Last week, we asked you to soak up the gaming sun and share gaming moments inspired by summer using #PSshare #PSBlog. Here are this week’s highlights:
supersaturnnshares Astro wading in the pool with Kratos and Atreus in Astro’s Playroom
wingsforsmilesshares the beach and boardwalk rollercoaster from Cyberpunk 2077
CaGamer_07shares Ichiban Kasuga swimming with a dolphin in Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth
NemesisNatshares a woman surfing near a vintage van in GTA Online
Diesmo16shares Aloy sitting and smiling on a beach in Horizon Forbidden West
clerence_1993shares Tifa, Aerith, and Cloud in swimsuits on the beach in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
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: Fireworks
SUBMIT BY: 11:59 PM PT on July 3, 2024
Next week, we’re watching the gaming skies for bursts of color. Share in-game fireworks, sparks, or laser lights using #PSshare #PSBlog for a chance to be featured.
Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero – Battle Training mode gameplay revealed https://ift.tt/hQFUOuj
Dragon Ball games have been making their mark in console gaming for over the last decade with the release of the Xenoverse series, Kakarot, and FighterZ.
Now, in 2024, Dragon Ball fans have gathered to celebrate the return of the beloved Budokai Tenkaichi series. This action battle franchise was last released in 2007 on the PlayStation 2 as Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3 in the Americas and Europe and Dragon Ball Z: Sparking Meteor in Asia.
Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero, the next chapter in the Budokai Tenkaichi series, will launch on October 11, 2024, on PlayStation 5. This installment not only continues the series’ legacy but also unifies it under one global name, ‘Sparking Zero,’ bringing fans from all corners of the world together.
Sparking Zero will have a battle system that continues the one-vs-one 3D battle formula pioneered by its predecessors. This formula allows fans to enjoy the full freedom to move in three dimensions and feel truly immersed in the world of Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero and its characters.
Whether you’ve been a loyal fan for years or you’re just starting your journey, Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero is designed with you in mind. It’s been over a decade since the last installment, and we’re thrilled to offer PS5 players a first look at the Battle Training mode, a feature that will prepare you for the ultimate Dragon Ball battle experience.
Training mode
For players new to the franchise or veterans who need a refresher, there is a robust training mode between classic Master and Apprentice Piccolo and Gohan, with Goten also making a guest appearance. While the training mode covers the basic commands in the game, it also delves into intermediate and advanced techniques for players to explore and alerts players if they have successfully executed the actions covered in the instructions they are given.
Beginning with basics
Battle Training mode allows players to choose the level at which they want to start. Players can start at the beginner level, learning how to fly, using Ki Blasts and counters.
You can also learn to use special commands, such as changing characters and transformations.
Meet in the middle with intermediate to advanced techniques
Those who want to improve beyond the basics and advance into higher-level gameplay can enjoy learning how to execute intermediate and advanced techniques, such as Rush Chains, Vanishing Assaults, Advanced Counters, and more.
Players can move 360 degrees but also charge and utilize their ki to use Dragon Dash to move rapidly around the battlefield. Players can use Dragon Dash to execute follow-up attacks after knocking back their opponent.
Additionally, new gameplay reveals show how players might be able to access Vanishing Assaults to quickly gain the upper hand against unsuspecting opponents. This mode also reveals how players can follow up these attacks with additional movements and attacks to string into combos.
Counter and dodge opponents
Getting caught in your opponent’s attacks? Battle Training mode also goes in-depth on how to counter rush attacks by using Perception and Super Perception.
Players can also dodge an opponent’s follow-up attack by utilizing Z-counters. Change up the flow of battle by using these defensive moves to your advantage.
Maximizing all the moves
Finally, true to Sparking Zero’s legacy, the mode also covers how players might charge their Ki and go into Sparking mode, which unlocks a powerful ability for each character (*Requires at least 1 Skill Count to enter the mode).
Once you’ve completed your training, the mode helps players combine what they have learned and teaches how to string together attacks, Vanishing Assaults, and Sparking mode to unleash a devastating combo onto their opponents.
That concludes our first look at Battle Training mode in Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero. Prepare for the ultimate Dragon Ball battle experience by utilizing Battle Training mode to train for future fights and journeys.
Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero will make its long-awaited launch on October 11, 2024, on PlayStation 5. Those who preorder the Deluxe or Ultimate Edition will be able to play the game three days early, so be sure to preorder today.
Zenless Zone Zero debuts on PS5 July 4– details on combat, new area and characters unveiled https://ift.tt/QgZ7YLe
Hello, Proxies! Greetings from the Zenless Zone Zero dev team. I’m Zhenyu Li, the producer of Zenless Zone Zero. After four years of development, three rounds of closed beta tests, and countless improvements, I’m thrilled that Zenless Zone Zero is officially launching July 4 on PS5! Hereby, I would like to share the most up-to-date game content with you in this blog post.
Alluring narrative with distinctive characters
Zenless Zone Zero is a new urban fantasy ARPG by Hoyoverse, in which a calamity called Hollows – an abnormal spherical dimension that appears out of thin air and swallows everything it touches – destroys modern society. New Eridu, the last remaining metropolis, has risen against the odds amidst this destructive catastrophe and become the remnant of contemporary civilization. In the game, players assume the role of Proxy, accompanied by unique characters to explore Hollows, combat enemies, complete commissions, and reveal the mysteries behind New Eridu.
Despite the post-apocalyptic setting, the world of Zenless Zone Zero is filled with fascinating stories and dynamic characters. After encountering the odd-job agency Cunning Hares and the remarkable industrial group Belobog Heavy Industries in early chapters, you can unlock the Chapter 2 Interlude and Chapter 3 of the main story, in which Officer Zhu Yuan makes her official debut and members from Victoria Housekeeping disclose their true colors.
