State of Play Japan 11/11/25 review: Japan brings the good stuff

Another State of Play has been graced to supporters and fans of Sony’s PlayStation, but this time, it comes with a twist. This State of Play Japan only focuses on games and content from Japanese studios. And as a bonus, Japanese voice actor Yuki Kaji will be presenting the showcase. So let's get in and see what is in store. 

 

First off, we have another trailer for the previously announced Dragon Quest VII Reimagined. This includes new scenes, voices, and never-before-seen stories told in this reimagining. Dragon Quest VII Reimagined launches next year on February 5th, 2026, and can be played just before Dragon Quest XII comes out in the future.

 

Next, we got the reveal of a new game called Inkonbini: One Store. Many Stories. This game is a cozy slice-of-life game that focuses on the regular customers and the irregular visitors over at a convenience store while stocking shelves, engaging with customer stories, and much more. Inkonbini: One Store. Many Stories is set to launch in April of next year.

 

And speaking of cozy slice-of-life games, we are then introduced to Coffee Talk Tokyo, where the game takes place in a small coffee shop in Tokyo. You serve up coffee to the people who come in to unwind, while also helping the customers with whatever they might need, whether they might be human or yokai, which sounds pretty unique. Coffee Talk Tokyo launches on March 5th of next year.

 

Next up, we have not one, but two new BrokenLore games. The first that was shown off is BrokenLore: UNFOLLOW, a first-person horror game that showcases the dark side of social media while trapped in a strange place, similar to that of the backrooms. If you want to escape, you need to face your past and your fears while only using your smartphone, which gives the game an even creepier feel. BrokenLore: UNFOLLOW launches on January 16th of next year.

 

The next of the two games is a brand new announcement of BrokenLore: ASCEND, a first-person horror game with new mechanics that lets you climb up Tokyo Tower in search of fame and glory, but you get more than you bargained for with yokai around the corner. BrokenLore: ASCEND launches in the summer of 2026.

 

Next up, we have the showcase of a previously announced remake by Koei Tecmo and Team Ninja, called Fatal Frame 2: Crimson Butterfly Remake. In this horror game, you take control of twin siblings who were accidentally caught up in a deserted village’s strange and deadly ritual, and your only line of defense is the Camera Obscura, a device that stops demons and spirits in their tracks while traversing through what appears to be a faithful remake of the original game. Fatal Frame 2: Crimson Butterfly Remake comes out on March 12th, 2026. The game’s director, Makoto Shibata, came on the show to give his thoughts and insight on the remake at hand while talking about the quality of life updates, including a digital deluxe edition of the game, complete with cosmetic goodies to use in-game. 

Koei Tecmo also has another game they would like to debut on the State of Play, that being Dynasty Warriors Origins: Visions of the Four Heroes, a new DLC for the game that showcases more missions, more characters, and a new story to go alongside it. As someone who only played some of the spin-off titles, I think this looks very exciting to play. The DLC is dropping for Dynasty Warriors Origins on January 22nd, 2026. 

 

Next up, we have another look at Gran Turismo 7’s SPEC III update, launching very soon for the game. The game’s director, Kazunori Yamauchi, came on to help share more information for this momentous update and reveal the Gran Turismo 7 Power Pack, a paid addition to the game that showcases even more races for the hardcore fans of the series, including a 24-hour racing mode. Both the paid DLC and the free update are launching very soon for Gran Turismo 7. 

 

One of the most unique games revealed for the state of play was MotionRec. It’s a game where you can record your movements to try to get through tough obstacles. MotionRec launches on PS5 this spring. 

 

Next up, we have a look at the upcoming release of RPG Wandering Sword, coming to PS5 as a complete edition. Taking place in ancient China, and taking a lot of inspiration from earlier Final Fantasy titles, it showcases a protagonist who wants to be a hero. There are up to 20 different endings, depending on what choices you make. Wandering Sword launches on PS5 on May 28th, 2026. 

 

Up next, we have a new game in the Somnium Files series, titled No Sleep for Kaname Date, coming to PS4 and PS5. This game features a detective with an AI in his left eye as their next case is to find a kidnapped internet idol. It’s pretty confusing at first glance, but I believe it might be worth the money when No Sleep for Kaname Date launches on February 26th, 2026.

 

We are then treated to the surprise reveal that Tokyo Xtreme Racer, the same one I reviewed a few months back, is coming to the PS5 next year. Returning to home systems after 20 years, this high-speed racing gamer has you racing other street racers on the Shuto Expressway, complete with a catalog of cars to customize, colorful characters to race against, and experience the freedom of the road itself. Tokyo Xtreme Racer comes to PS5 on February 26th, 2026. 

 

Up next, we have a new DLC announcement from Once Upon a Katamari, with 2 different packs. These DLC kits come with 5 music tracks and 10 customizable parts for your player. The first of these is out now, and the second one comes later. 

