Category: PlayStation

Last week, we asked you to travel back to the shores of Valhalla to face Kratos’ past in God of War Ragnarök using #PSshare #PSBlog. Here are this week’s highlights:

Dadavidtd shares Kratos swinging the Blade of Olympus at a cyclops

luucas_saantana shares Helios hanging from Kratos’ belt

sorathluna shares Kratos swinging the Blades of Chaos set aflame

Falconswift87 shares a portrait of Freya in her full armor on the sands of Valhalla

AaronViegas6 shares Kratos swipes the Blade of Olympus in a blue flaming arch

crisg_art shares Tyr kneels with his eyes glowing and surrounded by flame.

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:  The Last of Us Part II Remastered

SUBMIT BY: 11:59 PM PT on January 24, 2024

Next week, we’re diving into The Last of Us Part II Remastered. Share harrowing moments from Ellie and Abby’s journeys using #PSshare #PSBlog for a chance to be featured.

Bandai Namco Entertainment’s Tekken series is one of the first franchises that comes to mind when most gamers think of the fighting game genre. Debuting in arcades in 1994, Tekken helped put 3D fighting games on the map with its stylish characters, comedy, groundbreaking gameplay, and polygonal graphics. These accomplishments would continue throughout the series and keep it at the forefront of the genre well past the arcade era.

Tekken’s success continued in the console market as the iconic franchise debuted on the PlayStation, and the series and the system evolved side by side. Each installment pushed new console limitations, making every entry a prime showcase of each PlayStation.

With Tekken 8’s release on the horizon, it’s time for another collision between The King of Iron Fist Tournament and PlayStation. Let’s take a look at how the series has evolved and become so intertwined with each console.

Tekken: Iron-fisted beginnings

Tekken | U.S. Release 1995 | PlayStation

After a successful arcade run, Tekken made its console debut on the original PlayStation. Releasing two months after the console’s launch, Tekken immediately mirrored its initial success in the home console realm.

The groundwork for the rest of the series is instantly recognizable here. The focus on pushing hardware limits by featuring detailed graphics and 60 frames-per-second made it a must-play title with an easy-to-learn yet hard-to-master control scheme of two punch buttons and two kicks that the series still features made the game an instant competitive and party hit for homes everywhere.

And who can forget the roster of more than memorable fighters that the PlayStation experience made even more notable? It featured full-motion video cutscenes, and players could unlock sub-bosses like Armor King and the final boss, Heihachi, as playable characters.

Even after a year-long arcade run, Tekken garnered just as much praise on consoles, making it an easy choice for Bandai Namco Entertainment to continue the series for years to come.

Tekken 2: Refining the formula

Tekken 2 | U.S. Release 1996 | PlayStation

Tekken 2 hit arcades in 1995 and came home to PlayStation consoles once more in 1996. While the original set the basis for the series, this sequel’s additions make it immediately more recognizable to fans. 

Players were greeted with a jump from 17 to 25 playable characters, including newcomers like Bruce, Roger, and Jun Kazama. Many of these characters came equipped with new battle mechanics like unique sidesteps, chain-throws, backthrows, and special reversal attacks. There was also the addition of new staple modes like Time Attack, Team Battle, Survival, and Practice mode. These features took Tekken to new heights, making Tekken 2 one of the highest-sold PlayStation titles.

This title also marked the beginning of Kazuya’s reign as the villain of the series, and its ending teased Jin’s future as its protagonist.

Tekken 3: A more familiar face

Tekken 3 | U.S. Release 1998 | PlayStation

Tekken returned with another PlayStation hit in Tekken 3. Staple characters like Jin, Eddy Gordo, Xiaoyu, Bryan Fury, Hwoarang, Law, and Julia joined the roster. 

The largest addition here came in the form of changes to movement, such as shortened jumping heights. Side throws and sidesteps were also added, along with moves that can be performed during a sidestep. Several fighters were given access to reversals, and certain characters were granted combo throws. This brought Tekken a lot closer to the title we see now.

As with Tekken 2, the PlayStation version added exclusive modes, making Tekken 3 the debut of the beat-em-up minigame Tekken Force, and the volleyball-esque Tekken Ball.

