Official PlayStation Podcast Episode 500: Celebrating 30 Years of PlayStation (Part 1)

Email us at PSPodcast@sony.com!

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Hey y’all, Episode 500 is finally here! Thank you to all the loyal listeners for making this momentous episode possible. Can you believe the show started back in 2011? Whether you’ve been with us for the entire run or are a new listener, we appreciate you.

This week, the crew hears from listeners and developers about some of their favorite PlayStation games and memories. The podcast crew also dives into their favorite games on the original PlayStation and PlayStation 2. But the celebration doesn’t end here! We’ll continue to feature listeners and developers leading up to PlayStation’s 30th anniversary on December 3.

Stuff We Talked About

  • Next week’s release highlights:
    • Spirit Mancer | PS5
    • Towers of Aghasba (Early Access) | PS5
  • Stellar Blade x Nier: Automata DLC and Photo Mode
  • Players Choice Winner – Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero
  • PlayStation Plus Game Catalog for November:
    • Grand Theft Auto V 
    • Dying Light 2: Stay Human
    • Like a Dragon: Ishin
    • MotoGP 24
    • The Sims 4: Island Living
    • And more…
  • LEGO Horizon Adventures is out now
  • Special listener/developer favorite PlayStation games segment
  • The podcast crew highlights personal top games for the original PlayStation and PS2 (to be continued…)

The Cast

Sid Shuman – Senior Director of Content Communications, SIE

Tim Turi – Content Communications Manager, SIE

Brett Elston – Manager, Content Communications, SIE

O’Dell Harmon Jr. – Content Communications Specialist, SIE


Thanks to 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.]

Photo Mode returns in Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered, launching February 14

Lara Croft’s legendary adventures continue on February 14 with the release of Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered! As we patiently await her return, we’d love to take a moment to explore some enhanced features created specifically for this remaster. 

This latest collection not only revitalizes Lara’s adventures but also brings back a fan-favorite feature Photo Mode to capture all the thrilling moments you encounter.

Explore and capture iconic moments

As you swan-dive back into Lara Croft’s darkest adventures, you’ll have the ability to capture and share in the beauty and excitement of your adventures with your friends. 

Whether you’re scaling the Great Pyramid of Giza in The Last Revelation, sneaking through a high-security complex in Chronicles, or uncovering dark secrets in the shadowy streets of Paris in The Angel of Darkness, Photo Mode lets you freeze, frame, and capture your most memorable moments.

Photo Mode features

New Poses and Outfits: In addition to including all of the poses and outfits from Tomb Raider I-III Remastered, this new collection will include even more as an added bonus. Tailor each shot to reflect her adventurous spirit and style.

Customizable Shots: Set up your scenes with ease using adjustable camera angles, depth of field, and zoom effects. Create the perfect composition to showcase the remastered environments.

Dynamic Expressions: Choose from a range of expressions to bring Lara’s character to life in your photos. Highlight her bravery, determination, or curiosity with ease.

Seamless Integration: Use Photo Mode anytime during gameplay to capture those spontaneous, unforgettable moments. Whether it’s a breathtaking view or a dramatic encounter, your perfect shot is always just a menu away.

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Activate Photo Mode: Photo Mode activates by holding down both of your sticks on the DualSense controller.
  2. Frame Your Shot: Adjust the camera angle, zoom, and depth of field, using the on-screen controls and find your desired composition.
  3. Hit the Dressing Room: Pick from various outfits from across the Tomb Raider I-VI Remastered collection. Equip her with different weapons for an added touch of sass.
  4. Express Yourself: Select Lara’s expression to convey the right mood for your shot. What are we feeling today: a victorious and joyful smile, or a bombastic side-eye?
  5. Strike a Pose: Pick your favorite pose from across our Tomb Raider I-VI Remastered collection! Whether it’s a fierce battle stance or a triumphant pose, have fun customizing it to your liking.
  6. Capture and Share: Once you’re satisfied with your shot, use the Create button on your controller. Share your best shots with the community and join fellow fans in celebrating Lara Croft’s legacy.

