Paper Beast Enhanced Edition: dynamic textures, atmospheric lighting, expanded sandbox detailed

Hello everyone! My name is Eric Chahi, and I’m the creative director at Pixel Reef. For the upcoming release of our game, Paper Beast Enhanced Edition on PS5 and PS VR2, I wanted to share with you the game’s evolution compared to the original version released on PS4 in 2020.

Paper Beast is one of those unique games that have left an unforgettable mark in the memory of players, largely because of the bonds and connections they formed with the creatures. Cooperation is essential to confront the dangers of the game’s harsh and often surreal environments, while terraforming and manipulating the environment plays a significant role. Exploring this raw and unique wilderness exudes a fascinating aura of mystery, where the intrigue is heightened by the absence of UI and dialogue. With the release of the PS VR2, and thanks largely to the power of the PS5, the opportunity to renew Paper Beast was an opportunity we didn’t want to miss. This new VR platform brings fresh new features and unrivaled rendering that we wanted to explore. Better yet, this edition of Paper Beast can also be played without VR.

First, let’s talk about visual improvements.

Dynamic textures for water and sand

Paper Beast is now in 4K and offers superb sharpness and we have increased the resolution of textures and shadows. Players can now see the shimmering details on paper or the animals’ carapace. The most impressive thing is the sand grain; it’s precise, while the animated texture follows the unique simulations. You can see the sand flowing at grain level, it’s very beautiful in VR. The same goes for the water; you can see the current in motion.

Atmospheric lighting

Bright lights now illuminate the atmosphere, a feature that François Sahy, the rendering programmer, was very keen on, and we were also able to integrate it thanks to the power of the PS5 and his persistence in optimizing the code! You can see rays of light filtering through and these light rays give a striking impression of volume in VR, making the game’s atmosphere tangible. Furthermore, the image has been adjusted for the PS VR2’s HDR. Essentially, colors are both more vibrant and softer. Each level has been finely tuned directly with the PS VR2 on the eyes.

But it’s not just the visuals that got a boost. The gameplay has also evolved!

Continuous locomotion to enjoy an enhanced immersion

This is a very important improvement. In addition to teleportation, you can now move smoothly and continuously: it’s much more immersive. Approaching the game’s living beings with precision strengthens the emotional connection with the animals, and it’s an aspect of the game that is central to the adventure. Playing in this way also allows for more precise manipulation of entities.

An expanded sandbox

The sandbox of Paper Beast has also evolved. The terrain is larger, the total number of entities has been significantly increased. Further, entities that impact the terrain are more numerous, with more combinations to play with. A major novelty is that trees and plants beautify over time, with vegetation specific to the present ecosystem. For example, when predators reproduce around a tree, the vegetation will take on their visual signature.

We hope you’ll be eager to play Paper Beast and explore its mysterious universe, with or without VR.


Paper Beast Enhanced Edition: dynamic textures, atmospheric lighting, expanded sandbox detailed

Share of the Week: Baldur’s Gate 3 – Companions

Last week, we asked you share which companions make your heart sing in Baldur’s Gate 3 using #PSshare #PSBlog. Here are this week’s highlights: 

BosrelsHotTakes shares Shadowheart with a glowing weapon at night

i3ecci_ shares Lae’zel wearing clown makeup

4mllr shares a portrait of Karlach smiling

blackcatvp shares Astarion giving some side-eye

x___stardust_gaming___x shares a player’s hero character petting Scratch the dog

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:  Moonlight

SUBMIT BY: 11:59 PM PT on September 27, 2023

Next week, we’re basking in the moonlight. Share moonlight moments from the game of your choice using #PSshare #PSBlog for a chance to be featured.

My Hero Ultra Rumble launches September 28, new characters revealed

Get ready to rumble. The time has come again for the students of U.A. High School to push their Quirks to the limit and show off what they’re made of – now including heroes in training Eijiro Kirishima, Momo Yaoyorozu, and Ibara Shiozaki. Go Plus Ultra! with these characters and more in My Hero Ultra Rumble, coming free to play on September 28.


My Hero Ultra Rumble launches September 28, new characters revealed

With our release just around the corner with this free-to-play battle royale coming to PS4, we’re excited to give the PlayStation community a deep dive into the newly-announced characters. These three heroes in training have incredible Quirks and playstyles, so check them out below to see how they will change the battlefield alongside your squad.

Eijiro Kirishima, hero name Red Riot, is skilled in both offense and defense through his body-hardening Quirk, and he is most ready to take out all his opponents at close range. His Special Action activates his Quirk by increasing his defense and preventing him from flinching from his opponents’ attacks. If charging into the fray and creating space for your team to help them perform their roles is your preferred playstyle, Red Riot may be the hero for you.

Momo Yaoyorozu, hero name Creati, can create anything out of thin air except for living things. True to her hero name, Momo can create weapons and items and support your allies by whipping up the right equipment for the right moment.

Her Quirk Skills can create blunt weapons she can attack her enemies with, shields to protect herself and her allies, or even a cannon that shoots explosive rounds. Her Special Action Skill, Yaoyorozu’s Lucky Bag, allows her to create a bag that holds a random item, which may synergize well with her support role if you obtain a Recovery Item. If you’re the type of player who enjoys monitoring the battlefield, and having an array of abilities to prepare for any situation you may find yourself in, be sure to keep an eye out for Momo.

Finally, Ibara Shiozaki, hero name Vine, is another support role member who can manipulate her vine-line hair at will and use tricky attacks to ensnare and restrict her opponents’ movements while staying safely at range. Her binding Quirk skill immobilizes enemies, so her teammates can unload their attacks on their helpless opponent, and she can also revive her downed allies using her Special Action.

Want to lock down your enemies and revive your allies? Check out Ibara Shiozaki when she launches alongside My Hero Ultra Rumble on September 28.

Exclusive first look at new costumes

We’re also excited to show you how to freshen up the fashion for your favorite characters. Get a chance to unlock casual costumes for Midoriya Izuku and Bakugo Katsuki.

To give you some additional insight into the creation of these costumes, here’s what the producer, Aoba Miyazaki, has shared about the development process:

“When creating costumes, we try to minimize the number of fluttering objects (such as the fluttering of cloth) so that they do not interfere with the character model during the battle.  However, we have made exceptions and challenged ourselves to implement costumes with coats and capes that we feel are essential to the character. If you see a costume with dynamic movement of the cloth during a battle, we hope you will feel our commitment to the design.

We have prepared five types of costume designs to enhance the characters in the game. The coloring variations are designed to stand out from the regular My Hero costumes even from a distance, so please look forward to color variations as well.”

  • Hero/Villain Style
  • Heat
  • Combat
  • Fancy
  • Dangerous

How to get these costumes

Looking forward to collecting all of the costumes and going Plus Ultra style?

Players can get these outfits from Roll pulls by using Roll Tickets or Hero Crystals (in-game currency). Both can be obtained by completing in-game missions, rewards for logging in, or in-game purchases. Once you’ve got enough Roll Tickets or Hero Crystals, try your luck at unlocking the costumes.

These costumes will also have a higher chance of dropping when first released. So, if you have that one character you love, keep an eye out for new releases, as they will be your best shot at picking them up.

Be sure to start playing My Hero Ultra Rumble when the game launches on September 28 for more chances to get all the outfits and demolish your opponents with your favorite Quirks and characters.

(For Southeast Asia) PlayStation 5 Console – EA Sports FC 24 Bundle coming September 29

Football season is in full swing and we are pleased to announce the new PS5 Console – EA Sports FC 24 Bundle. Perfect for all fans of The World’s Game, the bundle will be available beginning Friday, September 29 – the day the new game releases – and will open for pre-orders beginning Monday, September 25.

EA Sports FC 24 is a new era for The World’s Game—the best players from the biggest clubs, leagues, and competitions around the globe playing together in the most authentic football experience ever created.

PlayStation 5 Console – EA Sports FC 24 Bundle

Play EA Sports FC 24 with PS5 console innovations including:

  • Fast Loading: The ultra-high speed SSD maximizes your play sessions with near-instant load times for installed PS5 games.
  • Haptic Feedback: Responsive vibrations react to your in-game actions so you feel every tackle, kick and goal hitting the back of the net.
  • 3D Audio: Experience what it feels like to play football on the biggest stages as 3D audio brings the stadium crowds to life.
  • HyperMotionV: HyperMotionV captures the game as it’s truly played, using volumetric data from more than 180 professional men’s and women’s football matches to ensure player movements in-game accurately reflect real-world action on the pitch.

