Category: PlayStation

We are so excited to announce that Spin Rhythm XD is coming to PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 and the first-ever VR version on PlayStation VR2!

Spin Rhythm XD is a kinetic rhythm-action game where players move, tap, slide, scratch, and spin to the beat all while traveling through incredible reactive backgrounds. Made by a team of three friends from Australia including the original creators of Fruit Ninja and Jetpack Joyride, the game’s simple combination of color matching and physical gestures (spinning a wheel) combine to put players in a deep flow state.

We have assembled a huge variety of 60+ tracks from artists including Camellia, Anamanaguchi, Hyper Potions, Haywyre, Lena Raine, 2 Mello, Teminite, Tokyo Machine, Moe Shop, Au5, Meganeko, Akira Complex and many more. There’s also a 10-track DLC available from music label Monstercat, plus will be launching our second DLC when the game is released on PlayStation with 10 tracks from Chillhop music – something a bit different with a mellow vibe to chill and relax to.

Spin Rhythm XD is designed to be accessible to those new to rhythm games while providing a unique challenge to veterans of the genre. Our 60+ tracks each contain 5 difficulties that each introduce new mechanics.

Conquer the global leaderboards and level up to unlock new tracks, wheel skins and more. We have also included a full suite of accessibility features including custom colors, low motion options for every background element, custom track speeds and more.

PlayStation’s awesome DualSense wireless controller provides a truly unique gameplay experience. Players can use motion controls to move the wheel and even use the touchpad to flick and scratch like a DJ.

This release will be the first-ever VR version of Spin Rhythm XD on PS VR2. The PS VR2 Sense controllers provide a perfectly smooth motion input that turns the play area into a kind of interdimensional drum kit. Move your main hand pointer inside the wheel to rotate, flick to spin and smash down to hit tap notes, keep your off-hand ready to hit the green beat notes.

We have included more than 40 Trophies to achieve and Challenge Activities so you can compete directly with your friends.

We hope you can join us in the Rhythm Dimension. If you’re new to the genre we hope you find something fresh and fun, and if you’re a veteran rhythm gamer you will experience a unique and challenging game with an incredible sense of flow.

Whether you’re new to Destiny 2 or haven’t played in a while, this could go down in history as the best month yet to hop in the game. From May 7 to June 3, Bungie is giving all players access to The Witch Queen, Beyond Light, and Shadowkeep expansions (plus Lightfall if you’re a PlayStation Plus member) along with the past four Seasons of content!

That’s a lot to tackle in one month. Where does a Guardian even start? We consulted Bungie Community Lead Chris “Cozmo” Shannon to see what he recommends.

Skip ahead and gear up

“If you haven’t finished the New Light quest chain, there’s now an option to skip it and get right to all this content. There are two gifts you should immediately go claim, too. Visit Shaxx in the Hall of Champions to pick up your high-power gear from the Gift of the Thunder Gods chest and go see Ikora in the Tower to choose your New Light Kit. Each kit has Exotic armor and abilities for a different Light subclass. And you can get this gear for each of your characters!”

Choose your own adventure

After you’re geared up, it’s time to determine your first adventure. There are so many places to explore, each with its own unique fantasy feel and story. Consider your play style and availability, too. Whether you have limited time and just want to explore or want to go all-in to take advantage of this deal, Cozmo has some ideas to help point you in the right direction.

Solo Campaign: The Witch Queen

Journey through Savathûn’s Throne World, a twisted wonderland of Darkness and Light.

“I believe The Witch Queen is some of the best storytelling we’ve done so far. We took our time setting up Savathûn as a complicated antagonist, and it’s thrilling to finally get to face off against her and learn more about her history and motivations. Even if you aren’t familiar with Savathûn, the campaign does a great job of telling her story and catching you up along the way. It has some amazing moments and caps off with a spectacular boss fight.” – Chris “Cozmo” Shannon

Solo Campaign: Unlock Stasis in Beyond Light

Experience the dark power of Jupiter’s moon, the blizzardy landscape of the Fallen.

