final podium spot and four points.
In the Nations Cup the Le Mans 24H track provided a fitting setting for the Sprint Race, a week before the 93rd running of the famous race, and the Aston Martin Valkyrie the right car for the job. Spaniard Jose Serrano kept countryman Pol Urra at bay with a victory that rewarded him with pole position for the Gran Finale.
As is tradition in the Gran Turismo World Series, the drivers would switch to the Red Bull X2019 Competition cars adorned in their nations’ colours for the Grand Final race run around the reverse configuration of Gran Turismo 7’s Gran Valley Highway. Nearly every driver on the grid chose to start the 20-laps on medium-compound tyres. However, the Netherlands’ Kaj de Bruin, starting from P10, opted to gamble on softs. His bold strategy paid off early, propelling him into the lead by the fourth lap. Yet he struggled to maintain the pace under relentless pressure from Serrano, Urra, Kylian Drumont of France, Takuma Miyazono and Takuma Sasaki of Japan, and Italy’s Valerio Gallo.
Exceeding 320 km/h on the straights, the drivers left nothing on the table. Tyre strategy played a pivotal role: de Bruin made two stops, while most others managed with just one. Miyazono and Drumont chose hard-compound tires for their final stints, a gamble against the favoured mediums and softs. In the closing laps, a fierce wheel-to-wheel battle for the lead unfolded between the two Spaniards, each pushing the other to the limit. The fantastic sold-out crowd watching the action live was on the edge of their seats, gasping and cheering with every turn and attempted overtake.
Ultimately, Serrano emerged victorious, crossing the finish line first by just over two-tenths of a second. Urra settled for 2nd, with Gallo completing the podium in 3rd.
With a spectacular Round 1 complete, the action moves from London to Berlin where Round 2 will be hosted in the Uber Eats Music Hall close to the East Side Gallery.
Tickets are on sale now here. Round 3 tickets for The Orpheum Theatre in Los Angeles are also available here. Add the Gran Turismo World Series to your calendar and come and join us for more thrilling action.
Round 1 – London, UK | Saturday, 7 June Round 2 – Berlin, Germany | Saturday, 20 September Round 3 – Los Angeles, USA | Saturday, 8 November World Finals – Fukuoka, Japan | Saturday, 20 and Sunday, 21 December
The PlayStation Blog crew returned to Los Angeles to attend another Summer Game Fest Play Days. The team got some one-on-one time with a diverse selection of upcoming PS5 games. Here are the highlights!
Crimson Desert | Coming 2025
Publisher: Pearl Abyss | Developer: Pearl Abyss | PS5
Crimson Desert is bringing deep, complex melee combat to its epic open world. In combat, players can chain together kicks, grapples, strong slices, leaping attacks, and much more in a deep, layered combat system that feels more like Soul Calibur than Dark Souls. The action is fast and acrobatic, and builds in ferocity when you imbue your strongest melee attacks with powerful elemental magic like ice and thunder. Or shoot a flare to trigger an incoming artillery attack to annihilate hordes of your melee opponents.
More broadly, I spotted some familiar features of the open-world medieval-fantasy genre, like summoning a horse to cover ground more quickly, liberating enemy strongholds, and epic boss battles. The open world is huge, with Pearl Abyss claiming it will take more than two hours to traverse the game’s continent on horseback. If you love open-world games and appreciate deep, layered melee combat, this is one to watch.
– Sid Shuman
Crisol: Theater of Idols | Coming 2025
Publisher: Blumhouse Games | Developer: Vermila Studios | PS5
Crisol: Theater of Idols takes fighting to the death to a whole new level, as you try to survive against unholy animatronic horrors across the streets of a reimagined steampunk Spain using your own blood as ammo. Exploring the cursed corners of Tormentosa becomes an exercise in restraint and stealth as every reload drains directly from your own lifesource. Luckily, protagonist Gabriel can also absorb blood from enemies and corpses he encounters along the way, but it’s important to stay calm and shoot with purpose – a not-so-easy task as the jerking and twitching weapon-wielding statues of saints rush towards you. I triumphantly made it to the end of my gameplay segment with a single drop of blood left, ready to learn more of what this beautifully twisted world has in store for Gabriel.
-Kristen Zitani
Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Hinokami Chronicles 2 | Coming August 5
Publisher: Sega | Developer: CyberConnect2 | PS5
With Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba The Movie: Infinity Castle coming in September and the success of the anime. Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Hinokami Chronicles 2 will be released at a great time for fans of the series. The Hinokami Chronicles 2 follows the events of The Entertainment District, The Swordsmith Village, and The Hashira Training arcs featuring more in-depth battle mechanics and cinematic setpieces in the single-player mode. The new gear system allows players to tweak each Demon Slayer with different skills and traits to reflect their playstyle regardless of the Demon Slayer’s breathing style.
