Category: PlayStation

Hey everyone, are you ready to continue Aloy’s epic adventure on PC? On March 21, you’ll be able to explore the Forbidden West, battle awe-inspiring machines and encounter new tribes. Horizon Forbidden West is the beloved follow up to Guerrilla’s critically acclaimed Horizon Zero Dawn, and this Complete Edition for PC also includes the Burning Shores expansion, which continues Aloy’s journey and takes players to a treacherous volcanic archipelago after completing the main quest.

Today we are excited to announce that the PC version of Horizon Forbidden West Complete Edition is now available for pre-purchase with bonus content, including:

• Blacktide Outfit and Blacktide Bow* (available only with pre-purchase)
• Nora Legacy Outfit and Nora Spear* (available only when linking your Steam account to PlayStation 
• Network)
• 2 Special Outfits (Carja Behemoth Elite and Nora Thunder Elite)
• 2 Special Weapons (Carja Behemoth Short Bow and Nora Thunder Sling)
• In-game Resources Pack including ammunition, potions, and travel packs
• In-game Apex Clawstrider Machine Strike Piece
• Exclusive Photo Mode pose and face paint

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Horizon Forbidden West Complete Edition on PC features unlocked frame rates, customizable graphics settings and a broad range of performance-enhancing technologies, including NVIDIA DLSS 3 upscaling and frame generation. AMD FSR and Intel XeSS are also supported. For players with high-end hardware and extra headroom, image-enhancing NVIDIA DLAA is also available. The game leverages DirectStorage for quick loading times on PC.

On your journey in the far-future post-apocalyptic world of Horizon, you will discover a variety of highly detailed environments, including lush forests, sunken cities, vast deserts and impressive mountain ranges. With ultra-wide support, you’ll be able to take in the vistas in a panoramic view. Gameplay is supported in 21:9 ultra-wide, 32:9 super ultra-wide and even 48:9 resolutions with compatibility for triple-monitor setups.

Fully customizable mouse and keyboard controls let you traverse the Forbidden West and fight ferocious machines on your PC the way you want to. The game also features extensive controller support, including Steam Input support for remapping and customization of your peripheral of choice to your preferences. Use a PlayStation DualSense controller for the most immersive experience, with adaptive triggers that let you feel the tension in the string of your bow and haptic feedback that makes you feel the impact when you’re engaging in melee combat.

On behalf of everyone at Nixxes Software and Guerrilla, we can’t wait for you to jump back into the world of Aloy on PC! Head over to Steam or the Epic Games Store now to pre-purchase or wishlist the game.

In the coming weeks we will reveal more details about the system requirements for Horizon Forbidden West Complete Edition on PC.

Gran Turismo players! Update 1.42* for Gran Turismo 7 arrives Wednesday, January 24th at 11:00pm PST / January 25th at 6:00am GMT / 3:00pm JST. Let’s take a look at what’s included. 

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Three new cars

BVLGARI Aluminum Vision Gran Turismo

A digital concept car infused with the DNA of BVLGARI.

*Can be purchased in Brand Central from end of February

The BVLGARI Aluminum Vision Gran Turismo is a digital concept car inspired by the iconic BVLGARI Aluminum watch from 1998 and shares the same spirit: sporty, smart and essential, yet precise and quality crafted. The shapes, materials, colours, and overall design language of the car are directly inspired by the form language and spirit of the aluminum watch. 

The barchetta body style is an archetype of sportiness which expresses dynamic movement, lightness, and performance. The body design is an essential combination of pure and geometrical shapes, which are symbolic of Italian car design traditions of creativity and character, integrating some original references to the glorious era of ’60s and ’70s concept cars from Italian Carrozzeria. The result is a timeless design that is undeniably Italian in its innovative conceptual spirit and its expression of style and coolness, transcending all the temporary fashions and short-term trends, to affirm itself as a pure expression of BVLGARI design DNA.

Complimentary offer for owners of the BVLGARI Aluminum Gran Turismo Limited Models.

Those who purchase the BVLGARI Aluminum Gran Turismo Limited Model chronograph watch and register via the QR code will receive this car at no additional cost along with early access ahead of the official February release (to be distributed as a Car Ticket each month beginning late January). Take this opportunity to experience BVLGARI’s revolutionary digital concept car alongside this Vision Gran Turismo 10th anniversary commemorative chronograph watch.

Genesis X Gran Berlinetta Vision Gran Turismo Concept

A sports coupe that embodies the athletic elegance sought out by Genesis.

