Now that the highly anticipated PlayStation State of Play event has come to an end, we have reviewed and summarised all the highlights that you need to know. The 23-minute broadcast showcased a total of 10 upcoming third-party PS4 and PS5 games set to release in 2022.
Let’s start from the beginning…
1. Deathverse: Let it Die
This is Supertrick’s take on the multiplayer survival action genre and is a follow up – by hundreds of years in fact – to 2016’s Let it Die. Players will fight for fame and glory in this reality game-show themed PvPvE combat extravaganza. This game, which features transforming robotic weapons and a thrilling close-combat experience, is due to release in Spring 2022.
2. We are OFK
This indiepop biopic follows the formation of a band of the same name, with a campaign set across five episodes. The distinctive creativity that this trailer showcased is quite impressive. The band members even used dialogue to directly address the player about what is actually their own game. Each campaign instalment showcases a playable interactive music video, and the game’s release in 2022 will be accompanied by a real-life EP from the band.
3. Bugsnax: The Isle of BIGsnax
This new free update, perfect for both new and returning players, is coming early 2022. It includes a mysterious new island to explore, the ability to customise your own home, and rare Bughats with which you can dress up your favourite Bugsnax. As stated by PlayStation.Blog, the update also features ‘over 100 challenges, 30 quests, and nearly 200 decorations to collect and display.’
4. Five Nights at Freddy’s: Security Breach
Said to be the most ambitious Five Nights at Freddy’s yet, this first-person survival horror game will be released soon on December 16th. The player will be Gregory, a young boy who is trapped inside overnight, and must avoid the deadly animatronics Roxy, Chica, and Monty, who were sent to hunt you down relentlessly. Other new features include unique office escape games, boss battles, more enemy types, and hidden playable arcades.
5. Death’s Door
Already released and highly acclaimed on other platforms, this offbeat top-down action-adventure game will arrive on PS4 and PS5 very soon on November 23rd. There are also further enhancements specially for its release on PlayStation to further immerse players into this captivating world using the DualSense controller’s features. Get ready to play as a bird with a sword in this challenging and detailed adventure!
6. KartRider: Drift
This latest generation to the KardRider franchise uses the Unreal Engine 4 to bring next-generation graphics alongside improved gameplay systems and full cross-play. If you enjoyed Mario Kart, you’re guaranteed to like this game too – the similarities are pretty remarkable. The closed beta launches this December, featuring deep character and kart customisation and two game modes – Item mode and Speed mode.
7. King of Fighters XV
This latest addition to the long-running fighting series shows off its newest black female character, Delores, including eight total playable characters, online casual and room matches, and offline training. The upcoming open beta test for this game runs from November 20th to November 22nd, with a release date set as February 17th, 2022.
8. First Class Trouble
This social deception game, described as the new Among Us, will be free on PS Plus from November 2nd. You will be randomly assigned as either a human passenger ‘Resident’ trying to survive, or a rogue AI ‘Personoid’ with overwritten programming trying to pass as a human. Communication with other players is key, but who can you really trust in this game of ‘collaborate or deceive’?
9. Star Ocean The Divine Force
This latest title to the sci-fi fantasy RPG series, developed by Square Enix and tri-Ace, marks the 25th anniversary since the first instalment in 1996. The game features a story depending on players choices, a rich range of characters and side stories, an easy but exhilarating battle system, full travel and exploration capabilities, and so much more! This reveal was a real treat as the event approached its close.
10. Little Devil Inside
Neostream’s third-person, action-adventure, role-playing game was mentioned previously in Sony’s E3 2020 show and its release is expected sometime in 2022. This highly anticipated game highlighted some gameplay, including a look into the world map and travelling companions – both with impressive visuals. It is intended to be a slower paced, tapping-into-the-players-emotions experience, hence no fast travel. This is promised to allow you to fully immerse yourself into the game’s arty atmosphere.
Final thoughts
Just one question remains: did the event live up to its hype?
Well, we had our fingers crossed for some news on Hogwarts Legacy, Final Fantasy 16, Gotham Knights, and Lord of the Rings: Gollum. With no updates on any of those titles, we were clearly quite disappointed! Some other comments on the YouTube live stream sounded a bit like these: ‘too many indies,’ ‘can I get a refund for my time?’ and ‘The State of Play was nothing to be hyped for.’
We particularly loved the announcements for Star Ocean: The Divine Force, Deathverse: Let it Die, Little Devil Inside, and Death’s Door. However, patience truly is a virtue. We’ll all just have to keep that in mind as PlayStation keeps us on the edge of our seats for the time being.
Check out the summary trailer above and let us know what you think about the upcoming releases!
By Alicia Quinn
Instagram: @alicobbles