            INSERT INTO articles (url, title, cover_image, content, youtube_link) VALUES (
                'https://blog.playstation.com/2024/12/19/the-holiday-sale-promotion-comes-to-playstation-store-3/',
                'The Holiday Sale promotion refresh comes to PlayStation Store',
                'https://blog.playstation.com/tachyon/2024/12/1f38648756c51a12c58da46437242f6b1b771054.png?resize=1088%2C612&crop_strategy=smart',
                '<div class="post-single__content single__content entry-content">
<p class="">New year, new discounts. PlayStation Store’s Holiday Sale just grew bigger with an influx of new titles joining one of our biggest promotions! Welcome in 2025 with new adventures, as all these games are reduced for a limited time* to mark the new year. New games include Stellar Blade, Sonic X Shadow Generations, Dragon Age: The Veilguard and more.  </p>
<p class="">Preview a selection of the offers below, then <a href="https://store.playstation.com/pages/HolidaySale?emcid=ow-pl-517024">head to PlayStation Store</a> to find out your regional discount. </p>
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>2048 Snake</li>
<li>3D Billiards &amp; 3D MiniGolf Bundle</li>
<li>41 Hours PS4 &amp; PS5</li>
<li>A Fisherman’s Tale</li>
<li>A Juggler’s Tale</li>
<li>A Plague Tale Bundle</li>
<li>Achilles: Legends Untold</li>
<li>Across the Obelisk – Starter Set</li>
<li>Ad Infinitum</li>
<li>Aero The Acro-Bat: Rascal Rival Revenge PS4® &amp; PS5®</li>
<li>Aeterna Noctis</li>
<li>AEW: Fight Forever – Ultimate Edition</li>
<li>Age of Wonders 4: Premium Edition</li>
<li>Air Twister</li>
<li>AK-xolotl: Together</li>
<li>Alan Wake Remastered</li>
<li>Alina Of The Arena PS4® &amp; PS5®</li>
<li>Alone in the Dark – Digital Deluxe Edition</li>
<li>Ancient Dungeon VR</li>
<li>Anime vs Evil: Apocalypse</li>
<li>Another World Mahjong Girl PS4 &amp; PS5</li>
<li>Arcade Paradise Digital Deluxe PS4™ &amp; PS5™</li>
<li>Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader? | PS4 &amp; PS5</li>
<li>Arizona Sunshine® – Freddy’s Bundle</li>
<li>Arizona Sunshine® 2 Deluxe Edition</li>
<li>As Dusk Falls PS4® &amp; PS5®</li>
<li>Assassin’s Creed Valhalla Ragnarök Edition PS4 &amp; PS5</li>
<li>Assassin’s Creed® Valhalla + Immortals Fenyx Rising™ Bundle</li>
<li>Assassin’s Creed® Valhalla + Watch Dogs®: Legion Bundle</li>
<li>Assetto Corsa Competizione – 2024 Pack</li>
<li>Asterigos: Curse of the Stars</li>
<li>Asterigos: Curse of the Stars Deluxe Edition</li>
<li>Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration – Digital Expanded Edition</li>
<li>Atomic Heart – Gold Edition (PS4 &amp; PS5)</li>
<li>Azure Striker GUNVOLT 3</li>
<li>Back 4 Blood: Deluxe Edition PS4 &amp; PS5</li>
<li>Backrooms: Partygoers PS4® &amp; PS5®</li>
<li>Barton Lynch Pro Surfing</li>
<li>Bassmaster® Fishing: 2022 Bassmaster Classic®</li>
<li>Bassmaster® Fishing: Deluxe Edition PS4™ and PS5™</li>
<li>Bat Boy</li>
<li>Battlefield™ 2042 Elite Edition PS4 &amp; PS5</li>
<li>Battlefront Trench Warriors: Ops of Warfare</li>
<li>Beholder 3</li>
<li>Beneath the earth – Backrooms</li>
<li>Between Horizons</li>
<li>Biomutant PS4 &amp; PS5</li>
<li>BIT.TRIP Bundle</li>
<li>BIT.TRIP RERUNNER</li>
<li>Blocky Farm</li>
<li>Borderlands 3 Next Level Bundle PS4™ &amp; PS5™</li>
<li>Borderlands 3: Ultimate Edition PS4™ &amp; PS5™</li>
<li>Born Of Bread : The Baker Edition</li>
<li>BREAK STUFF VR</li>
<li>BROK the InvestiGator PS4 &amp; PS5</li>
<li>C.A.R.D.S. RPG: The Misty Battlefield PS4 &amp; PS5</li>
<li>Campfire of Oasis</li>
<li>Cannon Dancer – Osman</li>
<li>Captain Toonhead vs The Punks from Outer Space</li>
<li>Card-en-Ciel</li>
<li>Cartel Tycoon</li>
<li>Casino Roulette Royal</li>
<li>Castlevania Dominus Collection</li>
<li>Cat Quest III</li>
<li>CATAN® – Console Edition PS4® &amp; PS5®</li>
<li>Catlateral Damage: Remeowstered</li>
<li>Chess Royal</li>
<li>Chivalry 2 PS4 &amp; PS5</li>
<li>Clown Art</li>
<li>Cobra Kai Collection</li>
<li>Construction Simulator</li>
<li>Crash Bandicoot™ 4: It’s About Time</li>
<li>Crash Team Rumble™ – Standard Edition</li>
<li>Cricket 22</li>
<li>Crime Secrets: Crimson Lily</li>
<li>Crimen – Mercenary Tales</li>
<li>Crossfire: Sierra Squad</li>
<li>Crossy Road® Castle</li>
<li>Crusader Kings III</li>
<li>Crypt of the Serpent King Remastered 4K Edition</li>
<li>Cult of the Lamb: Heretic Edition</li>
<li>CUSTOM MECH WARS</li>
<li>Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition (PS5)</li>
<li>cyubeVR</li>
<li>Darker Skies</li>
<li>Dawn of the Monsters PS4 &amp; PS5</li>
<li>Dawn of the Monsters: Full Game plus Arcade + Character DLC Pack Bundle</li>
<li>Dead Cells: Medley of Pain Bundle</li>
<li>Dead Island 2 Ultimate Edition</li>
<li>DEATHLOOP</li>
<li>DEATHLOOP + Ghostwire: Tokyo Bundle</li>
<li>Death’s Door</li>
<li>Deceive Inc. Black Tie Edition PS5</li>
<li>Deep Rock Galactic – Ultimate Edition PS4 &amp; PS5</li>
<li>Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Hinokami Chronicles Deluxe Edition PS4 &amp; PS5…</li>
<li>Destroy All Humans! – Jumbo Pack</li>
<li>Devil Girl</li>
<li>Diablo® II: Resurrected™</li>
<li>Diablo® Prime Evil Upgrade</li>
<li>Dinobreak</li>
<li>Dinosaur RPG – Dino Survival Simulator Survivor</li>
<li>Disaster Band</li>
<li>Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed</li>
<li>DOOM Eternal Standard Edition</li>
<li>DORAEMON STORY OF SEASONS: Friends of the Great Kingdom</li>
<li>Dragon Age™: The Veilguard Deluxe Edition</li>
<li>DRAGON BALL FighterZ – Legendary Edition PS4 &amp; PS5</li>
<li>DRAGON BALL XENOVERSE 2 Deluxe Edition</li>
<li>Dragon’s Dogma 2</li>
<li>DreadOut 2</li>
<li>DREDGE: Complete Edition</li>
<li>Drift Master Simulator</li>
<li>Drums Rock – Deluxe Edition</li>
<li>Drunken Fist</li>
<li>Drunkn Bar Fight</li>
<li>Dungeon Drafters</li>
<li>Dungeons 4 – Digital Deluxe Edition</li>
<li>Dying Light 2 Stay Human: Digital Extras Edition PS5</li>
<li>EA SPORTS™ Madden NFL 25 Deluxe Edition</li>
<li>EA SPORTS™ PGA TOUR™ Deluxe Edition</li>
<li>EARTH DEFENSE FORCE 6 PS4 &amp; PS5</li>
<li>EARTH DEFENSE FORCE: WORLD BROTHERS 2 Deluxe Edition PS4 &amp; PS5</li>
<li>Ed-0: Zombie Uprising</li>
<li>Eden Genesis PS4 &amp; PS5</li>
<li>Edge Of Eternity</li>
<li>Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes – Digital Deluxe Edition</li>
<li>Elsie</li>
<li>Emergency Call – The Attack Squad</li>
<li>ENDLESS™ Dungeon PS4 &amp; PS5</li>
<li>Endzone – A World Apart</li>
<li>Espresso Tycoon</li>
<li>EVERSPACE™ 2</li>
<li>Evil Genius 2: World Domination Deluxe Edition PS4 &amp; PS5</li>
<li>Exit 9 Metro</li>
<li>Exoprimal Deluxe Edition</li>
<li>Expeditions: A MudRunner Game – Year 1 Edition (PS4 &amp; PS5)</li>
<li>F1® 24 Champions Edition</li>
<li>F1® Manager 2024 Deluxe Edition PS4 &amp; PS5</li>
<li>Fall of Porcupine</li>
<li>Fallout 4: Game of the Year Edition</li>
<li>Fantasy Beauties Premium Edition</li>
<li>FANTAVISION 202X</li>
<li>FINAL FANTASY XIV Online – Complete Collector’s Edition</li>
<li>FINAL FANTASY XIV Online – Complete Edition</li>
<li>Firegirl: Hack ‘n Splash Rescue DX</li>
<li>First Class Trouble</li>
<li>Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn</li>
<li>Fly Corp</li>
<li>Football Manager 2024 Console</li>
<li>Forklift 2024 – The Simulation</li>
<li>Forklift Simulator</li>
<li>Fort Solis Lempo Bundle</li>
<li>Fort Solis Terra Edition</li>
<li>FRONT MISSION 1st: Remake</li>
<li>FRONT MISSION 2: Remake</li>
<li>G.I. JOE: WRATH OF COBRA</li>
<li>Galacticare</li>
<li>Garlic PS4™ &amp; PS5™</li>
<li>Ghost Song</li>
<li>Ghostrunner 2 Deluxe Edition</li>
<li>Ghostrunner Game Bundle</li>
<li>Ghostrunner: Complete Edition</li>
<li>Ghostwire: Tokyo</li>
<li>Gigantic: Rampage Edition</li>
<li>Gloomhaven Mercenaries Edition</li>
<li>Goat Simulator 3 – Multiversal Traveler’s Edition</li>
<li>Goat Simulator: Remastered</li>
<li>GORN</li>
<li>Gotham Knights: Deluxe</li>
<li>Grand Theft Auto Online (PlayStation®5)</li>
<li>Grand Theft Auto V (PS4™ &amp; PS5™)</li>
<li>Greak: Memories of Azur</li>
<li>GreedFall – Gold Edition</li>
<li>Green Hell VR</li>
<li>GRIS | PS4 &amp; PS5</li>
<li>GUNDAM BREAKER 4 Deluxe Edition PS4 &amp; PS5</li>
<li>Gungrave G.O.R.E – Complete Bundle</li>
<li>Gunvolt Chronicles: Luminous Avenger iX 2 PS4 &amp; PS5</li>
<li>GUNVOLT RECORDS Cychronicle</li>
<li>Hades</li>
<li>Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions PS4 &amp; PS5</li>
<li>Harvest Days</li>
<li>Have a Nice Death</li>
<li>Heavenly Bodies</li>
<li>Heavenly Bodies – Cleanup DLC Edition</li>
<li>Heavy Cargo – The Truck Simulator</li>
<li>Heliborne</li>
<li>Hello Neighbor 2</li>
<li>Hello Neighbor 2 Deluxe Edition</li>
<li>Hellpoint</li>
<li>Hidden Cats in London</li>
<li>Hidden Through Time 2: Discovery</li>
<li>Hidden Through Time 2: Myths &amp; Magic</li>
<li>High On Life + DLC Bundle</li>
<li>Highway Drifter: Hajwala Simulator</li>
<li>HITMAN World of Assassination Part One</li>
<li>Hogwarts Legacy: Digital Deluxe Edition</li>
<li>Hot Wheels Monster Trucks: Stunt Mayhem™</li>
<li>HUMANKIND™ PS4 &amp; PS5</li>
<li>Hunt: Showdown 1896</li>
<li>Hunt: Showdown 1896 – Deluxe Edition</li>
<li>Hunting Simulator 2 Bear Hunter Edition</li>
<li>I Saw Black Clouds</li>
<li>Inscryption</li>
<li>Insurgency: Sandstorm – Deluxe Edition [PS4 &amp; PS5]</li>
<li>Insurgency: Sandstorm – Ultimate Edition [PS4 &amp; PS5]</li>
<li>Iron Wings</li>
<li>Isonzo: Deluxe Edition</li>
<li>Isonzo: Ultimate Edition</li>
<li>Jagged Alliance 3</li>
<li>Jitsu Squad</li>
<li>JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: All-Star Battle R PS4 &amp; PS5</li>
<li>Journey To The Savage Planet: Employee Of The Month</li>
<li>Jurassic World Evolution 2</li>
<li>Kena: Bridge of Spirits Digital Deluxe PS4 &amp; PS5</li>
<li>Kill It With Fire VR</li>
<li>KILL KNIGHT</li>
<li>Killer Klowns From Outer Space: Digital Deluxe Edition</li>
<li>Killer Klowns From Outer Space: The Game</li>
<li>Killing Time: Resurrected</li>
<li>Kona II: Brume</li>
<li>LEAP</li>
<li>LEGO Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy</li>
<li>LEGO® 2K Drive Awesome Edition</li>
<li>LEGO® Star Wars™:The Skywalker Saga Deluxe Edition PS4 &amp; PS5</li>
<li>Lethal Corporation PS4&amp;PS5</li>
<li>Let’s Sing 2024 with International Hits – Gold Edition</li>
<li>Lies of P Deluxe Edition</li>
<li>Life is Strange: True Colors PS4 &amp; PS5</li>
<li>Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name Deluxe Edition PS4 &amp; PS5…</li>
<li>Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth Deluxe Edition PS4 &amp; PS5</li>
<li>Looney Tunes: Wacky World of Sports – Deluxe Edition</li>
<li>Loretta</li>
<li>Lost Eidolons</li>
<li>Lost in Random™ PS4™ &amp; PS5™</li>
<li>Lost Judgment Digital Deluxe Edition PS4 &amp; PS5</li>
<li>Ludo XXL</li>
<li>Maid of Sker</li>
<li>Martha Is Dead Digital Deluxe PS4™ &amp; PS5™</li>
<li>Marvel’s Midnight Suns Digital+ Edition for PS5™</li>
<li>Master Detective Archives: RAIN CODE Plus</li>
<li>Megaton</li>
<li>METAL GEAR SOLID 3: Snake Eater – Master Collection Version PS4 &amp; PS5</li>
<li>Metal: Hellsinger – Complete Edition</li>
<li>Metal: Hellsinger (PS5)</li>
<li>Metal: Hellsinger VR</li>
<li>Metal: Hellsinger VR – Complete Edition</li>
<li>Metaphor: ReFantazio Atlus 35th Digital Anniversary Edition PS4 &amp; PS5</li>
<li>Metro Awakening Deluxe Edition</li>
<li>Metro Exodus: Gold Edition</li>
<li>Mia and the Dragon Princess</li>
<li>MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM BATTLE OPERATION Code Fairy Deluxe Edition</li>
<li>Monster Hunter Rise Deluxe Edition PS4 &amp; PS5</li>
<li>Moonglow Bay</li>
<li>Moss: Book II</li>
<li>Mothered</li>
<li>MX vs ATV Legends – Deluxe Edition</li>
<li>My Big Sister: Remastered PS4® &amp; PS5®</li>
<li>Naheulbeuk Bundle</li>
<li>Naheulbeuk Franchise Bundle</li>
<li>NASCAR Arcade Rush Project-X Edition</li>
<li>NBA 2K25 Tournament Edition</li>
<li>Need for Speed™ Unbound Palace Edition</li>
<li>Neva</li>
<li>New Tales from the Borderlands: Deluxe Edition</li>
<li>Nexomon</li>
<li>NHL® 25 Deluxe Edition</li>
<li>NHRA Championship Drag Racing: Speed For All – Ultimate Edition</li>
<li>Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2</li>
<li>Nickelodeon Kart Racers 3: Slime Speedway</li>
<li>Night Slashers: Remake</li>
<li>Nioh Remastered – The Complete Edition</li>
<li>No More Heroes 3 Deluxe Edition PS5</li>
<li>Nobody Saves the World</li>
<li>Offroad Truck Simulator: Heavy Duty Challenge®</li>
<li>OlliOlli World – Rad Edition (PS4/PS5)</li>
<li>ONE PIECE ODYSSEY PS4 &amp; PS5</li>
<li>Operation: Tango</li>
<li>Outbreak: Contagious Memories</li>
<li>OUTRIDERS COMPLETE EDITION</li>
<li>Overboss</li>
<li>Pacific Drive</li>
<li>Park Beyond</li>
<li>Peaky Blinders: The King’s Ransom Complete Edition</li>
<li>Penny’s Big Breakaway</li>
<li>Pentiment</li>
<li>Persona 3 Reload Digital Premium Edition PS4 &amp; PS5</li>
<li>Persona 3 Reload PS4 &amp; PS5</li>
<li>Persona 5 Royal</li>
<li>Persona 5 Tactica Digital Deluxe PS4 &amp; PS5</li>
<li>PGA TOUR 2K23 Deluxe Edition</li>
<li>Phantom Spark</li>
<li>Pilot Flight Simulation PS4&amp;PS5</li>
<li>Placid Plastic Duck Simulator</li>
<li>Planet Zoo: Deluxe Edition</li>
<li>Planet Zoo: Ultimate Edition</li>
<li>Police Simulator: Patrol Officers: Extended Edition</li>
<li>Port Royale 4</li>
<li>Predator: Hunting Grounds</li>
<li>Predator: Hunting Grounds – Jungle Edition</li>
<li>Predator: Hunting Grounds – Yautja Edition</li>
<li>Pyramid Raiders</li>
<li>RACCOON CITY EDITION</li>
<li>RACING BROS</li>
<li>RACING BROS: MAFIAS REVENGE</li>
<li>Railway Empire 2 | Digital Deluxe Edition</li>
<li>Rainbow Cotton PS4 &amp; PS5</li>
<li>Redemption Reapers</li>
<li>Redout 2</li>
<li>Redout 2 – Deluxe Edition</li>
<li>Reel Fishing: Days of Summer</li>
<li>Relayer PS4 &amp; PS5</li>
<li>Remnant II® – Standard Edition</li>
<li>Remnant II® – Ultimate Edition</li>
<li>RESIDENT EVIL 2 Deluxe Edition</li>
<li>Resident Evil 4</li>
<li>RESIDENT EVIL 7 biohazard Gold Edition</li>
<li>Resident Evil Remake Trilogy</li>
<li>Resident Evil Village Gold Edition PS4 &amp; PS5</li>
<li>Return to Monkey Island</li>
<li>Rise Eterna War</li>
<li>Rise of the Ronin™ Digital Deluxe Edition</li>
<li>Risk of Rain 2 + Survivors of the Void + Seekers of the Storm Bundle</li>
<li>RoboCop: Rogue City – Alex Murphy Edition</li>
<li>Roguebook</li>
<li>Rollerdrome</li>
<li>Sakura Nova PS4 &amp; PS5</li>
<li>Sakura Succubus 2 PS4 &amp; PS5</li>
<li>Sakura Succubus 3 PS4 &amp; PS5</li>
<li>Sakura Succubus 7 PS4® &amp; PS5®</li>
<li>Sakura Succubus PS4 &amp; PS5</li>
<li>SAMURAI MAIDEN PS4™ &amp; PS5™</li>
<li>SAND LAND Deluxe Edition PS4 &amp; PS5</li>
<li>Save The Doge</li>
<li>Sea of Thieves</li>
<li>Serial Cleaners</li>
<li>Serious Sam 4</li>
<li>Session: Skate Sim – Deluxe Edition</li>
<li>Shadow Warrior 3: Definitive Edition | PS4 &amp; PS5</li>
<li>Shadowrun Trilogy PS4 &amp; PS5</li>
<li>Shanghai Summer</li>
<li>Shantae and the Pirate’s Curse</li>
<li>Sheepo</li>
<li>Sherlock Holmes Chapter One Deluxe Edition</li>
<li>Sherlock Holmes The Awakened PS4 &amp; PS5</li>
<li>Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance Digital Deluxe Edition</li>
<li>SILENT HILL 2 Deluxe Edition</li>
<li>SkateBIRD</li>
<li>Skeletal Avenger</li>
<li>Sker Collectors Bundle</li>
<li>Sky Climb</li>
<li>Skyrim Anniversary Edition + Fallout 4 G.O.T.Y Bundle</li>
<li>Slender: The Arrival</li>
<li>Slime Rancher Rainbow Bundle</li>
<li>Slitterhead Deluxe Edition</li>
<li>Sniper Elite 5 Complete Edition</li>
<li>Sniper Elite 5 Deluxe Edition PS4™ &amp; PS5™</li>
<li>Sniper Ghost Warrior Contracts 1 &amp; 2 Double Pack</li>
<li>Sniper Ghost Warrior Contracts 2 Complete Edition</li>
<li>Sniper Ghost Warrior Contracts 2 Ultimate Edition</li>
<li>Snow Scout</li>
<li>SnowRunner</li>
<li>SnowRunner – 3-Year Anniversary Edition</li>
<li>Solasta: Crown of the Magister</li>
<li>Solasta: Lightbringers Edition</li>
<li>Sonic Frontiers PS4 &amp; PS5</li>
<li>Sonic Origins Plus PS4 &amp; PS5</li>
<li>SONIC X SHADOW GENERATIONS PS4 &amp; PS5</li>
<li>Souls of Chronos</li>
<li>Soundfall</li>
<li>SOUTH PARK: SNOW DAY! Digital Deluxe</li>
<li>Spacebase Startopia – PS4 &amp; PS5</li>
<li>SpellForce III Reforced: Complete Edition</li>
<li>SpiderHeck</li>
<li>Spirit Mancer Demon Hunter Edition</li>
<li>SpongeBob SquarePants: The Cosmic Shake</li>
<li>SPY×ANYA: Operation Memories PS4 &amp; PS5</li>
<li>STAR WARS Jedi: Fallen Order™ Deluxe Edition</li>
<li>STAR WARS Jedi: Survivor™ Deluxe Edition</li>
<li>Star Wars Outlaws Gold Edition</li>
<li>STAR WARS The Clone Wars</li>
<li>STAR WARS™: Bounty Hunter™</li>
<li>Steel Racer PS4® &amp; PS5®</li>
<li>Steelrising</li>
<li>Stellar Blade™</li>
<li>Sticks Aim Trainer</li>
<li>STRANGER OF PARADISE FINAL FANTASY ORIGIN PS4 &amp; PS5</li>
<li>Stray Blade</li>
<li>Stray Souls</li>
<li>Street Fighter™ 6 Deluxe Edition</li>
<li>Submerged: Hidden Depths</li>
<li>Subnautica PS4 &amp; PS5</li>
<li>Subnautica: Below Zero PS4 &amp; PS5</li>
<li>Summer Sports Games – 4K Edition</li>
<li>Summum Aeterna</li>
<li>Sumo Rumble</li>
<li>Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania PS4 &amp; PS5</li>
<li>SWORD ART ONLINE Fractured Daydream Deluxe Edition</li>
<li>Tales From The Under-Realm: After Midnight PS4® &amp; PS5®</li>
<li>Tales From The Under-Realm: Hazel PS4® &amp; PS5®</li>
<li>Tales of Arise + SCARLET NEXUS Bundle PS4 &amp; PS5</li>
<li>Task Force Delta – Afghanistan</li>
<li>Taxi Life: A City Driving Simulator</li>
<li>Techtonica</li>
<li>Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Arcade: Wrath of the Mutants</li>
<li>Temtem – Deluxe Edition</li>
<li>Terra Memoria Deluxe Edition</li>
<li>Tesla Force PS4 &amp; PS5</li>
<li>Tesla vs Lovecraft</li>
<li>Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown</li>
<li>Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown – Silver Sharps Edition</li>
<li>Thank Goodness You’re Here!</li>
<li>The Ascent: Cyber Edition PS4 &amp; PS5</li>
<li>The Bridge Curse: Road to Salvation PS4 &amp; PS5</li>
<li>The Bunker</li>
<li>The Case of the Golden Idol</li>
<li>The Case of the Golden Idol: Complete Edition</li>
<li>The Entropy Centre</li>
<li>The Expanse: A Telltale Series</li>
<li>The House of Da Vinci 3</li>
<li>The Jackbox Naughty Pack</li>
<li>The Jackbox Party Pack 7</li>
<li>The Jackbox Party Pack 8</li>
<li>The Jackbox Party Pack 9</li>
<li>The Jackbox Party Starter</li>
<li>The Jackbox Party Trilogy 3.0</li>
<li>The Jackbox Survey Scramble</li>
<li>The Last Faith</li>
<li>The Last Hero of Nostalgaia Deluxe Edition</li>
<li>The Last of Us™ Part II Remastered</li>
<li>The Last Worker</li>
<li>The Legend of Heroes: Trails into Reverie Deluxe Edition</li>
<li>The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel III</li>
<li>The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak – Digital Deluxe Edition</li>
<li>The Legend of Heroes: Trails Through Daybreak – Ultimate Edition</li>
<li>The Legend of Legacy HD Remastered</li>
<li>The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria™</li>
<li>The Lucid Dreamer Bundle</li>
<li>The Outlast Trials</li>
<li>The Plucky Squire</li>
<li>The Quarry – Deluxe Edition</li>
<li>The Sinking City PS5</li>
<li>THE Table Game Deluxe Pack -Mahjong, Go, Shogi, Tsume Shogi, Othello, Card, Hanafuda, Shisen Mahjong Solitaire, Chess, Backgammon-…</li>
<li>The Talos Principle 2</li>
<li>The Thing: Remastered</li>
<li>The Utility Room</li>
<li>Three Minutes To Eight</li>
<li>Thunder Ray: Origins</li>
<li>Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands: Next-Level Edition</li>
<li>Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six® Extraction Deluxe Edition PS4 &amp; PS5</li>
<li>Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six® Extraction PS4 &amp; PS5</li>
<li>Toodee and Topdee</li>
<li>TopSpin 2K25 Deluxe Edition</li>
<li>TOSS!</li>
<li>Tour de France 2024</li>
<li>Train Life: A Railway Simulator – Orient-Express Train Edition</li>
<li>Train Sim World® 5: Deluxe Edition PS4 &amp; PS5</li>
<li>Trek to Yomi</li>
<li>Tribes of Midgard PS4 &amp; PS5</li>
<li>Trinity Fusion</li>
<li>Trinity Fusion Deluxe Edition</li>
<li>Two Point Hospital and Two Point Campus Double Pack PS4 &amp; PS5</li>
<li>UFC® 5 Ultimate Edition</li>
<li>Ultra Foodmess</li>
<li>Ultros (PS4 &amp; PS5)</li>
<li>Umbraclaw</li>
<li>UNDER NIGHT IN-BIRTH II Sys:Celes Deluxe Edition</li>
<li>Undisputed WBC Edition</li>
<li>Unicorn Overlord Monarch Edition PS4 &amp; PS5</li>
<li>United Assault – Battle of the Bulge</li>
<li>United Assault – Normandy ’44</li>
<li>United Assault – World War 2</li>
<li>Unplugged – Air Guitar</li>
<li>V Rising Legacy of Castlevania Edition</li>
<li>Venice 2089</li>
<li>War Hospital – Supporter Edition</li>
<li>Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun – Forges of Corruption Edition</li>
<li>Warhammer 40,000: Inquisitor – Ultimate Edition</li>
<li>Warhammer 40,000: Shootas, Blood &amp; Teef</li>
<li>Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 – Gold Edition</li>
<li>Wavetale</li>
<li>Way of the Hunter: Elite Edition</li>
<li>We Are OFK</li>
<li>We Love Katamari REROLL+ Royal Reverie PS4 &amp; PS5</li>
<li>We Were Here Expeditions: The FriendShip</li>
<li>Wildmender</li>
<li>Wizard with a Gun: Bounty Edition</li>
<li>Worldless</li>
<li>Worms Rumble PS4 &amp; PS5</li>
<li>Would you like to run an idol café? 3 PS4® &amp; PS5®</li>
<li>WRC 10 FIA World Rally Championship</li>
<li>Wreckfest PlayStation®5 Version</li>
<li>WWE 2K24 Bray Wyatt Bundle</li>
<li>WWE 2K24 Deluxe Edition</li>
<li>Wytchwood</li>
<li>Yakuza: Like a Dragon Hero Edition PS4 &amp; PS5</li>
<li>YEAH! YOU WANT “THOSE GAMES,” RIGHT? SO HERE YOU GO! NOW, LET’S SEE YOU CLEAR THEM!…</li>
<li>Yohane the Parhelion -BLAZE in the DEEPBLUE-</li>
<li>Yuletide Legends: Who Framed Santa Claus</li>
<li>Zero the Kamikaze Squirrel PS4® &amp; PS5®</li>
</ul>
<p class="has-small-font-size"><em>*The Holiday Sale promotion runs from Friday, December 20 00.00am PST/GMT/JST until Friday, January 17 11:59 PM PST/GMT/JST. Please check the individual product pages on PlayStation Store for more information.</em></p>
</div>',
                'None'
            );

