Earlier today, Sony Interactive Entertainment premiered its latest PlayStation State of Play for September 2023.
With extended highlights and new looks into some upcoming games such as Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, and Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora, there was something for everyone. Here is everything that was announced at PlayStation September 2023 State of Play:
The September 2023 State of Play Announcements
Baby Steps
Gabe Cuzzillo, Bennett Foddy, and Maxi Boch, the creators of hit games like Ape Out and Getting Over It with Bennett Foddy, are launching a new game called Baby Steps releasing in 2024.
This new game takes you on a unique journey where the biggest challenge is just staying on your feet. With a DualSense controller, players control each step Nate takes. They lift each foot and decide where to place it down.
But be careful, the game makes each surface act like it would in real life. So, if you place Nate’s foot on a slippery slope, he might fall! Players guide Nate through different challenges based on all sorts of terrains. It’s not just about getting to the end; it’s about learning from the stumbles along the way.
Ghostbusters: Rise of the Ghost Lord
Ghostbusters: Rise of the Ghost Lord is gearing up to give fans an immersive experience when it hits PlayStation VR2 on October 26, 2023. This brand-new virtual reality game lets you and your friends take on the roles of Ghostbusters, working together to combat paranormal activities. The game pulls out all the stops by utilizing PS VR2’s unique capabilities.
From eye-tracking that improves menu navigation and game communication to headset haptics that make you feel the ghosts flying right through you, the game promises a next-level virtual reality experience. For a limited time, you can pre-order the Full Containment Edition, which throws in upcoming DLC and bonus content at a special discounted rate.
Resident Evil 4
Capcom is bringing new content to Resident Evil 4, including a story expansion called Separate Ways and an update to The Mercenaries mode. Both will launch on September 21, 2023. Separate Ways focuses on Ada Wong’s journey, offering answers to questions from the main game.
The Mercenaries mode update adds new characters and is free for everyone who owns Resident Evil 4. A VR Mode for Resident Evil 4 will also come out this winter as free DLC. Now’s a great time to buy the game, as it’s on sale on the PlayStation Store until September 26.
Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora
Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora is set to launch on PlayStation 5 on December 7. Players get to become a Na’vi, a native of the moon Pandora, and fight against the Resource Development Administration (RDA).
A new trailer shows off the hero’s unique story, where you are a Na’vi who was taken by the RDA as an infant and trained in human ways. Returning to Pandora after 15 years in cryosleep, you set out to reconnect with your heritage and defend your home.
Special for PlayStation users, pre-orders include the Aranahe Warrior Pack, which offers character and weapon cosmetics.
Ghostrunner 2
Ghostrunner 2 is set to launch on PlayStation 5 on October 26, 2023. A new demo is already live, giving players a taste of the high-speed action and combat. The game follows the character Jack, a cyber ninja who must navigate through Dharma Tower and face new threats.
The demo lets you try out some of Jack’s special abilities, such as throwing shurikens, unleashing powerful blasts, slowing down time, and swinging through the environment with a grappling hook. These abilities add layers of strategy and excitement to your journey through a world that is now even more interactive, with exploding barrels, grindable rails, and destructible walls.
Helldivers 2
Helldivers 2 is launching on PS5 and Steam on February 8, 2024. Arrowhead Game Studios starts taking pre-orders on September 22, 2023. In this action-packed game, you can join up with three other players to engage in online cooperative multiplayer.
You’ll explore different planets, complete objectives, and use collected alien resources to upgrade your gear. The game offers a deep progression system and a wide array of weapons and stratagems to keep you entertained.
There are two editions for pre-order: the Standard Edition and the Super Citizen Edition. The Super Citizen Edition packs in a lot of extras, such as unique armor sets, a special cape, and a powerful submachine gun.
There’s also a mini-game to play while you wait in the lobby and additional premium content for veteran players. As a bonus, pre-orders come with three new armor sets that are sure to make you stand out on the battlefield.
