Category: PlayStation

Twenty years ago, the original Monster Hunter first introduced players to its ever-expanding arsenal of weapons and memorable monsters. Since then, the series has grown in popularity around the world, and been refined into one of the finest multiplayer experiences gaming has to offer. There’s still a special satisfaction that comes from taking down an unfathomably huge creature by the skin of your teeth,  coordinating with your fellow hunters, and using everyone’s weaponry and abilities skillfully to topple the most fearsome foes out there.

To celebrate 20 years of the series – and Monster Hunter Wilds’ upcoming February 28 release – let’s examine how the series evolved alongside PlayStation since its 2004 debut.

Monster Hunter | PS2

The biggest behemoths often emerge from humble beginnings. The game that started it all was released in Japan in March of 2004, with a North American release a few months later in September and a European release in March of 2005. It introduced the core gameplay that would define Monster Hunter in the decades to come: quest-driven progression, resource gathering and management, weapon and armor crafting, and the need to approach and attack ferocious monsters with strategy, planning, and perseverance to succeed.

By the series’ current standards, Monster Hunter looks a bit sparse, with only seven weapon types and thirty monsters (including many now-famous creatures like the Rathalos), but the game offered quite a bit of variety in quest types and difficulty. Also, the game was designed around online multiplayer when that was still somewhat of a novelty, even offering special event quests that could only be played online.

Monster Hunter did very well in Japan, and while Capcom worked on the follow-up, they released Monster Hunter G, an upgrade with improvements, new features, more monsters, and higher-difficulty quests.

Monster Hunter Dos | PS2

The true Monster Hunter sequel would emerge late into the PS2 era–and only in Japan. Monster Hunter Dos released for the PlayStation 2 in February of 2006, with new weapons, the additions of subquests, a unique day/night and season system, and the addition of armor upgrades, among numerous other small tweaks and improvements. Monster Hunter Dos was warmly received in Japan, and was the final Monster Hunter game on the PS2. But for the larger global market–and the future of Monster Hunter–Capcom was looking towards the PlayStation Portable.

Monster Hunter Freedom | PSP

Even before Monster Hunter Dos launched, Capcom wanted players to be able to take the hunt on the go. Monster Hunter Freedom, known as Monster Hunter Portable in Japan, launched in December of 2005 in Japan and in May of 2006 for the rest of the world. It was based heavily on the aforementioned Monster Hunter G, offering up both new monsters (including the debut of Yian Garuga) and high-level “G” rank quests for players to enjoy

In retrospect, it’s easy to see why the PSP felt like a true “home” for Monster Hunter: the PSP’s capability for adhoc local network play, along with its advanced graphical capabilities and analog control, fit the gameplay of Monster Hunter like a vambrace. It was followed up by Monster Hunter Freedom 2, which took cues from Monster Hunter Dos by expanding the weapon repertoire (adding series staples like the Hunting Horn and Gunlance to the armory) and revisiting Dos’s various locales.

Monster Hunter Freedom Unite | PSP

“Phenomenon” is exactly the word to describe how huge the follow-up to Monster Hunter Freedom became in Japan. Monster Hunter Freedom Unite released in 2008 in Japan as Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G, expanding on the success of the previous game and transforming Monster Hunter into a household name. Freedom Unite would go on to sell a whopping 3.8 million copies globally, with many of those sales coming from Japan.

Building on Freedom 2, Freedom Unite offered a host of quality-of-life improvements to the core experience while adding more environments, more monsters, additional monster behaviors, and a host of new high-difficulty quests. It introduced the concept of CPU-controlled helper characters by giving solo players use of a Felyne companion to aid in battle–a feature which later games in the series would build upon.

Monster Hunter Portable 3^rd | PSP

Hitting the PSP at the end of 2010, Monster Hunter Portable 3rd is another Japan-exclusive Monster Hunter title–though that didn’t stop it from becoming one of Capcom’s fastest-selling games ever. Portable 3rd pushed the PSP to the maximum, showcasing some of the best-looking visuals on the system and setting a standard for high-quality visual designs that the series would continue in later installments. Portable 3rd also marked the first appearance of Zinogre, a fan-favorite monster to this day.