Tekken Tag Tournament: 2-on-2 goodness

Tekken Tag Tournament | U.S. Release 2000 | PlayStation 2

Tekken made its PlayStation 2 debut with the first entry of the spin-off series Tekken Tag Tournament. This time around, fighters would challenge one another as a duo. Now, with the press of a button, players can switch between their two characters, each with various hidden attributes depending on the pairing of the characters, making tag combos, throws, and different tactics possible. But once one character on either team is defeated, the match is over. 

The PlayStation 2 version implemented upgraded graphics over the arcade version and even more modes. At home, players gained the ability to play a classic 1-vs-1 mode, a team battle with up to eight matches to decide the victor and the debut of the bowling minigame Tekken Bowl.

Tekken 4: A dynamic reintroduction

Tekken 4 | U.S. Release 2002 | PlayStation 2

Tekken returned to its mainline series with Tekken 4, introducing some of the grandest changes to the formula since the beginning. The game became darker than before, reviving a once-dead Kazuya. This was aided by an upgraded graphics engine that dynamically affected lighting, surfaces, and physics. And who can forget that banger soundtrack?

Players could suddenly move even before a round began, and the environment was given more importance. The introduction of walled stages allowed for extended and more damaging combos. This prompted the debut of corner escapes to allow for comebacks.

Once again, the PlayStation version included Tekken Force and a new Story Mode featuring cutscenes.

Tekken 5: Modern movement

Tekken 5 | U.S. Release 2005 | PlayStation 2

Whereas Tekken 4 emphasizes varying environments, Tekken 5 tones things down slightly. Uneven stage ground was removed to make movement smoother and faster. However, the character count is another story with 32 characters in the base roster, including Devil Jin’s debut.

The title also introduces the high crush, and low crush attack moves that the game is known for. For the first time, fighters could be customized with different outfits, colors, and additional items gained with in-game currency.

The new PlayStation-exclusive mode is Devil Within, a new take on Tekken Force where players control Jin as he travels through maze-like stages with the ability to become Devil Jin.

Tekken 6: Taking the battle online

Tekken 6 | U.S. Release 2009 | PlayStation 3

Tekken 6 introduced the series to the PlayStation 3, keeping most of the franchise’s previous elements and adding things like the Rage system. This allowed players to do more damage as their health decreased. 

Stage dynamics were also brought back to the forefront, allowing walls to be knocked down and opening levels up to more environments. Bound attacks were also added, giving fighters a new move that knocks enemies to the ground, bouncing them back up, and leaving them vulnerable to follow-up combos.

Once more, a beat-em-up mode called Scenario Campaign was exclusive to console versions. The biggest addition came in the form of online matches, making long-distance battles and co-op Scenario Campaign experiences possible for the first time.

Tekken Tag Tournament 2: Return to tag

Tekken Tag Tournament 2 | U.S. Release 2012 | PlayStation 3

Tekken followed up its original spin-off with Tag Tournament 2, which keeps most of the original rules but with a few upgrades. Extended tag combos are now achievable, and combos where both characters simultaneously attack the opponent are called Tag Assaults, which introduced new strategies.

Additional modes that made matches 1-on-1, 2-on-2, or 1-on-2 and allowed four different players to control each fighter added more variety to the mix. Characters’ health and power were scaled accordingly to the match type. This also marks the first time Tekken added more learning tools like a tutorial mode, Fight Lab. 

Tekken 7: New heights

Tekken 7 | U.S. Release 2017 | PlayStation 4

Tekken made its presence known on the PlayStation 4 in a big way. New mechanics were added to make the offense more dangerous than ever. 

Rage Arts brought cinematic super attacks to the world of Tekken. Power Crushes gave players the ability to absorb a hit of a low or high attack, continuing the offensive even when opposed. Rage Drives added more decisions to be made, as players could instead use Rage to gain a powered-up version of a specific move.

The most notable piece of Tekken 7’s history is the addition of several guest fighters, including The Walking Dead’s Negan, Final Fantasy XV’s Noctis, SNK’s Geese Howard, and Street Fighter’s Akuma.

