Battlefield V’s open beta starts on 6th September – here’s everything you need to know

The November launch of Battlefield V creeps closer. To ease the burden of waiting, there is an opportunity to play the game on your PlayStation 4 – and it’s just around the corner. The Battlefield V open beta will be available to the public on 6th September and will run until 11th September. Pre-order the game now and you can join the open beta early, on 4th September. Here are some key dates to jot down:

Pre-load of open beta starts:
3rd September, 10:00 AM (CET)

Open beta early access starts:
4th September, 10:00 AM (CET)

Open beta available for everyone:
6th September, 10:00 AM (CET)

So, why are we doing an open beta?

The open beta lets us test Battlefield V running in a live environment with a high player count. We’re testing technical aspects like server stability, as well as gameplay – things like weapon balancing and progression. It’s also an opportunity to collect feedback from participating players. Give us your comments and feedback on the Battlefield Forums.

The maps you’ll be fighting on – and the game modes you’ll be tackling

Among the snowy Norwegian landscapes of the Arctic Fjord map, you’ll be able to play both Conquest and two ‘days’ of the Grand Operation ‘Fall of Norway’. Those are in-game days, by the way – not the 24-hour kind. Grand Operations contain several of these days, with one game mode featured in each.

In Fall of Norway, day one will be spent in the ‘Airborne’ mode, where you’ll parachute-drop onto the battlefield and be on either side of a fight where explosives are deployed on control points. Day two features ‘Breakthrough’, where your team either attacks or defends vital sectors. In this mode, stay aggressive and tactical as an attacker – or use on-the-fly planning to keep the enemy at bay when defending.

Then there’s new scenery to explore: Rotterdam. You’ll fight in the streets of the Dutch city in its pristine, pre-war state before battles left it in devastation. Deploy on this map and try the signature Battlefield game mode ‘Conquest’.

Returning to classic rules, Conquest is a 64-player fight where two teams battle it out for control of key flags on the map. Hold the majority of these points to drain the opposition’s score and win the day.

Vehicles and reinforcements

Five iconic WW2 tanks and seven aircraft will be at your disposal in the Battlefield V open beta. Deploy as a Tanker and bring the big guns to the fight – including the Valentine Mk VIII, Churchill Mk VII, Churchill Gun Carrier, Panzer IV, and the Tiger I. If you prefer soaring through the skies, support your team from above in the Spitfire Mk VA, Spitfire Mk VB, Blenheim Mk IF, Bf 109 G-2, Ju 87 Stuka B-2, Ju 87 Stuka B-1, and the C47.

In addition to this, you’ll be able to fend off flying foes with stationary and towable anti-aircraft guns. Tanks giving you trouble? Use the anti-tank guns – also stationary or towable.

A Squad Leader who’s collected enough Squad Points will get the opportunity to unleash the powerful Reinforcements. If you played any of the closed alphas, you’ll recognize the terrifying sight of the two heavy tanks: the British Churchill Crocodile and the German Sturmtiger.

Also returning from the alphas are the JB-2 and V-1 rocket strikes that will send enemies flying. New this time around are the Supply Canister Drops. These are sources of health and ammunition, parachute-dropped onto the battlefield at the cost of 7,500 requisition points.

Classes and Combat Roles

All four main classes are available in the Battlefield V open beta: Assault, Recon, Medic, and Support. Each class will have several Combat Roles, and in the open beta, you’ll get to try one for each class.

Every Combat Role comes with unique traits. If you, for instance, play as Recon, its Sniper Combat Role will grant you the ‘Tactical Retreat’ trait, meaning you’ll sprint faster in critical health states. The Field Medic Combat Role comes with a ‘Syringe Revive’ trait, which allows you to revive all team mates (not only those in your squad) with your Syringe.

Weapons

Picking a class in the open beta also means – to some extent – picking a weapon type. The Support class wields the powerful light machine guns, such as KE7, Bren Gun, and FG-42 – but also the M30 Drilling Shotgun. Medic players can play the objective with the sub-machineguns STEN, Suomi KP/31, MP40, and EMP.

If you’re in the heat of the battle with the Assault class, use semi-automatic weapons like the Turner SMLE, M1A1 Carbine, and Gewehr 43, or the StG 44 assault rifle. If you’re further from battle with the Recon, rack up headshots with the bolt-action rifles – here you can choose between the Lee-Enfield No. 4 Mk I, ZH-29, or the Kar98k.

Add sidearms, melee weapons, grenades, and gadgets to this and you’ll have a powerful, versatile arsenal to try out in your open beta fights.

A taste of Tides of War mode

With Tides of War, you and the personal soldiers of your Battlefield V company will embark on a journey through themed, different chapters of World War 2. With each chapter of Tides of War, players will have all-new ways to play while also being able to earn the latest and greatest themed Battlefield V vanity items. The open beta will be your first early look at how parts of Tides of War will work.

A five-part Tides of War chapter will be part of the open beta. Players who complete this challenge before 9th September will earn an exclusive in-game dog tag to use in Battlefield V at launch.

The ‘Shock Troops’ chapter is just a small taste of Tides of War – there’s a lot more to come. Make sure to give us your feedback on what the flow of playing these challenges feels like.

Enjoy the open beta

Have fun in your battles at Arctic Fjord and Rotterdam – we hope you’ll enjoy the unexpected WW2 moments that the open beta will feature. Also, remember that this is a chance for you to give feedback and help shape Battlefield V.

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6 things you need to know about dark fantasy RPG Shadows: Awakening, out today on PS4

Hello PlayStation fans! I’m Peter Nagy, Creative Director at Games Farm, developers of the dark, story-driven RPG Shadows: Awakening which is released today for PlayStation 4. Shadows: Awakening sees you play as a soul-devouring demon, who must consume the souls of fallen heroes to extend his reach from the shadow realm to the world of mortals.

In your quest to bring order (or chaos) to the Heretic Kingdoms, you’ll need to master a whole host of fun and innovative gameplay features. Which is where we come in! So without further ado, here are 6 things you need to know about Shadows: Awakening.

 

1. A one-man (or, er – demon) party

Whoever said possessing a soul would be easy? Taking the form of a fallen champion may be child’s play for the Devourer, but their personalities and memories remain. In Shadows: Awakening, the traditional RPG ‘party’ is contained in a single host – you. You can change your character at the push of a button to suit the situation. However, their personalities are still present at every single moment, so characters talk to each other and share their perspectives on your actions.

At the beginning of the game you’ll consume one of three powerful souls, who will become your ‘main’ character for the rest of the story. These souls have very different storylines, motivations and dialogue. For example, Evia has been dead for almost 300 years, while the bandit king Kalig was murdered just a few years ago. Playing as each of these characters brings very different experiences, so completionists will definitely want to play through the game multiple times to experience the full story!

2. Two realms to explore

Demons live in a dark parallel reality known as the Shadow Realm, and most of them have no way of accessing the Mortal Realm. But the Devourer is able to cross the border between worlds by consuming the souls of the living – allowing you to switch realms instantly at any time, even in the middle of battle!

You’ll need to master this ability in combat, solving environmental puzzles and undertaking quests. Both realities have more than their fair share of secrets, and only the most eagle-eyed players will discover it all.

 

3. Unique tactical combat

The RPG mechanics diversify enemies in the game and you will need to configure your party to overcome the powers of the strong enemies, discover their weaknesses and defeat the bosses eventually.

Combine this with two realms and various unique characters, and tactics become more and more important – especially on higher difficulties. Note that there are several difficulties in the game to grant the right challenge for every player.

4. Synergy system

All of the playable characters are unique, each with their own skills and equipment. However, skilled players won’t play solo – you’re a one-demon party, remember? By switching between characters during combat, you can combine skills on the fly (and even between realms) to boost their effects. Only those that master the Synergy system and combine their character’s abilities will manage to defeat the powerful boss enemies awaiting you in the Heretic Kingdoms.

 

5. Explore the Heretic Kingdoms

The world (well, two worlds actually) is full of hidden treasures, secrets and puzzles. Whether you’re shifting between realms to gain a tactical advantage in combat, or exploring every nook and cranny to find more hidden treasures and locations, the environment is key in Shadows: Awakening. If that wasn’t enough, a myriad of challenging puzzles await, that grant access secret dungeons and other rewards.

6. Bear the weight of your decisions

Your choices in the story of Shadows: Awakening will affect the fate of the Heretic Kingdoms. As well as several different endings to unlock, the Devourer itself will change based on your actions. Will you give in to your dark side, or become something more…benevolent? The choice is yours.

Shadows: Awakening launches today so I hope that this short view into the game gives you some insight into what you can expect when you start your adventure into the Heretic Kingdoms. If that’s not enough to whet your appetite, then we have a brand new gameplay trailer taking you deeper into the world you are about to experience. We hope you enjoy your time with Shadows: Awakening and look forward to hearing your thoughts on our engrossing new game.

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Here’s the full list of PS4-exclusive content waiting for you in Destiny 2: Forsaken

With Destiny 2: Forsaken just around the corner, Guardians across the galaxy are hungry for information about the new gear they’ll get their hands on and the locales they’ll get to explore.

We’re here today to take a look at everything coming exclusively to PlayStation 4 in Forsaken: an additional armour set for each class, a wild new Exotic weapon, a ship, and an all-new Strike set in the Tangled Shore.