            
            INSERT INTO articles (url, title, cover_image, content, youtube_link) VALUES (
                'https://blog.playstation.com/2024/12/20/genshin-impact-version-5-3-adds-the-raging-battle-churns/',
                'Genshin Impact Version 5.3 adds The Raging Battle Churns',
                'https://blog.playstation.com/tachyon/2024/12/0ddc3d16bfcbfa0c55ff2c92574aaf814080b706.jpeg?resize=1088%2C612&crop_strategy=smart',
                '<div class="post-single__content single__content entry-content">
<p class="">Hello Travelers. The <a href="https://www.playstation.com/games/genshin-impact/?smcid=ma">Genshin Impact</a> dev team is delighted to embark on another year of adventures with you in the world of Teyvat. Along with our heartfelt New Year’s wishes, we’re excited to share that Version 5.3, Incandescent Ode of Resurrection, will be arriving on January 1. Starting from the first day of 2025, it’s time to team up with Mavuika, the Pyro Archon, and Citlali, in the final battles against the Abyss looming over Natlan.</p>
<p class="">While the people of Natlan gather to turn the tide of their long war, the people of Liyue reunite for the annual Lantern Rite to embrace a new year. The new character, Lan Yan, and many old friends are waiting in Liyue to light up the night sky with Xiao Lanterns.</p>
<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54210675260_e72fbcd6e9_4k.jpg" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54210675260_e72fbcd6e9_4k.jpg"/></a>
<p class="">To spice up the annual celebration, bountiful rewards are available for you to claim, including Primogems ×1,600 and the new glider Wings of Fate’s Course Intertwined via in-game mail, Intertwined Fate ×10 via a daily login event, a free 4-star Liyue character via completing the Lantern Rite event, and a new outfit for Xiangling via accumulating Festive Fever in the event.</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Blaze a radiant path, burn away the shadowy swaths</h2>
<p class="">After a brief respite, the final battle is at hand. Warriors, blessed by the guidance and protection of the Ode of Resurrection, will stand against the monsters rising from the Abyss in the newest Archon Quest Chapter V: Act V Incandescent Ode of Resurrection. Alongside Mavuika, Citlali, and other warriors, every effort, including the power of the Ruler of Death, will be devoted to banishing the darkness that threatens to swallow the land, no matter the cost. Additionally, the power of Pyro will finally be granted to the Traveler at a pivotal moment.</p>
<p class="">To boost your combat abilities for the final battle, travel to the cave near the Masters of the Night-Wind. There, you will encounter the Wayward Hermetic Spiritspeaker, a powerful Boss, who can move quickly and conjure up multiple clones in battle.</p>
<p class="">Once you have proven your worth, another formidable Weekly Boss — the Lord of Eroded Primal Fire, the Abyssal Mimic Dragon awaits your challenge. Additionally, the Pyro Traveler may gain unexpected advantages in this battle.</p>
<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54209370062_8b8d50ac98_4k.jpg" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54209370062_8b8d50ac98_4k.jpg"/></a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Radiant Sun and Obsidian Star</h2>
<p class="">Two ladies who will shine in the legendary war to come may be recruited to your party as 5-star playable characters: Mavuika, the Pyro Archon and a claymore wielder, and Citlali, the most powerful shaman of her tribe and a Cryo catalyst user. Both illuminate their people’s paths with centuries of wisdom, exploration, know-how, and battle prowess.</p>
<p class="">From a little girl of the Scions of the Canopy to the Pyro Archon who dazzles and protects all of Natlan like the sun, Mavuika’s journey has never been easy. Yet, she never wavered. Upon completing the latest Archon Quest, Mavuika’s Story Quest will be unlocked.</p>
<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54210269751_f3ee673927_4k.jpg" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54210269751_f3ee673927_4k.jpg"/></a>
<p class="">In combat, Mavuika can crush her opponents with her claymore or charge into battle on her Flamestrider, a one-of-a-kind construct in Teyvat. Her Elemental Skill can summon the All-Fire Armaments, which can take on two forms. Tap to cast “Divine Name Unleashed,” and the Armaments become Rings of Searing Radiance, following Mavuika or the active character and dealing constant Nightsoul-aligned Pyro DMG. Alternatively, hold to unleash Ancient Name Unbound, transforming her All-Fire Armaments into the Flamestrider. When Mavuika mounts the Flamestrider, she can deal Pyro DMG to opponents in her path. Meanwhile, if nearby party members hit opponents with their Normal Attacks or consume Nightsoul points, she can accumulate Fighting Spirit. When her Fighting Spirit exceeds a certain amount, she can use her Elemental Burst to enter the Nightsoul’s Blessing state, mounting her Flamestrider to perform a powerful AoE Pyro attack. With her Elemental Burst, Mavuika will also enter the Crucible of Death and Life state, boosting her abilities and making her more resistant to interruption.</p>
<figure class="wp-block-video wp-video-399770"><video autoplay="" controls="" data-src="https://stream.mux.com/dKfVai21H01MraQ4qMBeJabGCVQXWmbggPs1UIouuxX8/capped-1080p.mp4?token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJSUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJkS2ZWYWkyMUgwMU1yYVE0cU1CZUphYkdDVlFYV21iZ2dQczFVSW91dXhYOCIsImF1ZCI6InYiLCJleHAiOjE3MzgwMjIwMTgsImtpZCI6IjRMNXlPY2pyVjFOVXFWemNVdkpCbjF3VG00ZVRHRzlNaDAyMDFZazVqdTlOQSJ9.DaTm0Mijle4FAwpX-L4kYq4X-OYvFjJcbKvRhE20croAIRMGpkEFKOkpy5Cjk4VObgEm3uBO_SCoLgAKFJWs9tCFl0GFR7tQkwaxOYlS1XOpFsU3RP_IFK3GLJ0JH8HauEeJmYPpmo4v1aE5bNOyW-DzcB1AQGMsZkuCMnyWv3nn2fQEhC2467qNt_s3yjABb0nWl55a2zoE3uCYFPCpd_MAFtMVLawuPcdq6ocviIAMlX9wb5u3Sx26OHilZHFJM9aZHhv7sMFpXh1DLZ5t40Vw6eV1nZhGCvysFU6CAoe0OGgY4MJoacZGWDj8ng7qj38N9XJhJwT5Swy0YDXABA" loop="" muted="" playsinline="" preload="metadata" style="aspect-ratio: 1920 / 1080;"></video></figure>
<p class=""></p>
<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54210675245_f8343e4c03_4k.jpg" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54210675245_f8343e4c03_4k.jpg"/></a>
<p class="">The Flamestrider is not only a weapon but also a versatile tool for exploration. Equipped with a hidden backup propulsion module, it allows Mavuika to scale cliffs, charge across rugged terrain and waters, and glide in mid-air. In addition, having Mavuika in your party will decrease the party’s Nightsoul Transmission cooldown by 20%. The Flamestrider blazes across the land, unrestrained and proud, a testament to her unyielding spirit. Carried on the wind, the memory of a young lady’s confident words lingers: “I can shoot those cornflakes in your kitchen from right here.”</p>
<figure class="wp-block-video wp-video-399771"><video autoplay="" controls="" data-src="https://stream.mux.com/Pw2QTP7Yml01IlZZ2hkIgBAloGTH3hLv02sKFyFDWMInM/capped-1080p.mp4?token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJSUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJQdzJRVFA3WW1sMDFJbFpaMmhrSWdCQWxvR1RIM2hMdjAyc0tGeUZEV01Jbk0iLCJhdWQiOiJ2IiwiZXhwIjoxNzM4MDIyMDE4LCJraWQiOiI0TDV5T2NqclYxTlVxVnpjVXZKQm4xd1RtNGVUR0c5TWgwMjAxWWs1anU5TkEifQ.NBVgCGelbpo-LpWhIi_uVk0xZD3_PummXarTX8-5NS2M1RDg3SifAXOTuOrZRcLPmqdtWv4Ar2Yg1o82A7z4xFz6NjmZnelDa6r3q5Doer6h22Vbk9PxZFHqfug2yYSieP0JhPk-MwVe_mV5nqEE_AugRBLEEHxSXMfOACbllWzXiKGT29irrnfiP9ZN7LRjfJMgodC5VXoSYFYLjOovYLGiKv7H4NEvAmRisUpFBFvrPo8pDHSCaFeo4ZNiRh_Na2_OyjnKUaTARYAiYVv0fWRWKnzTXIu9Enuj96-RyjdB5fxo1Vcv9YDCnLfzXGYiDinsJVSlyV5lZq7hEQ3hOg" loop="" muted="" playsinline="" preload="metadata" style="aspect-ratio: 1920 / 1080;"></video></figure>
<p class=""></p>
<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54210269841_fb11160b4a_4k.jpg" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54210269841_fb11160b4a_4k.jpg"/></a>
<p class="">The sun shines brilliantly, yet the stars never cease to glow at night. As the most powerful shaman of the Masters of the Night-Wind, Citlali can sense changes in the Ley Lines and feel the wounds across all of Natlan from their long war with the Abyss. Due to the damage sustained by the Night Kingdom in the war, she has been aiding the lost wandering souls who can no longer return to it. In her downtime, the respected “Granny Itztli” may prefer to stay in her remote abode alone, surrounded by light novels and snacks. She is also accompanied by her little companions Itzpapa and Citlalin, who not only add comfort as cushions and pillows but also provide various forms of support in combat and exploration.</p>
<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54210269836_b27591cc54_4k.jpg" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54210269836_b27591cc54_4k.jpg"/></a>
<p class="">In combat, Citlali can deploy shields and summon Itzpapa with her Elemental Skill. When her Nightsoul points exceed a certain amount, Itzpapa will deal AoE Cryo DMG to nearby opponents. Her Elemental Burst summons both little companions and creates a Spiritvessel Skull. When the skull explodes, it will deal Nightsoul-aligned Cryo DMG and restore a fixed amount of Nightsoul points to Citlali. Additionally, when Citlali is in the Nightsoul’s Blessing state, enemies hit by Frozen or Melt reactions have reduced Pyro and Hydro RES. She can maintain her Nightsoul’s Blessing state to buff the party when you switch to other characters in battle.</p>
<figure class="wp-block-video wp-video-399772"><video autoplay="" controls="" data-src="https://stream.mux.com/kXXvMriMmsk1i7GEIxF8VyBnbSX7Vk02tSPVxw1d7tCQ/capped-1080p.mp4?token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJSUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJrWFh2TXJpTW1zazFpN0dFSXhGOFZ5Qm5iU1g3VmswMnRTUFZ4dzFkN3RDUSIsImF1ZCI6InYiLCJleHAiOjE3MzgwMjIwMTgsImtpZCI6IjRMNXlPY2pyVjFOVXFWemNVdkpCbjF3VG00ZVRHRzlNaDAyMDFZazVqdTlOQSJ9.PRcNYT2oTiI0vmCPz-n6DmLNxtFQY6Yk5qa0Oc-nfSjyCzSIeFB892QJPmZkpGrLm8FfScKU4YxXSb33aqHNdNiADE_YSteuoUrfxY4FJ9hqDqmdGhM5XMOA-6ACPCmMK8z_KUavj9eHAEn3yGtq0qByMbAk9jhrw2oz2FY-LrDJgkTwLazZZtb44n0olUSa5Ou7tPl-2KYapCyWNM7EIzVxSCG_7MHhBOKJYBwFj-tkPnrMHcTcCjK0PBx_7fv2vM5U5GrqIlEuw8bR6PhZMRXF_d2uD99G-taNj9O2HDmH_1LzWHy8rUTzLn0doKnxqFjR5XIl7s9shP5DTxyHFA" loop="" muted="" playsinline="" preload="metadata" style="aspect-ratio: 1920 / 1080;"></video></figure>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Team up for another year of adventure</h2>
<p class="">Elsewhere in Teyvat, Liyue is currently basking in warmth and harmony as its people prepare for the arrival of Lantern Rite and the new year. In the streets of Liyue, you may encounter a new character, Lan Yan, an Anemo catalyst user, along with many familiar faces, some of whom will debut with fresh new looks in the upcoming update.</p>
<p class="">The new 4-star character, Lan Yan, is a descendant and inheritor of the renowned Qimen Arts. She is a graceful and nimble artisan, lauded as a master craftsman in the Chenyu Vale Artisans Association. In combat, Lan Yan wields the Swallow-Wisp Shield, a secret art passed down through her family for generations. When she dashes forward and hits a target, she leaps backward into the air. Furthermore, this dash attack changes the Elemental Type of her shield to Hydro, Pyro, Cryo, or Electro, allowing it to absorb the corresponding Elemental DMG and deal the corresponding Elemental DMG in return.</p>
<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54210269826_5e2162d6e6_4k.jpg" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54210269826_5e2162d6e6_4k.jpg"/></a>
<p class="">For Version 5.3 Event Wishes, the first phase will feature the debuts of Mavuika and Citlali, while the second phase brings reruns of Arlecchino and Clorinde, alongside the debut of Lan Yan.</p>
<p class="">To recruit more Liyue characters, players can complete special festival requirements to invite one free 4-star Liyue character, including Lan Yan. Additionally, some 5-star Liyue characters, including Ganyu and others, can be obtained through a new round of Chronicled Wish.</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">More fun events await you</h2>
<p class="">Meeting friends is exciting, and participating in fun events doubles the joy. In Lantern Rite, try the mini-game Custom Gift Envelope to design envelopes tailored to your companions’ unique preferences. Plus, don’t forget to create envelopes filled with wishes for friends, family, or other Travelers, sealing your thoughts and memories into these tokens of affection. Also try out Immortal Combat, a Tetris-like game that allows you to use Rattan Figures to gain buffs and defeat opponents. Or try Drills by Lamplight, where you make use of stratagems during battle to boost your score. Dive into these mini-games and gather more Festive Fever to unlock a trove of exciting rewards including Xiangling’s new outfit, New Year’s Cheer. Additionally, Hu Tao’s new outfit, Cherries Snow-Laden, will be on sale with a limited-time discount.</p>
<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54210269846_147d82b853_4k.jpg" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54210269846_147d82b853_4k.jpg"/></a>
<p class=""></p>
<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54209370132_c0a39ad67d_4k.jpg" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54209370132_c0a39ad67d_4k.jpg"/></a>
<p class=""></p>
<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54210269761_5729ac4867_4k.jpg" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54210269761_5729ac4867_4k.jpg"/></a>
<p class="">The festive cheer manifests through music as well. With Repertoire of Myriad Melodies, the rhythm game feature is now added as a permanent mode and you can start playing, composing, and sharing your custom scores anytime with a special Gadget in your inventory. Want to take on some super-tough battles? In “On the Trail of Behemoths,” you can take on challenges of different difficulties and face off against four powerful Bosses solo or with a friend.</p>
<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54210512614_ec9ee22847_4k.jpg" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54210512614_ec9ee22847_4k.jpg"/></a>
<p class="">Last but not least, we want to say thank you to everyone who joined us on this fantastic journey in Teyvat! Together, we’ve created so many wonderful memories. Now, it’s time to release the Xiao Lanterns and celebrate Lantern Rite again. It’s also the perfect moment to ignite your inner fire and boldly embrace the as-yet-unknown, exciting adventures awaiting us in the year ahead.</p>
</div>',
                'None'
            );

            
            INSERT INTO articles (url, title, cover_image, content, youtube_link) VALUES (
                'https://blog.playstation.com/2024/12/20/share-of-the-week-astro-bot-winter-wonder/',
                'Share of the Week: Astro Bot – Winter Wonder',
                'https://blog.playstation.com/tachyon/2024/12/259a9bdc71f39d070ddaa89b29293efd09336c1d.jpg?resize=1088%2C612&crop_strategy=smart',
                '<div class="post-single__content single__content entry-content">
<p class="">Last week, we asked you get in the holiday spirit with the newly released Winter Wonter level of Astro Bot, and share moments exploring using #PSshare #PSBlog. Here are this week’s highlights:</p>
<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54213353271_4d04d7300e_k.jpg" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" height="1080" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54213353271_4d04d7300e_k.jpg" width="1920"/></a>
<p class="has-text-align-center"><a href="https://x.com/VrPhotoGamess/status/1867940886967156802/photo/2"><em>VrPhotoGamess</em></a><em> </em><em>shares Astro surrounded by jingle bells in the Festive Fellow outfit.</em></p>
<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54213353171_43c3bc7fca_k.jpg" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" height="1080" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54213353171_43c3bc7fca_k.jpg" width="1920"/></a>
<p class="has-text-align-center"><a href="https://x.com/MdeavorVP/status/1868737638662095035/photo/3"><em>MdeavorVP</em></a><em> </em><em>shares Astro in the Festive Fellow outfit gliding down a rail</em></p>
<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54213580198_6be036e128_k.jpg" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" height="1080" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54213580198_6be036e128_k.jpg" width="1920"/></a>
<p class="has-text-align-center"><a href="https://x.com/CaGamer_07/status/1868759243899511029/photo/2"><em>CaGamer_07</em></a><em> </em><em>shares Astro in the Festive Fellow outfit next to a snowman in an igloo</em></p>
<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54213353156_f963976c96_k.jpg" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" height="1080" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54213353156_f963976c96_k.jpg" width="1920"/></a>
<p class="has-text-align-center"><a href="https://x.com/Pfannkuchenns/status/1869468453146669557/photo/3"><em>Pfannkuchenns</em></a><em> </em><em>shares Astro posing in a photo spot while reindeer and a present-filled sleigh fly by</em></p>
<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54213353311_0da490ca17_k.jpg" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" height="1080" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54213353311_0da490ca17_k.jpg" width="1920"/></a>
<p class="has-text-align-center"><a href="https://x.com/doodlecep/status/1869239380742909965/photo/1"><em>doodlecep</em></a><em> </em><em>shares Astro in the Festive Fellow costume jumping beside a decorated tree</em></p>
<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54213753140_399ee964c9_k.jpg" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" height="1080" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54213753140_399ee964c9_k.jpg" width="1920"/></a>
<p class="has-text-align-center"><a href="https://x.com/MBaw96/status/1868664211808899140/photo/1"><em>MBaw96</em></a><em> </em><em>shares the animal bots gathered underneath festive Astro fireworks</em></p>
<p class="">Search #PSshare #PSBlog on Twitter or Instagram to see more entries to this week’s theme. Want to be featured in the next Share of the Week?</p>
<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54213580303_64da1ad364_k.jpg" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" height="1080" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54213580303_64da1ad364_k.jpg" width="1920"/></a>
<p class="">THEME: Share of the Year<br/>SUBMIT BY: 11:59 PM PT on December 31, 2024 </p>
<p class="">Next time, we’re looking back at an amazing year of gaming. Share your favorite moment captured in a game you played in 2024 using #PSshare #PSBlog for a chance to be featured in Share of the Year.</p>
</div>',
                'None'
            );

            
            INSERT INTO articles (url, title, cover_image, content, youtube_link) VALUES (
                'https://blog.playstation.com/2024/12/23/shuhei-yoshidas-favorite-playstation-indie-games-of-2024/',
                'Shuhei Yoshida’s favorite PlayStation indie games of 2024',
                'https://blog.playstation.com/tachyon/2024/12/e982cb03775a90651aac9a9d8b54f2c55bd6f52a.jpeg?resize=1088%2C612&crop_strategy=smart',
                '<div class="post-single__content single__content entry-content">
<p class="">Hello everyone! 2024 was another incredible year for indie games, and today, I’m very excited to share 11 of my favorite titles that were released on PlayStation this year.</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.playstation.com/games/pacific-drive/">Pacific Drive</a></h2>
<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54133819920_8b5e0d73db_h.jpg" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" height="1080" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54133819920_8b5e0d73db_h.jpg" width="1920"/></a>
<p class="">Pacific Drive is a ‘road-lite’ survival game, where you navigate a stormy, mysterious forest with your car as your only companion. Each time you set off on an excursion, your car will slowly breakdown due to strange anomalies, and you must return safely back to your garage. Otherwise, you’re required to start over. You can restore and upgrade your car with resources gathered during your runs. Each trip into the wilderness is unique and randomized, which makes the gameplay all the more engrossing and addicting.</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.playstation.com/games/animal-well/">Animal Well</a></h2>
<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54133358196_a9b8a7da34_h.jpg" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" height="1080" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54133358196_a9b8a7da34_h.jpg" width="1920"/></a>
<p class="">The pixel-art world of this beautiful game feels nostalgic yet somehow completely novel, with its surreal lighting that illuminates the map. Animal Well is a Metroidvania with a world filled with endless surprises. The sense of accomplishment you’ll feel after conquering its challenging platform sections and cryptic puzzles is truly unique and exhilarating.</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.playstation.com/games/v-rising/">V Rising</a></h2>
<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54133357986_301a19c38e_h.jpg" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" height="1080" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54133357986_301a19c38e_h.jpg" width="1920"/></a>
<p class="">The massively popular vampire survival PC game is now available on PlayStation. Players awaken as weakened vampires and hunt for the blood of enemies and animals to regain strength and acquire their powers to conquer the map. As vampires, players are vulnerable to sunlight. You must hide in the shadows and avoid sun exposure in order to survive during the daytime.</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.playstation.com/games/schim/">SCHiM</a></h2>
<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54133703349_6e10989cb9_h.jpg" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" height="1080" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54133703349_6e10989cb9_h.jpg" width="1920"/></a>
<p class="">When you were a child, did you ever pretend that you could only move around by jumping from shadow to shadow? SCHiM allows you to relive those nostalgic moments by playing as a frog-like creature who can only navigate the map by hopping between shadows. It’s also a visually stunning game with its unique color pallet and art style.</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.playstation.com/games/the-plucky-squire/">The Plucky Squire</a></h2>
<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54133357966_5fd13f2f35_h.jpg" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" height="1080" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54133357966_5fd13f2f35_h.jpg" width="1920"/></a>
<p class="">Plucky Squire is a charming action adventure where you jump between 2D and 3D worlds.</p>
<p class="">One moment, you’re enjoying a 2D action game inside the pages of a storybook, but the next second, you’re embarking on an adventure in the outside 3D realm, and before you know it, you’re back inside the book, solving puzzles. Full of delightful gimmicks, the game delivers an experience that players of all ages can enjoy.</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.playstation.com/games/palworld/">Palworld</a></h2>
<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54133357971_3d20123b18_h.jpg" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" height="1080" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54133357971_3d20123b18_h.jpg" width="1920"/></a>
<p class="">An indie game coming from Japan, Palworld is an open world, crafting and survival game full of adorable creatures (Pals), that took the gaming world by storm. The gameplay loop of collecting Pals, expanding your base, and venturing out further out into the world is very addicting and hard to put down.</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.playstation.com/games/neva/">Neva</a></h2>
<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54133358051_99aa1b48b8_h.jpg" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" height="1080" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54133358051_99aa1b48b8_h.jpg" width="1920"/></a>
<p class="">The latest title from the visionary team behind GRIS, a beautiful yet heartbreaking adventure game released back in 2018. Neva chronicles the story of the player and a wolf cub, Neva, who together embark on a journey through a vibrant world that progresses from season to season. The story is told without dialogue, and the ending will move you to tears.</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.playstation.com/games/fear-the-spotlight/">Fear the Spotlight</a></h2>
<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54133643198_6500faadcb_h.jpg" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" height="1080" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54133643198_6500faadcb_h.jpg" width="1920"/></a>
<p class="">Fear the Spotlight is an atmospheric horror adventure featuring a retro low-polygon art style reminiscent of the original PlayStation era. Two teenage girls sneak into school after hours, only to be separated by disturbing paranormal activities. They must solve puzzles and stay out of sight of the monster who wanders the hall to be safely reunited.</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.playstation.com/games/slitterhead/">Slitterhead</a></h2>
<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54133643193_f104b76090_h.jpg" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" height="1080" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54133643193_f104b76090_h.jpg" width="1920"/></a>
<p class="">From the mind of Keiichiro Toyama, the legendary creator behind Siren and Gravity Rush. During the ‘90s, Kowlong, Hong Kong, is faced with a series of gruesome murders. The player is a body-less entity that possess NPCs roaming the streets in order to battle Slitterheads, a monster that feasts on human brains. Finishing off the monsters as ordinary middle-aged men and women is an absolute blast.</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://store.playstation.com/en-us/product/JP4443-PPSA25414_00-0905368681809535">Nine Sols</a></h2>
<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54133703249_21f04c0371_h.jpg" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" height="1080" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54133703249_21f04c0371_h.jpg" width="1920"/></a>
<p class="">A new game brought to life by Red Candle Games, the studio behind Detention and Devotion. Taking inspiration from Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, Nine Sols is a hardcore action game centered on deflection-based combat. Pulling off a perfect parry and counterattack is tremendously rewarding and invigorating. The atmosphere blends cyberpunk with ancient Chinese mythology and Taoism, is also unique and fascinating.</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.playstation.com/games/balatro/">Balatro</a></h2>
<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54215262475_996a257a45_4k.jpg" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" height="1080" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54215262475_996a257a45_4k.jpg" width="1920"/></a>
<p class="">A fusion of poker and roguelike? You might think, “What’s that?” But once you start, you won’t be able to stop. This worldwide hit game is the creation of a single developer. Incredible!</p>
</div>',
                'None'
            );

            
            INSERT INTO articles (url, title, cover_image, content, youtube_link) VALUES (
                'https://blog.playstation.com/2024/12/26/5-striking-gaming-trends-across-playstation-in-2024/',
                '5 gaming trends across PlayStation in 2024',
                'https://blog.playstation.com/tachyon/2024/12/33076c579c3226f2cf86a604f3ffbf9dae8c32aa.jpg?resize=1088%2C612&crop_strategy=smart',
                '<div class="post-single__content single__content entry-content">
<p class="">Sure, the exhilarating thrills of 2025 are close to being loaded onto our screens within moments, but there’s still time to bask in the glories that 2024 brought. From brilliant Bots and a beautifully blocky LEGO world, to epic fantasy adventures and remastered classics, there’s been everything for everyone. </p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A year of expansive RPGs</h2>
<div class="shortcode shortcode--youtube">
<div class="youtube-video" data-title="" data-youtube-id="Kr6D5WtCMwM">
<button class="youtube-video__load-button">
<svg aria-hidden="true" class="icon icon--play icon--26 icon--play icon--blue" focusable="false" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 20 20">
<title></title><path class="icon-primary-color" d="M0 1.75v17l20-8.5z" fill-rule="evenodd"></path> </svg>
<span class="screen-reader-text">Play  Video</span>
</button>
<img alt="5 gaming trends across PlayStation in 2024" height="1080" src="https://img.youtube.com/vi/Kr6D5WtCMwM/maxresdefault.jpg" width="1920"/>
<div class="youtube-video__iframe"></div>
</div>
</div>
<p class="">It was an enchanting 12 months for massive and magical lands full of spell casting heroes, pointed ears and sky dwelling towns. Persona creators Atlas stepped into a brave new world with its fantastical <strong>Metaphor ReFantazio</strong>, and with it scooped an abundance of well-deserved praise thanks to its thoughtful combat mechanics, slick presentation and <strong><em>that</em></strong> battle theme.</p>
<div class="shortcode shortcode--youtube">
<div class="youtube-video" data-title="" data-youtube-id="ySktL_lzdCk">
<button class="youtube-video__load-button">
<svg aria-hidden="true" class="icon icon--play icon--26 icon--play icon--blue" focusable="false" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 20 20">
<title></title><path class="icon-primary-color" d="M0 1.75v17l20-8.5z" fill-rule="evenodd"></path> </svg>
<span class="screen-reader-text">Play  Video</span>
</button>
<img alt="5 gaming trends across PlayStation in 2024" height="1080" src="https://img.youtube.com/vi/ySktL_lzdCk/maxresdefault.jpg" width="1920"/>
<div class="youtube-video__iframe"></div>
</div>
</div>
<p class="">Similarly, <strong>Final Fantasy VII Rebirth</strong> aced the unenviable task of reimagining one of the most influential RPGs of all time and maintaining the momentum of its prior, the massively successful <strong>Final Fantasy VII Remake</strong>. Sticking with the fantastic, fast-paced action RPG <strong>Granblue Fantasy: Relink </strong>delivered some much-welcomed co-op combat to go with its sprawling story, while <strong>Dragon Age: The Veilguard</strong> rounded out the year with a hugely compelling quest and a suitably stirring soundtrack by composer royalty Hans Zimmer and Lorne Balfe.</p>
<div class="shortcode shortcode--youtube">
<div class="youtube-video has-agegate" data-title="" data-youtube-id="ZcYdoEju54c">
<button class="youtube-video__load-button">
<svg aria-hidden="true" class="icon icon--play icon--26 icon--play icon--blue" focusable="false" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 20 20">
<title></title><path class="icon-primary-color" d="M0 1.75v17l20-8.5z" fill-rule="evenodd"></path> </svg>
<span class="screen-reader-text">Play  Video</span>
</button>
<img alt="5 gaming trends across PlayStation in 2024" height="1080" src="https://img.youtube.com/vi/ZcYdoEju54c/maxresdefault.jpg" width="1920"/>
<div class="youtube-video__iframe"></div>
</div>
</div>
<p class="">On a slightly more grounded level – well, relatively speaking <strong>– Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth</strong> provided some punch to any RPG fans who preferred mean streets over spell sheets, via its entertaining combat system and fun expansion of the rich Yakuza universe.</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A year of classic remasters</h2>
<p class="">Not to be outdone by the onslaught of new titles inspiring imaginations, there were an impressive array of classics coming back with more than just a fresh lick of paint. Which was more than appropriate for <strong>Disney’s Epic Mickey</strong>, which saw the iconic mouse return with new abilities to match his beautifully updated visuals.</p>
<div class="shortcode shortcode--youtube">
<div class="youtube-video" data-title="" data-youtube-id="Gm5TlIxTUHw">
<button class="youtube-video__load-button">
<svg aria-hidden="true" class="icon icon--play icon--26 icon--play icon--blue" focusable="false" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 20 20">
<title></title><path class="icon-primary-color" d="M0 1.75v17l20-8.5z" fill-rule="evenodd"></path> </svg>
<span class="screen-reader-text">Play  Video</span>
</button>
<img alt="5 gaming trends across PlayStation in 2024" height="1080" src="https://img.youtube.com/vi/Gm5TlIxTUHw/maxresdefault.jpg" width="1920"/>
<div class="youtube-video__iframe"></div>
</div>
</div>
<p class="">Speaking of icons, Lara Croft fans had a treasure trove of familiar delights to unearth in <strong>Tomb Raider I–III Remastered</strong>, and she wasn’t the only one resurfacing archaeological wonders, either. <strong>Broken Sword – Shadow of the Templars: Reforged</strong> brought back George Stobbart and Nico Collard’s quest to discover the arcane secrets of the Knights Templar in a 4K enhanced version of the adventure favourite.</p>
<div class="shortcode shortcode--youtube">
<div class="youtube-video" data-title="" data-youtube-id="Eh3h_A3VfdA">
<button class="youtube-video__load-button">
<svg aria-hidden="true" class="icon icon--play icon--26 icon--play icon--blue" focusable="false" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 20 20">
<title></title><path class="icon-primary-color" d="M0 1.75v17l20-8.5z" fill-rule="evenodd"></path> </svg>
<span class="screen-reader-text">Play  Video</span>
</button>
<img alt="5 gaming trends across PlayStation in 2024" height="1080" src="https://img.youtube.com/vi/Eh3h_A3VfdA/maxresdefault.jpg" width="1920"/>
<div class="youtube-video__iframe"></div>
</div>
</div>
<p class="">In galaxies a bit farther afield, <strong>Star Wars: Dark Forces Remaster</strong> and <strong>Beyond Good &amp; Evil – 20</strong><strong><sup>th</sup></strong><strong> Anniversary Edition</strong> both delivered on sci-fi delights across the FPS and action-adventure genres, respectively – with an equally epic turnout in fan-favourite fantasy RPGs via <strong>Grandia HD Collection</strong> and <strong>Persona 3 Reload</strong>. Oh, and for the players craving remastered zombie action? Capcom had its finger on the trigger, as <strong>Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster</strong> lumbered onto our screens with an array of… well, brainy improvements. Actually, while we’re on the subject of horror…</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A year of horror and retro-inspired scares</h2>
<div class="shortcode shortcode--youtube">
<div class="youtube-video has-agegate" data-title="" data-youtube-id="7f5qac5f3mE">
<button class="youtube-video__load-button">
<svg aria-hidden="true" class="icon icon--play icon--26 icon--play icon--blue" focusable="false" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 20 20">
<title></title><path class="icon-primary-color" d="M0 1.75v17l20-8.5z" fill-rule="evenodd"></path> </svg>
<span class="screen-reader-text">Play  Video</span>
</button>
<img alt="5 gaming trends across PlayStation in 2024" height="1080" src="https://img.youtube.com/vi/7f5qac5f3mE/maxresdefault.jpg" width="1920"/>
<div class="youtube-video__iframe"></div>
</div>
</div>
<p class="">While many remasters sent hearts aflutter, there were a sprinkling of games returning to give other hearts a real jolt. <strong>Silent Hill 2</strong> stepped out of the mists in frightening form with a stunning remake that took us back to nightmarish encounters with Pyramid Head, albeit with a high presentational fidelity that only enhanced the unforgettable story.   </p>
<div class="shortcode shortcode--youtube">
<div class="youtube-video" data-title="" data-youtube-id="LZt3ZfOIns4">
<button class="youtube-video__load-button">
<svg aria-hidden="true" class="icon icon--play icon--26 icon--play icon--blue" focusable="false" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 20 20">
<title></title><path class="icon-primary-color" d="M0 1.75v17l20-8.5z" fill-rule="evenodd"></path> </svg>
<span class="screen-reader-text">Play  Video</span>
</button>
<img alt="5 gaming trends across PlayStation in 2024" height="1080" src="https://img.youtube.com/vi/LZt3ZfOIns4/maxresdefault.jpg" width="1920"/>
<div class="youtube-video__iframe"></div>
</div>
</div>
<p class="">There was also a creepy cavalcade of new titles that were just as powerful at making the hairs on your controller-holding arms stand up on end. For those who love retro touches, <strong>Crow Country</strong> perfectly wrapped timeless survival horror gameplay within the familiar 1990s PlayStation visual style. Similarly, <strong>Fear the Spotlight</strong> played with an old school aesthetic to give its creepy narrative an intense edge, while the ‘80s also made a comeback via the amusing and disturbing asymmetrical multiplayer thrills of <strong>Killer Klowns from Outer Space: The Game</strong>, based on the 1988 cult classic movie.</p>
<div class="shortcode shortcode--youtube">
<div class="youtube-video has-agegate" data-title="" data-youtube-id="otQMSwqKU_Q">
<button class="youtube-video__load-button">
<svg aria-hidden="true" class="icon icon--play icon--26 icon--play icon--blue" focusable="false" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 20 20">
<title></title><path class="icon-primary-color" d="M0 1.75v17l20-8.5z" fill-rule="evenodd"></path> </svg>
<span class="screen-reader-text">Play  Video</span>
</button>
<img alt="5 gaming trends across PlayStation in 2024" height="1080" src="https://img.youtube.com/vi/otQMSwqKU_Q/maxresdefault.jpg" width="1920"/>
<div class="youtube-video__iframe"></div>
</div>
</div>
<p class="">If you preferred a more modern scare, <strong>Still Wakes the Deep</strong> delivered a well written, utterly haunting and claustrophobic psychological – and cosmic tinged – horror. Although going full cosmic was also terrifyingly easy with the in-your-face frights of VR combat adventure <strong>Alien: Rogue Incursion</strong>. And in your living room, everyone can hear you scream…</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A year of character platformers</h2>
<div class="shortcode shortcode--youtube">
<div class="youtube-video" data-title="" data-youtube-id="unYFdcEjV9k">
<button class="youtube-video__load-button">
<svg aria-hidden="true" class="icon icon--play icon--26 icon--play icon--blue" focusable="false" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 20 20">
<title></title><path class="icon-primary-color" d="M0 1.75v17l20-8.5z" fill-rule="evenodd"></path> </svg>
<span class="screen-reader-text">Play  Video</span>
</button>
<img alt="5 gaming trends across PlayStation in 2024" height="1080" src="https://img.youtube.com/vi/unYFdcEjV9k/maxresdefault.jpg" width="1920"/>
<div class="youtube-video__iframe"></div>
</div>
</div>
<p class="">Making a mark on the platform genre isn’t easy, but 2024 provided a blueprint that we’ll all be eager for others to follow in the future. Of course, the big flag bearer this year has been the endlessly inventive and charming <strong>Astro Bot</strong>. Team Asobi’s fun and feature-packed adventure became an instant classic due to its imaginative level design, wonderful use of the DualSense wireless controller and some unforgettable cameos.</p>
<div class="shortcode shortcode--youtube">
<div class="youtube-video" data-title="" data-youtube-id="aQd-EhmRQiM">
<button class="youtube-video__load-button">
<svg aria-hidden="true" class="icon icon--play icon--26 icon--play icon--blue" focusable="false" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 20 20">
<title></title><path class="icon-primary-color" d="M0 1.75v17l20-8.5z" fill-rule="evenodd"></path> </svg>
<span class="screen-reader-text">Play  Video</span>
</button>
<img alt="5 gaming trends across PlayStation in 2024" height="1080" src="https://img.youtube.com/vi/aQd-EhmRQiM/maxresdefault.jpg" width="1920"/>
<div class="youtube-video__iframe"></div>
</div>
</div>
<p class="">But let’s not forget a couple of slick sleeper hits, either. <strong>Another Crab’s Treasure</strong> introduced us to the aquatic Soulslike action-adventure world of Kril, an irate hermit crab capable of using the discarded junk around him as weapons and armour.  On the slightly breezier side, <strong>Penny’s Big Breakaway</strong> was a bright and colourful callback to an era of kinetic and fast-paced platformers, with the titular hero out to clear her name while being pursued by Emperor Eddie’s army of madcap penguins. It’s exactly as wild as it sounds.</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A year of creative art design</h2>
<div class="shortcode shortcode--youtube">
<div class="youtube-video" data-title="" data-youtube-id="-ROSCSRs8RU">
<button class="youtube-video__load-button">
<svg aria-hidden="true" class="icon icon--play icon--26 icon--play icon--blue" focusable="false" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 20 20">
<title></title><path class="icon-primary-color" d="M0 1.75v17l20-8.5z" fill-rule="evenodd"></path> </svg>
<span class="screen-reader-text">Play  Video</span>
</button>
<img alt="5 gaming trends across PlayStation in 2024" height="1080" src="https://img.youtube.com/vi/-ROSCSRs8RU/maxresdefault.jpg" width="1920"/>
<div class="youtube-video__iframe"></div>
</div>
</div>
<p class="">2024 also played host to some of the most memorable looking games that not only had a distinct visual identity, but also played well, too. The beautifully crafted stop-motion animation of<strong> Harold Halibut</strong> contributed to its 10-year development process, with physical dioramas scanned into the game, resulting in a striking aesthetic for the charming graphic adventure.  </p>
<div class="shortcode shortcode--youtube">
<div class="youtube-video" data-title="" data-youtube-id="sW7rC4i9mAs">
<button class="youtube-video__load-button">
<svg aria-hidden="true" class="icon icon--play icon--26 icon--play icon--blue" focusable="false" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 20 20">
<title></title><path class="icon-primary-color" d="M0 1.75v17l20-8.5z" fill-rule="evenodd"></path> </svg>
<span class="screen-reader-text">Play  Video</span>
</button>
<img alt="5 gaming trends across PlayStation in 2024" height="1080" src="https://img.youtube.com/vi/sW7rC4i9mAs/maxresdefault.jpg" width="1920"/>
<div class="youtube-video__iframe"></div>
</div>
</div>
<p class="">The powerful use of colour and contrast were the visual hallmarks of beautiful puzzle-driven platformer <strong>Neva</strong>, while slapstick adventure <strong>Thank Goodness You’re Here!</strong> leaned entirely into its absurdist humour with a bright and bold style reminiscent of classic – and equally eccentric – British comedy comic books.</p>
<div class="shortcode shortcode--youtube">
<div class="youtube-video" data-title="" data-youtube-id="KGr35V-5Im0">
<button class="youtube-video__load-button">
<svg aria-hidden="true" class="icon icon--play icon--26 icon--play icon--blue" focusable="false" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 20 20">
<title></title><path class="icon-primary-color" d="M0 1.75v17l20-8.5z" fill-rule="evenodd"></path> </svg>
<span class="screen-reader-text">Play  Video</span>
</button>
<img alt="5 gaming trends across PlayStation in 2024" height="1080" src="https://img.youtube.com/vi/KGr35V-5Im0/maxresdefault.jpg" width="1920"/>
<div class="youtube-video__iframe"></div>
</div>
</div>
<p class="">Also coming in bold, but additionally blocky, was <strong>LEGO Horizon Adventures</strong>, a playful spin on Horizon Zero Dawn. Its visual inventiveness was highlighted by the revelation that everything you see in the game, including its imposing and impressive machines, can be built using real world LEGO bricks and sets.</p>
<div class="shortcode shortcode--youtube">
<div class="youtube-video" data-title="" data-youtube-id="Ee_A5350XrI">
<button class="youtube-video__load-button">
<svg aria-hidden="true" class="icon icon--play icon--26 icon--play icon--blue" focusable="false" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 20 20">
<title></title><path class="icon-primary-color" d="M0 1.75v17l20-8.5z" fill-rule="evenodd"></path> </svg>
<span class="screen-reader-text">Play  Video</span>
</button>
<img alt="5 gaming trends across PlayStation in 2024" height="1080" src="https://img.youtube.com/vi/Ee_A5350XrI/maxresdefault.jpg" width="1920"/>
<div class="youtube-video__iframe"></div>
</div>
</div>
<p class="">Which games and their appropriate trends were your favourites for 2024?</p>
</div>',
                'None'
            );