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is launching exclusively on PlayStation 5 on October 20, 2023. Insomniac Games reveals new information, including a larger game world that now includes Queens and Brooklyn. You can also switch between Peter Parker and Miles Morales almost instantly, thanks to the PS5’s power.
The game will have more villains like Kraven the Hunter and Venom. Both Spider-Men get new abilities, with Peter gaining Symbiote powers and Miles getting an upgrade to his bioelectric venom abilities. The game also offers a lot of suits—65 in total, each with its own style and features.
The Digital Deluxe Edition adds 10 exclusive suits designed by various artists and extra Skill Points. The soundtrack of the game, featuring a new track called “Swing,” will be available on streaming platforms starting October 20th.
Pre-orders for the game are available now and come with early unlocks to two new suits, a new gadget, and additional Skill Points. For more updates, follow Insomniac Games on social media.
Tales of Arise – Beyond the Dawn
Tales of Arise gets a big new DLC called “Beyond the Dawn.” It continues the story right from where the main game ended. You’ll explore a united world and meet a new character, Nazamil. She has blood from both Dahnan and Renan races. She’s also the daughter of a Lord from the main story.
This DLC is big. The producer, Yusuke Tomizawa, spent over 20 hours playing it. He says it will feel like watching a good movie. It will include new quests, dungeons, and costumes. The gameplay remains similar to the main game, but the story offers a fresh experience.
If you haven’t played Tales of Arise yet, you can still enjoy this DLC. They’re offering a bundle pack that includes both the main game and the DLC.
The DLC comes out on November 9. It promises a lot of content and a deeper dive into the Tales of Arise world.
Honkai: Star Rail
Honkai: Star Rail will launch on PS5 on October 11, 2023. Yang Yu, the Technical Lead at Hoyoverse, announced the news. The game lets you explore different worlds in the cosmos. You play as the Trailblazer on a train called the Astral Express. The game promises a mix of exploration and combat.
The game offers turn-based combat so you will need to carefully choose companions and their paths. For example, characters like Jing Yuan can damage multiple enemies at once. Supporting characters like Gepard help protect the team. You can now pre-order a special bundle for the game on PS5. But it’s for a limited time, so be quick.
Foamstars
Kosuke Okatani, a producer at Square Enix, welcomes you to Foamstars. This new co-op shooter game is for PS5 and PS4 players. The game takes place in Bath Vegas, a neon city full of excitement. You can try it in its Open Beta Party in September.
Foamstars Open Beta Party offers two game modes and all the characters that will be available at launch. PS5 players can play it for free, even without a PlayStation Plus subscription. The beta runs from September 29 to October 1 in various time zones. To join, download the beta game from the PlayStation Store. You just need a PS5 and an online connection.
What can you do in the beta? Two game modes are there: Smash the Star and Happy Bath Survival. Smash the Star is team deathmatch. In Happy Bath Survival, you fight in close quarters in an arena. Eight characters are available, each with unique skills.
The full game will come out in early 2024.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is set to release on February 29. The game picks up after Final Fantasy VII Remake, taking players beyond Midgar on a quest to track down Sephiroth. The new trailer shows new party members, expansive open areas, and iconic moments from the original game.
Gameplay updates include new synergy moves in the battle system, skill trees for character growth, and new Materia. Players can now control Red XIII, who has a unique “revenge gauge.” The game also promises a variety of mini-games and a focus on exploration, with a world map featuring side content nearly double that of the main quest.
Deep Earth Collection
PlayStation is rolling out a new accessory line called the Deep Earth Collection. This collection offers PS5 controllers and console covers in three new metallic colors: Volcanic Red, Cobalt Blue, and Sterling Silver. Pre-orders start on October 4, and the red and blue accessories will hit stores on November 3. The silver accessories will follow on January 26.
The Deep Earth DualSense controllers will cost $74.99, and the console covers will be priced at $59.99. Starting 10am on October 4, players in multiple countries can pre-order these items either directly from PlayStation or through selected retailers.