Here’s the full rundown of what to expect:

Forsaken exclusive Exotic weapon

First up we have the Wavesplitter, a fascinating new Exotic from the makers of Coldheart. It’s the latest in City Age technology, using focused sonic waves to superheat electrons into a devastating energy beam (some even say it could be used as a musical instrument).

The weapon has three power levels that oscillate while the trigger is held down that are communicated to the Guardian through various indicators; from laser thickness, sound effects and a meter on the weapon.

The Wavesplitter can be powered up to maximum for a short period when an Orb of Light has been collected to devastate the enemy.

Forsaken exclusive Strike

Broodhold is the new PlayStation-exclusive strike for all Guardian’s willing to delve into the depths of the Tangled Shore and eradicate the Hive infestation. Guardians will have to fight through a crashed Hive Tombship skirmishing with Thralls, Acolytes and Knights until you face the Hive Brood Queen.

The Queen will alternate between physical and shadow form using different abilities in each state. Guardians will have to stay alert to avoid her physical attacks, making smart use of cover and positioning. During her shadow form, you’ll have to stay on the move to avoid being poisoned

Forsaken exclusive armour

• Titans will receive the new Mimetic Savior armour

• 

• Hunters will don the Red Moon Phantom

• 

• Warlocks will earn the Thorium Holt armour

• 

  Time to don your new armour, Guardians, and take the fight to the Tangled shore.

  Forsaken exclusive Ship

  Finally, PS4 players will uncover the Exclusive Ship the Great Beyond. It comes from an undiscovered country from which no explorer has ever returned… until now.

  

  Arm up, Guardians, the hunt is on!

• New to Destiny? Enter the Destiny Universe here for free with Plus.
• Already own Destiny 2? Upgrade to the Forsaken Expansion here.

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Prison Architect’s Escape Mode DLC tunnels out on PS4

Prison Architect is the BAFTA award winning prison-building simulator, and finally after years of fan anticipation, Escape Mode is finally here! Take on the role of a prison inmate and try to break free by forming a crew, bribing guards and developing your skills to execute a masterful escape plan. You can try to escape your own prison, or try your luck at one of the thousands of community-made maps ready to download from World of Wardens.

With the console release of Escape Mode, we really had our work cut out. There was a lot of expectation for the mode to be a direct lift of the PC version, but this didn’t sit right with us. We knew that Escape Mode had the potential to be a deeper, more rewarding experience, but just what is it that makes prison escapes so compelling? After a lot of thumb-twiddling, we realized that to really encapsulate the feeling of a prison escape, you need to tap into the inmate’s dual life; blend in like a regular prisoner going about their daily routine, while slowly and meticulously plotting their escape.

We started by creating a system where the player has to cater towards various ‘Needs’ such as food, hygiene, clothing etc. If you let your Needs slip too low, you’ll find you start to suffer from various negative effects like reduced attack damage or an increase in how often guards will search you. We also added a large number of jobs the player can perform. These jobs would drain the player’s Needs faster, but would reward them with some cash and XP. This helped bolster the “well-behaved” prisoner lifestyle without forcing the player into a set regime.

We then created the Skill system, where players could take the XP earned from jobs and put them into Skills that would help them escape. Skills such as Swimming, Sabotage, Lockpicking and Rage Mode, helped create a sense of progress which then catered to the “secret escapist” aspect of the prisoner’s life.

 

Once we had the Skill system in place, we found that we needed something else to help the player gain XP in bigger chunks but with a bit more risk. We came up with the idea of the player calling up a crime boss and being given a mission. These missions will task the player with assassinating other inmates, causing distractions, or delivering contraband to the Dealer. These missions can get the player locked up or even killed, but succeeding will earn them a lot of XP and cash that can be used to recruit other inmates into a Crew, or to bribe guards so they ignore the player’s devious actions.

With the Needs, Skills and Missions in place, we had our core game loop that the player can duck in and out of as they please while they plot their escape. The rest of development was spent doing a lot of behind the scenes stuff (way too much to list here) to make sure that even if someone uploaded a really terrible map, it would still be fun to play.

To top it all off we added 27 new Snapshots that can be found by exploring prisons, six different endings (one of which is super duper secret) and 13 new Trophies, to round Escape Mode off as a full fat game mode that you can really sink your teeth into.

Prison Architect: Escape Mode DLC is available to buy now at PlayStation Store. Let us know what you think!

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First look at Spelunky 2 gameplay, plus new Derek Yu interview

Oh, wonder of wonders: Our first look at Spelunky 2 gameplay has arrived! And you can play it this weekend in the PlayStation booth at PAX West!

If you never played the original Spelunky, you missed one of the greatest platform games of all time. It’s a remarkably hard act to follow, but it looks like Mossmouth and Blitworks are bringing out the big guns. Rideable mounts! Online multiplayer! And a lush visual overhaul that retains the simple beauty of Spelunky while adding in visual flourishes like gloopy new liquid effects and particles out the wazoo.