            
            INSERT INTO articles (url, title, cover_image, content, youtube_link) VALUES (
                'https://blog.playstation.com/2025/01/06/valorant-welcomes-new-initiator-tejo/',
                'Valorant welcomes new Initiator – Tejo',
                'https://blog.playstation.com/tachyon/2025/01/58f32df8881eb3dfdae2f4e229757818d4807b00.jpeg?resize=1088%2C612&crop_strategy=smart',
                '<div class="post-single__content single__content entry-content">
<p class=""><a href="https://www.playstation.com/games/valorant/?smcid=ma">Valorant</a> announces its newest initiator, Tejo – the well-dressed man of action – has officially joined the Agent roster. Hailing from Colombia, Tejo will undoubtedly shake up the gameplay with his unique kit that flushes out enemies using a top-down approach. Tejo requires you to analyze the situation mid-round and use abilities to help clear the way for your team strategically. Based on the enemy’s playstyle, where are they likely to be? Can you use their location to your advantage and get them in a vulnerable position?</p>
<div class="shortcode shortcode--youtube">
<div class="youtube-video" data-title="" data-youtube-id="reNp_ksO9jw">
<button class="youtube-video__load-button">
<svg aria-hidden="true" class="icon icon--play icon--26 icon--play icon--blue" focusable="false" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 20 20">
<title></title><path class="icon-primary-color" d="M0 1.75v17l20-8.5z" fill-rule="evenodd"></path> </svg>
<span class="screen-reader-text">Play  Video</span>
</button>
<img alt="Valorant welcomes new Initiator – Tejo" height="1080" src="https://img.youtube.com/vi/reNp_ksO9jw/maxresdefault.jpg" width="1920"/>
<div class="youtube-video__iframe"></div>
</div>
</div>
<p class="">“We had a gameplay opportunity where we wanted to have an Initiator who thought of the map a little differently – more top-down instead of taking angles one by one. We wanted to try adding a couple of abilities with outputs like flushing that was really exciting for creating these windows of power,” noted Ryan “Rycou” Cousart, game  designer for Tejo. </p>
<p class="">Initiators need to do things precisely. We’ve all been there – looking up Agent guides on YouTube, heading to a custom to test out a lineup, ghosting through the walls to see if it landed correctly. Tejo offers Initiator players something different by being able to accurately place utilities using the map in more precisely targeted areas, instead of relying on the perfect-pixel lineups that some utilities with bigger footprints may rely on. This allows you to be more precise with what you want to do but with the trade-off of having a smaller area of impact.</p>
<p class=""><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54213682339_5b4a037e73_h.jpg" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54213682339_5b4a037e73_h.jpg"/></a></p>
<p class="">To effectively use his precise utility, Tejo needs some info — and like other Initiators, he’s good at gathering that info himself. “Since Tejo can provide information about where the enemies are, it allows him to be a lot more consistent with the value he can bring,” stated John Goscicki, Agent team lead. “Tejo is one of the few Initiators without a flash so he’ll be more effective with another Initiator like Breach or KAY/O where you can create these really fast, explosive takes.”</p>
<p class=""><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54212543642_d89345bb67_h.jpg" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54212543642_d89345bb67_h.jpg"/></a></p>
<p class="">The idea of this Agent being an Initiator who leads a team with strong game sense goes along with the perception of someone who is experienced on the battlefield and in life.</p>
<p class="">“The phrase we used a lot was just ‘man of action.’ We’ve all seen the movies, read the books where you just see the dude in the button-up, in the blazer, just coming and destroying everyone,” noted Goscicki. “He’s the rugged professional – his shirt is unbuttoned and he’s ready for action. He’s not like Chamber where every detail about his attire matters to reinforce the idea of landing the perfect shot. Tejo is going to run in there through all  the explosions and everything’s got to be loose, wavy, and comfortable.” </p>
<p class="">Everyone can play Tejo but those with strategic game sense can make him really shine. Step up to the challenge and learn to use him to your advantage before everyone else. If the new Agent isn’t enough excitement already,  check out the new PlayStation Plus offerings which include various in-game items, such as Snowball Gun Buddy,  Celestial Player Card, Sentinels of Light Spray, Sovereign Spray, and Radianite Points. </p>
<p class="">As Tejo would say, “We can stand around all day talking about killing them… or we just do it.” Valorant is free-to-play on PS5 now.</p>
<p class=""></p>
</div>',
                'None'
            );

            
            INSERT INTO articles (url, title, cover_image, content, youtube_link) VALUES (
                'https://blog.playstation.com/2025/01/06/welcome-to-playstation-34-must-play-games-across-the-generations-on-playstation-plus/',
                'Welcome to PlayStation: 34 must-play games across the generations on PlayStation Plus',
                'https://blog.playstation.com/tachyon/2025/01/e997186c79272c486dc5cbbf0785e2be61637925.jpg?resize=1088%2C612&crop_strategy=smart',
                '<div class="post-single__content single__content entry-content">
<p class="">If you’re new to PlayStation (or just looking to try a new game) you’re absolutely spoiled for choice with <a href="https://www.playstation.com/ps-plus/?smcid=mablog">PlayStation Plus</a>, which will let you dive into games which helped define PlayStation over the past 30 years. There are far too many games to cover in this humble feature, but here’s an extensive selection that is available for you to enjoy right now via PlayStation Plus. Over 30 games from 30 years? Better charge up your controllers…</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>PlayStation</strong></h2>



​​<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54215776740_0f8dd099c5_h.jpg" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54215776740_0f8dd099c5_h.jpg"/></a>
<p class=""><strong>Jumping Flash | Sony Computer Entertainment | Exact &amp; Ultra | 1995</strong><strong><br/></strong><strong><br/></strong>True revolutions in gaming don’t come around too often, but when a cute looking robotic rabbit by the name of Robbit leapt onto our screens, it helped pave the way for the future. Jumping Flash holds the Guinness World Record as the “first platform video game in true 3D”, which is even more impressive given it’s entirely from a first-person perspective. A real game changer.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Twisted Metal | Sony Computer Entertainment | SingleTrac &amp; Sony Interactive Studios | 1995</strong><br/><br/>Demolition derbies in games weren’t all too common when Twisted Metal crashed onto the scene, mixing aggressive high impact driving with vehicular combat that redefined the entire genre. Between its deathmatch-style gameplay and the introduction of everyone’s favorite demonic ice cream truck driver Sweet Tooth, Twisted Metal paved the road for many others to follow. </p>
<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54215608258_a46ffd5692_h.jpg" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54215608258_a46ffd5692_h.jpg"/></a>
<p class=""><strong>Tekken 2 | Namco | Namco | 1996</strong><strong><br/></strong><strong><br/></strong>True, the original Tekken helped set the stage for the then fresh genre of 3D fighting games, but its sequel established the series as something that could truly go toe-to-toe with its rivals. Its hard-hitting cast and tight gameplay have become a staple of the genre. Not to mention the franchise holds the world record for the longest running story in video games without reboots, retcons, or revisions – that’s a lot of people being thrown from, off or into something from a great height.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Resident Evil Director’s Cut</strong> <strong>| Capcom | Capcom | 1997</strong><strong><br/></strong><strong><br/></strong>Horror has always had its place in gaming as far back as 3D Monster Maze in 1981, but it was Resident Evil which crafted the crimson blueprint for horror and all of its sub-genres, since. In particular, Capcom’s classic merged American horror movie schlock with innovative puzzles and genuinely brilliant – and now iconic – jump scares, all set against bleeding edge pre-rendered backgrounds. Survival horror has never been the same, and that’s exactly the way we like it. The original captivated and terrified players back in 1996. The Director’s Cut, featuring some gameplay tweaks, launched one year later.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Ridge Racer Type 4 | Namco | Namco | 1999</strong><strong><br/></strong><strong><br/></strong>A juggernaut amongst racing games, Ridge Racer had already established its rapidly earned credentials by the time Type 4 hit the track. So this particular entry solidified what everyone had already known or suspected with one of the best entries across the entire series. From its coin-op roots to a now expertly amalgamated engine of arcade driving and realism, Type 4 was Ridge Racer perfected.</p>
<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54215382711_732db6411f_h.jpg" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54215382711_732db6411f_h.jpg"/></a>
<p class=""><strong>Ape Escape | Sony Computer Entertainment | Japan Studio | 1999</strong><strong><br/></strong><strong><br/></strong>Not many knew what to make of this quirky and colorful platformer when it was first unveiled, but once it was in players’ hands, everything became wonderfully clear. Introducing the possibilities of the DualShock analog controller, Ape Escape’s innovative control scheme, playful visuals and downright cuteness stole the hearts of everyone who played it, just like the peppy primates of the series itself.</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>PlayStation 2</strong></h2>
<p class=""><strong>Fantavision | Sony Computer Entertainment | Japan Studio | 2000</strong><strong><br/></strong><strong><br/></strong>How many real-time firework themed puzzle games have you played? Chances are, when Fantavision first exploded into view, very few, if any at all. Still enchantingly novel after all these years, Japan Studio’s game was an unforgettable and spectacular showcase of particle effects on PS2.</p>
<p class=""><strong>TimeSplitters | Eidos Interactive | Free Radical Design | 2000</strong><strong><br/></strong><strong><br/></strong>First-person shooters were in somewhat of a renaissance by the time TimeSplitters arrived, in no small way due to the team behind it. Free Radical Design had the pedigree and talent to skilfully refine the punchy gameplay style and split-screen multiplayer modes that they already popularized, igniting the spark of a new fan-favorite franchise. </p>
<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54215613409_6a41381957_h.jpg" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54215613409_6a41381957_h.jpg"/></a>
<p class=""><strong>Dark Cloud | Sony Computer Entertainment | Level-5 | 2001</strong><strong><br/></strong><strong><br/></strong>Seeing the stunning looking Dark Cloud for the first time raised many questions – was it an RPG? A city builder? An action game? The answer? Yes. Inventively mixing genres with procedurally generated dungeon-crawling, Dark Cloud was ahead of its time, and a great demonstration of what PlayStation 2 could bring to our swiftly evolving medium.</p>
<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54214476422_5c3681f661_h.jpg" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54214476422_5c3681f661_h.jpg"/></a>
<p class=""><strong>Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy | Sony Computer Entertainment | Naughty Dog | 2001</strong><strong><br/></strong><strong><br/></strong>It’s easy to take for granted how much Jak and Daxter was doing under the hood of its bright, bold and brash sci-fi fantasy platform adventuring. But crafting an expansive and open 3D world full of puzzles, distinctive characters, and collectibles, without loading screens was no easy task. Naughty Dog not only pulled it off, but created a popular series with an incredibly dedicated audience.</p>
<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54215382716_3b0bfe2b19_h.jpg" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54215382716_3b0bfe2b19_h.jpg"/></a>
<p class=""><strong>Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus | Sony Computer Entertainment | Sucker Punch Productions | 2002</strong><br/><br/>Stealth games had become a massively popular genre in the early 2000s, but very few were deviating from the military espionage formula that had helped make it so big. In crept Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus, with its creative ‘toon shaded’ visuals and slick gameplay, proving it was possible to be seriously sneaky and stylish, without being solemn.</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>PlayStation 3</strong></h2>
<p class=""><strong>Resistance: Fall of Man | Sony Computer Entertainment | Insomniac Games | 2006</strong><br/><br/>Alternate World War II history, interstellar invaders and an engaging narrative – there was plenty to enjoy in Insomniac’s fan-favorite first-person shooter. Resistance: Fall of Man impressed not just as a launch title, but as the springboard for a number of superb sequels which followed.</p>
<div class="shortcode shortcode--youtube">
<div class="youtube-video has-agegate" data-title="" data-youtube-id="qKogMfIAAkY">
<button class="youtube-video__load-button">
<svg aria-hidden="true" class="icon icon--play icon--26 icon--play icon--blue" focusable="false" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 20 20">
<title></title><path class="icon-primary-color" d="M0 1.75v17l20-8.5z" fill-rule="evenodd"></path> </svg>
<span class="screen-reader-text">Play  Video</span>
</button>
<img alt="Welcome to PlayStation: 34 must-play games across the generations on PlayStation Plus " height="1080" src="https://img.youtube.com/vi/qKogMfIAAkY/maxresdefault.jpg" width="1920"/>
<div class="youtube-video__iframe"></div>
</div>
</div>
<p class=""><strong>God of War III | Sony Computer Entertainment | Santa Monica Studio | 2010</strong><strong><br/></strong><em>*Note: GoW III Remastered released in 2015 on PS4</em></p>
<p class="">Before he became a dad, Kratos was chopping it up with the Greek Pantheon, his quest for vengeance arriving at its brutal third-part climax. Here, everything was bigger – the set pieces, violence and even the characters. The latter literally, given the immense visual spectacle of the game’s opening where Kratos fights a veritable army while on the back of the titan Gaia. The 2015 PS4 Remastered version is available to enjoy on PlayStation Plus.</p>
<div class="shortcode shortcode--youtube">
<div class="youtube-video" data-title="" data-youtube-id="YVYiJ3VSp60">
<button class="youtube-video__load-button">
<svg aria-hidden="true" class="icon icon--play icon--26 icon--play icon--blue" focusable="false" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 20 20">
<title></title><path class="icon-primary-color" d="M0 1.75v17l20-8.5z" fill-rule="evenodd"></path> </svg>
<span class="screen-reader-text">Play  Video</span>
</button>
<img alt="Welcome to PlayStation: 34 must-play games across the generations on PlayStation Plus " height="1080" src="https://img.youtube.com/vi/YVYiJ3VSp60/maxresdefault.jpg" width="1920"/>
<div class="youtube-video__iframe"></div>
</div>
</div>
<p class=""><strong>Heavy Rain | Sony Computer Entertainment | Quantic Dream | 2010</strong><strong><br/></strong><em>*Note: Heavy Rain released in 2016 on PS4</em></p>
<p class="">As a striking combination of impressive visual flair and arresting interactive cinematic gameplay, very few games were doing what Heavy Rain was doing when it launched on PS3. The thriller marked Quantic Dream as a developer to watch, <em>handily</em> helped by a horrifyingly brilliant in-game scene where one of the four protagonists is told to choose between a selection of sharp tools and then… well, if you know, you know.</p>
<div class="shortcode shortcode--youtube">
<div class="youtube-video has-agegate" data-title="" data-youtube-id="HPQl6hEa1jY">
<button class="youtube-video__load-button">
<svg aria-hidden="true" class="icon icon--play icon--26 icon--play icon--blue" focusable="false" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 20 20">
<title></title><path class="icon-primary-color" d="M0 1.75v17l20-8.5z" fill-rule="evenodd"></path> </svg>
<span class="screen-reader-text">Play  Video</span>
</button>
<img alt="Welcome to PlayStation: 34 must-play games across the generations on PlayStation Plus " height="1080" src="https://img.youtube.com/vi/HPQl6hEa1jY/maxresdefault.jpg" width="1920"/>
<div class="youtube-video__iframe"></div>
</div>
</div>
<p class=""><strong>Assassin’s Creed Ezio Collection</strong> (PS4) <strong>| Ubisoft | Ubisoft Montreal | 2016</strong><strong><br/></strong><strong>(</strong><em>Includes Assassin’s Creed 2 | Ubisoft | Ubisoft Montreal | 2009, Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood | Ubisoft | Ubisoft Montreal | 2010, Assassin’s Creed Revelations | Ubisoft | Ubisoft Montreal | 2011</em><strong>)</strong><strong><br/></strong><strong><br/></strong>Ubisoft’s stealth series has become legendary thanks to the deeds of one Ezio Auditore da Firenze, the protagonist of the franchise’s many entries. Capturing three of his major escapades from the PS3 era, Assassin’s Creed Ezio Collection is a series hitting its parkour platforming stride across rich open worlds and fascinating historical settings.</p>
<div class="shortcode shortcode--youtube">
<div class="youtube-video has-agegate" data-title="" data-youtube-id="N2evdJlkBz0">
<button class="youtube-video__load-button">
<svg aria-hidden="true" class="icon icon--play icon--26 icon--play icon--blue" focusable="false" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 20 20">
<title></title><path class="icon-primary-color" d="M0 1.75v17l20-8.5z" fill-rule="evenodd"></path> </svg>
<span class="screen-reader-text">Play  Video</span>
</button>
<img alt="Welcome to PlayStation: 34 must-play games across the generations on PlayStation Plus " height="1080" src="https://img.youtube.com/vi/N2evdJlkBz0/maxresdefault.jpg" width="1920"/>
<div class="youtube-video__iframe"></div>
</div>
</div>
<p class=""><strong>Far Cry 3 | Ubisoft | Ubisoft Montreal | 2012</strong><strong><br/></strong><em>*Note: Far Cry 3 Classic Edition released in 2018 on PS4</em></p>
<p class="">Mixing the first-person shooter genre with an open world setting is a staple of the Far Cry series, but this sequel is where its potential became clear for its sequels. A densely crafted world of hostile wildlife, reactive human enemies, engaging missions, and smart progression systems all made for an impressive experience, elevated via an outstanding performance by Michael Mando as the game’s demented antagonist, Vaas.</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>PSP</strong></h2>
<div class="shortcode shortcode--youtube">
<div class="youtube-video" data-title="" data-youtube-id="kf1653rKyyA">
<button class="youtube-video__load-button">
<svg aria-hidden="true" class="icon icon--play icon--26 icon--play icon--blue" focusable="false" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 20 20">
<title></title><path class="icon-primary-color" d="M0 1.75v17l20-8.5z" fill-rule="evenodd"></path> </svg>
<span class="screen-reader-text">Play  Video</span>
</button>
<img alt="Welcome to PlayStation: 34 must-play games across the generations on PlayStation Plus " height="1080" src="https://img.youtube.com/vi/kf1653rKyyA/maxresdefault.jpg" width="1920"/>
<div class="youtube-video__iframe"></div>
</div>
</div>
<p class=""><strong>LocoRoco | Sony Computer Entertainment | Japan Studio | 2006</strong><strong><br/></strong><em>*Note: LocoRoco Remastered released in 2017 on PS4</em><em><br/></em><em><br/></em>It’s impossible to describe LocoRoco without using the word “adorable”. Sure, its puzzle platforming, charmingly cartoony visuals and well-thought-out controls which used the shoulder buttons to help control the titular LocoRoco were all wonderful. But have you ever had colorful, wide-eyed blobs of joy serenade you as you play? Me neither.</p>
<div class="shortcode shortcode--youtube">
<div class="youtube-video" data-title="" data-youtube-id="qJ3BaFxZZtE">
<button class="youtube-video__load-button">
<svg aria-hidden="true" class="icon icon--play icon--26 icon--play icon--blue" focusable="false" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 20 20">
<title></title><path class="icon-primary-color" d="M0 1.75v17l20-8.5z" fill-rule="evenodd"></path> </svg>
<span class="screen-reader-text">Play  Video</span>
</button>
<img alt="Welcome to PlayStation: 34 must-play games across the generations on PlayStation Plus " height="1080" src="https://img.youtube.com/vi/qJ3BaFxZZtE/maxresdefault.jpg" width="1920"/>
<div class="youtube-video__iframe"></div>
</div>
</div>
<p class=""><strong>Patapon | Sony Computer Entertainment | Pyramid &amp; Japan Studio | 2008</strong><strong><br/></strong><em>*Note: Patapon Remastered released in 2017 on PS4</em></p>
<p class="">While we’re on the topic of song, the wonderfully compelling pata-pata-pata-pon drum beat that accompanies this rhythm-based strategy signals one of the most delightfully weird games on PSP. Its endearing uniqueness earned two sequels and a PS4 remaster, so I know I’m not alone in my admiration.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Echochrome | Sony Computer Entertainment | Will &amp; Japan Studio | 2008</strong></p>
<p class="">It’s not often you’ll see modern day visual and gameplay innovations in the puzzle genre, but the striking perspective changing, environment shifting mechanics of Echochrome not only achieves that feat, but remains one of the few games directly inspired by both artists M. C. Escher and Oscar Reutersvärd.</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>PS Vita</strong></h2>
<div class="shortcode shortcode--youtube">
<div class="youtube-video" data-title="" data-youtube-id="wMGaMOyr0GI">
<button class="youtube-video__load-button">
<svg aria-hidden="true" class="icon icon--play icon--26 icon--play icon--blue" focusable="false" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 20 20">
<title></title><path class="icon-primary-color" d="M0 1.75v17l20-8.5z" fill-rule="evenodd"></path> </svg>
<span class="screen-reader-text">Play  Video</span>
</button>
<img alt="Welcome to PlayStation: 34 must-play games across the generations on PlayStation Plus " height="1080" src="https://img.youtube.com/vi/wMGaMOyr0GI/maxresdefault.jpg" width="1920"/>
<div class="youtube-video__iframe"></div>
</div>
</div>
<p class=""><strong>Gravity Rush | Sony Computer Entertainment | Japan Studio | 2012</strong><strong><br/></strong><em>*Note: Gravity Rush Remastered released in 2016 on PS4</em><em><br/></em><em><br/></em>Defying gravity? Just another day for Kat, a super powered amnesiac who simply wants to help the people of Hekseville and discover the mysteries of her past. Gravity Rush’s novel use of vertical based gameplay in an open world was a refreshing change of pace from other action-adventure games, turning combat scenarios into thrilling topsy-turvy capers.</p>
<div class="shortcode shortcode--youtube">
<div class="youtube-video has-agegate" data-title="" data-youtube-id="_5AJtaYx1Eg">
<button class="youtube-video__load-button">
<svg aria-hidden="true" class="icon icon--play icon--26 icon--play icon--blue" focusable="false" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 20 20">
<title></title><path class="icon-primary-color" d="M0 1.75v17l20-8.5z" fill-rule="evenodd"></path> </svg>
<span class="screen-reader-text">Play  Video</span>
</button>
<img alt="Welcome to PlayStation: 34 must-play games across the generations on PlayStation Plus " height="1080" src="https://img.youtube.com/vi/_5AJtaYx1Eg/maxresdefault.jpg" width="1920"/>
<div class="youtube-video__iframe"></div>
</div>
</div>
<p class=""><strong>Hotline Miami | Devolver Digital | Dennaton Games | 2013 – also on PS3</strong><strong><br/></strong><strong><br/></strong>“Do you like hurting other people?” asks a mysterious man in a chicken mask, early on in Hotline Miami. It’s a question that sets up one of the main themes of Dennaton Games’ frenetic, punishing and utterly compelling top-down shooter. Influencing many other titles in its wake, Hotline Miami remains one of the most successful indie games of all time, with an absolute all-timer of a soundtrack. The game eventually released on PS4 and PS5, which is available through PlayStation Plus.</p>
<div class="shortcode shortcode--youtube">
<div class="youtube-video" data-title="" data-youtube-id="91YiohAeLbw">
<button class="youtube-video__load-button">
<svg aria-hidden="true" class="icon icon--play icon--26 icon--play icon--blue" focusable="false" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 20 20">
<title></title><path class="icon-primary-color" d="M0 1.75v17l20-8.5z" fill-rule="evenodd"></path> </svg>
<span class="screen-reader-text">Play  Video</span>
</button>
<img alt="Welcome to PlayStation: 34 must-play games across the generations on PlayStation Plus " height="1080" src="https://img.youtube.com/vi/91YiohAeLbw/maxresdefault.jpg" width="1920"/>
<div class="youtube-video__iframe"></div>
</div>
</div>
<p class=""><strong>Tearaway | Sony Computer Entertainment | Media Molecule | 2013</strong><strong><br/></strong><em>*Note: Tearaway Unfolded released in 2015 on PS4</em><em><br/></em><em><br/></em>While Media Molecule made its mark with the iconic LittleBigPlanet, its step into the papercraft world of ValleyFold was as cute as it was creative. Tearaway delivered a parcel of delightfully different styles of gameplay, using the touchscreen, camera, and rear touch panel in a number of wildly inventive ways. This was mimicked via Tearaway Unfolded, an expanded version of the original launched on PS4, which used the DualShock 4 wireless controller in a similarly imaginative manner, and it’s this game that is available on PlayStation Plus.</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>PlayStation 4</strong></h2>
<div class="shortcode shortcode--youtube">
<div class="youtube-video has-agegate" data-title="" data-youtube-id="2Crk_GpxGQE">
<button class="youtube-video__load-button">
<svg aria-hidden="true" class="icon icon--play icon--26 icon--play icon--blue" focusable="false" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 20 20">
<title></title><path class="icon-primary-color" d="M0 1.75v17l20-8.5z" fill-rule="evenodd"></path> </svg>
<span class="screen-reader-text">Play  Video</span>
</button>
<img alt="Welcome to PlayStation: 34 must-play games across the generations on PlayStation Plus " height="1080" src="https://img.youtube.com/vi/2Crk_GpxGQE/maxresdefault.jpg" width="1920"/>
<div class="youtube-video__iframe"></div>
</div>
</div>
<p class=""><strong>Bloodborne | Sony Computer Entertainment | FromSoftware | 2015<br/><br/></strong>Bloodborne’s gothic city of Yharnam is not one you’d want to live in, with its terrifying beasts, cosmic horror, and otherworldly mysteries. And yet, there’s not a single one of us which would turn down the chance to return to its dark streets. FromSoftware’s classic and combat heavy action-adventure RPG stunned players on its arrival, and continues to draw acclaim via its masterful gameplay and unforgettable narrative.<br/></p>
<div class="shortcode shortcode--youtube">
<div class="youtube-video has-agegate" data-title="" data-youtube-id="JrwMAHVDbuU">
<button class="youtube-video__load-button">
<svg aria-hidden="true" class="icon icon--play icon--26 icon--play icon--blue" focusable="false" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 20 20">
<title></title><path class="icon-primary-color" d="M0 1.75v17l20-8.5z" fill-rule="evenodd"></path> </svg>
<span class="screen-reader-text">Play  Video</span>
</button>
<img alt="Welcome to PlayStation: 34 must-play games across the generations on PlayStation Plus " height="1080" src="https://img.youtube.com/vi/JrwMAHVDbuU/maxresdefault.jpg" width="1920"/>
<div class="youtube-video__iframe"></div>
</div>
</div>
<p class=""><strong>The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt | CD Projekt | CD Projekt Red | 2015<br/><br/></strong>Based on the hugely popular Andrzej Sapkowski fantasy novels and steeped in Slavic folklore, it didn’t take long for The Witcher 3 to be recognized as one of the greatest games of all time. Its rich and changing open world, complex narrative and spectacular visuals still remain some of the best in the genre, as witnessed in its enhanced PS5 port, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Complete Edition, which launched in 2022.<br/></p>
<div class="shortcode shortcode--youtube">
<div class="youtube-video" data-title="" data-youtube-id="-mH2SVyBMAQ">
<button class="youtube-video__load-button">
<svg aria-hidden="true" class="icon icon--play icon--26 icon--play icon--blue" focusable="false" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 20 20">
<title></title><path class="icon-primary-color" d="M0 1.75v17l20-8.5z" fill-rule="evenodd"></path> </svg>
<span class="screen-reader-text">Play  Video</span>
</button>
<img alt="Welcome to PlayStation: 34 must-play games across the generations on PlayStation Plus " height="1080" src="https://img.youtube.com/vi/-mH2SVyBMAQ/maxresdefault.jpg" width="1920"/>
<div class="youtube-video__iframe"></div>
</div>
</div>
<p class=""><strong>Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection | Sony Interactive Entertainment | Naughty Dog</strong> <strong>| 2015<br/></strong><em>*Note: The Nathan Drake Collection released in 2015 on PS4<br/>(Includes Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune | PS3 | Sony Computer Entertainment | Naughty Dog | 2007, Uncharted 2: Among Thieves | PS3 | Sony Computer Entertainment | Naughty Dog | 2009, Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception | PS3 | Sony Computer Entertainment | Naughty Dog | 2011</em><strong>)<br/><br/></strong>You didn’t think we’d forget about Nathan Drake, did you? Naughty Dog’s charismatic adventurer became a fast favorite with fans via his globe-trotting adventures that mixed shooting, stealth, combat, puzzles, platforming, exploration, massive set pieces, and wisecracks. This was one series that did it all, but never lost sight of the heartfelt storytelling that made it so successful. PS4’s Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection collected the first three titles.</p>
<div class="shortcode shortcode--youtube">
<div class="youtube-video" data-title="" data-youtube-id="8qNxyP6u2Kg">
<button class="youtube-video__load-button">
<svg aria-hidden="true" class="icon icon--play icon--26 icon--play icon--blue" focusable="false" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 20 20">
<title></title><path class="icon-primary-color" d="M0 1.75v17l20-8.5z" fill-rule="evenodd"></path> </svg>
<span class="screen-reader-text">Play  Video</span>
</button>
<img alt="Welcome to PlayStation: 34 must-play games across the generations on PlayStation Plus " height="1080" src="https://img.youtube.com/vi/8qNxyP6u2Kg/maxresdefault.jpg" width="1920"/>
<div class="youtube-video__iframe"></div>
</div>
</div>
<p class=""><strong>Shadow of the Colossus | Sony Interactive Entertainment | Bluepoint Games | 2018</strong></p>
<p class="">Shadow of the Colossus was a technical marvel when it first hit PS2 in 2005. GenDesign stunned players with an expansive world inhabited by mysterious, towering creatures. Bluepoint Games’ remake in 2018 faithfully retold the tale for a new generation while capturing the beautiful melancholy of the original. The act of climbing colossi and puzzling out their weaknesses is still a wondrous experience today. The game’s twist ending and novel commentary on players’ habits for conquest help the understated narrative stand the test of time.</p>
<div class="shortcode shortcode--youtube">
<div class="youtube-video" data-title="" data-youtube-id="K0u_kAWLJOA">
<button class="youtube-video__load-button">
<svg aria-hidden="true" class="icon icon--play icon--26 icon--play icon--blue" focusable="false" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 20 20">
<title></title><path class="icon-primary-color" d="M0 1.75v17l20-8.5z" fill-rule="evenodd"></path> </svg>
<span class="screen-reader-text">Play  Video</span>
</button>
<img alt="Welcome to PlayStation: 34 must-play games across the generations on PlayStation Plus " height="1080" src="https://img.youtube.com/vi/K0u_kAWLJOA/maxresdefault.jpg" width="1920"/>
<div class="youtube-video__iframe"></div>
</div>
</div>
<p class=""><strong>God of War | Sony Interactive Entertainment | Santa Monica Studios</strong> <strong>| 2018</strong></p>
<p class="">Heralded by a near-deafening roar of the E3 crowd on its 2016 reveal, God of War’s triumphant return signaled a new era for Kratos. While retaining the bone-crunching violence the series was known for, the thoughtful consideration of its consequences and effect on families developed the series into something which had grown up with Kratos in more ways than one.</p>
<div class="shortcode shortcode--youtube">
<div class="youtube-video" data-title="" data-youtube-id="ERgrFVhL-n4">
<button class="youtube-video__load-button">
<svg aria-hidden="true" class="icon icon--play icon--26 icon--play icon--blue" focusable="false" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 20 20">
<title></title><path class="icon-primary-color" d="M0 1.75v17l20-8.5z" fill-rule="evenodd"></path> </svg>
<span class="screen-reader-text">Play  Video</span>
</button>
<img alt="Welcome to PlayStation: 34 must-play games across the generations on PlayStation Plus " height="1080" src="https://img.youtube.com/vi/ERgrFVhL-n4/maxresdefault.jpg" width="1920"/>
<div class="youtube-video__iframe"></div>
</div>
</div>
<p class=""><strong>Final Fantasy VII Remake | Square Enix | Square Enix Business Division 1 | 2020</strong><strong><br/></strong><strong><br/></strong>What would any list be without a Final Fantasy game? Returning to one of the most beloved RPGs ever made could have been a massive mistake, but Final Fantasy VII Remake put all fears to rest with a stunning and well considered version of the PlayStation original, expanding its story in surprising new ways. An enhanced version, Final Fantasy VII Intergrade, also hit PS5 a year later.</p>
<div class="shortcode shortcode--youtube">
<div class="youtube-video" data-title="" data-youtube-id="sc4_dXjkCl8">
<button class="youtube-video__load-button">
<svg aria-hidden="true" class="icon icon--play icon--26 icon--play icon--blue" focusable="false" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 20 20">
<title></title><path class="icon-primary-color" d="M0 1.75v17l20-8.5z" fill-rule="evenodd"></path> </svg>
<span class="screen-reader-text">Play  Video</span>
</button>
<img alt="Welcome to PlayStation: 34 must-play games across the generations on PlayStation Plus " height="1080" src="https://img.youtube.com/vi/sc4_dXjkCl8/maxresdefault.jpg" width="1920"/>
<div class="youtube-video__iframe"></div>
</div>
</div>
<p class=""><strong>Ghost of Tsushima | Sony Interactive Entertainment | Sucker Punch Productions | 2020</strong><strong><br/></strong><em>*Note: Ghost of Tsushima: Director’s Cut released in 2021 on PS5</em><em><br/></em><em><br/></em>Visually gorgeous and narratively ferocious, Sucker Punch crafted an open world action-adventure that felt both fresh and lived in. It captured the flavor of classic Akira Kurosawa samurai movies, blending beauty with brutality, not being afraid to let you indulge in its quieter moments. Humanity, hot springs and haikus, slicing against swords, samurai and standoffs.</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>PS5</strong></h2>
<div class="shortcode shortcode--youtube">
<div class="youtube-video" data-title="" data-youtube-id="qjZIw0VUezU">
<button class="youtube-video__load-button">
<svg aria-hidden="true" class="icon icon--play icon--26 icon--play icon--blue" focusable="false" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 20 20">
<title></title><path class="icon-primary-color" d="M0 1.75v17l20-8.5z" fill-rule="evenodd"></path> </svg>
<span class="screen-reader-text">Play  Video</span>
</button>
<img alt="Welcome to PlayStation: 34 must-play games across the generations on PlayStation Plus " height="1080" src="https://img.youtube.com/vi/qjZIw0VUezU/maxresdefault.jpg" width="1920"/>
<div class="youtube-video__iframe"></div>
</div>
</div>
<p class=""><strong>Demon’s Souls | Sony Interactive Entertainment | Bluepoint Games | 2020</strong><strong><br/></strong><strong><br/></strong>Remaking the PS3 action role-playing classic was a tall order that Bluepoint Games surmounted, enhancing its finely honed gameplay with new weapons, items, armour and features, while utilizing the power of PS5. Although still technically a predecessor to the likes of Dark Souls and Bloodborne, Demon’s Souls held its own in this modern revisit.  </p>
<div class="shortcode shortcode--youtube">
<div class="youtube-video" data-title="" data-youtube-id="JsNgEBb4ZD0">
<button class="youtube-video__load-button">
<svg aria-hidden="true" class="icon icon--play icon--26 icon--play icon--blue" focusable="false" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 20 20">
<title></title><path class="icon-primary-color" d="M0 1.75v17l20-8.5z" fill-rule="evenodd"></path> </svg>
<span class="screen-reader-text">Play  Video</span>
</button>
<img alt="Welcome to PlayStation: 34 must-play games across the generations on PlayStation Plus " height="1080" src="https://img.youtube.com/vi/JsNgEBb4ZD0/maxresdefault.jpg" width="1920"/>
<div class="youtube-video__iframe"></div>
</div>
</div>
<p class=""><strong>M</strong><strong>arvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales | Sony Interactive Entertainment | Insomniac | 2020</strong></p>
<p class="">Leaping onto PS5 to help the console’s launch back in 2020, this new adventure captured the spirited freedom and unbridled joy of web-swinging, and its confident storytelling, spectacular set pieces and amazing combat made for an experience that fans and newcomers alike just couldn’t put down.</p>
<div class="shortcode shortcode--youtube">
<div class="youtube-video" data-title="" data-youtube-id="55PRv_e00wc">
<button class="youtube-video__load-button">
<svg aria-hidden="true" class="icon icon--play icon--26 icon--play icon--blue" focusable="false" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 20 20">
<title></title><path class="icon-primary-color" d="M0 1.75v17l20-8.5z" fill-rule="evenodd"></path> </svg>
<span class="screen-reader-text">Play  Video</span>
</button>
<img alt="Welcome to PlayStation: 34 must-play games across the generations on PlayStation Plus " height="1080" src="https://img.youtube.com/vi/55PRv_e00wc/maxresdefault.jpg" width="1920"/>
<div class="youtube-video__iframe"></div>
</div>
</div>
<p class=""><strong>Ratchet &amp; Clank: Rift Apart | Sony Interactive Entertainment | Insomniac | 2021</strong><strong><br/></strong><strong><br/></strong>The adventures of the universe’s best Lombax and his robotic companion reached an outstanding high point showcasing the hardware grunt of PS5 via its near instantaneous portal travel and creative use of the DualSense wireless controller. Bright, breezy and offbeat, Insomniac’s bouncy shooter platformer was a delight for all.</p>
<div class="shortcode shortcode--youtube">
<div class="youtube-video has-agegate" data-title="" data-youtube-id="lL2Qa0MQyuE">
<button class="youtube-video__load-button">
<svg aria-hidden="true" class="icon icon--play icon--26 icon--play icon--blue" focusable="false" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 20 20">
<title></title><path class="icon-primary-color" d="M0 1.75v17l20-8.5z" fill-rule="evenodd"></path> </svg>
<span class="screen-reader-text">Play  Video</span>
</button>
<img alt="Welcome to PlayStation: 34 must-play games across the generations on PlayStation Plus " height="1080" src="https://img.youtube.com/vi/lL2Qa0MQyuE/maxresdefault.jpg" width="1920"/>
<div class="youtube-video__iframe"></div>
</div>
</div>
<p class=""><strong>Returnal | Sony Interactive Entertainment | Housemarque | 2021</strong><strong><br/></strong><strong><br/></strong>When narrative form and gameplay function merge into a seamless whole, the result can be utterly captivating, as seen in Returnal. Taking an ever-repeating-yet-different roguelike shooter structure and encasing it within a story about an astronaut trapped in a time loop, Housemarque’s casket of mysteries is a compelling voyage of literal self-discovery.</p>
<div class="shortcode shortcode--youtube">
<div class="youtube-video has-agegate" data-title="" data-youtube-id="R2Ebc_OFeug">
<button class="youtube-video__load-button">
<svg aria-hidden="true" class="icon icon--play icon--26 icon--play icon--blue" focusable="false" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 20 20">
<title></title><path class="icon-primary-color" d="M0 1.75v17l20-8.5z" fill-rule="evenodd"></path> </svg>
<span class="screen-reader-text">Play  Video</span>
</button>
<img alt="Welcome to PlayStation: 34 must-play games across the generations on PlayStation Plus " height="1080" src="https://img.youtube.com/vi/R2Ebc_OFeug/maxresdefault.jpg" width="1920"/>
<div class="youtube-video__iframe"></div>
</div>
</div>
<p class=""><strong>The Last of Us: Part I | Sony Interactive Entertainment | Naughty Dog | 2022</strong><strong><br/></strong><strong><br/></strong>Humanity. Trauma. Forgiveness. Naughty Dog’s powerful and haunting tale of a post-apocalyptic world stays with anyone who experiences it – and bringing it up to date on PS5 with enhanced visuals, combat, and enemy AI only made an action-adventure classic all the more essential. If you’ve only watched the staggeringly good TV series but not played the game, well, now there’s no excuse.</p>
</div>',
                'None'
            );

