The Finals Season 2: first details on hacking-themed season 2, live March 14

Season 2 of The Finals arrives on March 14 and strange things are happening in the free-to-play arena. The game show has been compromised by the rogue hacking collective CNS, and showrunners are scrambling to decipher their cryptic messages — but one thing is clear: the show must go on!

On top of new weapons to spice up the loadout of each class, viewers and contestants alike can keep an eye out for game-changing additions that are likely to disrupt the game show. The hacker collective has infiltrated the source code to add gadgets and abilities, alter maps, and even enter unauthorized contestants.


The Finals Season 2: first details on hacking-themed season 2, live March 14

Throughout this jam-packed season, contestants can expect to experience the hacked and voxelized new map, several limited-time game modes, an all-new 5v5 game mode, and the new Hacker Playstyle. Contestants can step into the shoes of CNS, with a set of gadgets & a new specialization that can be mixed and matched with the existing toolset. Raise barriers, remove walls, defy gravity, tunnel across the arena, and transform items — become the glitch in the system, the ultimate cyber tactician, and bring a new dimension to the game.

Let’s take a closer look at the gadgets and abilities CNS has hacked together:

The Dematerializer for Mediums

A specialization that temporarily erases physical surfaces, like walls, ceilings, or goo — allowing contestants to see, shoot, and pass through them. Create new passageways and close them back up again as contestants turn every obstacle in their path into an open door.

The Anti-Gravity Cube for Heavys

A deployable cube that manipulates gravity in its immediate area, lifting contestants and objects upwards. Is it a traversal tool? Or a defensive gadget? It’s up to each contestant.

The Gateway for Lights

A pair of limited-range deployable portals. When both are thrown and activated, contestants and objects can move between the two locations. Anyone can use a portal, but players can’t see or shoot through them! Perfect for a quick getaway, when things get hairy.

The Data Reshaper for Mediums

A gadget that changes enemy fortifications (or any random objects for that matter) into something else entirely — like turning an enemy mine into a chair. Or an enemy turret into a table. Great for breaking through enemy defenses.

This and much more is coming in Season 2. So what are you waiting for? Head into the arena, join CNS, and disrupt the fabric of the arena in Season 2, arriving March 14.

Fortnite Chapter 5 Season 2 brings the powers of the gods to Battle Royale

Pandora’s box has been opened, unleashing the myths and mortals of Fortnite Chapter 5 Season 2! Olympian legends — like thunder god Zeus and Hades king of the underworld — now rule the Battle Royale Island with otherworldly rage. Turn the tides against them like Poseidon in Chapter 5 Season 2: Myths & Mortals, out now!


Fortnite Chapter 5 Season 2 brings the powers of the gods to Battle Royale

Locations of legend

Grim Gate awaits

Brave enough to take on the horrors of The Underworld? Make your way to the west of the Island to Grim Gate, one of the ways to gain entry. But be wary of Cerberus, the three-headed dog who guards this location. Will you best him in combat?

Enter The Underworld

Welcome to the home of Hades: The Underworld. This dilapidated land is as barren as Hades’ heart.

The glorious Mount Olympus

Home of Zeus, Mount Olympus is the opposite of The Underworld — vast structures and monuments grace the great mountain. Take in all its glory, but keep your eyes peeled for opponents.

It’s a Brawler’s Battleground

Ares, the god of war, is always hunting for his next challenge. Venture south of Mount Olympus to Ares’ Brawler’s Battleground arena. (Heads up to all the Ares enthusiasts out there: he’ll be the Outfit of April 2024’s Fortnite Crew Pack).

Feel free to marvel at the locations that the gods have brought with them, but don’t forget what else has emerged from Pandora’s box…

Unleashing chaos upon the land

Harness the weapons and powers of the gods to carve your path to victory. Here’s a quick look at what you can wield in Myths & Mortals:

Zap opponents with the Thunderbolt of Zeus

Bring a storm down on your opponents with the Thunderbolt of Zeus. Unleash this power to rise into the air and hurl lightning bolts like Zeus himself. You can throw three lightning bolts total with a cooldown in between, so use this power wisely. To claim this Mythic power as your own, defeat Zeus or find it across the Island.

Grab the Warforged Assault Rifle

The Warforged Assault Rifle is a powerful yet unruly assault rifle forged for battle-hungry gods.With its high damage and rate of fire, no wonder it’s a favorite of Ares. Find one by exploring the Island or by defeating Ares for the Mythic version.

