Every good gaming console needs a solid catalog of exclusives to keep it going. Why else would you buy the console? So it’s no surprise that with the PlayStation 5 Pro on the way, pl??ayers are looking to see what exclusives they can play on it. 

Despite being out for nearly four yea??rs now, the PS5 only has a handful of exclusive titles in its library. If you’re looking for all of them to see if any of your must-haves are on the list, we’re here to provide.

All Exclusive Titles on PS5

The PS5 has a grand total of 17 exclusives available on the platform, that you can't play on any?? other console or PC. Here are ??all of them, in alphabetical order:

Astro Bot

• Release Date: September 6, 2024
• Developer: Team Asobi

Astro’s Playroom

• Release Date: November 12, 2020
• Developer: Team Asobi

Demon’s Souls

• Release Date: November 12, 2020
• Developer: Japan Studio & Bluepoint Games

Destruction All-Stars

• Release Date: February 2, 2021
• Developer: Lucid Games

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth

• Release Date: February 29. 2024
• Developer: Square Enix

The Last of Us Part II Remastered

• Release Date: January 19, 2024
• Developer: Naughty Dog

Neptunia ReVerse

• Release Date: June 8, 2021
• Developer: Compile Heart

Project Wingman: Frontline 59

• Release Date: November 3, 2023
• Developer: Humble Games

Quantum Error

• Release Date: November 3, 2023
• Developer: TeamKill Media

R-Type Final 3 Evolved 

• Release Date: April 27, 2023
• Developer: NIS America

Rise of the Ronin

• Release Date: March 22, 2024
• Developer: Team Ninja

Silent Hill: The Short Message

• Release Date: January 31, 2024
• Developer: Konami

Marvel's Spider-Man 2

• Release Date: October 20, 2023
• Developer: Insomniac Games

Stellar Blade

• Release Date: April 26, 2024
• Developer: Shift Up

PS5 Exclusives with VR2

??These titles are currently available on the PS5 but require the VR2 vir?tual reality headset to play. These include:

The Dark Pictures: Switchback VR

• Release Date: March 16, 2023
• Developer: Supermassive Games

Horizon Call of the Mountain

• Release Date: February 22, 2023
• Developer: Guerrilla Games & Firesprite

Synapse

• Release Date: July 3, 2023
• Developer: nDreams

All in all, this makes for a total of 17 exclusives for the PS5 that you can't play anywhere else. A grand majority of the games available on the PS5, however, are also playable on the previous generation console, the PS4 including some of the best PlayStation games. Some gam?es are even on other platforms as well, including PC, Xbox, and? Nintendo Switch.

Luckily, there are a handful of upcoming releases that will add to this list and give PlayStation loyalists something to look forward to. We hope that Sony will continue to add more to the library? to make the PS5 really worth?? it.

The post All PlayStation 5 exclusive titles appeared first on Destructoid.

After spending considerable time hacking and slashing, Rise of the Ronin has mad?e one thing clear to me: Simple is best. Maybe it's not over the top w??ith graphics. And yes, some characters can be pretty one-dimensional, but it makes up for it with its entertaining gameplay and combat.

Rise of Ronin happened to land on the same day as the Dragon's Dogma 2 release, and I couldn't help but make some comparisons. While Dragon's Dogma 2's gameplay was incredibly vague with details, Rise of the Ronin steers you in the right direction almost every time. That'?s not to say that one is better than the other; it's just that sometimes I don't feel like using that extra brain power for ?one measly mission.

I've noticed many recent games avoid user-friendly mechanics, either upping the ante with enemy spawns or flat-out not telling you the next step. For the most part, I understand the reasoning behind it. The pleasures of completing those exigent quests all on your own is what dreams are made of. However, I don't mind a few hints here and there, especially with enormous maps. Rise of the Ronin, fortunately, delivers on?? that front, giving me a break from the occasional strenuous action RPG. There are no headaches when finding specific objects, nor is there too much concern about quest-related content.

