Saros (Release Date: April 30)

Saros is a true spiritual successor to Returnal, taking everything that worked and doubling down on it while introducing some clever design tactics to make it feel more inclusive. Early teases suggest another fast-paced, mechanically demanding action experience, but this time with a stronger focus on world-building and character progression that stays in between runs. With Housemarque’s proven ability to blend tight gameplay with striking visuals, Saros is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing PS5 exclusives on the horizon.

Intergalactic

Naughty Dog’s brand-new IP, Intergalactic marks a major shift for the studio known for grounded storytelling. Set in a retro-futuristic sci-fi universe, the game looks to blend cinematic storytelling with expansive exploration and combat systems that are a lot more dense than what we are used to. While details remain scarce at the moment, Naughty Dog’s pedigree alone makes this a project worth watching closely and we will be observing it more closely in the coming weeks and months.

Marvel’s Wolverine (Release Date: Late 2026)

Insomniac Games has cemented its reputation as one of the best names in Sony’s first-party roster of developers, and Marvel’s Wolverine is the next big step for the team. Set to release in 2026, Marvel’s Wolverine will allegedly focus on a more personal narrative, and the gameplay trailers show some amazing and fast combat which comes together to make it one of the most highly-anticipated games of the year.

Phantom Blade Zero (Release Date: September 9)

Phantom Blade Zero is all about defeating enemies and taking part in lightning-fast combat encounters, and doing it all with absolute style. It blends traditional Chinese martial arts with a dark and gritty aesthetic, and the game seems poised to deliver fluid swordplay that emphasizes precision and timing over swinging flashy combos and racking in multipliers. Unlike many Soulslikes, Phantom Blade Zero appears to focus more on speed and spectacle without sacrificing depth which is a rather interesting premise. If it delivers on its promise of seamless combat animations and stylish encounters, this could be a standout action title for PS5 players craving something fresh.

Nioh 3 (Release Date: February 6)

Nioh has gone on to become a highly successful Souls like series, and Nioh 3 seems poised to continue on that goodwill. It’s largely built around the same combat framework, but Nioh 3 introduces the addition of both Samurai and Ninja combat styles which not only add more variety but should also add an element of personal expression to the meticulous dance of dodges. The visuals and art direction look striking, and Nioh 3 is definitely on our radar when it comes out on Feb 6, 2026.

Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls

Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls looks to bring Marvel’s iconic characters into a more mechanically focused fighting game framework. Rather than chasing realism, the game leans into stylized visuals and fast-paced combat that’s inspired by classic arcade fighters. The combat will unsurprisingly focus on tight inputs, flashy supers, and tag-based mechanics that reward both mechanical prowess and game knowledge.

Fairgame$

Fairgame$ is Sony’s bold attempt at a competitive, multiplayer-focused experience built around high-stakes heists and player-driven chaos. Developed by Haven Studios, the game emphasizes planning, teamwork, and adaptability rather than pure gunplay. Each match is designed to create unpredictable scenarios where things can go wrong very quickly, forcing players to think on their feet. Its vibrant presentation and stylish tone give it a distinct identity, and Fairgame$ has the potential to stand out if its systems encourage memorable, emergent moments.

Ballad of Antara

Ballad of Antara is a dark fantasy action RPG that blends Souls-like sensibilities with a narrative that’s a lot easier to digest. The game’s dual-reality mechanic lets players to shift between different versions of the same world, and that adds an interesting layer to both exploration and combat. Encounters appear deliberate and punishing without feeling overly restrictive, striking a balance between challenge and accessibility. Combined with stellar art direction and ominous atmosphere, Ballad of Antara looks like a title that could become a huge hit.

Arknights: Endfield (Release Date: January 22)

Arknights: Endfield marks a significant evolution for the franchise, morphing from its mobile tower-defense roots into a full-scale action RPG experience. The game features real-time combat, squad-based mechanics, and expansive environments that place a greater emphasis on exploration. Its already a big hit on the PC, and we are hoping to see a similarly positive response on the PS5 when it comes out in January this year.

