Category: PlayStation

Summer is the season of music festivals, but who could’ve imagined that this August, we’d get one that puts one of the biggest bands in heavy metal in command of our warships and tanks?

We hope you’re as excited as all the metal heads at Wargaming are. Join us in World of Warships: Legends and World of Tanks Modern Armor for Metal Fest featuring Megadeth, starting on August 29 on PS4 and PS5!

This event had to be monumental. Founded in 1983, Megadeth is one of the “Big 4” bands in the thrash metal world, with a Grammy award and several platinum albums to its name. Only a complete immersion of the band into the game would do.

The Tanks and Warship

So, let’s start with what each game offers at its core! 

• World of Tanks Modern Armor: Players can get the Soldier on M67 (a new World War II flamethrower tank) and the “Peace Sells” Leclerc Ares Prototype (a new Cold War vehicle). 
• World of Warships: Legends, players can grab the American Tier IV Premium Cruiser Rattlehead.

“For the ship, we had a dedicated team of artists who primarily worked on the design aspects,” says Konstantin Tkachenko, product manager for Legends. “We collaborated with the band, presenting our concepts and incorporating their feedback.”

On the Tanks side, senior producer JJ Bakken echoes that cooperative spirit. “The band gave suggestions early on and we collaborated on several revisions,” he says. “The tank designs are direct references to two Megadeth album artworks, so we had a clear direction.”

You might think Megadeth’s extensive discography would make it hard to choose albums to base vehicles on, but two particular ideas stood out to Bakken and the Tanks team. 

“Peace Sells […but Who’s Buying?] is such an iconic album, and the artwork has a great theme that paired well with our Cold War era tank. For our World War II tank, the track ‘Soldier On!’ from the new album [The Sick, the Dying…and the Dead!] is really what inspired us to use that album as a visual reference.”

And the team didn’t hold back. According to Bakken, “Our Cold War era tank is particularly chock full of references, especially in the graffiti markings on the tank. When the tank was full, that’s how we knew it was ready!”

But everything still had to pass muster with the band.

“I knew they got it when I saw the Vic Rattlehead Realtor ad on that tank,” says legendary frontman Dave Mustaine. “Vic selling property after the apocalypse was the essence of Peace Sells’ art.”

Speaking of Mr. Mustaine and company…

The Commanders

We couldn’t have Metal Fest without actually putting Megadeth into each game:

• World of Tanks Modern Armor: All four band members (Mustaine, bassist James LoMenzo, drummer Dirk Verbeuren, and guitarist Kiko Loureiro) plus infamous mascot Vic Rattlehead will be available as 2D Commanders.
• World of Warships: Legends: Mustaine and Vic will be specially designed guises for American Commanders.
• Tanks will also feature a Vic Rattlehead 3D Commander with 17 animations recorded just for him.

“Vic’s animations absolutely differ from the normal [3D] Commanders,” says Andy Dorizas, Tanks’ art director. “He rocks out… in the garage and throws ‘the horns’ metal hand sign to the camera. He is a total metalhead, and we wanted that to come through on the character screens.”

That’s not all. Each Megadeth Commander in both games will speak with a custom voiceover recorded by the band members themselves—the first time Megadeth has ever provided video game VO.

“The recordings were held remotely, and I was on video call to provide direction,” says Brendan Blewett, Tanks’ audio director. “Chris Rakestraw, the band’s producer and sound engineer, was also present in person and on video… there were plenty of laugh-out-loud moments during the sessions from the guys riffing on lines or ad-libbing jokes, a couple of which may be hidden away as Easter eggs.”

Altogether, each band member recorded 219 phrases for Legends and 329 cues for Tanks over the course of about a week.

That includes lines for Vic Rattlehead, making this the first time ever that fans will get to hear the mascot speak. And who provided Vic’s voice?

Photo By: Travis Shinn

“None other than Mr. Dave Mustaine!” says Blewett. “Chris Rakestraw and Dave worked to create the Vic Rattlehead effect. There was a lot of creative work put in on their end to make Vic sound as imposing and big as the character is.”  

“Come on, who else would do it?” Mustaine says. “Vic’s been a part of me for most of my life. Now you’ll all get to hear what this voice inside my head sounds like!”

Photo By: Travis Shinn

You know you can’t miss this—and this is just part of what Metal Fest offers. Check it out starting August 29!