Rise of the Ronin (PS5 [reviewed])
Developer: Team Ninja
Publisher: Sony
Released: March 22, 2024
MSRP: $69.99

The story is set in 19th-century Japan when the Black Ships of the West docked on the nation's borders. This caused a state of terror for the region where East and West clashed. As a Ronin, ?you'll initially choose between two factions: Pro-Shogunat?e (the government) and Anti-Shogunate, as well as a Western group that comes a bit later. Your choices determine the fate of the war, helping one side over the other.

One of the things I truly enjoyed here is that your journey can be shaped based on the missions you choose, in addition to the dialogue ch??oices. Depending on which one you select, you will?? increase or decrease your loyalty to specific factions. I went with the path of sticking it to "the Man," going against the oppression that originated from the authoritarian government.

Whichever path you choose, violence will always follow. There's always some fearsome foe to take down, whether it be for a faction-based boss or saving a helpless citizen on the way to town. Although it can be a bloody mess, Rise of the Ronin's combat is both challenging and fun to master. There are multiple weapons, including swords, dual weapons, guns, shuriken, and many more. It's interesting to see a s?amurai wield a gun, but that goes to show how diverse the game's weaponry can be.

Every weapon offers a different Combat Style to master, providing techniques for almost any player. In particular, the Shinto Munen-ryu utilizes sword strikes with an emphasis on speed, while the Taneda-ryu excels with slower-moving spear attacks. Since there are so many choices with weapons and styles, it didn't take me too long to get the han??g of its combat. At first, it can be pretty stiff in movement, but it gradually be??comes more fluid and responsive the more techniques and skills you unlock.

You'll need to change up your weapons many times, as various enemies w??ill have different weaknesses. This makes it more challenging to get used to unfamiliar tools. But the real fun part is unlocking special attacks and weapon affinities. One of the most satisfying techniques I found was deflecting enemy gunfire, which results in a burning effect on a weapon. It basically makes you OP for a limited time, as you swing around a lightsaber-esque sword. Special attacks are just as fun to initiate, too, since they go beyond a simple thrust of a sword. For instance, the Chi Yagyu Shinkage-ryu style throws pieces of paper to distract the enemy, allowing a rolling attack to ensue.

Characters you meet along the way can join you in these fights for the more demanding battles. They make for great allies on the battlefield, ta??king down any enemy on sight. If you want to switch things up or your character has fallen, you can take control of these party members when applicable. This option was beneficial, considering I could rely on them whenever things went south.

Besides the combat, Rise of the Ronin's historical elements are another reason I became so engrossed in the game. It discusses the real-life events that transpired in Japan during 1863 and beyond. Key historical figures, such as Tokugawa Yoshinobu (a Shogun) and Kusaka Genzui (a samurai), are also a part of the sto?ry. In return, I learned?? quite a lot about Japan by the end of it, and the influences the US had during this time.

As I mentioned in my early review of the?? game, I firmly believe history can be taught through video games. It's one thing to read ab??out it in books, and it's entirely different to experience it virtually in video game form.

At the same time, history can change based on your decisions. Dialogue choices mainly i??mpact the various factions and their influence on the region. If you have a preferred choice of a group, it can be easy to make most decisions. On some occasions, choices can be a tad too easy, frequently leaning toward a general "yes" or "no." It can still be challenging to make, though, when it's a matter of life or death, meaning an ally could die from a crucial decision.

While Rise of the Ronin's historical value is its shining aspect, gameplay never takes a backseat. I've spent almost 60 hours in-game, and it never feels like I've r?eached its end. Every area has side content, making it challenging to stick to one task. One minute, I'm battling ??a horde of Pro-Shogunate forces, while the next, I'm petting an adorable feline up on a roof. Because the gameplay was so diverse, I never felt quests were a chore.

Each region presents more characters to meet, resulting in more s?ide quests. The cast is sort of a hit-or-miss for me since some can have?? more impactful stories than others. At times, characters can be cut and dry, only needing something from you and never really having much else after. Then, there were moments when I truly enjoyed their company because of some funny joke they said or when having a nice chat.