How about a First Look?

As you swan dive into even more details around Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered, the Photo Mode feature isn’t the only exciting addition! Alongside capturing epic moments, fans can look forward to new collectible achievements and unique art badges, each one a striking tribute to Lara’s legacy. 

And for those who remember the heart-pounding encounters with the nearly indestructible mini-bosses, we’re thrilled to showcase a new look at two of Lara Croft’s most formidable foes: the relentless Bronze Bull and the fearsome Minotaur from The Last Revelation. 

Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered launches on PlayStation 4 & PlayStation 5 on February 14, 2025. Head over to PlayStation Store to pre-order if you haven’t already.

The Light Brigade: Phantom of Time free update adds a new class and world, live today

Hello PS VR2 friends, since the release of our roguelike VR shooter, The Light Brigade, on PS VR2 in February 2023, we’ve been overwhelmed by the support and passion of our community. Your enthusiasm has fueled our team to continually improve and expand the game through a series of major content updates, and today we unveil the Phantom of Time.

This Phantom of Time update is available now as a major content release at no additional cost for The Light Brigade on PS VR2, and it’s packed with new gameplay, a haunting new procedural world, and even a new playable class. Let’s dig in.


The Light Brigade: Phantom of Time free update adds a new class and world, live today

New Playable Class – The Saboteur

New playable revolver-wielding class with special timepiece – The Saboteur

Stealth, strategy, and clever escapes await you with our newest unlockable class: the Saboteur. This revolver-wielding gunslinger comes equipped with a Timepiece, a powerful tool for those who like to lurk in the shadows. Cloak yourself from enemies, deploy a deadringer decoy to outsmart your foes, and easily reposition on the battlefield. The Saboteur brings a brand-new tactical layer to The Light Brigade, making each encounter more unpredictable and thrilling.

Explore the Memorial Grounds

Memorial Grounds, the newly playable procedural battlegrounds

With the Phantom of Time update, we’re also introducing a brand-new procedurally generated world: the Memorial Grounds. Once a sacred crypt, this war-torn graveyard was a final resting place for honored soldiers—but now, the relentless tides of battle have defiled it. The Memorial Grounds are riddled with secrets and danger, offering a haunting backdrop to explore. Will you uncover the stories buried within, or fall to the chaos that has consumed this sacred ground?

The Road Ahead

The Light Brigade development roadmap

We’ve come this far thanks to the love and dedication of our incredible PS VR2 community, and we’re not slowing down. We’re committed to delivering even more exciting content, from new weapons and classes to fresh worlds and social mechanics. Stay tuned because the journey in The Light Brigade is far from over. Thank you all for your continued support, and we’ll see you on the battlefield in the Phantom of Time update, now available worldwide for all PS VR2 players.

Towers of Aghasba early access launches November 19, content roadmap detailed

A studio only gets to launch its very first game once! Everyone here at Dreamlit Games is incredibly excited to debut our upcoming open-world fantasy builder, Towers of Aghasba, which launches into Early Access on November 19. We can’t wait for you to experience this fantastical world as you design your island with bustling settlements and nurture thriving ecosystems while fighting off the withered invasion.

Why early access? 

This project is an ambitious open-world sandbox developed by a small team, with core mechanics intended to let players shape their island however they like. It’s also one of the first in-development early access titles coming to PS5. By launching into early access, we can involve our community in the development process, allowing us to better balance, polish, and iterate on these core components. This allows us to introduce new content and features based directly on your feedback.