 

Speaking of Bandai Namco DLC, the next game that’s getting new DLC is Pac-Man World 2 Re-Pac, and this time, it features a team-up with the blue blur, Sonic the Hedgehog, as you go through new levels with familiar gameplay from SEGA’s high-speed series. There’s even a bonus boss fight against Dr. Eggman to go through as well. The DLC is out right now for all those who have the game. 

 

The third game that’s getting new DLC from Bandai Namco studios is Digimon Story: Time Stranger, and this DLC introduces 5 new Digimon that would be a great help on your adventure, and a brand new story that is bound to excite long-time fans. This new DLC launches later this winter for all who own the game. 

 

The fourth, and final, Bandai Namco game that’s getting DLC is Super Robot Wars Y, a turn-based RPG series that showcases love towards mech anime, as it introduces new units from The Big O and Futo PI, and brand new story elements that are connected to these newcomers. The first of the DLC is out now, but there are even more DLC coming out later.

 

After all that was announced, the show shifted gears towards showcasing a free update for Monster Hunter Wilds, showcasing new hunts, new monsters, and new updates for the game’s finale that is bound to please players. Monster Hunter Wilds’ brand new update comes out on December 16th for all who own the game.

 

Next up, we have a brand new wave of reveals for Sonic Racing Crossworlds, including the reveal of brand new characters, including NiGHTS, AiAi from Super Monkey Ball, Tangle the Lemur, and Whisper the Wolf from the IDW Sonic comics. There are also new soundtracks, new decals, and new gadgets for the game. This new content will be released within the next few months, with NiGHTS coming first in December. 

 

Next, we have the reveal of a brand new trailer for Never Grave: The Witch and the Curse. It’s a well-animated Metroidvania where you play as a witch as you try to remove the curse brought upon you. But you can also take command of enemy units with your cursed witch hat, making this a unique experience that can help defeat bosses, solve puzzles, and tons more. Never Grave: The Witch and the Curse launches on PS4 and PS5 on March 5th, 2026. 

 

After that, we have the reveal of Arc Systems Works’s next game, BlazBlue Entropy Effect X. Unlike the other games in the franchise, this title showcases 14 BlazBlue characters in a 2D rogue-lite experience that experiences a miracle of science to save the world, which sounds like fun for fans of this long-running fighting game franchise.  BlazBlue Entropy Effect X comes out for the PS5 on February 12th, 2026.

 

Following that, we have the reveal of a brand new RPG, Damon and Baby. This follows a cursed demon lord and its child as they both go through 3D spaces and blast their way through the problems ahead using various guns, all while carrying the child on a child carrier. It’s a wacky title that mimics the miracle of fatherhood. Damon and Baby launch on PS4 and PS5 early 2026. 

 

Following that announcement, we have a brand new RPG made by the Disgaea developers, titled Kyouran Makaism. Not much is known about the game, other than you have the ability to turn fallen enemies into your allies for future battles, either as allies or they can transform into weapons for you to use. It’s a nice twist on a classic, something to at least check out if given the chance. Kyouran Makaism launches on PS5 on January 29th, 2026. 

Next up, we have the reveal of a brand new battle royale game, titled Fate Trigger. It’s an anime-esc shooter that has you using all manner of abilities in this 10-person shooter, including robot assistance and the ability to clone. While this game is a long way off, there is an early access test coming in January 2026 on PS5.

 

Afterwards, we have a new trailer for the upcoming RPG Octopath Traveler 0, and this game is ready to go since the release date is closer than expected. Square Enix also revealed that there’s a free demo dropping that lets you try out the first 3 hours of the game, incase if you’re still on the fence about it or not. Octopath Traveler 0 is out now for PS5 and PS4, so get it while it’s hot!

 

Next, we have a lot more information revealed about the upcoming Arc Systems Works fighting game MARVEL Tokon: Fighting Souls, including the appearance of some developers on the show to talk about the game. They elaborated on how the game came to be, and they talked about how massive Marvel was as a property, and they hope that they can do it justice. They even showed off a brand new trailer showcasing the characters that we already know, but featuring a brand new stage: the X-Mansion, home of the X-Men.  MARVEL Tokon: Fighting Souls is set to come out next year. 

 

Up next, we have the reveal of a brand new DLC for Elden Ring Nightreign: the Forsaken Hollows, which showcases a brand new area for the main game to explore with you and your friends. Traverse new dungeons, fight new bosses, and gain new loot. Elden Ring Nightreign: the Forsaken Hollows is out now, so go ahead and jump in. 

 

Last but not least, the reveal that Sony will launch a Japanese-exclusive PS5 that only works in Japanese, costing 55000 Yen, roughly 350 USD. This is perfect for the Japanese market that wishes to play through this system at a lower cost. This system launched a few weeks ago in Japan, but it’s doing well over there. 

 

In conclusion, this was a fun little stream that showcases what’s next for Japanese-made games for PlayStation, featuring games of all different genres, companies, and even developers. From extravagant fighting games, to platforming geniuses, all the way towards expansive RPGs to explore as well, and high velocity racing to boot. Each game showcases its own strengths and weaknesses, which the fans of gaming can comment on for themselves. Either way, it’s an event that got people talking for weeks to come.

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8/10