Tekken 8: The future of iron fist

Tekken 8 | U.S. Release 2024 | PlayStation 5

Now we all await Tekken 8, the first title of the series to skip arcades and have its initial launch on PlayStation consoles. This title begins where Tekken 7 left off, focusing heavily on the wild offensive. The new Heat System gives fighters access to chip damage, more attacks, guard breaks, and even dash cancellable moves. 

Along with these changes comes another upgrade to the graphics engine with the implementation of Unreal Engine 5. This gives Tekken 8 an even more dynamic look and physics than titles of the past.

Tekken 8 will continue the legacy when it releases for PS5 on January 26.

Welcome to Stygia! Stroll along the tranquil corridors of this once luxurious resort planet, serenaded by the sweet sounds of explosions and gunfire. Sit back and take in the vivid colors of the sunset – the secret ingredient is gamma radiation! Why not make some new friends? Our friendly cannibal gangs would kill to meet you.

Bulletstorm VR invites you to a blood-soaked and adrenaline-fuelled story with guns, gore, and gruesome enemies. Playing as Grayson Hunt, former elite mercenary and current space pirate, you are marooned on a hell planet and the only way out is through – through a hail of bullets, that is. You and your squad must survive not only the horrors of the planet’s inhabitants but also exact vengeance on the man who put you there – your ex-commander, General Victor Sarrano.

The secret to any good vacation is packing smart, and your trip to Stygia would be incomplete without a kick-ass arsenal you can wield with your own two hands. Yes, two – give it to your enemies with both hands with Bulletstorm VR’s exclusive and full support for dual-wielding weapons. Like everyone else, you too must have wondered, in moments of quiet reflection, what does it feel like to lasso a bloodthirsty mutant with an energy leash and sling them into a razor sharp cactus? Well, wonder no more! The energy leash in Bulletstorm VR is a dynamic weapon that lets you pull, push, trap, and even explode enemies up close and far away.

A resort getaway is the perfect place to explore a different side of yourself. Who are you when you’re not a space pirate, grinding away at your day job, shooting up skull-faced goons? Maybe you’re a baddie with an attitude and brand new energy blades. Bulletstorm VR lets you play two brand new levels as Trishka Novak and dual-wield energy blade weapons as sharp as her tongue.

Of course, you always need familiar favorites on holiday, just in case you start feeling homesick. And what’s more familiar than the comforting heft of a good old-fashioned gun? Nothing quite like a rifle with a 100-round magazine to help you lie back in peace (and your enemies in pieces). We have rocket-launching revolvers, multitasking high-speed drill blasters, and bazookas with exploding footballs. Or, how about a four-barrelled shotgun? After all, if you can’t go a little overboard on holiday, when can you?

Sounds like a dream vacation? With the PS VR2, dreams become a virtual reality – or as real as cutting-edge haptics and visuals allow. A 110-degree field of vision lets you take in Bulletstorm’s next-generation visuals – and keep an eye on enemies and traps. The 2000 x 2040 resolution rate per eye brings the grit of Stygia’s badlands and terrordomes to life while the six-axis motion sensing system lets you embody Grayson Hunt as he shoots, punches, kicks, and drinks his way through the planet’s underbelly.

With the PS VR2 Sense controllers, each action immerses you deeper into the world of Bulletstorm. Explosions reverberate not only in your ears but also in your hands. Each weapon in your arsenal feels different in your hands – letting you instinctively know when to reload and how to adjust your aim.

So join us this January 18 for the trip of your dreams – and your enemies’ nightmares. See you in Stygia, boners!

It’s been almost 30 years since Lara Croft took her first snowy steps in the mountains of Peru. In about 30 days, PlayStation players will get to re-experience Lara’s first three globe-trotting adventures, with a fresh look and feel in Tomb Raider I-III Remastered on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5. 

How did we get here? That story takes us to Austin, TX in 1998.