Bundle includes a PlayStation 5 console and DualSense wireless controller, a voucher for EA Sports FC 24 (full game) and a voucher for downloadable digital content voucher for EA Sports FC 24 Ultimate Team, which includes 1 Rare Gold Players Pack* and 3 untradeable loan Icon Players for 5 Ultimate Team matches.

 An account for PlayStation Network and internet connection are both required to redeem vouchers. Full terms apply – see www.playstation.com/legal

*Pack contains 12 items, all players, all gold, all rare including one 83+ OVR rare player guaranteed. More info on pack probabilities can be found at http://www.ea.com/games/ea-sports-fc/news/fc-pack-probabilities

Star Ocean The Second Story R Hands-on report: A classic RPG reborn

Star Ocean The Second Story R brings classic RPG action to PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 on November 2. This is a complete remake of the RPG Star Ocean the Second Story (SO2), which was released on the original PlayStation in 1998, critically acclaimed for its Dual Protagonist system, 3D combat, deep skill systems, Private Actions, multiple endings, and much more.

In this remake, the game’s visuals and playability have been further refined while retaining the excitement and charm of the original release, complete with beloved 2D pixel character sprites roaming through the stunning fields and dungeons in full 3D. The exhilarating real-time action combat system is designed to be easy for anyone to pick up and is enhanced by additional new features.

I had a chance to play the PS5 version of the game ahead of Tokyo Game Show 2023. 

An epic remake of the beloved RPG after 25 years

For the hands-on preview, we were able to experience the exploration and combat in the Lasgus Mountains and Hoffman Ruins. I was most interested in how the 2D pixel characters and the 3D environment/dungeons were fused together. 

Before playing, I imagined it would feel strange to see 2D pixel characters roaming around in a high-res 3D environment, rendered using the latest graphics technology. However, I was surprised that it felt much more natural than I expected. The lighting on the characters changes according to the situation and environment, such as the difference between brightly lit and darker areas, so the characters do not appear out of place.

For those who played the original PS version of SO2 or the PSP version of Star Ocean Second Evolution, the familiar pixel characters may bring back memories and nostalgia. We could only experience the Lasgus Mountains and the Hoffman Ruins this time, but we are excited to explore the lively towns and lush green fields in the full version of the game.

The new break and assault action features delivery exhilarating and flashy combat 

The basic controls for combat were: Circle button for normal attack; X button for backstep; Triangle button to bring up the battle menu; Square button to change orders; L1/R1 shoulder buttons to activate techniques; L2 trigger + left analog stick to switch targets; R2 trigger + left analog stick to switch controlling characters; and the d-pad for the new Assault Action feature.

In this game, battles begin when players encounter enemies in the overworld or dungeons. The controls are fairly simple, with the player launching a series of normal attacks by mashing the circle button and activating special moves or Symbologies by pressing the L1 and R1 buttons. Allies you’re not currently controlling will automatically move based on your strategy.

Most of these elements are familiar to those who have played the original SO2. Still, Star Ocean The Second Story R has evolved to feature more strategic and dynamic battles with a variety of brand-new additions.

If you perform a well-timed backstep with the X button when the enemy attacks, a flashy lightning bolt effect will occur. You will then automatically evade the attack and, move behind the enemy and be given the opportunity to deliver a hit. If you succeed, your MP will be restored, making it easier to use your skills. When it’s the enemy’s turn to strike, there are warning signs, like their body beginning to glow red. If you don’t miss those, this maneuver is relatively easy to pull off.

In addition, enemies now have a Shield Value, and when this gauge Breaks with an attack, the enemies stop in their tracks. While the enemies are temporarily incapacitated, the amount of damage dealt increases, providing you with an opportunity to strike at once and deal massive damage. Each character possesses various skills, and Claude, the main protagonist in the demo, uses the Head Splitter skill, which is effective at breaking enemy shields. Throughout the game, the main tactic will be to use character skills to trigger the Break feature. When the leader of an enemy group breaks, other enemies will break in a chain. It is thrilling to see the word “Break” appear across the screen one after another, combined with flashy effects.