            
            INSERT INTO articles (url, title, cover_image, content, youtube_link) VALUES (
                'https://blog.playstation.com/2025/01/09/revenge-of-the-savage-planet-revealing-a-new-90s-inspired-planet/',
                'Revenge of the Savage Planet: revealing a new ‘90s-inspired planet',
                'https://blog.playstation.com/tachyon/2025/01/9a053ee00f2fd1c522f9530e73fb58f20c8ce3c0.png?resize=1088%2C612&crop_strategy=smart',
                '<div class="post-single__content single__content entry-content">
<p class="">It’s been a minute, but the Savage Planet franchise continues! We’re back for number two… same folks, same franchise, same studio, but with a new name: Raccoon Logic. </p>
<p class="">Formerly Typhoon Studios, we originally developed <a href="https://store.playstation.com/concept/233179">Journey to the Savage Planet</a> (originally released in 2020 and currently available as part of the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog). Now our new sci-fi co-op adventure <a href="https://store.playstation.com/concept/10009791">Revenge of the Savage Planet</a>, a comical survival story of explorers entertaining themselves to death, is set to blast off on PS5 and PS4 in May 2025. </p>
<p class="">You’ll build and customize your own habitat, explore the alien landscape, scan everything, catalog everything and hopefully figure out how to survive. With more planets, our sequel is a bigger and brighter universe. With co-op from the start and a new third person perspective, you’ll run, jump, shoot and collect your way through four vibrant planets, crafting and upgrading your abilities while uncovering hidden secrets within. </p>
<p class="">Today we’re revealing a fifth, secret planet filled with some… not so natural creatures, while members of our team share insight into the design philosophies behind its creation. </p>
<p class="">First, check out the video below! </p>
<div class="shortcode shortcode--youtube">
<div class="youtube-video" data-title="" data-youtube-id="FsDmr5gzr9M">
<button class="youtube-video__load-button">
<svg aria-hidden="true" class="icon icon--play icon--26 icon--play icon--blue" focusable="false" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 20 20">
<title></title><path class="icon-primary-color" d="M0 1.75v17l20-8.5z" fill-rule="evenodd"></path> </svg>
<span class="screen-reader-text">Play  Video</span>
</button>
<img alt="Revenge of the Savage Planet: revealing a new ‘90s-inspired planet" height="1080" src="https://img.youtube.com/vi/FsDmr5gzr9M/maxresdefault.jpg" width="1920"/>
<div class="youtube-video__iframe"></div>
</div>
</div>
<p class="">In this new world, exploration is still a must! There are creatures to capture, lakes to swim, mountains to climb, rails to grind, and a secret den of fun to uncover. Our fifth world features an interior lair, a stark contrast to our organic and natural open worlds, with the goal of making our world anything but predictable! Here’s some of our team to explain more: </p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>A world inspired by retro arcades and 90’s entertainment </strong></h2>
<figure class="wp-block-video wp-video-400002"><video autoplay="" controls="" data-src="https://stream.mux.com/37SzuPpFYXcnnkENq02FbZvUqNr00L2QYm6gJrzp6zVtE/capped-1080p.mp4?token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJSUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiIzN1N6dVBwRllYY25ua0VOcTAyRmJadlVxTnIwMEwyUVltNmdKcnpwNnpWdEUiLCJhdWQiOiJ2IiwiZXhwIjoxNzM4MDIyMDI2LCJraWQiOiI0TDV5T2NqclYxTlVxVnpjVXZKQm4xd1RtNGVUR0c5TWgwMjAxWWs1anU5TkEifQ.J066UbluJV_S3AuG8bEEG2Vzyj5Ylg-nVvejNZ7UAKJv1nfjEhCm-Ono85c_Sk_o4uhEjJL2gpblRczFoYnDTyM27Sfj9hx-7sGO7RP_FV0AbyTsVwyVqAf38RFA9RuJIYXmj1DgBaXlUy21Uf4mz0ljSpMVmFTOipMDgJmJYHgMpnGaH9Ct4EfWSrh85qqnjnMXejkwtxp8dgHxZHavJqVWueGe_ZdZcdYMGsNbDBF2o1runBjFoNs5kBmi8iQ-ILQP6vmDzGze4chuqIU5IEbWj5vGO3YFRVCy6-rYBah610Hdmh8oTngzWs_pOLxiCoMxlIJCLHwuW1PCJ0hyYw" loop="" muted="" playsinline="" preload="metadata" style="aspect-ratio: 1280 / 720;"></video></figure>
<hr class="ps-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity has-max-width-40"/>
<blockquote class="wp-block-quote ps-author-quote has-max-width-75 has-margin-top-65 has-margin-bottom-65 is-style-default has-max-width-75 has-margin-top-65 has-margin-bottom-65 is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">
<p class="is-style-default">“<em>Filled with fresh challenges, insane verticality, and unique modified creatures, this final world answers all the game’s lingering questions.</em>“</p>
<cite>– <em>Studio Head, Reid Schneider</em></cite></blockquote>
<hr class="ps-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity has-max-width-40"/>
<blockquote class="wp-block-quote ps-author-quote has-max-width-75 has-margin-top-65 has-margin-bottom-65 is-style-default has-max-width-75 has-margin-top-65 has-margin-bottom-65 is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">
<p class="is-style-default">“<em>Our digital juxtaposition is a narrative vehicle to reinforce the mystery of something beyond the natural sights of our planets. We speak to Slappi’s character through this dark and dangerous lair he created. Of course, we still have all the weird and wacky alien creatures we’re known for.</em>“</p>
<cite>– <em>Lead Designer, Steve Masters</em></cite></blockquote>
<hr class="ps-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity has-max-width-40"/>
<figure class="wp-block-video wp-video-400005"><video autoplay="" controls="" data-src="https://stream.mux.com/Ecb00SQjpEyGAUPuKlum00xPpE01Xwqs02ulMwSCGLa00o58/capped-1080p.mp4?token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJSUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJFY2IwMFNRanBFeUdBVVB1S2x1bTAweFBwRTAxWHdxczAydWxNd1NDR0xhMDBvNTgiLCJhdWQiOiJ2IiwiZXhwIjoxNzM4MDIyMDI2LCJraWQiOiI0TDV5T2NqclYxTlVxVnpjVXZKQm4xd1RtNGVUR0c5TWgwMjAxWWs1anU5TkEifQ.LxF79YCYMmpJNNpHHMyYXthJSaz0bHyJcdWLf6BRVEfvcdGMa75DNfk0JzfwRqATUu6qTTyxJZL8hVfl4c9sgyVeYDF8oP0dTvhdCWxBN1ROa_DfFKtZGZs-cD8rrBpK28hjcF6GXeNWj2j40ZxyGcptteQOi6hN41mSPZxDXh1W3DXgp2-2EpRm28EPGSu9CpXkmNwcjSrKobvBaNR12j3bqu6JaVqwKrmqMfpcyKxA77RcBgsbRvVdbtkhelz2Fj5LwUrj9umIG5U-CvUhOwHCGx_Fdf5uGnt8Uup5Van0Uf9On_dcNKKBv4UGzkhdWlYsjaWx116dtUTdXCdiYw" loop="" muted="" playsinline="" preload="metadata" style="aspect-ratio: 1280 / 720;"></video></figure>
<hr class="ps-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity has-max-width-40"/>
<blockquote class="wp-block-quote ps-author-quote has-max-width-75 has-margin-top-65 has-margin-bottom-65 is-style-default has-max-width-75 has-margin-top-65 has-margin-bottom-65 is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">
<p class="is-style-default">“<em>The sound design went in the opposite direction as well, contrasting our instrumentation with a very digitally produced feeling. We began with a pinball machine meets game show set tone, but as it evolved, we focused on being inside a giant computer with playful 8-bit sparkles.</em>“</p>
<cite>– <em>Audio Director, Cameron Jarvis</em></cite></blockquote>
<hr class="ps-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity has-max-width-40"/>
<blockquote class="wp-block-quote ps-author-quote has-max-width-75 has-margin-top-65 has-margin-bottom-65 is-style-default has-max-width-75 has-margin-top-65 has-margin-bottom-65 is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">
<p class="is-style-default">“<em>We wanted to bring entertainment value and robot toys are intriguing and fun! We looked back to various retro arcade gaming sources of inspiration to develop this nostalgic vibe. We embodied a hard surface modeling style with retro wave neon colors paying homage to 90s entertainment.</em>“</p>
<cite>– <em>Art Director, Erick Bilodeau</em></cite></blockquote>
<hr class="ps-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity has-max-width-40"/>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Local and online co-op</strong></h2>
<p class="">In Revenge of the Savage Planet, there are many ways to play, including online co-op with cross-play and couch co-op (local split screen).  And if you aren’t feeling up to sitting on the same couch with another real human being, we also have single-player mode!</p>
<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54252134998_3b0060d7e8_o.jpg" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54252134998_3b0060d7e8_o.jpg"/></a>
<hr class="ps-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity has-max-width-40"/>
<blockquote class="wp-block-quote ps-author-quote has-max-width-75 has-margin-top-65 has-margin-bottom-65 is-style-default has-max-width-75 has-margin-top-65 has-margin-bottom-65 is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">
<p class="is-style-default">“<em>Our systematic design approach creates extraordinary interactions and outcomes that you can explore and experiment with. We’ve designed it into the world, the characters, your entire experience. Every time you play, you’ll discover something new and experience it differently.</em>“</p>
<cite>– <em>Producer, Noemie L’Ecuyer</em></cite></blockquote>
<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54252148864_e86b9aea73_o.png" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54252148864_e86b9aea73_o.png"/></a>
<p class="">Wishlist on PlayStation Store to stay informed of the May launch week specials, including an in-game trash panda suit and launch discount. Pre-order, purchase, and launch details to be revealed soon. </p>
<p class="">Thanks for supporting the Savage Planet franchise. Revenge of the Savage Planet launches on PS5 and PS4 in May 2025. Onward and upward!</p>
<p class=""></p>
</div>',
                'None'
            );

            
            INSERT INTO articles (url, title, cover_image, content, youtube_link) VALUES (
                'https://blog.playstation.com/2025/01/09/tomb-raider-series-retrospective/',
                'Tomb Raider: series retrospective',
                'https://blog.playstation.com/tachyon/2085/01/8e0cc20fb6d0536bc1231c28e483b5149849e6e6.jpg?resize=1088%2C612&crop_strategy=smart',
                '<div class="post-single__content single__content entry-content">
<p class="">There are few modern video game icons as influential and well known as Lara Croft. Blasting her way onto PlayStation back in the polygonal era of 1996, gaming was never the same after Tomb Raider launched.</p>
<p class="">Since then, PlayStation has been in lockstep with the British archaeologist-adventurer, with every mainline canon game getting its time to shine. And with <a href="https://store.playstation.com/en-us/product/UP1032-PPSA18154_00-TOMBRAIDER456225?smcid=mablog">Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered</a> coming to PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 on February 14, now’s the perfect time to revisit them.</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The PlayStation era</h2>
<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54252136597_4d7b7c5adb_4k.jpg" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54252136597_4d7b7c5adb_4k.jpg"/></a>
<p class=""><strong>Tomb Raider – 1996 – PlayStation – Eidos Interactive, Core Design         </strong><strong></strong></p>
<p class="">Introducing the young British aristocrat to the world, Tomb Raider set the scene with a quest to discover the three pieces of an ancient artifact known as the Scion.</p>
<p class="">The result is a global and twisting trek across locations such as Greece, Egypt, and Atlantis, with what was then a revolutionary blend of 3D levels, gun-toting action, puzzle solving and acrobatic traversal. And who can forget that heart-stopping T-Rex encounter?</p>
<p class=""><a href="https://www.playstation.com/games/tomb-raider-I-III-remastered-starring-lara-croft/"><em>Available on PlayStation Store as part of Tomb Raider I-III Remastered.</em></a></p>
<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54252136462_cc9bde7821_4k.jpg" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54252136462_cc9bde7821_4k.jpg"/></a>
<p class=""><strong>Tomb Raider II – 1997 – PlayStation – Eidos Interactive, Core Design</strong></p>
<p class="">Now a more seasoned adventurer, Ms Croft began the search for the mystical Dagger of Xian, said to possess the power to transform its bearer into a dragon. In an attempt to claim it before the dangerous cultists of the Fiamma Nera, Lara blasts her way across Venice, Tibet, and even back at her mansion in England.</p>
<p class="">Expanding in every way on the already massively successful formula, with new weapons, the ability to climb walls and larger levels, Tomb Raider II also introduced controllable vehicles such as boats and snowmobiles, marking the start of a beautiful relationship between Lara and practically anything with a motor (and even some without).</p>
<p class=""><a href="https://www.playstation.com/games/tomb-raider-I-III-remastered-starring-lara-croft/"><em>Available on PlayStation Store as part of Tomb Raider I-III Remastered.</em></a></p>
<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54252136607_0ffd8808ae_4k.jpg" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54252136607_0ffd8808ae_4k.jpg"/></a>
<p class=""><strong>Tomb Raider III: The Adventures of Lara Croft – 1998 – PlayStation – Eidos Interactive, Core Design</strong></p>
<p class="">Four fragments of an ancient, power granting meteorite. Grisly experiments. Nods to the movie classic, The Thing. Lara’s third outing went big, pitching her across Nevada, the South Pacific Islands, and Antarctica to get the job done – with the novel option to play the middle locales of the game in any order. </p>
<p class="">As with Tomb Raider II, this sequel featured smarter enemies and equipped Lara with an even wider move set such as monkey swings and a stamina limited sprint. It also introduced dynamic lighting, weather and smoke effects, giving the series a serious visual punch.</p>
<p class=""><a href="https://www.playstation.com/games/tomb-raider-I-III-remastered-starring-lara-croft/"><em>Available on PlayStation Store as part of Tomb Raider I-III Remastered.</em></a></p>
<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54253455515_0440d2fbb0_4k.jpg" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54253455515_0440d2fbb0_4k.jpg"/></a>
<p class=""><strong>Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation</strong> <strong>– 1998 – PlayStation – Eidos Interactive, Core Design</strong></p>
<p class="">Compared to its self-assured prequels, The Last Revelation carried a more tentative tone as Lara’s attempt to claim the Amulet of Horus accidentally unleashes the malevolent Egyptian God, Set, who possesses her former mentor.</p>
<p class="">Saving humanity from Set has Lara journey through a greater variety of indoor and outdoor areas as she fights across the streets, ruins and canyons of Cairo and Alexandria, as well as the Pyramids of Giza.</p>
<p class="">Along with a less polygonal looking Croft, her fourth outing introduced more new moves and the ability to combine items in her inventory to craft puzzle pieces or create enhanced weapons. We’ll come back to this element later… </p>
<p class=""><em>Coming soon to PlayStation Store as part of Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered.</em></p>
<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54253033441_ec2e59edf0_4k.jpg" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54253033441_ec2e59edf0_4k.jpg"/></a>
<p class=""><strong>Tomb Raider: Chronicles – 2000 – PlayStation – Eidos Interactive, Core Design</strong></p>
<p class="">Presumed dead after the events of The Last Revelation, Chronicles featured Lara’s nearest and dearest reminiscing over her past, revealing her hunt for the Philosopher’s Stone in Rome, searching for the Spear of Destiny off the coast of Russia, fending off Hellspawn in Ireland as a teenager, and infiltrating a high-tech facility in New York – complete with cyborg assassins. </p>
<p class=""><em>Coming soon to PlayStation Store as part of Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered.</em></p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">PlayStation 2 era</h2>
<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54253263058_34f1f864c9_4k.jpg" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54253263058_34f1f864c9_4k.jpg"/></a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness – 2003 – PlayStation 2 –</strong> <strong>Eidos Interactive, Core Design</strong></h2>
<p class="">Having survived the events of The Last Revelation, Lara eventually resurfaces in Paris, only to be framed for the murder of her former mentor.</p>
<p class="">True to its title, The Angel of Darkness featured a more tonally sinister story compared to previous games in the series, with PS2 powered visuals to match its new style and revamped controls. It also introduced a dialogue system, an upgradable stamina bar, and a second playable character in antagonistic partner Kurtis Trent.</p>
<p class=""><em>Coming soon to PlayStation Store as part of Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered.</em></p>
<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54253276284_4bc9c67e10_4k.jpg" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54253276284_4bc9c67e10_4k.jpg"/></a>
<p class=""><strong>Tomb Raider: Legend – 2006 – PlayStation 2 –</strong> <strong>Eidos Interactive, Crystal Dynamics</strong></p>
<p class="">Rebooting the entire series and balancing Lara’s bold sense of adventure with a more grounded emotional core, Legends saw Ms Croft searching for the mythical sword Excalibur as a way to help find her missing mother.</p>
<p class="">Increasing the locations that Lara typically explored (from Japan and Peru to Nepal and Kazakhstan) but taking a back-to-basics approach to her weapons and gear, Legend reformatted the series’ controls, combat, enemy AI, and even crafted a custom physics engine to give the gameplay a fresh yet familiar feel.</p>
<p class=""><em>Available on PlayStation Store and included with </em><a href="https://www.playstation.com/ps-plus"><em>PlayStation Plus Premium</em></a><em>.</em> </p>
<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54253455440_75cb12d8dd_k.jpg" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54253455440_75cb12d8dd_k.jpg"/></a>
<p class=""><strong>Tomb Raider: Anniversary – 2007 – PlayStation 2 –</strong> <strong>Eidos Interactive, Crystal Dynamics</strong></p>
<p class="">By this point the series had hit a great balance between series reverence and new mechanics, remixing the very first Tomb Raider’s story while following the events of Legacy, in an enhanced engine.</p>
<p class="">Lara’s weapons cache was given a bump, while the iconic style of the first game was preserved as much as possible, albeit with more contemporary considerations across the puzzles and level design to help integrate elements from Legend, such as the grapple to traverse the environments.</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">PlayStation 3 era</h2>
<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54253276219_3059c14e79_k.jpg" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54253276219_3059c14e79_k.jpg"/></a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Tomb Raider: Underworld</strong> – <strong>2008 – PlayStation 3 –</strong> <strong>Eidos Interactive, Crystal Dynamics</strong></h2>
<p class="">Rounding off the Legend timeline, Underworld saw Lara search for Thor’s hammer in order to enter the Norse underworld, Helheim, and discover the truth of her parents’ ultimate fate. The game smartly used real world analogues for the mythological locations, taking Lara to places such as Jan Mayen Island and the Arctic Circle.</p>
<p class="">Underworld took advantage of the powerful PS3 hardware with more expansive environments, motion captured animation (via Olympic gymnast Heidi Moneymaker) and a raft of new moves and weapons, including… Thor’s hammer. Oh yes.</p>
<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54253033336_44b34a7840_4k.jpg" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54253033336_44b34a7840_4k.jpg"/></a>
<p class=""><strong>Tomb Raider</strong> – <strong>2013 – PlayStation 3 –</strong> <strong>Square Enix, Crystal Dynamics</strong></p>
<p class="">The series’ storytelling style took a more grounded and filmic focus with this second reboot of Lara’s adventures, tracking her development from a frightened young traveller to a steel nerved survivor. Stranded on a mysterious island off the coast of Japan, Lara has to find her friends and escape before the violent Solari Brotherhood cult murders them all.</p>
<p class="">Starting off with rudimentary weapons that can eventually be upgraded (fulfilling the promise of The Last Revelation’s early crafting style system), Tomb Raider is all about stealth and survival in a savage, more open environment, complete with changeable weather effects and dramatic lighting.</p>
<p class="">Tomb Raider also became the first game in the series to feature an online competitive multiplayer mode, so can you expand the hunt to your friends, too…</p>
<p class=""><em>Available on PlayStation Store and included with </em><a href="https://www.playstation.com/ps-plus"><em>PlayStation Plus Extra</em></a><em>.</em></p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">PlayStation 4 era</h2>
<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54253455465_a0f7f9dbab_6k.jpg" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54253455465_a0f7f9dbab_6k.jpg"/></a>
<p class=""><strong>Rise of the Tomb Raider </strong>– <strong>2015 – PlayStation 4 –</strong> <strong>Square Enix, Crystal Dynamics</strong></p>
<p class="">The leap to PS4 meant the sequel to 2013’s Tomb Raider remains one of the series’ most aesthetically impressive entries, with improved motion capture technology to include facial animation.</p>
<p class="">Seeking to finish her later father’s research on the mythical city of Kitezh and its immortality granting artifact, Lara finds herself in Siberia in a fight for her life, not just against the paramilitary organisation Trinity, but more hostile wildlife, too. The guerilla style combat was developed further, albeit with a wider weapons and skill set selection for Lara to utilise.</p>
<p class=""><em>Available on PlayStation Store and included with </em><a href="https://www.playstation.com/ps-plus"><em>PlayStation Plus Extra</em></a><em>.</em></p>
<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54253262993_731b01ed84_4k.jpg" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54253262993_731b01ed84_4k.jpg"/></a>
<p class=""><strong>Shadow of the Tomb Raider </strong>– <strong>2018 – PlayStation 4 –</strong> <strong>Eidos-Montreal, Crystal Dynamics</strong></p>
<p class="">Capping off the Survivor trilogy, Shadow of the Tomb Raider saw Lara attempting to prevent a Mayan apocalypse she unwittingly unleashed. Set mostly in Mexico and Peru, the story covers a more philosophical awakening for Lara, exploring the cultural impact of her actions as she evolves into the more recognisable version of her character.</p>
<p class="">As the beautiful visuals took another step forward, so did the game’s stealth elements, with the ability to hide in the undergrowth from enemies, or camouflage Lara with mud. Not that she’s hiding anymore – animated series Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft picks up from where Shadow of the Tomb Raider left off in the series’ continuity.</p>
<p class=""><em>Available on PlayStation Store via </em><a href="https://www.playstation.com/ps-plus"><em>PlayStation Plus Extra</em></a><em>.</em></p>
<div class="shortcode shortcode--youtube">
<div class="youtube-video" data-title="" data-youtube-id="DOdgb6R_zYo">
<button class="youtube-video__load-button">
<svg aria-hidden="true" class="icon icon--play icon--26 icon--play icon--blue" focusable="false" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 20 20">
<title></title><path class="icon-primary-color" d="M0 1.75v17l20-8.5z" fill-rule="evenodd"></path> </svg>
<span class="screen-reader-text">Play  Video</span>
</button>
<img alt="Tomb Raider: series retrospective" height="1080" src="https://img.youtube.com/vi/DOdgb6R_zYo/maxresdefault.jpg" width="1920"/>
<div class="youtube-video__iframe"></div>
</div>
</div>
<p class="">With Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered rappelling onto PS4 and PS5 by February 14, the world doesn’t have long to wait before Lara returns once more. Dust off your inexhaustible twin pistols and grab an uncommonly rugged backpack – it’s time to go adventuring…  </p>
</div>',
                'None'
            );

