On February 13, 2025, Sony hosted its first State of Play of the year, delivering a 45-minute showcase dominated by third-party titles and unexpected releases.
While first-party heavyweights like Ghost of Yotei and Marvel's Wolverine were notably absent, the event unveiled release dates, gameplay reveals, and a surprise drop from Koei Tecmo.
Here's a breakdown of the key announcements:
Borderlands 4
- Release Date: September 23, 2025
- Genre: Action looter-shooter
During the latest Sony State of Play, Gearbox confirmed that Borderlands 4 will launch on September 23, 2025.
A new trailer showcased gameplay highlights, including the introduction of a grappling hook, alongside the franchise's signature chaotic combat and outrageous weaponry.
Gearbox also announced a special Borderlands 4 State of Play coming this spring, promising more gameplay details and an expanded look at the game's arsenal.
While story details remain limited, the lead writer hinted at a possible shift away from the previous game's heavy reliance on crude humor. More information will be revealed in the future.
Darwin's Paradox!
- Release Date: TBA 2025
- Genre: Action, Adventure
Konami and ZDT Studio have announced Darwin's Paradox, an action-adventure platformer launching on PS5 later this year.
Players control Darwin, an octopus trapped in a mysterious food factory, using his natural abilities—climbing, camouflage, and ink-shooting—to navigate and survive.
The game takes full advantage of the DualSense controller, with haptic feedback enhancing movement, combat, and environmental interactions.
Visually, Darwin's Paradox features HDR, ray tracing, and 4K/60fps modes, while the controller speaker provides immersive audio cues for detecting threats.
The game is now available to wishlist, with more details and pre-order updates coming later this year.
Dave the Diver x Like a Dragon
- Release Date: April 2025
Dave the Diver: Ichiban's Holiday, a Like a Dragon crossover DLC, is launching in April 2025 for PS5 & PS4.
In this expansion, Kasuga Ichiban and the Survive Bar bartender visit the Blue Hole for a vacation—only to get caught up in a dolphin-poaching conspiracy.
Players will team up with Cobra, an ex-arms dealer, and take on the Sea Blue gang in beat 'em up-style infiltration missions.
The DLC also features karaoke mini-games and recruitable Like a Dragon characters for Bancho's restaurant.
With pixel-art recreations of Kamurocho's icons, this crossover blends the best of both worlds. Get ready to dive in this April!
Days Gone Remastered
- Release Date: April 25, 2025
- Genre: Survival action
Bend Studio has announced Days Gone Remastered for PS5, releasing on April 25, 2025.
This enhanced edition features improved graphics, DualSense support, VRR, and expanded accessibility options. Players can choose between Quality Mode for higher resolution or Performance Mode for smoother framerates.
New content includes Horde Assault Mode, a survival arcade challenge with larger Freaker hordes, and Permadeath Mode, where players must complete the story in a single life.
A Speedrun Mode is also included, tracking completion times. The Enhanced Photo Mode adds lighting controls, time-of-day settings, and new logo options.
PS4 owners can upgrade to the remaster for $10 USD, while new players can purchase it for $49.99 USD.
The PC version will receive all new content via the Broken Road DLC, also priced at $10 USD.
Digimon Story Time Stranger
- Release Date: TBA 2025
- Genre: JRPG
Digimon Story Time Stranger, the latest entry in the Digimon Story series, has been officially announced during Sony's State of Play, set to launch in 2025 on PlayStation 5.
This JRPG combines monster-taming elements with an immersive story, where players will travel between the human world and the Digital World, uncovering their mysterious connection.
Featuring an all-new Digital World, an enhanced battle system, and the return of fan-favorite Digimon like Agumon and Omnimon, the game emphasizes deep strategic growth mechanics and the bonds between humans and Digimon, which play a crucial role in both story and gameplay.
Unlike its predecessor, Digimon Story Cyber Sleuth, which focused on cyberspace, Time Stranger introduces a fully realized Digital World where Digimon live independently, running shops and offering quests.
Players can collect, train, evolve, and customize their Digimon, experimenting with multiple evolution paths to build unique teams for turn-based combat.
With a compelling narrative, engaging mechanics, and a fresh take on the Digital World, this highly anticipated title aims to captivate both longtime Digimon fans and newcomers alike.
Directive 8020
- Release Date: October 2, 2025
- Genre: Sci-fi adventure
Supermassive Games has unveiled a new trailer for Directive 8020, confirming its October 2 release on PS5.