Another key combat element is the new Assault Action feature. Although only four battle members can participate in a battle, Assault Action also brings in other allies to attack. In the lower-left corner of the screen, an Assault Gauge corresponds to the non-active characters, which increases as time passes. When the gauge becomes full, pressing the corresponding directional key activates the Assault Action. This will be useful in a variety of situations, such as when you are striking an enemy whose shield has been broken, or when you are in a pinch when your character has been incapacitated, and you need help. The Assault Gauge fills up faster than you might expect, so you want to take advantage of it as much as possible.

The already delightful combat of the original SO2 is enhanced with new mechanics and strategic components in this remake. However, if you are not careful, one of your characters could be targeted and killed instantly. Paying attention to your party members’ health, distance from enemies, and standing position is always a good idea. The explosive combat and simple controls are major elements that define this game. 

The effects and animations of the various skills have also been revamped, making them even more spectacular. The new slick effects are sure to liven up the battles even more. It is also nice to know that animations for Symbology skills, like Shadow Flare, are now skippable with the Options button. 

I cannot wait to set off on an adventure in the ocean of stars, and take my time to enjoy the stunning, exhilarating, and fast-paced battles that are accessible for all levels of players. Star Ocean The Second Story R hits PS5 and PS4 on November 2.

(For Southeast Asia) PlayStation Plus Game Catalog for September: NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139…, 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim, Sid Meier’s Civilization VI

A new month means a fresh selection of games joining the PlayStation Game Catalog. All the titles will be playable from Tuesday, September 19. Let’s dive in.

PlayStation Plus Extra and Deluxe | Game Catalog*

NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139… | PS4

Fight back against dreadful enemies with a visceral, uniquely customizable blend of swordplay and powerful magic in this enthralling action RPG, a one-of-a-kind prequel to the critically-acclaimed masterpiece NieR: Automata. In a distant, apocalyptic future, humanity is on the brink of extinction, threatened by strange beasts and a deadly black scrawl disease. Follow a brother’s quest to save his sister Yonah – his only blood relative – who has fallen ill to the Black Scrawl. Uncover the truth behind the world of NieR as you journey alongside an unlikely group of allies through a ruined world, plagued by sickness and monstrous horrors.

13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim | PS4

Vanillaware, the storytellers behind Odin Sphere and Dragon’s Crown, craft a sci-fi mystery epic spanning thirteen intertwining stories in 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim. Uncover the truth and delve into a 2D side scrolling adventure featuring gorgeous art and environments. Then, battle the kaiju in fast-paced, top-down combat. Customize the Sentinels with an arsenal of mechsuit weaponry, and fight to defend humanity.

Sid Meier’s Civilization VI | PS4

Originally created by legendary game designer Sid Meier, Civilization is a turn-based strategy game in which you attempt to build an empire to stand the test of time. Explore a new land, research technology, conquer your enemies, and go head-to-head with history’s most renowned leaders as you attempt to build the greatest civilization the world has ever known.

Star Ocean The Divine Force | PS4, PS5

Square Enix and Tri-Ace present an action-packed science-fiction RPG, packing in a lavish, story-driven space opera, innovative traversal mechanics, and fast-paced combat. While it’s the sixth entry into the franchise, it works as a standalone adventure, with the entire narrative from start to finish contained within the game. Pick from two main characters at the game’s start and recruit various allies, all with their own distinct personalities and combat styles. All are playable, and you can switch between them seamlessly, both in and out of combat.

Sniper Ghost Warrior Contracts 2 | PS4, PS5

Take on the role of Raven, Contract Sniper Assassin, as he embarks on a new series of contracts in a lawless region in a dramatic single-player campaign. Tasked with a seemingly impossible task, your mission is to topple an insidious criminal syndicate and bring them to justice. Experience high-pressure tactical combat, deep inside enemy territory. Equipped with all-new equipment, each highly replayable contract can be completed in a variety of ways. Replay the mission with a different approach to complete all objectives, ready to spend your earnings on improved gadgets and weaponry.