You can still count on a fun, fantastical experience, with lots of content to explore right from the start of our Early Acess journey— but we’ll be adding additional polish and updates in the weeks ahead. Here’s a roadmap of what to expect from Towers of Aghasba at launch— and throughout early access: 

Launch content

The initial launch of Towers of Aghasba is already brimming with content, deep gameplay systems, a compelling narrative, and a vast world to explore. We release with:

  • Six regions to explore
    • Exploration across vast open-world lands—climbing, gliding, and riding mounts
    • Ruins and relics to discover, unlocking ancient knowledge
    • Leisure activities (eg. fishing!)
  • Three types of settlements to build, design, and decorate
  • Three types of ecosystems to grow
  • 50+ unique creatures
  • 150+ decorations to craft
  • Single-player and co-op gameplay
  • Invite up to three friends to your island to build up your settlements, tend to your ecosystems, take on challenging withered foes, and discover secrets across the world

Post-launch roadmap

As with any early access title, the launch is just the beginning. We have plenty in store for the weeks and months following the release, from introducing new systems while expanding existing ones, new quests and narratives, new regions to explore, and more.

Q4 2024

  • Post-launch support
  • Quality of life updates
  • Polish and fixes

Q1 2025

  • New regions to unlock and explore
  • New quest lines
  • A fresh cast of characters
  • Time of day-related gameplay
  • Offline play mode
  • Expanded glider traversal mechanics
  • Photo Mode
  • Player Emotes

Q2 2025

  • New mounts and mount management system
  • Expanding multiplayer activities and experiences
  • Crossplay
  • Player character customization
  • Improved Townfolk AI
  • Improved Shimudex functionality

Q3 2025

  • New regions unlocked
  • New withered quest lines and characters
  • Giant withered demon combat
  • Cold environmental effects
  • New creatures
  • Creature relationship systems

Q4 2025

  • New biome type–shallow water
  • New ecosystem type–water ecosystem
  • New village type–fishing village
  • New creatures
  • New foliages
  • New quest lines and characters

Q1 2026

  • New regions unlocked
  • Hot environmental effects
  • New creatures
  • Town happiness system
  • Building customization

Q2 2026

  • Increased Tower levels
  • New major questlines

Apart from all these exciting and ambitious plans for the road ahead, an important aspect in guiding the development of Towers of Aghasba through early access is you. 

We feel it’s important to have the community involved in the development of our game to provide the best experience possible. Your feedback and suggestions are integral in the decisions we make and we hope to expand our roadmap to accommodate our player community’s requests.

Let’s build an incredible, unique, ambitious, and special game together. You can pre-order the game now, and dive into the adventure with us next week when Towers of Aghasba launches into Early Access on November 19 on PS5.

PlayStation Plus Game Catalog for November: Grand Theft Auto V, Dying Light 2: Stay Human, Like a Dragon: Ishin, and more

Dive into the gritty underworld of Los Santos, strive to stay human while you uncover the dark secrets of a post-apocalyptic world, fight for justice to change the future of Japan, and more with November’s PlayStation Plus Game Catalog lineup*! Grand Theft Auto V, Dying Light 2: Stay Human, Like a Dragon: Ishin!, and more games are available to play from November 19. On the same day, five new titles join PlayStation Plus Premium in the form of the kinetic first person shooter PS VR2 game Synapse and four Classics; Blood Omen: Legacy of Kain, Blood Omen 2, Resistance: Fall of Man and Resistance 2. 

PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium | Game Catalog

Grand Theft Auto V* | PS4, PS5

When a young street hustler, a retired bank robber and a terrifying psychopath find themselves entangled with some of the most frightening and deranged elements of the criminal underworld, the U.S. government and the entertainment industry, they must pull off a series of dangerous heists to survive in a ruthless city in which they can trust nobody, least of all each other. Experience the interwoven stories of Franklin, Michael and Trevor in the sprawling open world of Los Santos and Blaine County.

*PlayStation Plus re-release.

Dying Light 2: Stay Human | PS4, PS5

In Dying Light 2, survival meets action adventure as you attempt to endure a hostile, post-apocalyptic world. Rival factions across The City aren’t the only enemy – a virus has turned a vast majority of the human population into monsters. Take on the role of Aiden Caldwell, a wanderer with the power to change the fate of The City, but your exceptional abilities come at a price. Haunted by memories you cannot decipher, you set out to learn the truth – and find yourself in a combat zone. Hone your skills to defeat your enemies and make allies. Unravel the dark secrets behind those that wield power, choose sides and decide your destiny. But wherever your actions take you, there’s one thing you must do – stay human.