Go crazy with the Gatekeeper Shotgun

The Gatekeeper Shotgun fires three aggressive rounds at a short range, perfect for close combat. Forged for Cereberus by Hephaestus, this shotgun packs a bite almost as strong as Cereberus’. Defeat him to claim the Mythic version, or explore the Island to collect a normal one.

Herald danger with the Harbinger SMG

The Harbinger SMG is almost as unforgiving and relentless as Hades himself. This SMG has increased recoil and bloom the longer you fire it, so be precise! Become the harbinger of doom by defeating Hades for the Mythic version, or simply be a harbinger of chaos by finding a regular version on the Island.

Hunt for the Huntress DMR

Craving the hunt, the goddess Artemis prefers to keep distance between her and her prey. Created to punish mortals, the Huntress DMR is no slouch against the gods either. Take down Zeus to claim the Mythic version or find a normal version across the Island.

Take flight with the Wings of Icarus

The Thunderbolt of Zeus isn’t the only Olympian power! Soar through the skies and dive-bomb your enemies with the Wings of Icarus. Spreading your wings for too long will cause your wings to burn up, as will taking too much damage, so don’t get too carried away! (What’s that saying about flying too close to the sun?) This Mythic power can be found across the Island.

Not enough power for you? Later in the season, the Chains of Hades Olympian power will become available. It’s sure to pull you in so be on the lookout!

Myths & mods

Supernatural beings tend to be fans of advanced techniques. The new Thermal Scope mod can be attached to any scoped weapon, which doubles the scope view and adds a thermal effect that can be toggled on or off. Want to be quick like Hermes? With the Speedgrip mod, your movement speed while aiming will increase.

Mods can be found at Mod Benches, which are now located in Weapons Bunkers. The unchained bunkers will unlock in the middle of the match, so raid them for mods and weapons when the time comes!

The Myths & Mortals Battle Pass

Alongside Chapter 5 Season 2 comes the Myths & Mortals Battle Pass. With the Battle Pass, unlock rewards in Fortnite by earning XP across Fortnite Battle Royale, creator-made islands, LEGO Fortnite, Rocket Racing, and Fortnite Festival. Among these rewards are Outfits of some of the legends above, including Zeus and Artemis!

Purchase the Myths & Mortals Battle Pass for only 950 V-Bucks and earn up to 1,500 V-Bucks back by progressing in it.

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With the Myths & Mortals Battle Pass purchase, you can unlock these Olympian Outfits:

  • Cerberus (unlocked immediately): Rise from The Underworld.
  • Aphrodite: Lead with your heart.
  • Poseidon: King of the beach.
  • Medusa: Humanity’s stone-hearted defender.
  • Zeus: Warrior-king of the gods.
  • Artemis: All must respect the natural laws, even the gods.
  • Hades: The overseer of The Underworld.

The gods aren’t the only ones known for controlling the elements. Later in the season, unlock the Avatar Korra.

With Pandora’s box open, it’s time to become a myth of your own. Take up the weapons and powers of the gods in Chapter 5 Season 2: Myths & Mortals.

PlayStation Store: February 2024’s top downloads

It’s time to see which PS5, PS4, PS VR2, PS VR, and free-to-play games topped the download charts last month. February’s PS5 list saw players doing their part to save democracy and humankind from extinction with new releases Helldivers 2 and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth storming the top three in both US and EU regions. The bone-crushing new release Legendary Tales surged the PS VR2 list breaking the top three of most downloads in both US and EU regions.

Check out the full listings below. What titles are you playing this month?

PS5 Games

US/Canada EU
HELLDIVERS 2 HELLDIVERS 2
FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH
Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League EA SPORTS FC 24
Madden NFL 24 Tomb Raider I-III Remastered Starring Lara Croft
NBA 2K24 Grand Theft Auto V
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III
Grand Theft Auto V SKULL AND BONES
SKULL AND BONES Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League
Persona 3 Reload NBA 2K24
EA SPORTS FC 24 It Takes Two
TEKKEN 8 Poppy Playtime: Chapter 1
Poppy Playtime: Chapter 1 ARK: Survival Ascended
Tomb Raider I-III Remastered Starring Lara Croft Madden NFL 24
Baldur’s Gate 3 TEKKEN 8
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 Hogwarts Legacy
Jujutsu Kaisen Cursed Clash STAR WARS Jedi: Survivor
Pacific Drive Need for Speed Unbound
God of War Ragnarök Persona 3 Reload
It Takes Two Cyberpunk 2077
ARK: Survival Ascended The Crew Motorfest