Odin Sphere Leifthrasir | PS4

Experience the world of Erion as it hurtles towards the end of days as warring kingdoms clash for control in this 2D action RPG. Take control of the magnificently hand-rendered characters in the enchanted realm of Erion, filled with mythical beasts and gargantuan monsters. Five character plots intertwine with each chapter centering on a unique protagonist and their struggles. Choose Refined Mode to play the game with more scenes, new monsters, and an updated battle system. Or, revisit Classic Mode to experience the 2007 version of the game with updated graphics.

Unpacking | PS4, PS5

Unpacking is a zen game about the familiar experience of pulling possessions out of boxes and fitting them into a new home. Part block-fitting puzzle, part home decoration, you are invited to create a satisfying living space while learning clues about the life you’re unpacking. Over the course of eight house moves, you are given a chance to experience a sense of intimacy with a character you never see and a story you’re never told.

Planet Coaster: Console Edition | PS4, PS5

Surprise and delight crowds as you build the coaster park of your dreams and manage a truly living world with unparalleled attention to detail. Whatever your skill level, bring your ideas to life. Take advantage of Blueprints to quickly place over 700 pre-made objects, including coasters, facilities and scenery; build from the ground up with detailed piece-by-piece construction; or transform the ground itself with terrain-altering tools. Looking for inspiration? Discover the Frontier Workshop and harness the world’s best designs in your expanding empire. Download coasters, scenery, buildings, and entire parks, or grow a following by uploading your own creations.

This War of Mine: Final Cut | PS5

In This War Of Mine, you do not play as an elite soldier, rather as a group of civilians trying to survive in a besieged city; struggling with a lack of food, medicine and constant danger from snipers and hostile scavengers. During the day you need to focus on maintaining your hideout: crafting, trading and taking care of your survivors. At night, take one of your civilians on a mission to scavenge for items that will help you stay alive.

Contra: Rogue Corps | PS4

The  action-packed series returns with epic battles, customisable gear, gigantic bosses and explosive multiplayer action. Play locally or online for up to four players, picking from 4 outrageous characters, each with their own weird style and colorful attitude and build over 100 weapons and augment your character with bionic body parts earned in-mission.

Tails Noir | PS4, PS5

Tails Noir is a post-noir narrative adventure. Become raccoon private eye Howard Lotor and explore dystopian Vancouver inhabited by animals as you uncover a deeply personal story of change and transformation. Make meaningful connections with a diverse cast of characters in pursuit of truth, shape and express your identity through dialogue choices and explore and experience both downtrodden and flourishing districts of a strange, yet familiar version of Vancouver.

Call of the Sea | PS4, PS5

Immerse yourself in a story-driven adventure full of emotion, suspense and surreal surprises. It is 1934, in the far reaches of the South Pacific. Norah has crossed the ocean following the trail of her missing husband’s expedition and finds herself on a lush island paradise – a nameless, forgotten place, dotted with the remnants of a lost civilization, fantastic sights… and occult mysteries. Investigate the clues left by a previous voyage, piece together what happened, and solve a variety of clever puzzles.

West of Dead | PS4

Step into the boots of the dead man William Mason (voiced by Ron Perlman) and descend into the grim and gritty world of Purgatory in this fast-paced cover shooter which combines the fluidity of twin-stick controls and tactical cover usage. Put your skills to the test – Dodge behind cover as you try to outgun your enemies in the unknown procedurally generated hunting grounds.

Star Ocean: Integrity and Faithlessness | PS4

The epic sci-fi RPG saga makes its triumphant return with this fifth instalment in the series. The Pangalactic Federation is nearing the fulfilment of its mission to bring peace and order to the galaxy.However, the embers of conflict begin to stir once again, six thousand light years from Earth on the planet of Faykreed, as a mysterious young girl is found amongst the wreckage of a downed spacecraft.

PlayStation Deluxe | Classics

Star Ocean First Departure R | PS4

From 16-bit RPG, to PSP remake, and now a PS4 HD remaster – find out how the illustrious sci-fi RPG series began in this enhanced reimagining of the very first title. .

Dragon’s Crown Pro | PS4

Regardless if magic or steel is your fancy, this 2D action RPG offers a variety of ranged and close combat options for this classic, side scrolling, beat ‘em up. Band together, or journey solo, as one of six playable classes and explore a winding dungeon with new adventures at every turn.

How Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 taps into the power of PS5

Unlocking new powers is something the developers of Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 have in common with their web-slinging protagonists. Insomniac Games is unleashing the power of PlayStation 5 in the upcoming sequel with two playable Super Heroes wielding new abilities, a gallery of menacing Super Villains, a city nearly doubled in size, and a host of other immersive enhancements.

I recently had a chance to play through several hours of Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 and was on the lookout for examples of the PS5’s power at work. Let’s swing into a few exciting examples:

Haptics and cinematic immersion

The preview opens with Peter in his new BlackSuit facing off against Kraven amidst church rafters. A massive bell tolls, sending impactful, reverberating ripples through the DualSense controller haptics. The resonant haptic sensation sells the bell’s disruptive effect on the twitching Black Suit. Cutscenes with the massive stampeding Lizard are also accented by intense haptic pulses, emulating the nerve-jangling might of the mutating Super Villain.

Particle colliding with adaptive triggers

One moment early in the preview tasks Peter with helping Harry Osborn align a particle collider’s beam emitters. A brief minigame appears when Spider-Man webs the emitters. I enjoyed carefully pressing the adaptive triggers with asymmetrical levels of pressure and watching on-screen prompts to correctly lock them into place. It’s a satisfying, novel example of the triggers’ accuracy and tactile feedback.

Web Wings and SSD unlock speedy Spidey flight

Web Wings give players a new option to soar over the city. The power of PS5 allows Marvel’s New York City to load in faster than previous titles. This translates to speedier movement through the city, including boosting along wind tunnel routes at impressive speeds using the new Web Wings. Spidey’s tried-and-true web-swinging is also faster and feels as joyful as ever. Weaving together the traditional web-swinging with the new Web Wings gliding created  an empowering and buttery smooth way to traverse the city.

Iconic characters with deep emotion

Facial performances unite with enhanced character model detail to deliver new levels of expression. For example, a heart-to-heart between Miles and Rio wordlessly showcases the concern and love his mother holds for him – it’s all in the eyes. Realistic levels of ocular detail heighten expression, like visible capillaries, moistened eyelids, minute eye movements, and nuanced lighting. Emotionally intense scenes benefit from the upgraded facial enhancements as well. Just take one look at Kraven’s expressive face as he battles against Spidey, his eyes wide and piercing as his face contorts in intense cunning…

Quickly swapping between Peter and Miles

Players have two Spideys at their fingertips in Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, and swapping between them is a snap. The game zooms far above to a bird’s eye view of Marvel’s New York City when switching between the two Heroes, then zooms back in on the newly selected Spider-Man elsewhere in the city. It’s a seamless and muscular demonstration of the PS5’s ultra-fast SSD.

Rippling musculature

Speaking of, Insomniac is upping the realism of their character models with simulated musculature. This subtle enhancement makes character movement look more natural to the eye, similar to the improvements in facial capture. For example, you’ll see arm muscles bulge or stretch beneath the Super Heroes’ skin-tight suits or the jaw muscles of Lizard flex convincingly when bellowing a roar.

Double the city

Spider-Man’s turf extends beyond Manhattan to include Brooklyn and Queens in Marvel’s Spider-Man 2. In previous Marvel’s Spider-Man games, these areas weren’t accessible and were simply low-poly representations of the wider city. The sequel’s doubled map size is possible in part due to the PS5, as is the game’s ability to render the sprawling metropolis at a greater distance. Standing atop a Manhattan skyscraper you can clearly see the shapes and colors of Brooklyn’s traversable skyline. 

Spectacular Ray Tracing

Both Performance and Fidelity modes feature Ray Tracing in Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 thanks to the title launching exclusively on PS5. The effect is immediately apparent when swinging or gliding across the water. One beautiful moment involved traversing over the East River with the setting sun casting a warm glow over the water, including the reflection of the Brooklyn skyline and a splash of hazy red from one of its large neon signs.

Bustling city life

Spider-Man is nothing without a city to protect, and Marvel’s New York is livelier than ever. New York pedestrians are represented by a more diverse array of body types, and enter and exit buildings. They drive down streets in vehicles that display the subtle, authentic bobbing motion of automotive suspension systems. In past Marvel’s Spider-Man titles, players could peep into building windows for a glimpse at decorated interiors – Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 heightens the detail with actual occupants. These small details help build a rich city backdrop that feels alive.