I especially liked conversing with Igashichi Iizuka as he presented new gear to try out for battle and exploration. The helpful tools you earn add more to Rise of the Ronin's user-friendly elements. For example, I initially?? had trouble spotting enemies at the beginning ?until a device provided a layout of the land. Mission waypoints are also direct and to the point, which I greatly appreciated.

During these explorations, I did notice some wonkiness in Rise of the Ronin's graphics. ?Shading and coloring can sometimes seem a bit off, but it didn't deter me. There are plenty of stunning environments to admire, from the lush greenery of the forest to the accurate architectural designs. The unlockable emotes make photo mode much more entertaining, setting the scene for a perfect shot. NPCs react to these gestures, too, and I couldn't stop experimenting with each one to see what they would do. The "Woe is me!" emote is a personal favorite, especially if I need to unleash my sorrows after a shameful defeat.

With Rise of the Ronin, everything you see is what you get, and I like it that way. Too often, I've been caught i?n the web of a series of intertangled lore, complex mechanics, or overdemanding battles. The various difficulty options are also excellent for any player. I'm not the greatest samurai, so having the easy-to-manage Dawn difficulty made it more inviting as an amateur. Maybe one day, I'll master the art and test the waters with the higher ranks.

Whether you are a history nut or an action RPG lover, Rise of the Ronin should be your next choice in a game. You'll have fun dicing up your enemies while learning about Japan's rich culture. It's the perfect combination of ?the two, and I hope to see ??more entries like this to dive more into historical content.

_{[This review is based on a retail build of the game provided by the publisher.]}

The post Review: Rise of the Ronin appeared first on Destructoid.

All my years of watching samurai films with my father have led me to the arrival of Rise of the Ronin. But instead of watching everything unfold, it is I who wields th?e?? sword, and boy, does it feel good.

It's been a while since I've rekindled the magic of an old-fashioned adventure, hunting down some big bad. And fortunately, Rise of the Ronin delivers even if I have yet to reach the endgame. Regardless, I have spent a considerable amount of time divi?ng into this 19th-century, late Edo Japan. And no matter how much I seem to accomplish, there's always more to do.

Rise of the Ronin (PS5 [reviewed])
Developer: Team Ninja
Publisher: Sony
Released: March 22, 2024
MSRP: $69.99

Rise of the Ronin's map expands its seemingly endless to-do list with each region you unlock. But before getting lost in its historic inspirations, the character creator presents the true start of what feels like limitless adventure. It's here that I began my ronin's slice-and-dice escapades, though not before time escaped me for far longer than I planned. I've never been one for customizing characters simply because I lack the talent to conjure up an intricately designed avatar. If I see a nice preset, I won't hesitate to go that route, yet that wasn't the case for Rise of the Ronin.

It was one of the first times where I actually spent more than an hour on a character, considering all it has to offer. The hairstyles go beyond the standard aspects you may have seen before, showcasing options for bangs, various highlights, pony??tail preferences, and even the little hairs on the side. Almost every time I discovered a new option, I just couldn't help but "Ohhh" and "Ahhh," my way through mixing and matching styles. The choices between creative tattoo designs only fueled the indeci?sion.

What's more, Rise of Ronin's character creation premise plays similarly to Dragon's Dogma 2, with two customizable avatars. So, if there were other character features you were eyeing, you can ??least get the satisfaction of putting it on the companion. Once things finally kick off, the story will transport players to a movie-like experience with a twist of real history. While the adventures of the ronin may be entirely fictional, there's plenty of real-world inspiration making it delightfully fantastical and familiar all at the same time.

Embellishing history

Key figures and historical events often shape the journey, which is one of the main reasons I thoroughly enjoy Rise of the Ronin. Early on, my first exposure to Cold War-inspired media like Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater pressed me to learn more about the actual contentious stand-off. I've always been drawn to video games like it, and tracing the footsteps of our very real history through t?he more theatrical presentation often serves as a jumping-off point for something I can learn. Sure, it all drifts into the absurd, but it's a thre?ad to follow.