“If you like crowd control and the idea of freezing enemies and then shattering them into ice chunks, get Stasis. You can unlock this Darkness subclass by completing the Beyond Light campaign and getting various quests from the Exo Stranger. She can also help you unlock more Stasis abilities.”

Solo or 3-Player Matchmade Activity: The Coil from Season of the Wish

Go below the Dreaming City, where a labyrinth of dragon mysteries awaits.

“Definitely check out The Coil. I believe it’s one of the best activities we’ve ever made and one of the most rewarding. You get to explore Riven’s dragon lair with different layouts each time you pass through, dodging traps to protect your limited lives. Take it on solo, bring friends, or get automatically matched with a fireteam.” – Chris “Cozmo” Shannon

Extra Challenge: Shadowkeep Exotic Weapons

Discover nightmarish secrets hidden beneath the surface of the Moon.

“Shadowkeep has some really great Exotic weapons, but they’re difficult to get. If you’re up for the challenge, assemble a team to do the Symphony of Death Exotic quest for the Deathbringer Rocket Launcher and The Journey quest for the reliable, versatile Xenophage Heavy Machine Gun. If you’re a support player who wants a weapon that could really help out your team and you’re ready for even more of a challenge, go after Divinity. Find a good guide online though. You’ll have to do a bunch of tough puzzles and a raid.” – Chris “Cozmo” Shannon

Casual: Fishing from Season of the Deep

The ocean floor of Titan teems with dangers, but fishing is not one of them.

“Sometimes it’s nice to just take a break from the action and enjoy the simple pleasure of casting a line and pulling in some fish and occasional treasure. It’s great for unwinding solo or with friends. Plus, you get to collect a bunch of different fish for your tank and visit them at your aquarium in the H.E.L.M.”  – Chris “Cozmo” Shannon

Destiny 2: Lightfall available with PlayStation Plus

On top of all that, PlayStation Plus members will have access to the current Destiny 2 expansion, Lightfall, during this same time period, included as a May Monthly Game.

“Lightfall features beautiful urban environments to visit and some action-packed encounters in the later missions. It’s definitely worth a playthrough to pick up Strand and start swinging around with the grapple ability.”  – Chris “Cozmo” Shannon

Ready, Guardians?

Tuck these tips in your pocket as a handy roadmap from your Bungie friend Cozmo. Explore! Have fun! Gear up and boost those stats. The Final Shape launches on June 4, and we need all Guardians at peak readiness for the battle ahead.

Things are about to get seriously chaotic in the newest season of Apex Legends. Starting May 7 Upheaval lives up to its name with plenty of new content and changes that’ll keep even the most seasoned Legends on their toes. Ready to find out what’s coming soon to the Apex Games? Just keep reading.

Embrace chaos

“Life’s just a game and lucky you, you’re playing it with me.”

Things are really heating up this season, and new Legend Alter is striking the match. There’s very little known about this new Void tech user except that calamity seems to follow in her wake. Is she the cause or simply in the wrong place at the wrong time? No one can say. But she does seem to take real joy in watching catastrophes unfold, and reveling in what chaos brings out in those around her. While her morality may be in question, her abilities definitely aren’t:

Gift from the Rift – Can remotely interact with a deathbox to claim one item. Cannot be armor.

Void Passage – Creates a portal passageway through a surface.

Void Nexus – Create a regroup point that all allies can remotely interact with to open a phase tunnel back to that location.

What brings the mysterious Alter to the Apex Games? No one can really say. But one thing’s for sure, when she’s around life is never boring.

Stand alone in Solos

Duos is out as Solos Takeover makes its much-anticipated return at the beginning of the season. This fan-favorite is back with enough new mechanics to keep things very interesting. It’s every Legend for themselves, which means no one will be watching your back – so you’ll need to rely on your Battle Sense to detect nearby enemies. Pre-kitted weapons and attachments will help you stay one step ahead of the competition, while Second Chance auto-heal will keep you in fighting shape long enough to come out on top. Drop into Solos Takeover starting May 7.