Listen up with 3D audio

Insomniac’s audio team implements 3D audio in Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 with impressive attention to detail. The immersive effects are omnipresent, but two specific sequences stood out to me. A massive bell tolls during a sequence where a Black Suit-clad Peter squares off with Kraven in a church. The resonant frequency of the bell hits with a convincing punch. Another other moment is more gameplay focused, with the player crawling after Lizard through New York’s sewers. The claustrophobic sequence is heightened by a 360-degree range of sounds, including creaky pipes, crumbling rubble, and the occasional skittering of Lizard himself.

These are just a few colorful examples of how Insomniac’s stunner of a sequel is shaping up to take full advantage of PS5. Discover the full scope for yourself when Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 hits PS5 on October 20.


More on Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 


Marvel’s Spider-Man 2: New Story Trailer 

First Look: PS5 Console – Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 Limited Edition Bundle

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 arrives only on PS5 October 20, Collector’s & Digital Deluxe Editions detailed

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 gameplay revealed

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 prequel comic announced for Free Comic Book Day

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 and Marvel’s Wolverine revealed

Official PlayStation Podcast Episode 468: Gaming Gigablast


Email us at PSPodcast@sony.com!

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


Howdy! This week the team talks about Baldur’s Gate 3, Lies of P, and gets into a recap of news from this week’s State of Play.

Stuff We Talked About

  • Mortal Kombat 1 – PS5
  • Lies of P – PS5, PS4
  • VR Skater – PS VR2
  • You Suck at Parking – PS5, PS4
  • Baldur’s Gate 3 – PS5
  • State of Play recap (begins at 20:04)

The Cast

Sid Shuman – Senior Director of Content Communications, SIE

Brett Elston – Manager, Content Communications, SIE


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.]

Share of the Week: Baldur’s Gate 3 – Original Character

Last week, we asked you share your original hero from Baldur’s Gate 3 using #PSshare #PSBlog. Here are this week’s heroic illithid highlights: 

Tromnic102 shares Rhogar, their red Dragonborn.

PDoomedParadise shares Prodigy, their tiefling rogue thief.

erdturo shares their human character with their current crew: Shadowheart, Astarion, and Lae’zel.

JLunarTraveler shares a female elf with green skin and black marks around her eyes

Amianan_NiRaGuB shares Althea, their Druid character.

sirevanztheduke shares Willow, their Wood elf character. 

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:  Baldur’s Gate 3 – Companions
SUBMIT BY: 11:59 PM PT on September 20, 2023

Next week the spotlight turns to Baldur’s Gate 3 companions. Share your favorite companion using #PSshare #PSBlog for a chance to be featured.

Genshin Impact version 4.1: To the Stars Shining in the Depths out September 27

Hello Travelers! The Genshin Impact dev team is back and today we’d like to bring you the latest information on the new landscapes, stories, and companions that will be introduced in Genshin Impact version 4.1 To the Stars Shining in the Depths on September 27.

With the latest update, the area north of the prosperous Court of Fontaine will be open for exploration. This area features a massive underwater fortress inhabited by exiles as well as mysterious ruins floating in the air, abandoned following a fatal laboratory accident. The two new five-star playable characters, Neuvillette and Wriothesley, will also play important roles in the Archon Quests that await you.

Far from Fontaine, the people of Liyue and Mondstadt are hosting a poetry festival together to honor friendship and love! To celebrate the upcoming third anniversary of Genshin Impact with all Travelers, we have prepared a special daily login event for you. Take part to receive up to Intertwined Fates ×10, Primogems ×1,600, and 2 exclusive gadgets as tokens of our appreciation.

Danger lurking beneath the waters

Deep in the vast waters of the Liffey Region lies the Fortress of Meropide. This metal edifice detains criminals from all over Fontaine, but exercises self-governance, independent of Fontaine’s legal system. Watch out for spotlights when you approach the Fortress.

 

However, the Fortress of Meropide is not just a place for convicts. Inside, one can admire an intricate network of gears and pipelines spanning multiple levels into the depths of the Fortress, where more of the site’s functions and mysteries are revealed. Our main storyline also picks up here as we search for Childe. Wriothesley, the Chief Administrator of the Fortress of Meropide, and the Fatui Harbinger Arlecchino will also make their debut in version 4.1.