*Naming of products may differ between regions
*Upgrades not included

PS4 Games

US/Canada EU
Red Dead Redemption 2 Red Dead Redemption 2
Minecraft Minecraft
Madden NFL 24 EA SPORTS FC 24
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III Need for Speed Heat
NBA 2K24 A Way Out
Need for Speed Heat Grand Theft Auto V
Batman: Arkham Knight Batman: Arkham Knight
Grand Theft Auto V Poppy Playtime: Chapter 1
Injustice 2 Tomb Raider I-III Remastered Starring Lara Croft
Batman: Return to Arkham Need for Speed Payback
Overcooked! 2 Gang Beasts
theHunter: Call of the Wild Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III
Call of Duty: Black Ops III Unravel Two
Gang Beasts Batman: Return to Arkham
Mortal Kombat 11 The Last Of Us Remastered
EA SPORTS FC 24 NBA 2K24
The Last Of Us Remastered theHunter: Call of the Wild
God of War STAR WARS Battlefront II
A Way Out Overcooked! 2
Poppy Playtime: Chapter 1 Wobbly Life

*Naming of products may differ between regions

PS VR2 Games*

US/Canada EU
Legendary Tales ForeVR Bowl
Beat Saber Beat Saber
Among Us VR Legendary Tales
Pavlov Arizona Sunshine 2
Arizona Sunshine 2 Pavlov
Creed: Rise to Glory – Championship Edition Ultrawings 2
Ultrawings 2 Among Us VR
Job Simulator Creed: Rise to Glory – Championship Edition
Five Nights at Freddy’s: Help Wanted 2 Moss: Book II
The Dark Pictures: Switchback VR Job Simulator

*PS Store purchases only. Game upgrades or games bundled with hardware not included

PSVR Games

US/Canada EU
The Walking Dead Onslaught Batman: Arkham VR
Creed Rise to Glory Sniper Elite VR
Beat Saber The Walking Dead Onslaught
Batman: Arkham VR Job Simulator
Sniper Elite VR Beat Saber
Job Simulator Creed: Rise to Glory
ASTRO BOT Rescue Mission Moss: Book II
Borderlands 2 VR Lethal VR
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim VR Goalkeeper VR Challenge
SUPERHOT VR DOOM 3: VR Edition

Free to Play (PS5 + PS4) 

US/Canada EU
Fortnite Fortnite
Roblox Roblox
Call of Duty: Warzone Call of Duty: Warzone
Apex Legends Fall Guys
Fall Guys HAWKED
THE FINALS Rocket League
Rocket League Apex Legends
HAWKED eFootball 2024
Fortnite Battle Royale THE FINALS
Overwatch 2 The Sims 4

Beat Saber Daft Punk music pack out today, full tracklist revealed

Few artists have been more requested by our community than our latest release, Daft Punk. The wait is over, we are excited to announce the Daft Punk Music Pack is now available on Beat Saber for PS VR and PS VR 2!


Beat Saber Daft Punk music pack out today, full tracklist revealed

Formed in Paris in 1993, the duo quickly rose to prominence, becoming one of the most influential electronic music artists of all time, spanning genres and inspiring the global music industry for many years. The iconic helmets and robot personas they adopted allowed more focus on their music and craft, and became an undeniable part of Daft Punk’s image and brand.

The Daft Punk Music Pack brings 10 of the band’s top hits so we can all celebrate their work through their almost 30-year history. We’re sure that everyone will find their favorites in our packed selection.

The tracklist includes:

  • Around The World
  • Around The World / Harder Better Faster Stronger (Live 2007)
  • Da Funk / Daftendirekt (Live 2007)
  • Get Lucky (feat. Pharrell Williams and Nile Rodgers)
  • Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger
  • Lose Yourself to Dance (feat. Pharrell Williams)
  • One More Time
  • Technologic
  • The Prime Time of Your Life (Live 2007)
  • Veridis Quo

What’s even more exciting is that for the very first time ever, we’re launching live music in the game, bringing select high-energy tracks from the legendary live show Alive 2007. If you’re up for a challenge, this music pack features the longest song ever released on Beat Saber – The Prime Time of Your Life (Live 2007) – it’s 10 mins and 23 seconds long!

The music pack is accompanied by a new custom in-game environment in gold/silver color palette,  inspired by the band’s iconic triangle stage look from their live shows. We took it to the next level and created a beautiful space-y environment, surrounding the player with stars (some even orbit around you). The environment brings captivating new tech for lasers like physics and length.

Beat Saber players can get the 10-song Daft Punk Music Pack for 12.99 USD / 12.99 EUR, or if they don’t have Beat Saber just yet, they can jump in with a discounted bundle that includes the Beat Saber base game plus a full music pack for 39.99 USD / 39.99 EUR.