Megadeth® is a federal registered trademark of Dave Mustaine, used with permission.

We’re happy to announce that Green Hell VR for PS VR2 is coming out on August 15.
Are you ready to survive in the Amazon? Exciting challenges await.

Our game allows you to experience a wonderful and unforgettable adventure that not only puts you to the test, but also enables you to have fun with various mechanics. Cook, fight, hunt, build, and do everything possible to survive. Check out the latest trailer showcasing some exciting gameplay features.

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Begin your thrilling escapade by exploring the rainforest and enjoying the sights. The jungle can be gorgeous, so explore every nook and cranny. But always stay vigilant if you want to survive.

During your tour, look for various materials to help make the Amazon your new home. Awaken the do-it-yourselfer in you and build your first shack. You can relax here before venturing out to face the challenges. Remember to make a campfire to warm yourself and cook healthy meals.

Green Hell VR takes you to the heart of the biggest rainforest on Earth, where you must use any means possible to stay alive. While you’re out hunting, take some time to gather useful resources. Find and crack coconuts to get a much-needed drink and stay hydrated. Make sure you find the right food sources with the help of the handy Smart Watch. Not only does it tell you the time, but it also features GPS and a macro element scanner.

The Amazonian forest is dangerous. Many predators lurk here. You never know when a bow or spear might come in handy. Try to craft some weapons to help you deal with the wildlife. If not, sorry, but you’re nothing more than a potential snack.

It is a good idea to deal with threats, or a future dinner, from a distance. Craft a bow and become a master marksman. Shooting arrows in VR is a very rewarding experience. It doesn’t matter if you use a bow or an axe. What matters is to get out of every situation alive.

Green Hell VR is all about survival. You have to be careful almost all the time. The threat is constant – it may come from predators lurking in the shadows, through contaminated water, to some hungry parasites ready to munch on you, so remain extra vigilant. It’s all here to create an engaging sense of fulfillment and satisfaction as you do everything you can to stay alive and beat the odds.

It’s hard to avoid getting hurt or falling sick in the jungle. But even if it happens, you can still deal with this. You can create makeshift bandages or even make healing concoctions from a variety of herbs. However, only some plants will work well for you if you know how to use them, so always be careful when preparing nutritional food, soups, and brews.

PS VR2 lets you experience all of this with stunning visuals and fluid gameplay. The amazing technology behind the PS VR2 Sense controller lets you feel every impactful action. Even the pull of a bowstring becomes impressively immersive with haptic feedback. Everything feels intense, including hunting, fighting, and even your own heartbeat. It just feels like you’re there.

There’s a lot to look forward to in Green Hell VR. There is much more to discover, and you will be amazed by the richness of our game when you experience all the different features we have to offer. We’re really excited and can’t wait for you to immerse yourself in the world of Green Hell VR on PS VR2. The Amazon is calling!

For three years now, THQ Nordic has hosted a bonanza of game reveals and updates on our upcoming titles, and we’ve been overjoyed with how the fan community’s reaction grows with each showcase.

Between Hollywood-voiced Lovecraftian horror, a vengeance-sworn Ninja Turtle, and the latest game starring the residents of a certain snowy Colorado town, we covered a lot across our 2023 stream. Check out our wrap-up below:

Alone in the Dark

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We took the opportunity this year to give you a sneak peek at the work of our incredible stars, David Harbour and Jodie Comer.

As Detective Edward Carnby and Emily Hartwood, both bring unique qualities to their roles – David, the grizzled edge and wry humor of a veteran private detective, and Jodie, the plight to see her uncle safe and lift the curse plaguing her family. 

When Alone in the Dark releases, you can choose to experience the full twisted tale through either of their harrowing performances in this reimagining of the game that birthed the survival horror genre. 

In the meantime, you can try our Prologue for free, and pre-order the game on PlayStation Store for access to bonus in-game content.

South Park: Snow Day

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Those of you who caught our teaser at the end of last year’s showcase may have been wondering what we’ve been working on with South Park.

We’re happy to announce that we’ll be bringing the world of South Park to life in 2024, in full 3D with co-op action in the all new game, South Park: Snow Day So grab up to three of your friends, and get ready to celebrate the most magical day in any young child’s life – a snow day!

Outcast – A New Beginning

True heroes change the world, and are in turn changed by it. Cutter Slade is one such hero.

