Players can soon join Sam on the next chapter of his journey when Death Stranding 2: On the Beach arrives on PlayStation 5 consoles on June 26. We recently had a chance to speak with key members of the game’s development team: Yoji Shinkawa (Art Director, Character & Mech Design), Hiroaki Yoshiike (Lead Level Designer), Takayuki Uchida (Technical Art Director, Lead Environment Artist), and Akio Sakamoto (Chief Technology Officer, Technical Director). They gave us insights into their inspiration behind Sam’s next journey and how they brought their ideas to life.
More intuitive, satisfying, and grittier combat
PlayStation Blog: Were there any key takeaways from using the Decima Engine (a game engine developed by Guerrilla Games) in the first Death Stranding, and did any of those learnings impact the development of the sequel?
Sakamoto: When developing the first game, our hands were full trying to master the various features of the engine, partly because it was our first time using Decima, and partly because our highest priority was to release a game as quickly as possible. However, with Death Stranding 2, we kicked off development with a better grasp on the engine, so we were able to leverage its features and make improvements that served our purpose better.
Death Stranding 2 was tailored for PS5. How have the graphics evolved, and are there any visual enhancements that were only possible thanks to the power of PlayStation 5 Pro?
Uchida: We implemented a new day/night cycle in the open world. This achieves more realistic transitions between the time of day and introduces new dynamics that weren’t present in the previous title. The scenery and atmosphere now change depending on the time of day, so exploration is also more compelling and exciting.
For the base PS5’s Performance Mode, we stabilized the framerate by switching the LOD (Level of Detail) earlier to reduce geometry and adjust the resolution dynamically. On PS5 Pro, players can enjoy a higher resolution that is closer in quality to Resolution Mode, while maintaining 60fps gameplay.
Combat has been enhanced significantly. What principles guided you when implementing some of the changes?
Yoshiike: We focused on making the combat more intuitive, satisfying, and grittier than the predecessor. The previous game required players to switch bullets based on enemy type, which was important to us as part of world-building, but we removed that complexity in Death Stranding 2. We also fine-tuned certain elements, like improving the gunplay to feel snappier and adding slo-mo effects during combat so it’s easier and more satisfying to chain attacks. Sam is a porter, so rather than focusing on stylish moves, we emphasized action that felt more grounded and relied on Sam’s physical capabilities.
Are there any conversations you had with Kojima-san that stand out?
Uchida: One day early in development, a casual hallway conversation turned into a full-blown brainstorming session. Kojima-san joined the conversation mid-way, and the atmosphere instantly shifted. He came up with so many incredible ideas at lightning speed, and I was completely awestruck. Kojima-san’s ability to think outside the box and his dedication to the creative process inspired me to stay focused and committed as well.
More authentic emotions realized by 4D scanning technology
Characters in Death Stranding 2 feel much more expressive and nuanced compared to the previous game. Were there any points of focus or technological advancements that made this possible?
Uchida: Story is at the core of Death Stranding 2, so we leveraged 4D scanning for key characters to preserve subtle muscle movements and facial expressions of the actors. As a result, the characters’ actions and emotions feel more authentic, which I think will resonate with players at a deeper level.
What was your vision when designing new enemies, including massive bosses and the Ghost Mech?
Shinkawa: As always, Kojima-san challenged us to come up with something entirely new and different. Developing new character designs are always difficult, and with the Ghost Mech, we not only came up with a new design, but we also expanded on its origin and backstory.
Death Stranding 2 introduces many new weapons and items. What was the thought process behind these new additions?
Shinkawa: At its core, the game is about delivering supplies, so we needed to treat weapons as cargo that players carried around. Deciding what to transport is part of the gameplay, so we wanted the weapons to fold and transform into boxes or containers that function as cargo. The change in physical volume can appear uncanny in CGI, but we made sure that the transformation was believable without being visually contradictory.
Are there any in-game locations you’d like players to look out for in particular?
Uchida: We poured a lot of time and effort into developing the snowy mountains again in this title, and they will offer an even more compelling experience than the first game. The difficulty will vary significantly depending on the climbing route you choose, but players can look forward to breathtaking views at the end of each hard-earned ascent.
Any final words for players looking forward to the game’s launch?
Yoshiike: We’re thrilled that Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is finally launching. The game is packed with features and mechanics that many players will enjoy. Players from around the globe can connect and come together via the game’s SSS (Social Strand System). Every player will make connections in their own ways, and naturally, every experience that emerges from those connections will be unique. I hope players will have fun discovering those special moments as well.
Attention, drivers! Drive the iconic WRC champion and the mini-Italian stallion, the ’92 Lancia Delta HF Integrale Rally Car with Update 1.60 for GT7. The very French slab-sided ’87 Citroën BX 19 TRS and ’21 Peugeot SUV 2008 round out the Euro-leaning car additions. Three new events, an Extra Menu, new Scotland Scapes location, and expanded Sophy AI racing agent to the Alsace – Village circuit round out the very fresh and very free content, courtesy of the Polyphony team.
Update 1.60* for Gran Turismo 7 is available as of today Wednesday, June 25 at 11:00pm PDT / June 26 at 3:00pm JST / 8:00am CEST.
*Internet connection and Gran Turismo 7 game required for update.
New cars**
’87 Citroën BX 19 TRS (Can be purchased from Brand Central / Used Cars)
Citroën’s do-it-all tourer features a modern new look.
