E3 is just around the corner, so we are starting a preview series on the top companies who are hosting a conference this year (sorry, Nintendo). Today, we are looking at PlayStation.
The Last of Us 2
Naughty Dog has been on a critical and financial roll as of late with their latest batches of games. Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End has capped off their adventure series and they need to look to other franchises to keep the money flowing. The Last of Us 2 would be a very good start for them as fans have been clamoring for a sequel to the 2013 smash hit. To be honest, as I played Uncharted 4’s Epilogue, I had hopes that it would lead to into the next The Last of Us. Naughty Dog had the perfect set up and could have unified the two worlds they created had they just ended the Epilogue a bit differently. Rumors have surfaced that the next title in the series will be a prologue with Ellie’s mother as the protagonist (via GamingBolt). I hope this isn’t true. I would like to continue with Joel’s story. Joel is a very interesting character to me and I want to see if he makes it to his brother’s compound or if something terrible happens along the way. Whatever they decide, I’m sure we will be amazed at what they show us at E3.
-Jerry Dobracki
The Last Guardian
For a game that has been in development limbo since 2009 (when it was announced), and purportedly in development since 2007, we may finally be playing this title soon. Final Fantasy XV is the only game that I can think of on the docket for E3 that has a longer development time, and we will be getting the game by years’ end, according to Edge Magazine. There are rumors that Sony will be letting the public know the date they can finally purchase The Last Guardian at E3. Team ICO has been hard at work on this title even though it seems like everyone has given up on it, even me. The tale is set in the world of Ico and Shadow of the Colossus, rumored to be a prequel to both games, but we won’t know for sure. This will hopefully be the last E3 that The Last Guardian is mentioned because I want this title in my hand before E3 2017!
-Jerry Dobracki
God of War
So there’s some musings that God of War IV will be getting a big bombastic bestowal to those who enjoy their Greek tragedies with a thick oozing dose of violence, perhaps in the form of a release date? Although will it be a Greek tragedy?
There was that leak earlier this year (via Polygon) that suggests that the developers want to move onto slaying the Norse pantheon. It is unknown if they’ll be dragging Kratos along, making him do his now-misplaced Greek tragedy fury dance in the metaphorical dimly-lit front-room for pocket change to light jazz.
Although, beyond the release date, the most interesting part for me is if they’ll be trying to place a Greek tragedy within a foreign setting or if they’ll be giving Norse Literature a punt. The cynic in me weeps at how they’ll probably be putting Kratos within a new pantheon out of safety of sales, but wishful thinking hopes they’ll be playing the Skald with a new vengeful hero. After all, the Norse pantheon has an unique soap-esque flavour to them (e.g. Baldr), no use wasting the setting on the same story different place.
-Kailan May
Gravity Rush 2
This sequel to the original that was released on the PS Vita, has new gravity-shifting options and combat mechanics to offer players. Kat will be both quicker and lighter on her feet with the Lunar Style that reduces the force of gravity. Jupiter Style will make Kat’s movements slower with a much more powerful effect. Kat’s three gravity styles: Normal, Lunar and Jupitar, can work together to form just the right combination for particular situations. Gravity Rush 2 has a Tag Battle system that pairs the player up with an AI ally to help Kat take on serious opponents. We’ll likely hear more at E3. Perhaps a release date?
-Eleni DiCarlo
Backwards Compatibility
Microsoft pulled a big move at last year’s E3, and they have gained popularity from it. The Xbox One has backwards compatibility with Xbox 360 games for free. Recently, Sony have offered backwards compatibility on PS2 games, which give 1080p upscaling with all of the PS4’s capabilities, such as live streaming, trophies, and share play. However, the PS3 hasn’t received any love yet. The Xbox One currently offers over 100 Xbox 360 games to play on the Xbox One system. When speaking on Twitter to a fan (via VG 24/7) in October 2015, Shuhei Yoshida (Sony Worldwide Studios CEO) said, “PS3 is such a unique architecture, and some games made use of SPUs very well,” and “It’s going to be super challenging to do so. I never say never, but we have no plans.” Now with PS2 backwards compatibility and the Xbox One’s gained strength from it’s Xbox 360 catalog, Sony may have steered those plans and a found a way to add this feature. Let’s hope.
-Chris Penwell
PlayStation will be hosting their press conference on Monday, June 13th at 5:30PM PST. What do you think they’ll show and what are you hoping they’ll announce? Let us know in the comments below!