Let’s lose ourselves to dance!

Helldivers 2 new Warbond launches March 14, first look at new weapons, armor, and more

Greetings, fearless heroes of galactic democracy! Steel yourself for the next big push against the disgraceful enemies of freedom with our new Warbond – Cutting Edge*.


Helldivers 2 new Warbond launches March 14, first look at new weapons, armor, and more

Packed with high-voltage vibes, Cutting Edge gives you the chance to enhance your loadout of liberty with ultra-futuristic armour, guns that spit lightning, super stylish capes and epic emotes.

Super Earth R&D experiments

Helldivers… we need your help. The brainiacs in Super Earth Research & Development have some cool experimental armor ready to be field-tested. This is where you come in, you’re just the right people for the job.

The EX Series Prototypes

EX-03 Prototype 3

Includes a rubber underlayer for insulation. Handy, really, as this prototype’s wires operate at a shocking 400,000 volts.

EX-16 Prototype 16

Warning: Electric arc generates a strong magnetic field. Avoid use while near stapled paperwork.

EX-00 Prototype X

The end result of several billion Super Credits and 12 years of research into creating “the Soldier of Tomorrow”. Show us it was worth it.

Expanded arsenal

R&D didn’t stop at armor, though. They’re also rolling out a new series of alien-splitting weapons with electrifying perks!

LAS-16 Sickle

A sweet laser rifle that fires in short bursts. And it doesn’t need reloading. Just watch for overheating or shove a new heatsink in there.

SG-8P Punisher Plasma

Exploding plasma rounds sound deadly… because they are, to aliens and allies! This modified Punisher shotgun is as fun as it is fearsome.

ARC-12 Blitzer

Project an arc of close-range lightning, or charge it up to fire off powerful bolts. Good for taking out multiple targets and giving you more time to pick a celebration emote.

And you can unlock a new stun grenade, the G-23 Stun, and the LAS-7 Dagger pistol.

I know what I’ll be doing… equipping the LAS-7 Dagger AND LAS-16 Sickle at the same time, turning my Helldiver into a real live wire and melting the foes of Managed Democracy on sight.

But we’ve got to do this with a touch of style, right? Get creative and accessorize your armor sets with three new capes, featuring matching colors and designs.

My favorite is the Botslayer: a light tan cape that will no doubt look great soaked in Automaton oil.

There are even matching player cards for each cape, as well as three new emotes.

Cutting Edge is rolling out to your Destroyer’s Acquisitions panel March 14, soldiers.

Get ready to spill some oil in style. Prepare for deployment.

*PSN account required. Content shown requires base game, paid purchase of Super Credits, and game progression to unlock.

Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut is coming to PC on May 16

Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut is coming to PC! We at Nixxes are thrilled to collaborate with the talented team at Sucker Punch Productions who created this critically acclaimed open-world action adventure. We are excited to bring Jin’s story to a new audience and to bring a Sucker Punch title to PC for the first time.

The PC version of Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut includes the full game, the Iki Island expansion, and the cooperative online multiplayer Legends mode. For the past year, the team at Nixxes has been working hard to bring the Sucker Punch in-house engine technology to PC and implement PC features such as unlocked frame rates, a variety of graphics settings and presets, and customizable mouse and keyboard controls. 


Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut is coming to PC on May 16

With ultrawide monitor support, you can take in the expansive terrain and ancient landmarks with a cinematic field of view. Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut on PC is fully optimized for 21:9 and 32:9 resolutions and even supports 48:9 resolutions for triple monitor setups.  

Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut on PC features the latest performance-enhancing technologies. NVIDIA DLSS 3 and AMD FSR 3 are available with both upscaling and frame generation options. Intel XeSS upscaling is also supported and if your hardware has headroom to spare, you can use NVIDIA DLAA or FSR 3 Native AA to further boost image quality.   

The game on PC also offers extensive controller support. Use Steam Input to remap and customize the peripheral of your choice to your preference. For a more immersive experience, use a PlayStation DualSense controller with haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, so you can feel the tension of drawing a bow and the strikes of your sword.  

You can wishlist and pre-purchase Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut now on Steam and the Epic Games Store. If you pre-purchase the game, you’ll get access to the following early in-game unlocks when the game releases on 16 May: 

  • New Game+ Horse  
  • Traveler’s Attire  
  • Broken Armor dyes from Baku’s shop 

 

We asked Sucker Punch co-founder Brian Fleming for his thoughts on the upcoming PC version, here is what he had to say: 


“We’re proud to announce that our friends and partners over at Nixxes are bringing Ghost of Tsushima to PC! This is a first for Sucker Punch – all our previous work is console-exclusive, so we are excited about all this and Nixxes was the right team to do this project. With them on board, we knew the results would be nothing short of amazing! Now excuse me as I go order a Super Ultra Wide monitor!”

