State of Play 9/3/26 review: Double the length, double the surprises

Despite all the nonsense Sony has given us lately with its move to kill physical media, they still wanna try to win the fans’ hearts by presenting a double-length Sony State of Play where half is the main one, and the other half focuses on partners from all across Asia. Let's see how hard they wanna win their fans back. 

 

Starting the State of Play off is something nobody expected: an official clip from the upcoming Resident Evil movie, featuring the main character Bryan (Austin Abrams) as he tries to survive the hell that is Raccoon City during the events of Resident Evil 2. It’s as horrifying as the games themselves, while maintaining respect for the franchise other attempts to adapt the games have failed to do. Resident Evil launches in theaters on September 18th. 

 

Following that, we have our last look at Wolverine before the game launches, featuring an intense story with a stacked cast of iconic characters such as Jean Grey, Omega Red, Mystique, and even the haunting Sentinels programmed to eliminate mutants. I’m excited to give this game a go, as Insomniac did a fairly good job with the Spider-Man games. Wolverine launches on PS5 only on September 15th. 

 

We are then treated to the surprise reveal of Ghost of Yotei Complete Edition. Play through this amazing game while looking forward to other modes, such as a new single-player survival mode where you need to hunt down wanted criminals in a new roguelike mode. Choose between characters, each with their own skills, fighting styles, and perks. Seeing all this makes me wanna play the game for myself. Ghost of Yotei Complete Edition launches on October 1st, either as an upgrade or as a bundle for those who don’t have the game. 

 

Following that, we are then treated to a new look at Monster Hunter Wilds: Ascendance, the giant expansion for the base game. Traverse new locations in the sky islands, fight brand-new monsters, and craft brand-new weapons and armor as you and your party figure out why these islands exist and defy logic. Monster Hunter Wilds: Ascendance launches for the base game in 2027. 

 

Up next, we have the first gameplay reveal of Metro 2039, where you need to survive a post-apocalyptic Moscow where everything feels like it’s about to jump you, keeping you on your toes. I have a few Metro games on my Steam, so I should give it a shot before I get 2039. Metro 2039 launches on PS5 on February 4th, 2027.

 

Next, we have a brand new trailer for Maneater 2, where you play as a shark who's just surviving on pure instinct. Hunt the creatures of the deep, and even humans on land at what appears to be a water park, in this bloody exploration game that somehow features a transformation for the shark. This game looks to be a ton of dumb fun, in a good way. Maneater 2 launches on PS5 in 2027.

 

Next up is a new update for Crimson Desert, titled Charting the Unknown, and this expansion is gonna be huge. There are brand new locations to visit, a castle builder you can use to create, assigning allies to do tasks around the town, and many, many more things to do. I don’t have the game yet, but seeing this trailer is making me excited to give it a try. Crimson Desert: Charting the Unknown launches for the game on October 15th. 

 

The leaks showed this off, but we now have an official confirmation of the LEGO PlayStation set, based on the first system they released in 1994. From its very accurate details of the system to a controller that you can plug in, and even stores little dioramas of Gran Turismo and Ape Escape, two iconic titles that helped shape the PlayStation into the icon that it is today. The Lego PlayStation releases in stores this October. 

 

Next up, we have a look at the new reveal of the HD-2D Final Fantasy game: Final Fantasy Resonance. Blending the iconic engine of HD-2D and the spirit of the Final Fantasy franchise with its turn-based battle system and breathtaking visuals as you and your party set out to save the land from dark forces. There are even two types of summons in this game, with one being iconic summons like Ifrit, and others based on iconic Final Fantasy protagonists from the past, including a bonus Sephiroth fight. Final Fantasy Resonance launches on October 22nd, 2026, but there's a free demo you can try now.

 

Following that, we have a new look at Bandai Namco’s Gundam Rogue Orbit, featuring a brand new story that pits humanity against alien forces with the help of a Gundam. Hack and slash your way through alien forces while upgrading your mobile suit, the Gundam Helix, to help save humanity. Gundam Rogue Orbit launches on March 5th, 2027. 

 

Up next, we have a new game that was shown off, called Hunter’s Moon. This game seemingly follows through with what appears to be the Salem Witch Trials, where a woman accused of being a witch needs to survive a night of hunters, or what's out in the forest. Do what you can to survive the night, listen in on many of the townsfolk, and more. Hunters Moon launches on PS5 on October 26th, 2026.

 

We are then treated to the first look at Uncanyon, an exploration game where you can shift the environment to help save a mystical land. Repair crumbling ruins, warp the land to your needs, and traverse to save a land from further ruin. I think the mechanic of the game looks to be very fun, so I’ll add it to my wishlist. Uncanyon launches on PS5 in 2027. 

 

Next, we are treated to the new port of Keeper, an incredible game from Double Fine (the minds behind Psychonauts), coming to PlayStation. Play as a sentient lighthouse as you explore a strange world without any dialogue, showing off that imagery can make a great story. I might pick this up soon, as it does look incredible. Keeper is available on PS5 right now. 

 

Konami came by and showed us more info on their previously announced game Rev.NOIR, a new RPG franchise that balances light and dark. Traverse with your allies to try to find a way to stop the light and their masters from attacking citizens, with a battle system inspired by iconic games like Final Fantasy XV and XVI. I can see this game being lots of fun with an amazing story. Rev.NOIR launches on PS5 in 2027. 

 

After that, we have a new look at Rhapsody in Scarlet, a supernatural adventure set in 1920s New York City. Play as a songstress as she gets swept up in a town where the mystical beasts and rival gangsters want her dead. Luckily, some creatures will team up with you, and you can use magic to fight. I love it when games feature locations you don't see a lot in video games, and this looks like an amazing story as well. Rhapsody in Scarlet is coming to the PS5 in the future, with no release window. 

 

Gran Turismo 7 is getting another major update. The game’s producer, Kazunori Yamauchi, came on stream to help showcase what's next for this real driving simulator: the announcement of the Spec IV update. Releasing in 2 parts, this major update includes new tracks like the SUGO circuit in Japan and fan favorite Autum Ring, 12 brand new cars to drive, higher collector levels, and many, many more updates that were not talked about. The first of these updates launches in October, and the second part releases in December. 

 

We are treated to a new look at the highly anticipated sequel, Until Dawn 2. This horror game features a new cast of characters at a new location, but the scares are just the same. Make your own choices as the events unfold in various ways that keep you on your toes. Horror games aren't exactly my thing, but I know a few friends who would love this. Until Dawn 2 launches on PS5 on January 28th, 2027. 

 

Sony has also shown off brand-new limited-edition DualSense 5 controllers, based on the very highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto VI game. I may not be a fan of GTA as a franchise, but I will admit that these controllers are pretty cool. These controllers are coming soon, with no release date.
 

The last game to be talked about in the main State of Play is Final Fantasy VII Revelations. The last third of the FF VII remake trilogy is almost here, and we have the full party united at long last, each with their own movesets, skills, and team-up abilities. Explore the vast world on foot, on Chocobo back, and even aboard the Highwind airship, as they all fight their way to save their world from Sephiroth and his meteor spell. This game has been a long time coming, and I can't wait to see how Square Enix wraps up the story. Final Fantasy VII Revelations comes out for all systems on April 8th, 2027. 

 

As the main State of Play ends, the State of Play Japan has begun, with Yuki Kaji returning to host the event. He then kicked off the new showcase with a brand-new look at Dragon Ball Xenoverse 3, featuring the future of the world with new characters, new battles, and your new place in the story with your own character. As a lifelong Dragon Ball fan, this game is scratching every itch I've had for a game like this. Dragon Ball Xenoverse 3 launches on PS5 and other systems in 2027.

 

Following that, we have the newest trailer for Fate/Extra Record. Taking alot of inspiration from the anime series, this card-based RPG showcases a war for the Holy Grail, a legendary artifact that can grant any desire, and a servant you can summon at your side to help secure victory. I have not seen any Fate content, only knowing the most basic knowledge, but this looks fun for fans of the franchise. Fate/Extra Record launches on PS5 and PS4 on January 28th, 2027. 

 

Next up, we have an extra look at Monster Hunter Wilds: Ascendance, the massive expansion coming to the base game. Battle new monsters, tackle new quests, uncover a new land to explore, and delve into a brand new story that changes the way the characters feel about the world at large. Deal more damage with the new Boost Action mechanic, helping you fend off or hunt monsters that dare threaten the way of life. Monster Hunter Wilds: Ascendance launches for all systems in 2027. 

 

We are then treated to a new look at Dragon Quest Monsters: The Withered World, a spinoff of the legendary Dragon Quest series. Explore a brand new world as you try to find your way back home, but you can recruit monsters to your side and fight back, from iconic Slimes all the way to giant demon lords. Fuse your monsters to make them better help on your journey, and even train your monsters in combat arenas. I may be a bit of a Dragon Quest player, but I never gave any of the spinoffs any thought, and I think this game may change that for me.  Dragon Quest Monsters: The Withered World launches on all systems on December 3rd, 2026. 

 

Next, we have a special update for Rematch, which now features characters from the Blue Lock series in a special collaboration. Play as your favorite characters in this fast-paced soccer game. Like before, I have no interest in Blue Lock or Rematch, but I’m happy for the people who do play it. This special collab is out right now.

 

The State of Play Japan also gives interviews for upcoming games shown off in the main showcase, such as Gundam Rogue Orbit, Monster Hunter Wilds: Ascendance, Rhapsdoy of Scarlet, and Ghost of Yotei Complete Edition, all of which were discussed by the people making the games while showing off brand-new info about the games themselves. This lineup of games is perfect for fans of these games and is hoped to help elevate their performance with these in-depth showcases.

 

In conclusion, despite this State of Play being double-length with a ton of games shown off, Sony has proven that, despite all the negative feedback they got from a ton of mismanaged stuff on the corporate side, like the end of disc production, a few genuinely good games can help win back some fans. Not all, but enough to help understand what they need during these times. 

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8/10