Like a Dragon: Ishin | PS4, PS5

1860’s Kyo is plagued by widespread inequality, and one samurai will change the course of history in his search for justice. Take up the sword as Sakamoto Ryoma and venture to Kyoto to find your father’s killer, clear yourself of a framed murder, and restore your honor. In doing so, you will bring an end to the samurai era and forever change the future of Japan. Draw your blade, load your revolver, and join the revolution in this heated historical adventure that only the creators of Yakuza: Like a Dragon could produce.

MotoGP 24 | PS4, PS5

As a new season dawns, the winds of change are sweeping through the pit crews. Embark on your quest to become a MotoGP legend and shape your own epic saga. Challenge your abilities and immerse yourself in the exhilarating journey of the 2024 campaign. From humble beginnings to triumphant heights, the path is yours to forge. Engage in thrilling rivalries, build your reputation, and leave your mark on the history of your beloved team.

The Sims 4 Island Living* (Add-on only) | PS4

Welcome to Sulani, where the sun shines bright and the nights are totally chill. Escape the ordinary and enjoy a laid-back lifestyle surrounded by beaches in The Sims 4 Island Living. Explore a breezy world drenched in sun, sand, and endless fun as your Sims make their own paradise. Set sail on the glistening water in your island canoe, swim to your heart’s content, and explore the scenery on a watercraft. Everything is chill (except for the occasional sunburn) when it’s Island Living.

*Requires the original game The Sims 4. 

Digimon Survive | PS4

After getting lost on a school trip, Takuma Momozuka finds himself transported to a world inhabited by ferocious foes and new allies. Join Takuma and his friends as they fight their way back home. Digimon Survive is a hybrid visual novel and tactical RPG set in a mysterious world filled with dangerous monsters and deadly battles that will test your ability to survive. Persuade your opponents to join your team and evolve them to fight alongside you in thrilling turn-based battles. Unfold a dark tale about friendship and survival that is jam-packed with exciting drama, a unique cast of characters, and potentially grim choices.

Overcooked! All You Can Eat | PS4, PS5

Hold onto your chef hats and prepare your appetite for an XXL portion of Overcooked magic. Overcooked!, Overcooked! 2 and all additional content are blended together and remastered in this delicious definitive edition! Enjoy hundreds of levels of cooperative cooking chaos across increasingly perilous and obscure kitchens. 

Stick Fight: The Game | PS4

Stick Fight is a physics-based couch/online fighting game where you battle it out as the iconic stick figures from the golden age of the internet. Fight it out against your friends or find random sticks from around the world!

Clash: Artifacts of Chaos | PS4, PS5

Drawing upon both surreal and punk fantasy influences, the world and civilisations of Zenozoik are brimming with fascinating characters, creatures and landscapes. You play as Pseudo, a master of martial arts who lives as a recluse in the strange land of Zenozoik. When you cross paths with the Boy, a small creature whose mysterious powers have attracted the attention of Gemini, the Mistress of the Artifacts, you decide to protect him, unaware that much greater forces are involved. Roam this intriguing land and discover its paths, inhabitants and ancient secrets.

Killer Frequency | PS4, PS5

The year is 1987, and as the clock strikes midnight in small-town Gallows Creek, USA, former big city radio DJ Forrest Nash is live on air in what will turn out to be the graveyard shift of a lifetime… In this horror comedy, you must solve puzzles to save callers from being hunted down by a mysterious killer. Where every call is life and death, can you save the inhabitants of Gallows Creek? Step into the shoes of a late-night radio talk-show host – new in town and fallen from grace. The Sheriff is dead, so the townsfolk turn to you for help. You, Forrest Nash, are the only person in town who can run a phone line.