On top of that, new characters Lucy and Piper from a faction in the outer ring of New Eridu known as Sons of Calydon are also prepared to join you in exploring the menacing Hollows as playable agents. Moreover, numerous newly designed Bangboos are under your command as companions with unique abilities in battle.
The bustling cityscape of New Eridu
In previous playtests, you may have seen Sixth Street, which is actually only a small part of New Eridu. In the global launch version, Lumina Square, the buzzing commercial district of New Eridu is ready for Proxies’ exploration. Strolling around the city, you will find adorable Bangboos in need of rescue, cargo trucks hidden in corners with various rewards and surprises awaiting.
As the adventure commences, the legendary Proxy named Phaethon has also expanded the video store Random Play’s second floor where you can rest in bed, play music, or customize the photo walls to transcribe precious memories along the journey.
Dynamic combat system
Catering to both new and veteran players of the action genre, Zenless Zone Zero strikes a balance between accessibility and complexity. The consolidation of combat mechanics including Chain Attacks, Perfect Assist, switching characters, etc., offers players an opportunity to unleash their creativity and immerse themselves in the fast-paced combat.
To satisfy players’ various preferences, newly implemented Combat Commissions allow combat-focused Proxies to dive in and start the battle right away. Meanwhile, avid action players can keep reinforcing their battle skills in combat challenges such as Hollow Zero and Shiyu Defense – find the Scott Outpost which overlooks the most massive and impactive Hollow existing in New Eridu to access them.
To celebrate the accomplishment of 40 million global sign-ups and to embrace the official launch of the game, we have prepared bountiful in-game rewards including up to 1600 Polychromes, 90 Master Tapes, 20 Encrypted Master Tapes, and 85 Boopons for global players. You can obtain all the rewards by advancing the in-game progress, participating in global launch activities, and experiencing numerous time-limited in-game events including Friendship Supervision and Watch Your Step.
Once again, as the launch date approaches, we want to express our sincere gratitude to all the players who’ve shown tremendous support and interest in Zenless Zone Zero. We can’t achieve any of this without you. Our joint journey begins when Zenless Zone Zero launches July 4 on PS5. Please stay tuned for more exciting details and stories we have conscientiously prepared for Proxies around the world. See you soon in New Eridu!
(For Southeast Asia) Concord Beta dates announced, Beta Early Access launching July 13 https://ift.tt/jvHbPAM
From the very first gameplay prototypes to getting the game ready before launch in August, playtesting Concord every day has been a defining aspect of development and core to our culture at Firewalk and our mission of delivering great-feeling multiplayer. There’s simply no substitute for getting your hands on a controller or mouse and keyboard, squadding up as a team, and experiencing the game for yourself.
That’s why we’re excited to share that your first chance to play Concord during our upcoming beta is just a couple of short weeks away! Here’s everything you need to know:
Concord Beta Early Access dates for Southeast Asia (July 13 – 15) and Open Beta (July 19 – 22)
In Southeast Asia, the Concord Beta will kick off with an Early Access weekend on PS5 and PC* from Saturday, July 13 through Monday, July 15. For those that pre-order, this early access weekend will be your opportunity to be among the first to play Concord—and you’ll get to bring your own crew. Those that pre-order any digital versions of Concord will get five codes for Concord Beta Early Access: one for you and four of your friends.
Following the Early Access weekend, the Concord Open Beta in Southeast Asia will be available to all players on PS5 and PC beginning on Friday, July 19 through Monday, July 22.
No matter what platform you play on, the Concord Beta Early Access and Open Beta will allow you to team up with friends on either PS5 or PC through optional cross-play support.
Play the full 16 Freegunner roster
You won’t have to wait until launch to find your favorite Freegunner(s). During the Concord beta weekends, you’ll be able to play as all 16 of the Freegunners that will be available at launch. Whether you like to run and gun, lock down an area, lay down fire from afar, or back up your team, there are Freegunners for players of a wide range of playstyles and skill levels.
From familiar faces like Haymar, Vale, Lennox, 1-0FF, and Star Child from the reveal trailer to other members of the Northstar crew, like It-Z, Teo, Bazz, and more, you’ll get to experiment and learn how each character brings distinct strategic abilities, traversal and gunplay feel, and, most of all, your own personality to the battlefield.
Explore (and Battle Across) Multiple Planets and Modes
Throughout both Concord Beta weekends, you’ll be able to visit and battle across multiple worlds and maps in the Concord Galaxy.
During the Concord Beta Early Access weekend, you’ll have a chance to play on four maps:· Freewater: Set in a fortified outpost on the sun-scorched planet of Glance, Freewater features intersecting perimeter lanes and a large central courtyard in the middle of the map that serves as a prime convergence point and inspires intense combat engagements.
Water Hazard: On the stormy water-covered planet of Leviathan, a massive, armored eel, known as a Morack, has been caught and is being harvested on a large floating fishing rig. Players will fight across the platform and within the jaws of the Morack in a primary harvesting site.
Star Chamber: Located atop the tallest mountain on the planet Gloom sits an ancient observatory with narrow corridors and a meteorite at the center, which creates great opportunities for team fights and one-on-one battles.
Shock Risk: Located beneath a massive conductive kite in the sky that harvests lightning on the planet Leviathan, Shock Risk features multiple unique arenas for battling with rival crews with pathways that converge on a large center tower.
During the Open Beta weekend, a new world and fifth map will be introduced: Bone Mines on the planet Akkar.
Bone Mines: The remains of massive vastadons on the tropical planet Akkar have become the site of a lucrative Guild mining operation, where you will fight through the excavated bones and mining caverns in a mix of close-quarters and mid-range combat.
The Concord Beta will also have multiple modes to fit your mood, whether it’s to jump in for a quick match after work or to team up with friends for more coordinated and competitive play.
The Concord Early Access Beta weekend will launch with three modes:
Trophy Hunt: A respawn-based mode where you fight to take down members of the rival crew and collect their bounty cards to earn points for your team. The first team to reach the target score before time runs out wins the match.
Cargo Run: A no-respawn mode where teams compete to retrieve the Blue Buddy robotic package delivery system, plant it at one of the zones, and defend it from the rival crew to win.
Clash Point: A round-based, no-respawn game mode where teams compete to control a single capture zone at a central location on the map.
Then, during the Open Beta weekend, you’ll be able to try out a new mode: Area Control.
Area Control: A respawn mode where teams compete to control multiple capture and control zones around the map. Control two or more zones to increase your team’s score and reach the point threshold to win.
Witness the beginning of the Northstar Crew’s Story
Alongside familiarizing yourself with the Northstar crew through gameplay, you’ll also be able to see the beginning of their story. When you play the beta, you’ll be welcomed with the very first of our cinematic vignettes—brief cinematics that, when Concord launches, will premiere every week in game. When the Beta Early Access launches and then when the Open Beta starts, we’ll introduce new cinematic vignettes in-game to give you a small glimpse into how the Northstar crew’s stories will unfold each week.
We can’t wait to see you all in-game during the Concord Beta to experience just some of the content that will be available when the game launches on August 24 (Asia time zone) and will grow over time through post-launch updates at no additional cost.
Be sure to stay tuned for more information about the beta, including pre-load and server availability timing, PC specs, and more, by following Concord on Twitter/X, Instagram, and TikTok, as well as by joining the community in the Official Concord Discord.
*Account for PlayStation™Network and internet connection required. Beta terms and conditions apply.
Concord Beta dates announced, Beta Early Access launching July 12 https://ift.tt/jvHbPAM
From the very first gameplay prototypes to getting the game ready before launch in August, playtesting Concord every day has been a defining aspect of development and core to our culture at Firewalk and our mission of delivering great-feeling multiplayer. There’s simply no substitute for getting your hands on a controller or mouse and keyboard, squadding up as a team, and experiencing the game for yourself.
That’s why we’re excited to share that your first chance to play Concord during our upcoming beta is just a couple of short weeks away! Here’s everything you need to know:
Concord Beta Early Access (July 12 – 14) and Open Beta (July 18 – 21)
The Concord Beta will kick off with an Early Access weekend on PS5 and PC* from Friday, July 12 through Sunday, July 14. For those that pre-order, this early access weekend will be your opportunity to be among the first to play Concord—and you’ll get to bring your own crew. Those that pre-order any edition of Concord will get five codes for Concord Beta Early Access: one for you and four of your friends.
Following the Early Access weekend, the Concord Open Beta will be available to all players on PS5 and PC beginning on Thursday, July 18 through Sunday, July 21.
No matter what platform you play on, the Concord Beta Early Access and Open Beta will allow you to team up with friends on either PS5 or PC through optional cross-play support.
Play the full 16 Freegunner roster
You won’t have to wait until launch to find your favorite Freegunner(s). During the Concord beta weekends, you’ll be able to play as all 16 of the Freegunners that will be available at launch. Whether you like to run and gun, lock down an area, lay down fire from afar, or back up your team, there are Freegunners for players of a wide range of playstyles and skill levels.
From familiar faces like Haymar, Vale, Lennox, 1-0FF, and Star Child from the reveal trailer to other members of the Northstar crew, like It-Z, Teo, Bazz, and more, you’ll get to experiment and learn how each character brings distinct strategic abilities, traversal and gunplay feel, and, most of all, your own personality to the battlefield.
Explore (and Battle Across) Multiple Planets and Modes
Throughout both Concord Beta weekends, you’ll be able to visit and battle across multiple worlds and maps in the Concord Galaxy.
During the Concord Beta Early Access weekend, you’ll have a chance to play on four maps:
Freewater: Set in a fortified outpost on the sun-scorched planet of Glance, Freewater features intersecting perimeter lanes and a large central courtyard in the middle of the map that serves as a prime convergence point and inspires intense combat engagements.
Water Hazard: On the stormy water-covered planet of Leviathan, a massive, armored eel, known as a Morack, has been caught and is being harvested on a large floating fishing rig. Players will fight across the platform and within the jaws of the Morack in a primary harvesting site.
Star Chamber: Located atop the tallest mountain on the planet Gloom sits an ancient observatory with narrow corridors and a meteorite at the center, which creates great opportunities for team fights and one-on-one battles.
Shock Risk: Located beneath a massive conductive kite in the sky that harvests lightning on the planet Leviathan, Shock Risk features multiple unique arenas for battling with rival crews with pathways that converge on a large center tower.
During the Open Beta weekend, a new world and fifth map will be introduced: Bone Mines on the planet Akkar.
Bone Mines: The remains of massive vastadons on the tropical planet Akkar have become the site of a lucrative Guild mining operation, where you will fight through the excavated bones and mining caverns in a mix of close-quarters and mid-range combat.
The Concord Beta will also have multiple modes to fit your mood, whether it’s to jump in for a quick match after work or to team up with friends for more coordinated and competitive play.
The Concord Early Access Beta weekend will launch with three modes:
Trophy Hunt: A respawn-based mode where you fight to take down members of the rival crew and collect their bounty cards to earn points for your team. The first team to reach the target score before time runs out wins the match.
Cargo Run: A no-respawn mode where teams compete to retrieve the Blue Buddy robotic package delivery system, plant it at one of the zones, and defend it from the rival crew to win.
Clash Point: A round-based, no-respawn game mode where teams compete to control a single capture zone at a central location on the map.
Then, during the Open Beta weekend, you’ll be able to try out a new mode: Area Control.
Area Control: A respawn mode where teams compete to control multiple capture and control zones around the map. Control two or more zones to increase your team’s score and reach the point threshold to win.
Witness the beginning of the Northstar Crew’s Story
Alongside familiarizing yourself with the Northstar crew through gameplay, you’ll also be able to see the beginning of their story. When you play the beta, you’ll be welcomed with the very first of our cinematic vignettes—brief cinematics that, when Concord launches, will premiere every week in game. When the Beta Early Access launches and then when the Open Beta starts, we’ll introduce new cinematic vignettes in-game to give you a small glimpse into how the Northstar crew’s stories will unfold each week.
We can’t wait to see you all in-game during the Concord Beta to experience just some of the content that will be available when the game launches on August 23 and will grow over time through post-launch updates at no additional cost.
Be sure to stay tuned for more information about the beta, including pre-load and server availability timing, PC specs, and more, by following Concord on Twitter/X, Instagram, and TikTok, as well as by joining the community in the Official Concord Discord.
*Account for PlayStation™Network and internet connection required. Beta terms and conditions apply.
Jango Fett returns in enhanced Star Wars: Bounty Hunter, coming to PS5 August 1 https://ift.tt/jvHbPAM
On August 1, let the hunt begin; Star Wars: Bounty Hunter releases on PS5 and PS4. Let’s dive into what to expect, including unique PlayStation 5 features, visual enhancements, and the ability to play as another iconic bounty hunter…
For the uninitiated, you play as Jango Fett in Star Wars: Bounty Hunter. The most-fearless bounty hunter in the galaxy is hired to capture a deranged Dark Jedi. Jango takes on the bounty armed with an array of deadly weapons and tools, including dual blasters, a flamethrower, toxic darts, jetpack missiles, and more. Suit up and hunt your quarry, dispatching galactic scum along the way.
Visual improvements
Improved environment textures: To give more depth and texture to the environment, we’ve added bump maps. The result is a richer environment that feels a bit more modern.
New lighting effects: With dynamic lighting, we now see more color and impact throughout the environment. Every bolt from Jango’s blasters will illuminate throughout the entire velocity.
New flashlight equipment: If you ever thought some areas felt dark, we did too. We added a flashlight to navigate these darker areas.
PlayStation 5 features
Unique to players on PS5, we’ve taken full advantage of the DualSense wireless controller technology to enhance your bounty hunter experience. Let’s take a look.
Integrated adaptive triggers: Each weapon in Jango’s arsenal now has a unique rhythmic feel.
Voice comms: We’ve routed Jango’s in-game radio communication to play through the DualSense wireless controller’s speaker for an all-new immersive experience.
Lightbar meets health bar: Use the lightbar display on your controller as a visual indicator of Jango’s current health status.
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Restoring Boba Fett
The most devoted fans of Star Wars: Bounty Hunter may have heard about an easter egg left in the game. A very low-resolution texture with a message written in Aurebesh— “Cash in all bounties to play as Boba.”
While the message did exist, the feature did not. So even if you hit 100% on your save file, you were only able to play as Jango Fett.
We’ve brought this easter egg to life, so after completing the campaign, you will be able to equip a new Boba Fett skin for your next playthrough.
We hope you enjoy revisiting Jango’s origin story! We’ll see you August 1 on PS5 and PS4.
PlayStation Plus Monthly Games for July: Borderlands 3, NHL 24, Among Us https://ift.tt/rCcO45n
July brings a billion guns, puck slapshots and the threat of sabotage to PlayStation Plus with the Monthly Games lineup. From July 2*, all PlayStation Plus members** can add the sci-fi looter shooter carnage of Borderlands 3, on-ice action of NHL 24 and the spaceship-set party game Among Us to their game libraries. In addition to those, there’s a Genshin Impact in-game reward bundle available July 16 which is exclusive to PlayStation Plus members.
Let’s take a closer look at each game.
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Borderlands 3 | PS4, PS5
Shoot and loot your way through a mayhem-fueled adventure. At the hard edge of the galaxy lies a group of planets ruthlessly exploited by militarized corporations, and brimming with loot and violence. This is your home – the Borderlands. Now, a crazed cult known as The Children of the Vault has emerged and is spreading like an interstellar plague. Only you have the allies and arsenal to take them down. Play as one of four all-new, deeply customizable Vault Hunters – the ultimate treasure-seeking badasses of the Borderlands. Customize your Vault Hunter with tons of personalization options, and use their distinct skill trees to tailor abilities to your preferred playstyle. Play with anyone at any time online or in split-screen co-op, regardless of your level or mission progress. Take down enemies and challenges as a team, but reap rewards that are yours alone – no one misses out on loot.
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NHL 24 | PS4, PS5
Feel the intensity of hockey, as EA Sports NHL 24 brings you closer to authentic on-ice action with a wealth of new game features and upgraded modes. The new Exhaust Engine recreates the rush and fatigue of high-pressure games, rewarding extended offensive play with game-changing effects. Refreshed Total Control Skill Moves and a revamped Vision Passing System broaden your moment-to-moment strategies and allow you to execute them with complete precision. Build your NHL 24 Ultimate Team and recreate moments from classic matches and recent highlights in HUT Moments, and explore the expanded World of Chel, which offers cross-play, a redesigned EASHL and much more.
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Among Us | PS4, PS5
Use teamwork, persuasion and maybe even betrayal in this unique online party game… in space! Prepare for departure, but beware the Impostor! Complete tasks to hold your spaceship together and return to civilization, but keep an eye out as one or more random players among the crew are Impostors determined to sabotage the ship and kill everyone. It’s up to the remaining humans to finish their tasks and identify the Impostors to eject them into the abyss. But watch out! The Impostors will use every trick in the book to convince everyone they’re a crewmate, so don’t believe everything you hear. Get your alibi straight or else you might be the one wrongfully ejected!
Genshin Impact PlayStation Plus Pack
PlayStation Plus members can also claim in-game rewards for Genshin Impact with an exclusive PlayStation Plus bundle. You’ll be able to find and download this bundle in addition to the PlayStation Plus Monthly Games line up on PlayStation Store when it becomes available on July 16***. Download Genshin Impact from PlayStation Store to access.
Purchase this product and obtain the following Genshin Impact in-game rewards:
– Primogems × 160
– Fragile Resin × 4
– Hero’s Wit × 20
– Mystic Enhancement Ore × 30
– Mora × 150,000
Last chance to download June’s games
PlayStation members have until July 1 to add SpongeBob Squarepants: The Cosmic Shake, AEW Fight Forever and Streets of Rage 4 to their game libraries.
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PlayStation Plus offer for Sony Pictures app movie credits
Purchase any 12-month PlayStation Plus membership and get movie credit(s) to use on the Sony Pictures Core app. This offer will be available from later today.*****
From new releases to timeless classics, choose from a selection of up to 2,000 films, including the largest library of IMAX Enhanced movies. Watch the best of Sony Pictures Entertainment, including Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, Gran Turismo: Based on a True Story, Bad Boys and more.******
*All three games will be available to PlayStation Plus members on July 2 until August 6.
**PlayStation Plus Game Catalog lineup may differ in certain regions. Please check the PlayStation Store on launch day for your region’s lineup.
***You need to log in to Genshin Impact via PlayStation Network within 365 days of purchase to claim the bundle. If you log in to the game via the PlayStation Network after that time, you will be unable to claim it.
*****Offer valid between June 26, 2024 to July 10, 2024. Number of movie credits varies based on plan and membership status. PS Plus is subject to a recurring subscription fee taken automatically until cancellation. Terms apply: play.st/psplus-usageterms. Separate download of the Sony Pictures Core App is required to redeem Movie Credits. Must be 18+ to register for a Sony Pictures Core account. Movie Credits must be claimed and redeemed in App by July 10, 2025. Sony Pictures Core terms apply: https://ift.tt/iNO94Lf
The First Descendant launches on PS5 and PS4 July 2, new character gameplay revealed https://ift.tt/eI1hdf8
Descendants, after a long wait, The First Descendant releases worldwide July 2 on PS5 and PS4. To help you prepare for the action, we’re here with new gameplay details for characters Bunny, Valba, and Ajax, along with insights into the unique graphic features available on PS5 .
Not familiar? The First Descendant is a third-person online co-op looter shooter. In the game, you will become a Descendant, inheriting mysterious powers and tasked with protecting your homeland – the continent of Ingris – from alien invaders.
Launch content
Powered by Unreal Engine 5, The First Descendant is a next-generation looter shooter that focuses on the fun of grinding and growth. It’s a game where you collect and enhance various characters, unique-effect firearms, external components that boost character and skill performance, and modules to tune the performance of characters and weapons, presenting you with the challenge of creating your own unique build.
At launch, five new fields that have not been previously revealed will be added, along with 16 types of new end-game content called Instance Dungeons. Additionally, 16 types of Void Intercept Battles – large boss raids considered the highlight of The First Descendant – will also be introduced.
Additionally, Descendants, who are central to the game, will be added. In total, 19 Descendants will be introduced, including 14 original Descendants and 5 high-performance versions known as Ultimate Descendants.
Our most popular Descendant, Bunny, is known as an iconic mascot with a helmet resembling rabbit ears. Bunny wears a unique suit that can charge and discharge electrical energy, allowing her to run at incredible speeds. This suit not only enhances Bunny’s agility but also enables her to release stored electrical energy around her or concentrate it into a powerful focused beam, making her a formidable force on the battlefield.
Valby is my personal favorite character. She has a special ability to transform into water and create puddles at will, anytime and anywhere. While on water, Valby can use skills with reduced MP, allowing for more efficient use of abilities. This ability enables Valby to create puddles among enemies for quick movement or to liquefy and pass through obstacles, providing advantages in both offense and defense.
Our creative director’s top recommended Descendant is Ajax. As a tank dealer, Ajax provides a unique strategic element to the team. He possesses the incredible ability to distort physical space and summon protective shields for allies. These shields effectively block enemy attacks while allowing allied attacks to pass through unhindered, protecting allies and providing a tactical advantage. He ensures the safety of teammates on the battlefield while enabling them to launch attacks without interference.
PS5 Graphical features
Additionally, we are pleased to introduce the graphical features available at launch for the first time, specifically for PS5. Since last year’s Crossplay Open Beta, we have invested significant effort into optimizing and enhancing graphic quality for PS5.
Firstly, we added a Balanced Mode to the graphics settings, which was unavailable during the Beta. PS5 users can now choose from three modes: Fidelity, Balanced, and Performance, offering a variety of options to suit your preferences.
Additionally, we have implemented the high-resolution shadow mapping technique, Virtual Shadow Map (VSM), provided by Unreal Engine 5 after extensive optimization efforts, enhancing the overall visual quality.
Furthermore, we added options for Ray Tracing and AMD Frame Generation, offering choices for those who desire higher visual quality or improved performance.
The First Descendant’s development team is always listening to your feedback. Therefore, we invite you to the continent of Ingris to explore and share your valuable insights with us. The First Descendant launches July 2 on PS5 and PS4.
Everything you need to know about Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III and Warzone Season 4 Reloaded, live June 26 https://ift.tt/FVG82pe
The DNA bomb has detonated at Popov Power Plant, releasing powerful mutagens in the Season 4 Reloaded mid-season update for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III and Call of Duty: Warzone. Deploy across new mutated modes, maps, Unstable Rifts, events, and more, and get your hands on new weapons and Aftermarket Parts to help face the challenges ahead.
Incline (New Core Map): Battle over frozen ground on this small-sized research outpost deep in the Caucasus Mountains of Urzikstan. Fire down from the cable car in the central transit station and prepare for long-ranged encounters along the northern road.
Bitvela (New Variant): Experience Multiplayer like never before in this pixel-art inspired version of Favela appearing in the Bit Party Playlist modifier. Pixelated cars, buildings and trees, jagged clouds, and pixel smoke particles perfectly mimic the original map, without a curved edge in sight. When competing in Bit Party, your Operator’s head will grow after every elimination, making you a bigger target while also granting objective bonuses.
Das Gross (New Variant): A vile infection has enveloped downtown New York City, sending bloody tendrils over the ceiling and walls of Das Haus. An alien planet looms overhead in the night sky. Try to keep your wits about you in this map variant arriving with a new Vortex Playlist.
New Mutation Mode, Havoc, and more
Mutation: Take turns playing as humans and mutants in a moshpit of game modes. Mutants can choose from a variety of classes including the Mutated Leaper, Radioactive Beast, Contaminated Slugger, and Camouflaged Sneaker.
Havoc: In this twist on Team Deathmatch inspired by classic arena shooters, random modifiers activate throughout the match, dramatically altering gameplay in a mode where no two matches are the same!
Plus, perfect your aim in the Headshots Only mode, wield powerful weapon blueprints in Blueprint Gunfight, and flex your parkour skills with the limited release of G3T_H1GH3R.
Zombies Overview
Face Waves of Enemies in an Unstable Rift
Gear up for a new wave-based challenge via the appearance of unstable rifts. Squads must race to be the first to enter: reports of [[REDACTED]] in the Exclusion Zone may lead the way.
After entering an unstable rift, squads must defend against increasingly difficult waves of enemies. Survive the onslaught to reset the cooldown on all your insured weapons and schematics. Squads who gain access to multiple unstable rifts can repeat the activity within the same match.
Call of Duty: Warzone Overview
Explosion at Popov Power Plant
The DNA bomb has exploded at Popov Power Plant in Urzikstan, altering the environment and releasing a toxic chemical agent in the vicinity. Approach the site with extreme caution.
New Gameplay Features
[Redacted] Weapons: Look for [Redacted] Weapons now found within Loot Hot Zones and Bunkers in Urzikstan. These extra-powerful weapons hold more than the normally five allowed attachments, granting their owner an edge in combat.
Runaway Train Public Event: Each match within Urzikstan has the chance to trigger the Runaway Train public event announced around the sixth gas circle. When active, the safe zone will remain over the moving train until the end of the match. Hop aboard and clear out enemy stowaways.
Mutated Playlists: Plus, wield mutant powers in two limited-time modes arriving in the mid-season: Mutation Resurgence Quads and Mutation Buy Back Quads.
General Overview
Two New Weapons
Reclaimer 18 (Shotgun, Battle Pass): The Reclaimer 18 supports two firing modes. Activate pump-action for extended damage range and semi-auto for increased fire rate. Toggle between them as the situation demands to reign in close-ranged fights.
Sledgehammer (Melee, Challenge): Smash skulls with the Sledgehammer, sporting a 20-pound carbon steel head with a variety of attack moves including swings, an overhead attack, and a pole butt.
Season 4 Combat Pack for PlayStation Plus members
PlayStation Plus members don’t forget to grab the Season 4 Combat Pack. This pack grants Élodie, Lockpick a new operator skin Chemical Warfare.
PlayStation Plus members will also receive the following: the Composition Carbine weapon blueprint, the Brushstroke Ballistics weapon blueprint, the Fuming with Pashion Large Decal, the Toxic Artist Weapon Sticker, the Mini Infiltrator Charm, and the Infectious Vision Emblem.
Plus, PlayStation players will receive a 2XP Player boost in-game from June 26 – 27 and from July 4 – 5.
New Challenges and Events
Check for new weekly challenges throughout the mid-season to unlock more Aftermarket Parts plus the animated Molten Obsidian weapon camo for completing all eight Weekly Challenges.
Earn more rewards across a variety of in-game events, including Altered Strain, Retro Warfare, Redeployment Missions, Vacation Squad, and Vortex: Death’s Grip.
New Store Offerings: 8-Bit Task Force 141 and More
Deploy as 8-Bit versions of Task Force 141 with the Tracer Pack: 8-Bit Blitz bundle and suit up in astronaut gear with the Out of This World Pack. Look for other wild bundles arriving in the mid-season, including a crabby Zodiac-themed Pro Pack.
Season 4 Reloaded launches June 26th
Purchase Modern Warfare III on PlayStation to enjoy the benefits of two additional loadout slots, monthly exclusive Double XP events, +25% PlayStation Party Bonus XP, +5 bonus Battle Token Tier Skips with a BlackCell purchase, and a free in-game bundle each season with the Combat Pack.
Share of the Week: Alan Wake 2 – Photo Mode https://ift.tt/U5H9N1z
Last week, we asked you to shine a light on Alan Wake 2 and the recent release of its photo mode using #PSshare #PSBlog. Here are this week’s haunting highlights:
arashikagesshares Alan standing at the center of black swirling handprint motif splattered on a hotel’s walls
Yuric83shares Saga moving through a distorted section of forest
jdbolzanshares diner waitress Rose in control during the Night Springs DLC, holding a rifle in front of a banner in town
CamisGuishares the sunlight fading as FBI agent Alex Casey takes in a crime scene
hazelgreen_vpshares a portrait of FBI agent Alex Casey sipping on coffee
denisjurisonshares a black and white portrait of Alan staring out the lake house window
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: Summer
SUBMIT BY: 11:59 PM PT on June 26, 2024
Next week, we’re celebrating the warmth and sun of summer. Share moments from your favorite game filled with summer vibes using #PSshare #PSBlog for a chance to be featured.
Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree: 5 spoiler-free tips https://ift.tt/Le8ZzEV
Rise, Tarnished. Your time has come again.
After a long wait, Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree launches tomorrow on PS5 and PS4. With a massive new world to explore, weapons to be found, skills to master and, of course, bosses to face, FromSoftware’s latest expansion could seem like a daunting undertaking. But fear not, Tarnished, as our tips – spoiler-free and covering the first few hours – will help set you on the right path. To begin, a crucial step: what’s required to enter the Shadow Realm.
Entering the Shadow Realm
If you’ve ever played a FromSoftware expansion, you’ll know that gaining access is never a straightforward process. Shadow of the Erdtree continues this tradition. In order to enter the Shadow Realm, you’ll need to complete a few tasks in the base game.
On your journey through the Lands Between, you’ll firstly need to have defeated Starscourge Radahn, a notoriously challenging boss. To face him, traverse Redmane Castle in Caelid during the Radahn Festival and take the elevator down to fight him on the beach.
You’ll also have to have bested Mohg, Lord of Blood. He can be found at Mohgwyn Palace, reached by following Varré’s questline or using a Waygate hidden in the Consecrated Snowfield. Mohg is known for being a particularly tough fight, but other Tarnished have been setting up summon spots next to the battle to help shepherd fighters through and open the DLC.
At the back of the Mohg boss arena you’ll discover Miquella’s cocoon. If both foes have been conquered (and expansion downloaded) a new interaction option will appear when you stand by the cocoon. Accept, and you’ll enter the Shadow Realm and begin your journey into the Shadow of the Erdtree.
Navigating the world
If you put dozens of hours into Elden Ring’s base game, it’s easy to forget that you originally had to collect map fragments in order to build up a picture of the world around you. In Shadow of the Erdtree, this feature returns, meaning when you first enter the Shadow Realm, your map will be blacked out, with one exception; a single bright spot somewhere in the darkness.
One of your first objectives should be to navigate to this point, where you will find a map fragment beneath a tall obelisk. Collecting this will reveal the region’s map, but be warned — Shadow of the Erdtree’s world design uses verticality on a scale unlike almost anything seen in the Lands Between, meaning there is still so much more to be discovered – both above and below – what the map can show you.
This world is dense with secrets, so be sure to explore every nook and cranny. You’ll no doubt be rewarded with weapons, spells and items for your effort.
Making friends and enemies
The starting area of the Shadow Realm is full of friendly (and not-so-friendly) characters who can help fill you in on the story, point you in the direction of hidden areas, send you on missions or challenge you to a duel.
You’ll come meet warriors, tribesmen, worshipers and devotees among others within your first hour or so of gameplay. Speaking to them, bringing them items they require, or taking the correct action in front of them can help progress their story arc within the overall narrative. And of course, they may reward you with items, join you as companions in battle and more.
Using Shadow Realm Blessings
While you can still level up your character as before, within the Shadow Realm, character progression comes in the form of special blessings. Two new consumables, Scadutree Fragments and Revered Spirit Ashes, can be found around the world and used at a Site of Grace to buff your character and their skills, so seeking them out during your first few hours is a worthwhile endeavor.
Scadutree Fragments: These increase both damage negation and attack power for your character, meaning you receive less damage from enemy attacks and deal more with your own.
Revered Spirit Ashes: These have a similar purpose but apply to your Spirit Ashes, granting your summons more survivability and power, so you can beef up your Mimic Tear or Black Knife Tiche before facing that next boss. (Other Spirit Ashes are available…)
Note that both of these special blessings only apply to the Shadow Realm, and therefore will have no effect in the base game.
Managing new discoveries
Like all FromSoftware games, Elden Ring is chock-full of items and consumables, some useful, others mysterious. Alongside Shadow of the Erdtree, Hidetaka Miyazaki and his team have introduced a new quality of life feature that allows you to more easily explore the recent commodities you’ve discovered on your adventure.
This new feature, which is turned off as standard, will highlight new pick-ups with a “!” in your inventory, making it easier to survey your collection. It also offers an optional Recent Items Tab, where everything you’ve found recently is collated into one easy-to-understand menu. Both of these features make it simpler to uncover the use of the many new items in Shadow of the Erdtree, but the choice of whether to use them or the original system is entirely yours.
If you wish to turn these features on, they can be found under the Display section of the Settings menu. Here you can turn on either Mark New Items or Show Recent Items Tab, or use both together.
These tips should help you enter the Shadow Realm and make smooth progress during your first few hours. But there is still so much to be discovered when Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree launches tomorrow, June 21.
New PlayStation Portal remote player system software update releases tomorrow https://ift.tt/gIPkzde
When we developed the PlayStation Portal remote player, our goal was to bring high-quality console gaming experiences to the palm of your hands, even when you aren’t in front of the TV. We continue to evolve the experience on PS Portal, and we are happy to announce that the latest system software update for our first dedicated remote play device will start rolling out tomorrow – adding a few new user enhancements.
Sign-in screen support for select public Wi-Fi networks
While we recommend PS Portal to be used in your home as you have control over the quality of the Wi-Fi, it can also be used outside of the home in places where a fast and stable Wi-Fi connection is available – and we’ve seen many players take advantage of this.
With this new update, PS Portal will also connect to a range of public Wi-Fi networks* that may require additional validation steps beyond entering the network password. This includes Wi-Fi networks with sign-in screens that can often be found in hotels, cafes, and airports.
To connect to these public Wi-Fi networks, PS Portal will display a QR code for you to scan with your smartphone or tablet. Once scanned, you’ll be able to use your mobile device’s web browser to complete the additional validation steps on behalf of your PS Portal. As a reminder, PS Portal requires a Wi-Fi connection with at least 5Mbps, and for a better play experience a high-speed connection of at least 15Mbps is recommended.
New visual feedback for touchpad areas
The emulated touch pad on PS Portal’s vibrant 8-inch screen is getting an update. We’ve added new visual feedback to the touch pad areas. The new effects will be displayed when using the touch pad areas during remote play.
Display battery level in percentage
You now have the option to display the remaining battery level percentage on the status bar at the top right corner of your screen. To use this feature, open the quick menu, go to [Settings] > [System] > [Battery], and then turn on [Show Battery Percentage].
Since the initial launch of PS Portal last November, we’ve been overwhelmed with the enthusiastic reactions and the variety of ways our community has been enjoying gaming on PS Portal. While Remote Play for PlayStation has been available since the PlayStation 3 generation, we’ve built upon this technology with PS Portal to elevate the Remote Play experience to another level by integrating key features of the DualSense wireless controller with a vibrant 8-inch LCD screen.
We’re excited to see that PS Portal has introduced many more gamers to the Remote Play feature on PS5, with over 60 percent of PS Portal owners using the feature for the first time**. What’s more, PS Portal is making it easier for many players to access their games, with the average PS Portal owner’s engagement on PS5 going up within the first 8 weeks of using their PS Portal.
We’ve also seen a wide range of games proven to be popular on PS Portal, from single player adventures including God of War Ragnarök, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 and Astro’s Playroom to multiplayer titles including Fortnite, Rocket League and EA Sports FC 24 – all being some of the most played games on PS Portal within the first 3 months of its launch***.
We’re always grateful to the PlayStation community for embracing our journey as we continue to explore different ways to bring new player experience. Check out the official website to learn more about PS Portal and let us know what you think in the comments!
*To connect to public networks, make sure that the initial setup for your PS Portal is completed. Authentication requires use of another device that can connect to the public network, such as a smartphone. Public networks that operate at 5GHz are not supported. **Internal Data from Nov 2020 – April 2024 ***Internal Data from Nov 15 2023 – Feb 15 2024
Still Wakes the Deep: how a dev’s own claustrophobia inspired the first-person horror, out June 18 https://ift.tt/Ixq98nJ
With Still Wakes the Deep releasing on PS5 tomorrow, we wanted to highlight some of the inspirations for the environments of the upcoming first-person narrative horror. Early on we decided that Still Wakes the Deep would be set on an oil rig and the team wanted to play on different fears and phobias. One of the main fears is the ocean itself; another is being isolated.
One of the first levels I worked on from the ground up was a space inside the engineering section of the rig, with a lot of machinery inside these four echoey, metal walls.
I wanted to try and play with the fear of claustrophobia, which in hindsight was an odd thing, because it’s a fear that is very vivid for me due to my own personal experiences. In the end I found it quite useful and intriguing to use my own triggers to build an environment that might in turn trigger the same emotions within players.
I pulled from my core childhood memory of claustrophobia a lot while we were developing Still Wakes the Deep.
I remember being at an event with lots of kids outdoors and they put out this big wooden crate with lots of little wooden compartments for the kids to play and crawl through.
As I got halfway through, I remember the twists and turns becoming narrower and the angles becoming harder to navigate.
My heart was racing, and I started to hyperventilate. I still remember the feeling of the wood under my fingers, the sounds, the smells.
When our main character Caz enters the engineering sections of the oil rig, you immediately feel trapped. The halls are narrow, the ceiling is low, every surface is metal and there’s a lot of heat and moisture trapped in the air around you.
Since there are no windows, you lose that sense of where you are. Now imagine moving through this space, while you’re up to your knees in a mix of water, oil, rust, and dirt, and you realise there’s something else in there with you. All you want is to get back to the open top of the rig for a breath of fresh air, but the only way through is by entering even narrower spaces.
The audio team did the brilliant job of capturing these vivid nightmarish sounds of horror.
In trying to trigger certain emotions with dark eerie visuals and audio I started to imagine how terrible it must feel to have all that moisture in the air with oily, dirty water seeping into your overalls.
You have a constant mix of these engineering sections like hot pipes and machinery but then every time you come outside you have terrible cold weather, cold steel. I wouldn’t say it’s comforting but I think it will make for a thrilling story.
There lie the strengths of The Chinese Room. On one side, we have people that love storytelling, whether it’s through movies or writing, and on the other we have musicians and audio technicians all from different walks of life.
Would I say that working on Still Wakes the Deep has conquered my fears? Probably not. If anything, it’s intensified fears of what’s lurking in the shadows! Still Wakes the Deep launches tomorrow on PS5.