Monster Hunter World | PS4

If there’s a turning point where the fervor for Monster Hunter became global, it’s probably 2018’s Monster Hunter World. Headlined by the fearsome Elder Dragon Nergigante, Monster Hunter World was a tremendous evolution of the series both graphically and gameplay-wise, using the PS4 to create a seamless hunting experience–in more ways than one. 

Not only were the tutorials and early-game experience improved for series novices, but the various “zones” that made up the large hunting environments (and necessitated transitional load times) were streamlined into one big, open space for an epic monster pursuit. And, for the first time ever, a Monster Hunter game was released simultaneously worldwide, allowing players from all over the globe to team up and experience the thrill of devising new hunting strategies together. True to the name of the game’s setting, it felt like a New World had opened up for the Monster Hunter series.

Monster Hunter World proved to be so successful globally that an expansion, Iceborne, released the next year, reintroducing some of the cold-weather mechanics seen in previous Monster Hunter titles. Monster Hunter World continues to have an active player base to this day.

Monster Hunter Rise | PS5, PS4

Monster Hunter Rise, alongside its main monster Magnamalo, vaulted onto PS5 and PS4 in early 2023. It brought with it a host of unique gameplay additions: the fast-traveling, aerial-launching Wirebugs, a new type of Canyne companion called a Palamute, and “Rampage” battles where hunters were tasked with protecting the village of Kamura from an onslaught of several monsters all at once–including particularly dangerous Apex monsters. Plus, alongside hunting and capturing monsters, you could actually commandeer the huge beasts for a brief time with the Wyvern Riding feature.

The already massive adventure grew even bigger with the Sunbreak expansion, taking hunters to the far-away Kingdom, adding several new monsters (including new leading beastie Malzeno), additional hunting locales, and numerous new skills for all of the weapons.

Monster Hunter Wilds | PS5

The evolution of Monster Hunter from cult favorite to Japanese sensation to global popularity has been quite a ride, and the anticipation for the upcoming Monster Hunter Wilds has already hit a fever pitch. From striking new weather effects to new abilities enabled by a birdlike mount called a Seikret, there’s a mountain of new features for players to consider.

Last year’s closed beta drew plenty of interest from old and new players alike. Fortunately for those of you itching to get that Hunting Horn back out for a trip to the Forbidden Lands, you won’t have to wait too much longer– Monster Hunter Wilds will be releasing on February 28.

An unexpected bounty upends the new order of Avalon, marking a target on the backs of prominent Rogue team Operators. The huge Season 02 update for Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Call of Duty: Warzone adds additional maps, modes, weapons, events, and more, kicking off the new year with a bang. 

Season 02 of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Call of Duty: Warzone launches January 28 on PS5 and PS4. 

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Multiplayer overview 

New Core 6v6 Maps 

Bounty (Launch): Take in the Avalon skyline at sunrise as you battle atop a skyscraper catering to a wealthy and powerful clientele. 

Dealership (Launch): There’s been an incident at the exquisite Pallasar car dealership. Race past the smoking vehicles into the showroom and beyond. 

Grind (Mid-Season): The infamous skatepark returns. Shred your enemies in the pro shop, indoor stadium, and along the huge skate bowl and halfpipe outdoors. 

New 2v2/6v6 Strike Maps 

Lifeline (Launch): Smoke rises from the hardtop of an ocean-bound yacht. Fight along its narrow confines, including a bar, gambling den, and disco. 

Bullet (Mid-Season): Engage the enemy in a bullet train speeding down the track. Climb up top into the screaming wind; watch that you don’t step off the sides. 

New Multiplayer modes 

Overdrive (Launch): Crank up the action in this twist on Team Deathmatch. Eliminate enemies to earn stars and rack up buffs like seeing through walls, replenishing health, and increasing your movement and handling speeds. Get every buff to activate Overdrive, awarding double stars for every elimination.

Gun Game (Launch): The fan-favorite mode returns! All Operators cycle through the same set of 20 weapons; eliminate enemies to advance to the next weapon. Melee attacks set targets back to the previous weapon, and frequent radar sweeps reveal the last known location of all Operators on the map. 

Valentine’s Day LTMs: Get into the season of love with 3v3 competition in Third Wheel Gunfight and 2v2 Face Off modes in Couples Dance Off. 