Versus Mode feels like its own separate game instead of an optional multiplayer mode. All nine Hashira will be playable along with new Upper Rank demons in its 40+ fighting roster. The new assist and combo system is on par with modern fighting game standards and something I can see some players focusing on exclusively.
-O’Dell Harmon Jr.
Directive 8020 | Coming October 2
Publisher: Supermassive Games | Developer: Supermassive Games | PS5
Supermassive Games has always understood that some of the best moments in horror come from well-intentioned human decisions. Branching choices and butterfly effects have been the mainstay of the Dark Pictures games, where the horror tropes may seem familiar, but your actions and choices ultimately craft the scares and thrills. Directive 8020 charts a course for space, and immediately sets the tone that no one is safe. I played through a small gameslice twice this weekend. In my session, crew members came in contact with cloned versions of themselves, which soon morphed into hulking horrors.
The encounter set off a chain of events, an argument amongst the crew, and finally a choice – can everyone here be trusted, or is one of us a clone? The choice I made in the first playthrough opened the door to new discussions and revealed secrets; the second playthrough saw a more violent conclusion and a branch possibly closed off. Luckily Supermassive has included the Turning Points system, a branching chart of the key decision moments that can shift the story. As you play, you can access this chart and move back to major decisions, allowing you another chance to craft your story again and again.
-Kristen Zitani
FBC: Firebreak | Coming June 17
Publisher: Remedy | Developer: Remedy | PS5
Fans of quirky co-op shooters should take note of FBC: Firebreak, which launches day one into PlayStation Plus Extra in mid-June. Set in the paranormal world of Control, Firebreak pits players against hordes of otherworldly Hiss invaders and a menagerie of disturbing new enemies while accomplishing mission objectives that require cooperative teamwork. Each player selects a starting Crisis Kit, which grants standard firearms and bombs to blast enemies, plus a signature tool that can magnify the abilities of teammates. One their own, the effects of these tools are weak, but stack them together and you’ll inflict impressive damage or manipulate the environment.
One mission tasked us with destroying sinister sticky notes littering the landscape. As one of my teammates drenched the stickies with water blasts, I zapped them with electrical attacks to quickly vaporize them — saving time and ammo. The battle raged through a large office complex as we contended with the stickie notes, rampaging Hiss enemies, and ultimately the big boss encounter in Sticky Ricky. This is one shooter where you’ll need to constantly collaborate with your teammates’ attacks to succeed, and it’s a satisfying feeling when the systems all come together. Post-launch content will be available for no additional cost, with major post-launch updates scheduled for this fall and winter. Firebreak is a unique, chaotic take on the co-op genre; I’ll definitely be playing more come launch.
-Sid Shuman
Grave Seasons | Coming 2025
Publisher: Blumhouse Games | Developer: Perfect Garbage | PS5
Cozy horror blooms in Grave Seasons, a narrative farming sim with a terrifying serial killer twist. As you harvest crops and build relationships with your (extremely attractive) neighbors, supernatural horrors soon paint your new town Ashenridge red, setting you on a path to solving which townsperson is behind the latest crop of death. Every time you play, a random townsperson is selected as the killer, meaning this mystery can take new twists every session – and yes, the killer is romanceable. While I didn’t have time to watch my planted carrot seeds mature, the clues I gathered from the first deadly encounter had me ready to start a new day and see how this mystery would grow.
-Kristen Zitani
Mixtape | Coming 2025
Publisher: Annapurna Interactive | Developer: Beethoven & Dinosaur | PS5
Annapurna’s Mixtape understands that music is more than some notes and sounds — it’s a force that can color and shape memories, relationships, and dreams. No one understands this more than fourth-wall-breaking protagonist Stacy Rockford, who has crafted the perfect playlist to a final high school adventure with her friends. Whether it was skating down scenic Pacific coast highways to DEVO where Stacy claps along to the beat between tricks, head banging through memories of late night drives to Silverchair, or even recreating a disgustingly detailed first kiss (some songs can be ruined by a memory after all…), Beethoven & Dinosaur has crafted a visual and sonic experience that I am ready to press Play on.