We caught up with Derek Yu, creator of Spelunky, to learn more about what’s in store when Spelunky 2 launches sometime next year.

So, first things first: What is Spelunky 2?

Derek Yu: Spelunky 2 is the sequel to the roguelike platformer Spelunky and takes place after the events of the original game.

Since Spelunky was released a lot of great roguelike-inspired games have come out and pushed the genre in cool new directions, but I think Spelunky is still very unique in terms of the freedom it offers the player and the way different elements interact, where one event can trigger a cascade of consequences that have to be dealt with.

That’s something we’ve been building on – not just adding lots of new things (which we’re doing!), but also making the world feel even more interconnected. And that includes storytelling (both developer-created and player-created) as well as game mechanics.

 

I understand this game is very, very different from Spelunky 1 – why? What guided that decision?

DY: At its core, Spelunky 2 is not too different, actually. My opinion about sequels is that they are extensions of the previous games, so I want fans of Spelunky 1 to jump in and feel like they’re playing a continuation, both storywise and mechanically.

The big question on my mind was “What makes Spelunky, Spelunky?” I wanted to figure out what those ideas were and take them to their limit without anything getting in their way. Sometimes that means adding, sometimes that means remixing – it can also mean subverting expectations created by the original game.

What will Spelunky fans “get” about the game right away? What’s similar, what’s different?

DY: I think they’ll immediately get into the flow of playing the game. Which is great, because with Spelunky 1 we had a hard time explaining that to people. Now that they get it, we can spend more time making the experience deeper and richer.

There are a lot of differences that, when added up, really make the game feel different. For example, each level will have a second layer that you can go back and forth between. Sometimes the entrance is right there and sometimes it’s a hidden shortcut.

Even though the gameplay is still 2D platforming, this adds a feeling of a third dimension to the exploration. We’ve also added liquid physics that are really fun to play with – combined with the destructible terrain you get things like dynamic water or lavafalls that you have to deal with on each run. The world breathes more. And then there are all the expected new areas, items, monsters and traps. It really is a lot.

I’m still very much thinking about new players, though. But my philosophy has always been to attract new players by making the world more interesting and inviting, instead of focusing on tutorials and things like that.

Spelunky is still Spelunky and it will be very challenging – my hope is that new players will want to persevere because we made the effort worth it. Spelunky 2 will have very strong themes of family and friendship and I want new players to feel cared for even as we put tough obstacles in their way.

Are the levels randomised? That’s super hard to do; what was the approach?

DY: The approach is the same as with Spelunky 1 where we generate a “safe” path to the exit using room templates. However, with new features like the second layer we’re finding lots of surprising new ways we can make random level design even more interesting.

As I said before, it feels like there’s a new dimension to it. And BlitWorks is doing the programming on Spelunky 2 and has built tools for creating and testing levels that we didn’t have the resources to build the first time around. It’s been a lot of fun going back “into the lab” with our previous experience and a lot of new technology.

How is the flow/pace? How does that change when moving to this new gameplay style?

DY: To me it feels more fast-paced but also more expansive. I imagine that runs may take a little bit longer beginning to end, but the main goal is not extending the game’s length but making the stories that emerge even more rich and personal.

Is it safe to assume there will be lots of secrets?

DY: Oh, of course!

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Destiny 2 and God of War III: Remastered are your PlayStation Plus games for September

So, hands up, who’s dying their pyjama’s red and blue and running around the house with cans of silly string? Us too. Yes, Marvel’s Spider-Man is now mere days away from launch and we’re just as excited as you.

That said, here at PlayStation Blog we have to keep our cool, because we’ve also got a slew of brand-new PlayStation Plus titles to unveil and boy, is this month a big one.

Let’s take a look at September’s games:

Destiny 2

It’s been just shy of year since Bungie’s fantastic follow-up to sci-fi shooter Destiny hit PlayStation 4 and, as the first anniversary rolls around, we’re very excited to announce that Destiny 2 is joining PlayStation Plus today.

A thoughtful evolution of the 2014 smash hit, Destiny 2 brings together retooled core systems, new sub-classes, armour and progression paths, and an explosive new cinematic campaign.

With the last city on Earth overrun and The Traveller in bondage, it’ll be up to a few plucky Guardians to reclaim the power of the light and send new big-bad Ghaul and his Red Legion packing.

If you not had a chance to experience Destiny 2 yet, now is the perfect time to jump in: a massive expansion, dubbed ‘Forsaken’, is poised to launch next week, bringing new story quests, multiplayer modes and more. Time to get up to speed, Guardian!

As an added bonus, on 1st September all Destiny 2 players can play Forsaken’s newest game mode, Gambit, free for 24 hours. This all-new hybrid 4v4 mode combines the best of PVE an PVP. Two teams of four race to summon a Primeval boss and be the first to take it down. Disrupt the other team by sending enemies to their side or invade directly with one of your own players.

God of War III: Remastered*

Before he put down roots in the snowy wilds of Midgard, legendary Dad-of-Boy Kratos used to spend his days facing off against the Olympian pantheon in the sun-kissed climes of ancient Greece.

It was a quest for bloody retribution that came to a head in the critically-acclaimed God of War III, wherein, having put almost the entirety of Greek mythology to the sword, Kratos finally came face-to-face with his greatest adversary Zeus.

Those who’ve played 2018’s God of War might already be spoiled on the outcome of that particular confrontation, but if you’ve never tried any of Kratos’ original adventures, then this is not to be missed.

Thoroughly polished-up for PS4, God of War III: Remastered represents a high-point for the series’ original formula, combining colossal set pieces with tight, brutal combat, stunning visual design, and a huge selection of puzzles and platforming challenges.

God of War III: Remastered will be available to download from 4th September.

PS Plus bonus titles

Last month, we beefed up our monthly offering with two bonus titles to download on PS4: Knowledge is Power for PlayLink and Here They Lie for PlayStation VR. We’re happy to announce that both titles remain in the PlayStation Plus line up throughout September – so if you missed them last month, don’t panic!

Knowledge is Power

The perfect game for those long, lazy summer evenings, Knowledge is Power pits up to six players against one another in a race to the top of the Pyramid of Knowledge. Inch your way up by answering questions, completing tasks and occasionally trying to trip-up your fellow contestants, all in the name of jolly-good fun. And you can put those Dualshock controllers down – as a Playlink title, Knowledge is Power needs nothing but your handy smart phone.

Here They Lie

An excellent test of nerve for those with gumption, Here They Lie is a surreal, unsettling journey through an otherworldly realm filled with strange, malevolent creatures and unpredictable environments.

Brave its horrors and you’ll uncover a mystery buried at the heart of this feverish nightmare and perhaps answers to questions you’d dared not even ask – and you thought you’d sweated enough this summer!

Anything else?

As with previous months, we’ll be adding in two games apiece for both PS3 and PS Vita, three of which – thanks to the magic of Cross-Buy – you’ll also be able to download on PS4. The final line-up then, looks like this:

• Destiny 2 (PS4)
• God of War III: Remastered (PS4)
• Knowledge is Power (PS Plus Bonus – PlayLink)
• Here They Lie (PS Plus Bonus – PS VR required)
• Another World – 20th Anniversary Edition (PS3 + PS4/PS Vita)
• QUBE Director’s Cut (PS3 + PS4)
• Foul Play (PS Vita + PS4)
• Sparkle 2 (PS Vita)

As mentioned above, Destiny 2 will be available to download today. All other titles will be available to download on 4th September. Until then, you still have a few days left to pick up last month’s games .

• Mafia III (PS4)
• Dead by Daylight (PS4)
• Bound by Flame (PS3)
• Serious Sam 3: BFE (PS3)
• Draw Slasher (PS Vita)
• Space Hulk (PS Vita)

And that’s it – we’ll be back next month with more. In the meantime, let us know how you get on with this month’s titles over on Twitter and Facebook.

*Quick note: God of War III: Remastered is not available in the Middle East. PS Plus members there will be able to download rodent-themed, real-time strategy game Tooth and Tail instead.

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Acclaimed open-world survival game The Forest has a PS4 release date

Hey everyone! Today we are happy to announce our official release date for The Forest: 6th November 2018.

The Forest casts you as a father looking for his missing son after you both survive a passenger plane crash. You’ll have to find food and water, and as night approaches build a fire and shelter to keep warm. Although tranquil at first, you soon find there is something sinister lurking in the trees.

Complete freedom

Our game encourages creativity. The game doesn’t tell you what to do, so everyone will experience their own version of the story. We try to give players as many options as possible and it’s been surprising for us how different individual playthroughs can be. Some players will focus on combat and exploration, whilst others will focus on building the most insane base possible.

Interactions

We wanted to make a game that was almost fully interactable, where you would be able to chop down every tree or bush, pick berries and mushrooms for food or hunt animals and use their skin as armour.

Our crafting system allows players to use items from the world to create new resources for survival. For example, make a spear out of sticks and then use it to catch fish, or smash open some suitcases, find some cloth and booze and combine them to make a Molotov cocktail.

The game also has an in-depth building system, where you can either choose pre-constructed buildings for your base, or be let loose with custom building options allowing you to make almost anything you can think of.

Want to build a tree house connected by ziplines? Or a raft to try and survive at sea? Both are possible. Feel like an ocean side fortress surrounded by traps will be the best way to survive? You can also do that. We wanted to build a world that was scary and dangerous, then give players the choices for how to best survive.

Survival and combat

As you’re not alone in The Forest, you’ll need to craft basic weapons to try and survive. Passive players can use stealth to evade most enemies by hiding in bushes, or even play the game in peaceful mode if you just want to focus on building and survival.

The game’s enemies initially appear relatively human-like, but over time more distorted and disturbing creatures will begin to appear from within the depths of the cave system hidden beneath the surface.

Our building system also allows dead enemies to be used in construction. Mount a head on a wall as a trophy, build a fence of out bones, or get creative and build a sculpture out of cut off limbs and then set it all on fire.

 

Caves

We wanted to create a real sense of fear and claustrophobia in our cave systems. As you explore the world underneath The Forest, you’ll find some of the game’s most terrifying creatures, along with some of the games best modern weapons and tools. Want a chainsaw to make chopping trees faster? You’re going to have to delve deep below to find it.

Multiplayer co-op

We originally focused on the game as a single-player-only experience, but fans of the game encouraged us to implement a multiplayer mode. Set out as up to four dads on a horror adventure to find your missing kid. Join together with friends to build, swim, or mess around with turtle-shell sledding in the snow.

We now feel multiplayer is the best way to experience The Forest, playing with up to three other friends for the ultimate survival horror experience.

The Forest launches on 6th November, and will also be playable at PAX West this weekend. Come check it out.

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D.Va deconstructed: How Blizzard created one of Overwatch’s most iconic heroes

Hi Sony players! I’m Michael Chu, the lead writer for Overwatch! In honour of the release of our new Overwatch animated short, “Shooting Star,” which centres around D.Va, I’m answering a few frequent questions about our favourite mech pilot!

Why do you think D.Va is on top of a lot of fan popularity polls?

Lots of reasons! D.Va’s a gamer like all of us. She has a great visual design (including her mech) and fun gameplay. Her strength, attitude, and personality make her an appealing character who also occupies an interesting part of the Overwatch universe that we’re excited to continue to explore.

How did she go from playing professional esports to piloting a mech on the battlefield?

Since the end of the Omnic Crisis, the Mobile Exo-Force of the Korean Army (MEKA) has defended Korea against attacks by a massive omnic colossus (known as the “gwishin”) that rises from the sea from time to time. Originally, they utilised drone mechs, but MEKA were forced to turn to human pilots once the gwishin evolved to disrupt their networked control systems.

MEKA turned to one of Korea’s greatest resources: the pro gamers (in addition to standouts from other fields with similar talents) who had the necessary reflexes and skills to operate the mechs. And that’s where Hana Song came into the picture.

Will she ever join Overwatch? Is she the new generation of Heroes that Winston and Tracer talk about?

Time will tell if D.Va joins up with Overwatch, but she is definitely part of the new generation of heroes, alongside others like Lúcio, Brigitte, and Mei.

How did you come up with D.Va’s character design?

We knew we wanted to make a hero that piloted a mech. We went through a lot of iteration on how exactly the gameplay between the pilot and the mech played out, but it was always a constant we wanted to have both.

Eventually we settled on a pilot that would fight inside the mech, and then eject and fight on the battlefield as an unprotected pilot. Our Assistant Art Director, Arnold Tsang, took inspiration from mech anime and manga for her visual look.

One thing I’m often asked is where the bunny motif came from. Originally, D.Va had more of a cat theme, but after we gave her the Boosters ability (which enables her to fly around) we thought about theming the whole package as a bunny hop.

Here’s a burning question from fans around the world: Where do all the extra mechs come from?!

The MEKA base in Busan. Dae-hyun (D.Va’s mechanic) and Myung (her commanding officer) would really like everyone to take it easy on those Self-Destructs though. The budgets get scary quickly!

Who is Hana Song? What is her connection to the heroes of Overwatch?

Hana Song is a world champion esports star who was recruited by MEKA to be one of their new squad of pilots. Her immense talent, fast reflexes, and natural skills made her an ideal candidate.

Growing up in the shadow of the gwishin, she felt the responsibility to serve and protect her homeland. She wanted to do her part to defend her country, but also to test her abilities in a new arena (not to mention proving that she was the best of her other extremely talented squadmates).

Having conquered the landscape of esports, D.Va is looking to prove herself where the stakes are immeasurably higher. While the five main pilots of MEKA are all standouts in their own right, Hana is unquestionably the star.

Does she care about Overwatch and its mission or is it more about national pride for her?

Korea is actually more pro-Overwatch than most countries, in part because the threat of omnic war is ever present to them (and they never suffered a big falling out with Overwatch like Russia). But at the moment, D.Va is more focused on protecting her country than the situation for the whole world.

How impactful was creating the Busan map and was D.Va’s kit a focal point in its design?

The team was extremely excited to do a map in Korea, as Blizzard and Korea have always had a special relationship. In creating the Busan map, we had a number of goals: we wanted to show an Overwatch vision of future Korea (complete with karaoke, video games and PC bangs), we wanted to show the home of D.Va and of MEKA, and we wanted it all to feel authentic and appropriate. We even went as far as to record audio from Busan for some of the sound effects in the level.

Does she have ties to any of the other characters in the game?

Though she sometimes seems like a solitary character, she’s supported by a lot of people around her. D.Va inherited her love for gaming from her father (who had been a professional gamer when he was younger). Of the MEKA personnel, she has known her mechanic, Dae-hyun (who appears in “Shooting Star”), the longest – they’ve been close friends since childhood.

D.Va also has close ties to the rest of her squad, who include her former main esports rival Kyung-soo (“King”) and one of her former clanmates, tough and protective Yuna (“D.mon”). The other two members are the squad’s maknae, Seung-hwa (“Overlord”) and the flashy Jae-Eun (“Casino”, a former racing driver). Finally, there’s their commanding officer, Captain Myung (who you hear over the comms in the MEKA base part of the Busan map).

What’s next for D.Va within the story of Overwatch?

For now, D.Va is working to rebuild and continue to protect Korea against the gwishin omnics. They’re still very much learning how to perform at a high level as a team, and D.Va’s at the center of that effort. D.Va takes her role on the team extremely seriously, trying to help the team effectively carry out their missions and utilize everyone’s strengths to the fullest.

What inspired the new Nano Cola skin? What’s the story around its creation?
Back when we were getting ready to release Overwatch, we made an ad that featured D.Va as a spokesperson for “Nano Cola.” When we were looking at something in “Shooting Star” to highlight her status in the country, we decided to bring it to life.

To celebrate the new animated short, we’re kicking off D.Va’s Nano Cola Challenge running from today until 10th September, where you can unlock the Nano D.Va skin and other D.Va-themed rewards.

• Overwatch: Legendary Edition is currently deal of the week on PlayStation Store. Download it now at a discounted price.

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Multiplayer parkour game Hover drops onto PS4 next month

Hover comes from specific ideas and intentions from the three of us at Fusty Games: we wanted a violence-free game, without guns or fights that would not just be a sport simulation.

We came up with a parkour game in which you join the Rebellion to deride the security forces of an anti-leisure tyranny. It’s difficult to sum up a four-year project in just a couple of paragraphs, but I’ll do my best!

In Hover, movement is everything! We have put an emphasis on the free-running mechanics of the game to ensure that every jump, wall-jump and grind feels unrestricted. We made sure to keep in mind the arcade style of gameplay that the Dreamcast/PS2 era brought for which we have always been nostalgic about. We know we are just scratching the surface of what a parkour game can be, but we are quite satisfied with what we have produced and are proud to bring it to PS4.

 

It was inconceivable for us not to provide you a credible and exciting environment to parkour in. Therefore, we have created a vertiginous floor-based place: Hover City, a cartoony futuristic city, parkourable from the sewers to the top of the skyscrapers to give the player a true sense of liberty.

We have built Hover’s online multiplayer with one goal in mind: take away all the burden, lobbies, queues and server searches. In Hover, everything is instantaneous. You can play like you would in solo in the online mode and you will be automatically connected with other players closer to what a MMO would offer.

Working on Hover has been a great challenge! From the Kickstarter to our upcoming release, the gaming community has shown kindness and interest throughout the development of the game, and that has been overwhelming. We can’t wait to bring Hover to the PlayStation community on 18th September. In the meantime we thank all of our supporters and backers for their ongoing support and patience.

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Tomorrow’s Gran Turismo Sport 1.25 update includes new cars, tracks, GT League events and more

Tomorrow, the latest free content drop for GT Sport goes live for all players, and today we’re thrilled to detail exactly what you can expect. As well as a selection of iconic vehicles being added to Brand Central, drivers will be able to test their skills on our latest track addition – the blistering Red Bull Ring. You’ll find all the details below, and as always, stay tuned to PlayStation Blog for the latest GT news and updates.

New vehicles

Rolling into Brand Central are eight stunning new vehicles, including legends of motor racing history like the Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupé and Ford Mark IV Race Car.

• Ford Mark IV Race Car ’67
• Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupé ’64
• Amuse S2000 GT1 Turbo
• Abarth 500 ’09
• Abarth 1500 Biposto Bertone B.A.T 1 ’52
• Volkswagen 1200 ’66
• Mini-Cooper ‘S’ ’65
• Lancia DELTA HF Integrale Evoluzione ’91

 

New track – Red Bull Ring

Located in the stunning landscape of Styria, Austria, the Red Bull Ring is an intense high-speed circuit combining tight corners and long flat-out straights. While the course layout appears simple, its hilly topography makes it far more challenging than it initially seems. The full track as well as a short version has been included, and both are playable in reverse.