In 1976, Citroën started over again as part of Peugeot. This raised questions from many as to what a Citroën was now, and the BX was released to answer them, debuting at the 1982 Paris Auto Salon.
The BX was filled with elements that were undeniably Citroën-esque. It retained the image of classic Citroën models like the GS and CX in a thoroughly modern package that featured simple, yet strong lines. The cabin was comfortable and there was plenty of room for luggage as well. The design itself was conceived by Marcello Gandini, who was working for Bertone at that time.
Much thought was also put into the mechanicals. While many models had begun to share more and more parts with Peugeots, the BX featured the signature hydropneumatic suspension. This system uses nitrogen gas and oil instead of conventional coil springs and dampers. This allows for the ride height to be adjusted freely and also creates the unique feel of a Citroën.
The car was available with a number of different engines, but the 19 TRS featured here is a grand tourer-style model using a 1.9L gasoline engine. While not a particularly powerful engine, it is helped along by the relatively lightweight and aerodynamic body, allowing it to tackle long drives on holiday with ease.
The BX would prove to be a success for Citroën, selling for 12 years running. This car also proved that Citroën was still a competitor at a time when there was constant innovation in the French automotive industry.
’92 Lancia Delta HF Integrale Rally Car (Can be purchased from Brand Central)
The pinnacle of the Lancia Delta, winner of 6 consecutive WRC titles.
After Group B racing was dropped from the WRC, Lancia chose the Delta as their Group A machine. Converted to 4WD and sporting a turbocharger, this high-performance model was dubbed the HF 4WD and entered the 1987 WRC.
The following year, the Delta HF 4WD was equipped with audacious blister wheel arches and evolved into the Integrale. In 1990, the Integrale’s engine was given a 16-valve head, further increasing power. However, Toyota’s Celica was considerably more competitive, and the Delta saw the Drivers’ Title snatched from its grasp by the Celica in 1990 and again in 1991. Thus, in 1992 Lancia released what should be called the final evolution of the Delta.
The new Integrale improved handling through body reinforcement and, with extensive revisions to the suspension, the wheeltrack was expanded. Accordingly, the blister wheel arches got even larger. In order to gain more downforce, a spoiler was attached to the end of the roof, and the torque split of the 4WD system was shifted toward the rear wheels—the car was set up more like a rear-wheel drive.
Thanks to these improvements, the Delta regained its competitive strength. In 1992, works racing activity did not take place due to the policy at Lancia’s parent company FIAT, but Lancia joined forces with the Jolly Club satellite team and gave full technical support. Juha Kankkunen and Didier Auriol participated in 11 of the 14 rounds in the series, with Auriol taking six wins, Kankkunen winning once, and Andrea Aghini also winning once, for a total of eight wins that year—giving Lancia the constructors’ title for the sixth consecutive year.
’21 Peugeot SUV 2008 Allure (Can be purchased from Brand Central)
This compact SUV displays Peugeot design touches throughout.
Peugeot has produced a number of lively compact cars over the years. This fervour can still be seen today where SUVs control the market. They saw success in 2013 with their ‘2008’ compact SUV, but the model would be developed even further in 2019 with the release of the ‘SUV 2008’.
Peugeot model names had traditionally been a string of three numbers with a 0 in the middle, but SUV models extended this to four digits. The SUV 2008 follows this rule as well, using the same CMP platform as the ‘208’ hatchback.
At 4.3m long, the car is actually relatively short, but in looks it displays the full grandeur that an SUV should. The motifs of the lights conjure images of a lion’s claws and fangs, which has become part of Peugeot’s design identity in recent years.
Looking at the interior, you will notice the unique driver layout, dubbed the 3D i-Cockpit. This consists of a small-diameter steering wheel with a flattened top and bottom, and a head-up digital instrument panel centred above it, which provides a sporty feeling and unmatched driver visibility.
Cafe / Extra Menus
The following Menu will be added to the Extra Menus section:
Extra Menu No. 46: Mercedes-Benz (Collector Level 50）
World Circuits (New Events)
The following new events have been added to World Circuits:
Sunday Cup: Willow Springs International Raceway: Streets of Willow Springs Reverse
European Sunday Cup 400: Watkins Glen Short Course
World Rally Challenge Gr.B: Colorado Springs – Lake
Gran Turismo Sophy
The next-generation racing AI agent, Gran Turismo Sophy is now available on the following courses. Look for the Sophy icon in Quick Race and Custom Race on each track to test your skills against Sophy.
Alsace – Village
Scapes
Scotland has been added as a featured Curation in Scapes.
**Credits (paid or via game progression) required to purchase vehicles.
Now, that game, Devil Summoner: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. the Soulless Army, returns tomorrow as RAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army, an enhanced remaster for PlayStation®4 and PlayStation®5!
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The Raidou Kuzunoha games quickly gained a loyal following due to their unique alternate Taisho-era setting, engaging detective narrative, and real-time combat alongside demon companions. Players take on the role of Raidou Kuzunoha XIV, the successor to a lineage of Devil Summoners. Created as spin-offs to Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner, the first Raidou Kuzunoha game debuted in Japan in 2006, followed by its sequel, Devil Summoner 2: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. King Abaddon, in 2008.