In addition to the Fortress of Meropide, the vast water of the Liffey Region is also home to a beautiful yet dangerous monster. With a phantasmal beauty, the Millennial Pearl Seahorse can leap high into the air and unleash fierce Electro attacks.

The lofty ambition of the Fontaine Research Institute

Floating in mid-air, the Allogravity-Condensed Water Body and remnants of the previous Fontaine Research Institute tell the catastrophic consequences of an experiment gone awry. Throughout its long history, the Fontaine Research Institute has been searching for solutions to survive the prophesied flood that will dissolve the people of this nation, and harnessing the energy of Arkhium to defy gravity was once considered the key. Unfortunately, this endeavor tragically resulted in a massive explosion, sending several giant blocks of Allogravity-Condensed Water Bodies and ruins ascending to the sky. However, these floating water bodies have also preserved aquatic life and parts of the old institute, which can be explored to aid the current research of the Fontaine Research Institute.

 

The new boss Experimental Field Generator is also one of these vestiges. It was once a device used to counteract the effects of gravity but has gone out of control since the accident. In combat, you will experience weightlessness effects which will prove useful for jumping higher and dodging the boss’ attacks.

Ludex and Administrator of the Fortress of Meropide

As the plot of version 4.1 unfolds, two characters who occupy high positions will come to your assistance. Neuvillette is the Iudex who oversees the legal system of Fontaine, while Wriothesley is the Administrator of the Fortress of Meropide who keeps a watchful eye over all the outlaws.

The Chief Justice, or otherwise known as Iudex Neuvillette is a highly revered figure in Fontaine, known for his unwavering impartiality. However, Neuvillette has a soft spot for Melusines, and he is fond of tasting water from all over Teyvat. More stories about Neuvillette and Melusines can be found in his Story Quest Diluvies Chapter.

In combat, Neuvillette is a skillful Hydro Catalyst wielder. His Charged Attack can release a stream of surging torrents at the cost of his health to attack all foes in its path. His Elemental Skill and Elemental Burst can also generate Sourcewater Droplets which can be absorbed by his Charged Attack to heal and accelerate charging.

Another new companion Wriothesley is known as the Administrator of the Fortress of Meropide. His brain and brawn have earned him the respect of the citizens, as well as that of the outlaws. Thanks to a series of reforms carried out by him, the Fortress of Meropide has become a habitable space where vicious criminals and the underprivileged are taken care of. You can find out more about this Duke and the Lord of the Fortress of Meropide in his Story Quest Cerberus Chapter.

In combat, Wriothesley excels at combining his melee attacks with the power of Cryo and his catalyst. His Normal and Charged Attacks can deal Cryo DMG, while his Elemental Skill attracts enemies and boosts his Normal Attack at the cost of his HP. When his health drops to a precarious level, he can inflict a powerful blow to restore HP.

For version 4.1 Event Wishes, Neuvillette will debut in the first half with Hu Tao’s rerun, while the latter half will see Wriothesley’s debut and Venti’s rerun.

A poetry festival of friendship and love

Taking a momentary break from adventures in Fontaine, a poetry festival will greet you with beautiful words and friendship from Liyue and Mondstadt. To fulfill the promise made at the previous Lantern Rite, Hu Tao and Venti join hands to host a poetry festival, telling a heartwarming story about friendship and love that stood the test of time. Festive activities and mini-games will also be available, such as a special dart-throwing game called Hundred-Pace Hurling Rites and Mending Painting Prospects to piece together paintings based on Teyvat scenery. By accumulating Poetry Gala Fervor from those mini-games, Travelers will have the chance to obtain the exclusive 4-star catalyst Ballad of the Boundless Blue.

As Genshin Impact is about to turn three years old, we would like to thank every one of you for supporting us in the past, present, and future. The special daily login event with up to Intertwined Fates ×10 will be back once again. Do also remember to check out your in-game mailbox later, as we will be giving out Primogems ×1,600, Fragile Resin ×4, and two unique gadgets Portable Aerodynamic Gelatinous Bubble Generator and Itty Bitty Octobaby as tokens of our shared memories. Last but not least, we hope you have a wonderful time with new encounters in Fontaine as well as old friends in other regions, and we look forward to seeing you again in the next update!