Each objective cleared as part of the interconnected quest system in Outcast – A New Beginning brings the planet of Adelpha one step closer to safety. As you weaken the invading forces with strategic moves like destroying ammo convoys, and master quests and challenges across the land, you’ll win the support of the Talan people.

In no time, you’ll see the world start to change around you – villages will prosper and become stocked with useful items, plant life will explode back into life, and you may even find an ally amongst the local creatures.

Appeal Studios have focused on making Outcast – A New Beginning a welcoming experience for PlayStation players looking for a fresh adventure in a gorgeous world. With design geared towards getting you into the action quickly, you’ll be pulling off perfectly timed jet-dodges and unleashing devastating powers in no time.

Your next great adventure awaits when Outcast – A New Beginning releases on PlayStation 5.

Wreckreation

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In Wreckreation, customisation is the name of the game. Want a new track to race on? Switch it up mid-race with some ramps and loop-de-loops. Getting tired of your wheels? Time to hit the customisation menu and apply a shiny new paint job, or swap in a new ride on the fly. Your old driving playlist not getting you revved up any more? You know where this is going.

Crafted by a team of arcade racing veterans whose credits include the Burnout and Need for Speed franchises, Wreckreation gives you your very own MixWorld – a huge playground where you can play out all your wildest dreams of racing, stunts, and – of course – crashing. The only limit is your imagination.

Well, not just your imagination – if you’re going to build all this, you’ll need a little help from your friends… 

Titan Quest II

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Nemesis, Goddess of Retribution, is corrupting the Threads of Fate, condemning all who oppose her to eternal punishment. Will you take up arms against a rogue deity and change fate itself to save the land?

The legendary action RPG series Titan Quest is coming to PlayStation 5, in an all-new tale that welcomes players new and returning to its rich, handcrafted world. Every nook and cranny is ripe for exploration, and you can do it all as a solo adventurer or with friends online.

With loot and skill systems focused on meaningful progression, you’ll need to use everything at your disposal to defeat challenging foes plucked from Greek mythology.

Trine 5: A Clockwork Conspiracy

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The land is under threat from Lady Sunny and her clockwork army, and come August 31 it’s up to you and your friends to stop them! In cooperation with the amazing team at Frozenbyte, we’re proud to be bringing Trine 5: A Clockwork Conspiracy to PlayStation 4 and 5 for more classic 2.5D puzzle platforming action.

Flying solo or teaming up in local and online drop-in/drop-out co-op, we’re keeping things fresh – the new puzzle system adapts to the size of your party, so even players who’ve been with Trine since 2009 are in for surprises.

Whether you choose Amadeus the Wizard, Zoya the Thief, or Pontius the Knight, you’ll have a range of heroic moves to choose from and level up using the all-new skill quest system, and multi-phase bosses are going to require some quick character-switching or coordinating with your fellow heroes.

Pre-order is available now, so sharpen your sword, re-string your bow, and get reading up on those spells, and we’ll see you when Trine 5: A Clockwork Conspiracy releases later this month!

Gothic 1 Remake

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Welcome back to the Old Camp in the Valley of Mines! Our latest trailer for Gothic 1 Remake takes you on a journey through one of the seminal RPG’s iconic locations. Captured entirely in-engine, you can almost feel the mud between your toes and catch the scent of roasted scavenger meat in the air as you move through the camp.

The team at Alkimia Interactive are dedicated to painstakingly recreating the game that helped define the RPG genre, and we’re so excited to give you this glimpse into their world and the journey of the Nameless Hero. 

Built from the ground up with new generation hardware in mind, with modernized systems that maintain the charm of the original, Gothic 1 Remake is an unmissable experience whether this is your first time in the OId Camp, or your fiftieth.

TMNT: The Last Ronin (The Game)

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Who is the Last Ronin? In a future, battle-ravaged New York City, a lone surviving Turtle embarks on a seemingly hopeless mission seeking justice for the family he lost.

From the minds of the creators of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and based on the best-selling comic book event by Eastman, Waltz, Bishop, Delgado, and the Escorza Brothers: the official video game adaptation of TMNT: The Last Ronin, coming to PlayStation 5.

Way of the Hunter: Tikamoon Plains DLC

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Excited by all of these reveals and looking for something new to play? You’re in luck – earlier today, we released an all-new expansion to the rich, beautiful world of Way of the Hunter. 