The first Devil Summoner: Raidou Kuzunoha game returns after 19 years with its new-and-improved version
Nearly two decades after the release of the first game, ATLUS breathes new life into the series, preserving the original’s acclaimed writing and characters while offering upgraded visuals, improved combat, and more demons. The story is also now fully voiced, adding a whole new dimension to the game. Whether you’re a fan of the original or a first-time player, prepare to immerse yourself in this alternate Taisho-era epic!
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Download the image
Remastered visuals
Enjoy Raidou’s adventures around the Capital with a pristine new look! The game now features refined graphics and a fully immersive 3D world.
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Enhanced combat system
RAIDOU Remastered features a new-and-improved version of the combat mechanics from Devil Summoner 2: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. King Abaddon. Battles are now more dynamic and strategic with revamped combos, a new dodge mechanic, the introduction of the MAG Drain System, and the ability to summon up to two demon allies!
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Expanded demon lineup
This new title includes 50 more demons than the original, bringing the total to over 120 demons! Team up with familiar allies from Devil Summoner 2: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. King Abaddon, Shin Megami Tensei V, and other ATLUS titles!
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Helpful new features at the Goumaden
The Goumaden makes fusion even smoother with brand-new options. You can fuse two demons from separate orders with Normal Fusion, set certain criteria with Search Fusion, begin with a specific fusion result in mind with Reverse Fusion, use two demons of the same Order to create one of the Element Order with Element Fusion, or fuse two Element Order demons to make a Mitama Order demon with Mitama Fusion.
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Other features and quality-of-life improvements
Improved Detective Journal
Gouto meticulously keeps track of your objectives, intel collected from investigations, tips, and more in the Detective Journal.
You can view it at any time from the menu, so take advantage of it if you ever get stuck during an investigation.
Express Streetcars
As you pursue your investigation, you will no doubt find yourself needing to revisit the Narumi Detective Agency, certain crime scenes, and various other locations. Hop in an express streetcar to instantly travel to places you’ve already visited.
Voice Settings
Enjoy an even more immersive story with full voice acting! You can toggle voices on and off in Game Settings. You are also able to switch between Japanese and English voices, each offering a unique experience.
Enhanced Save Features
The number of available save slots has been increased to 20!
Additionally, the new Autosave feature automatically records your progress as you advance through the story. You can also Quicksave by accessing the pause menu!
Difficulty Settings
Choose from five difficulty levels. Sleuth offers the most forgiving experience, preventing Raidou and his demonic allies from dying. Gumshoe provides an easygoing playthrough, Private Eye presents the standard difficulty level, and Truth Seeker will put your skills to the test. Finally, Detective Legend will be unlocked after you’ve completed the game once, bringing the highest possible challenge.
Feel free to change the difficulty at any time while playing!
Learn all about the game with the Principles of Raidou videos!
In a special video series on the official ATLUS YouTube channel, join an enigmatic Devil Summoner as he goes over RAIDOU Remastered’s world, demons, enhanced battle system, story, and characters.
THE PRINCIPLES of RAIDOU｜The World of the Taisho Era Capital and Ally Demons
Protect the Capital as a Devil Summoner in Taisho year 20
It is the 20th year of the Taisho era in Japan. As the movement toward Westernization begins to intensify, sinister beings known as demons threaten the peace and order of the Capital unbeknownst to its inhabitants. Raidou Kuzunoha XIV, a Devil Summoner who wields the power to decimate demons, is tasked with protecting the Capital from these threats.
Moonlighting as a detective apprentice at the Narumi Detective Agency, he works around the clock to solve mysterious cases linked to demons. One day, a young schoolgirl appears with a bizarre request.
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The client is Kaya Daidouji, the only daughter of the prestigious Daidouji family. However, before she can explain, she is abducted by mysterious figures. Tracking her down won’t be easy for Raidou and his boss, Narumi. This mystifying abduction is about to escalate into a full-blown crisis that will put the Capital and the entire country in jeopardy.
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Raidou Kuzunoha XIV
The protagonist: a calm and quiet boy in his late teens. Since taking on the name Raidou Kuzunoha XIV, he has been tasked with using his extraordinary Devil Summoner abilities to safeguard the Capital. Outwardly, he’s a student at Yumizuki High School helping out as an apprentice at Narumi Detective Agency. He leverages his position as a detective to gather information, utilizing the powers of his devil allies to solve any case involving demons swiftly. Beneath his cloak, he carries several demon-slaying tools: a sword, a gun, and multiple tubes for sealing demons.
Encounter a memorable cast of characters throughout the Capital
You’ll cross paths with a host of unique individuals as you work to crack the case, including Raidou’s feline mentor Gouto, Raidou’s boss Narumi, reporter Tae Asakura, the patriotic Major General Munakata, and the crooked Dark Summoner Rasputin. To learn more about them, visit the official website.
Solve a paranormal case with the help of your demon companions
As a detective, you’ll investigate various incidents in the Capital, which will require intel from not just the inhabitants, but also the demons lurking about. You can also tap into your demon allies’ Investigation Skills to help you crack cases. Read Mind allows you to hear the inner thoughts of people unwilling to provide verbal testimony and Cool Down creates new paths by freezing water. On top of that, your demons can sleuth out areas that are off-limits to Raidou.
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Download the image
Search for clues in the Real World and the Dark Realm
Your investigations will take you back and forth between the Capital and the Dark Realm, a nexus between the Real World and the Netherworld that is overflowing with demons. Outside of Devil Summoners and others with spiritual abilities, an ordinary person cannot enter—let alone sense—the Dark Realm. However, once in a blue moon, a demon may lure them in. In this remastered version of the Dark Realm, you’ll now be able to enter combat by making contact with demons in the field.