            
            INSERT INTO articles (url, title, cover_image, content, youtube_link) VALUES (
                'https://blog.playstation.com/2025/01/10/playstation-store-december-2024s-top-downloads/',
                'PlayStation Store: December 2024’s top downloads',
                'https://blog.playstation.com/tachyon/2025/01/1e1fa6b3f8ee753d0930b2efa75f5fa9f809f8f8.jpg?resize=1088%2C612&crop_strategy=smart',
                '<div class="post-single__content single__content entry-content">
<p class="">It’s time to see which PS5, PS4, PS VR2, and free-to-play games topped the download charts last month. Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 held a solidified front on the PS5 charts, remaining in the top five of December’s US and EU lists. Alien: Rogue Incursion burst onto December’s PS VR2 list, landing in the top five of the US and EU regions. Check out the full listings below. What titles are you playing this month?</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>PS5 Games</strong></h2>
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-ps-product-spec"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th><strong>US/Canada</strong></th><th><strong>EU</strong></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Call of Duty: Black Ops 6</strong></td><td><strong>EA SPORTS FC 25</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>NBA 2K25</strong></td><td><strong>Call of Duty: Black Ops 6</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>EA SPORTS Madden NFL 25</strong></td><td><strong>Hogwarts Legacy</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Grand Theft Auto V</strong></td><td><strong>Grand Theft Auto V</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>EA SPORTS FC 25</strong></td><td><strong>UFC 5</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>EA SPORTS College Football 25</strong></td><td><strong>Minecraft</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Phasmophobia</strong></td><td><strong>Phasmophobia</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Hogwarts Legacy</strong></td><td><strong>Gran Turismo 7</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Marvel’s Spider-Man 2</strong></td><td><strong>The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>ASTRO BOT</strong></td><td><strong>Arma Reforger</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Minecraft</strong></td><td><strong>The Crew Motorfest</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Mortal Kombat 1</strong></td><td><strong>Marvel’s Spider-Man 2</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>HELLDIVERS 2</strong></td><td><strong>ASTRO BOT</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Arma Reforger</strong></td><td><strong>Star Wars Jedi: Survivor</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Gran Turismo 7</strong></td><td><strong>NBA 2K25</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>The Crew Motorfest</strong></td><td><strong>Cyberpunk 2077</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Cyberpunk 2077</strong></td><td><strong>Raft</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Star Wars Jedi: Survivor</strong></td><td><strong>F1 24</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>UFC 5</strong></td><td><strong>Need for Speed Unbound</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>NHL 25</strong></td><td><strong>Farming Simulator 25</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
<p class="has-small-font-size"><em>*Naming of products may differ between regions</em></p>
<p class="has-small-font-size"><em>*Upgrades not included</em></p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>PS4 Games</strong></h2>
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-ps-product-spec"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th><strong>US/Canada</strong></th><th><strong>EU</strong></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Red Dead Redemption 2</strong></td><td><strong>EA SPORTS FC 25</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Call of Duty: Black Ops 6</strong></td><td><strong>Red Dead Redemption 2</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Need for Speed Heat</strong></td><td><strong>Need for Speed Heat</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>theHunter: Call of the Wild</strong></td><td><strong>A Way Out</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Grand Theft Auto V</strong></td><td><strong>Grand Theft Auto V</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Gang Beasts</strong></td><td><strong>Battlefield 1</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Batman: Arkham Knight</strong></td><td><strong>Unravel Two</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>EA SPORTS Madden NFL 25</strong></td><td><strong>Hogwarts Legacy</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Need for Speed Payback</strong></td><td><strong>Call of Duty: Black Ops 6</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Battlefield 1</strong></td><td><strong>Gang Beasts</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>STAR WARS Battlefront II</strong></td><td><strong>Battlefield 4</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>God of War</strong></td><td><strong>Batman: Arkham Knight</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>A Way Out</strong></td><td><strong>Need for Speed Payback</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>EA SPORTS FC 25</strong></td><td><strong>STAR WARS Battlefront II</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Call of Duty: Black Ops III</strong></td><td><strong>Minecraft</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Hogwarts Legacy</strong></td><td><strong>Kingdom Come: Deliverance</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Minecraft</strong></td><td><strong>Assassin’s Creed Unity</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>NBA 2K25</strong></td><td><strong>House Flipper</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Stardew Valley</strong></td><td><strong>God of War</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Red Dead Redemption</strong></td><td><strong>Battlefield V</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
<p class="has-small-font-size"><strong>        </strong><strong> </strong><em>*Naming of products may differ between regions</em></p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>PS VR2 Games*</strong></h2>
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-ps-product-spec"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th><strong>US/Canada</strong></th><th><strong>EU</strong></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Beat Saber</strong></td><td><strong>Alien: Rogue Incursion</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Alien: Rogue Incursion</strong></td><td><strong>Beat Saber</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Skydance’s BEHEMOTH</strong></td><td><strong>Horizon Call of the Mountain</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Among Us VR</strong></td><td><strong>Skydance’s BEHEMOTH</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Metro Awakening</strong></td><td><strong>Among Us VR</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Pavlov</strong></td><td><strong>Metro Awakening</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Swordsman VR</strong></td><td><strong>Subside</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Arizona Sunshine 2</strong></td><td><strong>Creed: Rise to Glory – Championship Edition</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Creed: Rise to Glory – Championship Edition</strong></td><td><strong>Job Simulator</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Arizona Sunshine Remake</strong></td><td><strong>Pavlov</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
<p class="has-small-font-size"><em> *PS Store purchases only. Game upgrades or games bundled with hardware not included</em></p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Free to Play (PS5 + PS4)</strong></h2>
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-ps-product-spec"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th><strong>US/Canada</strong></th><th><strong>EU</strong></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Marvel Rivals</strong></td><td><strong>Marvel Rivals</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Fortnite</strong></td><td><strong>UFL</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Roblox</strong></td><td><strong>Fortnite</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>UFL</strong></td><td><strong>Roblox</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Rocket League</strong></td><td><strong>Rocket League</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Call of Duty: Warzone</strong></td><td><strong>Call of Duty: Warzone</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Infinity Nikki</strong></td><td><strong>Asphalt Legends Unite</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Asphalt Legends Unite</strong></td><td><strong>Infinity Nikki</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Fall Guys</strong></td><td><strong>VALORANT</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>VALORANT</strong></td><td><strong>eFootball</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
</div>',
                'None'
            );

            
            INSERT INTO articles (url, title, cover_image, content, youtube_link) VALUES (
                'https://blog.playstation.com/2025/01/10/players-choice-vote-for-december-2024s-best-new-game/',
                'Players’ Choice – Marvel Rivals voted December 2024’s top new game',
                'https://blog.playstation.com/tachyon/2025/01/65b021f19f8452b9b6fe453babe09af34e89f7ea.jpg?resize=1088%2C612&crop_strategy=smart',
                '<div class="post-single__content single__content entry-content">
<p class="">Your votes have spoken: <a href="https://www.playstation.com/games/marvel-rivals/">Marvel Rivals</a> (super) hero team-based shooter takes Players’ Choice for December. Congrats to NetEase Games!</p>
<p class="">What games have you been playing in 2025 so far? Share predictions on January’s winner in the comments below.</p>
<hr class="ps-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>
<p class="">December wrapped up another fun year of gaming. What did you enjoy most about last month’s title lineup? </p>
<hr class="ps-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>
<p class=""><strong>How does it work?</strong> At the end of every month, PlayStation Blog will open a poll where you can vote for the best new game released that month. After the polls close we will tally your votes, and announce the winner on our social channels and PlayStation.Blog. </p>
<p class=""><strong>What is the voting criteria?</strong> That’s up to you! If you were only able to recommend one new release to a friend that month, which would it be? Note: re-released games don’t qualify, but remakes do. We define remakes as ambitious, larger-scale rebuilds such as Resident Evil 4 (2023) and Final Fantasy VII Remake.</p>
<p class=""><strong>How are nominees decided?</strong> The PlayStation Blog editorial team will gather a list of that month’s most noteworthy releases and use it to seed the poll.</p>
<figure class="wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-rich is-provider-crowdsignal wp-block-embed-crowdsignal"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<script>var pd_tags = new Array;pd_tags["14895362-src"]="poll-oembed-simple";</script><script charset="utf-8" src="https://secure.polldaddy.com/p/14895362.js" type="text/javascript"></script>
</div></figure>
</div>',
                'None'
            );

            
            INSERT INTO articles (url, title, cover_image, content, youtube_link) VALUES (
                'https://blog.playstation.com/2025/01/10/share-of-the-year-2024/',
                'Share of the Year 2024',
                'https://blog.playstation.com/tachyon/2025/01/1b1d8fd90aa3dbf39a9207d3e5a62c9555537ff0.png?resize=1088%2C612&crop_strategy=smart',
                '<div class="post-single__content single__content entry-content">
<p class="">As 2024 came to a close, we asked you to take a look back and share your favorite screenshots you took while playing in 2024 using #PSshare #PSBlog. Here are the Share of the Year highlights:</p>
<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54257346335_5ae87d8831_k.jpg" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" height="1080" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54257346335_5ae87d8831_k.jpg" width="1920"/></a>
<p class="has-text-align-center"><a href="https://x.com/cuterboy296/status/1870731807530086422/photo/1"><em>cuterboy296</em></a><em> </em><em>shares Astro Bot in the God of War themed level tossing the Leviathan Axe.</em></p>
<p class="center"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54256032487_84848016bd_h.jpg" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" height="1080" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54256032487_84848016bd_h.jpg" width="50%"/></a></p>
<p class="has-text-align-center"><a href="https://x.com/riainwonderland/status/1874212127223013395/photo/1"><em>riainwonderland</em></a><em> </em><em>shares a back to back portrait of Aloy and Rost from Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered.</em></p>
<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54256922831_f1d90a3312_k.jpg" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" height="1080" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54256922831_f1d90a3312_k.jpg" width="1920"/></a>
<p class="has-text-align-center"><a href="https://x.com/themarkplumb/status/1874167932500287566/photo/4"><em>themarkplumb</em></a><em> </em><em>shares a close up portrait of Abby in newly released skin in The Last of Us Part II Remastered.</em></p>
<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54257151578_c94b7738f3_k.jpg" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" height="1080" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54257151578_c94b7738f3_k.jpg" width="1920"/></a>
<p class="has-text-align-center"><a href="https://x.com/calisarah1998/status/1874145046582485052/photo/4"><em>calisarah1998</em></a><em> </em><em>shares Kay Vess walking out of a structure in Star Wars Outlaws.</em></p>
<p class="center"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54256032382_427429d41a_b.jpg" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" height="1080" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54256032382_427429d41a_b.jpg" width="50%"/></a></p>
<p class="has-text-align-center"><a href="https://x.com/domo_vp/status/1874059786976919864/photo/3"><em>domo_vp</em></a><em> </em><em>shares a Na’vi aiming a bow and arrow with a planet center framed in the background in Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora</em></p>
<p class="center"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54256032412_a4ad086ec0_k.jpg" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" height="1080" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54256032412_a4ad086ec0_k.jpg" width="50%"/></a></p>
<p class="has-text-align-center"><a href="https://x.com/TakaSanGames/status/1873960731940639100/photo/1"><em>TakaSanGames</em></a><em> </em><em>shares Eve striking a pose with her weapon in Stellar Blade</em></p>
<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54257160294_d3951091ab_k.jpg" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" height="1080" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54257160294_d3951091ab_k.jpg" width="1920"/></a>
<p class="has-text-align-center"><a href="https://x.com/Gib84G/status/1873926231365980297/photo/3"><em>Gib84G</em></a><em> </em><em>shares a group of Space Marines standing in their armor in Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2.</em></p>
<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54257151548_c51966086e_k.jpg" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" height="1080" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54257151548_c51966086e_k.jpg" width="1920"/></a>
<p class="has-text-align-center"><a href="https://x.com/DexM_ds/status/1873757939301072909/photo/3"><em>DexM_ds</em></a><em> </em><em>shares the Destined One carrying a bird on his arm in Black Myth: Wukong</em></p>
<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54257160264_dcafd1ab86_k.jpg" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" height="1080" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54257160264_dcafd1ab86_k.jpg" width="1920"/></a>
<p class="has-text-align-center"><a href="https://x.com/__Auron__/status/1873746533319102876/photo/4"><em>__Auron__</em></a><em> </em><em>shares the protagonist nun framed by dramatic lighting in Indika.</em></p>
<p class="center"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54257151528_98cffe0be1_b.jpg" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" height="1080" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54257151528_98cffe0be1_b.jpg" width="50%"/></a></p>
<p class="has-text-align-center"><a href="https://x.com/MBaw96/status/1873467226520785324/photo/2"><em>MBaw96</em></a><em> </em><em>shares the protagonist and wolf from Neva underneath a larger spirit wolf falling in the sky.</em></p>
<p class="">Search #PSshare #PSBlog on Twitter or Instagram to see more entries to this week’s theme. Want to be featured in the next Share of the Week?</p>
<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54257346220_d0b6256da7_k.jpg" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" height="1080" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54257346220_d0b6256da7_k.jpg" width="1920"/></a>
<p class="">THEME: New Game<br/>SUBMIT BY: 11:59 PM PT on January 15, 2024 </p>
<p class="">Did you unwrap a new game over the holidays? Next week, share moments diving into a game you’ve never played before using #PSshare #PSBlog for a chance to be featured.</p>
</div>',
                'None'
            );

            
            INSERT INTO articles (url, title, cover_image, content, youtube_link) VALUES (
                'https://blog.playstation.com/2025/01/13/20250114-honkaistarrail/',
                'Honkai: Star Rail Version 3.0 “Paean of Era Nova” Arrives January 15',
                'https://blog.playstation.com/tachyon/2025/01/37f8f55b0888e7d31d88e503519adea975fa27b0-scaled.jpg?resize=1088%2C612&crop_strategy=smart',
                '<div class="post-single__content single__content entry-content">
<p class="">Dear Trailblazers: On behalf of the Honkai: Star Rail development team, I want to wish you a wonderful New Year! May your journey through the infinite cosmos continue to bring excitement as we embark together on this romantic space adventure. Today, I’m thrilled to share more about Version 3.0 “Paean of Era Nova,” launching January 15. This update introduces the long-awaited world of Amphoreus and begins an epic new chapter in our main story. The Trailblaze Mission in Amphoreus will be released in two parts across eight versions, from 3.0 to 3.7, making it the largest story arc in Honkai: Star Rail to date. Get ready to embark on the “Hero’s Journey” with new playable characters — Aglaea and The Herta, plus the Trailblazer: Remembrance unlocking a new Path!</p>
<figure class="wp-block-video wp-video-261658"><video autoplay="" controls="" data-src="https://blog.ja.playstation.com/uploads/sites/7/2025/01/679ecca68543bdd93454330d0c2fa917510df9de.mp4" loop="" muted="" playsinline="" preload="metadata"></video></figure>
<p class=""><strong>Amphoreus, the Eternal Land</strong></p>
<p class="">Leaving Penacony the Planet of Festivities behind, the Astral Express embarks toward Amphoreus under Black Swan’s guidance, seeking both to replenish Trailblaze Fuel and uncover the mysteries of this celestial body — a realm so enigmatic that even the Aeon of Trailblaze, Akivili, could not reach, its existence hidden from most of the cosmos. From the outside, Amphoreus appears as a chaotic vortex, its existence impossible to detect or understand. Similarly, its inhabitants remain completely unaware of the outside universe. Unlike other worlds, they do not know of the concept of “Aeons,” instead worshiping deities known as “Titans.” According to legend, twelve Titans created Amphoreus: Three who wove fate, three who shaped the heavens and earth, three who molded life, and three who brought calamity.”</p>
<p class="">Yet this realm’s history is steeped in tragedy. In ancient times, the arrival of three Titans — “Strife,” “Death,” and “Trickery” — sparked a civil war among the gods. Soon after, a mysterious force known as the “black tide” swept across the world. None know its origins, but all life touched by it loses sanity, with even the mighty Titans proving vulnerable. Over millennia, between the black tide gradually consuming Amphoreus and the gods waging endless war, the world fell into eternal night. Now, in humanity’s final sanctuary — the Holy City of Okhema — only the protection of Kephale, the Worldbearing Titan, stands as the last barrier against the black tide. And now, the Astral Express, arriving as an unexpected force from beyond this world, is destined to change the course of Amphoreus’s fate, but how? Well, that’s for you to find out, dear Trailblazers!</p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img alt="" src="https://blog.ja.playstation.com/uploads/sites/7/2025/01/7491d44936915ab4dae55e3fc75142b0b383339b.png"/></figure>
<p class=""></p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img alt="" src="https://blog.ja.playstation.com/uploads/sites/7/2025/01/d37f683878aa7602bf34089fcee576d1b2334a17.png"/></figure>
<p class=""></p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>The Beginning of the Hero’s Journey</strong></h2>
<p class="">As mentioned earlier, the Trailblaze Mission on Amphoreus will span across eight versions, forming an epic and grand narrative. In the upcoming Version 3.0, you will officially set foot on this eternal land and embark on your own Hero’s Journey. Upon entering Amphoreus, the Trailblazer and Dan Heng first descend into a region known as the “Abyss of Fate.” Legend says three Titans — Time, Passage, and Law — once wove here the threads of time, space, and rules that would govern Amphoreus, determining the fate of all creation. Now this land lies in eternal night, with only emptiness echoing through its grand architectural remains.”</p>
<p class=""></p>
<p class="">As the story unfolds, the Trailblazer’s group will return to the Abyss of Fate, pierce through the mists, delve deep into the temple, and finally gain audience with Oronyx, the Titan of Time. Through this encounter, the Trailblazer embarks on the Path of Remembrance, gaining the ability to “draw strength from the past.” Meanwhile, players will meet a new companion who, due to their mysterious origins and tendency to only make “Mem” sounds, is temporarily named “Mem.” Beyond their adorable appearance, Mem plays a crucial role in combat. The Trailblazer can summon Mem during battles, where it gradually charges Energy. Once fully charged, it provides Mem’s Support that allows a designated character to immediately takes action and deal additional True DMG, turning the tide of battle. Together with Mem, the Trailblazer will surely overcome the various challenges that await in Amphoreus.</p>
<figure class="wp-block-video wp-video-261661"><video autoplay="" controls="" data-src="https://blog.ja.playstation.com/uploads/sites/7/2025/01/d71a3b54318cf45721f67667f7c75884b6f68ba0.mp4" loop="" muted="" playsinline="" preload="metadata"></video></figure>
<p class="">Following the winding path beyond the Abyss, players will reach Okhema, the Holy City built into the mountainside. Bathed in the eternal dawn light of the Worldbearing Titan’s protection, this city will serve as a crucial base for the trailblazing expedition through Amphoreus. Among its most distinctive landmarks stands the Marmoreal Palace, a grand baths. More than just a place for bathing and relaxation, it functions as the city’s heart, a public gathering space fostering daily social connections among residents. And Okhema has much more to offer beyond its architectural marvels. Here, you’ll encounter a variety of fascinating creatures. Among them is the dromas, a loyal helper of the Amphoreans, known for their strength in carrying both people and goods. The Dromas is a creation of Georios, the Earth Titan, one of the Three Titans of Foundation. A specialized Dromas Workshop can be found within Okhema, dedicated to crafting and training these remarkable creatures. Scattered throughout the city, you’ll also find a host of chimeras, each with its unique traits. Their colors, personalities, and temperaments vary greatly—some are quick to anger, others delight in mischief, and still, others offer their help to humans in whatever way they can.</p>
<p class="">In these times of eternal night and chaos, Okhema, sheltered under the Worldbearing Titan’s protection, remains humanity’s final sanctuary and beacon of hope. Local legend tells a romantic tale: Kephale shall one day open their eyes, leading humanity to triumph over the black tide and forge a new world. From beneath this holy city, a group of human heroes known as the Chrysos Heirs embarks on a quest for flame, shouldering the mission to reclaim the twelve Titan Coreflames and restore Amphoreus to glory. In future stories, the Trailblazer will join their journey, fighting alongside the Chrysos Heirs in this legendary expedition.</p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img alt="" src="https://blog.ja.playstation.com/uploads/sites/7/2025/01/882b5a5afc1436f8ff988b93697dab331f34c2bf.png"/></figure>
<p class=""></p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img alt="" src="https://blog.ja.playstation.com/uploads/sites/7/2025/01/c2733c248b4324d501194241452df3058b8377d5-scaled.jpg"/></figure>
<p class=""></p>
<p class="">In Version 3.0, Trailblazers will also explore the unique city-state of Castrum Kremnos. It was named after the Blade of Fury that dangles high above the city, and it is also where the Strife Titan resides, thus making it the place where the seventh Coreflame slumbers. In the second half of the Trailblaze Mission, players will borrow the power of the Oronyx to return to the past and experience Castrum Kremnos during its golden age. There, they will discover one of the mechanisms the Trickery Titan Zagreus left behind: The Hand of Zagreus. This mechanism can be used to lift heavy obtains, pick up items, smash open pathways, and obliterate enemies easily in special circumstances. It serves as a major aid to exploration. In Version 3.0’s climactic Trailblaze Mission, Trailblazers and the Chrysos Heirs will face numerous challenges before engaging in a final battle with Nikador, the Strife Titan, to reclaim the Coreflame of Strife. Known as the “Lance of Fury,” Nikador and its followers hold a fanatical devotion to war and combat. To defeat them, Trailblazers need to collect “Glory” stacks to shatter Nikador’s “Titanic Corpus.”</p>
<p class=""></p>
<p class="">The final area of Version 3.0 unfolds in the Vortex of Genesis, the grand sanctuary and birthplace of Amphoreus. This sacred site, home to the primordial essence of the Twelve Titans, is said to be where the Miracle of Genesis will one day manifest. Here, the Chrysos Heirs will return the reclaimed Coreflames after overthrowing each Titan. Above, constellations light up the night sky, representing the journeys of those who came before. The Flame-Chase Journey, a thousand-year odyssey of trials and perseverance, has now reached its turning point. The road ahead will be forged by the Trailblazers, standing alongside the Chrysos Heirs to continue the legend!</p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img alt="" src="https://blog.ja.playstation.com/uploads/sites/7/2025/01/19ededf0f16592eba0a15d23ed48b8c0d68ce214.png"/></figure>
<p class=""></p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Companions of the Flame-Chase Journey</strong></h2>
<p class="">Version 3.0 will invite two new and powerful 5-star characters to join the player’s teams. The first is the esteemed#83 member of the Genius Society, an Emanator of Erudition: Madam Herta. Since Herta first debuted, she made a deep impression via her unique Herta puppets and idiosyncratic behaviors on the space station. It is said that her true self resides in a place on the Cosmos’ edge, and she rarely reveals herself to others. It is only today that she has finally shown herself. The Herta is an Ice-Type Erudition character that is skilled at AoE DMG. In battle, she can apply Interpretation on enemies, and ally characters attacks can also further apply Interpretation. With the increase of Interpretation stacks, The Herta’s abilities can increase powerful hits of DMG based on their high Interpretation stacks on specific targets and multiple enemies besides. Additionally, The Herta’s Ultimate can also Transfer the highest Interpretation stacks to Elite or stronger enemies, before dealing Ice DMG to all enemy targets.”</p>
<figure class="wp-block-video wp-video-261665"><video autoplay="" controls="" data-src="https://blog.ja.playstation.com/uploads/sites/7/2025/01/b6e5e1f3e900c50154e930c15e7377b7a7a2465a.mp4" loop="" muted="" playsinline="" preload="metadata"></video></figure>
<p class="">The second character making her debut is Aglaea from Amphoreus. She bears the divine authority of “Romance,” and is one of the earliest Chrysos Heirs to embark on the Flame-Chase Journey. As Okhema’s dressmaster, Aglaea isn’t just a legendary hero of Amphoreus, but she is also a major figure in recruiting new Chrysos Heirs to embark on the world-saving journey after the Flame-Chase Journey was interrupted prior. As the first limited 5-star Remembrance character, Aglaea can summon her memosprite Garmentmaker in battle to fight alongside her. They demonstrate a duet dance aesthetic in combat. Additionally, through their cooperation, Aglaea and her Garmentmaker can synchronize attacks on enemies. This new joint attacking mechanism not only increases the Garmentmaker’s SPD, and also adds a new layer of rhythm and variability to combat, allowing an exquisite dance for two to unfold at a charming cadence.</p>
<figure class="wp-block-video wp-video-261666"><video autoplay="" controls="" data-src="https://blog.ja.playstation.com/uploads/sites/7/2025/01/bc0ce4c3174c1849322c0f95766221b58e5fea48.mp4" loop="" muted="" playsinline="" preload="metadata"></video></figure>
<p class="">In addition, in the first half of Version 3.0, there will also be a special Warp event. Limited 5-star characters Lingsha, Feixiao, and Jade will be making reruns. In the second half, the 5-star characters Boothill, Robin, and Silver Wolf will also be making a limited return. These characters will serve stronger reinforcements, walking side by side with Trailblazers to embark on a journey across Amphoreus. Aside from this, March 7th will gain a Preservation outfit. It can be claimed after unlocking the “Characters” function and logging in during the Version 3.0 period. Meanwhile, the Honkai: Star Rail Trailblazer Edition PS5® Physical Disc Bundle will soon be available for purchase, both online and in physical stores!</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>System Optimizations</strong></h2>
<p class="">Lastly, we’ve listened closely to player feedback and, in this major Version 3.0 update, have implemented several system optimizations to improve the gameplay experience! Among the new additions is the “Flying Amphora”. Smashing a Flying Amphora will grant you a boost in movement speed as you traverse the open world. Meanwhile, to ensure new players can easily enjoy the main storyline of Amphoreus, we’ve also made adjustments so that after completing the “Silent Galaxy” Trailblaze Mission, you can head directly to Amphoreus without difficulty. Version 3.0 also brings updates to the new Leveling Guide system that allows Trailblazers to evaluate their character’s strength, with recommendations on Character Level, Light Cone, Traces, Relics and more. We’ve also introduced the “Wishful Resin” and “Variable Dice”, allowing targeted modification and redistribution of a Relic’s Main and Sub Stats, offering more flexibility in developing companions. But that’s just the beginning — many more exciting improvements await your discovery!</p>
<p class="">These are just some exciting updates in Version 3.0 — there’s plenty more to explore and enjoy! We wish you all a year filled with adventure, growth, and great moments in Honkai: Star Rail.</p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img alt="" src="https://blog.ja.playstation.com/uploads/sites/7/2025/01/e3cdc5c8df24de6b2466dc2b7cd35791c36553e1-scaled.jpg"/></figure>
<p class=""></p>
</div>',
                'None'
            );

