Taking a page out of Nintendo’s playbook, Sony has been hosting special State of Play presentations for some time now, using them to reveal new video games and showcase footage of existing titles. Thefirst PlayStation State of Play event of 2021was focused mainly on PS4 and PS5 games that are releasing this spring and summer, with a variety of different games shown during the event.
As promised, PlayStation showcased 10 games during the February 2021 State of Play, including some never-before-seen titles as well as previously-leaked upgrades for a major PS4 game. This included some multiplatform games, but the main focus was on PlayStation exclusive titles.
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For those that missed the presentation, here is everything that was announced during the February 2021 PlayStation State of Play event.
Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time
Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Timewas critically-acclaimedwhen it launched for last gen systems in 2020, but it’s coming back bigger and better than ever on PS5. Kicking off the PlayStation State of Play detailed some of the PS5 upgrades fans can expect fromCrash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Timeon PS5, which will run at 4K, 60 frames per second, with much faster load times. The PS5 version of the game will also have DualSense support, which should enhance the gameplay experience.
Besides DualSense support, the PS5 version will also make use of the PlayStation Activity Cards. These cards are designed to help players get 100% completion in the game, though doing that will still require a great deal of skill. Those that already playedCrash Bandicoot 4on PS4 can upgrade to the PS5 version and transfer their saves over, so they can take another crack at getting 100% completion in the game without having to start from scratch.
Returnal
One of the biggest upcoming PS5 exclusive games is Housemarque’sReturnal. A roguelike shooter game with horror elements,Returnalis quickly shaping up to be Housemarque’s most ambitious project to date. Some freshReturnalgameplay was shown during the PlayStation State of Play, showing main character Selene taking on a variety of different enemies using some of the weapons that she has available to her. While its presence at the PlayStation State of Play was mainly focused onReturnalgameplay, the presentation also touched a bit on the narrative, teasing an engaging mystery for fans to unravel once the game launches in April.
In a shocking twist, the end of theReturnalpresentation showed first-person gameplay, with main character Selene entering a spooky house that looked like something ripped straight fromPT. It’s clear that there’s something big going on, and it will be interesting to learn more.
Knockout City
Sifu
The PlayStation State of Play up to this point focused on previously-announced games, but then it pivoted to the reveal of a brand new game coming to PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 later in 2021.Sifuis a martial arts action game that uses stylish cel-shaded graphics and an intense combat systemreminiscent ofJohn Wick. What was shown during the PlayStation State of Play looked promising, so hopefully more information on this game comes sooner rather than later.
Solar Ash
One of the first games revealed for the PlayStation 5 wasSolar Ash, and now fans got a new look at the promising game. Developed by the same studio that released the critically-acclaimedHyper Light Drifter,Solar Ashis an adventure platforming gamethat is not unlike Nintendo’sThe Legend of Zeldafranchise. LikeSifu, it is aiming for release on both the PS4 and PS5 later in 2021.
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Five Nights at Freddy’s: Security Breach
Five Nights at Freddy’s: Security Breachis set to take theFive Nights at Freddy’sfranchise in bold new directions, giving players more direct control over the player character. This new exploratory gameplay will be combined with more traditionalFive Nights at Freddy’smechanics, like checking security cameras. This is one of the best looks that players have gotten ofFive Nights at Freddy’s Security Breachyet, and so it should create a great deal of buzz within theFive Nights at Freddy’scommunity.
Oddworld: Soulstorm
LikeSolar Ash,Oddworld: Soulstormwas one of the first games revealed for the PS5. And likeSolar Ash, it got another gameplay presentation during the latest PlayStation State of Play. DuringOddworld: Soulstorm’s State of Play presentation, the developers revealed some of the PS5 DualSense features, like using haptic feedback to let players feel Abe’s heartbeat. Perhaps the biggest news, though, came after the gameplay presentation.Oddworld: Soulstormwas confirmed to be one of thefree PlayStation Plus gamesfor April 2021, with the game set to launch on Tuesday, April 6.
Kena: Bridge of Spirits
Kena: Bridge of Spiritsturned a lot of headswhen it was first revealed thanks to its combination ofPikminandThe Legend of Zeldastyle gameplay. The game was highlighted yet again during the latest PlayStation State of Play, showing players some gorgeous-looking cinematics, combat, puzzle-solving, exploration, and more. PS4 and PS5 gamers will get to try outKena: Bridge of Spiritsfor themselves on August 24.
Deathloop
Prior to Microsoft announcing its intention to acquire ZeniMax Media and Bethesda, Bethesda had inked some exclusivity deals with PlayStation. This included console exclusive rights toDeathloop, a high octane action game that’s coming to PC and PlayStation 5 in May. From Arkane Studios,Deathloopis a unique first-person shooter gamewhere players are trapped in a time loop, starting everything back over whenever they are unlucky enough to die. They’ll have to contend with dangerous NPCs as well as players who invade their game online.Deathloopshowed some new gameplay during the PlayStation State of Play along with some stylish cinematics, and it definitely looks like it will please fans of Arkane’s previous games, especially theDishonoredtitles.
Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade
The PlayStation State of Play presentation ended with the announcement ofFinal Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade, anenhanced version ofFinal Fantasy 7 Remakethat is in the works for PlayStation 5.Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergradewill be mostly the same experience that fans from remember from the PS4 version, but with vastly improved graphics, including improved textures, lighting, and fog effects.
Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergradewill also be making some quality of life improvements that fans can look forward to once it launches this summer. For instance, the game will maintain 60 frames per second at 4K resolution when played on PS5, plus players will be able to check out the new Normal (Classic) difficulty mode. And as expected, load times inFinal Fantasy 7 Remake Classichave been vastly improved. Players can load in to the game lightning fast and then take advantage of the new Photo Mode feature.
But perhaps the biggest piece of information regardingFinal Fantasy 7 Remake Intergradeis the new story content that will be featured in this enhanced version of the game. Square Enix is releasing anew episode all about Yuffie, who will be making herFF7 Remakedebut inIntergrade. The Yuffie content will be available if players purchaseFinal Fantasy 7 Remake Intergradeoutright, but they can also purchase it separately after upgrading from the PS4 version of the game to the new PS5 version. Save data will carry over, so fans don’t have to worry about starting from scratch.
Those looking forward toFinal Fantasy 7 Remake Intergradeshould note that the game will launch on Jul 28, 2025.
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