Broken Moon shatters

A lunar nightmare becomes reality as Olympus appears to crash into Cleo’s Stasis Array Node, reshaping the battlefield with new POIs and a streamlined map (including new rotations and revamped zip rails ripe for spreading havoc). Debris from the crash as well as meteor strikes and what some are calling unknown biological material have led to a lockdown and quarantine in what was the Promenade. Welcome instead to the Quarantine Zone.

If you’re looking for intense close-quarters action and fast-paced looting, this is where you’ll find it.

Breaker Wharf has shifted to where the Backup Atmostation was originally, and that’s not the only change you’ll have to look forward to. Raining debris has changed up the topography as well as playstyle options – upping the pandemonium potential. Space Port’s move should provide some choice loot opportunities, while Cliff Side offers up an interesting layout primed for intense tug-of-war battles between the high and low grounds. The new Lunar buildings of Solar Pods should keep things moving as well as offer up new combat experiences.

Need a moment to catch your breath? Underpass should give your team the breathing space you need to get back in the game. And Experimental Labs is a great spot for anyone looking for a little high-risk, high-reward action. Finally, new rotations round out the fun offering you a variety of opportunities to make life a little more difficult for opposing squads.

Chaos is coming

There’s even more on the way during Apex Legends: Upheaval, including the opportunity to slice in style with customizable Apex Artifacts, leaving your unique signature of destruction. Then corrupt your style with the Upheaval Battle Pass, unlocking 100+ rewards including Exotic Shards.

It’s a new world, Legend – get ready to disturb the peace.

Play Apex Legends for free* now on PS5 and PS4.

*Applicable platform account and platform subscription (sold separately) may be required. A persistent internet connection and EA account required. Age restrictions apply. Includes in-game purchases.

Remember last summer, when Pistol Whip got five new breakneck Scenes and one of them had soaring castle towers, trebuchet battles, and not one, but two dragons?

Here at Cloudhead, we looked at that Scene (the illustrious Majesty) and said “This rules, and we’re gonna make a whole Collection out of it, and no one can stop us.”

And of course, we added yet another new music genre to the game: power metal.

Welcome to Voidslayer: A frenzy of three new Pistol Whip Scenes that charge headlong through raucous villages, cataclysmic fields of battle, to the place where Earth and the cosmos blur together. Each Scene is an act within an epic journey. In the first act, Hero’s Dawn, you shall awake to the call of destiny, and follow it through a world of fire and darkness, with an endless stream of enemies to crash through as you go.

For our seasoned Pistol Whip players, we’ve got a couple of new Modifiers to check out, too.

Colour Match forces you to think quickly, as your weapons will be colour-coordinated to enemies on the field. Only the shots from matching-coloured guns will hit. This is one of those Modifiers that, as soon as you’ve mastered it, will make you want to go back and replay every single Scene just to see how much it changes the groove.

Meanwhile, the Deflector modifier gives you the ability to send bullets ricocheting back at your foes. And if you’re also wielding the Metal Gauntlet, remember to throw up the horns with every deflection. You won’t get any extra points or anything, but you’ll feel extremely cool, and our dev team will all cheer.

As a bunch of metalheads ourselves, we can’t wait to unleash our three chosen music tracks on you. With wailing guitar solos and furious kick drums from the likes of Bloodbound, Brothers of Metal, and Firewind, these are some of the most unstoppable, fist-in-the-air Pistol Whip songs yet.

Ready thy broken sword on June 6, when Hero’s Dawn, the first of Voidslayer’s three new Scenes, will arrive on PlayStation VR2, with the second and third Scenes following in the weeks after!