New Loadout items 

Perk: Slipstream (Launch): Raises your base sprint speed at the cost of removing Tac Sprint. 

Perk: Hunter’s Instinct (Mid-Season): Eliminating an enemy marks the next closest enemy. 

Scorestreak: War Machine (Event Reward): Grenade launcher that fires a rain of mini grenades with a high-speed rate of fire. 

Wildcard: Flyswatter (Mid-Season): Replace the melee weapon in your dedicated melee slot with a Launcher. 

Multiplayer Ranked Play 

Gear up for another season of Ranked Play, offering a new set of seasonal rewards including a new Pro Issue Weapon Blueprint plus Calling Cards and Emblems displaying your highest earned Rank in the season. 

Zombies overview 

Enter cursed catacombs and follow in the footsteps of a doomed explorer as The Tomb map arrives at Season 02 launch. 

New map: The Tomb (launch) 

Reports of paranormal phenomena go back centuries at a dig site rumored to hold the Sentinel Artifact that may free Samantha Maxis from her Dark Aether prison. Descend into the tunnels below in search of a gate that will transport the characters to a world of darkness and ancient mysteries.  

New ways to fight (launch) 

Face new enemies like the Shock Mimic using the new Staff of Ice Weapon, Arrow Trap, and the Death Perception Perk featuring researchable Major and Minor Augments. Pop three new GobbleGums and blast enemies to smithereens with the craftable War Machine Scorestreak. 

Call of Duty: Warzone overview 

New Perks 

Perk: Reactive Armor (Launch): Your armor will regenerate up to 50% if you have not taken damage in the last 5 seconds. 

Perk: Low Profile (Mid-Season): Move more quickly while crouched, prone, and downed.  

General Overview 

New Weapons: Decimate your foes with four new Primary Weapons: the Cypher 091 Assault Rifle, PPSh-41 SMG, Feng 82 LMG, and TR2 Marksman Rifle. Plus, unlock the new Saw Blade Launcher, Skateboard Melee, and more. 

New Attachments: Equip an underbarrel Crossbow Attachment and go loud with the Full Auto Mod for the AEK-973 Marksman Rifle, the Binary Trigger for the Tanto .22 SMG, and the LMG Belt-Fed Attachment. 

New Events 

Earn new rewards in the following in-season events, with more arriving in the mid-season. 

Event: The Terminator: Collect skulls via eliminations to unlock rewards; earn bonus skulls for eliminating enemies with explosive or fire damage. 

Event: Shadow Hunt: To join Nocturne, you must first complete the challenges he has laid out before you. Don’t fail him. 

Event: St. Patrick’s Day: Clover Craze: Collect four-leaf clovers for landing eliminations. Redeem for rewards. 

Season 02 Battle Pass, Store Content 

Access over 110 pieces of unlockable content led by the new assassin Operator Nocturne alongside new Operator Skins, weapons, Weapon Blueprints, Finishing Moves, Emotes, and more. Get more with BlackCell.  

Become the ultimate killing machine as the Tracer Pack: The Terminator Ultra Skin X2 arrives courtesy of Skynet as well other awesome new Store Bundles like the Tracer Pack: Death Mosh, Tracer Pack: Killer Content Mastercraft, and more. 

Season 02 launches January 28 

Black Ops 6 is available now. Experience the spy action thriller Campaign, the in-depth tactical chaos of Multiplayer, and soak in the gory glory of round-based Zombies experience!

Before we get into offering our perspectives about Ted Price’s long-planned and extremely well-deserved retirement, we want to sincerely thank everyone who has checked in with Insomniac about the state of our employees and Burbank studio during the terrible Los Angeles-area fires. The fires have devastated the communities around us. We continue to focus on supporting each other and communicating daily with Sony Interactive Entertainment to provide the latest information and resources to everyone affected.

Sharing the news that Ted is retiring from Insomniac Games is still just as emotional to type as it has been to think about. The three of us – Chad, Jen and Ryan – have worked closely with Ted for many years. He’s not just our leader, he’s our longtime friend. And a great one at that. Ted will be missed for so many reasons.

One of the great things about Ted is his ability to inspire everyone around him to grow. Ted has also set the ultimate example of how to not just say the right thing, but to do it too. Both with our games and how we behave as leaders and as a studio.