            
            INSERT INTO articles (url, title, cover_image, content, youtube_link) VALUES (
                'https://blog.playstation.com/2025/01/13/dynasty-warriors-origins-hands-on-report-2/',
                'Dynasty Warriors: Origins — hands-on report',
                'https://blog.playstation.com/tachyon/2025/01/45e2b36d643142c5619a4fce1a14f598bbe40bfb.jpg?resize=1088%2C612&crop_strategy=smart',
                '<div class="post-single__content single__content entry-content">
<p class="">January 17 will bring Dynasty Warriors: Origins, a thrilling new addition to the Dynasty Warriors series to PlayStation 5, and we recently had the opportunity to play the tactical hack-and-slash action ahead of its release. </p>
<div class="shortcode shortcode--youtube">
<div class="youtube-video" data-title="" data-youtube-id="U9DxhZj4Ej8">
<button class="youtube-video__load-button">
<svg aria-hidden="true" class="icon icon--play icon--26 icon--play icon--blue" focusable="false" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 20 20">
<title></title><path class="icon-primary-color" d="M0 1.75v17l20-8.5z" fill-rule="evenodd"></path> </svg>
<span class="screen-reader-text">Play  Video</span>
</button>
<img alt="Dynasty Warriors: Origins — hands-on report" height="1080" src="https://img.youtube.com/vi/U9DxhZj4Ej8/maxresdefault.jpg" width="1920"/>
<div class="youtube-video__iframe"></div>
</div>
</div>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The gripping tale of a ‘nameless hero’ </h2>
<p class="">Dynasty Warriors: Origins follows the drama surrounding China’s Three Kingdoms period, from the Yellow Turban Rebellion to the Battle of Red Cliffs. At the beginning of the game, the protagonist gets caught up in a battle with Guan Yu against the troops of corrupt officials. The Yellow Turban Rebellion was never portrayed in detail in previous installments of the series. Still, this game goes into depth around the origins and woes of the Yellow Turbans, as well as the perspectives of each general belonging to the defeated troops.</p>
<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54252968712_613ae5a79d_o.jpg" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54252968712_613ae5a79d_o.jpg"/></a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The struggle of choosing sides amid a slew of enthralling warriors and heroes</h2>
<p class="">The protagonist is a traveling martial artist suffering from amnesia. However, his body still remembers how to handle weapons, allowing him to wield his skills tactfully in every battle. Since he is not loyal to a specific kingdom or sovereign, he can deepen bonds with various forces and join them on the battlefield. However, the protagonist must eventually face a pivotal choice – whether he will serve and support the aspirations of Cao Cao, Suan Jin, or Liu Bei. All three are brilliant warriors, which makes the choice even more difficult. </p>
<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54254105344_79cc67cb06_o.jpg" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54254105344_79cc67cb06_o.jpg"/></a>
<p class="">All three are intriguing, and you will develop special bonds with them throughout the story. Deciding who to support is made all the more difficult since each one will woo you to join their side. After thinking long and hard, I ultimately chose to support Liu Bei, as I had been fighting alongside him since the very beginning of the game. It is a difficult decision since choosing one side means you will have to cross blades with those you once fought with. </p>
<p class="center"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54253868991_9dc7319d06_o.png" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54253868991_9dc7319d06_o.png" width="47%"/></a><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54254095083_83bc3b876b_o.png" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54254095083_83bc3b876b_o.png" width="47%"/></a></p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">An even more exhilarating and gratifying hack-and-slash action</h2>
<p class="">In this game, players will not only enjoy the exhilarating ‘1 vs 1,000’ gameplay with easy to learn controls that is characteristic of the Dynasty Warrior series but also large-scale tactical battles that are equally thrilling and rewarding. </p>
<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54254291010_dbbcb9e632_o.jpg" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54254291010_dbbcb9e632_o.jpg"/></a>
<p class="">As in the previous entries, you can dominate regular enemies by mastering the combo of swift normal attacks and powerful, strong attacks. However, renowned generals and leader-class officers are surrounded by a protective aura called Fortitude, which prevents you from dealing significant damage. To deplete enemy fortitudes, the player must target an opening after an enemy’s attack,  leverage Battles Arts, a set of unique moves available for each weapon, or Parries, a powerful counter that leaves the enemy vulnerable.</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Dominate your foes with Musou Attacks and Companion attacks</h2>
<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54254105489_62c033abc3_o.jpg" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54254105489_62c033abc3_o.jpg"/></a>
<p class="">Powerful Musou Attacks can be triggered when the Musou Gauge reaches a certain level, and they can eliminate enemies in a wide area. In addition, you can activate War God Rage mode when the Musou Gauge is built up to two levels, as well as the super-powerful True Musou attack. In some battles, you can bring an allied general as your Companion. You can directly control your companions by switching to them and unleashing their unique attacks. You can also trigger the Extreme Musou Attack in tandem with your companion, which is a blast to use. </p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Experience unprecedented scale as thousands of soldiers clash on the battlefield</h2>
<p class="">Dynasty Warriors: Origins takes full advantage of the power of PS5 to realize an unprecedented scale of battle in the series’ history. In some battles, you will witness massive groups of enemies clash on the field, which is a spectacle on its own. Every soldier on the battlefield employs their own strategy, whether under the command of their leaders or with their own volition, causing the state of battle to shift rapidly.</p>
<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54254095088_2c74a8a72e_o.jpg" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54254095088_2c74a8a72e_o.jpg"/></a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The importance of maintaining your troop’s Morale</h2>
<p class="">Morale is an important factor during battles. Morale rises when enemy generals are defeated, or you seize enemy strongholds. When morale is high, your soldiers’ powers are bolstered to your advantage, but on the other hand, morale can fall when allied generals are defeated or your strongholds are captured. There were stressful moments when I was needed in multiple places at once, but overcoming those challenges was extremely satisfying. </p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Command your Bodyguards with strategic Tactics and repel Grand Tactics deployed by Large Forces</h2>
<p class="">Dynasty Warrior: Origins will bring back the Bodyguard system. Using Tactics, you can command these bodyguards to perform various actions, such as raining arrows or charging with spears. Also, when a massive number of soldiers gather, a Large Force will be formed. These large forces can deploy Grand Tactics, dramatically shifting the tide of battle. These intense group assaults involve troops charging in one after another with spears or stone throwers firing firebombs. Though these attacks are a spectacle to witness, they’ll inflict significant damage on your allies, so make sure you deal with them swiftly.</p>
<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54252968717_9338f447e9_o.jpg" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54252968717_9338f447e9_o.jpg"/></a>
<p class="">The story of this latest installment in the series offers a unique perspective into the historical drama from the eyes of a ‘nameless hero,’ and the intense battles and unprecedented scale of the battlefields are gripping and immersive. Dynasty Warriors: Origins is for the die-hard fans of the series, as well as those new to the franchise who are eager to explore the epic tales behind the Three Kingdoms and their heroes. Experience the grand battle on January 17 on PS5.</p>
</div>',
                'None'
            );

            
            INSERT INTO articles (url, title, cover_image, content, youtube_link) VALUES (
                'https://blog.playstation.com/2025/01/14/new-year-deals-come-to-playstation-store/',
                'New Year Deals come to PlayStation Store',
                'https://blog.playstation.com/tachyon/2025/01/2d003834b86c3cd703fc67161d0e8323da7fdef3.jpg?resize=1088%2C612&crop_strategy=smart',
                '<div class="post-single__content single__content entry-content">
<p class="">PlayStation Store’s extending the new year celebrations with the New Year Deals promotion, starting January 15 for a limited time*. You can enjoy steep discounts on a variety of titles, including Gran Turismo 7 25th Anniversary Digital Deluxe Edition, Hitman World of Assassination, The Crew: Motorfest Deluxe Edition and many more. </p>
<template data-audience="352703" data-goal="" data-parent-id="7ca7d0c9-1888-4d47-a8db-03c8c6cd715a">
<p class="">Get a preview of just some of the games under offer below, then head to <a href="https://store.playstation.com/category/cb82efd7-ada8-4dcb-8bbc-360562740689?emcid=ow-pl-518345">PlayStation Store</a> when the promotion goes live to see the full list and find out your regional discount. </p>
</template>
<template data-audience="202360640" data-goal="" data-parent-id="7ca7d0c9-1888-4d47-a8db-03c8c6cd715a">
<p class="">Get a preview of just some of the games under offer below, then head to <a href="https://store.playstation.com/category/9acd1e0b-f014-4fb6-93a1-4cf2a0b4ae97?emcid=ow-pl-518345">PlayStation Store</a> when the promotion goes live to see the full list and find out your regional discount. </p>
</template>
<template data-fallback="" data-goal="" data-parent-id="7ca7d0c9-1888-4d47-a8db-03c8c6cd715a"></template>
<personalization-block class="alignnone" client-id="7ca7d0c9-1888-4d47-a8db-03c8c6cd715a"></personalization-block>
<template data-audience="352703" data-goal="" data-parent-id="c3a5a0de-9d70-4e2b-b411-328091ddd5ba">
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>A Way Out</li>
<li>Alien: Isolation</li>
<li>AQP base game</li>
<li>Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora Deluxe Edition</li>
<li>Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora Gold Edition</li>
<li>Batman: Return to Arkham</li>
<li>Battlefield 4</li>
<li>Call of Duty: Black Ops III – Zombies Chronicles Deluxe</li>
<li>Call of Duty®: Black Ops Cold War</li>
<li>Call of the Wild: The Angler™ – Fishing Starter Pack</li>
<li>Call of the Wild: theAngler</li>
<li>Car Mechanic Simulator 2021</li>
<li>College Football – Deluxe Edition</li>
<li>Coral Island</li>
<li>Crash + Spyro Triple Play Bundle</li>
<li>Crash Bandicoot Bundle – N. Sane Trilogy + Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled</li>
<li>Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy</li>
<li>Creed: Rise to Glory – Championship Edition</li>
<li>Crysis Remastered Trilogy (Digital Only)</li>
<li>Dead Space – Deluxe Edition</li>
<li>DEATH STRANDING Director’s Cut Digital Deluxe Edition</li>
<li>Detroit: Become Human</li>
<li>Diablo III: Eternal Collection</li>
<li>Diablo® Prime Evil Collection</li>
<li>Dragon Ball FighterZ – FighterZ Edition</li>
<li>DRAGON QUEST XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age – Definitive Edition</li>
<li>Dying Light</li>
<li>Dying Light 1 + Dying Light 2 Bundle</li>
<li>EA Sports FC 25 – Ultimate Edition</li>
<li>F1 Manager 2024</li>
<li>Far Cry 3 + 4 + 5 + 6 Bundle</li>
<li>Far Cry 6 Deluxe Edition</li>
<li>FAR CRY®6 Gold Edition</li>
<li>Five Nights at Freddy’s: Security Breach</li>
<li>For Honor – Year 8 Gold Edition</li>
<li>For Honor – Year 8 Standard Edition</li>
<li>Gran Turismo 7 25th Anniversary Digital Deluxe Edition (PS4)</li>
<li>Gran Turismo 7 25th Anniversary Digital Deluxe Edition (PS5)</li>
<li>HITMAN World of Assassination</li>
<li>Jurassic World Evolution 2: Deluxe Edition</li>
<li>Kingdom Hearts All-In-One Package</li>
<li>KINGDOM HEARTS III</li>
<li>Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name</li>
<li>Lords of the Fallen – Standard Edition</li>
<li>Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales Ultimate Edition</li>
<li>MechWarrior 5: Clans</li>
<li>MechWarrior 5: Clans – Digital Collectors Edition</li>
<li>Middle-earth: Shadow of War</li>
<li>Monster Hunter Rise+Sunbreak Deluxe</li>
<li>Monster Hunter: World – Iceborne Master Edition Digital Deluxe</li>
<li>Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate + Injustice 2 Leg. Edition Bundle</li>
<li>Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate PS4 &amp; PS5</li>
<li>Mortal Kombat XL</li>
<li>MW2 – PS4 Cross-Gen Edition</li>
<li>MW3 – Cross-Gen Edition</li>
<li>MX vs ATV Legends</li>
<li>MX vs ATV Legends – Ultimate Edition</li>
<li>NARUTO X BORUTO Ultimate Ninja Storm CONNECTIONS</li>
<li>Need for Speed Heat: Deluxe Edition</li>
<li>Need for Speed Rivals</li>
<li>Outlast</li>
<li>Outlast: Bundle of Terror</li>
<li>Overcooked! 2</li>
<li>Persona 4 Golden</li>
<li>Persona 5</li>
<li>Persona 5: Ultimate Edition</li>
<li>Planet Coaster 2: Deluxe Edition</li>
<li>Planet Zoo</li>
<li>Police Simulator: Patrol Officers</li>
<li>PoP:TLC – Complete Edition (post-launch)</li>
<li>Ratchet &amp; Clank: Rift Apart</li>
<li>Ravenswatch – Legendary Edition</li>
<li>Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance</li>
<li>Sinful Edition</li>
<li>SnowRunner – Premium Edition [NEW BUNDLE]</li>
<li>Sonic Origins</li>
<li>South Park: The Fractured but Whole</li>
<li>South Park: The Stick of Truth + The Fractured but Whole</li>
<li>Special Edition (EU/US/ASIA)</li>
<li>Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order &amp; Star Wars Jedi: Survivor Bundle</li>
<li>Supermarket Owner Simulator: Business</li>
<li>Teardown</li>
<li>Tekken 7</li>
<li>Tekken 7 – Definitive Edition</li>
<li>The Crew: Motorfest Deluxe Edition</li>
<li>The Crew: Motorfest Gold Edition Year 2</li>
<li>The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition PS5</li>
<li>THE KING OF FIGHTERS XV DX</li>
<li>The Last of Us™ Part I Digital Deluxe Edition</li>
<li>The Walking Dead: The Telltale Definitive Series</li>
<li>The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt</li>
<li>theHunter: Call of the Wild</li>
<li>Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Breakpoint</li>
<li>Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Breakpoint: Ultimate Edition 2021</li>
<li>Tony Hawk’s™ Pro Skater™ 1 + 2</li>
<li>UFC 5 Deluxe Edition</li>
<li>Ultimate Edition (JP/Asia: Sound Ultimate)(EU/US:Ultimate)</li>
<li>Unicorn Overlord</li>
<li>Unravel Two</li>
<li>Way of the Hunter</li>
</ul>
</template>
<template data-audience="202360640" data-goal="" data-parent-id="c3a5a0de-9d70-4e2b-b411-328091ddd5ba">
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>A Way Out</li>
<li>Alien: Isolation</li>
<li>Anno 1800 Deluxe Edition</li>
<li>AQP base game</li>
<li>Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora Deluxe Edition</li>
<li>Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora Gold Edition</li>
<li>Batman: Return to Arkham</li>
<li>Battlefield 1 – Revolution</li>
<li>Battlefield 4</li>
<li>Bus Simulator 21</li>
<li>Call of Duty: Black Ops III – Zombies Chronicles Deluxe</li>
<li>Call of Duty®: Black Ops Cold War</li>
<li>Call of Duty®: Black Ops Cold War – Cross-Gen Bundle PS4™ &amp; PS5™</li>
<li>Call of the Wild: The Angler™ – Fishing Starter Pack</li>
<li>Call of the Wild: theAngler</li>
<li>Car Mechanic Simulator 2021</li>
<li>Cars 3: Driven to Win</li>
<li>College Football – Deluxe Edition</li>
<li>Crash + Spyro Triple Play Bundle</li>
<li>Crash Bandicoot Bundle – N. Sane Trilogy + Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled</li>
<li>Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy</li>
<li>Creed: Rise to Glory – Championship Edition</li>
<li>Crysis Remastered Trilogy (Digital Only)</li>
<li>Dead Space – Deluxe Edition</li>
<li>DEATH STRANDING Director’s Cut Digital Deluxe Edition</li>
<li>Descenders</li>
<li>Detroit: Become Human</li>
<li>Diablo III: Eternal Collection</li>
<li>Diablo® Prime Evil Collection</li>
<li>Dying Light</li>
<li>Dying Light 1 + Dying Light 2 Bundle</li>
<li>EA Sports FC 25 – Ultimate Edition</li>
<li>F1 Manager 2024</li>
<li>Far Cry 6 Deluxe Edition</li>
<li>Far Cry Primal</li>
<li>FAR CRY®6 Gold Edition</li>
<li>Five Nights at Freddy’s: Security Breach</li>
<li>For Honor – Year 8 Gold Edition</li>
<li>For Honor – Year 8 Standard Edition</li>
<li>Gran Turismo 7 25th Anniversary Digital Deluxe Edition (PS4)</li>
<li>Gran Turismo 7 25th Anniversary Digital Deluxe Edition (PS5)</li>
<li>HITMAN World of Assassination</li>
<li>Jurassic World Evolution 2: Deluxe Edition</li>
<li>Kingdom Hearts All-In-One Package</li>
<li>KINGDOM HEARTS III</li>
<li>LEGO Marvel’s Avengers</li>
<li>Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name</li>
<li>Little Nightmares Complete Edition</li>
<li>Lords of the Fallen – Standard Edition</li>
<li>Middle-earth: Shadow of War</li>
<li>Monster Hunter Rise+Sunbreak Deluxe</li>
<li>Monster Hunter: World – Iceborne Master Edition Digital Deluxe</li>
<li>Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate + Injustice 2 Leg. Edition Bundle</li>
<li>Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate PS4 &amp; PS5</li>
<li>Mortal Kombat XL</li>
<li>Musashi</li>
<li>MW2 – PS4 Cross-Gen Edition</li>
<li>MW3 – Cross-Gen Edition</li>
<li>MX vs ATV Legends</li>
<li>MX vs ATV Legends – Ultimate Edition</li>
<li>Need for Speed</li>
<li>Need for Speed Heat: Deluxe Edition</li>
<li>Overcooked! 2</li>
<li>Persona 5</li>
<li>Persona 5: Ultimate Edition</li>
<li>Planet Coaster 2: Deluxe Edition</li>
<li>Planet Zoo</li>
<li>Police Simulator: Patrol Officers</li>
<li>PoP:TLC – Complete Edition (post-launch)</li>
<li>Ratchet &amp; Clank: Rift Apart</li>
<li>Ravenswatch – Legendary Edition</li>
<li>Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance</li>
<li>Sniper Elite 4</li>
<li>SnowRunner – Premium Edition [NEW BUNDLE]</li>
<li>Sonic Origins</li>
<li>South Park: The Fractured but Whole</li>
<li>South Park: The Stick of Truth + The Fractured but Whole</li>
<li>Special Edition (EU/US/ASIA)</li>
<li>Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order &amp; Star Wars Jedi: Survivor Bundle</li>
<li>Supermarket Owner Simulator: Business</li>
<li>Teardown</li>
<li>Tekken 7</li>
<li>The Crew: Motorfest Deluxe Edition</li>
<li>The Crew: Motorfest Gold Edition Year 2</li>
<li>The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition PS5</li>
<li>The Last of Us™ Part I Digital Deluxe Edition</li>
<li>The Walking Dead: The Telltale Definitive Series</li>
<li>The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt</li>
<li>theHunter: Call of the Wild</li>
<li>Thief Simulator 2</li>
<li>Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Breakpoint</li>
<li>Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Breakpoint: Ultimate Edition 2021</li>
<li>Tomb Raider: Legend</li>
<li>Tony Hawk’s™ Pro Skater™ 1 + 2</li>
<li>UFC 5 Deluxe Edition</li>
<li>Ultimate Edition (JP/Asia: Sound Ultimate)(EU/US:Ultimate)</li>
<li>Unicorn Overlord</li>
<li>Unravel Two</li>
<li>Way of the Hunter</li>
<li>WRC Generations – The FIA WRC Official Game – Deluxe Edition</li>
</ul>
</template>
<template data-fallback="" data-goal="" data-parent-id="c3a5a0de-9d70-4e2b-b411-328091ddd5ba"></template>
<personalization-block class="alignnone" client-id="c3a5a0de-9d70-4e2b-b411-328091ddd5ba"></personalization-block>
<p class="has-small-font-size"><em>*New Year Deals promotion available on PlayStation Store from 00.00am PST/BST, Wednesday January 15 until 23:59pm PST/BST Wednesday January 29. Game selection may differ by region. Check PlayStation Store for more details.</em></p>
</div>',
                'None'
            );

            
            INSERT INTO articles (url, title, cover_image, content, youtube_link) VALUES (
                'https://blog.playstation.com/2025/01/15/arken-age-a-new-sci-fi-fantasy-adventure-hits-ps-vr2/',
                'Arken Age – A new sci-fi fantasy adventure hits PS VR2 Jan 16',
                'https://blog.playstation.com/tachyon/2025/01/381f1f102de6cba05c035981ddf99e380f5f4435.jpg?resize=1088%2C612&crop_strategy=smart',
                '<div class="post-single__content single__content entry-content">
<p class="">We’re back! My name is Blake Stone, Lead Designer at VitruviusVR, the development team behind Mervils &amp; Shadow Legend VR on the original PS VR. We are very excited to launch our newest title Arken Age, a single-player VR adventure set in a terraformed sci-fi fantasy world. </p>
<p class="">In the game you engage in full physics-based combat using Arkenite infused swords &amp; guns; and can freely explore the densely filled environments under siege by Hyperion’s neural corruption. Arken Age has a full 15-hour story driven campaign, was built from the ground-up for PlayStation VR2, and is launching tomorrow, January 16.</p>
<figure class="wp-block-video wp-video-400197"><video autoplay="" controls="" data-src="https://stream.mux.com/ShQXznGqfWX5wOovrp2bwnsb9J900wJFHIRwqup58aVY/capped-1080p.mp4?token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJSUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJTaFFYem5HcWZXWDV3T292cnAyYnduc2I5SjkwMHdKRkhJUndxdXA1OGFWWSIsImF1ZCI6InYiLCJleHAiOjE3MzgwMjE5NjMsImtpZCI6IjRMNXlPY2pyVjFOVXFWemNVdkpCbjF3VG00ZVRHRzlNaDAyMDFZazVqdTlOQSJ9.Uh8aIE7oZK11oR3Hpjdq-wiDFCHmkELXvsWfxshtgfVl9DCaDKqAaOdqkQmpURgkUcavtXc401v2rl5saxX1nhrOfP38g26bLB2dgGPWZhOqOWk-BNL1WpL68yksyIatJJsUgWSnHTZTvqIH_qrDUrLsH99OZoPdSPqi38uHcrDhSW_nzk68sebN1XQBviYsuFKSj5blwsQA9BlW1Xghh_G5zctPKzvpSuJ7kO7YyF_cBXeYzR40QKXmej6MX_vSxxKFRkV2cKQj_JzZXMpN_naZnWdtqRfj1ibykhLMVotg5SF-qg7J2nQ40GkuaRd0rGzleJ1ssQmSPhT_kRFKVw" loop="" muted="" playsinline="" preload="metadata" style="aspect-ratio: 1280 / 720;"></video></figure>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">10 years of developing for PlayStation VR </h2>
<p class="">In 2015, we were demoing an early version of Mervils: A VR Adventure, our third-person VR platforming game at the Immersed Conference in Toronto, Canada when we were approached by Richard Marks, Head of Sony’s Magic Lab at the time. He couldn’t tell us too much, but said that his team “had something really cool in works for VR” and that Mervils could be a great fit for it. He later sent us a prototype of the Project Morpheus headset which would later be renamed PlayStation VR, and since then we have never looked back.</p>
<p class="">We released Mervils in 2017 and later launched Shadow Legend VR in 2020, a first-person medieval sword-fighting game, and we learned a ton from the PlayStation VR community’s feedback on those games that we have directly applied to Arken Age. </p>
<figure class="wp-block-video wp-video-400199"><video autoplay="" controls="" data-src="https://stream.mux.com/EpHSo8F2Thlzf6ZYK00VZrw02Zb44W6j1cbi00s6jP3oks/capped-1080p.mp4?token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJSUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJFcEhTbzhGMlRobHpmNlpZSzAwVlpydzAyWmI0NFc2ajFjYmkwMHM2alAzb2tzIiwiYXVkIjoidiIsImV4cCI6MTczODAyMTk2Mywia2lkIjoiNEw1eU9janJWMU5VcVZ6Y1V2SkJuMXdUbTRlVEdHOU1oMDIwMVlrNWp1OU5BIn0.Dw7s5fHn-RzHUgVauBPeZIjfLdh0uAJzTNUb93M26dFnvqQOs7gogFHm15B6gnswq2_9MZXo3ZPx6TgUgwFE8QE92OlRqFVXgxKWpuN1ryV4Pyj9viuVpRujMcOswxHxSqd2H7a2_PbwAddXBw4ui-2OoDXlAKDQb5BBwmFRZi3qJxixDV2--FiwA7bX7LLpLjgrMqQ-MjhiQWciD4nn2VZYEDr34AUDqM-unnqzYQzqcATvAh8UufKtjQVoijsezX37oYXbt4yllrhWyCooNiNEaCsLbpJZRaz76mCz2_RmFx_uc418Pd8VnEGo2ns61e8a2vflWsuRt_RaM8A7Vw" loop="" muted="" playsinline="" preload="metadata" style="aspect-ratio: 1280 / 720;"></video></figure>
<p class="">From Shadow Legend we learned that players loved the Climbing Picks both for their fluidity of movement in VR and haptics on impact. For Arken Age we took the Climbing Picks one step further and physically integrated them into the players forearms and added the ability to flick your wrists upwards to deploy them at any time during the game. </p>
<p class="">The Climbing Picks is only one example, but there’s so much more included in the game. We further refined our custom VR inventory system, weapon crafting, character interactions, unique combat features, exploration elements, and our design philosophy behind building high-fidelity worlds in VR.</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Dynamic Foveated Rendering &amp; breath-taking HDR graphics </h2>
<p class="">In order to take full advantage of the PlayStation VR2 we worked hard to ensure Arken Age’s rendering, shaders, particle-effects, and post-effects were compatible with Dynamic Foveated Rendering (DFR) for the best image resolution possible. Although, image quality is not the only benefit of the PS VR2, with the vibrant world of the Bio-Chasm in Arken Age, it really showcases the importance of HDR graphics in VR with the bright blue waters, lush foliage, and emissive energy bloom from Arkenite weapons, buildings, &amp; the robotic Hyperion soldiers in the world. </p>
<figure class="wp-block-video wp-video-400201"><video autoplay="" controls="" data-src="https://stream.mux.com/4nFj66zhbBjba55fNMdA47t00UpCB00Mgcjy00Y7wUyKNE/capped-1080p.mp4?token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJSUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiI0bkZqNjZ6aGJCamJhNTVmTk1kQTQ3dDAwVXBDQjAwTWdjankwMFk3d1V5S05FIiwiYXVkIjoidiIsImV4cCI6MTczODAyMTk2Mywia2lkIjoiNEw1eU9janJWMU5VcVZ6Y1V2SkJuMXdUbTRlVEdHOU1oMDIwMVlrNWp1OU5BIn0.EyT5O-VqEAEE544ZOoe7WlKbO11kLlGPQIdcjd6DTrY5S9cdumfvfmk9N6zNpUi22MJj3tWHL1KuZxVHukQCVPA7RGOC-hPRg254YGsMC_1NciH2q1ZOQRMljEApvEY0_WNjSngJsI6RXqWSjRscTm6Xk3PHShF83MPqimJ-gBu3fOKL3V9mZpPkynjpToiYGU1Lz4Cir3PrFQ9ujPULIebfp0m8cbpHv9TtubgE6sWqZefhmu1776oAl5znCpUkKvwbpp4cmRzNON_t0toIzbxZY5m8wBLnC8e6xW8xWrUm3DSKYgAgEy6NLvWzQ2gZpGMSuDjJZF-3eJ-ykml3gQ" loop="" muted="" playsinline="" preload="metadata" style="aspect-ratio: 1280 / 720;"></video></figure>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">VR weaponry &amp; custom adaptive triggers</h2>
<p class="">When developing Arken Age our biggest focus was on realistic physics-based combat and one-of-a-kind VR weaponry; each with their own unique Adaptive Trigger haptics.  In the game you begin with 3 fully customizable &amp; paintable weapons and can collect over 30 unique weapon mods in total. Each attachment is custom designed for VR gameplay, ranging from the Hyperion God Axe; a throwing axe that uses PS VR2’s eye-tracking &amp; can be recalled at your will, the Tempered Cutter; a deployable saw blade that dismembers enemy limbs, and the Astral Ballista; a high-powered chargeable bow, to name a few. In addition, eye-tracking is used to enable the sniper scopes in the game, just close one eye when your head is close to a scope and watch the magic happen!</p>
<figure class="wp-block-video wp-video-400203"><video autoplay="" controls="" data-src="https://stream.mux.com/FkgyqfXJergNlJbGjjAnGtz7TzNARRsjAj02tRUohjr00/capped-1080p.mp4?token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJSUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJGa2d5cWZYSmVyZ05sSmJHampBbkd0ejdUek5BUlJzakFqMDJ0UlVvaGpyMDAiLCJhdWQiOiJ2IiwiZXhwIjoxNzM4MDIxOTYzLCJraWQiOiI0TDV5T2NqclYxTlVxVnpjVXZKQm4xd1RtNGVUR0c5TWgwMjAxWWs1anU5TkEifQ.hAlLzoZ26VhsTYxy5D4vKY74kIEp_RviqmoQ8_5ILa2VSXP5iJIaqId1UhijlopSBIHel6ORdBdS6yIxB4OoElOPkEv7wNxenZtF5fUm9TW-aoveL-vD1FsXNlsFLLPT5nVlNtaGJ0cLn_ayQHbKL2QvWPXAHjMkeA4EAlbnOvDSLpyxvtVnhY1YJ9p5n5z0B31wWLDXxpFMPewg_ZrmarbB2hbRWdZ2lvikq6xJml0XysjerlzyhzkDmz7sOvzZnf_kY5DBNrU6qVrlEgA8Z4d8smvzns4Jw9XPUX_biofiLSUj5wyWXYh3iPqtJko1yCKHKMD8d4VhbFjJ8rfVxg" loop="" muted="" playsinline="" preload="metadata" style="aspect-ratio: 1280 / 720;"></video></figure>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Uncover the story of Bio-Chasm &amp; your full VR alien body </h2>
<p class="">In Arken Age you are a biological alien creation, built with full locomotion and the ability to freely jump, crouch, climb, &amp; swim. You can view your full body in first-person and holster all weapons physically onto your character. </p>
<p class="">Your journey begins in Celestial Custodian’s Tower on the shores of the Bio-Chasm, a terraformed realm created to harvest Arkenite Energy. Its divine founder, the Grand Arborist, has ceased cultivation of your planet and every transmission sent to him has been met with abject silence. In Arken Age you uncover the truth behind the disappearance of the Grand Arborist, forge alliance with the Nara alien race, take up arms against Hyperion’s legion of corrupted soldiers, and learn how your character; who is part Nara and part Hyperion tech, fits into this world. </p>
<p class="">Arken Age takes the player through a full 15-hour adventure, combines both physics-based sword combat with long-range gun combat, has a wide-range of custom VR interactions, epic VR boss fights, and gives the player full freedom to explore the dense environments of the Bio-Chasm.</p>
<p class="">We want to thank everyone in the PlayStation VR community for their support over the years and we hope Arken Age will be something PS VR2 fans can enjoy this Jan 16 and for the years to come!</p>
</div>',
                'None'
            );

