State of Play Megathread | Double SoP Announced

[Moonface]

Sons of Sparta reminded me of how a lot of Sony-owned IP games on PSP and PS Vita were when compared to their home console entries, in that they were usually lesser. If Sony still had a handheld I could totally see that game having come out on there rather than a home console. It's a shame really because I always thought God of War was the best IP Sony had to do a metroidvania style game with, especially as it would have been a way to go back to the older hack and slash style of gameplay that the series naturally moved away from due to the story it told after GoW 3. It can't make sense for the current version of Kratos to mimic the way he fought in the OG trilogy so that was what I think should've been a slam dunk solution.

[Dragon Lord]

It probably could have been good if there was any competence from Western AAA devs in 2026. Sadly there isn't, 90% of the games they push out now are pure slop. Sons of Sparta is another example of a half-assed, low effort game that they hoped would sell purely off of it's story connection to God of War, but they forgot that you actually need to make a good game still.

Especially in the Metroidvania genre in current year. There's so many amazing Metroidvanias that have come out the last several years, especially from the indie scene, that you can't just make one half-assed and expect it to do big numbers. You have to put a lot of effort into them. Especially when you're releasing just four months after one of the most anticipated Metroidvanias ever in Hollow Knight: Silk Song. When Sons of Sparta came out, people were still coming off the high of Silk Song. or still in the middle of their play through of it, and if your Metroidvania is mediocre as hell like SoS was, then you're just doomed from the start with no chance.

Some day PlayStation will learn that they need to get back to actually making good games again. It's probably going to take several more years and possibly a nightmare of a PS6 launch, but maybe they'll wake up and get back to it. The decline has been happening for a long time, so it's not something that's going to go away instantly either. We've seen it with a lot of recent games. A good example of this is Ghost of Tsushima vs Ghost of Yotei. Tsushima was a literal master piece. Yotei, from everything I've heard about it, is significantly worse in every possible way outside of combat. I've heard that God of War: Ragnarok is noticeably worse than the 2018 God of War, though not nearly to the same degree as Yotei was compared to Tsushima. But I've seen a lot of people say that the story in Ragnarok took a huge hit in quality compared to the previous game.

PlayStation had set a good foundation for themselves with a lot of good games in the mid to late 2010s, but then decided to set those foundations on fire and let it all burn to the ground. They've just gotten extremely lucky that Xbox decided to literally self-destruct or else they'd be in a lot worse position. But with Xbox trying to revive itself and turn itself around (I have huge doubts it'll work though, too little too late), PlayStation needs to make the fuck up and realize it's time to cut the slop and get back to making some good games. Unfortunately they apparently need to learn one more painful live service lesson with that upcoming HZD liveslop.

[Moonface]

It probably could have been good if there was any competence from Western AAA devs in 2026. Sadly there isn't, 90% of the games they push out now are pure slop. Sons of Sparta is another example of a half-assed, low effort game that they hoped would sell purely off of it's story connection to God of War, but they forgot that you actually need to make a good game still.

Eh, I wouldn't say the main developer (Mega Cat Studios) for Sons of Sparta is a AAA developer. They only have 24 employees and most of their games were for retro consoles and none seem to be anything large in scale nor cost. Not that their small size/scale is an excuse since plenty of other small studios can put out bangers, but it seems that they were given the game because they pitched something Sony liked yet they don't seem to have much experience in making the type of game Sons of Sparta was. Furthermore, their bread and butter seems to be making games that feel and look like they came from the retro era, and maybe if Sons of Sparta is compared to games from the 5th Gen maybe it holds up better but the problem is it has to hold its own in 2026 and it's attached to a AAA IP. I fault Sony more for once again giving a developer a game that is outside their scope of capability and/or experience for the sake of chasing money, as has been the case multiple times with Sony trying to attach their IP's to multiple live service games except none of the developers behind those IP's have any experience in live service games and some of those IP's don't even make sense to do a live service game with (God of War being one such appropriate example here).