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The Capital features a variety of areas to explore, including districts steeped in western architecture as well as traditional downtown neighborhoods. At the Narumi Detective Agency in Tsukudo-Cho, you can save, heal, and review your progress on the case. Once you’ve acquired a certain item, you’ll also be able to play a game of mahjong against Narumi or your demons.
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Download the image
Coordinate with your demon companions in RAIDOU Remastered’s improved combat system
RAIDOU Remastered features real-time combat where Raidou and his summonable demon allies can work together to take down foes. As Raidou, you’ll be able to string together sword and gun attacks with a range of other maneuvers.
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In the original game, you could only summon one demon at a time, but in the remaster, you’ll now be able to command up to two allies just like in Devil Summoner 2: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. King Abaddon. Your companions act independently, choosing the most appropriate action for the situation at hand or executing the commands you’ve given them. Each demon has their own unique combat skills, so it’ll be important to consider how they complement each other or fare against enemies. You can also simply deploy your favorites—even two of the same demon, if you’d like!
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Harness the new MAG Drain System
Magnetite (MAG) is a form of spiritual energy used by demons to perform Combat Skills. Raidou’s light sword attacks siphon MAG from enemies, while his strong attacks deal more damage but do not replenish the party’s MAG. Being able to quickly decide which to prioritize will make all the difference! Additionally, exploiting an enemy’s weakness will stun them, allowing you to deal more damage and recover significant MAG.
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Turn enemies into allies using the art of confinement
The art of confinement allows you to seal an enemy into one of Raidou’s tubes. Should you succeed, you may have the chance to strike up a conversation with them. Choose an answer they like, and they’ll provide benefits such as healing your party or boosting your stats!
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Go all out with Devil’s Bane and Spirit Slash
Once you’ve got an enemy off guard, you’ll be able to perform Devil’s Bane—a technique that inflicts a massive amount of damage and steals the enemy’s MAG. Additionally, meeting certain conditions during battle will raise your Spirit. Once it’s maxed out, you can perform Spirit Slash to deliver tremendous damage to all enemies in the field.
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Command over 120 demon allies!
50 new demons have been added to the remaster, bringing the total to over 120. At the Goumaden, Dr. Victor’s research facility, Raidou can fuse the demons he captures with the art of confinement into more powerful ones. On top of that, each demon belongs to a specific Order, which influences their weaknesses, skills, and fusion properties.
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When performing fusion, you are able to decide which skills the new demon inherits, allowing you to create a demon that is uniquely yours. Registering your demons into the Devil Chart will allow you to summon them again at any time. With the Premium Devil Chart, you’ll be able to register multiple entries for the same demon.
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Customizing demon skills
Demons possess two types of skills: Combat Skills and Passive Skills. Your allies will gain new abilities as they level up, and they can even inherit them during demon fusion. Skill books allow you to teach your demons specific skills.
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Sword Alchemy and Summoner Skills
Sword Alchemy is a new feature that allows Raidou to craft new weapons by fusing blades with demonic essence at the Goumaden. Through the crafted weapons, Raidou can acquire new abilities known as Summoner Skills. The first type, Combat Skills, includes a range of powerful techniques for battle. The second type, Sword Skills, encompasses abilities that provide Raidou with passive bonuses simply by equipping them. You can change your Summoner Skills as you see fit—even mid-battle!
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Tons of side content to enjoy, from side quests to post-game features
Throughout your investigation, humans and demons around the Capital may give you requests. You’ll earn rewards for completing these, so be sure to lend a helping hand when you can! Once you’ve completed the game, you’ll be able to choose the Detective Legend difficulty mode for a more challenging experience. By completing a certain quest will unlock Raiho’s fusion, a lovable Jack Frost who looks up to Raidou!
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Two Chapters of Raidou Kuzunoha vs. The Lone Marebito, a manga spin-off, are available now!
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Register the game on SEGA Account by July 31 to receive in-game items!
SEGA Account, an online profile service that gives you access to a host of benefits when playing SEGA and ATLUS titles and using their online services, is running a limited-time promotion where those who register the game can receive the Survival Pack Light Gear DLC for free! Be sure to register for SEGA Account by July 31 to claim a gift code for these items! If you’ve already got an account, you’re welcome to pick up a code too!
Free DLC
・Survival Pack Light Gear
Soma x2
Survival Erudition x5
※ Soma can be obtained in-game even without this additional content.
※ Survival Erudition is an item exclusive to the additional content. It prevents Raidou’s death once and fully restores his HP. However, on the “Sleuth” mode, Raidou and his demon allies cannot die, so this item cannot be used. Please use it on other difficulty mode.
※For details on how to obtain the item, please refer to the in-game “Detective Journal”
Wednesday, May 21, 2025 – Thursday, July 31, 2025 at 23:59 (JST)
Thursday, June 19, 2025 – Thursday, July 31, 2025 at 23:59 (JST)
How to Receive a Gift Code
1. Register to SEGA Account and link a platform.
2. Visit the Free Gift Code Promotion website on or after June 19, 2025.
3. Use your SEGA Account information to log in and select the platform you’d like to receive the
When the game launches tomorrow, the PlayStation®Store will offer a host of items to aid you in your investigations. The Kuzunoha Village Trainings, Demons of the Aril Rift, Guest Demons Pack, Skill Book Pack, and Survival Pack DLC can be purchased individually or at a special bargain price through the Devil Summoner Ultimate Bundle. Demonic Designations: Summoner Titles and A Special Briefing will be free for all players.