Seeing how Ted operates for decades has prepared us to take on the challenge of stepping into Ted’s enormous, canoe-sized shoes. None of us can nor should try to “be like Ted” though – we must stay true to ourselves and our own leadership styles. However, it’s safe to say we’ll often think to ourselves, “What would Ted do?” as part of our individual and collective decision-making process. 

Now you’re probably wondering, “Well, who exactly are y’all and what should we expect from you going forward?” We want to share a bit more about ourselves, along with some insight into how we’re envisioning our role as co-studio heads.

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I started my Insomniac career during the PlayStation 2 era in studio marketing and communications, quickly shifting my role to become Insomniac’s first community director and helping establish the role within the PlayStation ecosystem. I joined Insomniac’s senior leadership team several years ago and have held multiple studio roles including Head of Franchise Strategy & Studio Relations. In that role I partnered with teams within and beyond Sony Interactive on how and when we talk about our games, including in-game creative integrations. More recently, I’ve served as Head of Brand & Leadership Strategy, which means I’m ensuring through communications, coaching and culture development that what Insomniac says to the world about itself and our games matches what we believe and how we act inside Insomniac. 

Outside of work, I play games with my family almost nightly. We enjoyed completing Astro Bot and Lego Horizon Adventures over the winter break. I also love cycling (road and gravel).

– Ryan Schneider, Co-Studio Head, Insomniac Games

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I joined our incredible studio eight years ago as CFO and Head of Finance, and our team has had my heart ever since. As part of our leadership team, I directly support our development teams across all titles, overseeing project planning, production strategy, business operations, resource planning, and co-development partnerships. Together with the best team in the world, we’ve shipped 12 games since my first day, and I’m super excited about the unforgettable experiences we’ll bring to players in the future. 

Before joining Insomniac Games, I was a senior finance executive, providing strategic and financial leadership to global tech and entertainment businesses. 

I’m passionate about driving innovations that elevate our studio and community. Outside of work, I support Glendale’s neighborhood libraries and love playing games with my kids. Over the holidays, I immersed myself in Astro Bot and Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered-and loved those unforgettable adventures. 

– Jen Huang, Co-Studio Head, Insomniac Games

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One afternoon, I picked up a copy of Spyro The Dragon for Research™ purposes. I was floored by its charm and attention to detail – here, clearly, was the work of a team at the top of their game, and I wanted to learn their secrets. 

I joined Insomniac in 1998. Since then, I’ve had the honor to contribute to five generations of PlayStation as an Environment Artist, Art Director, Studio Director for the Durham studio, and – starting in 2017 – as the Head of Creative. As a senior leader, I support the creative, story, and research teams across all titles to help ensure that our games ship with a uniquely Insomniac vision and a high degree of polish. 

So what secrets did I learn? Mainly that magic happens when talented people build on each other’s ideas even as they challenge each other to advance their craft. In my new role, I’m excited to work with Ryan and Jen to continue Insomniac’s tradition of creative collaboration.

– Chad Dezern, Co-Studio Head, Insomniac Games

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Our shared intention is to preserve what has made Insomniac special for 30-plus years while exploring how we can strategically evolve to succeed for decades to come. 

We’ll continue prioritizing our studio culture, built around transparency and collaboration. We strive for a workplace where employees can do the best work of their careers. 

What does all this mean for our players and fans? We’re going to keep making the games you love, while taking care of the people who make them. This aligns with our studio vision of making a positive and lasting impact on people’s lives.

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We know this is big news and probably a lot to absorb. Ted is an industry legend, responsible for launching and creative directing three iconic PlayStation franchises in Spyro the Dragon, Ratchet & Clank, and Resistance: Fall of Man. Back-to-back-to-back. He’s helped guide us through every single PlayStation console generation and much more.

Ted has also laid the foundation for Insomniac as one of the industry’s all-time most successful studio leaders. Now, it’s up to us to help Insomniac thrive long into the future. Thanks to Ted’s guidance and leadership, we are ready. 

First off, we want to thank the incredible Star Wars community for the overwhelming support and excitement following our announcement. We can’t wait to bring this beloved classic back into your hands. With Star Wars Episode I: Jedi Power Battles launching tomorrow, we want to ensure you’re fully prepared to jump back into the galaxy far, far away.