Some day PlayStation will learn that they need to get back to actually making good games again. It's probably going to take several more years and possibly a nightmare of a PS6 launch, but maybe they'll wake up and get back to it. The decline has been happening for a long time, so it's not something that's going to go away instantly either. We've seen it with a lot of recent games. A good example of this is Ghost of Tsushima vs Ghost of Yotei. Tsushima was a literal master piece. Yotei, from everything I've heard about it, is significantly worse in every possible way outside of combat. I've heard that God of War: Ragnarok is noticeably worse than the 2018 God of War, though not nearly to the same degree as Yotei was compared to Tsushima. But I've seen a lot of people say that the story in Ragnarok took a huge hit in quality compared to the previous game.

Ragnarok has better gameplay than GoW 2018, but the story is just bad by itself without even comparing it to anything. Apparently it was originally meant to be a trilogy of games that got cut down to two and it just meant there was too much in Ragnarok to cover properly and pace appropriately. I didn't play Yotei but did watch a playthrough of it and yeah, it's just really kinda whatever in most aspects. It also tells yet another tired revenge story that was done significantly better in TLoU 2.

[Moonface]

State of Play & State of Play Japan Return on September 3
For the first time ever, State of Play will have back-to-back broadcasts on September 3 for State of Play and State of Play Japan.

State of Play will feature updates and announcements from PlayStation Studios and third-party partners, concluding with an extended look at the vast world of Final Fantasy VII Revelation.

Immediately following, stay tuned for a new episode of State of Play Japan, once again hosted by Yuki Kaji. State of Play Japan will offer deep dives into upcoming games from game studios in Japan and Asia, including new gameplay, announcements, and more.

This double feature airs on September 3 at 6am PT / 9am ET / 2pm GMT / 10pm JST.

Source: PlayStation Blog

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Why does it have to air when I have therapy that day?!
Also, feels like a middle finger to Japan to begin airing this at 10pm because it'll be closer to 11pm for when SoP Japan starts for them. I'm surprised Sony didn't push the time of the SoP back to be in the evening for the US so it would be in the morning for Japan.

[Mr EliteL]

Would've been better if SoPJ is going to be aired first, so instead 9pm for Japan or something. But of course that would mean 5am for PT for those who do watch that one. Or then SoPJ for 10pm. These timezones, darn it.

Eh, nothing that I can think of that I'd want to be featured in these, so won't have any expectations.

[ShiraNoMai]

With both of their markets being on opposite ends of the UTC spectrum (? zones? not sure what to call it), seems this was the most reasonable answer to that conundrum. The UTC-0 (+ or - 1 or 2) have it the best.

Just quite unusual from the normal SoP times, which tend to generally be late afternoon ET (4 or 5pm), and going the Nintendo route instead (9am). Also odd they're back-to-back casting, when they'd usually opt for dual-casting (at the same time, one for each region) or just one over the other (SoP-Global vs SoP-J).

Most of the good announcements from companies tend to fall in this quarter of the year, probably in anticipation for holiday release/early next year, so I expect something interesting or cool out of it, but nothing in particular or specific.

[Dragon Lord]

Bloodborne 4K 60 FPS Remaster for PS5 this time, surely.

[Moonface]

Also odd they're back-to-back casting, when they'd usually opt for dual-casting (at the same time, one for each region) or just one over the other (SoP-Global vs SoP-J).

Dual casting two different SoP's would be a horrible move when neither one would feature the same content at all. This would only make sense for the way Nintendo does it with their Directs, where the Japanese broadcast tends to have a few games that are exclusive to Japanese markets and so there's no point airing those trailers in other regions.

Besides Wolverine, I'm not expecting much of anything from any first party studios tomorrow. Capcom have had a good track record of showing up with a good amount of stuff to various broadcasts over the last few years so I hope to see a new trailer for the RE Code Veronica Remake.

[ShiraNoMai]

Bloodborne 4K 60 FPS Remaster for PS5 this time, surely.

I expect potentially Intergalactic finally coming out of the woodworks, seeing as they've made some news headlines recently when they made a Bluesky post in reference to its development. Nearly been two years of silence on that title.

[Dragon Lord]

As Benjamin Franklin once said: "Give me copium, or give me death!" or something along those lines.

Sadly (lol) I'll only be able to watch about 20 minutes of the SoP before I have to go get ready for work, so I'll have to wait until I get home later today to find out what amazing (lmao) things I missed.

[ShiraNoMai]

State of Play - September 3rd, 2026 | Summary
Here is everything from today's State of Play showcase:

• Resident Evil | Exclusive Movie Clip
  From the mind of visionary filmmaker Zach Cregger (Weapons, Barbarian) comes a thrilling — and terrifying — reinvention of the Resident Evil franchise. In an all-new story, Resident Evil follows Bryan (Austin Abrams), a medical courier who unwittingly finds himself in an action-packed, non-stop race for survival as one fateful, horrifying night collapses around him in chaos.
  • Release Date: September 18, 2026
    
  
  
• Marvel's Wolverine | Launch Trailer
  Experience an original take on Marvel legend Wolverine as he joins forces with mutants across the globe in a fight for survival. Standing against forces like Bolivar Trask, Omega Red, Deathstrike and more... Logan knows the world needs a hero; however, they’ll have to settle for Wolverine.
  • Release Date: September 15, 2026
    
  
  
• Ghost of Yōtei Complete Edition | Most Wanted Trailer
  Ghost of Yōtei Most Wanted is a brand-new combat survival mode designed to gauge your strength and test your resilience. Fight off waves of enemies and take on challenging new boss encounters. All sorts of new incentives await; earn everything from new weapons and cosmetics to playable characters you can unlock.
  • Release Date: October 1, 2026
    
  
  
• Monster Hunter Wilds: Ascendence | Trailer
  The Wilds evolve with the massive expansion, Monster Hunter Wilds: Ascendance, coming in 2027! A giant dragon's sudden siege heralds change in the Forbidden Lands, for both land and sky. Bracing for danger, the Expedition steels themselves as familiar and undiscovered Elder Dragons emerge - and a disturbing new threat prowls the land.
  • Release Date: 2027
    
  
  
• Metro 2039 | Gameplay Reveal
  Join the mysterious Stranger as he journeys into the dark heart of post-apocalyptic Moscow in a harrowing conflict for the very soul of the Metro. Experience the most shocking Metro adventure yet in a powerful single-player story that weaves exploration, survival, combat and stealth across a hauntingly beautiful but deadly world with unparalleled immersion.
  • Release Date: February 4, 2027
    
  
  
• Maneater 2 | Announcement Trailer
  The splash-hit ShaRkPG returns in Maneater 2! Eat, explore, and evolve as you try to escape an invite-only preview event for Neptune’s Kingdom—an ultra-luxury seaside theme park destined for disaster, where YOU are that disaster.
  • Release Date: 2027
    
  
  
• Crimson Desert - Charting the Unknown DLC | Reveal Trailer
  Reclaim power and reach beyond—into the unknown. The story of Pywel continues in Crimson Desert: Charting the Unknown as Kliff, Oongka, and Damiane set out to discover their purpose and shape their futures. However, as turmoil unfolds around them, each must fight to forge a path through the trials ahead. Join them on a new adventure and discover what new possibilities await across Pywel.
  • Release Date: October 15, 2026
    
  
  
• LEGO PlayStation | Reveal Trailer
  LEGO and Sony Interactive Entertainment have come together to celebrate the iconic console that started it all - the original PlayStation®, first introduced to the world in Japan 1994. Featuring the original PlayStation controller, a working disc lid, two stunning dioramas celebrating Gran Turismo and Ape Escape hidden inside the console, both packed with easter eggs for true fans to discover.
  • Release Date: October 4, 2026
    
