Today’s State of Play gave exciting updates on upcoming PS4 and PS5 titles as well as a first look at new announcements. Amongst other things, there was a deep dive of the PS5 enhancements coming to Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time, a tantalising new glimpse at Returnal, the news that Oddworld: Soulstorm launches into PlayStation Plus this April on PS5 and of course, the debut of Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade. 

Play Video

Check out the full list of announcements below, which includes insight from the developers of the games featured in the show. 

State of Play February 2021: All the announcements

• See PS5 enhancements in action with a new Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time deep dive
• Dive into the abyss with all-new Returnal gameplay
• Introducing Sifu, an intense Kung-Fu experience coming in 2021
• Welcome to Knockout City, the dodgebrawl capital of the world
• Journey inside the Ultravoid with new Solar Ash gameplay
• First gameplay revealed for Five Nights at Freddy’s: Security Breach
• Oddworld: Soulstorm arrives on PS4 and PS5 April 6
• Read more

Today we’re excited to announce Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade, an enhanced and expanded version of last year’s critically acclaimed adventure. Whether you’ve already completed Cloud’s journey on PS4 or are brand new to the world of Final Fantasy VII Remake, Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade has something to offer for everyone.

Play Video

The expressiveness of the game’s lighting, texture, and environment has increased with the PS5 version of the game. New features have also been added, including the ability to switch between “Graphics Mode” that prioritizes high quality 4K graphics (4K compatible display required) and “Performance Mode” that prioritizes smooth action at 60FPS.

The game also includes a Photo Mode where the player can take photos of in-game scenes and save their favorite memories, as well as a new episode that features Yuffie as the main protagonist.

Those who own the physical or digital PS4 version of Final Fantasy VII Remake and want to experience the PS5 enhancements can upgrade to the PS5 version at no extra cost**, and carry over their save data from the PS4 version.*** PS4 players who upgrade will still need to purchase the new episode featuring Yuffie separately. Update: Please note the PS4 version of Final Fantasy VII Remake available to PlayStation Plus members is not eligible for the PS5 digital version upgrade.

Everyone knows the feeling of déjà vu – that sensation that you’ve experienced something before. For Colt, this feeling is near-constant. Trapped in a time loop, Colt has been experiencing déjà vu for as long as he can remember, which actually isn’t very long because he has amnesia and only really remembers his recent past. That might explain all the déjà vu, honestly. Every time the day loops it’s a struggle to remember everything so he can use the knowledge he has to push himself forward and, hopefully, off the island of Blackreef. Colt sets his sights on a new target – the Visionary, “Ramblin’” Frank Spicer – in the latest Deathloop trailer.

Play Video

The Sounds of Blackreef

The inhabitants of Blackreef are living out an endless party. Every looping day is a celebration of chaos, grandiosity, and debauchery. This spirit has infused itself into all elements of the game – from the drunken spectacles taking place in the streets, to the brightly colored and sometimes ominous graffiti covering the island, and even to the music you’ll hear in each of the four districts dividing Blackreef.

“Along with the different visual influences in each district, we wanted to ensure players would hear different things between the different regions of the island,” says Audio Director Michel Tremouiller. “The scores of each district are changed by the architecture and vibe of that particular location, as well as the Visionaries that call those areas home. Where Aleksis’ Updaam is all psyche-rock and vintage sci-fi tones, an area like Frank Spicer’s home of Fristad Rock will be more melancholic guitars swaying to the rhythm of the waves.”

With Deathloop, Audio Director Michel Tremouiller was tasked with creating a musical style as unique as Blackreef itself. But before he could even begin to define each district, he needed to determine the overarching style.

“First, we define the most important elements we want to be clear to the player and highlighted in the game,” says Michel Tremouiller, Audio Director. “Usually you have to focus on a few keywords that describe the game, and that’s a good starting point for our work on the audio team. With Deat

We know you have been waiting to learn more about Kena: Bridge of Spirits. We are excited to share our new trailer for the game, giving you a deeper look at gameplay, new locations, and some of the characters you will meet on your journey. Pre-orders are now available, and we can’t wait for you to experience the game this Summer!

Play Video

With your pre-order, you can be among the first to embark on this mysterious journey of discovery and receive a very special pack of Celebration hats.

After challenging encounters, take some downtime to accessorize your team with adorable headgear. Hats are a great way to track and locate individual Rot as you travel through the environments. Dozens of hats are hidden throughout the game but the celebration hats are only available for pre-order.

We’re also excited to announce the editions that will be available including the Standard Edition ($39.99 USD / €39.99) and the Digital Deluxe Edition ($49.99 USD / €49.99). All editions of Kena: Bridge of Spirits entitle you to both the Digital PS4 and Digital PS5 versions of the game. The Digital Deluxe Edition includes the Digital Soundtrack, a unique silver staff for Kena and golden Rot skin.

Your incredible support has been a huge help to the team as we work hard to complete Kena. We are so close to sharing the game with you and can’t wait for you to experience the adventure!

Hi, I’m Lorne Lanning, co-founder of Oddworld Inhabitants, and today I’m excited to share big news about Oddworld: Soulstorm and debut new footage in today’s State of Play. 

When I start the creative process, I sometimes find myself dreaming of the day when I can share my creation with you. That dream is nearly a reality because Oddworld: Soulstorm will launch on April 6^th on PS4 and PS5. All of us at Oddworld are excited to share the second chapter in Abe’s quintology with you.

I’ve said this before, but it is worth repeating, your support helped us more than I can put into words. Not only has your support helped us, but the support we have received from PlayStation, Epic Games, Unity, and Microids has been vital. 

To all of you, thank you! 

The other big news I want to share with you is that Oddworld: Soulstorm is one of your PlayStation Plus games for April 2021. PlayStation Plus members will be able to download the PS5 version of the game at no extra cost during that time.*

Play Video

In Oddworld: Soulstorm, you reprise the role of Abe the Mudokon, accidental hero turned leader of a growing revolution. We first met Abe in the first game of the quintology, Oddworld: New ‘n’ Tasty. Abe is a floor-waxer at Mullock the Glukkon’s RuptureFarms meat packing plant.  He accidentally learns about Molluck’s plan to turn Mudokons into tasty treats. He wants to save himself, but he’s compelled him to try to save everyone. His selfless act is the spark that sets the revolution ablaze.    

Soulstorm is the second game in quintology. In it, you will explore massive cinematic scale and weird and wonderful 2.9D environments filled with breathtaking visuals. 2.9D lets you venture into the world. It creates greater scale and action. Adds depth and immersion.

The sense of immersion is even greater thanks to game changing haptic feedback. You can feel Abe’s heartbeat during suspense filled action sequences, made possible by PlayStation’s revolutionary DualSense wireless controller.

Try to save the more than 1,000 Mudokons. There is power in many. They will help you solve puzzling puzzles. And, you can harness their collective energy.

As you traverse the 2.9D environments, you will scavenge for necessary resources by pickpocketing enemies, looting lockers, and sifting through trash cans. Exchange them at vending machines t