Hey everyone, Thierry here speaking for Sabotage. Our friends at PlayStation extended an invitation to share more about everything that has happened since the launch of Sea of Stars, and how that led our team to work full-time for the better part of a year on a major free update called Dawn of Equinox.

Play Video

So let’s dive into a summary of what’s included, namely general updates, combat 2.0, and couch co-op.

Updates

Along with countless bug fixes and micro adjustments, we added a bonus pre-rendered cinematic cutscene and finally got to revamp the game’s first hour by adding combat animations for the kid versions of our heroes. This allowed us to ditch the flashback structure by having action directly in the intro, something we sadly had to give up on during production.

We also added difficulty presets, a bunch of new Relics to customize the experience, and even a comprehensive Speedrun Mode designed with the help of our community. There’s some new music, character portraits, and animations—the list goes on.

Combat 2.0

The update brings two key changes to the combat system: Sticky Combo Points and Mystery Locks. Along with a comprehensive balancing pass, of course.

Sticky Combo Points: The gist of it here is that Combo Points now remain after battle, giving combo moves a lot more use overall, whether to open more aggressively on a regular fight, or providing more options to deal damage of the different types when dealing with locks.

This one mainly addresses the feeling of there not being a enough variety of moves in the game. The vision was always to give each character a small kit (MOBA-style), where each move has situational utility, rather than a big list where players pigeonhole themselves into only using their couple of favorites. All good intentions, but while the game boasts over 40 unique and custom-animated moves total, the scarcity of Combo Points meant players seldom engaged with most of them, reducing the perceived scope of combat to feeling like only having three skills per character.

Mystery Locks: This is another one that should always have been there. In short, Mystery Locks bring a new gameplay loop around revealing how to break enemies’ spells whenever they are first encountered. Instead of

Hi everyone! The Forever Skies team just surprise-released a PlayStation 5 exclusive demo, and it’s available today! The demo is specially designed for our PlayStation fans so we’ve made sure it’s got a lot to offer. 

Play Video

Forever Skies is a first-person, sci-fi survival game where you build, fly, and customize your own mobile airship base while exploring a ruined Earth.

So let’s set the scene first. When a perpetual toxic dust cloud enveloped the surface of the Earth following an ecological disaster, humanity made a last-ditch stand by relocating to makeshift towers that rose above the dust layer, relying on airships to move around. When all hope was lost, the last remnants of humanity fled into orbit. You play as a scientist from this last pocket of civilization, sent back to Earth on a crucial mission to find a cure for an illness spreading throughout the space station that houses the last of humanity.

Our demo is a specially designed vertical slice of the game that provides a streamlined introduction to some of our best features. It should take you around 1.5 – 2.5 hours to finish. 

So what can you expect? First you’ll crash-land back on Earth and need to hit the ground running. The details of what went wrong with the expedition before yours are scarce, so you better start piecing together what details you can.

Scavenge your surroundings for supplies, use technology to unlock tools to help you collect food and water to survive, and most importantly, get your airship flight ready to take off and explore the world. Follow the trail of story objectives as you explore towers that served as radio hubs, small makeshift towns, and wind farms from humanity’s past efforts to rebuild. Learn what it takes to survive here, extracting resources from the air or fishing for dust moths to eat. Build and customize your airship to make it feel like your own and experience being a scientist as you use technology and smarts to best the hostile world you’ve returned to.

From on-track Ray Tracing to unprecedented detail with 8K, discover how EA Sports and Codemasters utilize the groundbreaking PS5 Pro technology to make F1 24 look and play better. Si Lumb, Technical Producer at Codemasters, shares insight into what players can expect when playing F1 24 on PS5 Pro — plus, more details about Season 4 and an upcoming Free-Play trial.

Enhanced for PS5 Pro, F1 24 takes full advantage of the console’s exclusive technologies and improved graphical capabilities depending on the display option players choose in the settings menu.

“PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) allows us to push a Ray Traced image to 4K without sacrificing image quality in Quality Mode,” says Si. “The increased power in the PS5 Pro’s GPU gives us the ability to double the 120Hz resolution in Performance Mode, and with some clever re-ordering of the frame, we have even managed to put the 32 Million pixels of 8K at 60Hz in Resolution Mode.”

