Sony wants to start 2021 strong, however, yesterday’s State of Play definitely didn’t help. The 30-minute-long online stream that was announced a few days ago finally took place, and unfortunately, it left us disappointed.
The event gave us more in-depth information about ten games that you will enjoy on your PlayStation 5, assuming you can get one. The event was heavily focused on indie titles and third-party games but there was one exception. Below we have mentioned every game shown along with all the information you will need. You can also watch the complete event above.
Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time
The very first game in the event was the announcement of the next-gen port of CB4, which is already available on PlayStation 4. Soon, you will be able to play it on your next-gen console with all bells and whistles.
The PS5 version of Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time will launch on March 12 and includes all upgrades that you would expect. The version will support native 4K at 60 FPS, enhanced 3D audio, fast load times, and Adaptive Trigger. That’s not all, if you already own the game on PS4, then you can get the upgrade for free. Plus, owning the PS4 version lets you transfer your saves.
Returnal
Returnal is the only first-party title that was shown in the entire event. The developer showed tons of gameplay elements, enemy types, and the environment. They also revealed that whenever you die in the game, the world will be a little different. We will like to see how different it will be when the title launches on April 30, exclusively for PS5.
Knockout City
Knockout City is a dodge ball game where two teams attack each other with, well, dodge balls. The game is being published by EA and is playable if you are part of beta participants. The trailer showed off a decent chunk of gameplay, including the part where you become a ball and get thrown at the enemy, yep, you read that right.
Knockout City will be available on May 21 but you can play the game early by participating in the crossplay beta.
Sifu
Now, this is the game that took us by surprise. Sifu is a third-person game that focuses on hand-to-hand combat. It is being developed by indie studio, Sloclap. The game's uniqueness is every time you are defeated, you will become older.
The game will launch sometime in 2021 for PS4 and PS5. It will also be available on PC via Epic Games Store.
Solar Ash
Solar Ash is the next indie title on the list. The game was already revealed in the previous State of Play, yet yesterday, we got more information about the world, enemies, and combat. The game will take place in a giant black hole and you will play as Rey, whose objective is to save her homeworld from the said black hole.
Solar Ash will launch sometime in 2021 for PS4, PS5, and PC (EGS). Check out the gameplay above.
Five Nights at Freddy’s: Security Breach
Five Nights at Freddy’s: Security Breach is another title that was revealed in the previous State of Play. Months later, we finally have some gameplay details. The title is a first-person horror survival game that will take place in Mega Pizza Plex.
FNAF: Security Breach will be available for PS4, PS5, and PC sometime in 2021, assuming that there are no more delays.
Oddworld: Soulstorm
Another familiar game made an appearance in the February State of Play. Oddworld: Soulstorm is a game where you play as Abe and are trying to liberate the rest of your people from slave labor. The title is a direct sequel to 2014’s Oddworld: New 'n' Tasty. The game is kinda looking dark, and I like it.
The trailer revealed yesterday showed off more map design, dangers, and gameplay mechanics. You can even finish the entire game as a non-lethal pacifist, but where’s the fun in that?
Oddworld Soulstorm will be available on PS4, PS5, and PC (EGS) on April 6. The game will have additional features for PS5 like haptic feedback support to let you feel Abe’s heartbeat during intense moments.
Kena: Bridge of Spirits
Kena: Bridge of Spirits is the game that I am most excited about. We finally got some gameplay footage of this Pixar-looking title. The trailer revealed more of the visually stunning world. We also saw new side characters, bosses, and a look at the game's combat.
Kena: Bridge of Spirits will launch on PS4, PS5, and PC (EGS) on August 24.
Deathloop
Deathloop, the new title by Dishonored and Prey developers, is already making waves. The new trailer once again revealed more of the gameplay, though I have no idea what’s happening and I still like what I saw.
Deathloop will launch on May 21 for PS5 and PC. The title will be a PS5 console-exclusive for one year. After that, it will launch on other platforms including Xbox. Ironically, the IP is now owned by Microsoft as part of the Bethesda acquisition.
Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade
This was definitely the high point of the event. Square Enix just revealed a brand-new episode of Final Fantasy VII Remake. Intergrade is a new episode where you will play as Yuffie, from the original 1997 game. The DLC will bring several gameplay additions but will only be available for PS5 (sorry PS4 users) on June 10.
That’s not all. While the Intergrade expansion pack might be a purchasable product, not every upgrade is. You will be able to upgrade the PS4 version of Final Fantasy VII Remake to the PS5 version for free. The PS5 version of the game will feature superior visuals, fog effect, lighting, photo mode, a new difficulty, and better loading time. You will also be able to choose game rendering priority: either 4K resolution or 60 FPS.
What Was Missing?
There is no secret that many fans were disappointed because the event missed most of PlayStation's heavy hitters. We got no new information on Horizon: Forbidden West, God of War Ragnarok, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, Gran Turismo 7, and some unannounced titles. There was also no word on the upcoming Factions mode of The Last of Us Part 2.
I guess Sony is saving these titles for another event. However, a heads up would have been nice.
So what do you think? Are you interested in any of these games? Will you pre-order any of them? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