Hungry Shark World | PS4

Become a shark and spread terror on the beach! Fight man, machine and beast as you explore tropical islands, sunken temples, vast cities and frozen icebergs. Enjoy discovering expansive levels with their own distinctive enemies, hidden treasures and unique missions. Take on everything the sea throws at you, from gruesome goblin sharks and the adorable porbeagle, to prehistoric monsters and giant submarines. With rebalanced enemies and pacing, there’s a challenge around every corner!

Chivalry 2 | PS4, PS5

Return to the ultimate medieval battlefield. Chivalry 2 is a multiplayer first person slasher inspired by epic medieval movie battles. Players are thrust into the action of every iconic moment of the era – from clashing swords, to storms of flaming arrows, to sprawling castle sieges and more. Charge headfirst into stunning 64-Player cinematic battles inspired by epic medieval action films. Pick your playstyle with 4 classes and 12 subclasses, each with their own unique weapons and abilities.

PlayStation Plus Premium

Synapse | PS VR2

Dual-wield brutal firepower and surging telekinesis in the ultimate mind-breaking VR action shooter. Unleash your inner anti-hero and invade the twisted subconscious of a notorious enemy of the state. Become a mind-breaking operative and wreak havoc on the enemy’s mind with deadly weaponry in one hand and expressive telekinetic abilities in the other. Combine your powers to overcome formidable defences and delve deeper into a hostile mindscape.

Blood Omen: Legacy of Kain | PS4, PS5

Ready yourself for next month’s launch of Soul Reaver 1 & 2 Remastered by discovering the origins of this dark gothic fantasy franchise with the original PlayStation title Blood Omen: Legacy of Kain. In this top-down action adventure, embark on an epic quest through a vampire kingdom fraught with murder, magic and vengeance. Journey through an expansive world containing more than 100 hours of intense, blood-sucking, spell-casting gameplay, and enjoy cinema-quality voice-overs, dynamic lighting effects and more than 25 minutes of full-motion-video footage. 

Blood Omen 2 | PS4, PS5

Fierce attacks and brutal combos await in this action adventure, originally released on PS2 in 2002, after Soul Reaver 2’s launch the year previous. Blood Omen 2 will take you back to an alternate timeline set between the events of the first Blood Omen and Soul Reaver. Cast down from power by a mysterious warlord centuries ago, Kain reawakens in a world he barely recognizes. His armies slain, his vampire brethren nearly extinct, Kain is one of the last of his kind. With an agenda of vengeance, Kain shall unleash a wicked wrath to uncover the plot that threatens the land he seeks to conquer.

Resistance: Fall of Man

Epic military action and unnerving tension blend together in PS3’s 2006 first-person shooter Resistance: Fall of Man. Humanity faces annihilation as a relentless alien force known as the Chimera ravages Europe. Amidst the chaos, Nathan Hale emerges an unlikely hero, confronting unimaginable horrors while uncovering secrets that could change the course of the war. 

Resistance 2

Initially released in 2008 on PS3, Resistance 2 is the continuation of Insomniac Games’ science-fiction FPS saga. Now on American soil, the alien Chimera threatens Hale’s humanity in a gripping race against time to put a stop to the invasion. Once again at the forefront of humanity’s fight for survival, Nathan Hale must lead his squad through desperate missions, as new weapons and giant boss encounters increase the scale of the conflict to new heights.

*PlayStation Plus Game Catalog and PlayStation Plus Premium/Deluxe lineups may differ by region. Please check PlayStation Store on release day. 

Sea of Stars Dawn of Equinox: devs deep dive into 3-player co-op and Combat 2.0, live today

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


Sea of Stars Dawn of Equinox: devs deep dive into 3-player co-op and Combat 2.0, live today

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

Updates

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

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

Combat 2.0

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

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

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

Mystery Locks: This is another one that should always have been there. In short, Mystery Locks bring a new gameplay loop around revealing how to break enemies’ spells whenever they are first encountered. Instead of displaying the damage types required for each lock, they are hidden, requiring the player to try different attacks to see what will break each lock. Note that this is on a per enemy type, per spell basis, meaning that progression toward revealing Mystery Locks is saved in real-time.

The main effect on the experience here is that there will be more enemy spells flying overall, bringing a small uptick in difficulty by relying on the occurrence of more gnarly enemy moves rather than relying solely on the intricate balance between damage done and damage received. This change also adds a “Reveal” function to some of the character skills and combos, adding more layers of strategy based on whether it’s time to map a new enemy’s spells, or to go all out with damage. Combined with Sticky Combo Points and difficulty presets, Mystery Locks gives us the definitive edition of the combat system for Sea of Stars.

Couch co-op (or online using Share Play)

We knew this one would be  challenging given the hundreds of cutscenes, interactive objects, camera work, puzzles, menus, NPC interactions, and countless other things that would simply break in thousands of ways if more than one player had full control over the game’s world.

But the co-op dream was very much alive within the team, so we went for it, manually implementing every single edgecase one at a time until we had a full-on three-player mode. You can even use PS5’s Share Play feature to play online co-op with a friend (PlayStation Plus required, here’s how to use it).

In combat: Combat initiates when any player touches an enemy or projectile. In this mode, it doesn’t matter who controls which character in the overworld; players take turns at random picking the next action from the character of their choice.

Whenever an action occurs, all players can chime in to perform Team Blocks and Team Hits for even more bonus effects. For example, whenever all three players time a block properly, the damage is always zero.

Out in the world: We aimed for maximum freedom outside combat. All three players can run, swim, climb, shop, change equipment, talk to NPCs, trigger cutscenes, initiate combat, etc. Anything that a solo player could do, we wanted to make available for all. There’s even 1v1 Wheels now.

Along with a friendly bubble to bring any stray players back into the adventure, a high-five mechanic brings a fun little way to interact with one another while gaining a short speed boost in the process. Oh, we also made the animation sets required for fishing to be available for all characters.

Looking ahead

With the Dawn of Equinox update in the rear view, the team is now focused on the upcoming free DLC Throes of the Watchmaker, which is on track to be released in the Spring of 2025.

We hope you enjoyed this behind-the-scenes look into what’s been going on at Sabotage over the past year. Thank you all once again for the overwhelming support. Whether you’ll be playing for the first time or going for another run, we hope you will enjoy Sea of Stars in its full expression.

Sea of Stars: Dawn of Equinox content update is now available on PS4 and PS5. Safe travels!

F1 24: A deeper dive into its PS5 Pro enhancements, plus first details on the upcoming season 4

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Whether it’s increased clarity in the Performance Mode, the sharper details and more immersive visuals of our new 8K Resolution Mode, or the dramatic improvements to lighting and reflections—thanks to Ray Tracing—in Quality Mode, each adds to the realism, immersion, and scale in bringing the sport of F1 to life on your screen.”

 

For F1 24’s Season 4, players across all PlayStation platforms can race to unlock a number of new customization items, with one such item being fit for a champion. Plus, a new Pro Challenge at Austin’s Circuit of the Americas featuring Oscar Piastri, and a selection of Race Scenarios, including a pair from Abu Dhabi 2021, each with rewards usable throughout the game. Keep an eye out for the full reveal on November 19.

For those yet to pick up F1 24, there’s no better time, as from November 21-24, F1 24 will be free to download and play, with the opportunity to test drive the entire game, including its PS5 Pro features alongside a double XP period for Podium Pass. Everything from the revamped Career mode through to the thrilling multiplayer will be available, with all progress made carrying over to the full game.

How LEGO Horizon Adventures was built with real LEGO bricks, out Nov 14

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


How LEGO Horizon Adventures was built with real LEGO bricks, out Nov 14

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

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

Creating the world

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

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

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

Roy Postma, Art Director at Guerrilla, goes on to explain the process of visualizing and developing the Horizon world in LEGO form, “We started out in a very realistic way, by rebuilding the original Old World buildings from the Horizon games… Then someone sneaked in an official LEGO set in the background, I believe it was the LEGO gas station, and we were looking at it like ‘ah this can work, this is fun!’ It totally made sense for the Old World to be our LEGO world.”