Cairn (Release Date: January 29)

Cairn takes a refreshingly grounded approach by focusing almost entirely on climbing and survival. It’s completely devoid of any combat, and the game challenges players through careful resource management, environmental awareness, and precise movement. Every ascent feels dangerous, with mistakes carrying real consequences. It flaunts a rather tasteful art direction which gives the game a unique look and feel. Cairn may not appeal to everyone, but for players looking for something slower, more methodical, and deeply immersive, it stands out as one of the more unique PS5 exclusives in development.

Tokyo Xtreme Racer (Release Date: February 26)

Tokyo Xtreme Racer’s return brings back a style of racing that prioritizes atmosphere and one-on-one rivalries over flashy spectacle. Set on Japanese highways, the game focuses on high-speed duels, vehicle customization, and learning the nuances of each track – but it’s all quite nostalgic. On PS5, the series looks poised to modernize its visuals while retaining the moody tone that made it so memorable in the first place.

Brocade-Clad Guard

Brocade-Clad Guard immediately stands out thanks to its striking art direction and historical inspirations. Drawing from ancient Chinese aesthetics, the game emphasizes elegant yet deadly combat encounters against some of the fiercest enemies in the land. Swordplay is all about deliberate and disciplined, rewarding timing and positioning over reckless aggression. While details remain relatively scarce, the game’s visual identity alone makes it one of the more intriguing action RPGs on the list.

Exiledge

Another game from PlayStation’s China Hero Initiative, Exiledge is shaping up to be a slick action RPG with an emphasis on speed and fluidity. Combat revolves around being an aggressive warrior, encouraging players to chain attacks, abilities, and movement into seamless encounters. The futuristic aesthetic and vibrant visual effects give it a strong identity, helping it stand apart from the barrage of traditional fantasy RPGs.

Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic Remake

The remake of Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic remains one of the most anticipated PS5 exclusives, even after a prolonged and uncertain development cycle. Rebuilding such a beloved RPG for modern hardware is a massive undertaking, and while details on the actual implementation remain scant for now – but updated visuals, refined combat systems, and fully voiced characters could breathe new life into its iconic story and open this experience up to a whole new set of fans.

Physint

Physint marks Hideo Kojima’s long-awaited return to the stealth-action genre, and expectations are understandably sky-high. Described as a spiritual successor to Metal Gear Solid, the game aims to blend cinematic storytelling with deep, systemic stealth gameplay. While concrete information remains tightly under wraps, Physint is very much in a position to serve as a major tentpole release for PlayStation.

4:LOOP

4:LOOP is an experimental sci-fi title built entirely around repetition and discover where each run challenges players to learn more about the world and its systems. Rather than relying on traditional progression, the game encourages mastery through knowledge and experimentation. This structure allows for organic storytelling and player-driven problem-solving. If executed well, 4:LOOP could offer a deeply engaging experience that rewards curiosity and patience, standing apart from more conventional action-driven releases on the platform.

Psycho Dead

Psycho Dead puts players in the shoes of a little girl who has to escape from a secret laboratory that’s filled with all sorts of bizarre creatures. The game flaunts great use of environmental storytelling, using the surroundings to tell a story rather than relying on pure exposition. There are stalker enemies in the vein of something like Mr. X, psychic powers that can be used against enemies, and puzzles that need to be solved in order to progress – so fans of the genre should definitely check this one out.

Parasite: Mutant

Parasite Mutant blends action and horror through a mutation-driven progression system that allows players to evolve their abilities by absorbing enemy traits. This creates an interesting risk-reward dynamic, as greater power often comes at a visible cost. Combat appears fast and aggressive, complemented by a gritty, body-horror-inspired aesthetic. The game’s tone feels unapologetically dark, setting it apart from more polished action titles. If its mechanics are balanced well, Parasite Mutant could deliver a uniquely brutal and memorable PS5 experience.

Loulan The Cursed Sand

Loulan The Cursed Sand draws inspiration from ancient myths and desert folklore, and presents a hauntingly beautiful world filled with mystery. Played in an isometric perspective, the moment-to-moment gameplay revolves around crawling through enemy-infested dungeons and taking part in free-flowing combat that’s just as deliberate as it is flashy. The art direction on offer is also something worth noting, and Loulan The Cursed Sand does stand out amongst the barrage of other RPGs that are set to come out in the near future.