Join professional hunting guide Malachi and explore sprawling savannahs and verdant grasslands, populated by a vibrant range of wildlife ranging from the majestic Egyptian goose to the mighty lion. All of this, exquisitely rendered on the PlayStation 5.

And that’s it for our Digital Showcase 2023 wrap-up – we hope you had fun! We’ll have more to share on every game featured in our stream across the coming months – we’re itching to tell you all about them.

Last week, we asked you to share heartwarming moments from the game of your choice using #PSshare #PSBlog. Here are this week’s highlights: 

tulippooh3 shares Jin from Ghost of Tsushima holding a sparrow in his hands

sirevanztheduke shares Jill and Clive embracing in Final Fantasy XVI

secondcapture shares Ratchet smiling warmly in Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart

JO_yamayama shares Ryza and Fi hugging in Atelier Ryza 2

HomuraChihiro shares a Genie creation shining brightly in Concrete Genie

renanvp008 shares Fey holding a baby Atreus in a God of War Ragnarök flashback

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: Heartbreaking

SUBMIT BY: 11:59 PM PT on August 18, 2023

Next week, we’re breaking hearts. Share heartbreaking moments from the game of your choice using #PSshare #PSBlog for a chance to be featured.

In Everspace 2, take to the stars through a sprawling sci-fi adventure story that spans multiple star systems. In the role of Adam, a former military clone pilot trying to find his place in a dangerous universe, you’ll be able to explore more than 100 handcrafted locations while piloting one of nine different ship types/classes. The universe is a colorful delight, filled with Outlaw bases, spacefaring alien life, ancient structures, ruined starbases, and many exciting secrets to discover. 

As a space-based flight-action RPG, gameplay is everything. This is especially true in a game with a sizable main campaign and many side areas to explore as players can spend more than a hundred hours ferreting out every secret. Nailing the feeling of spaceflight is something the team has been laser focused on over the last six years of development—it’s vital that flight feels right whether pilots are navigating tight spaces in derelict space stations, weaving between asteroids while dodging blasts from Outlaw ships, or flying through live mining equipment on the surface of a developing planet.

While we developed Everspace 2 for console, one of the core concepts kept in mind is that hands speak to the brain—the tactile sensations of game feedback can translate directly into player immersion. When players are thrust into fast-paced dogfighting combat against outlaw ships, drones, and alien patrols, they need to feel like their ship is an incredibly responsive extension of themselves to survive.

By using the haptic feedback, dynamic adaptive triggers, and speaker features of the DualSense wireless controller, our designers give PlayStation players unique ways to become even more immersed in moment-to-moment combat than on any other platform.

Designing with DualSense controller features in mind, we want Everspace 2 to communicate as much as possible to the player. Through haptics and speaker feedback players get an immediate response when activating devices and consumables, speaker notifications when cycling primary and secondary weapons, and can react to warnings of incoming missiles and other threats.

Nothing in a space dogfight is more dangerous than running out of energy—that moment where you’ve brought an enemy into your sights, pulled the trigger, and found you’ve run dry can quickly turn for the worse. When using a DualSense controller, players receive reports on weapon and boost depletion as force feedback on the triggers and a depletion sound is being played through the controller speakers. Vital information, especially when going in for a kill during a frantic firefight.

An all-important split second can make the difference between a sniper drone’s rail gun shot ripping by and that same shot tearing through your hull. Using the adaptive trigger-based boosting which allows players to change from regular speed to boosted based on the depth of trigger pull, you have even finer control over those split-second velocity adjustments. There’s quite nothing like making a quick dodge maneuver by boosting forward and closing into range where your autocannons can turn the enemy into a short-lived ball of flame and scrap. 

Pilots in Everspace 2 have nine different ship types that can be purchased from ship dealers in-game, each with their own play style and ultimate ability. Players who love highly maneuverable ships will love the Interceptor while those who want to be able shrug off missile hits while unleashing massive firepower will enjoy the Gunship. From sweeping lightning attacks to massively destructive blasts, each ship’s ultimate is made even more satisfying through feedback and trigger sounds through the DualSense controller speaker.

PlayStation 5 space fans can play Everspace 2 in 60 fps when the game launches August 15! With companions to meet, many locations to explore, and customization options to unlock, there’s plenty to see and do over the course of the 30 hour story campaign. 