– Brian Fleming, Co-Founder, Sucker Punch


For PC players who are new to the game, here’s an overview of everything that is included: 

Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut is an action-adventure game set in feudal Japan. Protagonist Jin Sakai was raised and trained in the ways of the samurai. His world is shattered when a Mongol invasion defeats the samurai army of his home on Tsushima island, and he is faced with a difficult decision: honor the tradition and customs of his upbringing and maintain a fight he cannot win, or deviate from his samurai path to protect the island and its people by any means necessary.  

In his quest to reclaim Tsushima, Jin seeks the guidance and support of old friends and new unlikely allies. He must break away from tradition, become a new kind of warrior, and protect what’s left of his home at all costs. 

Iki Island Expansion In this story expansion, Jin discovers new locations, characters, and enemies on a mysterious island. The island of Iki is a wild, lawless land of raiders and criminals. Jin will have to bring all his skills to defeat the enemy and save Iki. 

Legends – Inspired by Japanese folk tales and mythology, this cooperative multiplayer experience consists of two-player story missions and four-player wave-based survival missions, as well as the competitive two-versus-two Rivals mode. Choose one of four classes: Samurai, Ronin, Hunter or Assassin and play with friends or via online matchmaking. 

Kurosawa Mode – Experience the game in black and white with film grain effects, as well as Japanese dialogue and English subtitles. This mode is inspired by the movies of legendary filmmaker Akira Kurosawa. 

On behalf of everyone at Nixxes Software and Sucker Punch Productions, we can’t wait to bring Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut to PC. We will have more information to share, such as system requirements, as we get closer to launch on May 16. 


Turbo Golf Racing tees off April 4 on PS5

Are you ready for the ultimate fusion of racing and golf? Well warm up your engines and polish your golf balls because Hugecalf Studios is proud to announce that Turbo Golf Racing hits PS5 on April 4!


Turbo Golf Racing tees off April 4 on PS5

Turbo Golf Racing revolutionizes the traditional sport of golf by introducing turbo-charged cars as the means to putt the ball. Compete in golf or race game modes across over 80 fantastical levels, unlocking a selection of more than 500 cosmetics as you progress.

Race mode brings adrenaline-inducing speed to the fairways. Compete against seven opponents in a race to putt your ball first. Equip unique Power Cores, which grant special abilities or passive effects, such as a Magnet that can pull your ball closer or Hyper Glider which increases your cars gliding speed. Collect pick-ups such as Air Strike or Frost Beam to hinder the progress of your rivals in your bid to become the ultimate Turbo Golf Racer.

For those who favor a traditional golfing experience, take a moment to unwind in Golf mode, where accuracy outweighs speed. Victory is awarded to the player who putts in the fewest shots, so make every shot count, there’s little room for error.

Feel like practicing? Take on Time Trials, a way to learn the maps, refine your skills, and compete in the online leaderboards.

Hang out with your friends and play at your own pace in Custom Games. You can line up your favorite maps and customize the cores and pick-ups available.

Launch party

We’ll celebrate Turbo Golf Racing’s launch with a season full of party rewards! For a limited time after launch players can earn our 2 new car bodies: Jester, our clown car, and Bassline, a car equipped with DJ decks and speakers. Other goodies include party shades, musical boosters, and pork pie wheels, totaling over 35 seasonal rewards.

New Golf mode

Alongside a season of content, Turbo Golf Racing will feature a new game mode, allowing players to compete in Golf mode with up to seven opponents. This new fast-paced take on golf is only for the most skillful of players. Out of bounds will trigger penalties, so if you want to score an eagle, albatross, or the infamous hole-in-one, you’ll need to be precise with every shot!

We’re excited to see you all on the starting line, so mark the 4th of April on your calendar, let the launch party commence!

Dragon’s Dogma 2 hands-on: How Capcom brings new life to the RPG sequel

It’s been 11 years since the release of Capcom’s fantasy action-role playing game Dragon’s Dogma, with fans readily anticipating the March 22 release of its long-awaited sequel, Dragon’s Dogma 2.

Dragon’s Dogma 2 takes everything that made the original a cult classic and builds upon that foundation. There are new vocations, more monsters to take on, more ways to defeat them, more places to venture to, and above all, more life in the world of the Arisen.

