Some big new releases from last month included College Football 26, Abiotic Factor, Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound, and Shadow Labyrinth. Which earns your vote for July 2025’s best new game?
How does it work? At the end of every month, PlayStation Blog will open a poll where you can vote for the best new game released that month. After the polls close we will tally your votes, and announce the winner on our social channels and PlayStation.Blog.
What is the voting criteria? That’s up to you! If you were only able to recommend one new release to a friend that month, which would it be? Note: re-released games don’t qualify, but remakes do. We define remakes as ambitious, larger-scale rebuilds such as Resident Evil 4 (2023) and Final Fantasy VII Remake.
How are nominees decided? The PlayStation Blog editorial team will gather a list of that month’s most noteworthy releases and use it to seed the poll.
THQ Nordic’s 2025 Showcase just wrapped, debuting new details on Tides of Tomorrow, Spongebob Squarepants: Titans of the Tide, Gothic 1 Remake, and more.
Here is a breakdown of the upcoming titles.
The team at Tarsier, creators of Little Nightmares I & II, are creating an all-new horror adventure -Reanimal. The showcase gameplay trailer features a first look at new gameplay environments and characters, including new monsters and friends of the orphaned siblings. Their relentless journey to survive a hellish gamescape features a rich narrative and online and couch co-op multiplayer so players can share the scare.
In more light-hearted gaming updates, the pre-order program for SpongeBob SquarePants: Titans of the Tide is now live. Confirmed for release on PS5 on November 18 of this year, this all-new adventure through Bikini Bottom allows players to play as both Patrick and SpongeBob to the song-stylings of the one and only David Hasselhoff.
The ability to switch from SpongeBob to Patrick and back again has been a long-time request from SpongeBob gamers. Preorder any edition and receive the Natural Costume DLC free. The Ghostly Digital Edition includes the Tidal Season pass, also available separately.
For the SpongeBob Collector, get all SpongeBob games and DLC in the digital Bikini Bottom Bundle or head to your favorite retailer for the Ghostly Edition featuring an exclusive Steelbook, collectible patch, keychain & lenticular prints.
One genre we simply cannot get enough of at THQ Nordic is role-playing. Remaking the classic RPG Gothic is a true passion project for our Alkimia Interactive. Gothic 1 Remake is built for today’s most discerning RPG enthusiasts, including thoughtful expansions architected with Gothic veterans in mind.
Starting today, gamers everywhere can return to the Valley of the Mines in the Gothic 1 Remake demo. Dive into the Nyras Prologue to experience the thrill of entering the Colony for the very first time — without encountering any spoilers. This demo will not be included in the final game. THQ Nordic will also release the Gothic Classics, 1, 2, and 3 for PS5 in 2026.
Our all-new gameplay trailer for Eternal Life of Goldman reveals at least one life shattered by our protagonist Goldman. The vibrant yet dark platformer demands precision while encouraging exploration and a sense of discovery throughout the game world. Complex scenes and rich characters create The Eternal Life of Goldman’s layered story that is perfectly balanced to platform-style play.
Download the image
Tides of Tomorrow developer Digixart, the team behind Route 96, revealed new insights on the all-new asynchronous gameplay feature as part of today’s Showcase event. Tides of Tomorrow combines rich story-telling and collaborative gameplay for a first-of-its-kind experience. The colorful, post-apocalyptic universe is in the player’s hands as decision-making will determine the fate of the game world and all its inhabitants.
The Wreckfest franchise is one of my favorite stress relievers. BugBear Entertainment is working on a long-awaited sequel to the high-octane, no-rules demolition derby and racing game. Made famous for its realistic damage model and unique blend of arcade and simulation style, the Wreckfest franchise requires that every driver drive hard to die last. Wreckfest 2 is racing to PS5 in 2026.
We’re working on a sequel to another celebrated role-playing game – Titan Quest II. The ARPG best known for combining hack-n-slash combat, loot-based progression, and deep character customization in a rich, mythological setting is coming to PS5 in 2026. With a class-less character system, players can choose two masteries from a variety of options and freely combine them to create their own hero inspired by ancient mythology. Explore the realms of ancient Greece, visit places where no mortal has ever ventured, and face legendary creatures — and even gods themselves. Titan Quest II promises an adventure worthy of its own myth.