*Can be purchased in Brand Central

The Genesis X Gran Berlinetta Vision Gran Turismo Concept emotionally applies Genesis’ Athletic Elegance design philosophy. The design orchestrates the cab’s backward proportions with Genesis’ typical anti-wedge attitude that is structured around a virtual parabolical tensioned theory common to the entire Genesis model line-up. 

The X Gran Berlinetta Concept design language is pure and muscular with the volumes centered around the wheels. It sports Genesis’ new front fascia that abstracts the crest grille and links it with the quad lights, structuring and connecting the volumes from front to rear with the two-line brand identifier. The fuselage extrudes itself towards the rear in an elliptical concave volume that can be found on other Genesis vehicles. It is framed by a rear spoiler and lateral trailing edges for aerodynamic high-speed stability. 

The interior derives Genesis’ Beauty of White Space attitude by creating a purist environment for the pilot. The essential functions are prioritized to maximize track performance focus. The digital panoramic interface serves as information center linked to the surround digital monitoring system, while the steer-by-wire grip commands allow precise maneuvering. The quilted, padded bolsters protect the pilot while racing and during the speedy entrance and egress on pit stops. The X Gran Berlinetta Concept features an impressive aerodynamic fluidity. 

The designers have achieved a drag coefficient of 0.34 by integrating aerodynamic aids and orchestrating internal and laminar flows. The X Gran Berlinetta Concept is powered by a front mid-mounted Lambda II V6 engine, electrically assisted by Genesis E-SC technology. The hybrid race-spec drivetrain delivers a total of 1,071 HP (1,071 BHP) 986 ft-lb (136.3 kgfm) of torque, ensuring that this car is as powerful as it is beautiful. The V6 screams at 10,000 rpm while delivering a maximum output of 870 HP (870 BHP) and 790 ft-lb (109.2 kgfm) while the Yasa E motor generates an additional 201 HP (201 BHP) 196 ft-lb (27 kgfm).

Suzuki Jimny XC ’18

Amazing all-terrain ability beyond its size. Japan’s mighty micro off-roader.

*Can be purchased in Brand Central

The Jimny is a cross-country style 4WD model that has been produced by Suzuki since 1970. While there have been variants in each generation that crossed over into the compact car class, the mainstay of the series is the ‘kei’ model. The series has continued to develop over the years with a 2nd generation model introduced in 1981, the 3rd generation introduced in 1998 and the 4th generation in 2018. 

What has remained constant across the entire series though is its construction, which uses a ‘kei’ size body shell fitted to a ladder frame chassis with rigid axle suspension and oversized tires. The drivetrain used has always been a part-time four-wheel drive layout, though rear-wheel drive only models have appeared as well. The all-terrain ability that this thoroughbred offroad setup affords has earned it praise not only within its native Japan but across the globe as well. It has found a home as a commercial vehicle in areas with extreme snow and mountainous conditions, become a popular choice for outdoor leisure enthusiasts and even become a base car for off-road motorsports. 

The main features of the 4th generation Jimny introduced in 2018, are its overtly square body and its round headlamps which take the design back to its roots. Additionally, its stability and ride comfort at high speeds, a common weakness of primarily off-road vehicles, have been greatly improved. Also, the 660 cc turbo engine has been specially tuned for the Jimny, and the classic part-time four-wheel drive system has been returned to a mechanical transfer case. To reduce wheel spin, the car comes with electronically controlled brake LSD traction control as standard. The most popular model in the line-up is the luxury XC grade which comes with a wide variety of extra features such as cruise control and steering wheel-mounted audio controls.

Café / Extra Menus

The following two Extra Menus have been added:

• Extra Menu No. 34: ‘Nissan Motorsports‘ (Collector Level 46 and above）
• Extra Menu No. 35: ‘Dodge’（Collector Level 32 and above)

World Circuits (Event)

A brand-new race event, the Jimny Cup has been added to World Circuits along with new Vision Gran Turismo Trophy races for 2 tracks.

• Jimny Cup Sardegna – Windmills / Willow Springs International Raceway / Lake Louise
• Vision Gran Turismo Trophy Tokyo Expressway / Autodromo Nazionale Monza

Scapes

Service Area and Turn the Camera Vertically have been added to featured Scapes.

*Internet connection and Gran Turismo 7 game required for update.

Hi, all the Wanderers, welcome back! I’m Sky, the lead designer at Hotta Studio of Perfect World Games.

