Latest Features - Page 4
Feature Xbox Game Pass vs PS Plus - Was Sony Right All Along?
After more Microsoft flip-flops, Sony's stayed true to its word
It’s easy to forget at this stage of the generation, but Sony was under intense pressure to create a rival to Xbox Game Pass when the PS5 released. Many felt that Microsoft, with an open cheque book and The Best Deal in Gaming™, was going to eat its lunch. But the Japanese giant...
Round Up The Expanse: Osiris Reborn Really Does Sound Like the PS5 Mass Effect Successor We Need
Previews are super positive
If you're anything like us, you'll have been keeping a very close eye on The Expanse: Osiris Reborn — the sci-fi RPG from OwlCat Games. From day one, the title's been providing undeniable Mass Effect vibes thanks to a focus on third-person shooting and character-driven dialogue choices, and the good news is that the...
Round Up Lord of Hatred Reviews Say This Is the Best Diablo 4 Has Ever Been
Hell-ter skelter
Reviews for Diablo 4's second expansion, Lord of Hatred, have started to drop — and we're seeing what could be a real turning point for Blizzard's oft-criticised action RPG. As a standalone campaign, the DLC is being praised for how it adds to the existing Diablo 4 story, and it apparently ties up a lot of threads that were left...
Guide These 15+ New PS5, PS4, and PS Plus Games Are Coming Out This Week (20th-26th April)
Vampire Crawlers! Tides of Tomorrow! Saint Slayer!
After the hustle and bustle of previous weeks, this week's PS5 and PS4 lineup is a little more subdued. Among the highlights, we'd point to deck builder pseudo-sequel Vampire Crawlers and experimental multiplayer game Tides of Tomorrow. Here's everything coming out this week. New PS5, PS4 Games...
Feature Last Chance to Buy These 60+ PS5, PS4 Games in PS Store's Spring Sale
Recommended PS5 and PS4 games going cheap
The PS Store's latest offer, simply named the Spring Sale, is on right now, and it's running until 22nd April 2026, so there's not much time left to grab a bargain. With thousands of PS5 and PS4 games included in the sale, it can be difficult to browse through all that, which is where this guide comes in...
Feature Going Platinum: I Didn't Want This Clever, Cosy PS4 Game to End
Carto network
Platinum Trophy #21: Carto Date Earned: 25th October 2020 Dopamine Index: stars:4 Carto is the sort of indie game that brings me a lot of joy; not only is it adorable to look at, it features a unique gameplay hook, and does just enough with it to make a fulfilling experience before rolling the credits. Job done. Actually, I don't...
Poll Are You Happy with Your PS Plus Extra, Premium Games for April 2026?
Plus or minus?
April's PS Plus Extra and PS Plus Premium offerings have been announced, and as always, we want to know if you feel like you're getting enough bang for your subscription buck. Extra has, at least from our perspective, given us another set of intriguing titles. Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered leads the charge as the most recognisable...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue 629
Pragmata pragmatists
And so we've reached the weekend once again, which can only mean one thing: time to play some games! Here's what's keeping us occupied. Aaron Bayne: Excited to say that I'm playing Saros this weekend! I've been dying to get my hands on this one! Jamie O'Neill: I can't decide whether to buy the digital release of Spica...
Poll Do Crimson Desert's PS5 Patches Put Other Devs to Shame, or Is the Game Simply Unfinished?
Crimson with envy
Let's be real, the release cadence for Crimson Desert patches has been insane. In all of our years writing about video games, we've basically never seen such meaningful updates drop so quickly. Since its launch on the 29th March, Crimson Desert has pretty much received one big patch every week or so — and there are no signs of...
Round Up Reviews Make MOUSE: P.I. For Hire's Art the Star of the Show
80 on Metacritic
One of the most promising indie games of 2026 so far, MOUSE: P.I. for Hire launches on PS5 later in the week. Ahead of launch, critic reviews have now been published to a current Metacritic rating of 80 for the PC version. So far, the verdicts published constantly praise the 1930s rubber hose art style, but there are criticisms out...
Guide These 18+ New PS5, PS4 Games Are Coming Out This Week (13th-19th April)
Pragmata! Mouse P.I.! Hades 2!
It's another fairly big week on the PS Store this week, headlined by one huge addition in Pragmata. But that's not the only game deserving of attention. We'd also point you towards rubber hose FPS Mouse P.I. For Hire and roguelike sequel Hades 2. Here's everything coming out this week. New PS5, PS4 Games This Week...
