Player2 Vs PlayStation State Of Play February 2025
We’ve seen Xbox and Nintendo make major splashes early this year through their own respective showcases, now its PlayStation’s turn. How will fans of the PlayStation ecosystem be eating this year? We got Player 2 editors, Paul and Jess to come together and share their thoughts on the February 2025 edition of State Of Play!
Monster Hunter Wilds
Paul: This is my most anticipated game of the year, but I will admit that I am tiring a bit of the repetitive trailers that dole out only minute updates. Mizutsune is certainly a cool monster and I’m keen to check it out post-launch but I think the conversation about post-launch content should have waited until… you know… post-launch. Anyway, MONSTER HUNTER WILDS HYPE! Two weeks to go!
Jess: I know a lot of people are excited for this one, and it does look amazing, but I’m still trying to figure out whether or not this is going to be a good point for me, someone who has never played a Monster Hunter game before, to jump into the series. It definitely looks like an epic entry, and a fun way to start the show!
Shinobi: The Art Of Vengeance
Paul: I didn’t have the return of Shinobi on my bingo card, but in reality, given the number of classic Japanese IP that are on the road back to relevance at the moment (like Onimusha, and Ninja Gaiden) I probably should have given this more of a chance. That aside, I’ve never checked one out before, and I’m extremely keen to rectify that when the game launches later in the year.
Jess: Big fan of this art style, and the gameplay is reminding me of both the latest Prince of Persia offerings, which is absolutely a huge compliment to this game. If they can make that movement feel as fluid as it looks, this will be one to check out for sure!
Sonic Racing: Crossworlds
Paul: I’ve gone from an anti-Sonic guy to, slightly interested thanks to watching the three movies recently. I must credit my son and his enthusiasm for this. This will be a great game for the two of us to play together and then maybe, just maybe, we’ll launch into some traditional Sonic from there. No promises though people!
Crossworlds looks pretty cool though…
Jess: Historically, Sonic racing games have proven they can be a pretty fun time. I didn’t play the most recent one, but I did mess around with Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed back in the day and had a damn good time. Apparently, this game is going to share a fair few mechanics with that one too, so maybe we’re in for some more fun?
Digimon Story: Time Stranger
Paul: I’ve never had any time or interest in Digimon, and this trailer has done nothing to change that. I hope those who love the IP loved it though.
Jess: You know, there will always be a huge part of me that loves Digimon. I haven’t played any of the other Digimon Story games, but seeing Garurumon frolicking around in this trailer took me right back to my childhood obsession, and I’m so ready to be on board again. I’ve got about four other Digimon games to play before that would lead me to check out this one, but… hey, maybe we’ll get there. If they made a game featuring those original DigiDestined, you’d better believe I’d be instantly excited.
Lost Soul Aside
Paul: This one was a fairly obvious appearance at the State Of Play given the developer’s social media activity in the lead up. This game has also been a decade in the making so there’s some low-key hype behind it, and I’m always keen to see what the China Hero Project is producing. Lost Soul Aside looks great, but gee whiz, the same day as Elden Ring: Nightreign is a choice. Hopefully they consider a new date before the game is eaten alive.
Jess: If I’ve heard anything about this game before, I remember none of it, which is concerning considering it’s been in development for so long. But there’s some cool movement tech in this trailer, and I do love some cool movement tech. Air surfing? Good times. Turning into a whole bird and/or growing wings? Even better.
Like A Dragon: Pirate Yakuza In Hawaii + Dave The Diver DLC
Paul: I say this all the time, and Jess, I think you’re in the same boat as me, I really, really want to go back and play some Yakuza to get up to speed, but there’s never enough time! Pirate Yakuza looks great, and I’m keen to see what stupid fun can be had, but I can’t get over my own compulsive nature with long-standing IP like this. I must play Yakuza 0 and go from there. Someone tie me to a chair with a controller and force me into it.
Dave The Diver is also getting some Like A Dragon content with a cool crossover – I’ve still not jumped into Dave The Diver though, despite how great it looks. Soon!
Jess: Paul, you are exactly right – I absolutely want to go back and play some Yakuza, but I also feel the inescapable pull of needing to start from the beginning. I also feel like I want to note that the first time I saw the title of this game, I thought it was a placeholder, and then I started seeing it on game shelves. I just need to stop assuming I know anything about the Yakuza series.
Splitgate 2
Paul: I never checked out the original but it’s interesting blend of Portal and Halo elements looked fantastic. The game needed so extra polish and it appears to be getting that with its sequel. Hopefully the team can find a player base this time around as well!
Jess: I’ve also never tried out Splitgate, but yeah – I do like the Portal element!
WWE 2K25
Paul: As someone who doesn’t like wrestling in the slightest, you couldn’t have paid me to be interested in this. What is interesting though was to see NBA 2K’s Neighbourhood element reworked and added into this one with “The Island”. Let the nickel and diming flow freely
Jess: I think I could pretty easily be convinced to get into wrestling. I love the drama and showmanship of it all. But a wrestling game? Nah. I don’t think that’s going to be in my future.