See you in the stars, pilots!

Overwatch 2: Invasion has arrived. Experience all-new OW2 Invasion story missions, a new support hero, new skins and cosmetic rewards, and all-new ways to play. Read on for an exclusive look at the new map, Suravasa, a beautiful garden sanctuary in the heart of India, and everything it has to offer.

Discover the exotic gardens of Suravasa

Overwatch 2 already features beautiful temple locations like Nepal, Ayutthaya, and Busan, but it is the gardens of Suravasa, one of Overwatch’s largest and most intricate maps ever created, that will captivate your imagination.

A key element in the design of Suravasa is water. The map has more water-based environment art effects than any map in Overwatch 2. Woven through the environment art are paths lined with waterfalls, fountains, aqueducts, and ponds. Be careful to watch your step, though—you wouldn’t want to fall into the lagoons where the local alligators make their home.

Suravasa’s massive design is punctuated by its five distinct Flashpoints, each with their own look and feel-more on this below 

Flashpoint brings non-stop action like never before

Overwatch 2 is not just about eliminating your opponents. There are four different game modes in the 5v5 action-packed gameplay of Overwatch 2, all completing different objectives. These can be as simple as pushing a payload or capturing an area of the map from your opponents. With Flashpoint, we’re taking many of the fun mechanics of our other game modes and creating a non-stop brawl that will test players at all skill levels. Teams will converge at a Flashpoint and try to capture it before the opponents. When a team does capture a Flashpoint, it will be a running firefight to the next one as it unlocks right away without stopping. Whoever can capture three Flashpoints first wins the match!

Suravasa and the Flashpoint game mode is now available in unranked today, with it also coming to Competitive Play coming at a later date.

Burst down your opponents with new Support hero Illari

Overwatch 2 features over 30 heroes across three roles, Tank heroes, which dominate the front line; Damage heroes, which flank and deal massive damage; and Support heroes, which help support their team with healing and utility.  In Overwatch 2: Invasion, our newest Support hero, Illari, joins the ranks. What sets Illari apart from other supports is that she has a very damage-focused kit so that you can heal your team while dominating the opposition. 

As the last survivor of a warrior group of protectors called the Inti, she taps into the power of the sun to strike down enemies and support her allies. 

Equipped with a powerful Solar Rifle, she fires a beam of sunlight that can do powerful precision damage but can also heal her allies. She can also deploy her Healing Pylon, which can keep nearby allies alive on the objective or in tight chokeholds. If she needs to escape a dangerous situation, her Outburst ability will knock back opponents and propel herself to safety.

Every hero also has an ultimate ability, which you build up during gameplay, which can change the course of a match at the right moment.  So when things get intense, her Captive Sun ultimate ability fires a massive ball of solar energy, which will leave opponents Sun Struck, making them vulnerable to lethal explosions if they take too much damage. Skilled players can combine Captive Sun with their teammates’ ultimates to create lethal combos that will send the entire opposing team back to the spawn room.

When you first play Overwatch 2, you’ll have access to a selection of heroes to jump into battle with, but you can unlock Illari instantly with the Invasion Premium Battle Pass for 1,000 OW Coins, now available in the in-game shop. If you are new to Overwatch 2, you can also unlock Illari with the Complete Hero Collection, which grants access to every hero in the game instantly, including all Overwatch 2 heroes along with 3 Legendary skins and 3 Epic skins for select heroes, 1,000 Overwatch Coins for the in-game shop and 1,500 credits to unlock more cosmetics in the Hero Gallery.

Answer the call in the latest chapter of the Overwatch 2 story

When you have conquered your opponents through the markets and temples of Suravasa, and you’re looking for a new challenge, you can team up with your friends to take part in the all-new OW2 Invasion story missions. Throughout the exciting co-op campaign, you’ll face swarms of Null Sector bots as you fight through three missions across the cities of Rio de Janeiro, Toronto, and Gothenburg, all while progressing through the rich lore and story of Overwatch 2. Challenge yourself against powerful enemies like the Stalker and the Artillery war bots and earn new rewards as you complete the challenges for each mission.