Kuzunoha Village Trainings
＜Contents＞
Offers three ways to train that allow you to increase your EXP, money, and stats quickly.
Demons of the Aril Rift
＜Contents＞
Introduces a special Trial of a Hundred Demons to the game. Clearing it lets you unlock 4 unique Skill Books that can power up your demons.
Guest Demons Pack
＜Contents＞
Adds fan-favorite demons from the Shin Megami Tensei series to the game. Includes:
Fionn mac Cumhaill of the Pyro Order, Artemis of the Frost Order, Zeus of the Volt Order, Huang Long of the Wind Order, Gozuki of the Fury Order, Mezuki of the Fury Order.
Skill Book Pack
＜Contents＞
Gives you a selection of powerful Skill Books, which can be used to teach new abilities to your demons.
Survival Pack
＜Contents＞
Provides you with a set of items that revives Raidou when he falls in battle, Renki a valuable item for Sword Alchemy and more.
Ultimate DLC Bundle
＜Contents＞
A special set that includes the 5 DLC products above at a great value.
A Special Briefing
＜Contents＞
Get additional entries to your Detective Journal that shed new light on the case’s true culprits.
(Not recommended for players who have yet to finish the main story.)
Demonic Designations: Summoner Titles
＜Contents＞
Adds 10 new titles for Raidou to equip.These titles were carefully selected from user-submitted suggestions on various social media platforms as part of a contest.
※ Release Date: July 3
※ New submissions for the contest are no longer being accepted.
Early Purchase Bonus—Raidou Glasses. See Raidou through a new lens—with Taisho era-styled glasses!
The Raidou Glasses, a cosmetic DLC item that spruces up Raidou’s appearance, will be bundled with the physical and digital versions of the game as a limited-time bonus. Physical copies will contain the bonus while supplies last. For digital copies, however, you must pre-order the game to receive the Raidou Glasses. Make sure you pre-order by 23:59 June 18!
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Get a deal on the base game and the 5 DLC add-ons by picking up the Digital Deluxe Edition!
The Digital Deluxe Edition will also be available at launch. Save on the base game, the Guest Demons Pack, Demons of the Aril Rift, Kuzunoha Village Trainings, Skill Book Pack, and Survival Pack by picking it up!
RAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army DX Pack
＜Contents＞
PS5/PS4 Version of RAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army Base Gmae
5 Additional contents
Additional content “Kuzunoha Village Trainings”
Additional content “Demons of the Aril Rift”
Additional content “Guest Demons Pack”
Additional content “Skill Book Pack”
Additional content “Survival Pack”
——————————————
RAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army
・Publisher ：SEGA
・Platforms：PlayStation 5 / PlayStation 4
・Genre： Action RPG
・Release Date: Coming June 19, 2025 (Thu)
・Number of Player ：1 person
・CERO：C
※ Owners of a PS4® disc copy can download digital PS5® version of this game at no extra cost
※ Players with a physical copy of the PS4 version can download the digital copy of the PS5 version by inserting the disc into their PS5. Without a disc drive, you won’t be able to receive a free digital copy of the PS5 version.
※ Digital version of this game entitles you to download both the digital PS4® version and the digital PS5® version.
Ah, hello again little Visitor. It’s been a while, but we’re so pleased to see you here in the Spiral, ready to discover more about one of the picturesque amusements you’ll be touring in Little Nightmares III, coming to your PS5 and PS4 on October 10, 2025.
When you enter the world of Little Nightmares, you’ll be visiting the Nowhere, a vast and surreal land where the odds are stacked against you; where children must use their wits and courage to survive. It’s a place made for adults, you see. Where the rotten cruelty of the grown-up world is an ever-present danger, constantly permutating into new and frightening places and hosting new Residents to populate them.
This time, you’ll play Low and Alone, best friends ever since they found each other in this lonely nightmare. They have been traveling together in search of what every Visitor wants: an escape from the Nowhere. Like other Visitors, they’ve been through many harrowing moments, only surviving thanks to their teamwork and quick thinking.
Now, they have a plan that will supposedly let them leave this unpleasant dream behind, but to get to their destination, they’ll have to explore, hide, and even defend themselves, working together as a team.
Today, let’s go on an outing to Carnevale.
Low and Alone find themselves on a rainy pier in the middle of the night. In the distance, the glow of lights beckons, and once again, the smell of candied treats lingers in the air.
They are suddenly in the midst of a ramshackle fun fair, faded greasepaint and flickering bulbs shout distractions from every direction. Fortunately for the children, the local Herd are too busy playing rigged games and eating Factory sweets to notice the children sneaking around – unless they draw too much attention…
That being said, there are times when drawing the attention of the Herd is advantageous. Sometimes, you can lure these lumbering creatures into danger or use them to destroy obstacles to your progress. Then, it’s simply a matter of escaping before they can catch up to you. That shouldn’t be too hard, right, little ones?
