2021 is the year of PlayStation 5

Yesterday marked Sony’s first PlayStation State of Play in 2021. Within the livestream came ten different reveals. There was something for pretty much anybody during this showcase. Some things will get you more hyped than others depending on which type of gamer you are. For me there were three games specially that stood out to me and got me very excited to play them in 2021.

Below is a short recap video that showcases a lot of what was discussed during the State of Play. After that I will go over my favorite announcements of the show and also link the full State of Play video.

Kena: Bridge of Spirits

8/24/21
Only $40
PlayStation Exclusive (PS4/PS5)

Embark on a captivating adventure featuring a unique companion mechanic and thrilling combat. Immerse yourself in a story-driven action-adventure set in a charming world rich with exploration and fast-paced combat. Play as Kena, a young Spirit Guide travelling to an abandoned village in search of the sacred mountain shrine. Find and grow a team of tiny spirits known as the Rot who maintain balance by decomposing dead and rotting elements. Enhance your companions’ abilities, create new ways to manipulate the environment and uncover the secrets of a forgotten community hidden in an overgrown forest where wandering spirits are trapped. ^Source

The art style and environment in this game totally have me captured. The idea of being a spirit guide with a bad ass crystal staff is just too cool. The bosses look extremely creative and totally like something I would cook up in my dreams. The fact that this is only going to be $40 means I’ll most likely pick it up as soon as it comes out.

Returnal

4/30/21
$70
PS5 Exclusive

Break the cycle of chaos on an always-changing alien planet.
After crash-landing on this shape-shifting world, Selene must search through the barren landscape of an ancient civilization for her escape. Isolated and alone, she finds herself fighting tooth and nail for survival. Again and again, she’s defeated – forced to restart her journey every time she dies. Through relentless roguelike gameplay, you’ll discover that just as the planet changes with every cycle, so do the items at your disposal. Every loop offers new combinations, forcing you to push your boundaries and approach combat with a different strategy each time. Brought to life by stunning visual effects, the dark beauty of the decaying world around you is packed with explosive surprises. From high stakes, bullet hell-fueled combat, to visceral twists and turns through stark and contrasting environments. You’ll explore, discover and fight your way through an unforgiving journey, where mystery stalks your every move. Designed for extreme replayability, the procedural world of Returnal invites you to dust yourself off in the face of defeat and take on new, evolving challenges with every rebirth. ^Source

This is quite possibly the most gorgeous rouge-like game I’ve ever seen. A true next-gen experience, I guess that is what warrants the $70 price tag. I’ve yet to pay that much for a video game yet, but I really want to play this game. Perhaps I will get my brother to split the costs with me, either that or I will catch this one on sale. If the review turn out to be stellar I may just pay full price.

Deathloop

5/21/21
$54
Timed PS5 Exclusive

Take part in the eternal struggle between two extraordinary assassins.
Take on the role of Colt as you search for a way to put an end to a timeloop trapping Blackreef while being hunted by the island’s inhabitants. Use powerful weapons and abilities to take out eight key targets across the stunning and chaotic island before the day resets. Lurking in the shadows is rival assassin Julianna whose sole mission is to take Colt out and keep the loop going. Learn from each cycle, try new paths and approaches to break the loop once and for all. ^Source

Fast-paced shoot em up, colorful island, and likable characters. This one looks incredibly innovative. It’s from the creators of Dishonered. I think this one is going to be a very popular first person shooter. You can preorder it for under $60 right now if you have PS Plus.

State of Play

PlayStation gave gamers a lot to enjoy with this video, but some of their most anticipated titles such as God of War Ragnarök & Horizon Forbidden West were not mentioned.

You can catch the full recap on PlayStation’s Official Blog Post.

Here is the entire State of Play: