Last week, we asked you toss a filter on your favorite photo mode shots using #PSshare #PSBlog. Here are this week’s highlights:
secondcaptureshares a low-poly portrait of Ratchet wearing a mask in Ratchet & Clank Rift Apart
ForgottenJasminshares a red-saturated filter boosting a colorful flower field in Ghost of Tsushima
laya_photoshares black and white filter adding drama to Aloy rearing back on a machine
stabbed_jawashares a sleek motion filter applied on silver and blue cars from Gran Turismo 7
AreeLyBadPunshares an orange and green filter applied to a dragon flying in Middle Earth: Shadow of War
K_Alien121shares A film strip filter applied over Lady Dimitrescu in Resident Evil Village.
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: Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
SUBMIT BY: 11:59 PM PT on November 1, 2023
Next week, we’re swinging into Marvel’s Spider-Man 2. Share your best web slinging moments using #PSshare #PSBlog for a chance to be featured. #BeGreaterTogether
This week, Senior Creative Director at Insomniac Games Bryan Intihar stopped by to celebrate launch and discuss all things Marvel’s Spider-Man 2.
Stuff We Talked About
Metal Gear Solid Master Collection: Volume 1 – PS5, PS4
Ghostbusters: Rise of the Ghost Lord – PS VR2
Ghostrunner 2 – PS5
Alan Wake 2 – PS5
PS5 Streaming Features Blog
Metal Gear Solid Retrospective Blog
MSM2 Photo Mode guide + tips Blog
MSM2 Launch Interview Blog
Interview w/ Bryan Intihar (starts at 24:42)
Baldur’s Gate 3
The Cast
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Sid Shuman – Senior Director of Content Communications, SIE
Tim Turi – Senior Content Communications Specialist, SIE
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Brett Elston – Manager, Content Communications, SIE
Thanks to Cory Schmitz for our beautiful logo and Dormilón for our rad theme song and show music.
[Editor’s note: PSN game release dates are subject to change without notice. Game details are gathered from press releases from their individual publishers and/or ESRB rating descriptions.]
At Maze Theory, we get excited about storytelling in virtual reality. We think about how VR feels –using your hands to interact with the world, looking characters in the eye, gazing up at vast buildings–and use those feelings to immerse players in a story.
For Peaky Blinders: The King’s Ransom Complete Edition–a new, standalone story set in the world of the hit tv show–we wanted players to feel like they were stepping into the criminal underworld of Birmingham and London in 1928. We leaned into the tactility of VR to help them build a close relationship with the world, and get into character. As players explore they fix period-specific radios, play darts, pour drinks in the iconic Garrison pub, and use their trusty lighter to illuminate dark spaces… and start fires.
Since Peaky Blinders: The King’s Ransom is a character-led drama, we wanted players to experience the characters’ presence and performance in an intimate way that’s only possible in VR. One notable example is the player’s first encounter with Tommy Shelby, brilliantly portrayed by Cillian Murphy, which combines a captured performance with dynamic NPC reactions driven by player interactions.
Most importantly, we wanted to let players loose in environments that were dramatic from a distance–those 1920s factories look spot on in VR–but were detailed close-up. We hid narrative details throughout the world, and players are rewarded for exploring with a deeper understanding of the rich, complex world in which the story takes place.
A brand new story
While the game had to be satisfying for those well-versed in the tv show’s sweeping narrative, we wanted to tell a completely standalone story. To that end, we created several entirely new characters, including the protagonist, Sammy Taylor, a WWI veteran on the run from the firing squad. His only chance at redemption is to work for his childhood friend Tommy Shelby, and his criminal gang, the Peaky Blinders.
As Sammy, players find themselves embroiled in the hunt for Winston Churchill’s Red Box: a briefcase containing the identities of every British agent around the globe. While Sammy’s mission is to retrieve the box for Churchill himself, enemy factions want it too: for power, for money, and the chance to bring the country to its knees.
Improved for PS VR2
For the PS VR2 launch of Peaky Blinders: The King’s Ransom, we took advantage of the headset’s resolution and power to make the game look even better, sharper, and more immersive. The incredibly detailed environments are now rendered with increased resolution, and improvements to the lighting and textures. For a game that relies so heavily on its atmosphere and sense of place, we’re really excited about the improvements we could bring to the PS VR2 version.
We also added PS VR2 haptics and adaptive triggers. The story features moments of high tension and explosive action, and the incredible feedback offered by PS VR2’s haptics makes these dramatic moments even more powerful.
The Complete Edition
When Peaky Blinders: The King’s Ransom launches on PS VR2, it will be the Complete Edition, containing all additional content that will ever be released for the game.
After completing the main story, players will be able to return to the gameworld in Free Roam, take on shooting galleries and combat challenges, and be rewarded with item skins and player customisation options.
Most excitingly, the Complete Edition will also include seven narrative combat missions, which take place after the events of the main story. Trouble is brewing in the Peaky Blinders’ territory, and once again, it’s up to Sammy to get to the bottom of it.
Out this November
Peaky Blinders: The King’s Ransom Complete Edition comes to PS VR2 this November. Whether you’re a fan of the show or a newcomer to the epic gangster drama, this game offers an enthralling experience that truly makes the most of VR.
It’s time to Web-Swing. With Marvel’s Spider-Man 2out now worldwide, you may already have taken your first tour of Manhattan, Brooklyn, or Queens by web or Web Wings. Put Peter and Miles’s masked aerobatics to good use to quell crime and tackle new emerging threats, browsed the new suits and styles with relish, tinkered with a range of accessibility options.
If you’re one of those players, you may already be through the game’s early hours, enjoyed its spectacular showstopper of an opening and applied your Spidey skills to complete some earlier missions. If so, then you have some of the same questions we posed to the game’s Senior Creative Director Bryan Intihar when we sat down to talk the game’s opening act.
Below are select excerpts from that conversation touching on specific moments in the early game, edited for length and clarity. You can hear much more in an elongated version of the interview, which will air on the PlayStation Podcast later today. But for now, please enjoy.
Spoiler Alert: this interview touches on some story and missions in the game’s first act.
That opening tutorial set piece was proposed early on in development
In Marvel’s Spider-Man, players got to grips with Peter Parker’s moveset in a showdown with Kingpin. In Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales, the newly anointed Spider-Man tackled a rampaging Rhino. For Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, Insomniac went bigger. Much bigger.
“Sandman was one of the first things we decided upon, like really early on,” explains Intihar. “This was a meeting where I was like: ‘I want to open with Sandman’. We knew very early on [Marvel’s Spider-Man 2] was going to be on the PS5 console. We knew enough about the console, its capabilities and how we wanted to push it. And we obviously knew it was going to be two Spider-Men. So, you say: new console. Big sequel. Two heroes. What is deserving of an opening for that? I think Sandman was our thing.
We worked on that mission for a long time. A long, long, long time. Here’s the thing: it’s not just like, obviously, he’s a big character in the opening. But technically it’s a challenge, whether it’s moving in and out of buildings and seamlessly switching heroes, just the amount of tech and art that goes into making Sandman look good. We wanted to go big. We wanted people to understand right away – and I always joke it’s called Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 for a reason, because there’s two of them – but for us, it was like, how within that first 20, 30 minutes, can we show people that everything is being leveled up.
“Having this big spectacle opening that would knock people’s socks off, but then also trying to teach people ‘here’s how you play the game’. So, there’s the challenge between creating this unbelievable spectacle, but at the same time, teaching players like here’s how you web-swing, here’s how you punch, here’s how you dodge, here’s how you use your first slotted ability. Here’s how you dodge in midair, here’s how you use the Web Wings… we throw a lot at you. And that just comes through iteration, testing, and more iteration.”
The studio wanted events to have a lingering impact on Marvel’s New York
“The thing that probably we don’t talk a lot about, couldn’t talk about till now is the second mission. Internally, we call it The Aftermath, because we want to show, unlike the first couple games, there’s a cause and effect of these big things happening. So, like you’ll see the devastation in the destruction of the city, from this big Sandman event. The example I give is, when we did that construction mission, in Marvel’s Spider Man [in 2018], there’s the very, very end, Pete webs up the helicopter, right? And it’s webbed up between two buildings, right? It’s super cool. Well, movie magic: if you finish that mission, as soon as you finish it, you turn right back to where that helicopter is, it’s gone. Like nothing ever happened. Well, we wanted all of our big events to have that cause and effect, see the aftermath of that. So, whether it’s that mission or others in the game, you’re going to see a sense of cause and effect across the game. And that’s one of the things we want to show in our world compared to the last couple.”
Hailey and the representation of ASL in the game
Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales introduced players to Hailey, a talented artist who communicates with Miles and her friends with American Sign Language (ASL). She makes a return in Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 and is – light spoiler – the focus of one mission in particular.
“That certain quest – which I’m gonna try to not go into too much detail – I will tell you, is definitely one of my favorite parts of the game. Not only because of what it is, but how it came to be. Because the team – I can tell you right now, we didn’t go into this game with the idea of making that quest. Definitely did not. But it was something that the team talked about and proposed. And I can tell you, it didn’t fit in the schedule. It didn’t. And this was something that the team was really passionate about, and they went for it… Our entire team was like, ‘hey, let’s figure out how to make this happen’, even down to [it being] one of the last things I reviewed. One of the last things I actually came into the office and reviewed, was that mission, was that quest. I know I’m being super broad, because I don’t want to spoil it for people – you’ll know once you play it what I’m talking about everybody, I promise. And to me, it’s really special. That quest is a great example of how, yes, I’m the creative director, yes, part of my responsibility is defining the vision of the game. But it also is my job to empower the team when they have really great ideas that are going to not only get people excited to work on the game, but also make the game better. And I think that particular quest is a great example of when you empower the team to make the game, they make it better than you could have ever imagined in your head.”
On the game’s accessibility features and importance of accessibility for the studio and the industry
“Someone asked me the other day what’s been the biggest advancement in gaming over the last, you know, 5,10 years, and I very quickly said: ‘accessibility’. I think that’s what’s been – not just Insomniac, but across the entire PlayStation family and the whole industry – is the amount of accessibility features that we continue to add to our games. For us, it really started a lot with Marvel’s Spider-Man, and then just kept getting added upon through Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales and then obviously, you know, Ratchet & Clank. And now in Marvel’s Spider Man 2.
“I think, you know, our goal is always to find more ways for more players to play it. In many ways, [Spider-Man] is such a character, the characters, Pete, Miles, they’re such a big part of pop culture. They’re in many ways, two of the most popular Super Heroes out there. So, whether you’re, you know, you’re old, like me, or you’re young, everybody wants to be Spider-Man… I think what’s really awesome is that not only are we committed to continue to add accessibility features to every game, but we’re going to continue to add more features, even post-launch, so we’ll continue to add more things. And again, I think it’s whether it’s different settings to make the timing and combat different or timing and swinging different, like all these different sliders, whether it’s visual settings that you can set, you know, audio things… what can we do, so that as many people as possible can play … I think for a lot of us, especially me, it’s things I haven’t either been exposed to before, or I’m learning about myself. But I think it’s extremely important. We always look at other games, right? You’re always looking at what they’re doing. I think you’re gonna see more and more of the industry coming together and sharing more of their knowledge on this, because I think this is something that can make the whole industry much, much stronger, and take our whole entire medium to a whole other level if we make our games playable by anyone.”
On Bryan Intihar’s personal favorite moment in the game and why it speaks to the heart of Spider-Man
“It’s not really a big spoiler, because you play it early in the game, but my favorite is the mission in Queens with Harry and Pete… because essentially, it is the least Spider-Man content in the game, in many ways. But we all felt it was really important, because that relationship and that friendship is so vital to the game and to the story in understanding where this game story’s gonna go, and how their relationship is going to go through its ups and downs throughout the game. We wanted to make sure that people really understood the history behind those two best friends.
“It’s like the least Spider-Man thing, but… the thing I always said early on was like, ‘hey, we want to deliver the fantasy of being these heroes, whether it’s the web-swinging, the suits, the combat. We wanted to live the Super Hero fantasy, but I think the thing that can really help our game stand out is how we show their lives outside the mask. If we show their journeys, their needs, their wants, their problems? How do we show them outside the mask?’. And I feel like that Queens mission is that like magnified times a hundred. And there’s a lot of custom stuff. It takes a lot of belief because those kinds of missions tend to be ones you have to squint a lot during development to see if it’s really going to work. But the team, they crushed it and they made it way better than I could have ever imagined.
“What was really great was that whenever we did a usability test that was the first mission I always looked at, whether people liked it or not. Because I was like, if they like that, that means they’re going to buy into the rest of the story and their characters. I mean, obviously the Sandman thing is super cool, because it’s just like ‘oh my god superhero-like bonanza’. But those moments with Harry and Pete in Queens… yeah, that’s what I’ve always wanted from our Spider-Man games.”
We’re a scant two days away from Marvel’s Spider-Man 2’s launch. Soon we can delve into the next chapter of Peter and Miles’ story. Get to grips with the awesome power of the black suit. Encounter new foes and test new abilities. And for some (including myself), the chance to try out the game’s Photo Mode.
Insomniac’s previous games include robust, feature-rich Photo Modes, giving players free rein to freeze the on-screen action, find a great angle, customize, and capture a memorable shot. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is no different. I’ve spent somea lot of time tinkering in its Photo Mode the past few weeks. For virtual photographers (especially for those of you who submit such excellent shots to PS Blog’s Share of the Week series), here’s what’s returning, what’s new or improved, plus some suggestions on using those options to snap your way across Marvel’s New York City. There’s also additional information and tips from Insomniac’s Aaron Jason Espinoza in addition to a sampling of the studio’s own snaps to inspire you.
Note: no story spoilers here, outside what has been revealed for the game in trailers or hands-on thus far.
Peter and Miles’suits will tear and rip if you get bodied during combat. Turn any L into a W by using the punished look in snaps to add extra intensity.
Shortcut to Photo Mode
First things first: Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 lets you assign shortcuts to certain menu options by mapping them to either the left or right D-Pad button. You can equally tap the Options button to call up the pause menu and scroll down to and activate Photo Mode there. My preference is to have my Photo Mode options ready in a blink when I spot a great visual. If virtual photography is a key focus during your time in Marvel’s New York, map that as soon as you can. You could also map a complementary action to the other shortcut – I’ll get to that in a bit.
Menus and their options
If you’re coming from the previous two games, the Photo Mode UI and menu options will be familiar.
You’ll default to Camera Mode, L1 and R1 switching you between four tabs. First is Camera, letting you turn Hero or Enemy visibility off, play or pause visual effects (such as moving lights, smoke or the subtle rippling motion of the Black Suit). You can garb Peter or Miles in any unlocked Suits and Suit Styles and tilt the camera. A new Precision option will greatly lower the response on your analog stick movements or trigger pulls, allowing finer adjustments to get your camera positioning just so. Use this to get your final composition just right.
The Lens tab changes Field of View (think close-up portrait or wide-angle landscape scene) and Exposure. This menu also lets you set your Depth of Field tinkering between Aperture, DOF Range Near and DOF Aperture Near. It means you can have background and foreground blurred if you want the eye focused on the scene or figure in the middle-distance. Filters and Frames are self-explanatory, with Filters from the previous games returning, and Frames featuring new Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 specific styles. The last tab, Overlays, introduces Vignette, Film Grain and Sharpening to your chosen image.
Tapping Square will switch you over to three other menus. Character Mode (letting you choose from a shortlist of preset poses that are character specific, rotate those poses and change your character’s facial expression). You can tailor your lighting setups with Lighting Mode, offering three independent lights (in Spot Light or Sphere Light versions) and the ability to fine-tune the natural lighting of a scene (locked to whatever time of day you’re currently playing in). Sticker Mode has four different subsets of sticker types that can be moved, resized and plastered onto your shot. I’ll leave the specifics of what those are to be discovered: there are some fun ones that’ll appeal to long-time comic fans.
Finally, two key options. Triangle hides the UI. Doing so also locks the menu to make sure you don’t accidentally lose your setup. But if you do want to reset everything, reactivate the menu then hit the Touchpad.
“I wanted to share my personal new favorite addition that’ll be available soon – Action Figure mode! Arriving in a future update (release date TBA), this option will scale down your hero, making them appear in the world as tiny little figures! Place them on tables, signs, or almost anywhere!” – Aaron Jason Espinoza
Now, let’s talk about taking advantage of all the above.
Adjusting Game Speed
So, that other shortcut. Aside from Photo Mode, there’s a multitude of other options for the extra button: open the FNSM App (to quick select missions) toggle on the in-game Camera Gadget (to snap side-activity specific shots). You can also map some of the fantastic Accessibility options the game includes to the Shortcuts. One of those is reducing game speed to 70%, 50% or even 30%. This has a secondary yet equally super useful benefit when it comes to virtual photography: more easily capturing the perfect combat composition or mid-web-swing pose.
Two acrobatic Spider-Men captured at the perfect angle of their swing, thanks to activating Game Speed adjustment. For both, I positioned Artificial Lighting in front of them to illuminate their previously-shadow covered forms. For Peter, I also adjusted the Depth of Field to infer the heavy city traffic below, but not have it distract from the focus of the shot.
“You know, I’m somewhat of a virtual photographer myself… so I always urge players to adjust their lens! Adjusting Aperture and Focus Distance can add a ton of dimension to your photos. Meanwhile, a higher field of view (FoV) can produce great landscape shots, while narrow FoV can accentuate finer details. The slightest changes here can upgrade your photo from a mere screenshot to a masterful piece of virtual photography.” – Aaron Jason Espinoza
Using custom poses, Artificial Lighting options, and reframing
You can use artificial lighting to increase the intensity, infer game world lighting to still highlight characters that’d otherwise be in shadow, or make your photo both more natural and moody.
The photo of Miles below is captured in the same moment as the shot of him above. I liked how his figure was lit in the original (single, high-intensity light positioned at his front), but I thought I could better infer – and incorporate – the billboard lighting of Times Square. But first, I fired up the Character Mode to choose a new pose. Worth noting: there are separate pose sets when on the ground or in the air. I spun the first artificial light from his front to his side, then activated two others and positioned them similarly. I altered the coloring of all three to better match the output of the billboards behind. The resultant silhouette shot – bathed and framed by the lights of Time Square – is much better.
It’s worth noting there are separate custom pose sets on the ground and in the air. Fun Easter Egg: Miles’ aerial poses include one that mirrors the key art from Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales. Another note: rather than being halted by one end of the Tilt option bar or the other in Camera Mode, you can keep spinning, as it resets to the other side automatically if you keep left or right on the D-Pad when held down.
“Experiment with Spot Lights and Sphere Lights and make your subjects pop in to frame! We always recommend using at least one Spot Light to get a nice rim light on your subject, which can cast a luminescent outline to their silhouette or separate them from the background.” – Aaron Jason Espinoza
Peter Parker sitting, admiring the rides of Coney Island. The camera’s generous in how far you can pull it out from your playable character. Coupled with FOV you can capture some great landscape shots. Originally Pete was in shadow, so I added a spotlight and moved it high overhead, to suggest he was being illuminated by the street lamp above him. This is also a great way to draw attention to a specific character in a crowded scene. Tip: if you want your character’s attention seemingly captured by something/someone in frame, turn the right stick’s camera in that direction – and therefore their gaze – before jumping into Photo Mode.
There’s a marked difference in a shot depending on the positioning and intensity of your artificial light. To the left, a Sphere Light just out of frame, positioned to outline Peter’s silhouette. The color intensity is pulled right down to appear white, and suggest he’s lit by the moon’s glow. There’s a totally different vibe on the right, as the Light is switched from Sphere to Spot, and the intensity cranked right up. The left is a moody, nighttime shot that showcases the ambient light of the city behind. Peter is the focus of the frame as Photo Mode automatically adjusts the background lighting.
Before you exit Photo Mode, swing the camera around – you may spot a background detail you hadn’t considered and gives you a different dynamic to your shot. The above is shot in the same place as the original pair: I angled the camera round and spotted the sun’s set illuminating the water below. Thanks to Custom Pose rotation, I could ‘swing’ Peter round with a few taps so he was again facing the camera.
Rotating Custom Poses can give the illusion your playable character is included in an NPC scene, rather than observing it. Here, switching to Custom Pose meant Miles ‘hovered’ near the bench. A few taps and boom – he’s sitting, absorbed in the conversation. A natural shot.
“We have more enhancements planned for pose movement in a future update (release date TBA)!” – Aaron Jason Espinoza
Another example of considering a reframe to enrich a photo. Same scene as the above two but bringing the camera to an isometric view pulls the focus to the speaker of the scene, rather than their spandex-clad listener.
Look around to capture the flavor of Marvel’s New York
Marvel’s New York is teeming with life. Be it street side or rooftop, school or festival, there’s plenty to capture outside combat and big story beats, from candid snaps of friends talking, portraits of key characters, or taking the time to grab a memory of an enemy takedown. So: keep your eyes out while patrolling and get your feet on the street. Not shown here: spectacular art exhibitions and statues dotted throughout the city, which are also worth a photo tour.
Using environmental lighting, colored backgrounds, filters
Don’t overlook environmental or in-game artificial lighting. Over the course of the game you’ll be exploring Manhattan during different times of the day, so create a Manual Save with each switch to easily get back to the sky you need. Equally if you spot a potentially cool moment with lighting you can take advantage of: Manual Save.
If you watched me play, you’d see me gravitate to any new light source with the intensity and single-mindedness of a moth. Below was captured early into the game’s story, as a civilian-clothed Peter walked past a light fixture. Turning his head slightly, I switched to Photo Mode, activated the Noir filter and voila. However, some background detail was still apparent and distracted from the portrait. Chance then to test out the Background option: a shortlist of colored backgrounds that isolate the playable character from the environment. I switched colors (and filter) for an additional, warm yellow approach to the same setup.
“The Filters and Frames and Overlay adjustments are great ways to add character to your captures, such as comic book frames or quick color adjustments. You can also add grain effects to give your shots a print-like quality or increase the sharpness for even finer detail.” – Aaron Jason Espinoza
Bringing it all together
The above brings together in-game lighting and artificial lighting, custom poses and different suits. There’s a side-mission early into the game that involves blacklight-style wall projection. Standing Miles in front of it, then using multiple artificial sphere lights and different filters created this awesome, fashion-like shoot [left]. Switching to the (newly announced) Brooklyn 2099 Suit demonstrates how the metallic surface reflects the lights, adding additional glow and detail to the same photograph [right].
I hope this quick guide and suggestions for how to use Photo Mode helps and inspires. I’m looking forward to seeing what my fellow photographers create in the coming days and weeks. Happy shooting!
“Anyone can wield the camera. Whether you’re capturing photos of Peter Parker soaring between buildings with Web Wings or getting that electrifying shot of Miles Morales’ new Venom Powers, we look forward to seeing what captures your eye when Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 launches on October 20. Don’t forget to tag us on social media @InsomniacGames and use #InsomGamesCommunity for a chance to be re-shared on our official social media accounts! In anticipation of our upcoming launch, Insomniacs captured a few shots for us! Here’s our studio’s Photo Mode Gallery below!” – Aaron Jason Espinoza
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The Empire State Building image® is a registered trademark of ESRT Empire State Building, L.L.C. and is used with permission.
Special thanks to The Madison Square Garden Company. Madison Square Garden, Radio City and Radio City Music Hall are registered trademarks of MSG Sports & Entertainment, LLC or its affiliates.
Here at Supermassive Games, we are hugely excited to reveal The Dark Pictures: Switchback VR’s new fast-paced, arcade-style survival challenge. How many rooms can you complete as you descend into hell with just your guns and reflexes for protection? Our focus on Horde Mode was to deliver fast-paced, intense action combat with additional rollercoaster thrills where facing your fears are taken to a whole new level.
We’ve included all the features from the standard game and elevated them for horde mode. Try not to blink as eye tracking will definitely make the combat harder! Maybe focus your other senses to track an enemy’s presence around you such as 3D audio, you’ll hear their screams and whispers just in time to know where to unload your bullets. Feel the kick of your weapons with PS VR2 Sense controllers adaptive triggers – they are your only protection against the swarms and feel the rush of your cart as it speeds down steep declines as you descend straight into hell. This is an experience that will live long in your nightmares!
So how far you can make it? – Do you possess the skills to enter horde mode? No pressure but the studio record is 21 floors – anyone out there able to survive longer?
And even better, this new addition to the game is free with Switchback VR’s base game – a game that puts you through your own personal nightmare, where each track has multiple terrifying paths, all designed to make you feel the fear on PS VR2.
In the main game, each track is uniquely based on the spine-chilling monsters and environments from The Dark Pictures Anthology and features easter eggs from Man of Medan, Little Hope, House of Ashes and The Devil in Me. We’ve taken some truly fearful enemies from these games and recreated them in VR.
Intense rooms of hell
On this sinister horror horde mode, you are being dragged right back down to hell – you’ll be confronted by swarms of enemies in this new nightmarish mode, complete each room to get increasingly harder enemies and survive attacks from all manner of hideous apparitions straight from the depths of the hell.
Extreme G rollercoaster drops
We get it, you’re all adrenaline junkies and loved the drops in Rush of Blood! So, for our new horde mode we have really pushed this to extreme levels – we have certainly tested the boundaries on how big we could make these drops and how much speed we could add to the cart. So, hold on tight as your journey between each room is about to be G fueled.
Don’t blink
A new challenge has been introduced in horde mode… where blinking has become even more deadly. Fight off swarms of horrific sailors, demon dogs and masked mannequins, with new enemies appearing as you blink. Keep your eyes open, or your death will be quick.
Power up
Be rewarded for your headshot streaks and gain the opportunity to unlock the most powerful gun from Switchback VR.
Thank you to all the Switchback VR fans who have joined us on this wild ride so far! We are beyond excited to see your reactions as you attempt to take on the rooms of doom in Horde Mode! The Dark Pictures: Switchback VR Horde Mode is out now. Download Switchback VR for PlayStation VR2 to experience the downward spiral of terror that is Horde Mode.
Welcome to the heartwarming world of Mail Time, a cozy adventure that brings the serenity of Grumblewood Grove to your PS5 and PS4. This charming cottagecore experience invites you to embrace the soothing, slow-paced joys of life in a tranquil forest far, far away. As a newly minted Mail Scout, you’re equipped with a mushroom hat, a sack of heartfelt letters, and boundless enthusiasm.
A whimsical world awaits
Grumblewood Grove is a paradise for those who long to escape into the pages of a storybook and is fitting to play this fall. Developer Kela van der Deijl has created a dynamic world where every day feels like a fairy tale. Immerse yourself in the stunning storybook art style of this whimsical forest, hop among mushrooms, and soar above vibrant flower fields. The environments are alive with color and wonder, inviting you to explore every nook and cranny.
Deliver mail, discover stories
Your mission, as a Mail Scout, is to bring happiness and connections to the charming forest inhabitants. You’ll meet 15 heartwarming characters, each with their own stories and unique charms. From poetic frogs to punk-rock woodpeckers, the forest’s eclectic denizens aim to steal your heart. Grumblewood Grove boasts eight distinct areas, each with its own charm and intrigue. Explore the lively woodland village, navigate a murky swamp, and enjoy the serenity of a peaceful farm.
Customization to express yourself
Mail Time offers over 46,000 customization variations, allowing you to personalize your Mail Scout to match your style and preferences. With six different skin tones and pronoun choices, Mail Time offers players a chance to express themselves and create characters that resonate with their individuality. From skin tone to backpack type, you can ensure that your journey through Grumblewood Grove is truly your own.
Badge of the Mail Scout: unlock new heights
As you traverse the forest, you’ll deliver letters and packages, earning your Mail Scout badges along the way. These badges enhance your gliding ability, adding depth to your adventure. So, explore every corner of this illustrious world, and take your Mail Scout to new heights. Embrace the thrill of a treasure hunt as you seek hidden trinkets to complete your collection and earn all the coveted Mail Scout badges. These collectibles add an extra layer of intrigue to your adventure, encouraging you to explore with a curious eye.
No pressure, just exploration
In a world where fast-paced action and high-intensity challenges often dominate the gaming landscape, Mail Time offers a refreshing alternative. In Mail Time, there are no time limits, no pressure, and no risk of harm. You’re free to relax and explore the forest at your own pace and leisure. After all, it’s your first day on the job, and there’s no rush to complete your heartwarming mission. The story progresses at your speed, and there’s no need to worry about fall damage. It’s an invitation to slow down, enjoy the whimsical world of Grumblewood Grove, and build friendships with the forest’s lovable inhabitants. Designed with accessibility in mind, everyone deserves to enjoy the cozy, tranquil world of Grumblewood Grove.
Mail Time is your warm escape, a testament to the enduring appeal of tranquil adventures–available October 19 on PS5 and PS4.
As the holiday season approaches, we are excited to share that we have a new PS5 model launching. To address the evolving needs of players, our engineering and design teams collaborated on a new form factor that provides greater choice and flexibility. The same technology features that make PS5 the best to play are packed into a smaller form factor, along with an attachable Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive and a 1TB SSD for more internal storage.
The new PS5 has been reduced in volume by more than 30%, and weight by 18% and 24% compared to the previous models. There are four separate cover panels, with the top portion in a glossy look, while the bottom remains in matte. If you purchase the PS5 Digital Edition, you can add the Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive for PS5 later, as it will also be sold separately for SGD 159 / MYR 529 / IDR 1,839,000 / THB 3,790.
The new PS5 model will be available starting this November in the U.S. at select local retailers and direct.playstation.com where available. It will continue to roll out globally in the following months. Once inventory of the current PS5 model has sold out, the new PS5 will become the only model available.
The recommended retail prices for the new PS5 model are as follows beginning with the rollout in November at participating retailers.
Singapore
PS5 with Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive – SGD 799
PS5 Digital Edition – SGD 669
Malaysia
PS5 with Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive – MYR 2,499
PS5 Digital Edition – MYR 2,069
Indonesia
PS5 with Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive – IDR 9,699,000
PS5 Digital Edition – IDR 8,199,000
Thailand
PS5 with Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive – 6THB 18,690
PS5 Digital Edition – THB 15,690
Philippines
PS5 with Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive – PHP 30,790
Vietnam
PS5 with Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive – PHP 15,990,000
A horizontal stand will be included with the new PS5 model. Also a new Vertical Stand compatible with all PS5 models will be sold separately at SGD 44.90 / MYR 149 / 499,000 / THB 1,090 / PHP 1,690 / 799,000.
A variety of PS5 Console Cover colors for the new model will be available starting in early 2024, including an all-matte Black colorway and the Deep Earth Collection colors in Volcanic Red, Cobalt Blue, and Sterling Silver. Prices for the PS5 Console Covers will start at 54.99 USD | 54.99 EURO | 44.99 GBP | 7,480 JPY. Additional colors will be released in the future.
We are ten days away from the launch of Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, with additional games including Alan Wake 2 and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 launching shortly after. With these fantastic games coming, in addition to recent releases such as EA Sports FC 24, Assassin’s Creed: Mirage, and Baldur’s Gate 3, there’s plenty for gamers to play on PS5 this holiday season.
I want to thank all of you for your continued passion and support.
Starting today, we’re taking a step forward in cloud gaming by rolling out our PS5 cloud streaming feature for PlayStation Plus Premium members. This includes supported PS5-native games available through the PlayStation Plus Games Catalog* and Game Trials, as well as supported digital PS5 titles you own.
We know you have questions, so let’s dive right in!
What plan option do I need to access the cloud streaming benefit from PlayStation Plus?
The cloud streaming benefit for PlayStation Plus is available through the PlayStation Plus Premium plan, which is offered in the following locations:
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Cyprus, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and United States.
We’re tracking the following launch dates for this new feature in local times:
Japan – starting today, October 17
Europe – targeting October 23
North America – targeting October 30
Where will the option to stream a game appear?
You can either select the game from PlayStation Plus through your PS5 dashboard, or if you have the game in your PS5 game library, select ‘streaming’ from there.
What titles can be streamed through the cloud streaming benefit from PlayStation Plus Premium?
Cloud streaming is available for the following platforms through PlayStation Plus Premium. Please note that cloud streaming availability may vary by title.
Original PlayStation, PS2, PS3 and PSP games, though Classic Catalog
PS4 and PS5 games through Game Catalog
PS5 games available as Game Trial
Supported digital PS5 games from your game library
Can PS5 games also be streamed on PC (where available) or PS4 consoles?
Currently, the PS5 game streaming experience is only available on PS5 consoles via the PlayStation Plus Premium plan.
Can PS VR2 games be streamed?
Cloud steaming access does not support PS VR2 games.
Can disc-based PS5 games be streamed?
Cloud streaming is only available for digital PS5 titles.
Are the Monthly Games streamable with a PlayStation Plus membership?
Supported PS5 games available through the Monthly Games benefit will be available for streaming by PlayStation Plus Premium members as long as you redeem the title during the month it is offered.
What’s the difference between cloud streaming via PlayStation Plus Premium and PlayStation’s Remote Play feature?
Remote Play requires the titles to be downloaded locally to a PS5 console prior to using the Remote Play app; cloud streaming does not. Please note that Remote Play is not compatible with cloud-streamed titles.
Are titles from the PlayStation Plus Game and Classics Catalog compatible with the PlayStation Portal remote player?
The PlayStation Portal remote player is designed to use Remote Play functionality – allowing you to play titles already installed on your PS5 storage via a WiFi connection.
Titles from the PlayStation Plus Game and Classic catalog that can be installed on your PS5 will be compatible with the PlayStation Portal remote player. However, the PlayStation Portal remote player will not support cloud streaming of these titles.
What are the supported video resolutions?
High- quality resolution options in SDR or HDR at 60Hz will be available for PS5 titles when streamed. Below are our recommended available internet bandwidth (in mbps) mbps for each option.
2160p (4K) – 52 mbps recommended
1440p – 38 mbps recommended
1080p (Full HD) – 23 mbps recommended
720p (HD) – 13 mbps recommended
Requires minimum internet speed of 5mbps, 15 mbps for 1080p and 38 mbps+ for 4K.
Will DLC and add-ons be available if I decide to stream a PS5 title?
Players can purchase and use add-on content for supported PS5 games with a streaming option. Content will be available immediately after it is purchased from PlayStation Store.
How will my game progress be saved if I decide to stream a PS5 game instead of downloading it?
Save data and game progress is automatically synced between all devices via cloud storage, making it easy to switch seamlessly between local and streaming gameplay, and between multiple devices.
Can I transfer game progress from Game Trials to my full purchase if I choose the streaming option instead of downloading?
Yes, similar to downloading Game Trials, you can still keep any Trophies or progress saved if you decide to purchase the full game.
Additionally, Trophies you earn will remain on your PlayStation Network profile, even if you decide not to purchase the title. If you decide to purchase the title later, you can continue to earn Trophies where you left off.
What is the difference between playing a downloaded PS5 game and streaming a PS5 game?
Playing a locally downloaded PS5 game and streaming a supported PS5 game is a similar experience (determined by internet speeds), except save files are stored via cloud storage instead of locally on the PS5 console.
*Availability of Game Library varies over time, region/country and plan. See https://www.playstation.com/Plus for details and updates on PlayStation Plus offerings. PlayStation Plus is an ongoing subscription subject to a recurring subscription fee taken automatically (at the then-current PS Store price) at the frequency you choose at purchase until cancellation. Terms apply: play.st/psplus-usageterms
Action-packed thrills and spooky chills await this month’s selection of games joining the PlayStation Game Catalog. All titles playable from Tuesday, October 17. Let’s get into it.
PlayStation Plus Extra and Deluxe | Game Catalog
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Gotham Knights | PS5
It’s up to the Batman Family – Batgirl, Nightwing, Red Hood, and Robin – to protect Gotham, bring hope to its citizens, discipline to its cops, and fear to its criminals. Gotham Knights is an open-world, action RPG set in a dynamic and interactive Gotham City. Patrol Gotham’s five distinct boroughs in solo or in co-op and drop in on criminal activity wherever you find it.
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Disco Elysium – The Final Cut | PS4, PS5
The definitive edition of the groundbreaking role-playing game. You’re a detective with a unique skill system at your disposal and a whole city block to carve your path across. Interrogate unforgettable characters, crack murders, or take bribes. Become a hero or an absolute disaster of a human being.
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The Dark Pictures Anthology: House of Ashes | PS4, PS5
As the conflict in Iraq (2003) draws to a close a Military Unit, accompanied by CIA field operative Rachel King, is ordered to investigate a suspected underground chemical weapons facility in shadow of the Zagros Mountains. Horrific discoveries and impossible decisions face the Unit as they strive to navigate a subterranean labyrinth and escape the terrifying threat. Will they each prioritize their own survival, or put aside their fears and their personal rivalries to fight together as one?
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Alien: Isolation | PS4
Fifteen years after the events of Alien, Ellen Ripley’s daughter, Amanda enters a desperate battle for survival, on a mission to unravel the truth behind her mother’s disappearance. Navigate through an increasingly volatile world as you find yourself confronted on all sides by a panicked, desperate population and an unpredictable, ruthless Alien. Underpowered and under-prepared, you must scavenge resources, improvise solutions and use your wits, not just to succeed in your mission, but to simply stay alive.
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Dead Island Definitive Edition | PS4
Caught in the midst of an epic zombie outbreak on the tropical island of Banoi, survival is your only priority. Smash heads, crack skulls, and slice ‘em up with visceral astounding melee combat and true story-based four-player co-op in a sprawling open world just waiting for exploration.
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Outlast 2 | PS4
Two investigative journalists risk it all to uncover stories no one else will dare touch. Their latest lead follows a trail of clues that begin with the seemingly impossible murder of a pregnant woman known only as Jane Doe. The investigation leads miles into the Arizona desert, to a darkness and corruption so deep that no one could yet shed light upon it. Stay sharp to survive in an intense first-person horror experience.
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FAR: Changing Tides | PS4, PS5
An atmospheric vehicle adventure that follows the emotional journey of a boy and his ship as he embarks on a voyage to find a new home. Sail stormy waters, dive unknown depths, and explore forgotten ruins in a beautifully realized, flooded world. Experience the thrill of captaining a distinctive seafaring vessel. Together you’ll brave high seas, navigate intense storms, and plumb the perils of a briny deep.
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Gungrave G.O.R.E. | PS4, PS5
Become the gun-wielding badass anti-hero of your dreams as you mow down tons of enemies in a gory ballet of bullets and experience a story of vengeance, love and loyalty, all in a beautiful third-person action shooter, combining the best that Eastern and Western game design have to offer.
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A-Train Express Plus | PS4
The three elements of city development, railroad operations, and company management come together in the supreme urban planning experience. This latest incarnation builds upon the features of previous entries in the series, including Shinkansen bullet trains from across Japan.
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Eldest Souls | PS4, PS5
In a final act of vengeance, the Old Gods have unleashed a great Desolation upon the world. Mankind is fading, with but a glimmer of hope remaining. Fast-paced and challenging Soulslike combat awaits, where every moment counts. Yet fortune favors the bold, and defeating the Old Gods may grant the player powers beyond mortal comprehension. Each Old God presents a new and unique challenge for the player to overcome, with fitting rewards for those who triumph.
PlayStation Deluxe | Classics
Tekken 6 | PS4, PS5
Face off against tough opponents in large, interactive stages. Customize your favorite character, equipping items with direct impacts on gameplay. Practice and patience make perfect as you hone your combos and seek to win the tournament.
Wield massive blades, execute high-flying maneuvers, and apply pressure to destroy rivals or knock them out of the ring. Dive into modes include the story-driven Gauntlet, challenging Trials, Training, and more.
Ape Escape Academy | PS4, PS5
Never has monkeying around in class been so rewarding. Complete a variety of fun, colorful minigames like dancing, fighting, building bonfires, and more. Strive to be the best and make it to senior year in Ape Escape Academy.
This sequel to I.Q.: Intelligent Qube on the original PlayStation includes brain-busting modes like 100 Attack, I.Q. Final, Survival, and Create. Navigate each stage carefully to avoid being crushed by the rotating blocks.