Of course, there's the obvious fiction and grandiose showdowns weaved throughout. In the world of Rise of the Ronin, the story is based in the year 1863 in Japan, amidst the Treaty of Amity an??d Commerce event. This was around the time when Japan and the United States began to open trade relations in the area.

Your ronin gets in the middle of this new treaty, and chaos ensues throughout the lands. Like a true warrior, you must put out fires wherever you g?o, as the Black Ships of the West threaten to disrupt the order. The ronin's Blade Sharpening Origin proves beneficial here, determining their combat style. Various forms cater more toward one category, such as Strength, Dexterity, Charisma, and Intelligence. There is also a balanced style for those who want a fair advantage in all?? categories.

Each category includes a recommended weapon set, but I never felt like I was tied down to a specific one. Even if my origin was designed for dual blades and guns, I could still wield longer swords and the game's many other tools. Since there is a variety of weapons to choose from, there is never a dull moment in combat. Some special moves unleash a bloody Mortal Kombat-like elimination, bringing more excitement to fights. But if the head slicing and g??ore become too much, the settings can be tweaked to tone it down.

A samurai doesn't always wield a sword

Parrying can be a bit challenging to master, but like a true samurai, patience and timing are critical. Different weapons will also be unlocked throughout the journey to help even the playing field. What I love about Rise of the Ronin's selection is the fact that it never sticks to the norm. You would think it would just go with swords, yet there are so many options to explore with the help of a gadget enthusiast NPC. It reminds me of the various tools in Ratchet and Clank, where you'll never know what ??new shiny item you'll get next.??

Are you tired of slicing up people? Use a flamethrower to set them ablaze. Don't know how to reach a chest on the cliff's edge? Take advantage of the craftable glider. More tools and weapons options make Rise of the Ronin more user-friendly, and it won't take long to find something you like. I can't tell you how many times I thought, "I wish the game had this," and then it preceded to give me the ??very thing I desired. Despite the story being set long ago, its numerous inventions provide a modern appeal rather than only offering the traditional sampling of swords and period weaponry.

Besides combat, exploration is another element of Rise of the Ronin that I greatly appreciate. I fought with every fiber of my being to stick to the main story, but alas, I continued to get sidetracked anywhere I went. I'm a sucker for objective checklists, like Marvel's Spider-Man's map, and it's just so satisfying to 100 percent complete each region in the game. Plus, the grapple hook swings you around like our friendly neighborhood Spider-Man for more traveling maneuvers. Oh, and did I mention that the activities involve finding adorable cats? If that doesn't suck you into Rise of the Ronin, I don't know what will.

Achieving some of ronin's objectives grows slightly tedious if they primarily involve a group takedown. However, I never seemed to mind it long, as I simply moved on to another task that didn't require any combat whatsoever. It also doesn't hurt that the scenery is exceptionally sensational. While there's been some mixed reactions to the game's somewhat dated visuals, I don't think those impressions do it justice. It's stylish; full of brilliant lighting that paves the way through pops of color. Rise of the Ronin's map is delightfully vibrant and serene (well, all the bits of viol??ence and ??gore).

There are moments when ?the graphics aren't entirely up to par with the PS5 through environmental textures. Nevertheless, I continued to marve??l at its beauty, taking it all in with Photo Mode.

Lone wolf no more

We also can't forget that characters are what bring these locations to life. Side characters have been a hit or miss for me in some of my more recent experiences, and luckily, Rise of the Ronin leans toward a hit with more moments that endear or engage me than not. Although it's predominately a serious setting in nature, it wasn't without a good chu??ckle here and there. Team Ninja's action RPG knows when to have an occasional laugh, and more than one passing, ridiculous comment caught me off guard in the moment.

Improving relationships play a significant part in the story, while companions join you in battle to strengthen those bonds. The camaraderie among the group increases the fun factor, especially when you can sit back and relax with teammates at a longhouse. Hanging with these characters on and off the battlefield adds a more personal element, investing not just my ronin's affinity for them but mine, too. I just only wish that more NPCs had thoughtful interactions like those present in the Yakuza series and Red Dead Redemption 2.

I've probably only scratched the surface with characters and other story components, but so far, I am genuinely having fun with it. On top of that, I am starting a different playstyle that's akin to Netflix's Blue Eye Samurai, customizing my character to match the show's main protagonist. The two storylines are vaguely similar to one another, so if you've been itching for Season 2, Rise of the Ronin certainly fills that void. While I'm already convinced it's worth a co-op adventure and more nights dedicated to testing new builds, I'm excited to finish my solo journey ahead and revisit Rise of the Ronin's historical setting, dated? in only the best of ways.

[These impressions are based on a retail build of the game provided by the publisher.]

The post Review in Progress: Rise of the Ronin appeared first on Destructoid.

The Japanese RPG epic Rise of the Ronin would highly benefit from having a co-op mode. You could help your fellow samurai complete q??uests and take on all manner of enemies in the open world.

Will there be a Rise of the Ronin co-op mode?

Team Ninja and PlayStation confirmed back in February that Rise of the Ronin co-op will be in place. You can invite th??ree other players to join you.

"Rise of the Ronin allows up to three players to experience the game’s story missions together in online co-op," says the official PlayStation page. Thankfully, it won't be limited to co-op-specific missions like Ghost of Tsushima and Granblue Fantasy Relink. You can play the full game with your buddies. I?t will be interestin??g to see your fellow samurai in-game as you create your own characters before taking on this journey.

Is Rise of the Ronin on PS4?

If you have friends who haven't upgraded to the PS5 yet, they unfortunately can't play Rise of the Ronin co-op with you on a PS4. They'll need to get PlayStation's latest system. Thankfully, a slimmer version just released because the original PS5 is massive (believe me??, I had to travel with it acros??s the world to live in England).

If you're sad you can't play Rise of the Ronin with them, you can check out the co-op mode Ghost of Tsushima: Legends.

Is Rise of the Ronin on PlayStation Plus Extra?

Like many PlayStation exclusives at launch, Rise of the Ronin is only available for purchase at the time of writing. It won't be on the PlayStation Plus Extra library. However, you will need a PlayStation Plus subscription to play Rise of the Ronin online with friends.

The post Is Rise of the Ronin co-op? appeared first on Destructoid.

In today's State of Play, we got more insight into what we can expect from Rise of the Ronin which is one of PlayStation's next big games.

Traversal is extremely dynamic and in addition to running, you can also glide and ride your trusty hose. Of course, you aren't there to enjoy the countryside, so a lot of time was give??n to illustrating the combat which features blades and even a flamethrower.

Taking place during the final years of the 19th century, the game depicts the Boshin War. you'll be able to create your own character and engage in combat with various weapons. Though the premise is intriguing, RotR will have to work hard to not be just another Assassin's Creed set in Japan.

The game launches on March 22 on PS5.

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If you want to find out more about what's coming to the platform, there's nothing better than?? PlayStation's State of Play. Sony's next State of Play showcase is airing this we??ek.

The first State of Play for 2024 comes Wednesday, January 31 at 2 p.m. PT / 5 p.m. ET, which happens to be the last day of the month. We only have a small idea of what's going to be in the 40-minute show, save for a few titles, but that's part of the experience. In the announcement, it is stated that we'll see over 15 games d??ur??ing the event.

Games announced include Rise of the Ronin and Stellar Blade, which will receive extended looks. I'm particularly interested in Rise of the Ronin and how it will differ??entiate itself from aesthetically similar games that have flooded the market.

This year's showcase arrives a bit earlier than last year's first State of Play, but other companies have already been off to the races with their lineups for 2024. Xbox recently hosted its 2024 Developer Direct, locking in some release windows for games like Avowed, Hellbade 2, and Indiana Jones.

Nintendo, which usually has a February stream of some kind, still has yet to lock in a Direct. Most of the noise around it has been rumors and reports on a potential Switch successor. Whether or not we se?e a new Switch in 2024 has yet to be confirmed. Bu?t with Sony stepping up to the plate, we might start to get an idea of what their year ahead looks like.