  
  
• Final Fantasy Resonance | Demo Trailer
  Experience the entire first chapter in the free demo, then carry your save data over to the full game when you continue your journey.
  • Release Date: October 22, 2026
    
  
  
• Gundam Rogue Orbit | Release Date Trailer
  Become the pilot you were born to be. Change humanity’s fate in Gundam Rogue Orbit, a high-mobility action game that delivers a bold new take on Gundam, blending a fast-paced cinematic story with intense, hard-hitting combat in an all-new universe.
  • Release Date: March 5, 2027
    
  
  
• Hunter's Moon | Announcement Trailer
  Hunter’s Moon is a first-person historical narrative folk horror game set throughout one night. Under the light of the full moon, eavesdrop on villagers, and flee through a rural village set in an immersive 17th century early modern England. Meet mummers dressed in folk costumes, and escape capture by the witch hunters. Inspired by the true history of English witch hunts, let the secrets of a dysfunctional village on the brink unfold as you embody an accused woman on the run for her life.
  • Release Date: October 26, 2026
    
  
  
• Uncanyon | Reveal Trailer
  Uncover the secrets of Uncanyon, a once-abundant but now-forgotten world, tucked into the seam between unparallel realities. Explore fantastical lands and mysterious, puzzle-filled ruins to find the key to prevent its unravelling.
  • Release Date: 2027
    
  
  
• Keeper | Release Trailer
  From Lee Petty and Double Fine Productions, creators of Stacking, Headlander, RAD, and Psychonauts, Keeper is a beautiful and surreal third-person, atmospheric, puzzle adventure, and a story told without words. On an island in a long-lost sea, a forgotten lighthouse stands dormant in the shadow of a distant mountain peak. As withering tendrils spread and coalesce, it awakens. Taken with a mysterious sense of purpose and joined by a spirited seabird, it embarks upon a heartening tale of unlikely companionship, an odyssey of mystifying metamorphosis, and an unexpected journey towards the center of the island, into realms beyond understanding.
  • Release Date: Available Now
    
  
  
• Rev. NOiR | Trailer
  Upon being rescued by Finé, a young boy named Asch joins her on a journey to stop the lightfall, a catastrophe that kills all it touches. Little do they know what awaits them at the end of their mission to save the world...Defy cruel fate in this all-new RPG!
  • Release Date: 2027
    
  
  
• Rhapsody in Scarlet | Announcement Trailer
  Set in the jazz-filled streets of 1920s New York, magus Ellie Myers embarks on a journey to confront a threat that could shake the world. Experience exhilarating combat and stack up combos with beasts and magick in this all-new action adventure game!
  • Release Date: TBA
    
  
  
• PlayStation Classics Catalogue
  Mycopunk (2026), Megaman X Command Mission (September 2026), Dino Crisis 2 (Later This Year), and Ratchet & Clank (Later This Year) are coming to the PlayStation Classics catalogue.
  • Release Date: 2026
    
  
  
• Saros - Zenith | Gameplay Reveal Trailer
  This is the gameplay reveal for SAROS™: Zenith, the next big free content update to SAROS, which adds new replayable game modes and various new visual and control options to make the game accessible to even more players.
  • Release Date: Late 2026
    
  
  
• Gran Turismo 7 - Spec IV | Announcement Trailer
  Gran Turismo 7 Spec IV update launching in two parts later this year. First details on the new circuits, new cars, Family Mode, and more coming in October and December of 2026.
  • Release Date: Late 2026
    
  
  
• Until Dawn 2 | Choice & Consequence Trailer
  The Dead True ghost-hunting crew are chasing their biggest story yet. After an investigation at Blackwood Sanitorium takes a chilling turn, an encounter with supernatural survivor Yoona leads them to Akishima Island, a remote paradise abandoned for decades and hiding secrets far older than any of them imagined. As the night unfolds, your choices will decide what happens next. Follow a signal in search of a missing friend, or risk a detour that could uncover vital clues. Make the sacrifice you’re told to make, or choose another way. Every decision can change the story, and determine who survives.
  • Release Date: January 28, 2027
    
  
  
• Grand Theft Auto VI - Limited Edition DualSense Controllers | Trailer
  Inspired by Grand Theft Auto VI, these limited-edition DualSense® wireless controllers capture the style and luxury of Vice City. Featuring a shimmering, iridescent finish, textured palm leaf details, and official Grand Theft Auto VI branding, they’re a bold tribute to modern day Vice City.
  • Pre-Orders: September 10, 2026
    
  • Release Date: November 19, 2026
    
  
  
• Final Fantasy VII Revelation | Release Date Reveal Trailer | Combat & Exploration Deep Dive Trailer
  Everything leads here. Venture across the expanded world of Final Fantasy VII Revelation and join Cloud and his unique companions in their final battle against Sephiroth and the mighty Weapons.
  • Release Date: April 8, 2027
    

[Mr EliteL]

I ended up not watching the first part live, and started skimming through while the Japan SoP was going on. Nothing to my taste games wise, the LEGO set was the best thing from it, mainly because it has those two dioramas inside instead of being empty or just full of grey blocks. I'll watch a playthrough of Until Dawn 2 though, hopefully by someone I used to watch.

[Maniakkid25]

Ayo, I think that MH Wilds' release date should be 2027, considering we're in September lol.

Until Dawn 2? Uh... sure... I guess people were asking for it. (I don't think people were asking for it.)

Hurray for Doublefine! They got out from under Microslop's thumb and kept all their IPs. Good for them!

No real comment on any of the others. I guess Ratchet and Clank coming to PS Classics is cool. Dino Crisis 2 and Mega Man X are kinda eh for me, especially since I own Dino Crisis 2 twice.

[Moonface]

State of Play Japan - September 3rd, 2026 | Summary
Here is everything from today's State of Play Japan showcase:

• Dragon Ball Xenoverse 3 | Fight Your Way Trailer
  Create your ultimate Avatar and fight your way through Dragon Ball Xenoverse 3! Choose from six unique Avatar races, including the new Android race, and customize your combat style with Fighting Styles, Soul Assist, Awoken Skills, Soul Switch, Abilities, and more. With more than 130 characters, including non-playable characters, to learn from, build the fighter that matches how you want to move, transform, attack, and dominate every battle.
  • Release Date: 2027
    
  
  
• Fate/Extra Record | Release Date Trailer
  Originally released on July 22, 2010 in Japan, as the Fate series' very first RPG, [Fate/EXTRA] is back and fully remade for modern platforms. Featuring an expanded scenario, completely overhauled character graphics, and a highly strategic deck-building dramatic command battle system, the game modernizes both visuals and mechanics. It delivers a highly accessible entry point for newcomers, while offering a fresh, exciting experience for returning fans of the original.
  • Release Date: January 28, 2027
    
  
  
• Dragon Quest Monsters: The Withered World | Monster Wrangler Trailer
  Two young girls who have become Monster Wranglers—able to connect with monsters on a deep emotional level—embark on a grand adventure through a mysterious alternate world alongside the monsters they’ve befriended!
  • Release Date: December 3, 2026
    
  
  
• The Eminence in Shadow: Phantom Echoes | Trailer
  The first-ever console game for The Eminence in Shadow is coming! The Eminence in Shadow: Phantom Echoes is set for release in 2027! This title will be a rogue-lite action game.
  • Release Date: 2027
    
  
  
• Rematch - Season 5: Blue Lock | Trailer
  If Everyone's Special… Who's Elite? Some players chase the spotlight. Others create the moment. The worlds of Rematch and Blue Lock are about to collide. Keep your eyes peeled.
  • Release Date: September 24, 2026
    
  
  
• Where the Seeds Fall | Reveal Trailer
  The earth has been afflicted with Blight, forcing humanity to build new homes upon the branches of the World Tree. It is a place fraught with peril, and in their fear, humanity has branded ""Fell Children"" as omens of disaster. After encountering a Fell Child, however, one soldier goes against orders and determines to escort them to the surface world. Descend the World Tree by navigating ruins, reading the wind, and taking leaps of faith in this thrilling action-adventure game.
  • Release Date: November 5, 2026
    
  
  
• WPCA: World Phasebound Control Authority | Announcement Trailer
  "The world does not repeat. Mystery is not defined. Life does not communicate. Chaos is not aligned." Become a Containment Agent of the Seoul Branch of the World Phasebound Control Authority and face bizarrely altered supernatural phenomena. Enter the containment zone for the eternal safety of humanity.
  • Release Date: 2028
    
  
  
• Stupid Never Dies | Trailer
  The latest trailer for Stupid Never Dies, GPTRACK50’s all-new Blazing Fast Growth Action RPG, is here! Stay tuned until the very end—there’s a special announcement waiting for you. Watch the weakest zombie grow ridiculously powerful and fight his way to the top in the ultimate underdog adventure.
  • Demo Available!
    
  • Release Date: October 21, 2026
    
  
  
• SlashZero | Demo Announcement Story Trailer
  Time-Limited DEMO Out Now! Timehackers,it's time to step into a fractured timeline, mend it and find the truth behind the chaos! SlashZero is a side-scrolling action roguelike game featuring a roster of unique playable characters, fluid action, aerial combat and infinite build possibilities. This time, new character, new playstyle! In SlashZero, you will traverse through shattered timelines, wield flashy combo abilities paired with unique enhancements to take down Hieros-I and unravel the hidden truth of this broken world.
  • Demo Available!
    
  • Release Date: Spring 2027
    
  
  
• Digimon Story Time Stranger - A Hero's Eternal Legacy | Announcement Trailer
  A new adventure unfolds three years after the story of Digimon Story Time Stranger in this full-scale expansion: A Hero's Eternal Legacy!
  • Release Date: 2027
    
  
  
• CONQ - Crown Of No Quarter | Debut Trailer
  You were promised the heavens, but found only eternal purgatory—unable to escape, unable to truly die. Gather your forces across sea and land, show no mercy, and give your enemies no quarter. It’s time to bleed again.
  • Release Date: TBA
    
  
  
• Daba: Land of Water Scar | Trailer
  Axis of the Worlds have fallen. The waters have run dry. The world of Daba is dying of thirst. You are a clayman that should never have awakened, walking across the ruined snowfields and desolate deserts. The shattered souls of fallen gods rain down from the sky, and a plague creeps in the shadows. Beneath the ancient mask, twin blades rest in your grip. Cross the parched earth, cut the lies. The missions forced upon you. The ambitions that burn. And every hand that tries to pull your strings. Seize the water, reforge the divine soul. Even if shattered, rise from the ruins and push forward. The one bound to your fate awaits you at the end of the road.
  • Release Date: TBA
    

[Mr EliteL]

I tell a lie, I've realised I did find something of interest to me, after checking the dates but they've been corrected now, and I watched both SoP's more than I did earlier, the game is Slash Zero, which was in SoPJ, and I know it's been featured before as it was revealed 5 months ago. It's just now I've decided to take notice of it. I was already thinking about getting back into BlazBlue with their more recent style of game, which isn't a 1-on-1 fighter, and Slash Zero is very similar to that. I've yet to get BlazBlue Entropy Effect, I should really since it's one of that last games I may get on disc for my PS5, and I don't mind if I get Slash Zero as a digital game because it does look good to me. Gotta think on it.