Making the machines

“My favorite part of the machine design process is seeing the builds just develop,” says Joe. “How they naturally evolve from early versions, teams working together to figure out how to solve specific problems, how to get the movement we want, how to get the specific look we want.”

“Throughout development, we started by imagining what a LEGO version of each machine would actually look like,” says Studio Gobo’s Game Design Lead, Toño Gonzalaz, with Stephane adding, “For every machine, we looked at the traits of the machine, how it would behave in the game, and how can we make it work best with all the LEGO bricks?”

One of the machines featured in LEGO Horizon Adventures is the Shell-Walker, a crab-like machine responsible for carrying cargo to various cauldrons found in the world. “With the Shell-Walker it really came down to its personality,” says Toño. “It’s always trying to defend its cargo, so at the end of the day, the Shell-Walker feels like a mean, defensive machine, but at the same time in a funny way.”

Designing machines with LEGO bricks did not differ too much from how Guerrilla created them originally, as The LEGO Group’s Creative Lead, Frédéric Andre, explains, “We wanted to recreate the machine as detailed as possible, so you start with the skeleton of the machine and then you add all the details into it. That’s also how Guerrilla creates their own machines: they have the skeleton and then they add all the armor plating and everything on top of that.”

“All machines have their own unique, particular personalities and attacks that they do. They’re very different from one another, so when players are fighting combinations of them it creates really interesting, wacky, fun and creative combat,” Toño smiles.

Customize everything

The customization is a way for players to express themselves in a fun and charming way, including outfits from Aloy’s first adventure in LEGO form, or from existing LEGO sets that you may have at home!

Stephane explains: “One of our main pillars in the game is player freedom, which is why we built systems where no combat is the same, but also why we wanted to provide really open ways to customize your characters and the world. For example, we really wanted Mother’s Heart to be a reflection of players’ creativity to recreate the village of their dreams.”

Kat gives her view on how some of the outfits found in LEGO Horizon Adventures can completely change the vibe of a cutscene or conversation between characters. “It takes what can sometimes be quite serious conversations and just makes them ridiculous if you’re dressed as a pig or as a llama.”

“As soon as we realized that the customization options still felt like a quintessential Horizon experience, and that it worked within the game world, it made it feel more free and more fun.”

Bringing it all together

It was pivotal that the co-op experience of LEGO Horizon Adventures worked well to allow players to bounce off each other’s actions and work together to tackle the wilds. 

“We wanted players to play together and to get in trouble together,” shares Toño, and Stephane continues, “being able to get together, either on the same tv or online, you are now two players, two actors in the same world and that one is responding to your inputs and your actions, so it was the perfect addition to make the experience shine.”

Whether you’re already familiar with Aloy’s journey, or if this is the first time you’re jumping into the franchise; we can’t wait for everyone’s fun character combinations and combat sequences once LEGO Horizon Adventures releases on November 14.

Genshin Impact Version 5.2: Expand Your Aerial Abilities to Explore the New Lands of Natlan

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

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

Soar and Explore Like the Saurians

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

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

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

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

Meanwhile, a rampaging dragon has occupied this area. In ancient times, the relationship between humans and dragons was completely different. A special token awaits here, which might reveal even more details about our journey together with Little One, our beloved little Tepetlisaur.

Unwavering Guardians Against the Abyss

Elite warriors from the Flower-Feather Clan and the Masters of the Night-Wind also learn from their Saurian companions and develop unique abilities in exploration and combat. With the latest update, we may have a chance to recruit Chasca and Ororon.