Brace yourselves, as Tower of Fantasy is gearing up for a compelling collaboration with the iconic sci-fi anime, Evangelion. The buzz around this collaboration has been incredible, and today, I’m thrilled to share the latest scoop on the collaboration content. Additionally, we’ll delve into previews of the future versions, version 3.6 and version 4.0, and spill the beans on the upcoming PS5 physical copy!

Evangelion Fantasy

First and foremost, we’re overjoyed to be able to collaborate with Evangelion! Many on our team are fans of this timeless anime, and that passion fueled our entire development process.

We will introduce Shinji Ikari, Asuka Shikinami Langley, and Rei Ayanami to the Vera Sector. As the Angels launch a sudden assault, players will join forces with these iconic characters to thwart the crisis. During the collaboration, you can obtain simulacrums of Asuka Shikinami Langley and Rei Ayanami. The inclusion of these beloved characters is bound to inject a fresh dose of vitality into your gaming adventure!

In our quest for authenticity, we recreated the captivating visuals of the original anime. Whether it’s the colossal Angels or the EVA units—EVA-00, EVA-01, and EVA-02—we’ve replicated them on a 1:1 scale. Our aim is for players to truly feel the impact of these giant EVAs when they make their grand entrances in the story. Furthermore, we’ve faithfully reproduced classic scenes from the original anime within the game’s narrative. While the specific details are currently under wraps, we can’t wait for you to experience them firsthand in the game.

We’ve absorbed the enchanting designs from the original Evangelion anime, extracting design elements from the entry plug and seamlessly integrating them as a vehicle into the Tower of Fantasy world. In our expansive open-world, vehicles are essential for exploring, and our new collaborative vehicle promises a one-of-a-kind exploration experience.

Now, onto a familiar face—Pen Pen! This adorable companion will join the adventure as a smart servant to accompany players on their journey.

This collaboration is set to unfold in the first half of 2024. We’re actively fine-tuning the content, with each team member pouring their heart into blending the essence of the original Evangelion anime with our love for Tower of Fantasy. We hope this collaboration will allow you to experience the perfect fusion of Evangelion and Tower of Fantasy, and enjoy the wonderful feeling of forming bonds with these beloved characters.

Preview of future versions

In the upcoming version  3.6 Beyond Horizons set to launch on January 30, the new map Aquaville will be introduced, marking the final piece of Domain 9. Compared to the other three areas in Domain 9, Aquaville exhibits a distinct sci-fi style, offering a completely different atmosphere.

At the core of Aquaville is the Distant Beacon Cabin 8, with industrial and commercial zones constructed along the inner walls of Cabin 8. As you first enter the space capsule, you’ll witness the breathtaking sight of a folded city. Moreover, Cabin 8 features a unique gravity system, with a special road known as the gravity rail connecting various areas scattered across the inner walls. Progressing along the gravity rail will provide you with a thrilling map-running experience of spinning in the air.

In version 3.6, we’re introducing a brand-new Simulacrum character named Plotti. Hailing from the Hykros headquarters, Algorithm Ark, Plotti serves as the rotating Authorizer, a hacker responsible for maintaining Gesthos and monitoring the operation of Omnium reactors across different time and space dimensions. Her every move adheres to protocols and regulations, yet beneath the surface, a rebellious side is hinted at, suggesting a completely different personality. Her weapon EP-7000 Skyfire is a dual-attribute hand cannon with fire and physical properties, set to launch on January 30.

As a game with long-term operation plans, Tower of Fantasy has much more in store for future versions. New companions, new open world, and stories will unfold in version 4.0—stay tuned for the what’s to come!

Physical copy information

Finally, we have some more news to share with you! Tower of Fantasy is set to release a physical copy, including the following in-game items:

For specific release details, please stay tuned for official announcements.

That concludes our sharing this time. Thank you all for your support. We hope you find joy and surprises throughout your Tower of Fantasy adventure.

One of the key features of Helldivers 2 is The Galactic War. Super Earth’s territories are under siege on all fronts by monstrous enemies hell-bent on destroying humanity’s way of life. From the war table aboard your ship, your team can watch as the conflict unfolds and take part in battles across the universe. Do your part to advance the frontlines in the name of Freedom and Managed Democracy.

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The Helldivers

Helldivers are the true heroes of Super Earth. As an elite soldier, you have the full might of Super Earth’s arsenal at your disposal. Use your lethal array of stratagems and weaponry to defend its colonizers and liberate planets from enemy forces.

Rise through the ranks and take on increasingly difficult missions to solidify your place in Helldiver history – and if one Helldiver should perish, that’s just an opportunity for another Citizen to realize their dream. Prosperity and liberty are your core values and it’s your privilege to spread them.