I got the chance to go hands-on with Dragon’s Dogma 2 and speak with its director, Hideaki Itsuno. Here’s some of the standout features from my experience with Dragon’s Dogma 2, along with some quotes provided by the director.

A connected world

The first thing I noticed on my adventure in Dragon’s Dogma 2 is how real the world feels. Thanks to the PlayStation 5 SSD, there were no loading times when traveling from land to land, making the adventure feel that much more captivating. I went straight from the starting village to monster-filled outskirts without even noticing how far I traveled due to the world’s interconnected feel.

This interconnection applies to the monsters as well. After a losing battle with a dragon and attempting to escape, I was horrified to see the scaly fiend still chasing me as I made my way back to what I thought was the safety of the village.

Of course, Itsuno was delighted to hear about my reaction to this, as it was one of his main goals to make the game feel that much more lively on current-gen hardware.

“Back on the PlayStation 3 with the original we were limited and thus, creatures would eventually load out after you got far away enough. We wanted to use the innovations to make these creatures feel alive, so now when you try to run away you’ll look back and see it won’t be as easy as before.”

More ways to battle

I didn’t run from every battle, however. Once I was accustomed to the enemies of this world I realized the additions to the battle system and new vocations take Dragon’s Dogma 2 to new heights.

One vocation that stands out is the Mystic Spearhand, which gives access to magick arts and physical attacks using a dual-ended spear. Using this class against the many fiends sprawling this world I was able to not only defend with physical resistant buffs, but also take on the hordes with simple spear swings, dash attacks, and telekinetic attacks that allowed me to pick up and throw monsters. To hit two birds with one stone, you can toss one monster at another.

This feels like a class made for all obstacles. I enjoyed the freedom granted by the dash attack to both get in quickly with a damaging stab and evade enemy attacks. And now that all vocations can preserve stamina while standing atop giant monsters, I felt ready to take on any challenge the game threw at me.

A land of endless adventure

The land of Dragon’s Dogma 2 is a large one that I immediately was lost in, heading out into the wilderness to seek adventure, where the magic of this game lies. Itsuno detailed it as a true journey title, a game where players don’t necessarily have to follow preset rules and destinations, but can make their own story. 

Enhanced AI and Pawns

Upgrades in the AI department were also made. Pawns, which are your allies, are a lot more helpful and characteristically present throughout the adventure. The Pawn system is unchanged from the original. They still do the same things, such as grabbing items for you and helping in battle, but now they do it all more efficiently. They were always nearby when I needed them and it felt more than necessary to keep them alive to aid me in battle. They also lead the way to objectives whenever you find yourself lost in the vast world.

My favorite addition to these companions comes in the personality department. Pawns will speak to you and one another, making them feel like actual characters you can feel for, even though you may trade them off for another Pawn down the road.

Immersive PlayStation 5 features

The PlayStation 5 SSD isn’t the only feature the console highlights in Dragon’s Dogma 2. The game adds even more interactivity in battle, with the DualSense wireless controller’s haptics taking center stage. Both when you attack and get struck in turn, you’ll feel the ferocity of each blow through the DualSense controller.

You can get this experience and more when Dragon’s Dogma 2 releases March 22 on PlayStation 5.

Kickflip the competition with Destiny 2’s brand-new trick-worthy vehicle, live today

The spirit of competition in Destiny 2 is alive and well with today’s launch of the Guardian Games All-Stars 2024 event. The annual competitive event pits Warlocks, Hunters, and Titans against one another to try and take the top step of the Guardian class podium. Last year, Titans took the win, their second in Guardian Games history, and this year’s event features new twists to spice up the competition. Additionally, Destiny 2: The Witch Queen expansion is available today as a PlayStation Plus Monthly Game and we dive deeper into the rad new Skimmer vehicle.

A new scoring system will be in place to keep everyone on their toes, including new Diamond-tier Medallions (the most valuable offered yet; earning these will help your class’s standings in a significant way, so these Medallions are limited to three per week). In addition, Guardians will be able to earn daily glow effects that come from a variety of sources, including individual achievement (such as being the “best in Tower” Guardian or showing your performance in modes like Supremacy or Competitive Nightfalls) as well as group achievements (like being part of that day’s winning class). 

Focus Activities are new limited-time boosts to Guardian Games activities that will grant bonus Medallions for the winning class. These events will only be open for a few hours each day, and you’ll be able to earn rewards packages by completing them; in fact, the class that dominates a particular Focus Activity will also earn a special champions rewards package that will earn your class a bunch of Medallions for the day’s competition.   

