On Thursday, PlayStation kicked off the year with its first State of Play games showcase, showcasing a variety of announcements, reveals, and updates regarding upcoming titles. Among the highlights were extended gameplay trailers for two major first-party projects: Rise of the Ronin and Stellar Blade. The action-adventure title Stellar Blade, developed by Shift Up, confirmed its launch date for April 26. Meanwhile, Team Ninja’s Rise of the Ronin provided an in-depth gameplay trailer that featured sword fighting, special weapon usage, and intricate traversal mechanics, set against the backdrop of Japan’s Edo period during a time of revolution.
The showcase also offered a substantial preview of Death Stranding 2, featuring a nearly 10-minute trailer that introduced new gameplay elements alongside a continuation of the story and characters from the original game. Norman Reedus reprises his role as Sam Porter Bridges, who must now tackle the challenge of saving the world from imminent extinction. Keeping with the tradition of Hideo Kojima’s works, the narrative remains enigmatic. Notably, Kojima made a surprise appearance with PlayStation Studios head Herman Hulst, revealing plans for a new action-espionage project (not related to Metal Gear Solid), which will commence development after Death Stranding 2 is completed.
The State of Play presentation included over a dozen announcements, which featured updates on the Silent Hill 2 remake, a new story trailer for Ken Levine’s Judas, and an enhanced version of Until Dawn set to release this year for PS5 and PC. Additionally, the event showcased a couple of PS VR2 titles and a remastered Sonic game that compiles select 2D and 3D levels from the franchise. Sony also scheduled the next State of Play for February 6, which will be centered on Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth. Below is a summary of the significant announcements made during the showcase:
Rise of the Ronin – Gameplay Trailer
Team Ninja’s Rise of the Ronin, set to launch on PS5 on March 22, presented a detailed gameplay overview in a 4-minute trailer showcasing its combat mechanics, swordplay, unique weapons, and smooth traversal. This title, reminiscent of Ghost of Tsushima, integrates critical player choices that will influence the narrative path.
Taking place in 19th century Japan amid the Bakumatsu period, Rise of the Ronin immerses players in an authentic Yokohama environment. The trailer featured seamless urban traversal similar to that in Assassin’s Creed, where players can use grappling hooks to scale buildings, glide through the air with an ‘Avicula’ glider, and mount their horses directly from rooftops. Combat mechanics were highlighted, including katana techniques focusing on breaking enemy stances and employing various weaponry, from traditional Japanese arms to Western firearms such as handguns and rifles, including unique tools like a flamethrower. While comparisons to Ghost of Tsushima are common, Rise of the Ronin aims to deliver Team Ninja’s hallmark of fast-paced, skill-based combat. The game is exclusive to PS5, arriving on March 22.
Stellar Blade
Stellar Blade also secured its release date during the showcase, confirming it would be available on PS5 on April 26. Pre-orders for the title will commence on February 7, offering players cosmetic bonuses and in-game currency boosts.
The presented trailer revealed Stellar Blade’s hack-and-slash combat and various gameplay mechanics. Players assume the role of Eve, an interstellar warrior tasked with battling monstrous invaders, the Naytibas, who have overtaken Earth. While Eve’s design may spark debate—adorned in skintight, anime-style clothing—it mirrors her role as a determined fighter. Accompanied by fellow survivors Adam and Lily, Eve embarks on a mission to reclaim her planet.
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
The sequel to the critically acclaimed game has officially been titled Death Stranding 2: On the Beach. The new trailer encapsulates the surreal and visually stunning essence fans expect from Kojima’s work, with familiar elements and new settings showcased.
Returning characters, including Sam and Fragile, make an appearance alongside the introduction of new story arcs, such as a mysterious group called the Drawbridge. Fragile offers Sam a tour of a ship that serves as their new base, urging him to help bring unity to the fractured world, paralleling his earlier efforts in the United Cities of America (UCA). Also featured is a talking puppet that accompanies Sam on his adventures. The UCA’s ambition to extend its network introduces another layer of depth to the narrative.
The trailer unveiled new gadgets, vehicles, and environments, while also reintroducing antagonist Higgs, who, now clad in metal armor and sporting a new weapon—a guitar—presents a fresh challenge. Though no official release date has been given, the sequel is expected in the coming year.
Sonic X Shadow Generations
Sega announced Sonic X Shadow Generations at the State of Play showcase, presenting a remastered collection featuring beloved levels from Sonic Generations. This installment will include new content and a standalone campaign centered on the character Shadow the Hedgehog. The game is slated for release on multiple platforms, including PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X, Nintendo Switch, and PC in Autumn 2024.
Silent Hill 2 and Silent Hill: The Short Message
A new trailer for the Silent Hill 2 remake revealed additional gameplay footage, including third-person combat and a deeper dive into the unsettling atmosphere and enemies.
Additionally, a surprise announcement included the release of Silent Hill: The Short Message, a free horror title available for download now. This short-form game provides a first-person perspective featuring a new character, with themes exploring the social media-driven lives of today’s youth.
Judas
Debuting initially at The Game Awards 2022, Judas is an anticipated first-person shooter developed by Ghost Story Games under the guidance of Bioshock creator Ken Levine. The latest trailer focused on the game’s narrative and the impact of player choices within it. Set in Mayflower, a city teetering on betrayals, players will experience gameplay elements familiar to fans of Levine’s previous titles.
Judas is expected to launch on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series S/X next year.
Here’s Everything Else That Was Announced at State of Play
- Zenless Zone Zero, an action RPG by miHoYo, is set to release on PS5 this year.
- Metro Awakening, a story-driven VR adventure from Vertigo Games, is coming to PS VR2 this year.
- Legendary Tales, a VR action-RPG arriving on PS VR2, is scheduled for February 8.
- Until Dawn, the narrative-driven horror title, will see an enhanced edition for PS5 and PC this year.
- Stunlock Studio’s action-RPG survival title V Rising is also on its way to PS5 this year.
- Dave the Diver, a hit indie game from 2023, is set to release on PS4 and PS5 in April, alongside new DLC featuring Godzilla.
- New content for Foamstars Season 1 will debut on February 6.