The Burnout series was a favorite for PlayStation gamers for more than a decade. The team behind that racer have combined arcade racing with a toolbox full of customization options in a giant open world with Wreckreation. Players can choose from 60 different vehicles and use the Game DJ to change in-game parameters like music, vehicles, weather, time of day, traffic, and game world.
And the best part? Players can instantly switch to the live mix building mode in real-time, constructing their own highways — complete with crazy jumps, loops, and hundreds of objects placed anywhere in the game world. Ever wanted to race your car over a dinosaur’s head? Wreckreation has got you covered. The new gameplay trailer shows off in-game racing and stunt challenges that can be created and shared with friends. Wreckreation is coming to PS5 later this year.
We like to think we have something fun for just about every PlayStation gamer and can’t wait to give players a chance to play many of the games we previewed today at Gamescom in a few weeks.
Silent Hill f, a standalone spin-off of the Silent Hill series from developer NeoBards, comes to PlayStation 5 on September 25. We recently had the chance to play the game at its world premiere event in Tokyo, Japan.
Psychological horror set in 1960s Japan
The story begins when Hinako leaves her home to escape from her upset father. Silent Hill f utilizes the same over-the-shoulder perspective as Bloober Team’s 2024 Silent Hill 2 remake, allowing players to move the camera with the right analog stick. Sharing a similar perspective to Hinako adds to the immersion and tension of the game. When you look around the forest surrounding her, you become acutely aware of the danger closing in and feel the overwhelming sense of isolation and entrapment.
Navigate the fog-enshrouded town and survive the deadly horrors from an over-the-shoulder perspective
The sky darkens as Hinako approaches a row of houses along the forestline, and a mysterious fog descends. The authentic 1960s Japanese town, depicted in vivid 4K visuals, evokes a sense of beauty and nostalgia. However, things take a turn after you meet Hinako’s childhood friends. The fog completely engulfs the town, and “higanbana” (red spider lilies) begin blooming from the ground. Worse yet, tentacle-like plants begin creeping and overflowing from the walls. The town’s dramatic transformation enthralled me.
Navigating the maddening, twisting streets of Ebisugaoka
Ebisugaoka features an array of narrow streets intertwining between clustered houses. Blind corners and varying verticality create a complex, maze-like layout. Unlike Silent Hill 2, there are no radios or items to warn you of approaching enemies, so you must remain vigilant and alert to every sound.
Puzzles closely tied to the story
Puzzles are a defining feature of the Silent Hill series, and they feature prominently in this title. During our playthrough, we were able to try out a variety of puzzles inspired by Japanese culture, such as locating the correct “ema” (small wooden prayer tablets) or finding scarecrows that matched certain criteria. Many of these puzzles are deeply connected to the story written by scriptwriter Ryukishi07, and it was intriguing to find out how they were linked to the characters’ emotions and identity.
Close-range combat demands quick-thinking and strategy
Hinako is an average Japanese teenager, so unlike previous titles in the series firearms aren’t an option here. Instead, Silent Hill f has a heavier focus on melee combat. During our demo we got our hands on an iron pipe, a sickle, a dagger, and a naginata polearm.
Combat features a new Sanity mechanic and counterattacks to target vulnerable enemies. Pressing the R2 button during combat openings combat activates a counter. This doesn’t consume stamina, and if successful, the enemy will get knocked down. You’ll see a special effect appear on the enemy when you can execute the counter. Although Focus mode consumes Sanity, this state can slow down time and create a longer opening, making it easier to deliver a surprise counter. Also, when Hinako’s Focus gauge fills up she can unleash a powerful Focus Attack with the R1 button, which inflicts significant damage. However, the current Max Sanity will decrease, making it harder to go into Focus mode, so you’ll need to determine the prime moments to take advantage of this attack.
Keep an eye on weapon durability
Weapons in Silent Hill f have levels of durability and will break faster the more they’re used. Make sure you carry spare weapons or toolkits to repair their durability. However, weapons like the dagger and naginata, which can only be used in the Otherworld, have no durability and can be used to your heart’s content.
Face-to-face with a formidable shrine maiden monster
The demo concludes with an intense battle between Hinako and a grotesque monster dressed as a shrine maiden. Hinako calls this monster “Sakiko” when she confronts it in the Otherworld.