You can answer the call with the Overwatch 2: Invasion Bundle available at PlayStation Store, which includes access to all Invasion story missions and 1,000 Overwatch Coins. Completing each of the Invasion story missions unlocks a new Legendary skin and access to Sojourn as a playable hero in your PVP games. You can also upgrade to the OW2 Invasion Ultimate Bundle, including Null Sector-themed Legendary skins for Cassidy and Kiriko, and the Invasion Premium Battle Pass, featuring 80 tiers of rewards to level up your look.

Challenge yourself in the King’s Row: Underworld co-op event

OW2: Invasion also features a brand new free-to-play co-op event available for a limited time only, King’s Row: Underworld.  Free to play for everyone, join your friends and work to stop Null Sector from taking over the Omnic Underworld in King’s Row. It will be up to you to reactivate and bring the combat-modified TS-1 push bot to the bunkers that hold innocent Omnics hostage. Just be ready to handle waves of Null Sector forces, including a powerful new support unit that will keep devastating OR-14 attack bots repaired from your attacks. The fun doesn’t end after your first completion; you’ll be jumping back in every week for new challenges, heroes, and ways to play that update weekly throughout the Underworld event live through September 4.

Overwatch 2 is free-to-play, as are the PvP matches and the new King’s Row: Underworld event. Answer the call and save the world today. Available on PS5 and PS4.

Today we’re excited to share new details on Lords of the Fallen gameplay. The new info includes visiting Mournstead for the first time, from the harrowing Defiled Sepulchre to the towering heights of Pilgrim’s Perch. Let’s explore the atrocities that plague these lands and await players when it launches on PS5 October 13.

Before taking first steps into the world of Lords of the Fallen, everyone must complete one crucial task, the creation of their first character using our extensive character creator. Players forge their characters in either their own image or what’s lingering in their mind’s eye, ranging from a small and nimble Exiled Stalker to a large bearded Udirangr Warwolf; you are only limited by your imagination. After finally creating your character players are summoned to the Defiled Sepulchre, our tutorial location, the first plane everyone will experience; here players are taught how to survive these treacherous lands, and the undertaking required to dispel the darkness. After players acquire a taste for battle, they’re set free to explore our semi-open world, challenging Rhogar sorcerors, Umbral manifestations, and even all-consuming sentient mounds of flesh. 

Mournstead awaits

Mournstead exists in constant parallel, enticing all potential adventurers who yearn for honorable renown. The expansive universe of Lords of the Fallen calls out for discovery – from the soaring cliffside of Pilgrim’s Perch to the unending blazes that burn the city of Calrath. As you step into the shadow realm of Lords of the Fallen, you will uncover that each significant location is intricately linked with at least two others, granting you the liberty to carve your own path. Take heed – as the bearer of the lamp, exercise great caution as you set forth on your expedition, for it will be fraught with danger and perils beyond words. Those who are willing to wager their lives may unveil a realm overflowing with immeasurable treasures.

Fluid, responsive combat

Confront relentless legions of Adyr, or crumble and yield to the depths of despair – your legacy hinges on your tactical approach in Lords of the Fallen. As you embark on your mission to conquer the shadows, the seamless integration of melee, magic, and ranged abilities will aid you in your survival. Seize the opportunity to assign up to four extra magical or ranged skills to your controller, instantly bestowing upon you an extensive array of combat choices. This intricate system not only enriches the spectrum of combat, allowing you to weave together an almost boundless series of combinations, but it also quickens the tempo of battle by eliminating the need for constant ability swaps. Armed with this arsenal at your fingertips, you are poised to obliterate all adversaries in your path.

Uninterrupted online co-op

Annihilation awaits those who neglect to confront the terrors of our realm. Nevertheless, assistance is readily available to modest fighters who set aside their pride. By tapping into vestiges scattered throughout Mournstead, one can summon support from a companion or another destined soul that can assist you on your quest. The realm of Lords of the Fallen can be faced jointly, without interruption, throughout your entire quest.

Death and umbral

In the realm beyond the living lies a realm of torment, known as Umbral. Access to this parallel world can be attained by employing the Umbral Lamp, or by meeting an unwilling or sacrificial death. Embarking on this parallel journey bestows upon you the power to peer beyond the veil, bridging the two domains for your benefit. You can uncover nightmarish bridges spanning vast chasms in the Umbral realm, or reveal concealed treasures that assist you in your mission. Nevertheless, exercise utmost caution, O Bearer of the Lamp, for prolonged exposure leads to the corruption of your mind by invading malevolent forces.