Welcome to May, PlayStation Stars members. With a new month upon us, we’re ready to introduce new Campaigns and Digital Collectibles. Get ready to immerse yourself in thrilling challenges, unlock rewards, and enhance your digital collectible display case. Let’s dive right in to discover what awaits you this month.

Campaign: Road to Evo 2024 | Digital Collectible: Road to Evo 2024 Trophy
Available May 1

The Road to Evo is paved with perseverance. Start your path to victory by participating in any one of the tournaments listed below to earn a special Digital Collectible.

• Guilty Gear -Strive- Road to EVO 2024 Tournament
• The King of Fighters XV Road to EVO 2024 Tournament
• Mortal Kombat 1 Road to EVO 2024 Tournament
• Tekken 8 Road to EVO 2024 Tournament

Campaign: PlayStation Plus Game Catalog: Must-play this Month | Reward: 50 Points
Available May 1

Play any one of the below games from the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog to earn 50 Points.

• Assetto Corsa Competizione
• Dead By Daylight
• Back 4 Blood
• Riders Republic
• Outriders
• Wreckfest

Campaign: Role Player’s Guild | Digital Collectible: The Outlaw
Available May 2

Our journey to celebrate the RPG genre and its influence continues with The Outlaw. These characters defy law and order to fight for what they believe in. Play any one of these titles to get your Digital Collectible tarot card.

• Cyberpunk 2077
• Grand Theft Auto V
• LIke a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
• Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name
• Red Dead Redemption 2
• Payday 3

Campaign: Your PlayStation Plus Monthly Games Await | Reward: 50 Points
Available May 7   

Check out the new batch of PlayStation Plus Monthly Games. Play any one of these excellent additions to your library to get some Points.  

Campaign: PlayStation VR2 Showtime | Game Drop | Reward: 50 Points
Available May 9 

Try any one of these PS VR2 games below and earn 50 Points.

• Tiger Blade
• Hubris
• C-Smash VRS
• Stilt

Campaign: PlayStation & You: PS4 | Digital Collectible: PlayStation 4 Pro Console – Black
Available May 15 

PlayStation 4 Pro Console brought enhanced visuals to new and existing games via support for 4K resolution and HDR technology. Available only for registered owners of the PlayStation 4 Pro Console – Black – play any PS4 or PS5 game and unlock your limited edition Digital Collectible.

Campaign: Wind Down with PlayStation | Digital Collectible: Fuzzy Sheep Ottoman
Available May 15 

It’s cozy game time. Come relax with us by starting any one of the games below to unlock your Digital Collectible.

• Open Roads
• Melatonin
• Ikonei Island: An Earthlock Adventure
• Mystic Pillars – Remastered

Head to PlayStation App to see all PlayStation Stars Campaigns throughout the month. Learn more about PlayStation Stars here.

Legend tells of a man so consumed by his pursuit of strength that his soul and body have now faded into nothingness. Though many wish he were a mere legend, Akuma will rise again in Street Fighter 6, to challenge foes worthy enough to face him on May 22. Will you harness the power of the Satsui no Hado or succumb to it?

Akuma made his debut in Super Street Fighter II Turbo as a hidden boss and playable character. In Street Fighter 6, Akuma’s thirst for strength has taken a maddening toll. He carves figures of the hundreds of opponents he has felled and places them in the cave he resides, their silence beckoning him to fall deeper into his path of inner strife.

Nakayama-san’s comments on his design: Akuma now has a more striking presence complete with gray hair. We also used Buddha statues and animals as references for his musculature in an attempt to give the character a more memorable aesthetic.

Like the rest of the Year 1 characters, Akuma can become your Master in World Tour. Find him in a new area, Enma’s Hollow, located on the island of Gokuento, but beware the effects of the Satsui no Hado lest you become tormented by its hunger. After increasing your bond with Akuma, he’ll teach you his demonic moves, which you can then assign to your avatar to be used in your World Tour travels or in Avatar Battles in the Battle Hub.