Each broken-down attraction is hosted by a puppet barker with no visible strings and unpiloted by any visible hands. These child-sized marionettes are not very welcoming to Visitors, and will attack any little guest who wanders too close for comfort. With a bit of cooperation between Low’s bow and Alone’s wrench, they can disable these pugnacious puppets before they can strike.
It might seem like an atypically pleasant place for the Nowhere, with the relatively cheerful atmosphere, but not all is well in this three-ringed circus.
You can see it in the rotted planks of the pier, the strangled customers standing in for pinatas; and yet, the Herd marches on through the midway, dazzled by strings of flickering carbon lights and tantalized by the sighing pipes of a distant calliope, all of them unaware that death is lurking somewhere among the sodden painted canvas walls of the Carnevale big top tents.
As Low and Alone stowaway on the rickety rollercoaster headed for the main attraction, they have no idea what terrors might be waiting for them on the other side.
Someone is running this show, but who?
Find out for yourself when Little Nightmares III launches on PS5 and PS4 on October 10, 2025. Pre-order today and get access to more content!
We’re all about innovation at PlayStation and finding new experiences everyone can enjoy, and today, we showcased four PS VR2 titles that players will be able to enjoy later this year.
Dreams of Another | Coming to PS VR2 later this year
The latest title in the PixelJunk series gives its first look at PS VR2 gameplay and showcases how the hardware takes Q-Games’ latest creation even deeper into its dreamlike state. As you switch between first and third person, take control as The Man in Pajamas, who uses an arsenal of weapons to create rather than destroy.
Grit and Valor – 1949 | Coming to PS VR2 August 21
Get hands-on with your units in this real-time tactics rogue-lite from Milky Tea Studios, where you are the general in an alternate timeline during World War II. Turn the battlefield into your personal plaything as you strategically place convoys across the map and navigate menus and abilities with your fingertips.
Studio Chyr’s follow-up to Manifold Garden checks you into a grand hotel where getting anywhere requires you to think out of the box, and sometimes in it, in this unorthodox puzzle adventure. Experience a room-scale game designed for everyone to enjoy as every mundane task is a riddle, or possibly an answer, in this near-infinite hotel.
Become a meteor in an out-of-this-world take on combat racing by Big Boot Games. Race and battle other meteors across the colorful cosmos, where speed and strategy are required for survival as you battle for leaderboard supremacy. Takedown your opponents to gain useful abilities and become the biggest star … rock in the galaxy.
More than just a bit of lore, this was meant to communicate that in our game, remaining vigilant is of the utmost importance.
That’s because, in addition to careful resource management, you also have to deal with enemies that can merge with each other during battle. This radically alters the dynamic of every encounter, with each Merge exponentially increasing its difficulty in real-time.
To that end, we made a short dev diary that details how the combat system in Cronos works in practice, while also addressing several key questions from our community:
Escalating threats: How merging transforms your enemies
In Cronos, enemies known as Orphans can absorb dead bodies to evolve into even stronger and more resilient foes, complete with new attack patterns.
This adds another layer of complexity to combat, because by killing Orphans you’re effectively providing fuel for other nearby enemies to evolve and become more powerful in the process.
Having the Merge as a fully integrated gameplay system fundamentally shifts the balance of combat, especially in a game where ammo is scarce and crafting opportunities are limited.
Most enemies in Cronos are capable of merging with each other. Your goal is to stop them at all costs, or deal with the consequences.
Arena Control: Turning the odds in your favor
The best way to counteract the Merge is by preventing it from happening in the first place. Often, combat in Cronos requires navigating handcrafted arenas filled with multiple enemies.
Since merging requires dead bodies to absorb, spatial awareness is critical. Space out your kills, lure foes away from fallen bodies, and be ready to interrupt merging attempts mid-fight.
When it comes to your gear, you’ll have an entire arsenal at your disposal for every situation. Weapons like the Javelin, with its rapid-fire capacity, are perfect for crowd control. Others, like the Hammer, deal heavy damage at close range – ideal for finishing off tough enemies before they can merge.
Rapidly switching between weapons according to their range and effectiveness in each situation is key to gaining the upper hand in combat.
Enemy Roles: Tips and tricks to defeat them
When it comes to enemy design, we wanted the Orphans to challenge players in distinct ways by featuring different attack patterns and fulfilling specific roles in combat. To take them down efficiently, it’s crucial to observe their behavior and adapt your strategy to counter their moves.
One enemy type you’ll encounter often is the Doppelganger. Scattered throughout New Dawn, not all Doppelgangers look or act alike. Instead, they can be grouped into different categories based on their combat style.
Some are runners, rushing towards the player to inflict melee damage. Others have ranged attacks, forcing players to approach them instead. Then there are the bruisers, heavy-hitting, durable foes who can soak up damage and are best dealt with using close-range shotgun blasts. And, of course, they all can merge with each other, gaining new abilities and attack patterns with each evolution.
Additionally, there are special enemies that only appear in select locations, but we will be revealing more about them in future updates.
That concludes our quick overview of how to approach combat in Cronos: The New Dawn. Through incorporating the Merge as a central combat mechanic, we aim to ensure that every encounter in the game feels both memorable and unpredictable.
This approach also reflects our commitment towards evolving the survival horror formula itself, by constantly pushing its boundaries and transforming what the genre can offer.
Cronos: The New Dawn will be available on PlayStation 5 in 2025.
If you’ve dreamed of what it might feel like to ride a superbike at full throttle, knee to the asphalt, engine roaring, speeding like a rocket. With VRider SBK coming to PlayStation VR2 on June 27, that dream is about to become a reality.