You can watch the event on Twitter, YouTube, and Twitch.

The post First PlayStat?ion State of Play for 2024 airs on Wednesday appeared first on Destructoid.

The next Team Ninja game has locked in a fairly competitive release date. Its next action game Rise of the Ronin arrives on March 22, 2024.

The new game certainly looks up Team Ninja's alley, with plenty of fast combat, slicing, and dicing. It's been known for a while, but now, we finally know when the game arrives.

At ??tonight's The Game Awards 2023, we got a new trailer looking at the title. Set during a time where the country is divided, it follows one ronin who could have a hand in shaping Japa??n's future.

Coming off the fairly well-received Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty, Rise of the Ronin does look like Team Ninja trying to keep the string of excellent action games going. But it's headed into a crowded 2024, with one particular competitor that it now shares a release date with: Dragon's Dogma 2.

Whether you going for one, the other, or both, it does look like we won't be hurting for action RPGs in the new year. Rise of the Ronin arrives for PlayStation 5 on March 22, 2024.

The post Team Ninja’s Rise of the Ronin arrives next March appeared first on Destructoid.

Nothing is more versatile than the timeless greats of the role-pla??y??ing genre. RPGs transport us to different worlds, giving us the chance to explore and shape a journey on our own terms.

2023 gave us some noteworthy adventures, with the likes of Baldur's Gate 3 and Final Fantasy XVI immediately?? coming to mind. That? said, one can only wonder what 2024 has in store for the genre. So, as we celebrate the titans of this year and look to the next, I've rounded up 10 RPGs that I would definitely keep watch on in 2024.

#1: Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth (Ryu Ga Gotoku/SEGA)

Release Date: January 26 (Trailer)
Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S

Ichiban and the gang are off to the United States. Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is a turn-based action RPG picking up where Yakuza: Like a Dragon leaves off. Next year's follow-up sends Ichiban on a dangerous journey to Hawaii to find his mo??ther. Luckily, Kiryu Kazuma, the series' main protagonist, is still here to help as he reckons with his cancer diagnosis.

This one looks as wild as the series is large. I mean, you can ride a dolphin to your own Animal Crossing island, for goodness sake! If you're still on the fence, the upcoming Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Lost His Name comes with a demo to try out. It looks like Infinite Wealth m?aintains what the series does best: striking a balance between seriousness and fun that you can't help but enjoy.

#2: Persona 3 Reload (Atlus)

Release Date: February 2 (Trailer)
Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbo??x One, and Xbox Series X/S ??(Xbox Game Pass)

Shin Megami Tensei is a staple of the genre, which extends to its spinoff series, Persona. However, we haven't seen it brought to the new generation of consoles. This is where Persona 3 Reload comes in. As a remake of the 2006 PlayStation 2 game, it looks like everything that made the original great. From its turn-based gameplay to the life simulation, Reload takes old P3 staples and modernizes them, including refreshing the cast.

As someone who played Portable on Xbox Game Pass, I can't wait to see how the world really feels instead of text blocks and pointers. Regardless, Persona 3 Reload i?s shaping up to be the next big RPG that fans and newcomers alike can enjoy.

#3: Final Fantasy VII Rebirth (Square Enix)

Release Date: February 29 (Trailer)
Platforms: PS5

It's no secret that Final Fantasy VII is one of the best games of all time. Check any list of the best RPGs, and you're sure to find it in there. So, of course, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, the second part of the Final Fantasy VII Remake trilogy, is among the most anticipated.

Taking place after Remake, Cloud and the AVALANCHE gang are out of Midgar and ready to stop Sephiroth. As a huge lover of Remake, believe me when I say Rebirth is high on my want list. The gameplay looks spectacular, still utilizing open combat, and its vast landscapes are exciting. Plus, Cloud can ride a segway. What more could you ask for? While Final Fantasy VII Rebirth may chart its own path with th??e story, I'm 100% along for the journey.