Ninja go
Platinum Trophy #20: The Messenger Date Earned: 19th October 2020 Dopamine Index: stars:4 I was trying to figure out what exactly I wanted to say about The Messenger, so I checked out my personal Trophy list for the game and remembered: I played this thing at least twice through. That's a rarity for me these days. When I was younger, I...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue 628
Fatal cutie
Last week was a bit of a busier WAYP while we enjoyed the Easter weekend, but things are quieter this time out. Fortunately, there are no shortage of games to be playing right now, so we're sure there'll be a flurry of activity in the comments. Jamie O'Neill: The variety of Game Gear games in Sonic Origins Plus have been grabbing my...
Guide Best PS5 Fighting Games to Play in 2026
The best PS5 fighting games ranked and rated
What are the best PS5 fighting games to play in 2026? If you're looking for some challenging battles that'll really test your limits, fighting games take that to the extreme. On this page, we’re compiling the cream of the crop, from hardcore brawlers with a humongous learning curve through to more...
Feature 10 PS5, PS4 Space Games to Play After Artemis 2's Big Moon Mission
Lunar tick
In case you weren't aware, NASA has sent a squad of astronauts on the first manned flight to the Moon in over 50 years, and it's cool as hell. The Artemis II mission is approaching its conclusion; the crew launched on 1st April 2026, spent about four days flying to and around the Moon, and is now on its return trip, landing back on Earth...
Hands On Cyberpunk 2077 Is Now Utterly Essential on PS5 Pro
PSSR 2 update is stunning
We've just cruised around Night City after installing Cyberpunk 2077's new PS5 Pro update, and all we can say is... wow. CD Projekt Red's dystopian open world was already one of the best looking games on Sony's system — at least, in our humble opinion — but this patch makes it borderline jaw-dropping at times...
Round Up 'The Map Is a Showstopper': Forza Horizon 6 Previews Heap Praise on Open World Racer
Tokyo drift
When Forza Horizon 5 launched on PS5, it was an undeniably great open world racing game, albeit filled with an ungodly amount of bloat. The good news is that Forza Horizon 6 is on the way, coming to PS5 a matter of months after its May debut on Xbox and PC, and it looks like it'll represent a fresh start for all players. The even...
Opinion Sony's 'Playerbase' Is a Weak and Weird Way to Celebrate PS5 Fans
What are we doing here?
Sony announced The Playerbase today, a kinda competition designed to put people like you – yes, you – in some of its biggest first-party games. I understand the company wants to establish a closer relationship with its core players, but is this the best it could come up with? This reminds me of
Game of the Month Crimson Desert (March 2026)
As voted by you
As is usually the case every year, March was a super busy month for new game releases. The PS5's schedule was pretty much packed from beginning to end, and there were some very heavy hitters in the mix. One of 2026's most anticipated titles stole most of the headlines last month. We are, of course, referring to Crimson Desert, which...
Guide These 14+ New PS5, PS4, and PS Plus Games Are Coming Out This Week (6th-12th April)
Starfield! People of Note! Tiny Bookshop!
As April gets underway in earnest, this week is looking like a big one on the PS Store. The biggest new arrival is unquestionably Starfield, finally making its long-awaited PS5 debut. We'd also put a spotlight on musical RPG People of Note and the cosy game Tiny Bookshop. Here's everything coming out this...
Feature I Played Kingdom Hearts for the Very First Time, Here's What I Liked and What I Didn't
Gawrsh
It's difficult to pinpoint the precise reason why I thought it would be a good idea to play Kingdom Hearts. Generally speaking, I've always found it hard to engage with RPGs, which I tend to put down to how long they take to play, and their often complex fantasy worlds that, to my mind, are quite cookie-cutter. That's how it feels from the...
Mind Control Delete
Platinum Trophy #19: Superhot: Mind Control Delete Date Earned: 16th July 2020 Dopamine Index: stars:3 Ah yes, Superhot: Mind Control Delete, another game I reviewed for Push Square. There's a pattern emerging in the games I've platinumed, isn't there? If you don't remember this one, I wouldn't be surprised. For as much as...
Poll Are You Happy with Your PS Plus Essential Games for April 2026?
Plus or minus?
Well, this should make for an interesting poll! We don't want to colour your opinion right out of the gate, but we think it's more than fair to say that April 2026's PS Plus Essential lineup will be divisive. In a nutshell, we've got a Soulslike, an anime action RPG, and a remastered collection. We'll start with Lords of the...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue 627
April fool
Already April?! It's frightening how quick this year is moving. But there's already been some absolute bangers on the PS5, and the coming month is looking even crazier. Jamie O'Neill: Pre-ordering a physical copy of Marvel MaXimum Collection from Limited Run Games, and re-reading Sammy's recent review are all part of my Easter weekend's...