            
            INSERT INTO articles (url, title, cover_image, content, youtube_link) VALUES (
                'https://blog.playstation.com/2025/01/16/10-must-play-platformers-available-with-playstation-plus/',
                '10 must-play platformers available with PlayStation Plus',
                'https://blog.playstation.com/tachyon/2026/01/4f1515b136eda29b6f52ebe34b908bc4c860f799.jpg?resize=1088%2C612&crop_strategy=smart',
                '<div class="post-single__content single__content entry-content">
<p class="">Astro Bot took top honors at the 2024 Game Awards, and we couldn’t be prouder of the little guy and his many friends. But Astro Bot doesn’t exist in a vacuum – Team Asobi’s award-winning hero comes from an illustrious legacy of PlayStation platformers spanning way back to the original PlayStation, from first-party studios and third-party developers and publishers alike. </p>
<p class="">If you’re looking to dig into the legacy of PlayStation platformers from the beginning to the current day, there’s no better way to do it than with the <a href="https://www.playstation.com/ps-plus/">PlayStation Plus </a>Game Catalog and Classics Catalog. Here’s a sampling of some noteworthy platformers you can play now.*</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A Hat in Time | 2017 | PlayStation Plus Game Catalog</h2>
<div class="shortcode shortcode--youtube">
<div class="youtube-video" data-title="" data-youtube-id="YXYpSXI0P0I">
<button class="youtube-video__load-button">
<svg aria-hidden="true" class="icon icon--play icon--26 icon--play icon--blue" focusable="false" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 20 20">
<title></title><path class="icon-primary-color" d="M0 1.75v17l20-8.5z" fill-rule="evenodd"></path> </svg>
<span class="screen-reader-text">Play  Video</span>
</button>
<img alt="10 must-play platformers available with PlayStation Plus" height="1080" src="https://img.youtube.com/vi/YXYpSXI0P0I/maxresdefault.jpg" width="1920"/>
<div class="youtube-video__iframe"></div>
</div>
</div>
<p class="">The “collectathon” subgenre of 3D platformer, emphasizing the hunt for hundreds of assorted doodads in sprawling levels, was quite popular around the turn of the millennium. A Hat in Time is a loving callback to those days spent scouring every nook and cranny, as players control Hat Kid in her quest to retrieve Time Pieces in a large and exceptionally silly cartoon world. Find Yarn Balls to make new hats and earn new powers, battle foes to gather Pons for upgrades, search for hidden Relics and Rift Tokens, and figure out what Mustache Girl’s whole deal is.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Publisher</strong>: Humble Games | <strong>Developer</strong>: Gears for Breakfast</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Ape Escape | 1999 | PlayStation Plus Classics Catalog</h2>
<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54257337520_10d8abae19_4k.jpg" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54257337520_10d8abae19_4k.jpg"/></a>
<p class="">Ready for some monkey business? Science gone wrong has created a gang of hyper-intelligent monkeys causing chaos through time, and it’s your job to bring these too-smart simians back home. As one of the first game series to use the DualShock controller’s dual-analog sticks to their full potential, Ape Escape lets you use careful movement and funky gadgets to sneak up on and nab these naughty simians. Be careful–you’ll want to pay close attention to the apes’ helmets to gauge their mood before you approach.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Publisher</strong>: Sony Interactive Entertainment | <strong>Developer</strong>: Sony Interactive Entertainment</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Celeste | 2018 | PlayStation Plus Game Catalog</h2>
<div class="shortcode shortcode--youtube">
<div class="youtube-video" data-title="" data-youtube-id="70d9irlxiB4">
<button class="youtube-video__load-button">
<svg aria-hidden="true" class="icon icon--play icon--26 icon--play icon--blue" focusable="false" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 20 20">
<title></title><path class="icon-primary-color" d="M0 1.75v17l20-8.5z" fill-rule="evenodd"></path> </svg>
<span class="screen-reader-text">Play  Video</span>
</button>
<img alt="10 must-play platformers available with PlayStation Plus" height="1080" src="https://img.youtube.com/vi/70d9irlxiB4/maxresdefault.jpg" width="1920"/>
<div class="youtube-video__iframe"></div>
</div>
</div>
<p class="">Ah, the humble dash: a truly beloved platformer maneuver. Indie-game pixel masterpiece Celeste elevates the act of using the simple dash to new levels to traverse huge screens packed with challenging hazards. Ground dashes, multidirectional mid-air dashes, dashes from a wall climb, items to grant multiple dashes–you’ll have loads of fun mastering the game’s fast movement to get around and snag all of its secrets. This is one mountain you’ll love to climb.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Publisher</strong>: Maddy Makes Games | <strong>Developer</strong>: Maddy Makes Games</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Gravity Rush Remastered | 2016 | PlayStation Plus Classics Catalog</h2>
<div class="shortcode shortcode--youtube">
<div class="youtube-video" data-title="" data-youtube-id="wMGaMOyr0GI">
<button class="youtube-video__load-button">
<svg aria-hidden="true" class="icon icon--play icon--26 icon--play icon--blue" focusable="false" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 20 20">
<title></title><path class="icon-primary-color" d="M0 1.75v17l20-8.5z" fill-rule="evenodd"></path> </svg>
<span class="screen-reader-text">Play  Video</span>
</button>
<img alt="10 must-play platformers available with PlayStation Plus" height="1080" src="https://img.youtube.com/vi/wMGaMOyr0GI/maxresdefault.jpg" width="1920"/>
<div class="youtube-video__iframe"></div>
</div>
</div>
<p class="">Gravity Rush is your game if you like your platforming with a dose of open-world adventuring and memorable world-building. Amnesiac Kat wakes up in the city of Hekseville in the middle of a disastrous storm, quickly discovering that her cat companion allows her to shift gravity. She’ll use these skills to navigate Hekseville’s stunning architecture, fight off mysterious monsters, and aid the populace–all while delving deep into the mysteries around her. </p>
<p class=""><strong>Publisher</strong>: Sony Interactive Entertainment | <strong>Developer</strong>: Sony Interactive Entertainment </p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy | 2001 | PlayStation Plus Classics Catalog</h2>
<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54256914316_3271b09e07_4k.jpg" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54256914316_3271b09e07_4k.jpg"/></a>
<p class="">This classic from Naughty Dog stars one of the most memorable platforming duos of the PS2 era. Jak’s buddy Daxter has a problem: he fell into a mysterious pool when the duo snuck onto Misty Island, and now he’s become small and very fuzzy. Now, the two are seeking out the Dark Sage Gol Asheron to fix things up and save the world in the process. Vibrant animations, colorful environments, and a then-revolutionary environment design that minimized load times keep Jak and Daxter feeling classic to this day.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Publisher</strong>: Sony Interactive Entertainment | <strong>Developer</strong>: Naughty Dog</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Jumping Flash | 1995 | PlayStation Plus Classics Catalog</h2>
<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54257142863_512635fc84_4k.jpg" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54257142863_512635fc84_4k.jpg"/></a>
<p class="">Day-one PlayStation fans will talk your ear off about just how cool Jumping Flash was and how it wowed them as a showcase of original PlayStation power… but why not try to see what all the fuss was about? This unique first-person platformer starts Robbit, a mechanical rabbit who can jump really, really high. Explore surreal environments filled with bizarre foes, awesome weaponry, and plenty of floating platforms that give you space to hop up to absurd heights. There was nothing like it then, and it’s still a unique and fun game.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Publisher</strong>: Sony Interactive Entertainment | <strong>Developer</strong>: Exact, Ultra</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Rayman Legends | 2013 | PlayStation Plus Game Catalog &amp; Ubisoft+ Classics**</h2>
<div class="shortcode shortcode--youtube">
<div class="youtube-video" data-title="" data-youtube-id="YkxX_xv8CcM">
<button class="youtube-video__load-button">
<svg aria-hidden="true" class="icon icon--play icon--26 icon--play icon--blue" focusable="false" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 20 20">
<title></title><path class="icon-primary-color" d="M0 1.75v17l20-8.5z" fill-rule="evenodd"></path> </svg>
<span class="screen-reader-text">Play  Video</span>
</button>
<img alt="10 must-play platformers available with PlayStation Plus" height="1080" src="https://img.youtube.com/vi/YkxX_xv8CcM/maxresdefault.jpg" width="1920"/>
<div class="youtube-video__iframe"></div>
</div>
</div>
<p class="">Who says you need limbs to perform astounding feats of platforming? Rayman, Globox, Barbara, and the Goth Teensy have to deal with the aftermath of a century-long nap, rescuing the Teensies and once again saving the Glade of Dreams from evil forces. Besides gorgeous hand-drawn HD visuals, Rayman Legends offers up to four-player local co-op, so gather friends for a fantastic sidescrolling adventure.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Publisher</strong>: Ubisoft | <strong>Developer</strong>: Ubisoft Montpellier </p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Ratchet &amp; Clank: Rift Apart | 2021 |PlayStation Plus Game Catalog</h2>
<div class="shortcode shortcode--youtube">
<div class="youtube-video" data-title="" data-youtube-id="55PRv_e00wc">
<button class="youtube-video__load-button">
<svg aria-hidden="true" class="icon icon--play icon--26 icon--play icon--blue" focusable="false" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 20 20">
<title></title><path class="icon-primary-color" d="M0 1.75v17l20-8.5z" fill-rule="evenodd"></path> </svg>
<span class="screen-reader-text">Play  Video</span>
</button>
<img alt="10 must-play platformers available with PlayStation Plus" height="1080" src="https://img.youtube.com/vi/55PRv_e00wc/maxresdefault.jpg" width="1920"/>
<div class="youtube-video__iframe"></div>
</div>
</div>
<p class="">Here’s the other well-known duo of PlayStation platforming, whose adventures have continued into the current generation. Rift Apart uses the PS5’s capabilities to give players the biggest and most graphically stunning Ratchet and Clank outing yet, with the new Rift Tether gadget allowing for very fast travel. Prepare for shooting, gadget-driven navigation, and interdimensional hijinks, and the introduction of Ratchet’s alternate-dimension lady Lombax counterpart, Rivet. </p>
<p class=""><strong>Publisher</strong>: Sony Interactive Entertainment | <strong>Developer</strong>: Insomniac</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Sackboy: A Big Adventure | 2020 | PlayStation Plus Game Catalog</h2>
<div class="shortcode shortcode--youtube">
<div class="youtube-video" data-title="" data-youtube-id="ZOk3fj5ujNM">
<button class="youtube-video__load-button">
<svg aria-hidden="true" class="icon icon--play icon--26 icon--play icon--blue" focusable="false" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 20 20">
<title></title><path class="icon-primary-color" d="M0 1.75v17l20-8.5z" fill-rule="evenodd"></path> </svg>
<span class="screen-reader-text">Play  Video</span>
</button>
<img alt="10 must-play platformers available with PlayStation Plus" height="1080" src="https://img.youtube.com/vi/ZOk3fj5ujNM/maxresdefault.jpg" width="1920"/>
<div class="youtube-video__iframe"></div>
</div>
</div>
<p class="">He might be made of fabric, but Sackboy’s as tough as nails when it comes to adventure. Our stuffing-filled hero comes to rescue his fellow Sackpeople and Craftworld from the wicked Vex, and he’s got a whole wealth of new skills to show off. You’ll be rolling, diving, fluttering, and smacking foes around as you search for precious Dreamer Orbs. It won’t be easy, and you’ll need some help along the way. Fortunately, you can play with up to three other adventurers in online and local co-op to surmount the toughest obstacles.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Publisher</strong>: Sony Interactive Entertainment | <strong>Developer</strong>: Sumo Digital </p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus | 2002 | PlayStation Plus Classics Catalog</h2>
<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54257142848_84442b54e2_4k.jpg" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54257142848_84442b54e2_4k.jpg"/></a>
<p class="">Who’s the stealthy, suave thief with a family history of heisting and a bushy, ringed tail? Sly Cooper, that’s who, and he’s on a mission to get back the missing pages of the Thievius Raccoonus–his family’s book of secrets–from the shady paws of the Fiendish Five. Platforming and stealth combine as you slink through the Fiendish Five’s lairs, using Sly’s distinct sneaking and thieving abilities to avoid guards, security systems, and other traps to take back the precious pages.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Publisher</strong>: Sony Interactive Entertainment | <strong>Developer</strong>: Sucker Punch</p>
<p class="">Looking for even more platforming fun? Check out this in-depth feature on <a href="https://www.playstation.com/en-us/editorial/best-3d-platformers/">some of the best 3D platformers on PlayStation</a>.</p>
<p class="has-small-font-size"><em>*The PlayStation Plus Game Catalog and Classics Catalog lineup may differ in certain regions.</em></p>
<p class="has-small-font-size">*<em>*Ubisoft+ Classics is available as a standalone subscription for $7.99 USD per month (or local equivalent), and is included for PlayStation Plus Premium and PlayStation Plus Extra members.</em></p>
<p class=""></p>
</div>',
                'None'
            );

            
            INSERT INTO articles (url, title, cover_image, content, youtube_link) VALUES (
                'https://blog.playstation.com/2025/01/16/world-premiere-of-the-until-dawn-movie-trailer/',
                'World premiere of the Until Dawn movie trailer',
                'https://blog.playstation.com/tachyon/2085/01/72f2e9f966e3c97a0c8d35022f64be14fcb7e8a3.jpg?resize=1088%2C612&crop_strategy=smart',
                '<div class="post-single__content single__content entry-content">
<p class="">This year marks the 10<sup>th</sup> anniversary of the release of the <a data-id="https://www.playstation.com/games/until-dawn/" data-type="link" href="https://www.playstation.com/games/until-dawn/">Until Dawn game</a>, and I’m thrilled to share with you the world premiere of the trailer for Until Dawn the movie, coming to theaters.</p>
<div class="shortcode shortcode--youtube">
<div class="youtube-video has-agegate" data-title="" data-youtube-id="vQ5iD8ZVWOQ">
<button class="youtube-video__load-button">
<svg aria-hidden="true" class="icon icon--play icon--26 icon--play icon--blue" focusable="false" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 20 20">
<title></title><path class="icon-primary-color" d="M0 1.75v17l20-8.5z" fill-rule="evenodd"></path> </svg>
<span class="screen-reader-text">Play  Video</span>
</button>
<img alt="World premiere of the Until Dawn movie trailer" height="1080" src="https://img.youtube.com/vi/vQ5iD8ZVWOQ/maxresdefault.jpg" width="1920"/>
<div class="youtube-video__iframe"></div>
</div>
</div>
<p class="">PlayStation Productions and Sony Pictures have been working closely with director/producer David F. Sandberg (Annabelle: Creation, Lights Out) and writer/producer Gary Dauberman (It, Annabelle series, The Nun series) to translate Until Dawn to the big screen. In making that transition, we wanted to honor the spirit of the Until Dawn game – especially the idea of decisions with branching paths and deadly consequences – while adapting it in a way that maximizes both the entertainment and terror for moviegoers.</p>
<p class="">Though the movie’s story is set in the same world as the game, it was important to us that the movie wasn’t just a retelling. Instead, the film will feature fresh characters in a new, original story. If you’ve played the game, you know not everything is what it seems. With the movie we wanted to keep the audience guessing until the end. We can’t wait for fans to discover how the events of the movie connect to the Until Dawn game.</p>
<p class="">Peter Stormare, whom you know as Dr. Hill in the game, is one of those key connecting links. The film will delve into his character’s involvement in the events of the game, raising questions for fans to explore. Given Peter’s role spanning both projects, it’s only fitting he introduce the first Until Dawn movie trailer to the world:</p>
<hr class="ps-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity has-max-width-40"/>
<blockquote class="wp-block-quote ps-author-quote has-max-width-75 has-margin-top-65 has-margin-bottom-65 is-style-default has-max-width-75 has-margin-top-65 has-margin-bottom-65 is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">
<p class="">“I have been lucky to be part of Until Dawn since the original, incredible, super terrifying game, and that’s why I’m so excited to be part of this film, because the whole thing is a love letter to horror, and it completely honors the spirit of the game. The movie is going to be full of fresh characters and victims in a brand-new story, loaded with twists. So whether you’re a longtime fan or you’re discovering it for the first time, get ready for Until Dawn like you’ve never seen it before.”</p>
<cite>– Peter Stormare</cite></blockquote>
<hr class="ps-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity has-max-width-40"/>
<p class="">Now, enjoy the world premiere of the trailer, and keep checking back, as there will be plenty more updates between now and when Until Dawn hits theaters later this year.</p>
</div>',
                'None'
            );

            
            INSERT INTO articles (url, title, cover_image, content, youtube_link) VALUES (
                'https://blog.playstation.com/2025/01/16/20240117-nyd/',
                '(For Southeast Asia) January Deals come to PlayStation Store',
                'https://blog.playstation.com/tachyon/2025/01/dfa670819094b72f33925aa81ba3c9b471c9bc45.png?resize=1088%2C612&crop_strategy=smart',
                '<div class="post-single__content single__content entry-content">
<p class="">PlayStation Store’s extending the new year celebrations with the January Deals promotion, starting January 15 for a limited time*. You can enjoy steep discounts on a variety of titles, including Gran Turismo 7 25th Anniversary Digital Deluxe Edition, EA SPORTS FC 25 Ultimate Edition, The Last of Us Part I Digital Deluxe Edition and many more. </p>
<p class="">Head to <a href="https://store.playstation.com/category/bc97fc65-3800-425d-b4d9-82e1f0632f7d?emcid=ow-pl-518345" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">PlayStation Store</a> to see the full list and find out your regional discount. </p>
<p class=""><em>*January Deals promotion available on PlayStation Store from 00.00am JST, Wednesday January 15 until 23:59pm JST Wednesday January 29. Game selection may differ by region. Check PlayStation Store for more details. Not applicable for Indonesia.</em></p>
</div>',
                'None'
            );

            
            INSERT INTO articles (url, title, cover_image, content, youtube_link) VALUES (
                'https://blog.playstation.com/2025/01/17/share-of-the-week-new-games/',
                'Share of the Week: New Games',
                'https://blog.playstation.com/tachyon/2026/01/1ec5a7fa95e148b0105274c83a8c17e0ba5b6553.png?resize=1088%2C612&crop_strategy=smart',
                '<div class="post-single__content single__content entry-content">
<p class="">Last week, we asked you to share moments from a new game you started in 2025 using #PSshare #PSBlog. Here are this week’s highlights:</p>
<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54269568224_2d0f9fba3f_o.png" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" height="1080" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54269568224_2d0f9fba3f_o.png" width="1920"/></a>
<p class="has-text-align-center"><a href="https://x.com/issinn_/status/1879203492042023254/photo/1"><em>issinn_</em></a><em> </em><em>shares a cream colored outfit from Infinity Nikki.</em></p>
<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54269568239_68be61505b_o.png" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" height="1080" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54269568239_68be61505b_o.png" width="1920"/></a>
<p class="has-text-align-center"><a href="https://x.com/Amianan_NiRaGuB/status/1879547049139749088/photo/2"><em>Amianan_NiRaGuB</em></a><em> </em><em>shares a close up portrait from Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2.</em></p>
<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54269566733_fc4c571426_o.png" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" height="1080" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54269566733_fc4c571426_o.png" width="1920"/></a>
<p class="has-text-align-center"><a href="https://x.com/NeoGamer95/status/1879530648710631463/photo/1"><em>NeoGamer95</em></a><em> </em><em>shares Geralt riding into a sunset in The Witcher 3.</em></p>
<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54269743405_2a3d98aa7d_o.png" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" height="1080" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54269743405_2a3d98aa7d_o.png" width="1920"/></a>
<p class="has-text-align-center"><a href="https://x.com/CarrotsCaptures/status/1879468067962638650/photo/1"><em>CarrotsCaptures</em></a><em> </em><em>shares Aloy framed by tree limbs in Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered.</em></p>
<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54269324066_e73a25df1c_o.png" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" height="1080" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54269324066_e73a25df1c_o.png" width="1920"/></a>
<p class="has-text-align-center"><a href="https://x.com/BBSnakeCorn/status/1878865739312234599/photo/1"><em>BBSnakeCorn</em></a><em> </em><em>shares a ghostly street view in Ghostwire: Tokyo.</em></p>
<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54269568214_fa14a01451_o.png" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" height="1080" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54269568214_fa14a01451_o.png" width="1920"/></a>
<p class="has-text-align-center"><a href="https://x.com/xenobitz/status/1878286284570972545/photo/1"><em>xenobitz</em></a><em> </em><em>shares dishes being delivered to characters in Wuthering Waves.</em></p>
<p class="">Search #PSshare #PSBlog on Twitter or Instagram to see more entries to this week’s theme. Want to be featured in the next Share of the Week?</p>
<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54269743390_54c2440b6b_o.png" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" height="1080" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54269743390_54c2440b6b_o.png" width="1920"/></a>
<p class="">THEME: Wuthering Waves<br/>SUBMIT BY: 11:59 PM PT on January 22, 2025 </p>
<p class="">Next week, we’re exploring the world of Wuthering Waves. Share adventurous moments meeting different Resonators using #PSshare #PSBlog for a chance to be featured.</p>
</div>',
                'None'
            );

            
            INSERT INTO articles (url, title, cover_image, content, youtube_link) VALUES (
                'https://blog.playstation.com/2025/01/21/world-of-warships-legends-introduces-new-quick-guide-the-codex/',
                'World of Warships: Legends introduces new quick guide, The Codex',
                'https://blog.playstation.com/tachyon/2025/01/a5a6f3c171bf4c5f8392dbc1814922b377bbff00.jpg?resize=1088%2C612&crop_strategy=smart',
                '<div class="post-single__content single__content entry-content">
<p class="">Mastering a game is always a challenge, and when you have to deal with over 500 different ships with unique commanders, guns, and armor schemes, things can get out of hand real quickly. That’s where our new feature comes in: The Codex. Available on both PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5, this all-encompassing in-game encyclopedia brings everything you need to know about <a data-id="https://store.playstation.com/concept/232796?smcid=mablog" data-type="link" href="https://store.playstation.com/concept/232796?smcid=mablog">World of Warships: Legends</a> right to your fingertips.</p>
<p class="">The Codex is your one-stop resource for everything a new player needs to know about our game. Think of the Codex as your personal encyclopedia, filled with important information that will prepare you for the high-stakes combat of the seven seas. No more need for piecing together fragmented advice from forums and other sources. Now, all the essentials are just a few button presses away, neatly organized, searchable, and designed to make your sailing smooth, or as smooth as it can be during naval combat.</p>
<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54263720766_5e7e197cb4_o.jpg" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" height="1080" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54263720766_5e7e197cb4_o.jpg" width="1920"/></a>
<p class="">When designing the Codex, we kept in mind that it needs to be easy to use. It’s filled with all the right keywords, icons, and colors to make navigation a breeze. Plus, we’ve added some visual flair to keep the reading experience exciting. With well-chosen fonts and beautiful artwork, diving into ship stats or game mechanics isn’t just informative-it’s fun.</p>
<p class="">And the Codex isn’t just for new players. We decided to go a bit overboard (pun intended). Working closely with our community and experienced players, we’ve included more advanced tactics, commander setups, and ship builds for those looking to min-max.</p>
<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54264138735_7af5516ea4_o.jpg" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" height="1080" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54264138735_7af5516ea4_o.jpg" width="1920"/></a>
<p class=""></p>
<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54262835237_80123235dc_o.jpg" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" height="1080" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54262835237_80123235dc_o.jpg" width="1920"/></a>
<p class="">Want to know which is the ideal commander for your favorite ship class? Look no further than the Codex. Players have grinded the game for thousands of hours trying out different setups, and we’ve compiled their findings into easy-to-understand articles. The Codex offers player-tested strategies to make you the MVP of the battle. We are also making sure that the content is always fresh so you are never stuck with outdated information.</p>
<p class="">But wait, there’s more! Not only does the Codex teach you about specific commanders and ship types, but it also dives into the game’s mechanics. Naval combat and the physics behind it can get quite complicated, and figuring it out in the heat of battle is almost never a good idea. That’s where the Codex shines.</p>
<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54263944988_2a0c6d1341_o.jpg" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" height="1080" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54263944988_2a0c6d1341_o.jpg" width="1920"/></a>
<p class="">We’ve simplified complicated concepts such as ricochets, shell mechanics, and angling in our articles to give you an edge in battle. For example, ever wondered how to make the most out of the biggest battleship of World War 2 Yamato and her iconic guns? The Codex will explain how you can target the enemy for maximum damage output.</p>
<p class="">But we won’t stop there. One of the great things about the Codex is that it’s going to be updated continuously as the game grows. New ships, commanders and mechanics are constantly being worked on by our team here in Wargaming. Making sure this tool stays relevant for the years to come is a priority. Whether you’re a new player who is just getting started, or an experienced captain checking out something new or looking back at some details, there will always be something to discover through the Codex.</p>
<p class="">So, what are you waiting for? The Codex is ready and waiting to turn you from a fledging sailor into a studied academic! Take the plunge and dive deep into the world of naval warfare, and let the Codex be your teacher and guide. The ocean is a dangerous place, and you need to be prepared, especially when it’s full of Battleships, Cruisers, Destroyers, and formidable Aircraft Carriers! Think you can handle them? Download the game to join our vast fleet of players today and turn the tide.</p>
</div>',
                'None'
            );

            
            INSERT INTO articles (url, title, cover_image, content, youtube_link) VALUES (
                'https://blog.playstation.com/2025/01/22/dc-universe-online-introduces-new-chapter-based-story-arcs-next-week/',
                'DC Universe Online introduces new chapter-based story arcs next week',
                'https://blog.playstation.com/tachyon/2028/01/7647a986ba2eaa5811a2afe12a3e3167b540a50d-scaled.jpg?resize=1088%2C612&crop_strategy=smart',
                '<div class="post-single__content single__content entry-content">
<p class="">I’m Al Rivera, Creative Director of <a data-id="https://www.playstation.com/games/dc-universe-online/" data-type="link" href="https://www.playstation.com/games/dc-universe-online/">DC Universe Online</a>, and I’m here today to talk about the exciting narrative changes that are on the way to our beloved MMORPG. Starting with our next update, Light and Rain: Day of Reckoning, our team will be sharing stories over the course of multiple chapters instead of the one-off format that we’ve traditionally taken. What does that mean for players? Let’s get into it!</p>
<p class="">Show me a comic fan, and I’ll show you a person who appreciates deep narratives told over the long haul. We love one-shot books as much as the next person, but we felt that there was an opportunity for us to lean into what makes comics engaging. That’s why we’re taking a new approach and telling stories through “story arcs” and “chapters.” Chapters are part of a larger story arc, and our premier story arc, Light and Rain, officially begins with the release of its first chapter called Day of Reckoning, which I’m proud to reveal will be available next week.</p>
<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54269610156_b921f88b16_5k.jpg" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54269610156_b921f88b16_5k.jpg"/></a>
<p class="">With Day of Reckoning, Players will be able to experience a completely new narrative experience filled with explosive action and powerful storytelling that you have never seen before in DCUO. We’re excited to see how players respond to the new arc, whether they’re exploring our worlds for the first time or have been with us since we launched on PlayStation 14 years ago. </p>
<p class="">As comic fans, we love the community discussions that come between issue releases, and we’re looking forward to seeing the fan theories and speculation that folks will have around DC Universe Online’s narrative. We’ve been sharing Day of Reckoning updates via in-universe posts, and the community has already started sifting through them for hidden nuggets. We’ve worked to ensure that those discussions will continue as players try to predict what’s ahead, what heroes will be swept into the action, and why exactly characters are making difficult and nuanced decisions.</p>
<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54269854584_2c85c92ab7_6k.jpg" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54269854584_2c85c92ab7_6k.jpg"/></a>
<p class="">All right, enough talk! We’ve put together a special behind-the-scenes video highlighting what you can expect to see in Day of Reckoning, including the first in-game footage of some of the amazing places that you’ll be able to visit next week. Check it out!</p>
<div class="shortcode shortcode--youtube">
<div class="youtube-video" data-title="" data-youtube-id="yQek09lzS6w">
<button class="youtube-video__load-button">
<svg aria-hidden="true" class="icon icon--play icon--26 icon--play icon--blue" focusable="false" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 20 20">
<title></title><path class="icon-primary-color" d="M0 1.75v17l20-8.5z" fill-rule="evenodd"></path> </svg>
<span class="screen-reader-text">Play  Video</span>
</button>
<img alt="DC Universe Online introduces new chapter-based story arcs next week" height="1080" src="https://img.youtube.com/vi/yQek09lzS6w/maxresdefault.jpg" width="1920"/>
<div class="youtube-video__iframe"></div>
</div>
</div>
<p class="">This is only the beginning. We’ve got deep stories planned for years right now. And we’ve been working closely with DC to tie them into what they’re doing. Whether you’re a fan of DC Comics, super heroes overall, or captivating stories, we’re confident that you’ll love what our team has built for you. I look forward to seeing you in DC Universe Online soon!</p>
<p class=""></p>
</div>',
                'None'
            );

            
            INSERT INTO articles (url, title, cover_image, content, youtube_link) VALUES (
                'https://blog.playstation.com/2025/01/22/call-of-duty-black-ops-6-and-warzone-season-2-first-details-revealed-live-jan-28/',
                'Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Warzone Season 2 — first details revealed, live Jan 28',
                'https://blog.playstation.com/tachyon/2028/01/e910f4ca35593e20d989091c4f53f791945e2e4e-scaled.jpg?resize=1088%2C612&crop_strategy=smart',
                '<div class="post-single__content single__content entry-content">
<p class="">An unexpected bounty upends the new order of Avalon, marking a target on the backs of prominent Rogue team Operators. The huge Season 02 update for <a href="https://www.playstation.com/call-of-duty/">Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Call of Duty: Warzone</a> adds additional maps, modes, weapons, events, and more, kicking off the new year with a bang. </p>
<p class="">Season 02 of <a href="https://www.playstation.com/en-us/games/call-of-duty-black-ops-6/">Call of Duty: Black Ops 6</a> and <a href="https://www.playstation.com/en-us/games/call-of-duty-warzone/">Call of Duty: Warzone</a><em> </em>launches January 28 on PS5 and PS4. </p>
<div class="shortcode shortcode--youtube">
<div class="youtube-video" data-title="" data-youtube-id="Vh_tlzMV2kQ">
<button class="youtube-video__load-button">
<svg aria-hidden="true" class="icon icon--play icon--26 icon--play icon--blue" focusable="false" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 20 20">
<title></title><path class="icon-primary-color" d="M0 1.75v17l20-8.5z" fill-rule="evenodd"></path> </svg>
<span class="screen-reader-text">Play  Video</span>
</button>
<img alt="Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Warzone Season 2 — first details revealed, live Jan 28" height="1080" src="https://img.youtube.com/vi/Vh_tlzMV2kQ/maxresdefault.jpg" width="1920"/>
<div class="youtube-video__iframe"></div>
</div>
</div>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Multiplayer overview</strong> </h2>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>New Core 6v6 Maps</strong> </h3>
<p class=""><strong>Bounty (Launch):</strong> Take in the Avalon skyline at sunrise as you battle atop a skyscraper catering to a wealthy and powerful clientele. </p>
<p class=""><strong>Dealership (Launch):</strong> There’s been an incident at the exquisite Pallasar car dealership. Race past the smoking vehicles into the showroom and beyond. </p>
<p class=""><strong>Grind (Mid-Season):</strong> The infamous skatepark returns. Shred your enemies in the pro shop, indoor stadium, and along the huge skate bowl and halfpipe outdoors. </p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>New 2v2/6v6 Strike Maps</strong> </h3>
<p class=""><strong>Lifeline (Launch):</strong> Smoke rises from the hardtop of an ocean-bound yacht. Fight along its narrow confines, including a bar, gambling den, and disco. </p>
<p class=""><strong>Bullet (Mid-Season):</strong> Engage the enemy in a bullet train speeding down the track. Climb up top into the screaming wind; watch that you don’t step off the sides. </p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>New Multiplayer modes</strong> </h3>
<p class=""><strong>Overdrive (Launch):</strong> Crank up the action in this twist on Team Deathmatch. Eliminate enemies to earn stars and rack up buffs like seeing through walls, replenishing health, and increasing your movement and handling speeds. Get every buff to activate Overdrive, awarding double stars for every elimination.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Gun Game (Launch): </strong>The fan-favorite mode returns! All Operators cycle through the same set of 20 weapons; eliminate enemies to advance to the next weapon. Melee attacks set targets back to the previous weapon, and frequent radar sweeps reveal the last known location of all Operators on the map. </p>
<p class=""><strong>Valentine’s Day LTMs: </strong>Get into the season of love with 3v3 competition in Third Wheel Gunfight and 2v2 Face Off modes in Couples Dance Off. </p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>New Loadout items</strong> </h3>
<p class=""><strong>Perk: Slipstream (Launch): </strong>Raises your base sprint speed at the cost of removing Tac Sprint. </p>
<p class=""><strong>Perk: Hunter’s Instinct (Mid-Season): </strong>Eliminating an enemy marks the next closest enemy. </p>
<p class=""><strong>Scorestreak: War Machine (Event Reward): </strong>Grenade launcher that fires a rain of mini grenades with a high-speed rate of fire. </p>
<p class=""><strong>Wildcard: Flyswatter (Mid-Season): </strong>Replace the melee weapon in your dedicated melee slot with a Launcher. </p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Multiplayer Ranked Play</strong> </h3>
<p class="">Gear up for another season of Ranked Play, offering a new set of seasonal rewards including a new Pro Issue Weapon Blueprint plus Calling Cards and Emblems displaying your highest earned Rank in the season. </p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Zombies overview</strong> </h2>
<p class="">Enter cursed catacombs and follow in the footsteps of a doomed explorer as The Tomb map arrives at Season 02 launch. </p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>New map: The Tomb (launch)</strong> </h3>
<p class="">Reports of paranormal phenomena go back centuries at a dig site rumored to hold the Sentinel Artifact that may free Samantha Maxis from her Dark Aether prison. Descend into the tunnels below in search of a gate that will transport the characters to a world of darkness and ancient mysteries.  </p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>New ways to fight (launch)</strong> </h3>
<p class="">Face new enemies like the Shock Mimic using the new Staff of Ice Weapon, Arrow Trap, and the Death Perception Perk featuring researchable Major and Minor Augments. Pop three new GobbleGums and blast enemies to smithereens with the craftable War Machine Scorestreak. </p>
<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54266705067_f8caefd087_o.jpg" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54266705067_f8caefd087_o.jpg"/></a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Call of Duty: Warzone overview</strong> </h2>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>New Perks</strong> </h3>
<p class=""><strong>Perk: Reactive Armor (Launch): </strong>Your armor will regenerate up to 50% if you have not taken damage in the last 5 seconds. </p>
<p class=""><strong>Perk: Low Profile (Mid-Season): </strong>Move more quickly while crouched, prone, and downed.  </p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>General Overview</strong> </h3>
<p class=""><strong>New Weapons: </strong>Decimate your foes with four new Primary Weapons: the Cypher 091 Assault Rifle, PPSh-41 SMG, Feng 82 LMG, and TR2 Marksman Rifle. Plus, unlock the new Saw Blade Launcher, Skateboard Melee, and more. </p>
<p class=""><strong>New Attachments: </strong>Equip an underbarrel Crossbow Attachment and go loud with the Full Auto Mod for the AEK-973 Marksman Rifle, the Binary Trigger for the Tanto .22 SMG, and the LMG Belt-Fed Attachment. </p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>New Events</strong> </h3>
<p class="">Earn new rewards in the following in-season events, with more arriving in the mid-season. </p>
<p class=""><strong>Event: The Terminator: </strong>Collect skulls via eliminations to unlock rewards; earn bonus skulls for eliminating enemies with explosive or fire damage. </p>
<p class=""><strong>Event: Shadow Hunt: </strong>To join Nocturne, you must first complete the challenges he has laid out before you. Don’t fail him. </p>
<p class=""><strong>Event: St. Patrick’s Day: Clover Craze: </strong>Collect four-leaf clovers for landing eliminations. Redeem for rewards. </p>
<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54267833134_66cb8b8fcc_o.jpg" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54267833134_66cb8b8fcc_o.jpg"/></a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Season 02 Battle Pass, Store Content</strong> </h2>
<p class="">Access over 110 pieces of unlockable content led by the new assassin Operator Nocturne alongside new Operator Skins, weapons, Weapon Blueprints, Finishing Moves, Emotes, and more. Get more with BlackCell.  </p>
<p class="">Become the ultimate killing machine as the Tracer Pack: The Terminator Ultra Skin X2 arrives courtesy of Skynet as well other awesome new Store Bundles like the Tracer Pack: Death Mosh, Tracer Pack: Killer Content Mastercraft, and more. </p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Season 02 launches January 28</strong> </h2>
<p class="">Black Ops 6 is available now. Experience the spy action thriller Campaign, the in-depth tactical chaos of Multiplayer, and soak in the gory glory of round-based Zombies experience!</p>
<p class=""></p>
</div>',
                'None'
            );