 

GT League

New to the ever-expanding collection of GT League Events, we’ve introduced three additional challenges for drivers of all experience levels, including:

• Beetle & Samba Bus Festa – Beginner League
• Group 3 Cup – Amateur League
• Nostalgic 1979 – Professional League

 

Additional updates

In Sport Mode, players can now view an “Archive” of previous championship rankings, as well as measure and test their network quality. Players can also now explore the Zagato Museum, and in Scapes Mode, a special section on Cuba has been added. Finally, last month’s scenic Saint-Croix circuit has been added to the Circuit Experience

 
Remember: You can find all the latest info on upcoming GT Sport content here on PlayStation Blog or on the official Gran Turismo website. Until next time, drivers, we’ll see you out on the track.

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Marvel’s Spider-Man post launch content revealed

Hey everyone. After spending over three years working on Marvel’s Spider-Man, it’s a thrill that the game is launching next week. We hope you’ve got your pre-orders ready, and can’t wait to explore our original Spider-Man universe next Friday, 7th September!

Marvel’s Spider-Man brings many great surprises, story moments and gameplay that should keep you busy. We know many of you want to know what’s next though, and so we’re thrilled to announce the release schedule for Marvel’s Spider-Man: The City That Never Sleeps DLC.

The first chapter of Marvel’s Spider-Man: The City That Never Sleeps is Marvel’s Spider-Man: The Heist, and it will be released on 23rd October. As you play the base game, you’ll realize that Felicia Hardy, aka Black Cat, is back in town and she’s leaving clues around town to toy with Spider-Man. In Marvel’s Spider-Man: The Heist, she finally reveals herself. Featuring new missions and challenges, as well as a brand new faction of enemies and three additional suits to unlock, you won’t want to miss it.

In addition, we’re also excited to share the full release calendar for the second and third installments of the Marvel’s Spider-Man: City That Never Sleeps:

• 23rd October – Marvel’s Spider-Man: The Heist
• November – Marvel’s Spider-Man: Turf Wars
• December – Marvel’s Spider-Man: Silver Lining

If you haven’t pre-ordered the game yet, now’s the perfect time to grab the Digital Deluxe Edition which gives you the full game PLUS all three installments of Marvel’s Spider-Man: The City That Never Sleeps.

Additionally, for those of you attending PAX Prime in Seattle this weekend, Marvel’s Spider-Man will be playable in the exhibit hall so you can go hands on before the game comes out. I’ll be around, so if you see me, please do say hi!

Thanks for all your support of Marvel’s Spider-Man. We cannot wait for you to play the game, and we’re working hard to bring you additional content in the form of the Marvel’s Spider-Man: The City That Never Sleeps over the rest of 2018. In the meantime, feel free to keep in touch on social media for all the latest from Insomniac Games on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

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Multiplayer tactical shooter Firewall Zero Hour is out today on PlayStation VR

In Firewall Zero Hour, you’ll play as a mercenary Contractor, hired by an anonymous handler to either protect or obtain highly sensitive information found on a laptop hidden in controversial locations across the globe*.

You’re hired as part of a team of four Contractors, who must attack or defend against another team of four Contractors. Whether playing on the attacking team or defending team, communication with your teammates is key to surviving in this world of intense firefights and unpredictable outcomes**.

You’ll strategize with your teammates, make quick tactical choices and use an arsenal of equipment to successfully complete your Contracts. Every time you fulfill a Contract, you get paid in Crypto, which you can use to customize your Contractors.

To sum it up, we made Firewall Zero Hour to be the tactical 4v4 multiplayer FPS that we always dreamed of playing in VR. It’s been a labor of love for our studio full of FPS fanatics :-)

All in all, we’re beyond excited to hear the PlayStation VR community’s feedback, and eager to see all the gameplay styles, strategies, and tactics you come up with!

You might be wondering what’s next for Firewall Zero Hour. While there is a vast number of things to unlock, levels to achieve, and unpredictable gameplay to be had in the game starting today, we are also focused on supporting the game post-launch with additional content.

But for now, get ready for more how-to’s from the studio, regarding tips & tricks for loadouts, progression, customization, and advanced techniques. And don’t forget join the Firewall Zero Hour PSN community to meet other Contractors eager to squad up.

See you in the game, Contractors!

*An internet connection is required for all modes of Firewall Zero Hour, including Single Player Training Mode.
**PS Plus is required for Multiplayer Training and Multiplayer Contract modes.

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