Whilst Ray Tracing is available on PS5 in F1 24 race replays, the power of the PS5 Pro enables this technology during on-track racing when selecting Quality Mode.

“Ray Tracing allows us to simulate light to enhance realism, making reflections, shadows, and lighting more lifelike. These enhancements result in a more photorealistic experience, especially on the glossy and mirror-like chassis of the cars, the undulating and detailed track terrain, or the varied circuit surroundings. This is even more prominent in wet conditions, where reflections from puddles or shiny surfaces play a significant role in the immersion.”

In a first for EA Sports, the PS5 Pro F1 24 enhancements enable 8K/60Hz support when using a compatible display in Resolution Mode. All 25 circuits in the game are improved both on and off the track, and with variable weather and time of day options for each, players are bound to discover a new favorite in 8K/60Hz.

“For the ultimate showcase of 8K visuals, I’d recommend Spa Francorchamps at sunset in clear weather. The elevation changes and dense foliage at Spa, combined with the incredible detail and depth offered by 8K, make for a visually stunning experience. The track’s sweeping corners and long straights will show off the high pixel count, while the dynamic lighting and shadows give you a real sense of immersion as the light shifts across the circuit.”

 By leveraging the power of the PS5 Pro to work in harmony with F1 24’s EGO Engine, the development team plans to push the limits of graphical performance for future releases.

“We’ve learned a lot from this release, and the groundwork laid in F1 24 will help us take even greater advantage of the PS5 Pro’s power in the future. We’re especially interested in expanding our use of technologies like PSSR across more modes and further optimizing our Ray Tracing and high frame rate features. As we continue to push the limits of the EGO engine, we look forward to delivering even more groundbreaking advancements in upcoming F1 titles.”

No matter which graphical mode players choose, the PS5 Pro enhancements result in noticeable differences throughout the game when you load up F1 24 for the first time.

“Whether it’s increased clarity in the Performance Mode, the sharper details and more immersive visuals of our new 8K Resolution Mode, or the dramatic improvem

Hello, Stellar Blade fans! Thank you for your continued love and support. Stellar Blade’s journey was fueled by your passion, and our fans motivated us to face every challenge. We are excited to share two special announcements with you today.

View and download image

Read more

LEGO Horizon Adventures, launching on PS5 and PC November 14, brings about a new take on Aloy’s story from her first adventure. Guerrilla and Studio Gobo met with The LEGO Group at their headquarters in Billund, and shared a few behind-the-scenes insights on creating the game. Watch the full video here and continue reading to find out how they built Aloy’s world, one brick at a time! 

Play Video

Senior Producer at Studio Gobo, Kat Woolley, talks about what it’s like to work on a LEGO game and how the story was adapted to fit this playful adventure. “There’s a layering of talent, passion, creativity and just joy – there’s such joy in working on a LEGO game, and especially something like Horizon where there is an effort to bring something quite serious from the world of Horizon over to LEGO Horizon Adventures. We needed to give it that element of funny, of light-hearted, of silly, of play.”

“Horizon is all about the mystery of the origins, especially for Aloy. It’s something we tried to replicate in LEGO Horizon Adventures where every character is on their quest for finding a family, building a home and making connections with each other in the story of LEGO Horizon Adventures,” Guerrilla’s Design Director, Stephane Varrault, explains.

Creating the world

Everything you come across in LEGO Horizon Adventures is made entirely out of real LEGO bricks, so if you have the right pieces at home, you could rebuild anything from the world, including the machines, the treasure chests, and Mother’s Heart!

Guerrilla’s Senior World Artist, Lucas Bolt explained, “The world of Horizon Zero Dawn is filled with incredible natural landscapes; it’s one of the core pillars of the game so that’s something that we also had to create for LEGO Horizon Adventures.”

“You can see how everything is made, all the little details, all the little LEGO elements that were used to bring things to life,” Joe Kyde, Senior Model Designer at The LEGO Group, adds.