This sci-fi horror adventure follows the crew of the Cassiopeia, a colony ship sent to scout a new home for humanity.
After waking from hyper sleep, they face a hull breach, a murder, and an alien organism that can mimic crew members, leading to paranoia and deadly encounters.
The game introduces stealth mechanics, new survival tools, and branching choices, staying true to The Dark Pictures Anthology's signature gameplay while enhancing exploration and tension.
Players will control five crew members, making life-or-death decisions that impact the fate of the mission—and humanity itself.
Dreams of Another
- Release Date: TBA 2025
- Genre: Action, Adventure
Q-Games has revealed Dreams of Another, a third-person exploration-action game coming to PS5 and PS VR2 in 2025.
Unlike traditional shooters, this game features a unique mechanic where shooting creates rather than destroys, shaping an ethereal dreamscape built with point cloud technology.
The story follows The Man in Pajamas and The Wandering Soldier, two emotionally scarred characters navigating a surreal world filled with sentient objects.
The game also boasts a dynamic soundtrack by Creative Director Baiyon, blending various instruments and field recordings.
Optimized for PS5 Pro with enhanced visuals and smooth animations, the game also offers a fully immersive 360-degree experience on PS VR2.
(Dreams of Another is available to wishlist now.)
Five Nights At Freddy's: Secret of the Mimic
- Release Date: June 13, 2025
- Genre: Horror
Hell Is Us
- Release Date: September 4, 2025
- Genre: Action, Adventure
Nacon and Rogue Factor's Hell Is Us arrives on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC on September 3, 2025.
This third-person action-adventure focuses on exploration, melee combat, and player-driven discovery, removing traditional markers for a more immersive experience.
Players step into the role of Rémi, a man searching for his origins in a country devastated by civil war. This isolated nation harbors a dark secret—supernatural creatures resembling ancient monuments have appeared, and Rémi must wield specially forged weapons to defeat them.
The game features the voice of Elias Toufexis (Deus Ex, Starfield), who portrays Rémi in the English version. Directed by Jonathan Jacques-Belletête (Deus Ex: Human Revolution), Hell Is Us blends atmospheric storytelling with intense melee combat for a unique adventure.
Lies of P: Overture (Prequel DLC)
- Release Date: Summer 2025
- Genre: Soulslike expansion
Lies of P: Overture, a prequel DLC, launches Summer 2025 on PS5 & PS4.
It explores the origins of Krat's downfall and expands the original story with new gameplay elements.
Described as a "developer's cut", the DLC aims to refine and expand the original vision of Lies of P, incorporating new stories and gameplay elements.
The development team has crafted this expansion based on community feedback, ensuring a deeper and more immersive experience.
More details will be revealed as the release approaches, promising an unforgettable conclusion to the Lies of P saga.
Lost Soul Aside
- Release Date: May 30, 2025
- Genre: Action RPG
Ultizero Games has announced that the highly anticipated action RPG Lost Soul Aside will release on May 30, 2025, for PS5 and PC.
The game features fast-paced combat, a deep story, and stunning sci-fi fantasy environments.
Players control Kaser, wielding a shape-shifting weapon and fighting alongside his dragon-like companion, Arena.
Optimized for PS5, the game includes 4K visuals, fast load times, and DualSense enhancements.
Pre-orders open February 19, with a Digital Deluxe Edition offering exclusive skins, in-game bonuses, and a digital soundtrack & artbook.
Metal Eden
- Release Date: May 6, 2025
- Genre: Sci-fi FPS
Reikon Games has announced Metal Eden, a fast-paced sci-fi FPS, launching on PS5 on May 6, 2025. Players control Aska, an android tasked with saving colonists trapped in the artificial city of Moebius.
The game introduces Core Ripping, a unique mechanic where players extract enemy Cores using a Gravity Beam, then either detonate them for explosive attacks or consume them for upgrades. Aska can also hack drones to acquire Body Modules, enhancing her combat abilities.
With gliding, dashing, wall-running, and high-speed action, Metal Eden delivers an adrenaline-fueled experience. Get ready to unleash your hyperpower on May 6!
Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater
- Release Date: August 28, 2025
- Genre: Stealth action
Metal Gear Solid Δ: Snake Eater has launched at TGS 2024 several months ago.
As Konami's remake of Metal Gear Solid 3, it showcased high visual quality and a faithful recreation of the original work.
At recent Sony State of Play, the latest trailer of the game was launched, and officially confirmed the release date on August 28, 2025.
