VR, fighting, adventuring, and some superhero co-op
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Sony has just wrapped its first State of Play for 2023, showing off what’s in store for the PlayStation 5 and its newly released PlayStation VR2 headset. There were some usual suspects, but also a decent number of pleasant surprises.
From the release date and console debut of Baldur’s Gate 3 to that wild, wacky-looking new Enhance game, there were definitely a few reveals that caught us off guard. Other parts of the State of Play were a little more what you’d expect, but even then, I’m not going to turn my nose up at more Street Fighter 6 footage, especially with both Zangief and Cammy looking fantastic in the new entry.
Here’s all the news to know from today’s show.
Everything shown in the February 2023 State of Play
- Virtual reality took the stage first with The Foglands, a shooting gallery-style game with some card elements in play. It’s definitely got a bit of a look to it. This was followed by survival game Green Hell VR, first-person shooter Synapse, and Asimov-adaptation Journey to the Foundation.
- It’s a decent block for folks who just picked up a new VR2 headset and are looking to some new games to play, but I’d like to draw special attention to Before Your Eyes, a captivating game that was playable through webcams already, and will likely be even more emotional and special in a VR2 headset. That arrives on March 10.
- Destiny 2 gets a trailer for its imminent Lightfall expansion, showcasing all the weird space-magic happenings set to take place in Neomuna. I’m once again drawn into the Destiny 2 expansion hype, I’m afraid.
- There are some indie gems lying in wait every year, and I have a feeling Tchia is one of them. This action-adventure game lets you shift into animals and explore a beautiful world, inspired by real-life New Caledonia. I love the art style and mechanics, and it just genuinely seems like a pleasant experience. Subscribers to PlayStation Plus’ higher tiers also get a bonus, as Tchia takes the Stray route of launching Day 1 on PS Plus Extra and Premium. Tchia is out on March 21, 2023.
- Humanity is difficult to describe, and I mean that for both the game and, you know, all of us. This new game from Enhance has you taking on the form of a glowing Shiba Inu, leading flocks of humankind through strange levels. I could try to describe it more, but why not try it yourself? A limited-time demo is available today. The full game arrives in May.
- Dino-teen drama machine Goodbye Volcano High returns to State of Play, and still looks to bear all the narrative emotion amid an impending meteor impact. Even as someone not too wild about the designs, I’m incredibly impressed by the animation work and storytelling devices being used here. Narrative fans might want to keep an eye on this one when it launches on June 15.
- Confession: I have only ever seen one episode of Naruto, the first one. Didn’t do a ton for me. But I do love some Ultimate Ninja Storm, so I was very excited to see Naruto x Boruto Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections appear during the State of Play today. It’s set to combine pivotal moments from the first four Storm games, and have new playable characters alongside the 124 ninjas from the past. That is a lot of ninjas.
- Here’s a surprise: Baldur’s Gate 3 is coming to PlayStation 5, day-and-date with the PC and Mac launch. So not only do we get a release date of August 31 for Larian’s take on the Baldur’s Gate series, we also get a console version with confirmed cross-progression, and JK Simmons voicing one of the big antagonists. Rad!
- AIrship Syndicate’s Wayfinder shows off some of its action co-op gameplay, detailing how players can team up to take on enemies in dangerous areas. A friend remarked to me that this reminds them of Dauntless, and they’re not totally off-base. A beta is going live on Feb. 28 for those who want to check it out.
- Street Fighter 6 takes the stage to spotlight three characters. Zangief’s looking even more muscle-bound and powerful than ever, newcomer Lily has the spirits on her side, and Cammy is back to break some backs. The next Street Fighter keeps looking great, and June 2 feels just too far away.
- Also here from Capcom is Resident Evil 4 Remake, showing off more gameplay footage. Leon’s refreshed journey is just a month away at this point, but Capcom confirms there’s a “special demo” on the way for those who can’t wait.
- Lastly, we close the show with some detailed gameplay footage and discussion of Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League. There’s a good glimpse of the co-op action these four anti-heroes will get up to, and Rocksteady’s still locked in for its release date of May 26. The big surprise arrives at the end as Wonder Woman herself decks the Brainiac-controlled Flash and demands answers. Turns out we will, actually, have to Kill the Justice League.
That’s all for today’s third-party-centric Sony State of Play. Let us know what you thought of the show in the comments!