#4: Unicorn Overlord (Vanillaware/Atlus)

Release Date: March 8 (Trailer)
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S

The creators behind 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim are back with a medieval take on the tactical RPG. Unicorn Overlord is set to be Vanillaware's biggest game yet, and it's easy to see why. Story-wise, we follow Alain as he reclaims his rightful place on the throne with the help of the mystical Unicorn Ring. The gameplay feels reminiscent of Fire Emblem and other strategy games, not to mention a beautiful 2D art style. Perhaps Unicorn Overlord might be a sleeper hit, much like 13 Sentinels was in? 2019. However, there's a reason Vanillaware is among the masters of the genre.

#5: Avowed (Obsidian/Xbox)

Release Date: TBA (Trailer)
Platforms: PC and Xbox Series X/S (Xbox Game Pass)

Tired of Skyrim? You may want to keep an eye on this one. Avowed is a first-person action RPG from the team behind The Outer Worlds and Pillars of Eternity. You play as an envoy holding the power to change the course of the Living Lands forever. The game takes place in Eora, which is also where Pillars of Eternity is, so fans of it will feel right at home. Already masters of their craft at open-world narratives, Obsidian bringing that classic Elder Scrolls flair to players way before Elder Scrolls 6 is a bit of a power move.

#6: Black Myth: Wukong (Game Science)

Release Date: Summer 2024 (Trailer)
Platforms: PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S

The Journey to the West is becoming a Souls-like RPG. Black Myth: Wukong, with its beautiful graphics and AAA quality, is actually from indie Chinese studio Game Science. Announced in 2020, the game shot to popularity du??e to its stunning visuals, and for good reason.

The gameplay looks similar to your typical FromSoftware game but is filled to the brim with Chinese mythology. You play as Sun Wukong, the Monkey King, as he fights a number of vicious foes. Being that he's one of the most powerful warriors, it won't be a walk in the park. With Elden Ring starring as the belle of the ball for peak combat, it might be time for Black Myth: Wukong to usurp it from the throne.

#7: Hades II (Supergiant Games)

Release Date: TBA (Full) Q2 2024 (Trailer)
Platforms: Consoles (unknown) and PC

It's a good day in Hell: 2020's best indie game is getting a sequel. Revealed at last year's Game Awards, Hades II is a rogue-like RPG that follows Zagreus' sister Melinoë. As Princess of the Underworld, you'll use your dark magic to destroy the forces of the Titan of Time. Fans of the original will be pleased to know that the gameplay and mechanics will remain the same.

Is more Hades a bad thing? No, no, it isn't. You know it's something special when this is Supergiant Games' only sequel. It's the same team that made Bastion and Transistor, yet they gave Hades another game. If the studio is confident enough to do another game, it must mean it's got something really special.??

#8: Metaphor: ReFantazio (Studio Zero/Atlus)

Release Date: TBA (Trailer)
Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S

The creators of Persona 3, 4, and 5 are venturing into new territories with Metaphor: ReFantazio. From the trailer shown in June's Xbox Games Showcase, the game looks like a mix of open-world and turn-based combat, much like its spiritual successors. Metaphor marks the first original game Studio Zero has made since its establishment in 2016. Story details are a bit vague at the moment, but its medieval and fantasy-inspired setting feels reminiscent of Final Fantasy XV and Treasure Planet (especially with the floating skateboard).

#9: Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door (Nintendo)

Release Date: TBA (Trailer)
Platforms: Nintendo Switch

Ready to return to the world of Paper Mario? 20 years after its release, a revival of The Thousand-Year Door is making its way ??to Nintendo Switch. It's unclear if this is a rema?ke or remaster, but the story seems to remain intact, as Mario must save Peach from the alien group X-Nauts and find a long-lost treasure.

I've never gotten the chance to play the classic, yet when it was revealed, I still held a strange sense of nostalgia. Just looking at the bright colors, crafty art direction, and playful aesthetic put me right back into the GameCube's heyday. The 2004 original was lauded by critics when it launched, so hopefully, this one is just?? as good of a time.