Roy Postma, Art Director at Guerrilla, goes on to explain the process of visualizing and developing the Horizon world in LEGO form, “We started out in a very realistic way, by rebuilding the original Old World buildings from the Horizon games… Then someone sneaked in an official LEGO set in the background, I believe it was the LEGO gas station, and we were looking at

Greetings, Travelers! Genshin Impact Version 5.2 “Tapestry of Spirit and Flame” is arriving on November 20, and today we’re excited to introduce two new Natlan tribes, the Flower-Feather Clan and Masters of the Night-Wind. By recruiting their elite warriors Chasca and Ororon or transforming into their Saurian companions, you may learn to command the power of the skies to move and fight in mid-air.

Using the skills of our new and familiar Saurian companions, we can also venture to the ancient, ruined city of Ochkanatlan, that towers into the clouds northwest of the two new tribes, the Flower-Feather Clan and Masters of the Night-Wind. At the same time, a mysterious incident has occurred in the Masters of the Night-Wind, which you can investigate together with Citlali and Ororon as part of the main seasonal event in the upcoming new version.

Soar and Explore Like the Saurians

The Saurians we’ve encountered so far have helped us traverse the challenging landscapes of Natlan with ease. Today, we would like to introduce you to two new species: Qucusaurs and Iktomisaurs, which will allow us to further expand our capabilities of exploration — to maneuver in mid-flight and to reveal what remains invisible to the naked eye.

Qucusaurs are the proudest of Natlan’s Saurians and consider themselves the kings of the sky. They once patrolled the entire Natlan region alongside the best riders of the Flower-Feather Clan. Qucusaurs are capable of gliding at full speed over long distances. They can dart through the wind in accelerated gliding mode, but also use Phlogiston to gain altitude or perform horizontal rolls in mid-flight.

Unlike Qucusaurs’ ability to travel long distances, Iktomisaurs can perform vertical leaps and reach great heights. In addition, these wise Saurians also possess a unique sight that allows them to detect things that would normally remain hidden. It is said that the great Iktomisaur Elder has served as a guide for the Masters of the Night Wind for generations, so your Iktomisaur companion and their exceptional sight can also guide you on the trail of secrets buried behind these glowing markings and graffiti. By activating this sight, they can draw energy from Phlogiston-infused objects or craft special items from graffiti patterns. Throughout your adventure, the Iktomisaur’s talents in detection and the impressive leaps that characterize them will prove essential for traversing steep terrain, spotting hidden passages and obstacles, and solving the most complex puzzles.

The abilities of Iktomisaurs, Qucusaurs, as well as your other Saurian companions will play a vital role in exploring the various layers of Ochkanatlan’s treacherous cityscape. Corrupted by the Abyss, this ancient city of Natlan is now inaccessible and no longer home to a living soul. However, a little companion named Cocouik will join you on your quest of ridding this place of Abyssal contamination.

Read more

Last week, we asked you grab your bows and set off on Aloy’s original journey in Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered, sharing epic moments using #PSshare #PSBlog. Here are this week’s highlights:

sorathluna shares Aloy sitting in a field of blue flowers.

sirevanztheduke shares Aloy and Varl gazing out at the land before them.

ForgottenJasmin shares Aloy gazing up at the illuminated night sky from a desert valley.

Beat_Minerz shares Aloy scrambling up ruins and roots to reach a Tallneck.

MdeavorVP shares Aloy about to bash a Watcher with her spear.

dlazdagaming shares a view of the land with a Tallneck roaming.

Search #PSshare #PSBlog on Twitter or Instagram to see more entries to this week’s theme. Want to be featured in the next Share of the Week?

THEME: Dragon Age: The Veilguard
SUBMIT BY: 11:59 PM PT on November 13, 2024 

Next week, we head to Thedas to explore the realms of Dragon Age: The Veilguard. Share moments in action or traversing the Fade with #PSshare #PSBlog for a chance to be featured.

It’s time to see which PS5, PS4, PS VR2, PS VR, and free-to-play games topped the download charts last month. October saw fists and bullets flying with Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero, Undisputed, and Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 entering the top five of PS5 list in the US. Arizona Sunshine Remake claimed the top spot on October’s PS VR2 list in the US and EU.

Check out the full listings below. What titles are you playing this month?