Also, crossovers with Ape Escape "and more" were implied in the trailer:
MindsEye
- Release Date: Summer 2025
- Genre: Action, Adventure
Build A Rocket Boy has officially revealed MindsEye, a story-driven action-adventure thriller set to launch in Summer 2025 on PS5.
The game takes place in Redrock, a futuristic desert city where AI, corporate power, and technology shape society.
Players step into the role of Jacob Diaz, a former soldier implanted with the mysterious MindsEye neural device, as he searches for the truth behind his fragmented memories.
The gameplay combines strategic combat and high-speed driving, requiring players to adapt to dynamic enemy tactics, use cover, and leverage environmental elements.
A companion drone provides additional support in battle, while thrilling chase sequences take players across city streets, deserts, and industrial zones.
Monster Hunter Wilds
- Release Date: February 28, 2025
- Genre: Action RPG
Capcom has unveiled the launch trailer for Monster Hunter Wilds, releasing on PS5 on February 28, 2025.
The trailer showcases new monsters, including Jin Dahaad, Nu Udra, and the flagship monster Arkveld, alongside a mysterious Rathalos variant.
Players will explore dynamic ecosystems, hunt with 14 weapon types, and receive support from Palicos and NPC hunters. Multiplayer co-op is also confirmed.
Post-launch content includes Event Quests in the first week and a Free Title Update in Spring 2025, introducing Mizutsune. A PS5 Pro day-one patch will add ray tracing enhancements for improved visuals.
(Pre-orders are available now.)
Onimusha: Way of the Sword and Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny
Capcom unveiled two major Onimusha announcements at State of Play.
- Onimusha: Way of the Sword – A new gameplay trailer confirmed that the legendary Toshiro Mifune will serve as the face model for protagonist Miyamoto Musashi. The game is set to launch in 2026 on PS5.
- Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny Remaster – This enhanced version of the classic sequel arrives on PS5 & PS4 on May 23, 2025.
Saros
- Release Date: TBA 2026
- Genre: Sci-fi roguelike
Saros is a new third-person action game, from Housemarque, set to release in 2026 for PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 5 Pro.
Described as the next evolution of the studio's gameplay-first philosophy, Saros builds upon the mechanics introduced in Returnal while establishing its own unique identity.
Set on the lost colony of Carcosa, players control Arjun Devraj, a determined Soltari Enforcer, in a story-driven experience featuring Rahul Kohli in the lead role.
Building on Returnal's gameplay, Saros introduces permanent progression, allowing players to retain upgrades and resources after death. More details, including an extended gameplay reveal, will be shared later this year.
Shinobi: Art of Vengeance
- Release Date: August 29, 2025
- Genre: 2D action platformer
SEGA and Lizardcube have officially announced Shinobi: Art of Vengeance, a brand-new 2D platformer reviving the classic Shinobi franchise.
The game launches on August 29, 2025, for PS5 and PS4.
Inspired by The Revenge of Shinobi and Shinobi III, this entry brings back Joe Musashi in a hand-drawn, fast-paced action adventure.
Players will wield a katana, kunai, and ninja skills, executing enemies with the "Shinobi Execution" system.
The game features level-based progression with hidden routes and secrets, blending classic gameplay with modern mechanics.
Lizardcube's signature hand-drawn animation delivers a stunning visual style, while the story follows Joe Musashi's quest for vengeance after a tragic event. More details on combat and mechanics will be revealed in the coming months.
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds
- Release Date: TBA (Closed Network Test - February 21, 2025)
- Genre: Racing
SEGA has revealed new gameplay details for Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, coming soon to PS5 and PS4.
The game introduces Travel Rings, allowing the lead racer to transport all players to a CrossWorld mid-race, changing the track's environment, obstacles, and challenges.
Inspired by Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed, tracks dynamically shift between land, sea, and air, requiring players to adapt their strategies.
New features include an RPG-style Gadgets system, offering race-enhancing perks, and the most extensive vehicle customization in the series, allowing characters to race in any vehicle with interchangeable parts, colors, and decals.
Additionally, Extreme Gear hoverboards from Sonic Riders return, introducing a boost-based racing style.
A Closed Network Test (CNT) for PS5 players is coming soon, offering early access to key features.
Split Fiction
- Release Date: March 6, 2025
- Genre: Co-op Action-adventure
At recent Sony State of Play, a Story Trailer of Split Fiction has been revealed.
The game is the latest co-op adventure game from It Takes Two creator Hazelight Studios.