Project The Perceiver

Currently in development at 17ZHE, Project: The Perceiver is all about using different masks to gain special powers in battle and use them to conquer the fiercest enemies of the land. It operates on a Sekiro-esque framework where the power fantasy of being a warrior has to be rightfully earned, and the visuals look really breathtaking. Project: The Perceiver has a lot of great things on its sleeve, and it’s definitely something that could end up being really big if it plays out correctly.

Black Myth: Zhong Kui 

Black Myth: Wukong was one of the biggest surprise hits of recent memory, but developer Game Science has ensured that it has more games in the pipeline. Much like how Wukong took players to amazing worlds and made them face against awesome bosses, Zhong Kui is all set to take things up a notch above its predecessor. We don’t really know much about the game at this point in time, but it’s going to be a fast-paced adventure with plenty of boss fights and picturesque vistas. There is no release period announced yet.

With the new year finally here, it’s time to check out all the big titles(with the occasional releases also coming to PC and PS4) that PS5 owners can look forward to in 2024 and beyond. So, without further ado, let’s get into it, starting with…

Rise of the Ronin

Koei Tecmo and Team Ninja are no strangers to releasing PlayStation-only titles. However, none of us imagined it had Rise of the Ronin in its pocket and ready to release on March 22nd for PS5. Set in feudal Japan during the Bakumatsu, you play as a Veiled Edge with his own backstory who meets up with various historical figures, including the legendary Sakamoto Ryoma. Based on the decisions made and bonds formed, there are different outcomes and endings to unlock.

There’s plenty to look forward to with the gameplay, with the open world having three major cities – Edo, Yokohama and Kyoto – along with the countryside and other areas to explore. You can undertake side quests and earn reputation, and there are even some Souls-like mechanics like Karma to recover upon death. A lot has yet to be revealed for the title, but thus far, the thought of gliding across cities and unleashing death from above or parrying a flaming arrow back at an enemy to ignite your blade and devastate other foes looks great.

The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered

After over three years since its PS4 launch, The Last of Us Part 2 is getting the “Remastered” treatment…which is a fancy way of saying that an official PS5 version is finally launching. Out on January 19th for $50 ($10 if you already own the PS4 version), it features three Lost Levels cut from the final game, with developer commentary to provide more details. Director Neil Druckmann and narrative lead Hally Gross will also provide commentary for all the in-game cutscenes, with Troy Baker, Ashley Johnson, and Laura Bailey offering their own insight. There’s also Guitar Free Play (with other instruments to unlock), Speedrun Mode, DualSense support, new accessibility options and two graphics modes – Fidelity and Performance.

However, the biggest addition is No Return, a roguelike survival mode where players progress to various locations, battling the infected. There are different objectives, like Holdout, where you must survive with an AI companion against the Infected. Though upgrades, weapons and skills disappear after every run, you can unlock new outfits that persist between runs. With challenges, random Mods for encounters and Gambits to complete for more resources, No Return could be as endearing as God of War Ragnarok’s recent Valhalla DLC.

Pacific Drive

There have been plenty of rogue-lites and roguelikes lately, but Pacific Drive puts a little spin on it all by adding driving. Trapped within the Olympic Exclusion Zone in the Pacific Northwest (hence the name), players must venture into the rapidly changing wilderness with nothing but their wits and station wagon to survive.

The Exclusion Zone contains its fair share of anomalies, some more dangerous than others, but thankfully, you can upgrade the car to boost its survivability. Of course, that means getting out and scavenging those resources by hand. Better hope you didn’t forget to leave the car in park, lest it goes rolling downhill on its own.

Pacific Drive offers an intriguing mix of exploration, lore and supernatural atmosphere, and we can’t wait to see what secrets the Zone holds. It launches on February 22nd for PS5 and PC.

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth sees players explore the world outside Midgar, and they’ll happen upon new locations and towns (like Crow’s Nest), brimming with side quests and characters. There are new activities to play around with, from the CCG Queen’s Blood to piano playing and new Summons to bring into battle.

The combat system has also received several revamps with new Synergy Attacks. Those who want to experience the setting can expect a 40-hour-long journey, but much of the playtime is in the side content. You can easily spend another 60 hours getting lost in the world and completing side quests, with 100 hours of gameplay promised. It’s a massive game in scope and scale, and it’s out on February 29th for PS5.