The enemy factions

The robotic Automatons and the bug-like Termininds terrorize Super Earth citizens in the biggest conflict since the last Helldiver mobilization, over one hundred years ago. Each faction operates differently, and requires their own strategies – and stratagems – to face.

The work of a Helldiver never ends as more planets fall into the enemy’s clutches and the battle rages on. Play your part in an evolving war to reclaim planets for Super Earth and spread democracy and liberty to the furthest reaches of the galaxy. Conquer not only Super Earth’s foes but the elements themselves, as you brave a plethora of environmental hazards on the surface of alien worlds.

Missions and operations

Unite with your comrades in arms and monitor the conflict at the War Table together.

Assemble around the Galactic War map with your squad and choose your mission.

Once you choose a planet, the War Table will allow you to choose an operation to partake in. Operations consist of up to three missions, with a variety of primary objectives, like eradicating bug infestations, destroying enemy supplies, and retrieving valuable data.

You can strategize with your team and build your load-outs collaboratively to prepare for the challenge ahead.

Embark on a range of different missions, from taking down high value targets or launching missiles to strike the heart of enemy strongholds. While fighting on the frontlines, keep your eyes open for potential resources and intel to bring back to Super Earth researchers. Your progress contributes to the overall war effort, and brings you closer to liberating that sector of the galaxy.

Super Earth is depending on you. Enlist today—Hellpods drop when Helldivers 2 releases on February 8!

PSN account required. Gameplay requires internet access and paid for PlayStation Plus membership (sold separately) on PS5. PlayStation Plus membership subject to recurring subscription fee taken automatically until cancellation. Age restrictions apply. Full terms: play.st/psplus-usageterms.

You ever get one of those awkward phone calls from your cousin that he and his family are in town and want to drop in for an unexpected house visit? Or your buddy texts you about arguing with their roommate, and they need to come over and cool down. Or, perhaps, the most dread-inducing — your coworker’s kid-sitter canceled, and they need an emergency backup. Suddenly, you’ve got guests over, and you need to keep them entertained for a while. Fortunately for you, you’ve got a PlayStation Plus membership and extra controllers, which means one thing:  it’s local multiplayer time.

But even if you’re not in an urgent need to keep a surprise audience entertained, getting a group of players together on the couch to have a good time is one of the best uses of your PlayStation. There are plenty of amazing PS4 and PS5 games you can always boot up whenever you need a good serving of multiplayer mayhem. Here are some of our favorites available with PlayStation Plus.*

Nobody Saves The World

• Drinkbox Studios
• PS4/PS5
• 2 players 

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Everyone’s a hero in this chaotic transformation-focused action/RPG. With the aid of a magic wand, your bland amorphous humanoid character assumes myriad different forms, each with a unique playstyle–and, with a friend in tow, you can take on forms that cover for each other’s weaknesses or double up on your strengths. With hundreds of combinations of forms and abilities to explore and blast through foes, you’ll have hours of fun with bodily modification.*

*Available as a PlayStation Plus January 2024 Monthly game.

Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands

• Gearbox Studios
• PS4/PS5
• Up to 4 players on PS5, 2 players on PS4

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The weirdness and humor of the beloved Borderlands series continues in this tabletop fantasy-themed spinoff. You and three of your friends/frenemies can play together in a weird and wild fantasy loot-driven FPS with your own customizable characters in classes like Stabbomancer and Brr-zerker. Use melee weapons, spells, and (of course) lots and lots of crazy guns to eradicate enemies and get all the sweet, sweet rewards. Play in either normal co-op mode or coopetition mode, where you’ll need to squabble to decide who gets what loot.*

*Included in the Game Catalog with PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium memberships.

Street Fighter: 30th Anniversary Collection

• Capcom
• PS4
• 2 player competitive

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We all know and love Street Fighter. Even if your play partner’s never thrown a Hadoken in their life, it’ll only take a couple of minutes to learn, and then you’ve got even more fun and strategy to dig into. With 12 different Street Fighter games in one package, you can stick with the classic Street Fighter II titles, or dig deep into the later Alpha and III series. You don’t have to be able to do the Daigo Parry to have hours of fun digging into the storied history of Street Fighter with a friend–but once you’ve had fun playing competitively, you may want to take your skills to the next level.*

*Included in the Classics Catalog with PlayStation Plus Premium memberships.