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Ain’t cheating? Ain’t trying

We’ve got plenty of cheat codes to spice up your adventure, whether you’re looking for a challenge or just some lighthearted fun. Here’s how to activate them across all platforms.

Jedi on Jedi crime

• What it does: Engage in player-versus-player combat during the campaign.  
• Where to enter: During two-player gameplay.
• How to activate: Hold R2, press Square + Triangle + Circle, then Cross   

Activate Radar Map

• What it does: Reveals enemy locations.  
• Where to enter: Pause the game.  
• How to activate: Up, Down, Up, L1, R1, L1  

Return to the last checkpoint

• What it does: After losing all lives on a level, continue the game and enter the same level. Pause the game and input the cheat code.
• Where to enter: Pause the game.  
• How to activate: L1, R1, L1, L1, R1, R1, L1, R1, R1, L1

Summon an Ultimate Saber

• What it does: Unlocks a powerful lightsaber in Survival Challenge mode.  
• How to unlock: Beat 100 enemies in Survival Challenge mode.  

Go big or go big head mode

• What it does: Enlargens the player’s head.  
• Where to enter: During gameplay.  
• How to activate: R1 + D-Pad Down + Triangle  

Big foot mode 

• What it does: Makes the player’s head, feet, and weapon large.  
• Where to enter: During gameplay.  
• How to activate: R1 + D-Pad Down + Cross  

Fun-size mode

• What it does: Shrinks the player’s character.  
• Where to enter: During gameplay.  
• How to activate: R1 + D-Pad Down + R2  

Unlock the Loader Droid

• What it does: Unlocks the Loader Droid as a playable character.  
• Where to enter: In character select during the campaign.  
• How to activate: R1 + L1 + Square  

Modern and classic controls: A guide for every Jedi

Whether you’re new to the game or a seasoned Jedi returning for another adventure, mastering the controls and unlocking fun cheats will help you conquer the Dark Side with ease. Here’s a detailed look at the modern and classic control schemes followed by the cheat codes you can activate across all platforms.

Modern controls (recommended for new players) 

• Jump: Cross 
• Attack 1: Square
• Attack 2: Triangle  
• Attack 3: Circle 
• HUD Toggle: View Button 
• Lock Target: R1 
• Block: L1 
• Defense Ability: L1 + L2
• Short Range Attack: L2 + Cross  
• Long Range Attack: L2 + Triangle  
• Use Item: L2 + Square  

The modern control layout offers a more intuitive experience for new players, helping them quickly grasp movement and combat mechanics.

Classic controls (for returning jedi masters)

• Jump: Circle 
• Attack 1: Cross 
• Attack 2: Square 
• Attack 3: Triangle 
• HUD Toggle: View Button
• Lock Target: R1
• Block: L1
• Defense Ability: L1 + L2  
• Short Range Attack: L1 + Cross  
• Long Range Attack: L1 + Triangle  
• Use Item: L1 + Square  

Seasoned players will return with ease after 25 years –  letting them dive back in with the same controls they knew and loved from the original release.

These cheats and control options ensure every player—whether new or returning—has an experience tailored to their playstyle. Choose your control scheme, enter some cheat codes, and dive into an unforgettable adventure in Star Wars Episode I: Jedi Power Battles starting January 23 on PS5 and PS4.

Additionally, the Star Wars: Prequel Pack, including Star Wars: Bounty Hunter, Star Wars Republic Commando, Star Wars Episode I Racer, and Star Wars Episode I: Jedi Power Battles launches tomorrow.. Play four action-packed Star Wars games in one pack!

May the Force be with you, always. See you in the battle!

Mastering a game is always a challenge, and when you have to deal with over 500 different ships with unique commanders, guns, and armor schemes, things can get out of hand real quickly. That’s where our new feature comes in: The Codex. Available on both PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5, this all-encompassing in-game encyclopedia brings everything you need to know about World of Warships: Legends right to your fingertips.

The Codex is your one-stop resource for everything a new player needs to know about our game. Think of the Codex as your personal encyclopedia, filled with important information that will prepare you for the high-stakes combat of the seven seas. No more need for piecing together fragmented advice from forums and other sources. Now, all the essentials are just a few button presses away, neatly organized, searchable, and designed to make your sailing smooth, or as smooth as it can be during naval combat.