Death Stranding 2

Any Hideo Kojima game is bound to elicit a few questions, and Death Stranding 2 is no exception. Why is protagonist Sam Porter Bridges old? Why was Fragile trying to escape with a BB (and from who)? What’s the spaceship about? How do all the other teased actors play a part? Is Higgs really back? Perhaps most important: When can we expect it to release?

The answers aren’t forthcoming, but Kojima has teased plenty, from “new techniques” allowing for more photorealistic CG” (with actor Elle Fanning saying it’s going to look even better, despite already being outstanding) to changing the meaning of Strand and using music in brand new ways. It’s a lot but also not very much, and we must know more. With Japanese voice recording starting this year, a 2024 launch on PS5 may not happen, but we can still hope.

Silent Hill 2

Among the eagerly awaited remakes is Silent Hill 2, finally revealed in 2022 with The Medium and Layers of Fear developer Bloober Team at the helm. It’s developed on Unreal Engine 5 and looks downright amazing, while delivering revamped combat (with an over-the-shoulder camera) and set pieces. Best of all, there won’t be any changes to the “narrative core” of the experience, as Konami aims to make it as close to the original as possible.

2023 came and went without new trailers, details or footage, but development is still “progressing smoothly.” Based on PlayStation’s trailer for upcoming 2024 releases, it could very well launch this year on PS5 and PC. It’s not official until Konami makes it official, so stay tuned.

Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic – Remake

Remember when Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic – Remake was announced in September 2021 and promised a ground-up remake to the joy of many fans? How Aspyr Media was in charge of this big-name PS5 exclusive?

That was less than three years ago, and since then, there have rumors of development shifting to another developer, cancellation, refuting the cancellation, and so on. We know nothing about the remake – how it plays or its visuals outside the first announcement trailer. Here’s hoping for some good news in the coming months.

Marvel’s Wolverine

Insomniac Games ended 2023 with one of the most devastating leaks in gaming history, but that hasn’t dulled our enthusiasm for Marvel’s Wolverine. Helmed by the team behind Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales fame, it promises a mature tone while respecting the character’s DNA.

As a standalone title, it features some top-of-the-line developers and creative team. Regardless of whenever it releases and how it builds on the anti-hero’s mythos while offering some compelling gameplay, it should be as big of a PS5 exclusive as Insomniac’s Spider-Man titles.

Sword of the Sea

When a game offers a Hoversword – a sword crossed with a hoverboard, skateboard and snowboard – do you need much more? Giant Squid of ABZU and The Pathless fame thought so with its next title, Sword of the Sea. Featuring the Necropolis, a vast world of waves, players must revitalize it with the sea while tackling dangerous leviathans. With the ability to execute sick tricks and effortlessly cut through massive landscapes to composer Austin Wintory’s music, Sword of the Sea looks to be another classic in the making from Giant Squid. It’s coming to PS5 and PC with a release date yet to be announced.

Phantom Blade Zero

If there weren’t enough stylish hack-and-slash titles coming to PS5 (and PC) in the future, add S-Game’s Phantom Blade Zero to the list. It’s inspired by Ninja Gaiden with a steampunk aesthetic and easily executable combos (though there’s still parrying and dodging). But wait, there’s more, as it also offers a 30 to 40 hour story with plenty of side quests, an end-game with a roguelike activity and multiplayer dungeons. While it sounds too good to be true, S-Game will release a 30-minute demo this year, so we’ll probably experience Phantom Blade Zero’s blend of action sooner rather than later.

Helldivers 2

Arrowhead Game Studios’ Helldivers has been long overdue for a sequel, one that allows for traveling the galaxy and waging war against aliens for the sake of Super-Earth. Cue Helldivers 2, not only upping the fidelity but going third-person, increasing the immersion as you call down stratagems like airstrikes and chuck explosives at the hordes of bugs (or sentient robots). All the first game’s mechanics, from friendly fire to four-player co-op, are here. Progression is still a bit mysterious, but it seems mission completion and clearing hostile locations will be part of a grand war effort. We’ll find out when Helldivers 2 launches on February 8th for PS5 and PC.