The shrine maiden’s attacks span a wide range and will keep you on your toes from long range. The monster launches a long-distance attack that makes Hinako flinch while it simultaneously vanishes to cut down her Sanity. However, if you’re able to locate the monster right after it reappears you’ll have a chance to dash and strike while it’s vulnerable.
I walked away from my time with Silent Hill f eager to confront more terrifying enemies and challenging puzzles, as well as explore new areas of the map when the game launches September 25 on PS5.
Battlefield 6 has made its debut, with Electronic Arts providing the first big look at its sprawling first-person shooter, including hands-on with its often-enormous multiplayer mode. I engaged the enemy across four of the nine maps Battlefield 6 will include at launch, which took us through a range of battles: from the vehicle-filled All-Out Warfare modes, to smaller, close-quarters battles.
The franchise heads back to its roots with Battlefield 6, serving as a sort of spiritual successor to Battlefield 3 and Battlefield 4. It uses a modern setting of 2027 and, like the games it draws inspiration from, sees the return of character classes to the series—but with new twists on the old formulas.
Battlefield 6 hits PS5 on October 10, but you don’t have to wait that long—there are also open beta weekends this August so you can try out the game’s new tricks yourself.
Here’s everything from my boots-on-the-ground experience in Battlefield 6.
Character classes
Battlefield 6 brings back the class system that players know and love, but with adjustments that let you further dial in your specialty. The new Training system is Battlefield 6’s take on subclasses, expanding on the Specializations of Battlefield 3 and Field Upgrades of Battlefield 4.
Classes also get buffs as you “level up” through a match by supporting teammates, defeating opponents, and playing objectives, which further amp up the things that make them unique. Eventually, they can charge up a special ability that’s specific to their Training.
Assault — The run-and-gun class wields an assault rifle and combat stims, and with the Frontliner training, gains faster health regeneration, more stimulants, and more accuracy while moving.
Recon — Best known for long-range shots and spotting enemy movement. The Sniper training marks enemies seen through your scope more quickly and for longer, while sniper shots stop enemy healing. Meanwhile, headshots drop enemies with a single round, without the possibility of being revived by a teammate.
Engineer — The only class that can repair vehicles can also be a real menace to them, as well as to other infantry. The Anti-Armor training lets you wreck vehicles with extra rockets that also reduce their repair effectiveness.
Support — The classic defensive class is a little more than a revive machine in Battlefield 6. Specializing in light machine guns, you can also place temporary cover and drop ammo for your teammates. The Combat Medic training also lets you dish out health for allies and regenerates health while you’re reviving teammates.
Closed and open weapons — Classes get a signature weapon and specific gadgets, but whether weapons are open or closed depends on the playlist you’re playing. On closed playlists, you can only use certain weapons with certain classes. But on open playlists, you can swap to anything that works for you.
Tactical destruction
Map destruction is one of Battlefield’s defining features, but in Battlefield 6, destroying chunks of the map is part of your strategy and a weapon to use against the enemy.
Blast a path — Thin obstacles like doors or windows can be crashed through or blasted apart to open a line of fire. You can also level walls with grenades or a handy sledgehammer.
Emphasis on “tactical” — Thomas Andersson, Creative Director of the Battlefield Franchise, explained that destruction in Battlefield 6 is meant to be somewhat predictable so you can make use of it in firefights. Destroying the floor beneath your opponents or bringing a building down on their heads are viable strategies that are satisfying to pull off.
Bring down the house — Standing in a building that’s coming down around you is shockingly loud and intense, but I couldn’t look away from Battlefield 6’s beautiful devastation. The best part, though, is finding cover in the rubble to continue the fight as the map changes around you.
Kinesthetic combat
Battlefield 6 makes firefights more dynamic and adaptive with the addition of the Kinesthetic Combat System.
Peek and lean — Walk up to any corner in Battlefield 6 and you’ll get a contextual prompt that lets you hold R1 to lean out and fire, and lean back into cover when you let go, providing new tactical options in close-quarters engagements.
No one left behind — Reviving comrades isn’t just a matter of holding down the Square button and hoping nobody shoots you. Now you can drag a downed teammate out of the line of fire while you revive them. As a dedicated medic fan, being able to pull a buddy out of danger saved my own life a few times, too.
Hitch a ride — Vehicles never seem to have enough seats, but you can grab onto the outside of tanks or trucks to hitch a ride and stick with your squad.