Known as a great warrior and the peacemaker in the Flower-Feather Clan, Chasca will finally become playable in Version 5.2 as a five-star Anemo bow wielder. Raised by a family of Qucusaurs, Chasca’s unique upbringing has shaped her sharp combat skills. Her trusty firearm, the Soulsniper, allows her to float in the air and fire bullets of different elements in battle. After finding an aerial advantage, the Soulsniper can load up to six bullets and is capable of hitting multiple enemies. Additionally, it can deliver a devastating strike that subsequently splits into homing bullets. These bullets can undergo Elemental Conversion when you have Pyro, Hydro, Cryo, or Electro characters in your party, making Chasca a specialist in amplifying damage through Swirling various elements. Finally, having Chasca in your party allows you to restore Phlogiston by eliminating enemies, which offers a significant advantage in prolonged combat.

Ororon from the Masters of the Night-Wind becomes playable as a four-star Electro bow wielder. He seems to have a profound connection to the Night Kingdom, and defends Natlan in his own way. Similar to Iktomisaurs, Ororon has the ability to rise into the air, and he also has a keen sense of perception. While charging an Aimed Shot, Ororon will enter the Spiritspeaker state, allowing him to extract power from Natlan’s graffiti and runes. In addition, having Ororon in your team increases gliding speed, making exploration faster and more seamless.

In combat, Ororon can be a great support especially if he teams up with Electro or Hydro characters. Ororon can gain Nightsoul Points when one of his party members triggers a Nightsoul Burst, or when other party members deal Hydro or Electro damage to enemies after Ororon unleashes his Elemental Skill. When enemies take damage from Electro-Charged reactions or other party members deal Nightsoul-aligned damage, Ororon can consume Nightsoul Points to enter the Nightsoul’s Blessing state and trigger the “Hypersense” effect, dealing Electro damage. He can also summon a Supersonic Oculus to taunt nearby enemies and deal Electro damage.

For Version 5.2 Event Wishes, the first phase will welcome Chasca and Ororon’s debuts together with Lyney’s rerun, while the second phase arrives with reruns of Zhongli and Neuvillette.

The Threat of the Abyss Still Looms

The war against the Abyss experiences a brief lull thanks to the efforts of the Traveler and the brave warriors of Natlan. The time has come to take a breather and lend a helping hand to the Flower-Feather Clan as it recovers from Abyssal contamination. The story continues with Archon Quest Chapter V: Interlude, “All Fires Fuel the Flame,” in which Iansan and the Captain will also assist the tribe in recovering from the physical and psychological wounds inflicted by the Abyss.

Meanwhile, other powerful threats such as a new boss called “Tenebrous Papilla” have cast their shadow on Natlan. This unsettling Abyssal monster can distort its body to become an even more powerful foe by absorbing the memories from Natlan’s corrupted Ley Lines.

More Events and Optimizations

In Version 5.2, Travelers will team up with Citlali and Ororon in the Iktomi Spiritseeking Scrolls event. Together, you’ll uncover the truth behind a mysterious accident that has caused turmoil in their tribe. As part of the investigation, you’ll face combat challenges to fend off enemies disrupting rituals, piece together scenes from the tribe’s woven scrolls, and gather lost spirits scattered throughout the region. Along the way, Travelers can earn exciting rewards, including Primogems and an exclusive 4-star sword, Calamity of Eshu.

Meanwhile, our dev team brings more optimized features in Version 5.2, including the Imaginarium Theater, Serenitea Pot, Artifacts, and other key gadgets. The Imaginarium Theater now offers a smoother experience, featuring a “Next Act” button for quick combat transitions, a Supporting Cast Record to track friends borrowing your support characters, and an optimized party configuration with detailed character recommendations and enemy information.

For the Serenitea Pot, gathering wood is now more convenient — the Seed Dispensary can hold more of every type of seed, wood is available for purchase at the Realm Depot with Realm Currency, and the Boon of the Elder Tree’s cooldown has been reduced to five seconds.

In Version 5.2, artifact management becomes even easier with the updated “Lock Assistance” interface. You can now lock artifacts in batches with a single click using recommended settings or custom plans.

That’s all we want to share for today! Fly freely in this exciting chapter of Natlan with plenty of fresh content to explore, and we will see you next time!

Share of the Week: Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered

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

sorathluna shares Aloy sitting in a field of blue flowers.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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