            
            INSERT INTO articles (url, title, cover_image, content, youtube_link) VALUES (
                'https://blog.playstation.com/2025/01/22/star-wars-episode-i-jedi-power-battles-launches-tomorrow-cheat-codes-and-modernized-controls-revealed/',
                'Star Wars Episode I: Jedi Power Battles launches tomorrow – cheat codes and modernized controls revealed',
                'https://blog.playstation.com/tachyon/2085/01/a95ec289abc90a78a048a8c1f165db6886b0b684.png?resize=1088%2C612&crop_strategy=smart',
                '<div class="post-single__content single__content entry-content">
<p class="">First off, we want to thank the incredible Star Wars community for the overwhelming support and excitement following our announcement. We can’t wait to bring this beloved classic back into your hands. With Star Wars Episode I: Jedi Power Battles launching tomorrow, we want to ensure you’re fully prepared to jump back into the galaxy far, far away.</p>
<div class="shortcode shortcode--youtube">
<div class="youtube-video" data-title="" data-youtube-id="YboMt_0kAJ4">
<button class="youtube-video__load-button">
<svg aria-hidden="true" class="icon icon--play icon--26 icon--play icon--blue" focusable="false" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 20 20">
<title></title><path class="icon-primary-color" d="M0 1.75v17l20-8.5z" fill-rule="evenodd"></path> </svg>
<span class="screen-reader-text">Play  Video</span>
</button>
<img alt="Star Wars Episode I: Jedi Power Battles launches tomorrow – cheat codes and modernized controls revealed" height="1080" src="https://img.youtube.com/vi/YboMt_0kAJ4/maxresdefault.jpg" width="1920"/>
<div class="youtube-video__iframe"></div>
</div>
</div>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Ain’t cheating? Ain’t trying</strong></h2>
<p class="">We’ve got plenty of cheat codes to spice up your adventure, whether you’re looking for a challenge or just some lighthearted fun. Here’s how to activate them across all platforms.</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Jedi on Jedi crime</strong></h2>
<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54269612704_f9cb906e73_o.png" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54269612704_f9cb906e73_o.png"/></a>
<p class=""></p>
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>What it does: Engage in player-versus-player combat during the campaign.  </li>
<li>Where to enter: During two-player gameplay.</li>
<li>How to activate: Hold R2, press Square + Triangle + Circle, then Cross   </li>
</ul>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Activate Radar Map</strong></h2>
<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54268484997_1ddc66a9db_o.png" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54268484997_1ddc66a9db_o.png"/></a>
<p class=""></p>
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>What it does: Reveals enemy locations.  </li>
<li>Where to enter: Pause the game.  </li>
<li>How to activate: Up, Down, Up, L1, R1, L1  </li>
</ul>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Return to the last checkpoint</strong></h2>
<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54269369301_294b2574ab_o.png" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54269369301_294b2574ab_o.png"/></a>
<p class=""></p>
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>What it does: After losing all lives on a level, continue the game and enter the same level. Pause the game and input the cheat code.</li>
<li>Where to enter: Pause the game.  </li>
<li>How to activate: L1, R1, L1, L1, R1, R1, L1, R1, R1, L1</li>
</ul>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Summon an Ultimate Saber</strong></h2>
<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54269611268_da6c8a1440_o.png" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54269611268_da6c8a1440_o.png"/></a>
<p class=""></p>
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>What it does: Unlocks a powerful lightsaber in Survival Challenge mode.  </li>
<li>How to unlock: Beat 100 enemies in Survival Challenge mode.  </li>
</ul>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Go big or go big head mode</strong></h2>
<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54268484982_1d28e5ed84_o.png" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54268484982_1d28e5ed84_o.png"/></a>
<p class=""></p>
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>What it does: Enlargens the player’s head.  </li>
<li>Where to enter: During gameplay.  </li>
<li>How to activate: R1 + D-Pad Down + Triangle  </li>
</ul>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Big foot mode </strong></h2>
<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54269612694_ddc293f9d5_o.png" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54269612694_ddc293f9d5_o.png"/></a>
<p class=""></p>
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>What it does: Makes the player’s head, feet, and weapon large.  </li>
<li>Where to enter: During gameplay.  </li>
<li>How to activate: R1 + D-Pad Down + Cross  </li>
</ul>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Fun-size mode</strong></h2>
<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54269612679_1baf504b95_o.png" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54269612679_1baf504b95_o.png"/></a>
<p class=""></p>
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>What it does: Shrinks the player’s character.  </li>
<li>Where to enter: During gameplay.  </li>
<li>How to activate: R1 + D-Pad Down + R2  </li>
</ul>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Unlock the Loader Droid</strong></h2>
<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54269369341_d1050e6465_o.png" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54269369341_d1050e6465_o.png"/></a>
<p class=""></p>
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>What it does: Unlocks the Loader Droid as a playable character.  </li>
<li>Where to enter: In character select during the campaign.  </li>
<li>How to activate: R1 + L1 + Square  </li>
</ul>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Modern and classic controls: A guide for every Jedi</strong></h2>
<p class="">Whether you’re new to the game or a seasoned Jedi returning for another adventure, mastering the controls and unlocking fun cheats will help you conquer the Dark Side with ease. Here’s a detailed look at the modern and classic control schemes followed by the cheat codes you can activate across all platforms.</p>
<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54268485012_b232370553_o.png" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54268485012_b232370553_o.png"/></a>
<p class=""></p>
<p class=""><em>Modern controls (recommended for new players) </em></p>
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Jump: Cross </li>
<li>Attack 1: Square</li>
<li>Attack 2: Triangle  </li>
<li>Attack 3: Circle </li>
<li>HUD Toggle: View Button </li>
<li>Lock Target: R1 </li>
<li>Block: L1 </li>
<li>Defense Ability: L1 + L2</li>
<li>Short Range Attack: L2 + Cross  </li>
<li>Long Range Attack: L2 + Triangle  </li>
<li>Use Item: L2 + Square  </li>
</ul>
<p class="">The modern control layout offers a more intuitive experience for new players, helping them quickly grasp movement and combat mechanics.</p>
<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54269612729_aa32c2801f_o.png" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54269612729_aa32c2801f_o.png"/></a>
<p class=""></p>
<p class=""><em>Classic controls (for returning jedi masters)</em></p>
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Jump: Circle </li>
<li>Attack 1: Cross </li>
<li>Attack 2: Square </li>
<li>Attack 3: Triangle </li>
<li>HUD Toggle: View Button</li>
<li>Lock Target: R1</li>
<li>Block: L1</li>
<li>Defense Ability: L1 + L2  </li>
<li>Short Range Attack: L1 + Cross  </li>
<li>Long Range Attack: L1 + Triangle  </li>
<li>Use Item: L1 + Square  </li>
</ul>
<p class="">Seasoned players will return with ease after 25 years –  letting them dive back in with the same controls they knew and loved from the original release.</p>
<p class="">These cheats and control options ensure every player—whether new or returning—has an experience tailored to their playstyle. Choose your control scheme, enter some cheat codes, and dive into an unforgettable adventure in Star Wars Episode I: Jedi Power Battles starting January 23 on PS5 and PS4.</p>
<p class="">Additionally, the Star Wars: Prequel Pack, including Star Wars: Bounty Hunter, Star Wars Republic Commando, Star Wars Episode I Racer, and Star Wars Episode I: Jedi Power Battles launches tomorrow.. Play four action-packed Star Wars games in one pack!</p>
<p class="">May the Force be with you, always. See you in the battle!</p>
</div>',
                'None'
            );

            
            INSERT INTO articles (url, title, cover_image, content, youtube_link) VALUES (
                'https://blog.playstation.com/2025/01/23/playstation-stores-top-downloads-of-2024/',
                'PlayStation Store’s top downloads of 2024',
                'https://blog.playstation.com/tachyon/2028/01/63f8f1f75078c17c144cec7b32a25baa56ee266b.jpg?resize=1088%2C612&crop_strategy=smart',
                '<div class="post-single__content single__content entry-content">
<p class="">Earlier this month we revealed PlayStation Store’s most downloaded games for December 2024. Today, let’s zoom out and look at the most downloaded games for all of 2024! As you’ll see, it’s an interesting mix of new AAA juggernauts and older favorites that continue to stand the test of time.</p>
<p class="">Check out the full listings below. </p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">PS5 Games</h2>
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-ps-product-spec"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th><strong>US/Canada</strong></th><th><strong>EU</strong></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Call of Duty: Black Ops 6</strong></td><td><strong>EA SPORTS FC 25</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>EA SPORTS College Football 25</strong></td><td><strong>Call of Duty: Black Ops 6</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>HELLDIVERS 2</strong></td><td><strong>Grand Theft Auto V</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>NBA 2K25</strong></td><td><strong>HELLDIVERS 2</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Grand Theft Auto V</strong></td><td><strong>EA SPORTS FC 24</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>EA SPORTS Madden NFL 25</strong></td><td><strong>Hogwarts Legacy</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Black Myth: Wukong</strong></td><td><strong>Black Myth: Wukong</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO</strong></td><td><strong>Sea of Thieves</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III</strong></td><td><strong>DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>EA SPORTS FC 25</strong></td><td><strong>Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>NBA 2K24</strong></td><td><strong>It Takes Two</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Madden NFL 24</strong></td><td><strong>UFC 5</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>MLB The Show 24</strong></td><td><strong>ASTRO BOT</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH</strong></td><td><strong>The Crew Motorfest</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Hogwarts Legacy</strong></td><td><strong>Marvel’s Spider-Man 2</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege</strong></td><td><strong>ELDEN RING</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2</strong></td><td><strong>Phasmophobia</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Marvel’s Spider-Man 2</strong></td><td><strong>Cyberpunk 2077</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>ASTRO BOT</strong></td><td><strong>Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Sea of Thieves</strong></td><td><strong>Gran Turismo 7</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
<p class=""><em>*Naming of products may differ between regions</em></p>
<p class=""><em>*Upgrades not included</em></p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">PS4 Games<strong> </strong></h2>
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-ps-product-spec"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th><strong>US/Canada</strong></th><th><strong>EU</strong></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Minecraft</strong></td><td><strong>Minecraft</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Red Dead Redemption 2</strong></td><td><strong>EA SPORTS FC 25</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Batman: Arkham Knight</strong></td><td><strong>Red Dead Redemption 2</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Need for Speed Heat</strong></td><td><strong>Need for Speed Heat</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Grand Theft Auto V</strong></td><td><strong>A Way Out</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Fallout 4</strong></td><td><strong>Grand Theft Auto V</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Call of Duty: Black Ops 6</strong></td><td><strong>EA SPORTS FC 24</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>theHunter: Call of the Wild</strong></td><td><strong>The Forest</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Gang Beasts</strong></td><td><strong>Batman: Arkham Knight</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III</strong></td><td><strong>Need for Speed Payback</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Call of Duty: Black Ops III</strong></td><td><strong>The Crew 2</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>The Forest</strong></td><td><strong>Kingdom Come: Deliverance</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Need for Speed Payback</strong></td><td><strong>Gang Beasts</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>A Way Out</strong></td><td><strong>Hogwarts Legacy</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>NBA 2K24</strong></td><td><strong>Fallout 4</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Mortal Kombat X</strong></td><td><strong>Unravel Two</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>STAR WARS Battlefront II</strong></td><td><strong>Mortal Kombat X</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Madden NFL 24</strong></td><td><strong>STAR WARS Battlefront II</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Injustice 2</strong></td><td><strong>Call of Duty: Black Ops 6</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Kingdom Come: Deliverance</strong></td><td><strong>theHunter: Call of the Wild</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
<p class=""><em>*Naming of products may differ between regions</em></p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">PS VR2 Games* </h2>
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-ps-product-spec"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th><strong>US/Canada</strong></th><th><strong>EU</strong></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Beat Saber</strong></td><td><strong>Beat Saber</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Among Us VR</strong></td><td><strong>Pavlov</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Pavlov</strong></td><td><strong>Arizona Sunshine 2</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Arizona Sunshine 2</strong></td><td><strong>Among Us VR</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge – Enhanced Edition</strong></td><td><strong>Horizon Call of the Mountain</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Job Simulator</strong></td><td><strong>Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge – Enhanced Edition</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Creed: Rise to Glory – Championship Edition</strong></td><td><strong>Job Simulator</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Swordsman VR</strong></td><td><strong>Creed: Rise to Glory – Championship Edition</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Metro Awakening</strong></td><td><strong>Metro Awakening</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Legendary Tales</strong></td><td><strong>Swordsman VR</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
<p class=""><em>*PS Store purchases only. Game upgrades or games bundled with hardware not included</em></p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Free to Play (PS5 + PS4)</h2>
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-ps-product-spec"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th><strong>US/Canada</strong></th><th><strong>EU</strong></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Fortnite</strong></td><td><strong>Fortnite</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Roblox</strong></td><td><strong>Roblox</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Marvel Rivals</strong></td><td><strong>Call of Duty: Warzone</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Call of Duty: Warzone</strong></td><td><strong>Rocket League</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>VALORANT</strong></td><td><strong>Stumble Guys</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Fall Guys</strong></td><td><strong>Marvel Rivals</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Rocket League</strong></td><td><strong>Fall Guys</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Apex Legends</strong></td><td><strong>VALORANT</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>The First Descendant</strong></td><td><strong>eFootball</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>MultiVersus</strong></td><td><strong>Asphalt Legends Unite</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
</div>',
                'None'
            );

            
            INSERT INTO articles (url, title, cover_image, content, youtube_link) VALUES (
                'https://blog.playstation.com/2025/01/23/prepare-for-monster-hunter-wilds-with-a-look-back-at-the-series-evolution-on-playstation/',
                'Prepare for Monster Hunter Wilds with a look back at the series’ evolution on PlayStation',
                'https://blog.playstation.com/tachyon/2028/01/a67700676f790f0593b72eb3bd0af2e96b3371a5-scaled.jpg?resize=1088%2C612&crop_strategy=smart',
                '<div class="post-single__content single__content entry-content">
<p class="">Twenty years ago, the original Monster Hunter first introduced players to its ever-expanding arsenal of weapons and memorable monsters. Since then, the series has grown in popularity around the world, and been refined into one of the finest multiplayer experiences gaming has to offer. There’s still a special satisfaction that comes from taking down an unfathomably huge creature by the skin of your teeth,  coordinating with your fellow hunters, and using everyone’s weaponry and abilities skillfully to topple the most fearsome foes out there.</p>
<p class="">To celebrate 20 years of the series – and <a href="https://www.playstation.com/games/monster-hunter-wilds/?smcid=mablog">Monster Hunter Wilds’</a> upcoming February 28 release – let’s examine how the series evolved alongside PlayStation since its 2004 debut.</p>
<p class="center"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54281112856_87a2d56a0f_4k.jpg" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" height="1080" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54281112856_87a2d56a0f_4k.jpg" width="50%"/></a></p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Monster Hunter | PS2</h2>
<p class="">The biggest behemoths often emerge from humble beginnings. The game that started it all was released in Japan in March of 2004, with a North American release a few months later in September and a European release in March of 2005. It introduced the core gameplay that would define Monster Hunter in the decades to come: quest-driven progression, resource gathering and management, weapon and armor crafting, and the need to approach and attack ferocious monsters with strategy, planning, and perseverance to succeed.</p>
<p class="">By the series’ current standards, Monster Hunter looks a bit sparse, with only seven weapon types and thirty monsters (including many now-famous creatures like the Rathalos), but the game offered quite a bit of variety in quest types and difficulty. Also, the game was designed around online multiplayer when that was still somewhat of a novelty, even offering special event quests that could only be played online.</p>
<p class="">Monster Hunter did very well in Japan, and while Capcom worked on the follow-up, they released Monster Hunter G, an upgrade with improvements, new features, more monsters, and higher-difficulty quests.</p>
<p class="center"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54280230847_0d5bafedc0_k.jpg" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" height="1080" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54280230847_0d5bafedc0_k.jpg" width="50%"/></a></p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Monster Hunter Dos | PS2</h2>
<p class="">The true Monster Hunter sequel would emerge late into the PS2 era–and only in Japan. Monster Hunter Dos released for the PlayStation 2 in February of 2006, with new weapons, the additions of subquests, a unique day/night and season system, and the addition of armor upgrades, among numerous other small tweaks and improvements. Monster Hunter Dos was warmly received in Japan, and was the final Monster Hunter game on the PS2. But for the larger global market–and the future of Monster Hunter–Capcom was looking towards the PlayStation Portable.</p>
<p class="center"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54280230827_5f1c46d664_k.jpg" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" height="1080" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54280230827_5f1c46d664_k.jpg" width="50%"/></a></p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Monster Hunter Freedom | PSP</h2>
<p class="">Even before Monster Hunter Dos launched, Capcom wanted players to be able to take the hunt on the go. Monster Hunter Freedom, known as Monster Hunter Portable in Japan, launched in December of 2005 in Japan and in May of 2006 for the rest of the world. It was based heavily on the aforementioned Monster Hunter G, offering up both new monsters (including the debut of Yian Garuga) and high-level “G” rank quests for players to enjoy</p>
<p class="">In retrospect, it’s easy to see why the PSP felt like a true “home” for Monster Hunter: the PSP’s capability for adhoc local network play, along with its advanced graphical capabilities and analog control, fit the gameplay of Monster Hunter like a vambrace. It was followed up by Monster Hunter Freedom 2, which took cues from Monster Hunter Dos by expanding the weapon repertoire (adding series staples like the Hunting Horn and Gunlance to the armory) and revisiting Dos’s various locales.</p>
<p class="center"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54269602091_84a5735263_k.jpg" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" height="1080" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54269602091_84a5735263_k.jpg" width="50%"/></a></p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Monster Hunter Freedom Unite | PSP</h2>
<p class="">“Phenomenon” is exactly the word to describe how huge the follow-up to Monster Hunter Freedom became in Japan. Monster Hunter Freedom Unite released in 2008 in Japan as Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G, expanding on the success of the previous game and transforming Monster Hunter into a household name. Freedom Unite would go on to sell a whopping 3.8 million copies globally, with many of those sales coming from Japan.</p>
<p class="">Building on Freedom 2, Freedom Unite offered a host of quality-of-life improvements to the core experience while adding more environments, more monsters, additional monster behaviors, and a host of new high-difficulty quests. It introduced the concept of CPU-controlled helper characters by giving solo players use of a Felyne companion to aid in battle–a feature which later games in the series would build upon.</p>
<p class="center"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54281362108_3bb2a5d8b7_k.jpg" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" height="1080" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54281362108_3bb2a5d8b7_k.jpg" width="50%"/></a></p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Monster Hunter Portable 3<sup>rd</sup> | PSP</h2>
<p class="">Hitting the PSP at the end of 2010, Monster Hunter Portable 3rd is another Japan-exclusive Monster Hunter title–though that didn’t stop it from becoming one of Capcom’s fastest-selling games ever. Portable 3rd pushed the PSP to the maximum, showcasing some of the best-looking visuals on the system and setting a standard for high-quality visual designs that the series would continue in later installments. Portable 3rd also marked the first appearance of Zinogre, a fan-favorite monster to this day.</p>
<p class="center"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54281112866_905f841ae3_z.jpg" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" height="1080" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54281112866_905f841ae3_z.jpg" width="50%"/></a></p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Monster Hunter World | PS4</h2>
<p class="">If there’s a turning point where the fervor for Monster Hunter became global, it’s probably 2018’s Monster Hunter World. Headlined by the fearsome Elder Dragon Nergigante, Monster Hunter World was a tremendous evolution of the series both graphically and gameplay-wise, using the PS4 to create a seamless hunting experience–in more ways than one. </p>
<p class="">Not only were the tutorials and early-game experience improved for series novices, but the various “zones” that made up the large hunting environments (and necessitated transitional load times) were streamlined into one big, open space for an epic monster pursuit. And, for the first time ever, a Monster Hunter game was released simultaneously worldwide, allowing players from all over the globe to team up and experience the thrill of devising new hunting strategies together. True to the name of the game’s setting, it felt like a New World had opened up for the Monster Hunter series.</p>
<p class="">Monster Hunter World proved to be so successful globally that an expansion, Iceborne, released the next year, reintroducing some of the cold-weather mechanics seen in previous Monster Hunter titles. Monster Hunter World continues to have an active player base to this day.</p>
<p class="center"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54281112876_0e6beca7e3_z.jpg" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" height="1080" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54281112876_0e6beca7e3_z.jpg" width="50%"/></a></p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Monster Hunter Rise | PS5, PS4</h2>
<p class="">Monster Hunter Rise, alongside its main monster Magnamalo, vaulted onto PS5 and PS4 in early 2023. It brought with it a host of unique gameplay additions: the fast-traveling, aerial-launching Wirebugs, a new type of Canyne companion called a Palamute, and “Rampage” battles where hunters were tasked with protecting the village of Kamura from an onslaught of several monsters all at once–including particularly dangerous Apex monsters. Plus, alongside hunting and capturing monsters, you could actually commandeer the huge beasts for a brief time with the Wyvern Riding feature.</p>
<p class="">The already massive adventure grew even bigger with the Sunbreak expansion, taking hunters to the far-away Kingdom, adding several new monsters (including new leading beastie Malzeno), additional hunting locales, and numerous new skills for all of the weapons.</p>
<p class="center"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54281362113_e3dd975913_k.jpg" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" height="1080" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54281362113_e3dd975913_k.jpg" width="50%"/></a></p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Monster Hunter Wilds | PS5</h2>
<p class="">The evolution of Monster Hunter from cult favorite to Japanese sensation to global popularity has been quite a ride, and the anticipation for the upcoming Monster Hunter Wilds has already hit a fever pitch. From striking new weather effects to new abilities enabled by a birdlike mount called a Seikret, there’s a mountain of new features for players to consider.</p>
<p class="">Last year’s closed beta drew plenty of interest from old and new players alike. Fortunately for those of you itching to get that Hunting Horn back out for a trip to the Forbidden Lands, you won’t have to wait too much longer– Monster Hunter Wilds will be releasing on February 28.</p>
</div>',
                'None'
            );

            
            INSERT INTO articles (url, title, cover_image, content, youtube_link) VALUES (
                'https://blog.playstation.com/2025/01/23/doom-the-dark-ages-launches-on-ps5-may-15-id-software-reveals-new-gameplay-details/',
                'Doom: The Dark Ages launches on PS5 May 15 – id Software reveals new gameplay details',
                'https://blog.playstation.com/tachyon/2025/01/df0daaae3d0ba8e4cb7ee2b63a25189266276cb4.jpg?resize=1088%2C612&crop_strategy=smart',
                '<div class="post-single__content single__content entry-content">
<p class="">Hello everybody! This is Hugo Martin, Game Director on Doom: The Dark Ages reporting from the offices at id Software – we are all hard at work polishing this latest installment in the franchise. It’s almost ready and we can’t wait for you to play it.  In the meantime, we have a new look at gameplay we put together for you. There’s lots to breakdown from the video, so let’s get started – I’m guessing you’ve got some questions, let me try and give you some more details…</p>
<div class="shortcode shortcode--youtube">
<div class="youtube-video has-agegate" data-title="" data-youtube-id="bMr8Wf8Melo">
<button class="youtube-video__load-button">
<svg aria-hidden="true" class="icon icon--play icon--26 icon--play icon--blue" focusable="false" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 20 20">
<title></title><path class="icon-primary-color" d="M0 1.75v17l20-8.5z" fill-rule="evenodd"></path> </svg>
<span class="screen-reader-text">Play  Video</span>
</button>
<img alt="Doom: The Dark Ages launches on PS5 May 15 – id Software reveals new gameplay details" height="1080" src="https://img.youtube.com/vi/bMr8Wf8Melo/maxresdefault.jpg" width="1920"/>
<div class="youtube-video__iframe"></div>
</div>
</div>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What’s the new combat loop in Dark Ages, and how’s it different from Eternal or Doom (2016)?</h2>
<p class="">High level – you could say it’s a blend of the two but with a new, <em>medieval</em> toolkit. We’re looking to create an experience that has the depth of Eternal’s loop with the simplicity of Doom (2016)’s control scheme. As a player, you performed a lot of cool actions in Eternal, and each action/attack had its own input. In Dark Ages we have a brand-new set of cool medieval actions to perform but this time, with fewer buttons to press!</p>
<p class="">The depth/simplicity is achieved by making the behavior of items like the Shield-Saw <em>change</em> based on the material it interacts with. It’s contextual: the shield throw ricochets off plasma shields hitting other enemies (feels awesome), it sticks into flesh (stun locking larger demons), or it can shatter armor creating an AOE blast – all with a single button press.</p>
<p class="">I love analogies: it all adds up to us having fewer strings on the guitar this time – but we added <em>frets</em> to maintain the mechanical depth of the experience, giving the player something new to learn and master.<br/><br/>With all of this, we are relying on familiar FPS inputs to execute these moves, giving the loop an intuitive learning curve. The actions feel impactful and fun to execute, and the results give you a tactical advantage – <em>fun</em> on the outside <em>smart</em> on the inside.</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What do the “rings” around enemies indicate?</strong></h2>
<p class="">The yellow rings you see appearing around the characters are falter indicators. “Falters” is a meta in Eternal and 2016.  Great players figured out what caused falters and they started to stack those attacks to stun-lock powerful enemies (which is what we hoped they’d do). It’s important that we clearly identify the moment an enemy falters in Dark Ages so more players can begin to explore what causes it and how they can use it to their advantage. You don’t have to rely on falters to be successful but on higher difficulties it can give you an extra advantage – and if you choose to play on Ultra Nightmare you’ll need every advantage you can get!</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>More story in Doom?</strong></h2>
<p class=""><em>Yes</em>! There are three pillars of engagement in Dark Ages; combat, exploration and story – three reasons to play, narrative is just one of them. Players don’t want <em>a</em> story in Doom, they want a <em>good</em> one, something that enhances the power fantasy, gives you even more motivation to fight through to the end of the campaign. Through story we can build bigger and better adversaries, worlds to discover and obstacles to overcome.<br/><br/>The story synopsis reads: <em>With the Slayer imprisoned at the start of Dark Ages the balance of power between good and evil is shifting, and time is running out. Our hero is a feared outsider among an imperiled people, his strength controlled by the gods they serve, in a world under siege by an ancient evil.<br/><br/></em>At this point in the Doom Universe timeline, this game being a prequel – we start at the beginning of the Slayer’s time with the Sentinels. He is the outlander, blessed with power by the Sentinel’s gods known as the Maykrs. Our subjugated hero stands now as the superweapon in a medieval war against the armies of hell.</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>When does it come out?</strong></h2>
<p class="">May 15, 2025! We are so excited for you to get your hands on what we hope will become – the best Doom game we’ve ever made. It’s got something for everyone, loads of great combat, tons of exploration and an awesome action story that’s worthy of the Slayers legend. Plus you’ve got encounters with the Atlan (giant Doom mech) and Dragon to look forward to!<br/><br/>Anyway, thanks for reading – look out for more info to come.</p>
</div>',
                'None'
            );

            
            INSERT INTO articles (url, title, cover_image, content, youtube_link) VALUES (
                'https://blog.playstation.com/2025/01/24/share-of-the-week-wuthering-waves/',
                'Share of the Week: Wuthering Waves',
                'https://blog.playstation.com/tachyon/2028/01/39cc9f22509a41aea794f75b0eeb5f2abec9beaf.png?resize=1088%2C612&crop_strategy=smart',
                '<div class="post-single__content single__content entry-content">
<p class="">Last week, we asked you to dive into the colorful world of Wuthering Waves and share your best moments using #PSshare #PSBlog:</p>
<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54283359314_033ecf596c_o.png" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" height="1080" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54283359314_033ecf596c_o.png" width="1920"/></a>
<p class="has-text-align-center"><a href="https://x.com/calf_kansei/status/1880730494092153192/photo/1"><em>calf_kansei</em></a><em> </em><em>shares Jianxin surrounded by purple orbs.</em></p>
<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54283359254_92f1134ba9_o.png" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" height="1080" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54283359254_92f1134ba9_o.png" width="1920"/></a>
<p class="has-text-align-center"><a href="https://x.com/xenobitz/status/1881827120768602552/photo/1"><em>xenobitz</em></a><em> </em><em>shares a portrait of a male Rover reaching out.</em></p>
<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54283122971_754e3ef986_o.png" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" height="1080" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54283122971_754e3ef986_o.png" width="1920"/></a>
<p class="has-text-align-center"><a href="https://x.com/call_me_xavii/status/1882050487018754147/photo/4"><em>call_me_xavii</em></a><em> </em><em>shares a female Rover in combat.</em></p>
<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54283369003_a9921e2346_o.png" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" height="1080" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54283369003_a9921e2346_o.png" width="1920"/></a>
<p class="has-text-align-center"><a href="https://x.com/khwarezm89/status/1881410622212215190/photo/2"><em>khwarezm89</em></a><em> </em><em>shares a male Rover standing in a field.</em></p>
<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54283546945_f6a51680e7_o.png" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" height="1080" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54283546945_f6a51680e7_o.png" width="1920"/></a>
<p class="has-text-align-center"><a href="https://x.com/Terza712C/status/1880950665729790283/photo/1"><em>Terza712C</em></a><em> </em><em>shares Baizhi posing with a glowing creature.</em></p>
<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54283122986_d9b5400230_o.png" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" height="1080" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54283122986_d9b5400230_o.png" width="1920"/></a>
<p class="has-text-align-center"><a href="https://x.com/secondcapture/status/1881049220729446811/photo/1"><em>secondcapture</em></a><em> </em><em>shares a portrait of the female Rover.</em></p>
<p class="">Search #PSshare #PSBlog on Twitter or Instagram to see more entries to this week’s theme. Want to be featured in the next Share of the Week?</p>
<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54284881090_c700522b60_o.png" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" height="1080" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54284881090_c700522b60_o.png" width="1920"/></a>
<p class="">THEME: Waterfall<br/>SUBMIT BY: 11:59 PM PT on January 29, 2025 </p>
<p class="">Next week, we’re chasing waterfalls. Share moments splashing around or landscape views of in-game waterfalls using #PSshare #PSBlog for a chance to be featured.</p>
</div>',
                'None'
            );

            