Lost Soul Aside

Lost Soul Aside began development in 2014 when solo developer Yang Bin sought to create a hack-and-slash action RPG inspired by modern slashers. As the years progressed, the project grew bigger and joined Sony’s China Hero Project, with a development team, UltiZero Games, established. It’s in development for PS5 and PC, and while a release window still isn’t confirmed, the extensive gameplay from last year looks sharp, with promising combat and boss battles.

Fairgame$

The past year hasn’t been great for fans of heist games with underwhelming titles like Crime Boss: Rockay City and Payday 3. Nevertheless, Haven Entertainment Studios’ Fairgame$ could offer a fresh competitive heist experience for PS5 and PC. As a present-day Robin Hood, you’re part of a movement to rob the rich, venturing into locations to steal as much as possible while presumably dealing with rival crews. There’s a focus on emergent sandbox elements, with the CGI trailer showcasing grappling hooks and using environmental objects as shields, but a release window and gameplay have yet to be revealed.

Concord

If one first-party multiplayer with barely any details to go by isn’t enough, how about two? Firewalk Studios’ Concord is a sci-fi first-person shooter focused on PvP, with players venturing to different worlds and interacting with “colorful characters.” It’s part of Sony’s slate of live-service titles, coming to PS5 and PC in 2024, but that’s pretty much all we know. Firewalk and Sony have partnered since 2021, with the publisher acquiring the developer just last year. There’s a very strong chance of Concord arriving this year, but at this point, we need more details (and maybe a public beta or two to try it out).

EXILEDGE

Many titles in PlayStation’s China Hero Project offer stylish aesthetics and visuals. Enigmatrix’s EXILEDGE has a certain grunge to it, though, taking place on a planet of massive sci-fi constructs and oceans. Players control a tower diver who ventures to these constructs with third-person shooting and abilities. While it’s somewhat reminiscent of Outriders in gameplay look and feel, the movement appears much faster-paced with all kinds of fantastical enemies and creatures to battle. EXILEDGE doesn’t have a release window, but it’s exclusive to PS5.

Daba: Land of Water Scar

Exclusive to PS5, Daba: Land of Water Scar looks very stylish, with some Sekiro-esque parry mechanics and imaginative bosses. The story focuses on a clay puppet Daba, who turns human and must collect water fragments to save the world. Boasting interconnected levels, from ruins to snowy landscapes, and a sharp aesthetic, it could be another worthwhile action RPG for Sony’s catalogue.

Convallaria

Yet another title announced years ago, Convallaria is also a part of PlayStation’s China Hero Project. In development for PS4 and PS5, it’s seemingly an extraction shooter as up to 100 players battle PvE threats and engage in PvP. There are missions to complete, resources to gather and mysteries to solve. The art style mixes sci-fi and fantasy with a large map to explore and over-the-top enemies to fight. It looks fun and chaotic, but again, a release window has yet to be announced.

Project: The Perceiver

Papergames’ Project: The Perceiver is touted as a multiplatform title but has thus far only been confirmed for PS4 and PS5. Based on Lao Zhuang canon, it’s an open-world action game with players controlling the Master of Varietas. You meet different characters and “consolidate their distinctive ideals into masks,” as described by the developer, and combat looks fairly punishing. A release window is still unknown, but hopefully, there will be more details this year.

The Winds Rising

Another title in the China Hero Project, The Winds Rising is a PS5 action RPG with a heavy narrative focus. Players control a girl who meets a monster cub and embarks on an adventure which could shape the kingdom. Promising a “refreshing and smooth combat experience” along with an “immersive and captivating story,” The Winds Rising has yet to receive any gameplay or other details, but it comes from TiGames, who released the underrated F.I.S.T.: Forged in Shadow Torch. For that reason alone, it’s worth keeping an eye on.

Towers of Aghasba

A gorgeous-looking open world title with surreal flora and fauna, Dreamlit Inc.’s Towers of Aghasba is about exploration and nurturing settlements. Set on the titular island, you can create massive villages and watch them grow with various inhabitants. As a member of the Shimu tribe, you’re tasked with revitalizing the land, interacting with strange creatures and ultimately restoring the ecosystem. There’s even a bit of Animal Crossing: New Horizons mixed in, as you can visit other players’ islands or invite them to your own and explore together. Towers of Aghasba doesn’t have a release date, but it’s coming to PS5 and PC.

Black Myth: Wukong

Chinese developer Game Science’s upcoming Black Myth: Wukong is based on the Chinese novel Journey to the West, and players embark on a grand quest to fight all sorts of monsters scattered throughout the kingdom. The combat is extremely fast-paced yet methodical, with boss fights obviously being a highlight of the experience. You can also turn into an insect or a giant monster to overcome difficult situations, and it looks absolutely gorgeous thanks to great use of Unreal Engine 5. Black Myth: Wukong will release for PC sometime in the near future.

Lost Soul Aside

Taking inspiration from the likes of action games, developer UtilZeroGames’ upcoming Lost Soul Aside is looking like a promising hack and slash game. Players take control of a warrior and a shapeshifting companion as they make their way through a world where technology and fantasy coalesce together in a beautiful way. The combat is fast and frenetic, and the visuals are absolutely stunning – which is why you should definitely keep an eye out for Lost Soul Aside when it releases in the near future.

Project: The Perceiver

One of the more recent announcements in the list, Project: The Perceiver can best be described as Ghost of Tsushima meets Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. Set against the backdrop of ancient China, the game follows an artist who dies moments before completing his masterpiece – but is brought back to life by a mysterious force following which he embarks on a quest to save his land from intruders. The combat is stylish yet retains a methodical flair to it, and the open world looks gorgeous with stunning vistas and a grand sense of scale.

Project GRAY

Currently in development at In-D, Project Gray puts you in the shoes of a native who has gained some special abilities thanks to an advanced civilization that has landed on its shores. Now, it’s up to him to stand up to the aliens and drive them away from this planet. Project GRAY started life as a one-man project and it’s still some ways from release, but it looks gorgeous with some dynamic gameplay that revolves between traversal and combat flawlessly.

Mumbai Gullies

Mumbai Gullies is a story about the protagonist rising through the ranks of Mumbai’s underworld throughout different time periods. The game is open-world, so it seems fair to expect a number of surprises while exploring every nook and cranny of this faithfully recreated rendition of the Indian city of dreams. Mumbai Gullies has the potential to morph into a grand hit, and we really hope that it does exactly that.

Airtight City 2.0

Airtight City 2.0 sees players assuming the role of a soldier who is powered by millions of souls, and if you think that premise is interesting – wait until you see the game in action. The combat looks absolutely brutal with our armored protagonist seamlessly switching between weapons and abilities to get through hordes of enemies. Airtight City 2.0 doesn’t have a release date at this point, but stay tuned to learn more.

IGI Origins

Toadman Interactive is bringing back a beloved franchise with IGI Origins, which looks like everything we would want from a modern entry in the series. IGI Origins presents itself with a fresh coat of paint thanks to updated visuals, and the hybrid gameplay loop of action and stealth is sure to captivate gamers once again when it releases for all major platforms sometime in the future.

Moon Mystery

Moon Mystery – at its core – is a game about uncovering the many secrets that lie undiscovered on its surface. Cosmonauts ask some pretty intriguing questions about our race to the moon, such as what was the real reason behind the mad race to reach the moon. It’s pretty rooted in alternate history and sci-fi fiction, and the gameplay seems to put equal amounts of attention to combat and exploration – which has us salivating for the final release.

Bramble: The Mountain King

Bramble: The Mountain King might seem like an ordinary adventure game at first glance, but upon further inspection – you will soon realize that it’s so much more than just that. The story (which is inspired by dark Nordic fables) sees you embarking on a grand adventure to rescue your sister from dark threats that haunt these lands. The journey will be punctuated by interesting set-pieces, gargantuan threats, and emotional story beats that should make Bramble: The Mountain King a game worth looking into.

Little Devil Inside

Neostream Interactive’s Little Devil Inside has been a long time coming, and suffice to say – it looks really promising. The trailers showcase our explorer characters going through a mundane personal life as well as an adventurous professional life as they search for monsters. The game will be open-world, and the minimalist cartoony art style really draws you in.

Aftermath

Aftermath puts you in the shoes of Charlie as he trudges through a city in vain hopes of finding his daughter, all while dealing with perils of an inhuman invasion. Apart from that, Aftermath will also put a lot of focus on Charlie’s own mental health issues such as PTSD which will have huge ramifications on gameplay as well. Aftermath looks really intriguing, and while it doesn’t have a release date just yet – we are really looking forward to playing it.