Dragon’s Crown Pro

• VanillaWare/Atlus USA
• PS4
• Up to 4 players

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Don’t have your dice and Dungeon Master gear on hand for your tabletop roleplaying session? Boot up Dragon’s Crown Pro and take your gang of adventurers on a gorgeous side-scrolling journey through realms of treasure and fantasy. Play as one of six classes and travel into dungeons as a band of up to four players, felling fearsome foes in fierce action gameplay and returning to the tavern with tales of bravado and plenty of sweet loot. Customize your warrior with skill trees to create your dream fantasy fighter. Will you discover the legendary Dragon’s Crown?*

*Included in the Classics Catalog with PlayStation Plus Premium memberships.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge

• Tribute Games/Dotemu
• PS4/PS5
• 6 players on/offline 

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Take a trip back to the days of multiplayer Turtle beat-em-up action at the local arcade, but with brand-new visuals, super special moves, loads of secrets, and no need to worry if some kid before you spilled orange soda on the player-three joystick. Run through the single-session arcade mode with up to six players or, if you’re spending a while together, play through Story Mode co-op to build custom character loadouts and aim to conquer special challenges. Add the DLC expansion Dimension Shellshock for a new Survival mode and even more playable characters.*

*Included in the Game Catalog with PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium memberships.

Sackboy: A Big Adventure

• Sumo Digital/Sony Computer Entertainment
• PS4/PS5
• Up to 4 players

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LittleBigPlanet’s star sets out with some friends on an incredible family-friendly journey through a beautiful 3D world. The very fabric of Craftworld is abundant with stretchy, bouncy, tactile joy that allows you to use Sackboy’s robust movement skills in delightfully enjoyable and creative ways. But to get the most out of this Big Adventure, you’ll want to visit with friends (up to three more), as some stages and challenges require cooperation to conquer.*

*Included in the Game Catalog with PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium memberships.

The Ascent

• Neon Giant/Curve Games
• PS4/PS5
• Up to 4 players 

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Well, it looks like the megacorporation that you and your buddies were employed (read: enslaved) by in the cyberpunk world of Veles suddenly collapsed. Now, everything in your neighborhood’s going to hell. It’s time to get the guns out and solve problems. Explore neon-lit, dilapidated environments in an open world from an isometric viewpoint while blasting through foes and hazards with twin-stick shooter action. Augment yourself with upgrades and hack into forbidden areas as you acquire new skills, strengths, and loot. And don’t neglect to take cover when you have to. It’s better than becoming a bullet-ridden shell.*

*Included in the Game Catalog with PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium memberships.

*Titles available with PlayStation Plus memberships at the time of article publish.

Email us at PSPodcast@sony.com!

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Hey y’all! This week the team discusses The Last of Us Part II Remastered, as well as the upcoming Tomb Raider I-III Remastered release. Plus a listener letter led a discussion on some of the team’s toughest fought boss battles.

Stuff We Talked About

• The Last of Us Part II Remastered – PS5
• Tekken 8 – PS5
• Foamstars PlayStation Plus Monthly Game Announcement Blog
• The Last of Us Part II Remastered Features Blog
• Tomb Raider I-III Remastered Features Blog
• Evolution of Tekken and PlayStation Blog
• Listener letter
• God of War Ragnarök

The Cast

View and download image

Kristen Zitani – Senior Content Communications Specialist, SIE

O’Dell Harmon, Jr. – Content Communications Specialist, 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.]

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

Dadavidtd shares Kratos swinging the Blade of Olympus at a cyclops

luucas_saantana shares Helios hanging from Kratos’ belt

sorathluna shares Kratos swinging the Blades of Chaos set aflame

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

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

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

Search #PSshare #PSBlog on Twitter or Instagram to see more entries to this week’s theme. Want to be featured in the next Share of the Week?

THEME:  The Last of Us Part II Remastered

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

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

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

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

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

Tekken: Iron-fisted beginnings

Tekken | U.S. Release 1995 | PlayStation

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

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

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

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

Tekken 2: Refining the formula

Tekken 2 | U.S. Release 1996 | PlayStation

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

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

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

Tekken 3: A more familiar face

Tekken 3 | U.S. Release 1998 | PlayStation

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

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

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

Tekken Tag Tournament: 2-on-2 goodness

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

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

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

Tekken 4: A dynamic reintroduction

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

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

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

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

Tekken 5: Modern movement

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

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

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

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

Tekken 6: Taking the battle online

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

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

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

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

Tekken Tag Tournament 2: Return to tag

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

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

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

Tekken 7: New heights

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

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

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

Play Video

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

Tekken 8: The future of iron fist

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

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

Play Video

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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