PS5 Games

US/Canada	EU
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6	Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO	DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO
Undisputed	EA SPORTS FC 25
SILENT HILL 2	SILENT HILL 2
EA SPORTS Madden NFL 25	Grand Theft Auto V
NBA 2K25	Phasmophobia
EA SPORTS FC 25	Undisputed
Grand Theft Auto V	Hogwarts Legacy
Dragon Age: The Veilguard	Palworld
Palworld	It Takes Two
Metaphor: ReFantazio	Dragon Age: The Veilguard
Phasmophobia	Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered
SONIC X SHADOW GENERATIONS	Black Myth: Wukong
EA SPORTS College Football 25	Metaphor: ReFantazio
NHL 25	ASTRO BOT
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2	NEW WORLD: AETERNUM
Read more Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake interview: how the classic RPG was revamped for its PS5 debut Game Ace Pro / Friday, November 8, 2024 0 0 The launch of Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake is fast approaching on November 14. We had the opportunity to sit down for an interview with the game’s producer, Masaaki Hayasaka, to chat about this stunning remake that brings back the iconic masterpiece in HD-2D. Masaaki Hayasaka Producer, Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake How HD-2D graphics draw out the full potential of this retro classic PlayStation Blog: HD-2D has become much more popular since games like Octopath Traveler. What are some of the unique characteristics of this visual style? In a nutshell, HD-2D is a visual style that combines pixelated characters with 3D backgrounds. Personally, I think this style works better in retro titles. When the original game first came out, players roamed the world while picturing how beautiful the landscapes must be. HD-2D actually brings that world to life. Even though the game adopts HD-2D, it is still immediately recognizable as Dragon Quest III. What do you think are the most important aspects needed to achieve the iconic Dragon Quest-style? The most obvious is the color palette. Dragon Quest games are characterized by rich, vivid colors, so we aimed to fully embrace that in the remake as well. If you compare the original game and the HD-2D remake side-by-side, the graphics will look completely different. Even so, the color palettes are similar so it shouldn’t feel far off from what OG players remember. Play Video Built in tandem with Yuji Horii What sort of discussions did you have with Yuji Horii (creator of the Dragon Quest franchise), during development? We connected regularly from the early phases of planning till the very end of development. We exchanged a lot of details. We discussed everything from new features like the Monster Arena and additional narrative episodes, to the game balance of battles, and even the size of the character pixels. Did you make any changes based on Yuji Horii’s recommendations? Read more Announcing Season 1 of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Warzone, live Nov 14 Game Ace Pro / Thursday, November 7, 2024 0 0 Power shifts as a faction within Avalon seeks to topple the Luttazzi Crime Family in the massive Season 01 update for Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Call of Duty: Warzone. Deploy across new territory in Multiplayer, Zombies, and Resurgence, wield new weapons and Loadout items, test your competitive skills in Ranked Play, and much more. Season 01 of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Call of Duty: Warzone launches November 14 on PS5 and PS4. Multiplayer overview New Core 6v6 Maps Hideout (Launch): Master Omnimovement in this training site including target practice, an obstacle course, and vault. Extraction (Launch): Battle across the landing pads and buildings of D’Avalon Héliport. Occupy the air traffic control tower for premium views. Hacienda (Mid-Season): Return to the infamous vineyard estate first seen in Call of Duty: Black Ops 4. Fight in the two-story mansion or around the prestine grounds. Nuketown Holiday (Mid-Season): Get festive as we celebrate CODMAS later in the season, including a Holiday-themed Nuketown! New 2v2/6v6 Strike Maps Heirloom (Launch): Enter a fine art museum that has been vandalized with paint. Navigate the sculptural centerpiece read up on some Avalon art history. Racket (Mid-Season): There’s been a break-in in this labyrinthine bank vault. Fight around the bulldozer and ambush enemies at every chance. Play Video New Multiplayer modes Ransack (Launch): Loot gold bars from crates scattered around the map and bring them back to your team’s stash. Raid the enemy team’s stash and protect your own. Prop Hunt (Launch): The fan-favorite party mode returns! Blend into the landscape as a prop or be the Hunter, tracking down anything that looks out of place. Plus, expect more Limited Time Modes as we get into the holiday season with Season 01 Reloaded! Multiplayer Ranked Play The definitive Ranked Play experience arrives in Season 01, starting later in November. Compete and climb through the Skill Ranks using the same competitive settings, maps, modes, and weapon restrictions as the Call of Duty: Le Read more RSS Load next 10 article(s) (2190 left)Loading...