Playing as Mio or Zoe, you'll encounter bizarre situations as the two traverse stories born from their own wild imaginations.
Similar to It Takes Two, You can invite a friend to play online for free with Friend's Pass.
Splitgate 2
- Release Date: February 27, 2025
- Genre: Shooter
Splitgate 2 is a fast-paced, free-to-play FPS that combines arena shooter action with portal-based movement, allowing players to outmaneuver opponents in creative ways.
Featuring refined gunplay, new abilities, and large-scale battles, the game introduces Multi-Team Portal Warfare, an intense 8v8v8 mode set on massive maps.
Developed by 1047 Games, Splitgate 2 evolves the original's formula with enhanced mechanics and player-driven improvements, launching on PS5 and PS4 in 2025.
Stellar Blade: NIKKE DLC
- Release Date: June 2025
During the February 2025 PlayStation State of Play, a surprise collaboration between Stellar Blade and Goddess of Victory: Nikke was revealed.
The DLC features a Nikke-themed boss fight, a new outfit, and collectible dolls and stickers, launching in June 2025.
Additionally, Stellar Blade's PC version will release alongside the DLC. Originally a PS5 exclusive launched in April 2024, the game will soon be available to a wider audience.
The Midnight Walk
- Release Date: May 8, 2025
- Genre: Horror, Adventure
First revealed during Sony's State of Play, The Midnight Walk returns with a new gameplay trailer and an official launch date: May 8.
The Midnight Walk is a dark fantasy adventure crafted in real clay and stop-motion animation, offering a uniquely eerie yet mesmerizing world.
As The Burnt One, you journey alongside Potboy, a living lantern, using his flame to navigate a perilous realm of light and shadow while evading fire-eating horrors.
Play on PS5 or fully immerse yourself in PS VR2, where eye-tracking mechanics deepen the experience.
Tides of Annihilation
- Release Date: TBA
- Genre: Action, Adventure
Tides of Annihilation is a single-player action-adventure set in a twisted modern London, where players control Gwendolyn, summoning spectral knights to battle otherworldly foes and colossal bosses.
Developed by Eclipse Glow Games, a Chinese studio with industry veterans, the game promises fast-paced combat, vertical exploration, and an immersive narrative.
The game is launching on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S, but its release date is yet to be announced.
Warriors: Abyss
- Release Date: Available now (February 13, 2025)
- Genre: Musou roguelike
Koei Tecmo has surprise-launched Warriors: Abyss, a roguelite take on the Warriors franchise, available today on PS5 & PS4.
The game combines 1 vs. 1,000 action with roguelite mechanics, featuring randomized stages, strategic choices, and high replayability.
Players can control over 100 unique characters, assembling teams of up to seven heroes, leading to 16 billion possible battle combinations. More characters, including Jin kingdom warriors from Dynasty Warriors, will be added post-launch for free.
Set in Hell, players will battle through ever-changing landscapes under the guidance of Enma, the King of the Underworld.
A free Dynasty Warriors Costume Set is available for players who claim it before March 14, 2025.
WWE 2K25
- Release Date: March 14, 2025
- Genre: Sports
2K has unveiled The Island, a new social multiplayer hub for WWE 2K25, allowing players to explore, take on challenges, and build storylines with custom wrestlers.
Similar to NBA 2K's The City, it features a neon-lit world, unique locations like The Undertaker's church, and deep customization.
However, The Island is exclusive to PS5 & Xbox Series X|S, leaving PC and last-gen players without access. WWE 2K25 launches on March 14, 2025, for PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
Editor's Comments
This State of Play paints 2025 as a year of diversity over dominance.
While AAA heavyweights like Borderlands 4 and Monster Hunter Wilds anchor the calendar, smaller titles like "Darwin's Paradox!" and "Dreams of Another" highlight PlayStation's commitment to indie creativity.
However, the reliance on remasters (Days Gone, Onimusha 2) risks fatigue. Their success hinges on whether new modes (e.g., permadeath) justify revisiting older narratives.
Overall, Sony's 2025 strategy feels transitional—a bridge between tentpole exclusives and a portfolio reshaped by live-service ambitions (Marathon, Fairgame$).
While this showcase lacked the shock factor of a Death Stranding 2 reveal, it solidified PlayStation as a platform for genre-blurring experiments.
If titles like Saros and Lost Soul Aside deliver, 2025 could be remembered less for megahits and more for games that dared to redefine expectations.
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