-Kristen Zitani
Shinobi: Art of Vengeance | Coming August 29
Publisher: Sega | Developer: Sega, Lizardcube | PS5
The Shinobi franchise returns with Shinobi: Art of Vengeance, an action title full of personality. This latest installment sees Joe Musashi clashing with the evil ENE Corp, who wish to take over the world and destroy the Musashi clan. Along with the beautiful artwork, the game focuses on exploring and backtracking once you gain new abilities and acquire new ninpo techniques to take on your enemies.
The slight shift works well as you explore with your ninja tools and find new paths and secrets that fit well with a profession that does its best work in the shadows. Combat was fun and swift, with special finishes and items to mix things up or get yourself out of a tight spot. While moment-to-moment skirmishes were manageable, the boss battle required precision and little room for error. Joe’s new adventure successfully expands on the original’s feel while mixing modern genres and elements.
-O’Dell Harmon Jr.
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds | Coming September 25
Publisher: Sega | Developer: Sonic Team | PS5
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is equal parts Sega mascot racer and a celebration of Sonic’s long history in games. Factor in the inclusion of characters like Hatsune Miku, Ichiban Kasuga, as well as the new mid-race world warping mechanic, and you’ve a promising tour de force.. In each race, you have a random rival among the racers. The consistent banter as the race goes on and different situations that arise sets it apart from other games in the genre. It made each race feel unique and made me want to see the interactions between characters who, under normal circumstances, would never cross over.
The world warping lets the lead racer dictate where the middle lap will take place, and while I initially thought it would be purely cosmetic, in reality, it’s very strategic. Since these destinations can focus on driving, boating, or flying, you can pick a path that could play to your strengths or horribly hinder your opponents if you know how they are kitted. While the game is clearly for fans, its racing mechanics are the real deal.
-O’Dell Harmon Jr.
Be on the lookout for these upcoming titles and more featured at Summer Game Fest coming to PlayStation.
SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance arrives on PlayStation®4 and PlayStation®5 on August 29, 2025. This brand-new title continues the legacy of the Shinobi series, which first came to arcades in 1987.
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Lizardcube, the studio behind the critically acclaimed Streets of Rage IV (2020), return to breathe life into Joe Musashi’s latest quest for vengeance with their iconic art style.
Recently, we had the chance to sit down and play two stages ahead of the game’s launch, and found ourselves immediately captivated by the art style, fluid controls, and fast-paced combat system. In our latest blog, we break down what makes the game so enjoyable and how it captures the essence of being a ninja.
Journey through a stylistic dystopian world
A paramilitary faction known as ENE Corp seizes territories across the world, decimating their defenses in little time. Only one threat to their dominion remains: the Oboro Clan, led by the legendary Joe Musashi.
Ruse, the mastermind behind ENE Corp, takes matters into his own hands and launches a devastating attack on Oboro Village. Joe Musashi, upon finding his village burned to the ground and his clan turned to stone, sets off on a quest for vengeance, ready to face an unparalleled evil.
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Joe Musashi
The protagonist. Head of the Oboro Clan, a tribe of ninjas that has protected peace from within the shadows for generations. Though he’s a man of few words, his clan puts their utmost trust in him.
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Lord Ruse
The mastermind behind paramilitary organization ENE Corp. He commands his troops with callous tact and an iron fist. Fearing the might of the Oboro Clan, he sets in motion a plan to eliminate them once and for all.
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Your journey will see you traverse through a variety of stages, from neon-lit cityscapes and military strongholds to the top of a speeding freight train and more. The game’s hand-drawn aesthetic pulls you into a world that feels as if it were lifted straight from a comic book. They’re so gorgeous that you’ll want to stop and admire the visuals.
In your quest for vengeance, you’ll need to harness new skills, uncover hidden paths, and use your wit and skill to overcome the obstacles in your way.
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Stage Overview 1: Oboro Village
On a training excursion to Oboro Village, Musashi and his students encounter rival ninjas and discover that the village is under attack. You’ll need to master jumping, dodging, Ninpo, and other fundamental fighting moves as you rush towards the goal.
It’s really easy to get lost in learning the basics, but make sure you step back and soak in the beauty of the world. You can see how much attention and care went into every little detail, like the mist surrounding the plains and bamboo trees or the sunlight streaming through the treetops.
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Once you pass the halfway point, you’ll come across the smoldering ashes of the village and a ninja estate rigged with traps. Some sections may seem unpassable at first glance, but if you look carefully and get creative with your ninja skills, you’ll find ways to get around!
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Stage Overview 2: Lantern Festival
Upon learning that ENE Corp may be operating in the shadows of a lakeside festival, Joe Musashi wastes no time in giving chase.