Fight the recoil — Battlefield developers said they know a lot of players don’t really know how to compensate for the recoil of most guns, but it’s a skill that can win firefights. Kinesthetic Combat telegraphs information about recoil by tilting your gun in the direction it moves as it fires, so you can learn to keep your shots on target—possibly without even realizing the game was teaching you.
Maps
The four maps I fought through gave a sense of Battlefield 6’s scale, as well as the intensity of its smaller locales. Battlefield 6’s more massive maps include locations within them called Combat Zones, which are smaller, carefully designed engagement areas that can also function as maps on their own for the game’s different modes.
Liberation Peak — An enormous mountainside battlefield that’s great for vehicles of all kinds and excellent for snipers, especially once you start leveling buildings to create new, tough-to-spot positions.
Siege of Cairo — A dense city where the fighting is fierce, and buildings are constantly at risk of being reduced to rubble. Siege of Cairo is big enough for tanks and vehicles, but also packs a Combat Zone where you’ll need to check your corners and keep on the move.
Empire State — This infantry-only map takes the fighting to the streets of Brooklyn, pushing squads into open streets and tight alleyways. A shotgun is excellent for tight interiors, but make sure you’re checking the floors above you.
Iberian Offensive — Gibraltar is home to some winding streets and quaint shops that make for hardscrabble advances through tight pathways, but with plenty of walls to wreck to expose the enemy.
Modes
The modes I played were broken up across Battlefield’s classic All-Out Warfare modes and two modes designed for smaller maps.
Squad Deathmatch — Four squads compete in close-quarters combat on smaller maps in this revival of the mode from Battlefield: Bad Company 2. Working together, balancing your classes, and staying in constant communication are essential.
Domination — Infantry battle over three control points, making for a series of push-and-pull firefights in close quarters.
Conquest — Battlefield’s iconic All-Out Warfare mode finds two teams fighting to control points across the map, with huge armies and all available vehicles. Things can get chaotic and overwhelming, but just remember: Play the objective.
Breakthrough — Attackers try to push forward across Battlefield 6’s big maps in this All-Out Warfare mode, dominating it sector by sector, while defenders do everything they can to stop them.
With Battlefield 6, Battlefield Studios and EA are revitalizing some of the best elements of the series, while dialing up the devastation to levels it’s never reached before. You really haven’t played Battlefield until you’ve watched a tank shell collapse a building while you’re standing in it.
But you can experience it all for yourself, and soon. You can join Battlefield 6’s open beta on two weekends this month: August 9-10 and August 14-17. The full game launches on October 10.
Hi, everyone. I’m Matt Bozon, director of the Shantae series. Today I’d like to fill you in on some exciting news about Shantae Advance: Risky Revolution, and share more details about the project!
If you’re familiar with the Shantae video game series, you might have heard that the original Shantae game had an unfinished sequel that never saw the light of day. Shantae Advance: Risky Revolution is that long-lost sequel. The original production ended in 2004, leaving the game only half finished – but the story didn’t end there.
A long-lost genie adventure
Twenty years later the original Shantae Advance team was reunited thanks to WayForward and Limited Run Games. We opened our archives, dove into old files, and set out to complete the project in its original code base using the tools of a bygone era. It was a labor of love, preservation, and improvisation. Now, the project is finally complete after over two decades, and will be “Ret-2-Go” on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5.
So, is Shantae Advance: Risky Revolution an old game or a new game? Is it game #2 in the series? Or game #6? Great questions. First and foremost, this is a brand-new, never-before-released Shantae game that was completed in 2025. But canonically, it’s the 2nd game in the series. The story takes place directly after the events of Shantae 1, but before Risky’s Revenge. The overall play style builds on lessons learned from all previous Shantae efforts. Combat and platforming are quick and snappy, writing and humor are on point, and quality-of-life elements are in line with the modern series.
As for features, the game contains three stand-alone experiences; First, there’s the modern version built for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5, which contains high-resolution portrait artwork, UI, and cinematics. Second is Classic Mode, which preserves all of 2004-era pixel artwork in its original resolution, and can be played as a stand alone game – effectively bonus content. Third is Battle Mode, which is a two-to-four player local party game in which players try to clobber each other and collect power ups, while navigating a rotating arena.
