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With the absence of E3, Sony is kicking off the first major event of the gaming season with their PlayStation Showcase, scheduled for May 24th at 1 pm PST / 9 pm BST / 6 am AEST (next day).
What makes it intriguing is that this showcase serves as a precursor to the Summer Game Fest 2023 event, commencing on June 8th. Of particular interest is the wording used by Sony when they announced the event, stating that they will discuss upcoming PS5 titles. This suggests that the showcased games might leverage the advancements of the PlayStation 5, including the SSD technology and 60 FPS performance.
While we cannot predict the future, here are a few notable games that we anticipate will be revealed. Are you excited to see if any of your most anticipated games will make an appearance?
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
The first game on our list is the highly anticipated Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, featuring the iconic web-slinging hero in the vibrant setting of New York City. Developed by Insomniac, who previously delivered an exceptional experience with Spider-Man for PlayStation 4 in 2018, this game was nominated for Game of the Year at The Game Awards. It marked Insomniac’s successful foray into creating a Marvel superhero game, captivating gamers with the immersive thrill of becoming Spider-Man.
Receiving glowing reviews from critics and achieving resounding success, Spider-Man set the stage for the release of its spin-off title, Miles Morales, in 2020. Though a shorter game in comparison to its predecessor, Spider-Man: Miles Morales was equally fantastic, leaving fans wondering if a Spider-Man 2 was on the horizon.
At the PlayStation Showcase in 2021, Insomniac delighted fans by unveiling both a thrilling trailer for Spider-Man 2 and an exciting new project, Marvel’s Wolverine. Sony officially announced that the release window for Spider-Man 2 is set for 2023, as confirmed on the PlayStation Blog. Insomniac later specified a more precise release in Fall 2023 through a tweet in December 2022.
Since then, information about the game has been scarce, leaving fans eagerly awaiting a gameplay reveal and an official release date. As the anticipated release approaches, it’s highly likely that Insomniac will soon break their silence, providing fans with the exciting details they’ve been eagerly anticipating.
The Return of Metal Gear Solid
As a passionate fan, I’ve long held hope for the revival of some beloved franchises from Konami’s extensive catalogue, such as Metal Gear Solid and Castlevania. Over the years, rumours have circulated about Konami’s potential plans, and my optimism grew when MGS producer Noriaki Okamura hinted at a series of announcements, including the return of a “long-awaited” franchise, in an interview with Famitsu.
Although Okamura’s statement leaves room for speculation, it carries weight considering his involvement in one of Konami’s most successful franchises, with the last instalment being The Phantom Pain in 2015. Based on this, I strongly believe that a remake of Metal Gear Solid 3 could be in the works for the PlayStation platform. Konami might be seeking to regain momentum following disappointing releases like Metal Gear Survive and eFootball, and revisiting the highly acclaimed Metal Gear Solid 3, a favourite among many fans, would undoubtedly be met with great enthusiasm.
While it’s true that the series was primarily shaped by the renowned game director Hideo Kojima, it’s important to note that Konami retains the rights to the license and engine. Thus, they have the capability to create a remake even after parting ways with Kojima in 2015, following the release of MGS: The Phantom Pain and the cancellation of Silent Hill, represented by the PT demo.
Only time will reveal Konami’s intentions and whether they will embark on revitalising the Metal Gear Solid franchise. As a lifelong fan, I am eagerly keeping my fingers crossed for an exciting announcement and the potential resurrection of this beloved series.
Bloodborne Remaster at the PlayStation Showcase
We’re eagerly anticipating the possibility of another remastered edition of a PlayStation classic from 2015, developed by an acclaimed Game of the Year winner. Bloodborne, crafted by FromSoftware, garnered universal praise from both critics and players alike. Despite ultimately losing the Game of the Year award to The Witcher 3, Bloodborne left a lasting impact on the gaming community. Following the release of Dark Souls 2, where FromSoftware director Hidetaka Miyazaki took a backseat, he sought to regain his creative stride and found it in the Victorian-era, Souls-style gameplay of Bloodborne. Miyazaki himself has expressed that Bloodborne is his favourite title among the Souls-like games.
Since its initial launch in 2015, Bloodborne has been locked at a 30 FPS frame rate, designed to maximise the capabilities of the PlayStation 4 technology at the time. However, I strongly believe that the game would greatly benefit from a graphics overhaul and the ability to run smoothly at 60 FPS.
With its self-contained narrative reaching its conclusion, the likelihood of a sequel seems uncertain, making a remastered version a more feasible desire. Not only would a remaster enhance the visual experience, but it would also serve as a delightful treat for fans of FromSoftware, bridging the gap until the release of Elden Ring‘s highly anticipated first DLC, Shadows of the Erdtree.
I am confident that I speak on behalf of countless Souls fans when I say that a Bloodborne remaster would be a truly fantastic surprise, reigniting our love for this remarkable game and satisfying our craving for more unforgettable experiences from FromSoftware.
What Games Can You Expect At The PlayStation Showcase?
As the reveal season dawns upon us, Sony has chosen May 24th as the date to provide a glimpse into the future of PlayStation 5. While my personal hopes lie with certain titles, there is always room for surprises that may surpass our expectations. Could we witness the unveiling of a Ghost of Tsushima sequel, a final trailer for Final Fantasy 16, or even gameplay footage for Death Stranding 2? The possibilities are endless, and our desires and aspirations run deep.
I have a strong intuition that regardless of the specific reveals, fans will emerge from the showcase with a sense of hope and satisfaction, knowing that the future of PS5 holds promising games. Yet, all we can do for now is exercise patience and eagerly anticipate what awaits us not only during the showcase but also throughout the Summer Game Fest in June.
Irrespective of the outcome, I will be present with my popcorn and overflowing excitement, eager to witness the unveiling of new worlds to explore or the rejuvenation of beloved classics in a fresh light.