To kick this stage off, you’ll have to traverse a path of wooden planks and wrecked ships to get across the lake. Linger too long and they’ll sink, sending you to a watery grave. This is a challenging stage that requires you to stay on the move, leaping from platform to platform as you vanquish foes along the way.
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Once you arrive at the village, you’ll be greeted by the sight of fireworks and lanterns shaped like dragons, tigers, and other creatures. However, there’s no time to admire the view. The stage will keep on scrolling along, so you’ll need to take to the skies and stay one step ahead. Take advantage of your surroundings and use double jump and aerial dash to help you maneuver across the area.
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Master the way of the shinobi with Ninpo and powerful Ninjutsu
It’s impossible to talk about SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance without mentioning its fast-paced, hard-hitting combat system. In addition to katana- and shuriken-based techniques, you also have an array of Ninjutsu and Ninpo at your disposal. Beautifully rendered in smooth, fluid animation, every attack is intuitive and easy to execute.
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Of course, there’s more to the game than simply mashing buttons. You’ll need to adapt to various situations using the skills in your toolkit. Getting accustomed to combos will help you clear stages quicker, so once you get the hang of it, try developing your own combos and polishing up your playstyle. Aside from basic commands, you can also perform the following maneuvers:
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Ningi
Ningi are helpful abilities that can be performed by entering special commands and have no limitations. You can obtain new Ningi by progressing through the story or visiting the shop.
The Cannon Punch, which can be unlocked in the demo, deals heavy damage to armor, making it possible to hurt enemies who are impervious to regular attacks. Once you’ve broken their guard, you can follow up with a combo to deal even more damage. When you get your hands on the full version of the game, try it out in battle! The Cannon Punch can also destroy Yokai Barriers, opening up new paths for you to explore!
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Shinobi Execution
Enemies have an Execution Gauge which is the white bar beneath their health bar. Inflicting damage on them will fill it up. Once it’s maxed out, you’ll see an icon appear above them, marking them for Execution. Perform a Shinobi Execution to finish them off instantly.
Defeating an enemy with this move nets you additional loot, and if your attack kills multiple enemies, you’ll earn even more bonus rewards. Mastering Shinobi Executions takes practice, but once you understand their damage output and how to pull them off effectively, there’s honestly no better feeling than getting to wipe out all your enemies on-screen with it.
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Ninpo
Ninpo are special attacks that can be executed once your green gauge is maxed out. You can fill up the gauge by attacking enemies. In the demo, Fire Ninpo lets you breathe fire, dealing damage to enemies in front of you, while Water Ninpo puts you in a defensive stance where you’ll perform a powerful counter on any enemy attacking you.
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Water Ninpo is only usable under specific conditions, but if performed successfully, it’ll boost your Execution Gauge and deal heavy damage to armored foes. Mastering it will turn it into a powerful tool in your arsenal!
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Ninjutsu
Defeating enemies and collecting the red Rage Orbs that they drop will charge up your Rage Gauge (the bar surrounding Joe’s portrait). Once it’s fully charged, you’ll be able to cast Ninjutsu, powerful full-screen attacks.
Karyu, for example, engulfs the entire screen in flames, dealing tremendous damage to all enemies. When used against large swarms of enemies, you’ll achieve an astonishingly high hit count. However, unlike other moves, Ninjutsu have a drawback in that they need time to charge up, so play conservatively and unleash them when the time is right.
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Collect Oboro Relics to attain upgrades and new gear
Each stage features a shop run by a yokai where you can upgrade your health and stats or purchase new Ningi and Ninpo. To help the store thrive, however, you’ll need to find Oboro Relics—five of which are hidden in each stage. By giving these items to the shopkeeper, they’ll be able to expand their wares, allowing you to purchase new Ningi, Ninpo, and other items.
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Items in the store can be purchased with the gold you obtain from defeating enemies. Powerful Ningi and Ninpo can be expensive, so to build up your funds more efficiently, try using Shinobi Executions to quickly decimate your foes. If you’re stuck on a stage or a boss is giving you trouble, you can always backtrack and defeat more enemies for gold. That will allow you to learn new Ningi and boost your stats, better preparing you for the trials ahead.
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Pre-orders for the Digital Deluxe Edition available now
Pick up the Digital Deluxe Edition to get the base game, a Starter Pack filled with in-game items, the SEGA Villains Stage (releasing early 2026) which features bosses based on iconic SEGA villains, the Digital Artbook, and a soundtrack! Plus, if you pre-order the game, you’ll be allowed to play the game 3 days early!