As a man who has spent his life honing his skills, Akuma’s move set will be familiar to long-time fans, but the Satsui no Hado has unlocked new abilities. His fast walk speed and long-reaching normals allow him to control space and the flow of the fight.

Let’s start with Akuma’s iconic moves that make him a well-rounded pursuer. His infamous fireball, Gou Hadoken is back, and can be charged up so that a “red fireball” is released instead, giving Akuma more options upon hit or block. Everyone’s favorite air fireball, Zanku Hadoken, can cover Akuma’s aggressive approach. His dragon punch, Gou Shoryuken, works as an anti-air or as a combo ender. Finally, Tatsumaki Zanku-Kyaku sees Akuma spinning forward in a series of kicks that change properties based on which kick button is pressed.

Like his previous iterations, Akuma uses Ashura Senku to glide on the battlefield cloaked in shadows. Be wary of using this ability since it can be stopped mid-way by an opponent’s attacks. However, Akuma has honed this move’s vulnerabilities and can now use Oboro Throw during the approach to surprise opponents.

Adamant Flame is one of Akuma’s new moves, where he performs a forward thrust engulfed in flames. This move is useful in combos and for exploiting vulnerable opponents due to its long reach. The OD version will wall splat opponents, opening up more opportunities in the corner.

Demon Raid is the Street Fighter 6 version of Hyakkishu. As Akuma leaps into the air with this move, choose to follow up with a low kick, overhead attack, dive kick, or to end the leap early. The OD version of Demon Raid unlocks two more follow-ups: an air fireball and an air tatsu.

Akuma’s Level 1 Super Art is Messatsu Gohado, where he fires a highly concentrated ball of Satsui no Hado. Like most Level 1s, this move is invulnerable on start-up. Akuma has a second Level 1 called Tenma Gozanku where he unleashes the fireball from the air.

Empyrean’s End is Akuma’s Level 2 Super Art where he turns the Satsui no Hado into a powerful flame and ignites it within the opponent. Using this move close to the corner will result in a wall splat where Akuma can continue his pressure or damage. Empyrean’s End is also invulnerable on start-up.

Akuma’s first Level 3 Super Art is Sip of Calamity, another move that is invulnerable on start-up! He throws opponents on the ground with their face and follows up with a single devastating blow.

Finally, the move you’ve all been waiting for: Shun Goku Satsu or the “Raging Demon.” This second Level 3 Super Art can only be performed when his Vitality is low enough for a Critical Art and can be used to end combos. This time, he allows you to see what happens during the one-second worth of nightmares.

Coming with this update is a new stage, Enma’s Hollow, where Akuma resides to continue his hellbent training. Year 1 Ultimate Pass owners will receive this stage on May 22.

Akuma’s Outfit 2 is inspired by his debut look in Super Street Fighter II Turbo. Speaking of outfits, Rashid, A.K.I., Ed, and Akuma will have their Outfit 3s also available for purchase when Akuma releases, and will automatically be distributed to all Year 1 Ultimate Pass owners.

One last thing before we sign off. With the Akuma update comes the major balance patch we mentioned in the past where all characters will receive changes. We’ll have more to share about this in the future as we approach May 22.

Get ready to unleash your inner demon when Akuma rages in!

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Email us at PSPodcast@sony.com!

Subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or download here

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Hello everyone! The gang returns this week to discuss new releases Stellar Blade and Another Crab’s Treasure. Plus, the Helldivers 2 marathon continues as the team dives into Super Samples and more.

Stuff We Talked About

• Moto GP 24 – PS5, PS4
• Sea of Thieves – PS5
• Gran Turismo 7 1.46 Update Blog
• Community Game Help live now for select titles including Granblue Fantasy: Relink and Stellar Blade
• Stellar Blade New Game Plus Blog
• Another Crab’s Treasure Hands-on Blog
• Another Crab’s Treasure – PS5
• Stellar Blade – PS5
• Lords of the Fallen – PS5
• Tekken 8 – PS5
• Helldivers 2 – PS5

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The Cast

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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.]