Borderlands 4
Paul: Recently we had a pretty mediocre Borderlands trailer but this latest one was pretty great, and to get the release date at this early stage is also a great sign! Not crazy about the Randy and Randy jokes but whatever, the game itself is looking like a major return to form for the core IP. This is one of my most anticipated of the year and I can’t wait to get into it soon.
Jess: The Randy jokes were an interesting choice. No company has ever hired two people with the same name before, hahahahahahaha! Yeah, no. But sure, the trailer looks Borderlands-y. My copy of Borderlands 3 has remained sealed since 2019 though, so the chances of me rushing into this one are… not high.
Split Fiction
Paul: So it wasn’t that long ago that Split Fiction was first announced and now we’re a couple of weeks away from it launching. The promotion cycle must keep going but for me personally, I don’t need to see any more – I’m sold. If this game ends up anywhere near the quality of It Takes Two then we’re in for a real treat.
Jess: I love everything about Split Fiction so far. This premise feels absolutely made for me, and as you say – I don’t need to know any more. This rocketed up my most anticipated list for this year, and it’s not showing any signs of slipping.
The Dark Pictures: Directive 8020
Paul: I’m a bit behind on the Dark Pictures games but I must say that I’m right into the look and feel of Directive 8020. The space-bound setting is excellent for horror and I’m eager to see what the team can do with it. Time to fill in the gaps before we get to that release date
Jess: It’s been way too long since the last Dark Pictures entry, and I have been eagerly awaiting more info about Directive 8020! Looks like some familiar actors from past Dark Pictures games might be coming back, which is always fun, and I cannot wait to be absolutely terrified by this game. Space is a particularly horrifying backdrop.
Five Nights At Freddy’s: Secret Of The Mimic
Paul: Ugh, I can’t stand that these games keep popping up during PlayStation presentations. This marketing agreement needs to end already.
Jess: They’ve gotta get those FNAF dollars!
The Midnight Walk
Paul: I’m a bit anxious about playing this one in PSVR2, but also, I really need an excuse to use the peripheral and the game is looking sensational, so I guess I’ll need to suck up my fears a bit and play it. Of course, VR isn’t a requirement so here’s hoping the game does well in flat screen mode too. I’m in, and it’s out soon, which is great!
Jess: You would have to pay me large amounts of money to play this in VR. Absolutely not. It’s gonna be creepy enough as it is, and despite just talking about how excited I am for a different horror game, I’m not sure I’ve got the stomach for this one.
Darwin’s Paradox
Paul: I was stunned to see a new Konami IP appear, but once that shock wore off I was again shocked by its quality. Darwin’s Paradox looks pretty great, so I’m keen to learn more about it before release. The animations of the tentacles especially when there’s some speed involved looked really genuine, hopefully it plays just as good as it looks.
Jess: This looks adorable and I’m ready to be a stealthy octopus again. Not since Octodad have I had the opportunity, and I think we should all get to do it more often.
Warriors: Abyss
Paul: You can’t have a showcase these days without a “buy it now” stealth drop, but I was surprised to be getting more Warriors after getting Dynasty Warriors: Origins only a matter of weeks ago. This is a big formula change for the IP so I’m keen to see if this roguelite cuts it with the rest the market has on offer.
Jess: I tuned out of this one two seconds in, sorry. We’ve got my first “I’m happy for those who are excited!”
Onimusha 2: Samurai’s Destiny
Paul: I’m glad Capcom is continuing to remaster these titles. The first one was a lacklustre effort as far as remasters go but I was keen to keep exploring the IP since I missed it when I was younger. Keen to check out Onimusha 2 nice and soon.
Jess: I also missed it when I was younger, and I’m not sure it’s one I’m likely to try and pick up. I think for me, that ship has sailed (or whatever the appropriate samurai-themed version of this saying is)!
Onimusha: Way Of The Sword
Paul: Way Of The Sword looks so good! Capcom just cannot seem to miss a beat at the moment, with Onimusha’s return being the latest big winner. It was cool to see some gameplay and learn more about this franchise’s modern day return. Bring on the release in 2026
Jess: Sorry Onimusha! You look very cool, but you are not for me. Loving that Capcom is killing it, though.
Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater
Paul: Sadly a PS Store error last week spilled the beans on this Metal Gear reveal but either way, it’s exciting times if you’re a fan of the IP and if you’re a novice like I am, it’s a great entry point. I’m really excited for the August release and I’m keen to see what other silliness beyond the Ape Escape apes that there might be in stir for the game.
Jess: Metal Gear Solid is another one of those series I missed the boat on, and now I fear it’s too late to ever dive in. Not being able to recognise any of the characters did mean that this trailer made it look like a guy was talking about making out with a woman he considered like a mother to him though, which was… odd. I did love the apes though, obviously. You’ve gotta love the apes.
Hell Is Us
Paul: There’s a lot of hype out there for Hell Is Us, and I’m feeling it too, but I don’t quite know why yet. There’s just an aura about this one that is fairly unique and makes me really want to learn more about it. We’ll see how long I stick around though because I’ve never been much of a horror guy.