Opinion Does Starfield Suck? People Keep Telling Me to Skip Its PS5 Release
Reach for the stars
Starfield finally comes to PS5 in exactly one week from now, and I'll admit, I really want to give it a try. But apparently, that's a terrible idea. Over the last couple of weeks, as the launch has crept closer, I've been telling people — friends, mostly, not just randoms out on the street — that I'm actually quite looking...
Round Up First Super Meat Boy 3D Reviews Make It Sound as Brutal as Ever
An 80 on Metacritic
It has been a relatively fast turnaround from announcement to release date reveal to launch for Super Meat Boy 3D; the brutal platformer is due out tomorrow for PS5. A selection of reviews for the game are live now, covering the PC, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch 2 versions. Interestingly, there are no critic reviews for...
Guide These 6+ New PS5, PS4 Games Are Coming Out This Week (30th-5th April)
South of Midnight! Legacy of Kain! Darwin's Paradox!
We're at the end of the fiscal year now, which means there aren't many new releases to look forward to this week. There are a couple of big names, though: South of Midnight is making the transition from Xbox, while Darwin's Paradox looks like an interesting endeavour from Konami. Here's...
Arcadia wahey
Life Is Strange: Reunion currently looks poised to buck the trend of recent releases in Square Enix’s narrative series, as the title has rushed to an 85 on Metacritic. Just for context here, the publisher didn’t send any pre-release review code out to media, citing spoilers as one of the reasons. We received our copy on launch...
Feature Going Platinum: SpongeBob's Battle for Bikini Bottom Rehydrated My Nostalgia for Old Tie-Ins
Not a Krusty Krab
Platinum Trophy #18: SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom Rehydrated Date Earned: 21st June 2020 Dopamine Index: stars:3 Oh look, it's another game I both reviewed and guided. That's the main reason I have the platinum for SpongeBob Rehydrated, as I got almost all the Trophies for this remake of a fan favourite PS2...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue 626
Everyone exhale
Well, that was an eventful end to the week, wasn't it? We hope you've all got a working PS5 and won't be too affected by the recent price hikes. Let's try to unwind with some of our favourite games, eh? Jamie O'Neill: My intention to play 12 PS5 games that aren't available on PS4 as a gaming New Year's resolution has hit a snag...
Feature PS5 Price - Why Does It Cost So Much in 2026?
Five years old and more expensive than ever
Sony is raising the price of the PS5 to unprecedented highs five years into its lifespan, effective 2nd April. A standard system with a disc drive will soon cost $649.99, putting into perspective those classic Kaz Hirai memes from the PS3. The world has changed a lot in the last 20 years, of course, but...
Round Up 'Already a GOTY Contender': 5 Things We Learned from Saros PS5 Previews
The next must-have PS5 exclusive
Today, 26th March 2026, the video game press has exploded with new information, impressions, and gameplay footage on Saros, the next title from storied studio Housemarque. Following its work on the brilliant Returnal, Saros is another sci-fi third-person shooter with arcade sensibilities and roguelike features, but...
Round Up Here's Every PS5 Game Announced in March 2026's Xbox Partner Preview
Stranger Than Heaven! Hades 2! The Expanse: Osiris Reborn!
With the inclusion of third-party games, Xbox livestreams have always held significant interest for PS5 players. But now Microsoft itself is a multiformat publisher, so they hold increased importance. Today, the manufacturer held one of its regularly scheduled Partner Previews, which...
Guide These 18+ New PS5, PS4 Games Are Coming Out This Week (23rd-29th March)
Life Is Strange! Screamer! Mega Man!
March continues to rumble on in earnest with another big week. Among the notable new releases is arcade racer Screamer, compilation Mega Man Star Force Legacy Collection, and sequel Life Is Strange: Reunion. Here's everything that's coming out this week. New PS5, PS4 Games This Week (23rd-29th March):...
Feature Last Chance to Buy These 50+ PS5, PS4 Games in PS Store's Mega March Sale
PS5 and PS4 games going cheap we recommend
We're in the throes of March right now, and Sony's celebrating this revered part of the year with the Mega March sale on PS Store. The sale ends on 25th March, meaning you only have a couple of days to take advantage. As expected, the sale contains literally thousands of digital items going cheap. That...
Feature Congratulations to Resident Evil, 30 Years Old Today and Better Than Ever
What's your favourite?
I was born in 1988 so I was still wet behind the ears when Resident Evil first released for the PS1, on 22nd March, 1996. I don’t recall my first time seeing the game, but I think Resident Evil 2 was probably the first one we owned. I distinctly remember being frightened by the opening CG cutscene, and even more terrified...