Digital Deluxe Edition
＜Contents＞
■Base Game
■Starter Pack (Ghost Outfit, Medic Lite Amulet, and In-Game Currency)
■SEGA Villains Stage (Coming Early 2026)
■Digital Artbook and Soundtrack
■Product Information
SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance
Publisher：SEGA
Platform：PlayStation 5 / PlayStation 4
Genre：Action Platformer
Release Date：August 29, 2025 (Fri)
Players：1
*The PlayStation 4 version is only available digitally.
Fresh off Summer Game Fest 2025, Capcom announced a slew of new information on a trio of distinct titles! From the long-awaited announcement of the next Resident Evil to the four characters joining Street Fighter 6 and finally, a deeper look at Onimusha: Way of the Sword, we’ve got the recap ready just for you.
Resident Evil Requiem revealed
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Resident Evil Requiem features a new protagonist Grace Ashcroft, who is given a case to investigate, leading to the terrifying events to follow. While survival horror takes centerstage, Resident Evil Requiem will feature high-stakes cinematic action that will take the series in a bold new direction. Stay tuned for more info on this defining entry to the iconic series that will celebrate its 30th anniversary next year. Resident Evil Requiem will be released on February 27, 2026.
Year 3 for Street Fighter 6 starts this summer
Coming in with an uppercut, the next four characters are on their way for Year 3 of Street Fighter 6. Fans of the series may recognize these characters as they’re all returning in some way or form making this year a celebration of Street Fighter. The king Sagat will claim his throne in summer 2025. If you wait until the end of the trailer, you’ll see a short snippet of Sagat’s gameplay featuring some of his signature moves. C. Viper, the expert in spy gear, makes her way back to the series in fall 2025. Alex, the fighter with explosive power and masterful techniques, arrives in early spring 2026. Finally, the mysterious entity known as Ingrid makes her debut in a mainline Street Fighter title in late spring 2026.
We also announced the return of the $1,000,000 grand prize for Capcom Cup 12 taking place next year in Japan! Think you have what it takes to compete? We do! Register for the Capcom Pro Tour and find out.
Street Fighter Years 1-2 Fighters Edition also just released, which includes all characters from Year 1 and 2, and their colors 3-10 for Outfit 1. This is the perfect K.O. to get to caught up on all things Street Fighter 6.
New weapons, souls, abilities, and foes fit for a samurai
Onimusha: Way of the Sword unsheathed a more detailed look at the swordplay action you can expect in 2026. Set during the Edo period, our new protagonist Miyamoto Musashi must explore a Kyoto twisted by the influence of malevolence known as Malice.
In the latest trailer titled 2nd Trailer: Formidable Foes Emerge, we offer a further peek into the dark fantasy environments scattered with fearsome new enemies and showcase the riveting action like the powerful Issen that all form a samurai experience worthy of the legendary Musashi. Acting opposite our protagonist is his conniving rival Sasaki Ganryu who also wields an Oni Gauntlet and is an Onimusha in his own right. How will their stories intertwine? At the end of the trailer, a woman emerges from the glow of Musashi’s Oni Gauntlet. What role does she play?
If you want your hands on something Onimusha, the remaster of Onimusha 2: Samurai’s Destiny featuring Jubei Yagyu was just released back in May. Though the gameplay may be different than what you can expect in Onimusha: Way of the Sword, the basic principles like souls, Genma, and dark fantasy ambience will be similar. New features in the remaster include a new Hell mode difficulty where taking one strike equals a game over, auto-save, easy weapon switching, and a new gallery mode. You can also play the first title Onimusha: Warlords with the Onimusha 1+2 pack, available now.
That’s the short and sweet recap of everything Capcom announced at Summer Game Fest, but there’s far more to share for each title in the future. Whether you’re a fan of survival horror, samurai action, or a good old street fight, there’s something for everyone in Capcom’s 2025 and 2026! Thanks for all the support!
Explore Britannia in The Seven Deadly Sins: Origin – a bold new open-world action RPG based on the beloved anime and manga series. Developed by Netmarble F&C, this next-generation title brings a fresh storyline, vibrant 3D visuals, and dynamic gameplay to players on PlayStation 5 as the exclusive console platform at launch.
Set in a previously unexplored timeline, The Seven Deadly Sins: Origin opens the door to an entirely new adventure within the rich lore of Britannia. Guided by series creator Nakaba Suzuki, the game introduces new characters and a storyline that expands the world in surprising and exciting ways.