Shanae’s new costumes
But wait, there’s more. All of the above is included in the Standard Edition, but we’re also offering a Deluxe Edition, which contains three exclusive costumes made especially for fans. See Shantae as you’ve never seen her before – in her Relic Hunter Costume, High Voltage Costume, and Sizzle Armor Costume. Not only do these costumes change Shantae’s in-world sprites, but they also change her high-res dialogue portraits and the properties of her magic attacks. With the Deluxe Edition, all three of these costumes are available from the get-go. Let’s dig in:
The Relic Hunter Costume is inspired by Uncle Mimic’s old geezer friends, the Relic Hunters, who feature prominently in the game. For this costume we wondered what would happen if Shantae cosplayed as Uncle Mimic. She’d definitely want to make some adjustments of her own. What do you think? Wearing this adventurous getup grants a permanent power-up to Shantae’s Pike Ball Magic.
The High Voltage Costume grants hyper energy to Shantae’s electrical Storm Puff magic. The modern style and holographic ponytail are as nonsensical as it gets – right down to the “1994” graphical text on the pant leg – signifying the year that Shantae was created. We thought it would be fun to give her a techwear-inspired outfit with dayglow colors.
Last – and in this case, least – is the Sizzle Armor Costume. This impressive “swimsuit” of armor provides a significant boost to Shantae’s Fireball Magic. This design is inspired by 1980s anime bikini armor, with fluorescent reds, dragonslayer-esque plating, and gleaming gemstones and baubles. Shantae’s ponytail even changes into a fire-whip.
So there you have it – all the details on the all-new Deluxe Edition content for Shantae Advance: Risky Revolution. Both the Standard Edition and the Deluxe Edition will be available to purchase and download on August 19 – less than a month away. After waiting 20 years to get this game into your hands, I can hardly believe it’s finally about to happen. I hope you all are as excited to play the game as we are. Thank you for supporting this series.
In Season 5, the Rogue Black Ops team tracks down the final Pantheon moles to finish what they’ve started. Battle across new Multiplayer maps plus check out the thrilling conclusion of the Black Ops 6 Zombies storyline. In Verdansk, the Stadium is blown wide open, with high-tech secrets hiding within. The new content goes live in Black Ops 6 and Warzone starting August 7.
Multiplayer Overview
New Maps
Runway (Launch): Following a destructive pursuit in the Arzak Provincial Airport, wreckage and chaos have engulfed the terminal and the surrounding area.
Exchange (Launch): Set in a vibrant Avalon marketplace, crash the party and unleash havoc on this small-sized three-lane map centered around the Deli.
World Motor Dynasty (W.M.D.) (Launch), Remaster: First introduced in the original Call of Duty: Black Ops, W.M.D. is back as the reimagined World Motor Dynasty luxury Italian car manufacturer in Avalon.
Jackpot (Mid-Season), Inspired by Black Ops 4: Using elements from the original Casino map from Black Ops 4 and partially inspired by the Heist mission from the Black Ops 6 campaign, this extensively reworked map takes place on the Casino Luttazzi floor.
New and Returning Multiplayer Modes
Aim High (New, Launch): Across a variety of game modes headshots land instant eliminations while full body armor minimizes damage dealt anywhere below the neck. Eliminate enemies and receive brief speed and health regeneration boosts.
Snipers Only (Returning, In-Season): Operators spawn with only a Sniper Rifle in hand – Equipment, Secondary Weapons, and your Dedicated Melee Weapon are restricted.
Cranked Moshpit (Returning, In-Season): Eliminations give you speed Perks and activate a bomb countdown on your Operator. Refresh the bomb timer with chain eliminations and earn twice the score for your team.
Zombies Overview
New Round-Based Zombies Map: Reckoning (Launch)
The massive Janus Towers that dominate the Project Janus Headquarters are teetering on the verge of collapse. Face the final chapter of the Black Ops 6 Zombies story as the crew and Richtofen face off against S.A.M. in a race against time.
New Elite Enemy and Other Entities
The greatest new Project Janus threat is the Uber Klaus – a hulking robot encased in a tough, bulky exoskeleton, packed with lethal efficiency and super strength. Once the outer protection is shattered, a second form known as Uber Klaus Core appears.
Keep an eye out for waves of daunting Kommando Klaus units, robot enforcers heralded by a mysterious red mist. These machines are programmed to seek and destroy, self-destructing upon contact.
