We expected a lot and didn’t get much from PlayStation’s first major showcase of 2021.
Heavy hitters Ratchet and Clank, God of War and Horizon were all missing in action from this morning’s State of Play, in favour of more general PS5 upgrades for PS4 games and a few release dates.
Here’s everything that was announced.
Crash Bandicoot: It’s About Time PS5 upgrade
The game will now run at 4K and 60 frames per second when the update brings faster loading, adaptive triggers and 3D audio on March 12, 2021. If you own the PS4 version, an upgrade is available.
Returnal for PS5
Gameplay for Returnal looks a lot like Control, and that’s awesome. Every time you die, the world, enemies and weapon locations change. This mind bending third-person shooter arrives on April 30, 2021.
Knockout City for PS4
A new trailer provided a more in-depth look at Knockout City, originally revealed in the Nintendo Direct, which is coming in May.
SIFU for PS5
Our first new PS5 game came in the form of the stylised brawler, SIFU from developer Sloclap. All we know is it’s coming later in 2021.
Solar Ash for PS5/PS4
The team behind Hyperlight Drifter showed off gameplay for the first time, that looks somewhat similar to the quick, flowing platforming of the Pathless. Massive worlds and a battle atop an enormous Steelix (remember Pokemon?) will come to PS4 and PS5 later in 2021.
Five Nights at Freddies: Security Breach
“There’s more going on here than you realise” and frankly, more than I want to! Who knew bunnies could look so terrifying. Coming in 2021
Oddworld Soulstorm free for PS5 Playstation Plus members
This game needs to come out so we no longer need to be subjected to trailers for it. This game was announced in 2016! Anyway, it’s launching on April 6. Active PlayStation Plus members will get the PS5 game for free!
Kena: Bridge of Spirits
One of the darling’s of the PS5’s initial showcase continues to impress, even when it’s just showing off more pre-rendered cutscenes. We’ve only seen snippets of gameplay, but my god it looks like it will scratch that Zelda itch when it is released on August 24, 2021.
Deathloop
Deathloop is still storming to the PS5 despite Xbox’s Bethesda buyout and it’s got a killer theme that reminded me a lot of Adele’s 007 track for Skyfall. No release date though.
Final Fantasy XII Remake
2020’s long-awaited Final Fantasy XII remake is getting an upgrade with Final Fantasy XII Intergrade. Better textures, fog effects, lighting, faster loading, steadier 60fps and better fidelity. Don’t forget the photo mode and a new episode, all coming October 6, 2021.