Lala how their life goes on
Platinum Trophy #17: Return of the Obra Dinn Date Earned: 2nd November 2019 Dopamine Index: stars:3 I realise this entire series of features is all about the platinum Trophies I've collected over the years, but I must stress — and I've said this before — they are largely pointless. I bring this up because I'm...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue 625
Cross worlds
It's another massive week in the world of PlayStation, with Crimson Desert and a dozen or so other titles out. As always, we want to know what you're playing. Jamie O'Neill: I'll return to one of my favourite games of 2025, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, in appreciation of Stephen's March feature, which is aptly titled SEGA's PS5 Games...
Hands On Crimson Desert Runs Well Enough on PS5 Pro, But What About That Intro?
The most baffling opening in gaming
It does not matter how long you've been playing video games for, or how many of them you've finished: Crimson Desert has the ability to make you feel like you're back at the beginning again. The new open worlder is one of the most baffling games we've ever played — from almost every angle. It's a lesson in how...
Opinion Why Is Sony Scrapping the PSN Name?
Network nonsense
I was about to sleep last night when I saw a strange report circulating on social media: Sony is set to scrap the PSN branding. While not confirmed by the company – this communication, it seems, was only intended to be shared with devs for now – it comes from a good source and seems legit to me. So, the immediate question...
Round Up Crimson Desert Reviews Are a Major Disappointment
78 on Metacritic, 80 on Opencritic
One of the most anticipated games of 2026 so far, it's now time to see if Crimson Desert is any good. Critic reviews are being published 24 hours ahead of the worldwide release, and below you shall find a Round Up of the biggest and most important ones. It's important to note all critic reviews are based on the PC...
Preview I Think Pragmata Could Be PS5's Best Shooter Yet
Capcom's unstoppable form continues
I’ve been lucky enough to play Pragmata a few times for previews now, but the Capcom shooter’s only getting better with each successive demo. This was the longest yet: I got to spend a full two hours with dual protagonists Hugh and Diana, and I’m confident saying this could be one of the best PS5 shooters...
Guide These 20+ New PS5, PS4, and PS Plus Games Are Coming Out This Week (16th-22nd March)
Crimson Desert! The Seven Deadly Sins: Origin! MLB The Show 26!
We told you March was a big month for new PS5 releases, and this week proves it. All eyes will, of course, be on Crimson Desert. But keep a look out for The Seven Deadly Sins: Origin and MLB The Show 26 – two other undeniably massive titles as well. Here’s everything coming out...
Feature Inside Pearl Abyss, the Ambitious Studio Behind PS5's Massive Crimson Desert
Coffee, mocap, and the making of an epic
When I stepped inside the hallowed halls of Korean dev Pearl Abyss’ purpose-built Seoul complex last November, the promise of PS5 open world action adventure Crimson Desert was obvious but its sheer ambition was still unclear. Several months later, the benefit of hindsight has put my whistle-stop tour of...
Feature Going Platinum: I Only Got MediEvil PS4's Plat Because I Had To
Putting in the work
Platinum Trophy #16: MediEvil Date Earned: 23rd October 2019 Dopamine Index: stars:1 I never want to take my job for granted. What do you mean I get money for writing about and playing video games? Younger me would be beside himself. An interesting part of being in games media, and more specifically being a critic, is that...
Poll Are You Happy With Your PS Plus Extra, Premium Games for March 2026?
Plus or minus?
Another 8 games are headed the PS Plus Extra and PS Plus Premium next week, with Sony confirming the full lineup just a few days ago. But as always, we want to know if you're actually happy with what's on offer. Let's begin with Extra, which seems to just keep on delivering the goods. Sony's middle tier subscription appears to have...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue 624
Gaming finds a way
It’s the quiet before the Crimson Desert storm, which is good news for those of you who need a little extra time to clear your backlog. Here’s what we’re playing this weekend. Jamie O'Neill: Back in WAYP 622, Ristar24 kindly recommended the Game Boy's Jurassic Park 2: The Chaos Continues on the Jurassic Park Classic Games...
Opinion Crimson Desert Could Be PS5 Game of the Year, or a Total Mess
Watch out for that Kliff
Ah, Crimson Desert, the game that seemingly does everything. It's honestly been a long time since I was so interested in seeing how a title turns out — and I mean that on a fundamental level, as you can probably tell from the headline. Sitting here now, it feels like Crimson Desert has the potential to be something truly...
Poll Has PS5's Dynamic Pricing Debacle Changed Your Relationship with the PS Store at All?
To buy or not to buy
An interesting exchange occurred on the Push Square Slack channel earlier this week, as we were putting the finishing touches to our Mega March sales guide. “What if our users are seeing different prices?” PS Store professor Stephen Tailby pondered. We, of course, double-checked as much as possible – but it was a...