Jess: Okay, so there was a lot going on in this trailer, and I need more explanation for all of it. I’m like 50/50 on horror, so we’ll see where this one falls once I have more info.
Lies Of P: Overture
Paul: Look Lies Of P looked great and reviewed incredibly well but due to a lack of difficulty modes, I never checked it out. This long awaited expansion looks great too but the same problem holds me from playing it. Enjoy Soulslike fans!
Jess: I’m the same as you, Paul. We are not the Soulslike fans of the Player2 team – I’m sure they will have a great time with this one!
Dreams Of Another
Paul: I was equal parts impressed and confused by Dreams Of Another. Considering that Q Games is behind it I should be surprised by this fact but that all said, I’m not sure if I liked what I saw enough to be on board with a future purchase. Future showings might win me over though.
Jess: This game had the weirdest vibes of the show so far, in kind of a Silent Hill way? But… maybe less creepy? If it can achieve that, I’m going to be entirely convinced on this one.
Days Gone Remastered
Paul: Days Gone’s remaster had long been rumoured so fans of the IP need to relish this because it still seems incredibly unlikely that Bend will ever be allowed to go back and do more with its super promising, incredibly financially successful zombie (sorry, Freaker) IP. My fingers are crossed for a miracle though because I was a fan.
Jess: I missed Days Gone, and I’m sort of not sad about it, so I don’t know if the remaster is going to be enough to convince me that it’s something I need to go back and experience.
Stellar Blade
Paul: The PC release for Stellar Blade was inevitable and so it’s great for the devs to be able to get it out there. This could be a massive release when it comes in June. The DLC though holds no appeal to me despite my enjoyment of the main game – the post-launch conversation and incessant sharing of wildly sexualised screenshots of Eve has really been grinding my gears as well. I’ll pass on this one.
Jess: I didn’t play the main game because I was so uninterested in the discourse about boob physics and skimpy outfits, so I’m also not particularly interested in the DLC. Have fun, fans?
PS+ Update
Paul: The big hitters for the mid-Feb update are fantastic while the reveals for down the road are pretty awesome too. Jess, I know that you’re super keen on Lost Records: Bloom & Rage and it’s great that at least this first chapter is available en masse for the greatest number of possible sets of eyes reaching it – I’m really keen to check it out too!
Patapon 3 coming to the classics is cool and some of the day 1 indies that are on the docket for the future look great too.
Jess: I cannot express to you how excited I am for Lost Records. One of my most anticipated games of the year, and likely (if other Dontnod games are anything to go by) to make it onto my GOTY list. I played a demo of Blue Prince last year too, and it also managed to pique my interest (I can’t resist a good mystery), so am keen to see that one too!
Tides Of Annihilation
Paul: I’m super worried that this game is a Soulslike because it looks so good and I don’t want that gameplay style to drag down my enjoyment of the game, even if the difficulty modes are there to make it more accessible. What a gorgeous looking game it is, and I love its dark fantasy vibe. Super excited to see and learn more about it!
Jess: A lot of the imagery of this trailer reminds me a lot of Forspoken, which obviously has me interested. But, like you, all I can do is hope it isn’t a Soulslike – I simply don’t have the patience!
Metal Eden
Paul: Metal Eden looks like an incredible DOOM-inspired FPS so it boggles my mind that they’d look to release in the shadow of DOOM: The Dark Ages. If the quality is good, I hope they consider bringing a release forward or pushing it back so that the game has every chance of commercial success.
Jess: I’m not sure that I’m that much more interested in this one than I am in DOOM (and I am not at all interested in DOOM). It has a slightly cooler sci-fi aesthetic, but this kind of FPS never tends to jazz me.
Mindseye
Paul: Mindseye was one of the games of the showcase for me. The talent behind it is premium, the game looks premium and hopefully it plays that way too. I’m incredibly excited to learn more about this one and then hopefully to love it when it releases later in the year.
Jess: Yeah this is more like it! I want to know everything, it seems like it’s going to be exactly the sort of thing you and I both sink our teeth into. I guess it’s not surprising that it kinda looks like a Rockstar game, though.
Saros
Paul: God bless you Housemarque. Saros looks fantastic, Rahul Kohli as the lead protagonist is a fantastic choice and the 2026 reveal is great for the roadmap ahead. I can’t question the talent of the team and their acquisition by Sony only unlocks further potential. Bring Saros on.
Jess: Rahul Kohli is an excellent choice. Is this where I admit I’ve never played a Housemarque game? Maybe it’ll be time to change that.
Final Thoughts
Paul: This was a pretty great presentation with a wide swathe of games for a broad selection of gamers. For myself personally, there was plenty to latch onto, hopefully the likes of Saros, Mindseye, Metal Eden, Split Fiction, the Midnight Walk among others can all stick their landings, and of course… Monster Hunter!!!
Jess: I can’t say that this was the most exciting presentation for me, but I’ve definitely seen worse! Mindseye was the standout, alongside – of course – Split Fiction, and it was cool to see a bit more about Directive 8020. If Tides of Annihilation leans into those Forspoken vibes, that’s also going to be one to watch. Plus, Lost Records coming to PS+! We love to see it!