Aspyr & Lara go way back

A burgeoning video game company, Aspyr, launches Tomb Raider II on Macintosh computers. Aspyr continued with the Tomb Raider franchise until 2003, launching Tomb Raider, Tomb Raider III, Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation, Tomb Raider: Chronicles, and Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness.

We’ve always wanted to revisit these titles, but we always debated the right approach. For years, we worked through the right balance of preservation and modernization. And once we felt we nailed it, we got in touch with our friends at Crystal Dynamics.

Crystal Dynamics vision

As Crystal Dynamics continues to expand the Tomb Raider Franchise, the timing seemed perfect to reintroduce audiences to the games that started it all. We wanted to both honor the foundations of the franchise and make accessible to modern audiences the original games in all their glory. 

What would the balance of preservation and modernization look like? We call it Tomb Raider I-III Remastered Starring Lara Croft.

Remaster defined

Within pre-production, we divided the conversation into three buckets: engineering, gameplay, and art. With these categories in mind, we led our conversations in the same order.

Engineering goal – performance with pixel-perfect preservation

At the outset, we knew we would use the original source code and engine. Magic can’t simply be rebuilt. A critical feature for any updates we made was to allow the users to toggle back to the original look and feel for Tomb Raider I, II, and III.

It’s a love letter to all of our memories of these games, but it’s also truly fascinating to see how far hardware pushed in the ‘90s to make Tomb Raider work. Preserving that experience will continue to inspire engineers of today and tomorrow to push games to be more immersive and memorable.

Gameplay goal – surprise and delight lifelong hardcore fans

We had a firm belief that the gameplay of Tomb Raider I, II, and III is timeless, and with our use of the existing source code, we had every jump, secret, enemy, and puzzle exactly as the original development team designed and intended.

So the conversation evolved into: how do we surprise and delight these fans? And that’s where we started brainstorming additions instead of revisions.

Classic and modern control options

For our modern controller settings, we take inspiration from the Legend, Anniversary, and Underworld era of Tomb Raider. These changes are felt mostly in the way Lara moves – the right stick has full camera control and Lara moves directionally based on camera position. 

Just like our approach to the graphical presentation, the original tank-style controls are still available to players via a menu toggle.

Boss health bars

One of Tomb Raider’s strengths was the minimal UI. However, this can be frustrating for tougher bosses with massive amounts of health. We added a health bar to let you know if you should swap to the grenade launcher or if you should keep soaking pistol damage.

3D item sprites replacements

While the menus in Tomb Raider used 3D models for the health kit and ammo, the in-game assets were flat 2D sprites. This was a legacy compromise that we’ve adjusted to give a little more umph to item pick-ups.

Over 200 trophies

This is a big moment for the Tomb Raider community, so we made sure to pack in as much content as possible. We’re excited to say there are over 200 trophies to earn including (my personal favorite) locking the Butler in the freezer. Sorry, Winston! See below for a sneak peak of a few you can look forward to discovering!

Photo mode

Exploring environments in Tomb Raider is magical. We want you to be able to share these environments and iconic moments, so we’ve added a robust photo mode to pose Lara, freeze gameplay, toggle between classic and modern graphics, and showcase these environments. We’re super excited to see what the community puts together with these modes.

And a few more surprises

So much of what we love about Tomb Raider is discovery, and we don’t want to spoil that. 

Art goal – visuals as in your memory

Once we finalized the engineering and gameplay intent, it was time to move on to our biggest challenge and changes for the project—the art. 

Our philosophy here was rather straightforward; we want the games to look the way they did in your mind. We knew we were on the right track in our early playtests because some play testers didn’t even know they were playing with the modern art toggled on.

We’ve worked hand-in-hand with Crystal Dynamics on the following modern art updates:

• Baked and real-time lighting effects – These changes add to the immersion and mood of the environment. 

• Graphics toggle – At any point during gameplay, including in Photo mode, you can swap between the original and modern graphics.

• New models, environments, and enemies – As shown in our initial reveal, we’ve added new models for a consistent modern look and feel. We’re excited to showcase how these PS1 environments would look with modern technologies and tools.

• New model for Lara Croft – Her original outfits are stunning. Her silhouette—iconic. Need I say more?