New Wonder Weapon: Gorgofex
Buried deep within the Janus Towers is the Gorgofex, a grotesque new Wonder Weapon. This bio-aetheric weapon pulses with fungal, insectile, and floral traits and supports multiple variants for those willing to discover them.
Additional Field Upgrade: Mister Peeks
Summon the deadly and distracting bunny to bust out the moves and bash undead brains to a disco beat.
Call of Duty: Warzone Overview
Abyss Protocol Activated: Stadium Compromised
Recon teams have uncovered the existence of a covert military base hidden inside the National Acropolis Arena, tied to the highly secretive Abyss Protocol. A looming threat may be buried within – Operators are advised to prepare for an imminent Stadium breach.
New Contract: Satellite Hijack (Launch Window, Week One)
Explode your way into the stadium with the multi-step Satellite Hijack Contract, available only during the first full week of the season.
New LTMs
Stadium Resurgence LTM (In-Season, Week Two): Operators will be able to access the Stadium via new rooftop entry points and participate in a fast-paced Resurgence mode with a seven-circle collapse
General Overview
New Weapons: In the Battle Pass, unlock two new free base weapons: the PML 5.56 LMG and ABR A1 Assault Rifle. Plus, earn additional new weapons via seasonal events.
New Attachments: Bring the power to your favorite pistol with the 9mm PM Skull Splitter attachment available in the Battle Pass. And unlock an additional attachment at mid-season.
Season 5 Battle Pass, Store Content
Purchase the Battle Pass to immediately unlock rewards including a seasonal 10% Battle Pass XP Boost, the Stogie Sims Operator, the Infernous Legendary Blueprint for the Kilo 141 Assault Rifle, and more, providing access to over 110 pieces of unlockable content. Plus, Purchase BlackCell for the premiere Battle Pass Upgrade.
Season 5 Launches August 7
Black Ops 6 is available now on PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4. Experience the spy action thriller Campaign, the in-depth tactical chaos of Multiplayer, and soak in the gory glory of round-based Zombies!
Hi there, I’m Miki Majka, Game Producer at Rock Square Thunder. Today, I want to give you a first look at the official gameplay trailer for our upcoming game, I Hate This Place, which is coming to PlayStation 5 later this year. It’s a craft-based, isometric survival horror experience all wrapped in bold comic-style visuals and soaked in a gritty 1980s horror atmosphere.
I also want to take you a little deeper into how we’re using sound as more than just atmosphere. In I Hate This Place, silence isn’t simply golden — it can mean the difference between life and death.
But first, let’s take a look at the gameplay trailer:
These creatures hunt by sound
As you probably noticed in the video, the world of I Hate This Place is filled with a lot of nightmarish, otherworldly creatures from a rather eerie and distorted world. But what might not be so clear is that many of these hulking monstrosities can barely see. Instead, they stalk their prey (you) by sound, so all your actions and movements need to be thought out. Every footstep, every gunshot, every clang of metal can give off your location.
So whether you’re creeping through overgrown woods or navigating decrepit facilities, the surface beneath your sneakers matters. A slow, crouched shuffle across grass will likely be ignored. A careless stomp on broken glass, not so much.
Making visual noise
To take this system further and make it more clever to players, we also made sound into a visual language, where noise is color-coded. It’s a unique visual system inspired to tie in with the game’s comic book art style. For example:
Green footsteps mean you’re quiet, crouched, moving slowly, minimizing risk Yellow signals you’re walking at a normal pace and making moderate noise Red means you’re running or being loud, and you’re a beacon for danger
This color-coded feedback system doesn’t just apply to footsteps, though. Gunfire, thrown objects, even the howls and attacks of enemies all follow the same noise-visibility rules, helping you judge just how much noise all of your actions are creating.
Sound as a weapon
Just as sound can get you killed, it can also be used to your advantage and become your most useful weapon.
With a bit of strategy and planning, you can lure monsters away from key areas or into your cleverly laid traps. Tossing an empty can down a hallway or into the underbrush might attract a nearby creature, giving you the opening you need to escape.
With a bit more planning and thought, you can try to herd enemies together into the perfect spot to then toss that grenade or molatov cocktail you happened to scrounge.
Stealth is your friend
Combat in I Hate This Place is about choosing your battles wisely. Many of the creatures you’ll encounter are brutal, and even more so when night falls. Going in guns blazing is doable, but maybe not always the right move. Ammo is scarce, noise is dangerous, and enemies are unforgiving.