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A beautifully realized 3D world
Step into a vast, visually stunning version of Britannia, where forests sway, rivers glisten, and ancient ruins rise across the horizon. Built with Unreal Engine 5, The Seven Deadly Sins: Origin delivers a detailed and dynamic open world full of iconic locations inspired by the anime, from the royal capital of Liones to mysterious, remote regions newly imagined for the game. Every corner of the map invites exploration, with hidden secrets, treasure chests, and challenging enemies awaiting discovery.
Whether traversing grassy plains, climbing ancient cliffs, or diving into hidden dungeons, players are free to roam at their own pace. Environmental storytelling is a core part of the experience, with townsfolk, ruins, and battlefields all revealing more about this fractured timeline’s mysterious origin.
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Realtime combat with a diverse roster
Combat in The Seven Deadly Sins: Origin is fast-paced, strategic, and fully real-time. Players will face off against powerful foes using a mix of physical strikes, magic, and special abilities developed exclusively for this game. From swordplay to sorcery, every character features distinct fighting styles and tactical advantages, allowing for deep customization and satisfying combat.
Throughout the journey, players will unlock and recruit a wide roster of characters, each with unique abilities, personalities, and progression paths tailored to the game’s original storyline. Whether building a balanced party or experimenting with different combinations, players can evolve their team to match their preferred playstyle.
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A rift in time, a new story begins
The narrative centers around a time rift that threatens the world of Britannia, distorting history and merging realities. This catastrophic anomaly sets the stage for a hero’s journey unlike any before. As players explore this altered world, they’ll uncover the truth behind the rift, challenge mysterious enemies, and shape their own destiny through a story filled with suspense, emotion, and discovery.
With full supervision from series creator Nakaba Suzuki, the game’s story introduces fresh perspectives and characters, delivering a standalone tale that both complements and expands the broader universe of The Seven Deadly Sins.
An immersive story-driven journey
The Seven Deadly Sins: Origin invites players into a richly crafted world filled with mystery, exploration, and high-stakes combat. Traverse diverse landscapes, uncover hidden lore, and face powerful enemies as you progress through a cinematic, character-driven adventure shaped by a completely original storyline.
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Built for PlayStation 5
The Seven Deadly Sins: Origin will launch on PlayStation 5 as the exclusive console platform. Players can expect lightning-fast load times, ultra-smooth performance, and breathtaking visuals powered by Unreal Engine 5. The PS5 version also takes full advantage of the DualSense controller, offering immersive haptic feedback and adaptive triggers that make every swing, clash, and spell feel more alive.
Whether you’re new to the world of The Seven Deadly Sins or looking for a fresh RPG adventure, The Seven Deadly Sins: Origin promises an unforgettable journey, filled with epic battles, emotional storytelling, and expansive exploration. As the lines between timelines blur and new legends emerge, it’s time to forge your own path in this reimagined, interconnected world.
Stay tuned for more updates as we head toward launch. The adventure is just beginning.
Hey, everybody! Sid and Tim are back this week to discuss trying to survive the long nights of Elden Ring Nightreign and celebrate the 30th State of Play while going over their favorite reveals.
Stuff We Talked About
Next week’s release highlights:
Deltarune: Chapter 3 & 4 (out now) | PS5, PS4
Zombie Army VR | PS VR2
Five Nights At Freddy’s: Secret of the Mimic | PS5
The Alters | PS5
Splitgate 2 | PS5
Alien Hominid Invasion | PS5, PS4
The Witcher IV — Unreal Engine 5 tech demo on PS5 showcases Ciri and a new world
Destiny 2: The Edge of Fate — Hands-on with new abilities awaiting Guardians on the planet Kepler
Gran Turismo World Series — Round one of the competition takes place in London this weekend
Rematch — Hands-on impressions from the second open beta and interview with Sloclap devs
Helldivers 2 — New Force of Law Warbond launching June 12
State of Play — Check out the full rundown of reveals at PlayStation Blog
The Cast
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Sid Shuman – Senior Director of Content Communications, 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.]
ralston_vpshares Clive standing in front of a slate gray portal in Final Fantasy XVI.
Search #PSshare #PSBlog on Twitter or Instagram to see more entries to this week’s theme. Want to be featured in the next Share of the Week?
THEME: Stealth SUBMIT BY: 11:59 PM PT on June 11, 2025
Next week, take to the shadows and share sneaking, stealthy moments and characters from the game of your choice using #PSshare #PSBlog for a chance to be featured.