• Additional updates – We love the classic look of the animations, textures, and VFX. We’ve made adjustments in the modern scheme to look consistent with the updated models for a polished final look.

We send our admiration and thanks to the Tomb Raider community for inspiring us to work on this lovingly restored edition of Tomb Raider I-III. We’ll see you on February 14.

Pre-orders are available now on PlayStation Store.

Hey everyone, Foamstars Producer Kosuke Okatani here. We’ve kept all of you waiting since the announcement of Foamstars May of last year, but we’re happy to announce that Foamstars will release on February 6, 2024!

Foamstars will be included as a game in the PlayStation Plus Monthly Games lineup* for February and we’re ecstatic to be able to offer a chance to play.

A party for everyone

Foamstars is a brand-new 4v4 shooting game where players can enjoy a combination of a party-like atmosphere where mysterious foam builds up around you, and the intense moments during battle.

We developed Foamstars with the concept of creating a game that everyone could enjoy. Whether you’re a player who wants to play tactically and test your skills to achieve victory, or a player who wants to just casually party with friends, you will find something to enjoy in Foamstars. Please try it out during its inclusion in the PlayStation Plus Monthly Games. 

Three Foamtastic game modes

On top of the two game modes previously released in the Foamstar Open Beta Party, the just-announced third mode, Rubber Duck Party, will be playable from launch.

Smash The Star – Work together to knock out the Star Player

Win by taking down the opposition’s designated Star Player. After defeating 7 players from the opposing team, one of the remaining players will be granted several buffs and appointed the Star Player. Work together to fight to overwhelm their Star Player while protecting your own!

Happy Bath Survival – A crazy battle in and out of the arena!

Featuring split teams with half inside the arena and half outside of reach for each round, competing to take down the opposing team’s players inside the arena first. Outside players can assist their teammates with defensive foam, while inside players fight up close for victory.

Rubber Duck Party – Fight to dance on the duck and reach the goal!

Get ready for a foam party like no other! Teams must race to the center of the stage and fight for possession of the rubber duck, as climbing aboard will advance it into the opposition’s goal. Dancing on the duck’s head will make it sprint towards the finish line to win the match.

Players will need to utilize teamwork to foam the battlefield allowing for quicker traversal of the large map and to defend the rubber duck from the opposition’s control. With no respawn limit in this game mode, players can focus on the objective to make big plays.

Mission Mode – Enjoy solo or with friends

Protect Bath Vegas from an onslaught of Bubble Beasties in Mission Mode. Take on the challenge solo in Foamstar Mission or work together with up to 3 friends in Squad Mission.

Foamstar Mission – Solo missions

This is a great mode for those new to Bath Vegas. Here, you can try out the six characters and learn how to play them.

Players can also get to know more about each character as each has their own dialogue prepared.

Squad Mission – Cooperative missions

These are team missions where players can cooperate with up to 3 friends to take on the challenge.

During the mission, players will be able to upgrade their Foamstars with different effects that are earned by clearing waves.

Unlock rewards by completing challenges

We have prepared challenges that reward players upon completion. Some rewards can only be received by completing challenges, so try them all.

Additionally, there are three types of challenges: Anytime, Events, and Weekly – each with varying rewards.

For example, The Baristador character is unlockable by clearing the Reach Player Level 3 Anytime challenge.

The Year of Foam

Foamstars will receive seasonal updates over the span of one year. Also, a Season Pass will be available for each season, offering a plethora of bonus items. Players can increase their tier by earning XP from battling or completing missions. Rewards will be unlocked as player’s tiers increase.

In the first season pass that will be available at launch, Mel T will be unlockable as a reward (players who purchase the Premium Pass will unlock the character immediately).

On top of seasonal exclusive content and skins—additional characters, maps, and modes will also be released throughout the year so please look forward to the yearlong Foamstars Party.

*All PlayStation Plus members will be able to redeem, download and play Foamstars at no extra cost from February 6 to March 4.

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Email us at PSPodcast@sony.com!

Subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or RSS, or download here

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Hey y’all! This week the gang returns for the first episode of 2024 to talk oh-so-sweet video games, including a discussion on God of War Ragnarök: Valhalla. Plus the team answers a listener letter with tips for your first Baldur’s Gate 3 play-through.

Stuff We Talked About

• Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown – PS5, PS4
• Bulletstorm VR – PS VR2
• PS Plus Game Catalog January – Resident Evil 2, Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands, Hardspace: Shipbreaker and more
• Cult of the Lamb Sins of the Flesh DLC Blog
• Helldivers 2 PC specifications Blog
• Listener letter
• God of War Ragnarök

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The Cast

Thanks to Cory Schmitz for our beautiful logo and 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 to travel to the shores of Valhalla to face Kratos’ past in God of War Ragnarök using #PSshare #PSBlog. Here are this week’s highlights:

sirevanztheduke shares Kratos swinging the Leviathan Axe with a frost attack

Sanderbleidd shares a subdued shadowy portrait of Kratos

DeathStalker131 shares a minotaur rearing back after an attack

thefrostysm shares a low angled view of Kratos wielding the Blade of Olympus

DotPone shares a shirtless Kratos wielding red hot chains

call_me_xavii shares a closer look at the Blade of Olympus

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:  God of War Ragnarök: Valhalla (again)

SUBMIT BY: 11:59 PM PT on December 17, 2023

Next week, let’s try that again. We’re headed to the shores of Valhalla to face new challenges in God of War Ragnarök. Share more moments from Kratos’ journey using #PSshare #PSBlog for a chance to be featured.

Announced today, Beelzebub and company are rolling out onto PlayStation 5 & PlayStation 4 on April 26! In this action-RPG players will be able to explore a vast map with a wide array of vehicles in a world developed by the creator of Dragon Ball, Akira Toriyama.

Become the main character, Beelzebub, and lead your company of heroic misfits on an extraordinary adventure in search of the Legendary Spring hidden in the desert. Between bandits, fierce wildlife, and the Royal Army, reaching the spring won’t be easy!

The latest trailer shows new story elements and exciting vehicular gameplay. Watch the release date trailer below along with PS Blog exclusive info on the newest revealed vehicles in Sand Land!

Hovercar

As its namesake would imply, the Hovercar is a medium sized vehicle with the ability to hover, allowing it to easily traverse over wetlands and rough terrain. It can also use its boost to float to a greater height to elevate over ledges and cross gaps. When you find an area which seems to be difficult to drive through, like a quicksand biome, try the Hovercar to get out of a tough situation.

When building your vehicles you can build unique, powerful weapons to support you in combat and traversing with the Options build slot.

Hovertank

Another vehicle with similar hover functions but is more specialized for battle is the Hovertank. It equips strong long-range weaponry that can cause massive damage. However, the Hovertank’s aiming stability may be difficult to harness due to its floating nature, but once mastered, the Hovertank will be an almost unrivaled vehicle in your arsenal.

Customize vehicles with wide arsenal of parts and weapons

As shown in the trailer and clips above, vehicles can be customized with hundreds of parts that can be applied to main and secondary weapons, engines, and suspensions. Use your imagination to design your own vehicles and play to your style! Dive into dungeons to find treasure chests and obtain stronger, unique machine parts.

With powerful enemies comes the need for powerful weapons. While designing your vehicles you can equip special Option weapons. Equip the Neutron Cannon to send a flash of high power energy to take down large foes or minions closely placed together.

Dealing with crowd control and need to maneuver? Activate the special Option ability of the Autonomous C-Drone (Auto Combat Drone) to help spread out your firepower.

Stylize vehicles with skins and decals

Customization is not only for performance but also for looks with the ability to change vehicle coloring and the application of decals. Visit the paint shop in Spino, the base camp of your adventure, and design vehicles to show your style to enemies. Check out the preorder exclusive Midnight Panther and Jungle Heart vehicle skins below.

There’s a whole world to explore and more exciting vehicles to discover – check out the previous trailers and find your favorite vehicles! After the reveal of the new mysterious character, Ann, and a new green biome in the latest trailer, stay tuned for more Sand Land info.