Vigilancer 2099

Vigilancer 2099 is all about your player character taking up on bounties to pay off some huge debt. Envoidant Studios’ upcoming action adventure is steeped in references to famous works of cyberpunk art, but it also has enough flavour of its own to help distinguish it from the rest of the pack. The visuals look gorgeous, and while gameplay details remain scant for now – Vigilancer 2099 certainly has our attention.

ILL NESS

Not to be confused with Project ILL from Clout Games, ILL NESS is another upcoming different survival horror experience from publisher ASDStudio. ILL NESS is inspired by a classic horror fiction novel Dreamcatcher, and it paints a bleak and dim world where survival seems unlikely – but you must trudge through all odds to remain alive. It looks absolutely brutal, and it’s currently set for a 2022 release date – though that would be updated soon.

Where Winds Meet

Much like Project: The Perceiver that we discussed before, Where Winds Meet is an open-world action RPG that’s set against the backdrop of ancient China. And it also tells a story that’s deeply personal to the protagonist, as he faces a moral dilemma between upholding his code of conduct or use everything in his power to defeat his enemies. The combat and traversal are looking pretty fast paced, and they all culminate to form a dynamic gameplay proceeding that looks really enchanting.

Pioner

In so many ways, Pioner looks like a true next-gen survival game. GFA Games’ paints a bleak world on the brink of destruction, and that gives way to interesting gameplay elements like well-designed first person combat, PvP elements, and base building among others. Pioner will be coming to PC sometime in the near future, and more details will be revealed soon.

Paranormal Tales

Digital Cybercherries’ upcoming Paranormal Tales is a collection of stories about people who went missing in a dark forest, and players must play through footage of those recordings to find out the mystery behind those disappearances. Paranormal Tales utilizes a rather unique bodycam perspective, and the developers are teasing some disturbing horror elements that are likely to get under your nerves. And that has us excited to know more about it, and hopefully we will get to play it soon.

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2

With Marvel’s Spider-Man and its spin-off Miles Morales being the great critical and commercial hits as they were, it only seems fair to assume that Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 will turn out great as well. Peter Parker and Miles Morales will be teaming up to defeat Venom and any other villainous forces that are pulling the strings behind him, and with new suits that add more abilities to the webhead’s already bursting arsenal of tools – Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is looking like a worthy sequel in more ways than one. It will hopefully be released next year.

Recently, we got to see a brief first glimpse at Project: The Perceiver – which is an upcoming Soulslike from developer 17 Zhe Studio. The impressive first showing has set the internet ablaze with hype and anticipation for this new project, and it’s not hard to see why. The Perceiver looks to be everything that one would desire from a modern Soulslike – challenging combat, fantastical realms, a rich story – the whole nine yards. But it’s also so much more than that, and to that end – we ask the question, what the hell is actually Project: The Perceiver?

Set against the backdrop of ancient China, Project: The Perceiver is a unique mix of open-world and soulslike gameplay. The story follows a seemingly unnamed artist of the time period, who died before he could complete the play that he was writing. As he spends his last moments drowning in the waller all while arrows are pierced into his body, a mask grants him a second shot at life and he sets off to avenge those who wronged him in the first place.

This kickstarts your journey to free your homeland of Tang from the hostile presence that has invaded these lands, and while that may sound formulaic at first – it looks like anything but that. Project: The Perceiver blends elements of mythology and history along with this narrative, and the plot ends up being much bigger than just a simple war for liberation. There are supernatural forces involved and much more – which has us excited to learn more on the subject.

The writing itself is also looking like a breath of fresh air amongst the barrage of Soulslike that we have experienced over the years. The story seems to be narrated in first-person, and that should give us a deep dive into our protagonist’s motivations, aspirations, and fears – all of which should bring us closer to this artist. Hopefully. 17 Zhe manages to pull it off, and if it does – we might have something really great on our hands that also puts a fresh perspective on the genre.