By taking part in Guardian Games events, every player can also unlock sweet rewards, including new Legendary weapons such as Hullabaloo (a new Compressed Wave Frame Heavy Grenade Launcher), a new Exotic Ghost shell, and even a new form of transportation: the Skimmer.

Gettin’ tricky with it

Perhaps the most exciting reward coming for Guardian Games All-Stars, the Skimmer is the first new vehicle option offered in Destiny since the Sparrow, and it’s available to all Guardians at no additional cost (simply pick it up from Eva Levante in the Tower after completing the first Guardian Games All-Stars quest and banking your first Medallion). All players will be able to use the Skimmer during Guardian Games All-Stars, and Guardians who complete a one-step quest during the event will be able to keep the Skimmer permanently once the Games have ended.

A sci-fi take on skateboarding and snowboarding, the Skimmer is a bold new expression of Guardian mobility in Destiny 2, allowing players to perform sweet tricks and sick grinds on their way to their next destination.

“The very beginning of the Skimmer’s development started with a simple question: What is the Guardian version of a Cloud Strider’s skyboard?” said Bungie senior design lead Ben Wommack. “Imagine a Guardian saw a Cloud Strider zipping around in the air and thought, ‘Yeah, that’s neat, but how about this!’ and pulled out something that’s cooler, more stylish, and most importantly, fun to use.”

“We wanted to make sure that we were not doing just a different Sparrow skin with a Guardian standing on top but something that really fulfills new fantasies,” said Bungie staff technical animator Matt Kelly. “The original Sparrow was a blend of a jet ski and a superbike. For the Skimmer, we took inspiration from surfing, snowboarding, and skateboarding, strapped some boosters on it, and blended that up with some space magic.

“In the time between original Destiny and now, player movement abilities when traversing spaces on foot has dramatically changed and expanded, and the gameplay space has held up well. This allowed us to be comfortable pushing the edges of what we could do by adding new verbs into vehicles as well.” 

Skimmers are just as zippy as their Sparrow counterparts, and they are capable of a host of new tricks and grinds that will make travel time even more fun. Guardians will be able to pull off four base tricks that map to the emote buttons: a tre flip, a Tamedog, a 360 grab, and a 360 spin where the Guardian leaves the board. There are also four grinds: a 5-0, a boardslide, a backside darkslide, and a crooked nosegrind. In addition, the dev team has also added a variety of grounded turn dodges inspired by carving while surfing as well as some air dodges with grab spins to avoid obstacles (or slam into an unlucky enemy that gets in your way). Finally, there’s a vehicle jump ability that will launch your Guardian into the air, complete with a nice ollie grab as a finishing touch.

“We are lucky enough that we have a massive group of excited skaters, snowboarders, and surfers who were extremely excited about pointing out their favorite boarders and tricks to implement,” said Kelly. 

“We also had a bunch of animators who were able to dive in and really put the polish on some amazing and difficult-to-animate moves. Inspiration was everywhere.”

One final thought to whet your Skimmer appetite. During development, Bungie testers found some creative uses for Skimmers when combined with Strand’s grapple ability. Bungie test engineer Thomas Duda explains:

“Without any design specifically going towards this interaction, we discovered during a playtest that players can grapple the hoverboard while another player is using it. A player with Strand grapple can hook on and get pulled along with the grind, and they’ll be taken wherever the grinding player steers. If you’re in a firefight that’s not going too well, a friend can glide over you, and you can skyhook your way out of there, like the scene in The Dark Knight where Batman extracts from the high rise in Hong Kong.”

Test your medal

As if competing for the glory of your chosen Guardian class isn’t enough, we also have an additional incentive for Guardians who want to embody the spirit of the Guardian Games All-Stars event. Players who complete the Gold Event Challenge by March 26, 2024, at 9:59 AM PT, will earn the Bungie Rewards offer to purchase a physical 2024 Guardian Games All-Stars Medal through the Bungie Store.

The Witch Queen arrives with PlayStation Plus

PlayStation Plus members, the threat of the Lucent Hive continues to loom, and we’re putting the call out to you all. Starting today, and for a limited time, Destiny 2: The Witch Queen is available to all PlayStation Plus members as a Monthly Game at no additional charge. Now is your chance to own one of the greatest chapters in Destiny history, as you take on Savathûn herself in a desperate bid to take back the Light. Experience the thrilling campaign from the start, explore The Witch Queen’s mysterious Throne World, and test your skills against Legendary mode. All of that and more, and it’s yours to keep once you download it.

If you’re a PlayStation Plus owner new to Destiny 2 or looking for the ideal time to jump back in, don’t miss out on this opportunity to experience one of the best adventures Destiny 2 has to offer. Head over to the PlayStation Store, grab The Witch Queen expansion, and prepare for the fight ahead.  