Last week, we asked you put the spotlight on robots and droids using #PSshare #PSBlog. Here are this week’s highlights:

TheFourthFocus shares a smiling tiny robot in the rain of Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart.

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call_me_xavii shares Kara smiling downwards in Detroit: Become Human.

MrioMoreno5 shares Astro sitting playing on a platform, while a larger robot stands in the distance of Astro’s Playroom.

wingsforsmiles shares a droid standing at a panel of buttons and levers in Star Wars Jedi Survivor.

BBSnakeCorn shares a portrait of Jack-8 in Tekken 8.

BarryPaust shares the titular Stray cat looks up at a robot.

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:  Stellar Blade
SUBMIT BY: 11:59 PM PT on May 1, 2024

Next week, we’re turning our lens on Stellar Blade. Share epic moments from Stellar Blade using #PSshare #PSBlog for a chance to be featured.

As we near the end of April, the fighting game scene truly begins to heat up. From April 27 to 29, the best of the best will gather in Tokyo to crown an Evo Japan champion. Then, players will gather for the world’s premier fighting game event, Evo 2024 in Las Vegas. Through the PlayStation Tournaments: Road to Evo program, players can compete at home and join online competitions for a chance to win a trip and showcase their skills at Evo 2024 in Las Vegas.

Win a trip to compete at Evo 24 in Las Vegas in PlayStation Tournaments: Road to Evo 2024

We’re excited to announce details for Road to Evo 2024 on PS5 Tournaments. Players worldwide are invited to compete to win a round-trip ticket to Evo in Las Vegas and play on the biggest stage in fighting games. 

Road to Evo 2024 will feature Street Fighter 6, Tekken 8, Guilty Gear -Strive-, Mortal Kombat 1, The King of Fighters XV on PS5. Six regions are eligible to compete: North America, Europe, East Asia*, ANZ, and MENA. In the end, 15 PlayStation competitors will be given the opportunity to travel and compete in Las Vegas.

Players who join the PlayStation Esports Discord between April 25 to May 9 will earn a unique Evo-themed PlayStation Network avatar. To join the Discord channel, click here.

Last year’s Road to Evo champions accomplished some incredible feats battling through online and in-person challengers to reach the world’s biggest stages. We followed their journey all the way from their PlayStation consoles to the largest Evo of all time. Watch their inspiring story in this new documentary.

Evo Japan starts this weekend

The fighting game community’s eyes will be on Tokyo this weekend as players compete in Tekken 8, Street Fighter 6, Guilty Gear -Strive-, The King of Fighters XV, Under Night In-Birth II [Sys:Celes], Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising and Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike.

Evo Japan marks Tekken 8’s first major tournament and will also feature the return of  the fan-favorite Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike. Tune into the English stream on Evo’s Twitch channel from April 27th to April 29th. You can also compete at home in Tekken 8, Guilty Gear -Strive-, and The King of Fighters XV through PlayStation Tournaments on PS5.

Get ready for Evo 2024 in Las Vegas

From July 19th to July 21st, the biggest weekend in fighting games will commence at Evo 2024 in Las Vegas.

The weekend will feature the genre’s biggest titles, including new Evo debuts like Tekken 8, Mortal Kombat 1, Under Night In-Birth II [Sys:Celes], and Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising.  Street Fighter 6, Guilty Gear -Strive-, and The King of Fighters XV will also return to the Evo stage, and community classic Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike returns to Evo for the first time since 2009.

This year also features Evo in a new venue: The Las Vegas Convention Center. Fans can expect enhanced versions of the activities and experiences that define the show. Read more about the Evo attendee experience here. For those at home, you can watch Evo live on Twitch and YouTube.

We can’t wait for what Evo 2024 will bring, and we hope you’ll join us. Tickets are on sale now. See you there!

*Eligible East Asia territories are limited to Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan