The curtains just closed on Sony’s third-party and PSVR focused “State of Play” stream and I’m kind of confused why VR was even put into focus. If I’m not mistaken, there were exactly two titles with any kind of VR support here. Hitman III getting it is big and likely signals Sony is planning something for the PS5, but Vader Immortal we already knew about.
It was certainly underwhelming, but that doesn’t mean cool things didn’t happen. We got a confirmation of a Braid remaster and even an extended look at Spelunky 2. That’s awesome and even pertains to consoles outside of Sony’s market.
Without further delay, let’s jump right into the recap.
Kicking things off was an extended look at Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time. Toys for Bob outlined some new changes that longtime fans can expect and confirmed that this game will be a direct continuation of Crash Bandicoot: Warped. So much for fans of Wrath of Cortex.
It was stressed again that there will be no microtransactions in here, just unlockable costumes that players can earn by completing challenges. It seems like Crash 4 really will be built like the PS2 generation was just kicking off.
Right after that, IO Interactive revealed that Hitman III will be getting a PlayStation exclusive VR mode. It not only brings a new element to your killing but will allow owners of the past two games to relive the entire trilogy from a new perspective. This basically confirms that PSVR will work on PS5, even if not directly.
The biggest shocker of the show, indie developer Jonathan Blow has been working on an updated version of his hit 2008 puzzle masterpiece Braid. Aptly titled Anniversary Edition, this new port will come with developer commentary, redrawn artwork for 4K resolutions, and some new features.
Shortly after the stream, a press release confirmed that Anniversary Edition will be coming to PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, PC, and Switch in 2021.
Sony then transitioned into a PS5-exclusive indie game titled The Pathless. Heavily inspired by the likes of Breath of the Wild and Ghost of Tsushima, this is an open-world title where you take control of an archer that travels the land. There will be no map system and you’ll be conquering towers to regain control of some fantasy setting. It seems okay, but maybe a little overplayed.
Hey! Spelunky 2 is actually happening! After what seems like eons, indie director Derek Yu was on hand to confirm that the follow-up to his impossible hit will be releasing on September 15, 2020. This version will pack in online multiplayer, new characters with specific traits, and even a small in-game community that you can build up.
Oh, there’s a pug gun. So the greatest game of all time.
I don’t have a whole lot to say about Genshin Impact. It looks like an MMO or some kind of open-world experience with an anime aesthetic. At least there seems to be a high level of polish, so I’m sure this will be solid for fans looking forward to it. The game will be launching on PS4 in Autumn 2020.
I’m very much drawn to the visual style of Aeon Must Die. A beat-em-up that gives off some very strong Tron vibes, I really have no idea what this game is about. You’re fighting in a tournament or something and it has electronic music. There’s a lot of unknowns, but it looks very stylish and could be a sleeper hit.
I actually missed the name of this, but ANNO: Mutationem has a rather striking aesthetic that feeds into the cyberpunk theme that’s hot right now. This is a sidescrolling action game with some anime elements that could be an answer to the lack of Strider in our lives.
PS5 system seller Bugsnax was on hand with a new story trailer that gives us a clearer idea of how the game will play. You’ll be playing the role of a journalist looking for a big scoop on what Bugsnax actually are. There’s an element of some National Geographic shows in here that is obviously being played as a comedy. It’s very charming.
Here’s a reminder that Vader Immortal: A Star Wars VR Series is a thing, is coming to PSVR, and will release on August 25, 2020. That’s really all you need to know.
Remedy Entertainment’s awesome Control will be getting its AWE expansion on August 27, 2020. It seems to be launching on PS4 first, but this will likely be the date that the game hits Steam (it was previously an Epic Games Store exclusive).
I really don’t know much about Auto Chess, but it will be heading over to PS4 on October 31, 2020.
Indie puzzle title The Pedestrian is walking over from PC to PS4 in early 2021. A new trailer doesn’t reveal much different about this version, but it’s great that the game will be available on a new platform.
It’s been some time since we had a Robin Hood themed video game. I guess that’s where Hood: Outlaws & Legends comes in. I’m not too sure I see the appeal here and was constantly reminded of Assassin’s Creed Unity while watching. This seems okay.
Wrapping things up, we got a rather long look at Counterplay Games’ Godfall. Described as a “looter slasher,” the footage on show was fine. I like the 60 FPS lock and everything seems smooth. I’m not sure I can tolerate another looter based game, but this will likely be a solid game for the PS5’s launch window.
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