We hope you enjoyed this peek at what’s coming when players enter the lands of Lords of the Fallen, launching on PS5 October 13.

Last week, we asked you to think pink and share pink-colored moments from the game of your choice using #PSshare #PSBlog. Here are this week’s pink highlights: 

ForgottenJasmin shares the couple from Haven gliding across a field

MdeavorVP shares a fox with glowing symbols on its fur

Sefwick shares the dancer from Bound striking a pose surrounded by ribbons and angular artillery

Defalt368 shares a young version of the Sifu protagonist with a staff in the alleyway

dougsvest shares the main character of Sable drifting across a desert and houseboat

Pintinho375 shares protagonist Mimi riding on a boat in the middle of a lake

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: Heartwarming
SUBMIT BY: 11:59 PM PT on August 9, 2023

Submit heartwarming moments from the game of your choice using #PSshare #PSBlog hashtags by August 9 for a chance to be featured. Selected shares will be highlighted August 11. 

Greetings, Travelers. This is the Genshin Impact dev team, and we’re proud to announce that Genshin Impact Version 4.0, As Light Rain Falls Without Reason, will arrive on Aug 16. In today’s blog, we’d like to take you to Fontaine, the upcoming fifth nation of Teyvat, where culture, art, and technology flourish under an intricate system of justice and trial.

For Travelers who have completed the Archon Quest Prologue Act III: Song of the Dragon and Freedom, a Teleport Waypoint at the northeast of the Sumeru desert will be unlocked, revealing the nation of Fontaine on the far shore atop a majestic waterfall. Ascend the waterfall, and you will see an aquabus that is ready to take you to the major locations of Fontaine as you cruise along the canals. Once aboard, you can enjoy a scenic tour guided by the special Melusine crew member. You can freely explore this area and tons of World Quests when you arrive at Fontaine, but Fontaine’s Archon Quest will only unlock if you have completed the last Archon Quest, Caribert.

A judgment, but also a performance

Presided over by Focalors, the current Hydron Archon, and the God of Justice, Fontaine has an intricate judicial system that provides a unique power named Indemnitium for people’s daily life. For example, it is used as energy to run the aquabuses and lights in households. The Indemnitium is generated through the process of trials via the Oratrice Mecanique d’Analyse Cardinale, a machine that harvests people’s belief in justice. Therefore, trials have become important public events at the magnificent Opera Epiclese, where magic, farce, tragedy, and various performances also occur. It will also be the stage for Fontaine’s Archon Quest, where the magician duo Lyney and Lynette will put on their first show, or trial at the Opera Epiclese.

From the Opera Epiclese, one can see the Court of Fontaine, the main city, reflecting the true beauty of Fontaine’s artistic attainments in the fields of architecture, entertainment, technology, and lifestyle. In this hub of culture and art, restaurants, opera houses, couture stores, workshops, and all manner of businesses thrive along lively streets packed with well-dressed individuals, creatures, and patrolling clockwork meka. However, apart from the glamorous upper town and bustling midtown, the city seems to have a seedy side in its sewers.

Dance with clockwork meka

Fontaine is also famous for leading technologies, and Travelers may have already benefited from some of their inventions, such as the Kamera. Aside from the Indemnitium generated from the belief in justice, the Fontaine Research Institute learned to control another power source, the Pneumousia, to provide energy for the clockwork meka, including those performing duties in the city and those hostile in the wild.

The dancing meka duo Coppelius and Coppelia is one of the most intimidating yet elegant inventions. In the new dual boss challenge Icewind Suite, you can choose to challenge either Dirge of Coppelia and Nemesis of Coppelius, each performing a distinct combat sequence inspired by dance moves and figure skating. Once activated, Coppelius or Coppelia will unleash ferocious but graceful attacks that deal Cryo damage as it spins or dances.

Dive into underwater legends

As the nation is surrounded by water, Fontaine offers unique underwater adventures. It is said that today’s city was rebuilt near its drowned sites and that some creatures still live there. Certain areas of Fontaine can even allow Travelers to dive underwater for the first time.

Thanks to a special blessing, you don’t have to worry about running out of oxygen underwater. But you will be given an Aquatic Stamina bar which will be consumed by sprinting underwater. You can collect Recovery Orbs to restore your stamina, or even pass through the Turbulent Bubbles to accelerate your movements.

Combat is also different in the water. To attack underwater, you need to harness the ocean’s wisdom by absorbing unique abilities from special creatures in order to defend yourselves, break traps, and unlock treasures ensnared by seaweed.

Another new boss awaits in an underwater cave, but thankfully, you can also use your combat skills on land. The Armored Crablord, Emperor of Fire and Iron not only has the defense ability like an iron crab, but also unleashes vicious Pyro attacks through its body organs. More stories, mysteries, and history of the past are also buried deep beneath the waters.

Recruit the fontaine siblings

The first three playable Fontaine characters are siblings: the magician duo Lyney and Lynette, and Freminet the diver. Travelers who reach Adventure Rank 25 and above can even claim Lynette for free through the latest seasonal event.

Lyney is the reliable elder brother of the three, and he is known as one of the most dazzling magicians in Fontaine. As a five-star character, he is skilled with his bow and brings Pyro-element tricks during combat. When Lyney fires charged Prop Arrows, it can summon a magical Grin-Malkin Hat that can taunt nearby enemies. At the climax of his combat performance, Lyney turns into a Grin-Malkin Cat, burning the enemies nearby and igniting fireworks to end the fight.

Different from her elder brother’s extroverted persona, Lynette stays low-profile as a magician’s assistant with keen observation, always assisting her brother Lyney from behind the scenes. By entering a high-speed Pilfering Shadow state, this 4-star Anemo sword user can approach the enemies in a flash and follow up with a piercing Enigma Thrust. At the height of her Elemental Burst, Lynette uses skillful sleight of hand to summon a large Bogglecat Box that deals Anemo damage at intervals, and it is also able to fire Vivid Shots that deal DMG from the corresponding element.

Armed with maritime knowledge, the youngest brother Freminet is an exceptional diver, but prefers to stay out of the limelight. This 4-star Cryo character wields a claymore and prefers calm, icy strikes when entering the Pers Timer state upon casting his Elemental Skill. This professional diver will borrow the power generated from fully-pressurized Pers to inflict powerful Cryo and Physical damage. By unleashing his Elemental Burst, Pers Timer is boosted with higher efficiency and increased combat capabilities.

Lyney, Lynette, and Yelan’s rerun will be available during the first half of Event Wishes in Version 4.0, followed by Zhongli and Tartaglia’s reruns. Meanwhile, Freminet will make his debut in the second half of wishes. Satisfy prerequisite conditions, and you can even invite Lynette for free in a limited-time event.

More game quality-of-life features

With abundant new adventures to explore, we will also introduce several significant functions and features in the upcoming Version 4.0 to boost the visual, control, and game performance on PlayStation.

To further enhance lighting effects and to boost its degree of realism, we are introducing a brand-new feature, Global Illumination (GI), in certain areas of Teyvat. A key aspect of GI is indirect lighting, namely how light bounces and scatters off surfaces onto others. Unlike direct lighting as the only light source, GI allows objects, especially their colors, to be affected by multiple indirect lights from surrounding objects. For example, with GI enabled, walls, windows, or any other building parts may get affected by indirect lighting from nearby red tiles, creating a softer and more natural-looking shadow with a subtle reddish hue.

Thanks to the powerful GPU, we will also add two features to enhance immersion underwater: the swarm simulation and soft-body simulation. The former mimics how a swarm of creatures move and is able to present amazing phenomena such as fish tornadoes where each individual fish has its own moving pattern, but together, they form a big herd that is moving simultaneously. The latter is used to depict the water plants swaying with the gentle ebb and currents, adding an enchanting allure to the underwater exploration.

Meanwhile, we’re also experimenting with motion-controlled aiming using the DualSense wireless controller on PS5 and Dualshock 4 on PS4. By tilting or rotating the DualSense or Dualshock 4 controller, players can now fine-tune the aimed shots more precisely using the controller’s built-in accelerometer and gyroscope. For instance, if you want to aim up with your bow at birds flying overhead, you only need to tilt your DualSense controller upwards, akin to the way one would aim in the real world. Additionally, gameplay on PlayStation will also gain a loading speed boost, with special mention to that on PlayStation 4.

Last but not least, at the imminent release of Version 4.0, we’d like to express our heartfelt gratitude for every player’s support on the journey. The curtain on Fontaine’s story is about to rise, and we will see you in the next chapter.