So the next time you feel tempted to sprint across an open field or you think firing off a shotgun blast in a tight corridor is a good idea, think twice. In I Hate This Place, it is not just what you do, it is how loud you are when you do it. Instead, you can rely on stealth, movement, and manipulation. Using the terrain, sound cues, and enemy behavior against them becomes second nature as you learn to navigate the environment and survive it.
That’s it for today’s deep dive about our combat and potentially sound-induced paranoia!
The Evolution Championship Series (Evo) returns to Las Vegas from August 1-3, hosting players from more than 60 countries around the globe for a weekend of high-stakes competition. Tens of thousands of the most passionate members of the fighting game community will reunite at the Las Vegas Convention Center for the second year in a row to celebrate the games that unite them – with only the top competitors bringing home the championship title.
With an expanded lineup of hit fighting games, insightful play-by-play commentary from veteran hosts, and first looks at upcoming games and hardware, this year’s Evo has more for fans to engage with than ever before.
Expanded game lineup and showfloor experiences
Over the past few years, Evo has continued to expand its gaming lineup and experiences. This year’s event is branching out with an expanded competition lineup now featuring 16 titles, including Tekken 8, Street Fighter 6, and Guilty Gear -Strive-.
Photography: Robert Paul
Attendees will have plenty of exciting activities to choose from throughout the weekend, including industry panels, hands-on demo experiences, and various activities at gaming publisher booths. There will also be a Cosplay Contest, an Artist Alley with over 100 vendors and creators, and an Evo Museum with exhibits that showcase historic fighting game artwork and memorable arcade controllers.
Photography: Robert Paul
First playable experience for MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls at Evo 2025
Attendees can go hands-on with MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls at the Arc System Works booth from August 1 to 3. The showfloor demo will be made available to play using a variety of controllers, including the DualSense wireless controller, Razer Kitsune all-button arcade controller, as well as NACON Daija Arcade Stick. Slated for release in 2026, this 4v4 tag team fighter is a collaboration between PlayStation Studios, Arc System Works, and Marvel Games, featuring iconic heroes and villains from the Marvel Universe.
Be sure to also check out the Developer Combat Panel with key members of the Arc System Works and Marvel Games teams, taking place on Friday, August 1 at 8pm PT on the Evo Showcase Stage (players at home can also tune into Twitch.tv/Evo or PlayStation Esports’ YouTube channel).
Be one of the first to see the FlexStrike wireless fight stick on display
Announced during the June 2025 State of Play, FlexStrike is the first wireless fight stick designed by Sony Interactive Entertainment. It uses PlayStation Link technology to deliver wireless connectivity with ultra-low latency for fighting games.
At Evo 2025, the FlexStrike wireless fight stick will be on display only* for the first time – visit the Fight Stick Museum and the Arc System Works booth for a first look at the fight stick and included sling carry case.
Download the image
*Display unit does not reflect final product design, which is subject to change
PlayStation Store’s Summer Saleand deals directly from PlayStation
As part of PlayStation’s Summer Sale, running now through August 13, there will be amazing savings off top fighting games, including titles featured in Evo 2025’s lineup:
TEKKEN 8 – Advanced Edition – 50% off
Mortal Kombat 1: Definitive Edition – 60% off
Guilty Gear -Strive- Blazing Edition – 20% off
FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves – Special Edition – 40% off
Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising – 61% off
UNDER NIGHT IN-BIRTH II Sys:Celes – 50% off
Players attending Evo in Las Vegas will get 15% off select PS5 Accessories at direct.playstation.com from July 29 at 12:00AM until August 4 at 11:59PM (while supplies last). Offer includes popular items such as DualSense Edge wireless controllers, Pulse Explore wireless earbuds, Pulse Elite wireless headsets, fight sticks, racing gear, storage drives, and more. When ordering directly from direct.playstation.com, players can enjoy free standard shipping and free returns on eligible orders. EVO attendees will have access to the discount code at the event, which must be entered at checkout to take advantage of this exclusive offer.
Where to watch Evo Vegas 2025
For those who will be watching the show from home, visit Twitch.tv/Evo or head to PlayStation Esports’ YouTube channel to witness the world’s best players in competition, see the latest fighting game reveals, and connect with fellow fighting game fans.