#10: Rise of the Ronin (Team Ninja/PlayStation)

Release Date: TBA (Trailer)
Platforms: PS5

While Ghost of Tsushima 2 is in development, another swordsperson enters the arena. This time, though, we've got guns. Rise of the Ronin, announced in 2022, is an action RPG set during the end of the Edo period. As a ronin, you'll carefully choose alliances and live the life of a freelance samurai. Developer Team Ninja created titles like Nioh and Ninja Gaiden, so the team knows how to craft a good action game. There's not much on the Edo adventure out there yet, but from what we've seen, Rise of the Ronin looks to fill that s??word-swinging fantasy? niche perfectly.

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There is not a mystery game after all

Following a recent interview with Team Ninja lead Fumihiko Yasuda, reports swirled that the studio had another game in the works, set to arrive before 2024's Rise of the Ronin. But Koei Tecmo confirms those rumors aren??'t a??ccurate to Team Ninja's plans.

Speaking to Famitsu, Yasuda discussed Team Ninja's upcoming docket of games. The previously announced Rise of the Ronin is set for 2024. Yasuda also expresses a desire to release something new in 2025. The confusion arises around ??a certain phrasing, though.

"'Rise of the Ronin' has been under development for ?about 7 years and is scheduled to be released in 2024," Yasuda said. "This work will be released in 2023, and I feel like I want to release a new title in 2025."

Famitsu's interview was published online on March 11, after the release of Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty earlier this year. This, alongside mention that the game in question was in development, led to speculation and reports that Team N????inja has another game planned for 2023.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=xlmdeQFyqC0

Koei Tecmo clarifies

As noted in Famitsu's article, though, this interview was conducted on February 14, 2023, prior to the launch of Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty. And the interview itself is about Wo Long, too.

We reached out to Team Ninja parent company Koei Tecmo to clarify, and a spokesperson confirmed that "this work" refers to Wo Long. The spokesperson also confirms their 2023 game is Wo Long, and Team Ninja does ?not have another full game planned for 2023.

Which, considering Wo Long still has a season pass' worth of content on the way alongside Rise of the Ronin and thoughts of a 2025 game, is probably a good thing. Team Ninja has had ??a steady cadence o??ver the last few years.

Meanwhile, Wo Long does sound like it's a pretty rad. That's out now, with added co?ntent on the way for the rest of this year.

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Another action RPG (like that's a bad thing)

Depending on how you slice it, the highlight of today's State of Play was either Like a Dragon: Ishin from Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio or Rise of the Ronin from Team Ninja. (Why not both?) The developer shared its first look at this PS5 open-world action RPG, which is seven years in the making. It's anot?her historical-inspired tale with over-the-top flair, as you'll quickly see in the trailer �a ?mix of "gameplay and in-game cinematics."

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gwsQvDGh4o

"Set in the late 19th century, Japan is facing the darkest of times as it struggles with its oppressive rulers and deadly diseases while western influence permeates as civil war continues to rage between the Tokugawa Shogunate and the Anti-Shogunate factions," noted director Fumihiko Yasuda. "Here in this time of mayhem, you embody a Ronin character, a warrior b??ound to no master and free to make choices of its own."

Going a step further, Yasuda calls Rise of the Ronin the "most ambitious and challenging project for Team Ninja Studio to date," promising a "multilayered story" and "unrestricted open gameplay." The action-game fundamentals can always get this?? team's foot in the door for me �so while I'm already "in," so to speak, I am curious to hear concrete info.

For now, there's that cool glider and rifle-stabbing animation. I love a good finisher. From everything we can glean, this looks like another skillful action ?romp. Keep 'em coming.

[caption id="attachment_344298" align="alignnone" width="1600"] _{Riding on horseback, aka gamer catnip.}[/caption]

Rise of the Ronin will laun??ch in 2024? and it's said to be a "PlayStation 5 console exclusive," which opens the door for a (well-advised) PC version.

Considering Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty (the Three Kingdoms-inspired Nioh successor) is coming up first in 2023, that f?ar-off timing makes sense. We're feasting as action fiends.

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