When designing the Codex, we kept in mind that it needs to be easy to use. It’s filled with all the right keywords, icons, and colors to make navigation a breeze. Plus, we’ve added some visual flair to keep the reading experience exciting. With well-chosen fonts and beautiful artwork, diving into ship stats or game mechanics isn’t just informative-it’s fun.

And the Codex isn’t just for new players. We decided to go a bit overboard (pun intended). Working closely with our community and experienced players, we’ve included more advanced tactics, commander setups, and ship builds for those looking to min-max.

Want to know which is the ideal commander for your favorite ship class? Look no further than the Codex. Players have grinded the game for thousands of hours trying out different setups, and we’ve compiled their findings into easy-to-understand articles. The Codex offers player-tested strategies to make you the MVP of the battle. We are also making sure that the content is always fresh so you are never stuck with outdated information.

But wait, there’s more! Not only does the Codex teach you about specific commanders and ship types, but it also dives into the game’s mechanics. Naval combat and the physics behind it can get quite complicated, and figuring it out in the heat of battle is almost never a good idea. That’s where the Codex shines.

We’ve simplified complicated concepts such as ricochets, shell mechanics, and angling in our articles to give you an edge in battle. For example, ever wondered how to make the most out of the biggest battleship of World War 2 Yamato and her iconic guns? The Codex will explain how you can target the enemy for maximum damage output.

But we won’t stop there. One of the great things about the Codex is that it’s going to be updated continuously as the game grows. New ships, commanders and mechanics are constantly being worked on by our team here in Wargaming. Making sure this tool stays relevant for the years to come is a priority. Whether you’re a new player who is just getting started, or an experienced captain checking out something new or looking back at some details, there will always be something to discover through the Codex.

So, what are you waiting for? The Codex is ready and waiting to turn you from a fledging sailor into a studied academic! Take the plunge and dive deep into the world of naval warfare, and let the Codex be your teacher and guide. The ocean is a dangerous place, and you need to be prepared, especially when it’s full of Battleships, Cruisers, Destroyers, and formidable Aircraft Carriers! Think you can handle them? Download the game to join our vast fleet of players today and turn the tide.

PlayStation Store

Lunar New Year promotion comes to PlayStation Store on 22 January*! Enjoy up to 75% off on a huge range of incredible games until 12 February. Highlighted titles include Call of Duty®: Black Ops 6, TEKKEN 8, Persona 3 Reload and Resident Evil 4.

Head to PlayStation Store to enjoy savings now!

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PlayStation Plus

Players who join PlayStation Plus during 22 January to 4 February can save 25% on a 12-month PS Plus Extra membership, or join 12-month PS Plus Deluxe with an even bigger 35% discount!

Current PlayStation Plus Essential or Extra members can save 35% on the remainder of their membership when upgrading a current plan to PlayStation Plus Deluxe.**

With PlayStation Plus Extra and Deluxe, get access to monthly games, exclusive discounts, online multiplayer, and hundreds of games through the Game Catalog and Classics Catalog, including hit titles like God of War Ragnarök, Grand Theft Auto V, Like a Dragon Gaiden and many more. Explore the Classics Catalog with PlayStation Plus Deluxe, try select games like the epic Black Myth: Wukong with Game Trials, and more.***

*Level Up New Year’s Play starts on 22 January 00:00 JST and concludes on 12 February 23:59 JST. Products may have different sales periods. See specific offer details on product detail pages or retailer sites. Not applicable for Indonesia.

**Not applicable for Indonesia.

***Availability of Classics and Game Catalog varies over time, region/country, and plan. See https://www.playstation.com/Plus for details and updates on PlayStation Plus offerings. PlayStation Plus is an ongoing subscription subject to a recurring subscription fee taken automatically (at the then-current PS Store price) at the frequency you choose at purchase until cancellation. Terms apply: play.st/psplus-usageterms

Email us at PSPodcast@sony.com!

Subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or download here

Howdy, folks! This week, the crew returns for the first show of 2025! Topics of discussion include Marvel Rivals and retro classics Final Fantasy 5 and the Contra series. Plus, Brett joins to close out the PlayStation 30th Anniversary discussion by sharing his favorite PS5 and PS VR2 games.

Stuff We Talked About

• Next week’s release highlights:
  • Star Wars Episode 1: Jedi Power Battles | PS5, PS4
  • Synduality Echo of Ada | PS5
• Dynasty Warriors: Origins hands-on details
• Arken Age pre-launch details
• Platformers of PlayStation Plus
• Marvel Rivals
• Brett highlights his top games on PS5 and PS VR2

The Cast

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Sid Shuman – Senior Director of Content Communications, SIE

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Tim Turi – Content Communications Manager, SIE

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Brett Elston – Manager, 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.]

Astro Bot took top honors at the 2024 Game Awards, and we couldn’t be prouder of the little guy and his many friends. But Astro Bot doesn’t exist in a vacuum – Team Asobi’s award-winning hero comes from an illustrious legacy of PlayStation platformers spanning way back to the original PlayStation, from first-party studios and third-party developers and publishers alike. 

If you’re looking to dig into the legacy of PlayStation platformers from the beginning to the current day, there’s no better way to do it than with the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog and Classics Catalog. Here’s a sampling of some noteworthy platformers you can play now.*

A Hat in Time | 2017

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The “collectathon” subgenre of 3D platformer, emphasizing the hunt for hundreds of assorted doodads in sprawling levels, was quite popular around the turn of the millennium. A Hat in Time is a loving callback to those days spent scouring every nook and cranny, as players control Hat Kid in her quest to retrieve Time Pieces in a large and exceptionally silly cartoon world. Find Yarn Balls to make new hats and earn new powers, battle foes to gather Pons for upgrades, search for hidden Relics and Rift Tokens, and figure out what Mustache Girl’s whole deal is.

Publisher: Humble Games | Developer: Gears for Breakfast

Ape Escape | 1999

Ready for some monkey business? Science gone wrong has created a gang of hyper-intelligent monkeys causing chaos through time, and it’s your job to bring these too-smart simians back home. As one of the first game series to use the DualShock controller’s dual-analog sticks to their full potential, Ape Escape lets you use careful movement and funky gadgets to sneak up on and nab these naughty simians. Be careful–you’ll want to pay close attention to the apes’ helmets to gauge their mood before you approach.

Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment | Developer: Sony Interactive Entertainment

Celeste | 2018

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Ah, the humble dash: a truly beloved platformer maneuver. Indie-game pixel masterpiece Celeste elevates the act of using the simple dash to new levels to traverse huge screens packed with challenging hazards. Ground dashes, multidirectional mid-air dashes, dashes from a wall climb, items to grant multiple dashes–you’ll have loads of fun mastering the game’s fast movement to get around and snag all of its secrets. This is one mountain you’ll love to climb.

Publisher: Maddy Makes Games | Developer: Maddy Makes Games

Gravity Rush Remastered | 2016

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Gravity Rush is your game if you like your platforming with a dose of open-world adventuring and memorable world-building. Amnesiac Kat wakes up in the city of Hekseville in the middle of a disastrous storm, quickly discovering that her cat companion allows her to shift gravity. She’ll use these skills to navigate Hekseville’s stunning architecture, fight off mysterious monsters, and aid the populace–all while delving deep into the mysteries around her. 

Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment | Developer: Sony Interactive Entertainment 

Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy | 2001

This classic from Naughty Dog stars one of the most memorable platforming duos of the PS2 era. Jak’s buddy Daxter has a problem: he fell into a mysterious pool when the duo snuck onto Misty Island, and now he’s become small and very fuzzy. Now, the two are seeking out the Dark Sage Gol Asheron to fix things up and save the world in the process. Vibrant animations, colorful environments, and a then-revolutionary environment design that minimized load times keep Jak and Daxter feeling classic to this day.

Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment | Developer: Naughty Dog

Jumping Flash | 1995

Day-one PlayStation fans will talk your ear off about just how cool Jumping Flash was and how it wowed them as a showcase of original PlayStation power… but why not try to see what all the fuss was about? This unique first-person platformer starts Robbit, a mechanical rabbit who can jump really, really high. Explore surreal environments filled with bizarre foes, awesome weaponry, and plenty of floating platforms that give you space to hop up to absurd heights. There was nothing like it then, and it’s still a unique and fun game.

Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment | Developer: Exact, Ultra

Rayman Legends | 2013

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Who says you need limbs to perform astounding feats of platforming? Rayman, Globox, Barbara, and the Goth Teensy have to deal with the aftermath of a century-long nap, rescuing the Teensies and once again saving the Glade of Dreams from evil forces. Besides gorgeous hand-drawn HD visuals, Rayman Legends offers up to four-player local co-op, so gather friends for a fantastic sidescrolling adventure.

Publisher: Ubisoft | Developer: Ubisoft Montpellier 

Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart | 2021

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Here’s the other well-known duo of PlayStation platforming, whose adventures have continued into the current generation. Rift Apart uses the PS5’s capabilities to give players the biggest and most graphically stunning Ratchet and Clank outing yet, with the new Rift Tether gadget allowing for very fast travel. Prepare for shooting, gadget-driven navigation, and interdimensional hijinks, and the introduction of Ratchet’s alternate-dimension lady Lombax counterpart, Rivet. 

Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment | Developer: Insomniac

Sackboy: A Big Adventure | 2020

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He might be made of fabric, but Sackboy’s as tough as nails when it comes to adventure. Our stuffing-filled hero comes to rescue his fellow Sackpeople and Craftworld from the wicked Vex, and he’s got a whole wealth of new skills to show off. You’ll be rolling, diving, fluttering, and smacking foes around as you search for precious Dreamer Orbs. It won’t be easy, and you’ll need some help along the way. Fortunately, you can play with up to three other adventurers in online and local co-op to surmount the toughest obstacles.

Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment | Developer: Sumo Digital 

Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus | 2002

Who’s the stealthy, suave thief with a family history of heisting and a bushy, ringed tail? Sly Cooper, that’s who, and he’s on a mission to get back the missing pages of the Thievius Raccoonus–his family’s book of secrets–from the shady paws of the Fiendish Five. Platforming and stealth combine as you slink through the Fiendish Five’s lairs, using Sly’s distinct sneaking and thieving abilities to avoid guards, security systems, and other traps to take back the precious pages.

Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment | Developer: Sucker Punch

Looking for even more platforming fun? Check out this in-depth feature on some of the best 3D platformers on PlayStation.

*The PlayStation Plus Game Catalog lineup may differ in certain regions.

This year marks the 10^th anniversary of the release of the Until Dawn game, and I’m thrilled to share with you the world premiere of the trailer for Until Dawn the movie, coming to theaters.

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PlayStation Productions and Sony Pictures have been working closely with director/producer David F. Sandberg (Annabelle: Creation, Lights Out) and writer/producer Gary Dauberman (It, Annabelle series, The Nun series) to translate Until Dawn to the big screen. In making that transition, we wanted to honor the spirit of the Until Dawn game – especially the idea of decisions with branching paths and deadly consequences – while adapting it in a way that maximizes both the entertainment and terror for moviegoers.

Though the movie’s story is set in the same world as the game, it was important to us that the movie wasn’t just a retelling. Instead, the film will feature fresh characters in a new, original story. If you’ve played the game, you know not everything is what it seems. With the movie we wanted to keep the audience guessing until the end. We can’t wait for fans to discover how the events of the movie connect to the Until Dawn game.

Peter Stormare, whom you know as Dr. Hill in the game, is one of those key connecting links. The film will delve into his character’s involvement in the events of the game, raising questions for fans to explore. Given Peter’s role spanning both projects, it’s only fitting he introduce the first Until Dawn movie trailer to the world:

“I have been lucky to be part of Until Dawn since the original, incredible, super terrifying game, and that’s why I’m so excited to be part of this film, because the whole thing is a love letter to horror, and it completely honors the spirit of the game. The movie is going to be full of fresh characters and victims in a brand-new story, loaded with twists. So whether you’re a longtime fan or you’re discovering it for the first time, get ready for Until Dawn like you’ve never seen it before.”

– Peter Stormare

Now, enjoy the world premiere of the trailer, and keep checking back, as there will be plenty more updates between now and when Until Dawn hits theaters later this year.