Revealing 5 India Hero Project games coming to PlayStation

PlayStation has been part of India’s vibrant gaming scene for over two decades. In May 2023, we embarked on an ambitious journey with the India Hero Project. We aimed to unearth and empower India’s brightest game development talents to share their unique visions with gamers globally. The response was spectacular, with an avalanche of entries that showcased the rich tapestry of Indian culture, innovation, and storytelling.

Today, we’re excited to unveil the inaugural cohort of the India Hero Project at our landmark first developer conference in India – Develop India. Join us in celebrating their achievements and the exciting future they represent for gaming. This marks not just a milestone for these talented developers, but a leap forward in our journey to bring extraordinary gaming experiences from India to the world.

Get to know the upcoming India-developed games coming to PlayStation below, and stay tuned for future information regarding release timing.

Meteora: The Race Against Space Time

Developer: Big Boot Games

Shoot yourself into the nebula and join a race for survival. In this arcade combat racer, you’re not just a meteor but a force of nature. Cascade your way through a volatile universe of awe and wonder as you outmaneuver, pursue, and obliterate rival meteors in a dazzling display of strategy and skill.

Harness the power of the cosmos, level up your abilities, and climb the leaderboard in an experience that’s as thrilling as it is unforgiving. Your adventure awaits on PlayStation 5, PS VR2, and PC. 

Fishbowl

Developer: imissmyfriends 

Fishbowl is a slice-of-life story that takes players on a journey of nostalgia and melancholy, exploring themes of grief, connection, and self-discovery, set in the cultural landscape of urban India. The world is filled with crafted pixel art and an original Lofi soundtrack that forms the backdrop of our game. Fishbowl weaves together a multigenerational narrative, following the aspirations of Alo as she embarks on her first job in a new city, although working from home. 

Your decisions throughout the game will shape Alo’s journey, leading to moments of reliving the past and coming to terms with the present through a month of challenges and discoveries with Alo. Prepare for Fishbowl’s robust storytelling and immersive gameplay, coming soon to PlayStation 5 and PC.

Mukti

Developer: Underdogs Studio

Mukti is a first-person story exploration game set within the immersive environment of an Indian museum, delving deep into a critical social issue: human trafficking. In Mukti, players embark on a journey of discovery as they navigate the labyrinthine corridors of the museum, uncovering the harrowing truths and hidden narratives behind the scourge of human trafficking. Through rich storytelling and immersive gameplay mechanics, Mukti invites players to confront the realities that victims and survivors face, shedding light on this pressing global issue.

Drawing inspiration from authentic narratives and meticulously researched historical contexts, Mukti aims to raise awareness, provoke thought, and inspire action. Each interaction within the game is designed to provoke empathy, spark dialogue, and ignite change.

Launching on PlayStation 5 and PC, Mukti offers an impactful gaming experience that enlightens and empowers. 

Requital: Gates of Blood

Developer: Holy Cow Productions

Requital: Gates of Blood is a 2D side-scrolling action platformer inspired by Egyptian mythology set in the mystical underworld of Duat. Players assume the role of Zahrah, traversing the afterlife to defeat the mighty guardians of the Gates of Duat. Through a series of intense boss-rush-like encounters, players confront powerful gods, demons, and beasts.

Embark on your journey of retribution from the celestial Nile, delving into the dark and twisted realms of the Duat. Engage in the immersive interactions with entirely hand-drawn characters and environments as you unravel the lore that permeates this enigmatic underworld.

Launching on PlayStation 5 and PC, traverse the Gates of Duat and forge a path through the afterlife.

Suri: The Seventh Note

Developer: Tathvamasi

Suri: The Seventh Note is a 2D action-exploration game set in the enchanting backdrop of mythical India. A world brimming with captivating Indian mythology-inspired narratives, vibrant characters, and mythical locales, from the floating temples in the Himalayas, the lost forts of Rajasthan, ancient jungles nestled in the Western Ghats, and many more. Platforming meets a unique musical dimension as the game’s world synchronizes seamlessly with an enigmatic beat. 

Uncover the connection between rhythm and the mystical realm of Ragamandala as you traverse its landscapes and unravel its secrets. This journey promises to transport players to a realm where every step is accompanied by the pulsating heartbeat of the game’s universe. 

Get ready to embark on this extraordinary adventure, coming soon to PS5 and PC.


Stay tuned for more information on the India Hero Project and all the games in development as we work to bring new gaming experiences to players worldwide.