Over on the gameplay front, The Perceiver looks like a unique mix of ideas; some lifted straight out of contemporaries of the Soulslike genre and others from similar open-world games. The main hook of this game seems to be the powers that our protagonist has gained from the mask, which allows him to slash through hordes of foes which forms the core moment-to-moment gameplay.

The combat seems to be inspired by the Wuxia martial arts, and every move that the character and the enemies perform and fast and graceful – culminating in a pristine system that should hopefully be really fun to interact with. Boss fights have a cinematic presentation, and the one that we saw in the trailer seemed to have some narrative implications as well – as is evident by the conversations that the two exchange while trying to slice through each other’s defenses.

The Perceiver seems to have taken a leaf out of Sekiro’s book in that regard, and you have to master the careful dance of parries, strikes, and dodges to best your opponents. But unlike Sekiro, The Perceiver doesn’t limit you to a single katana – instead, you are free to choose your weapon of choice from a variety of options ranging from dual knives that strike fast to greatswords that hit hard to straighten swords that strike a balance of speed and damage among others. Different enemies would obviously require different types of strategies, and weapon types – which would open up plenty of avenues for crafting character builds that suit your playstyle.

The mask seems to give the ability to switch up character loadouts on the fly, as can be seen during the concluding moments of the trailer. The player character shifts in shape and form by wielding the mask, then reverts back to another loadout all within moments unnoticed. While this could be something that’s only for showcase purposes, it would certainly be a pretty good gameplay mechanic if implemented properly.

Project: The Perceiver will also feature vast maps with plenty of large and open combat arenas, many of which seem to be draped by wonderful flora and fauna in the background. The player will be free to explore these open spaces, and venturing off the beaten path will allow you to fight additional enemies or go off in search of precious loot. The protagonist is also pretty nimble and can jump to high spots and climb up walls as seen in the trailers – so it seems fair to expect a game world that has plenty of verticality as well.

While we don’t expect the open world to be as gargantuan in scope as Sekiro, 17 Zhe has certainly impressed us with the sheer beauty of its world and vistas. There are magnificent waterfalls, cliffs that tower above the villages and settlements below, lush forests filled with trees that sway to the tune of the winds, and so much more. In so many ways, this open world is reminiscent of the island of Tsushima – and that comparison definitely sets a strong bar of quality that we hope the developer is able to surpass with flying colors.

Finally, there are the visuals. Project: The Perceiver looks like a true next-gen game, and suffice to say it – the presentation here is absolutely breathtaking. The game is built using Unreal Engine 5, and 17 Zhe has certainly used cutting-edge technology to great effect. Everything from the highly detailed character models to high-res environmental assets to realistic animations and a complete suite of post-processing effects look wonderful, and you really get the feeling of being transported into a world that’s teeming with personality. The soundtrack is composed of melodies from instruments true to the time period and the region also contribute to the experience in more ways than one, and we can’t wait to see it all in its visual glory.

As for the topic of release, Project: The Perceiver is still in its early stages of development – and it seems fair to expect that the game wouldn’t be releasing anytime soon. Naturally, the developer hasn’t provided any release windows as of yet – but we do know that it’s going to be a multiplatform title with PlayStation and PC being the two confirmed ones as of now. Considering the information that we have on hand right now, I’d wager that a release date in the ballpark of 2024 or 2025 seems fair – but it could be pushed further depending on the scope of the project, of course.

In conclusion, Project: The Perceiver looks like a potent mix of Sekiro-styled combat and Ghost of Tsushima-styled open-world gameplay, and we are hoping with crossed fingers that 17 Zhe capitalizes on these potentials and deliver a game that surpasses the quality of its inspirations.

Note: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of, and should not be attributed to, GamingBolt as an organization.

As the trailer might imply, Project: The Perceiver wears its Chinese influences on its sleeves. The game shows off visuals and story beats that would sit right at home in classical Wuxia movies like Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, with a healthy dose of more mythical elements.

On the gameplay front, Project: The Perceiver seems to take a fair bit of inspiration from Japan-influenced games like Ghost of Tsushima and even the Japanese-developed Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice with its seemingly-familiar parrying system.

In general, the trailer shows off a generous amount of gameplay, including what seems to be open-world shenanigans, and even a boss fight that might look aesthetically familiar to fans of Ghost of Tsushima and Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice.

Project: The Perceiver doesn’t have a release date yet.