See it in action.
What’s in VRider SBK?
VRider SBK ignites the thrill of Superbike Racing on PlayStation VR2. Whether you’re chasing the podium or just the thrill of the ride, VRider SBK drops you into the heart of the officially licensed Superbike World Championship. Lean into every corner and blast down straights at over 200 mph across 14 real-world tracks, including Cremona and Estoril, alongside 23 official riders.
Ride five elite machines: Ducati, BMW, Kawasaki, Honda, and Yamaha using next-gen gesture-based controls designed for immersive VR. Go head-to-head in global PvP multiplayer, dominate the solo Tournament mode, or challenge the clock in Ghost races. With its unique “simcade” gameplay blend, VRider SBK delivers blistering speed, unforgiving realism, and pure two-wheeled exhilaration.
Built different for PS VR2
We’ve optimized the game with a specific quality setting to ensure a stable frame rate and smooth bike control. In racing games, motion sickness is primarily caused by input lag, the delay between controller actions and what’s rendered in the headset. This is often a result of demanding physics simulations, which require a consistently solid frame rate to avoid discomfort.
In the PS VR2 version, players can expect a range of exclusive features, including improved bike models, an animated skybox, more realistic tarmac, an animated crowd featuring flags and smoke bombs, as well as additional enhancements. This new version will also contain new, enhanced buildings and props in newly polished circuits, along with fully 3D trees, grass, and terrain transitions (e.g., gravel to sand and vice versa).
There’s more! VRider SBK’s PS VR2 version will also feature two additional tracks: Estoril and Cremona, which have been added to the circuit selection. The game will support PS VR2 Trophies and offer fully customizable visual quality profiles. In the single-player game mode, up to 23 players can ride on a single track. Isn’t that amazing?
Feel every turn: PS VR2 delivers the real rush
The computational power of the PS VR2 has allowed us to bring the scene to life and significantly enhance the realism of the race. A new rendering pipeline, compared to the initial release on other platforms, has enabled a much higher level of visual fidelity. What truly elevates the sense of presence and immersion, however, is the inclusion of 22 AI riders, representing the full championship roster. It’s now a real challenge to beat them all and become the new tournament champion!
Strap In. Burn rubber. Be legendary
This project was created with great passion and love. Some key members of the team are motorcyclists, and many bring real-life racing experience to the table. VRider SBK is a heartfelt tribute to a passion many of us have nurtured since childhood.
The development team is proudly Italian, and Italy is world-renowned for its mechanical heritage and passion for engines. We’ve got our fair share of wild stories: from an illegal ride on a Superbike as a teenager without a license, to swapping tuned bikes, all the way to our Game Director, who keeps a garage with three motorcycles, one completely custom.
To paraphrase a well-known book in the industry, at Funny Tales, we’ve poured in blood, sweat, and not just pixels — but pure bike passion.
Hey, everybody! Sid and Tim are back this week to discuss the foundation System Shock 2 laid for gaming generations to come, recap what the team saw at Summer Game Fest 2025, and their latest gaming adventures.
Stuff We Talked About
Next week’s release highlights:
Ruffy And The Riverside | PS5
System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster | PS5, PS4
Black Desert | PS5
Death Stranding 2: On The Beach | PS5
PS Store Promo: Mid-Year Deals — Save up to 70% on select titles, now until July 2
Ghost of Yōtei — Sucker Punch explores Hokkaido to learn ancient foraging skills and more
Climate Station — a new experience for PS5 and PS VR2 that transforms decades of climate science into an interactive story.
The Cast
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Sid Shuman – Senior Director of Content Communications, SIE
Thanks to Dormilón for our rad theme song and show music.
[Editor’s note: PSN game release dates are subject to change without notice. Game details are gathered from press releases from their individual publishers and/or ESRB rating descriptions.]
Last week, we you to dive in and share moments swimming from the game of your choice using #PSshare #PSBlog. Here are this week’s highlights:
Couch_Gamer2k23shares Nathan scuba diving in Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End
jobolts_shares Ellie swimming in the Savage Starlight skin in The Last of Us Part II.
call_me_xaviishares Sam floating through a stream of tar in Death Stranding.
calisarah1998shares Naoe leaping off a tree into a lake in Assassin’s Creed Shadows
xenobitzshares a hunter wearing a Palico helmet underwater in Monster Hunter Wilds.
vg_rynoshares Aloy peeking her head above water in Horizon Forbidden West.
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: Maximalism SUBMIT BY: 11:59 PM PT on June 25, 2025
Next week, push everything to the max. Share crowded, busy, visually over-the-top moments of maximalism from the game of your choice using #PSshare #PSBlog for a chance to be featured.
Dear Trailblazers, greetings from the Honkai: Star Rail development team. It’s been a while, we’ve truly missed you. Today, we bring you the latest news from Version 3.4, “For the Sun is Set to Die,” arriving officially on July 2. As the trailblazing expedition reaches its dramatic peak in Amphoreus, the Chrysos Heirs are pouring their last strength into securing one final, precious moment — so that you, the Trailblazer, and Phainon may deliver the last Coreflame to the Vortex of Genesis. Now, the path ahead has been revealed. Only one final step remains before Era Nova.
Let’s pick up where we left off — the fog shrouding Amphoreus’s skies gradually clears, revealing a cruel truth: this world is far more complex than it seems. As unveiled at the end of Version 3.3, the root of Amphoreus’s tragedy lies in an “Emperor’s Scepter” enduring to the present. However, the events that follow have transcended Amphoreus’s borders. The waves of “Era Nova” may sweep across the cosmic shores, and amidst this torrent, every choice the Trailblazer makes could determine the fate of the entire universe.
A new ally ignites the Galactic Trail
In the upcoming main storyline, the long-awaited Phainon will finally become a playable character and join the Trailblazer’s team. A native of Aedes Elysiae, he was one of the first Chrysos Heirs in Amphoreus to extend a hand of goodwill to the Trailblazer. Even in the darkest hours, he stood tall to shield others from harm. But behind his calm and gentle demeanor lies the weight of countless hopes and expectations. In Version 3.4, players will venture deep into Aedes Elysiae as the Trailblazer to uncover Phainon’s past — how he set foot on the Flame-Chase Journey, how he rose to become a warrior, and how those trials shaped who he is today.
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During combat, Phainon can accumulate “Coreflames” through various means. Once he reaches a certain number of “Coreflames,” he can unleash his Ultimate to transform and create a “Territory,” battling enemies in a powerful new form. His combat power greatly increases. While transformed, allies will be temporarily Departed, but their buff effects remain active. Upon transforming using “Coreflames,” Phainon unlocks new abilities, channeling the powers of the Creation, Calamity, and Foundation Titans. It’s worth mentioning that when Phainon is in the team, the team’s Technique Point cap increases. His Technique can instantly defeat normal enemies within a certain range without triggering combat. This will make exploring the map and adventuring across worlds much easier.
Fate/stay night [Unlimited Blade Works] collaboration event
Beyond Amphoreus, an extraordinary tale is about to unfold in Penacony. Recently, Trailblazer received a mysterious letter from Old Oti, head of the Alfalfa Family, an invitation to join a special entertainment program called “Sweet Dreams and the Holy Grail War.” This Holy Grail War will take place in Penacony, where seven invited participants will summon historical figures as Servants to fight alongside them. In addition to the Trailblazer, familiar names like Aventurine, Mr. Boothill, and Miss Robin will also appear as contestants. At the same time, three legendary Heroic Spirits will respond to the Holy Grail’s call: Saber, Archer, and Lancer. How will this dazzling and unpredictable “Sweet Dreams and the Holy Grail War” unfold? Who will form a contract with whom? The Trailblazer can uncover all these mysteries firsthand. The Honkai: Star Rail × Fate/stay night [Unlimited Blade Works] collab special story — Trailblaze Continuance “Sweet Dreams and the Holy Grail” and the event “Fate/stay night” will officially go live on July 11. Stay tuned!
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It is also worth noting that Saber will be joining as a playable character in this collaboration. Saber is a 5-star Wind-type character following the Path of Destruction. Her Ultimate, “Excalibur,” deals massive Wind DMG to all enemies and converts her Basic ATK into an enhanced Basic ATK that also targets all enemies. During combat, Saber can accumulate “Core Resonance” through her Technique, Basic ATKs, or when allies use their Ultimates. Once she accumulates enough, she will immediately gain an extra action. Using her Skill at this moment consumes all accumulated “Core Resonance,” increases the Skill’s damage, and instantly refills the Energy required for her Ultimate.
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At the same time, Archer will also be available as a playable character to assist players in battling powerful enemies during the Holy Grail War and the subsequent cosmic adventures. Archer is a Quantum-type character following the Path of the Hunt, skilled at dealing sustained single-target damage through repeated Skill use. When his Skill is activated and he enters the “Circuit Connection” state, casting the Skill will not end his turn. He can continue to use it until all Skill Points are depleted. With each additional cast, the damage increases accordingly. Upon using his Ultimate, Archer will recite the classic chant to activate “Unlimited Blade Works,” unleashing a powerful strike against a single enemy and gaining Special Charge. As the battle continues, whenever an ally attacks, Archer can consume this Charge to trigger a Follow-up ATK and restore 1 Skill Point for the team.
Starting from July 11, once the collaboration event begins and until the end of Version 3.6, Trailblazers who log in will be able to claim Archer, the limited 5-star collaboration character, for free. It’s worth mentioning here that the character and Light Cone collab banners will be available long-term after the event starts.
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Character re-run, existing characters enhancement, and system optimization
In the first half of Version 3.4, the limited 5-star characters Tribbie, Sunday, and Sparkle will make their return. In the second half, Firefly, Jingliu, and Blade will also re-run. Several popular existing characters — Silver Wolf, Blade, Kafka, and Jingliu — will get some serious enhancements. Some Eidolons of these characters will also tweaked to better match their revamped kits, making sure everything stays in sync. Notably, these four characters allow seamless switching between classic and enhanced modes, letting players choose their preferred battle style. Firefly’s new outfit, “Spring Missive,” will also launch soon.
And that’s not all. The long-awaited “skip dialogue” feature, which was previously announced, is finally going live in Version 3.4, letting players freely choose the pace of storytelling based on their own preferences. The much-loved minigame “Origami Bird” will make a strong comeback, adding a touch of lively fun to the update.
That wraps up our preview for Version 3.4. We hope it’s filled you with anticipation for the road ahead — and remember, this is only the tip of the iceberg. Even more surprises are already underway.