Photography: Robert Paul
Whether players are tuning in from home or experiencing the thrill of the fight in-person from the Las Vegas Convention Center, there’s a lot to look forward to at Evo 2025. Enjoy!
Last week, we asked you to share the friendly and villainous side characters of Death Stranding 2: On The Beach using #PSshare #PSBlog. Here are this week’s highlights:
youarerexamshares Neil with his gun raised moving through shadows
EmperorHalshares Tomorrow tossing an apple in the air
carletto0809shares a nightmarish version of Dollman
sorathlunashares Fragile playfully posing for a picture
calisarah1998shares Rainy basking in the nighttime air
Search #PSshare #PSBlog on Twitter or Instagram to see more entries to this week’s theme, or be inspired by other great games featuring Photo Mode. Want to be featured in the next Share of the Week?
THEME: Vacation SUBMIT BY: 11:59 PM PT on August 6, 2025
Over the next two weeks, we’re heading on vacation. Share places and spaces from the game of your choice that you would love to vacation at using #PSshare #PSBlog for a chance to be featured.
Hi there. Square Glade Games here! We’re excited to share that we’re bringing Outbound, our cozy open-world exploration game, to PlayStation 5. Alone or with up to four players, Outbound starts you off with an empty camper van and sets you off on a journey to scavenge, craft, and build up your dream home as you adapt to the changing environment.
I’m Marc Volger, co-founder of our studio, and I’m here to introduce Outbound to our wonderful PlayStation community, giving a deeper look into what you can do in our title, along with help from my fellow co-founder, Tobi Schnackenberg, who will share a bit about the inspiration behind our upcoming game.
Outbound is a “cozyvival,” a term our team started using after Alpha testing when we stepped back and took a look at what players found enjoyable. We found that they fell in love with the satisfying survival mechanics, like managing energy, gathering materials, and growing food, paired with the cozy, low-pressure vibe of living in the van. Other titles tend to lean further into one end of the spectrum or the other, but we feel cozyvival perfectly expresses that balance our players enjoy — that’s the sweet spot where Outbound is found.
Chill solo adventure or cheery multiplayer road trip?
As a solo player, Outbound gives you a wonderful off-grid feeling, where you’re gathering resources and building up your camper van at your own pace. You’re the captain of your own ship, so to speak, and it gives you a sense of calm and empowerment. Outbound can also be played with up to three other friends; however, it changes the DNA of the experience in a significant way.
With others along for the ride, friendly cooperation can turn Outbound into more of a high-energy road trip, very much like when you go on road trips with friends in real life. We loved to see that energy change, so while not required, multiplayer is a key addition from our perspective. We also recognized, as we brought Outbound over to PS5, that we had an opportunity to take advantage of the PlayStation Portal, as the PlayStation ecosystem doesn’t require any optimization to be Portal ready. We absolutely love the idea of a group of friends sitting together with Portal devices, playing together. The ease of carrying it with you (on a road trip, maybe) is something we hope our players will cherish.
Grand fields of inspiration
“Part of the inspiration for Outbound came when I was on a road trip of my own from Germany to the Netherlands,” says Tobi. “And I saw a beautiful old-school camper van as it drove by a field of solar panels and windmills. We were in the prototyping stage at that point, and this moment sparked the idea of building it around an electric van with sustainability in mind.”
“Thus, sustainability is a huge theme that we’ve woven into the design,” Tobi continues. “The sun, wind, and rain are key sources of energy, and recycling litter earns you new blueprints for van upgrades. Those are merely a couple of ways Outbound shines a light on sustainability through gameplay, and we inject that energy aesthetically, as well, like how we show sailboats on the horizon as opposed to massive tankers and cargo ships.”
Pet that good pup
For the dog fans out there, you do have one with you on your Outbound journey, and, yes, you can pet the dog. This functional companion, which you adopt and name yourself, brings another layer to the cozyvival experience — players can teach them to fetch resources, carry them back to the vehicle, and more. They’re not there just to be an incredibly cute face.
Video games are often platforms that catapult us into far-reaching fantasies, dropping us into glorious worlds where we take on fantastic creatures with weapons and magic. Other adventures tap into fantasies that are a bit more grounded in our reality, and that is where Outbound lives. We’re looking forward to setting you all off on a glorious adventure when Outbound comes to PlayStation 5.
